bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lasting 18F-DOPA PET Uptake after Clinical Remission of the Focal Form of Congenital Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Yorifuji Tohru , Hosokawa Yuki , Fujimaru Rika , Kawakita Rie , Doi Hiraku , Matsumoto Takako , Nishibori Hironori , Masue Michiya
Published: September 2011

Background: Positron emission tomography (PET) using 18F-DOPA is a useful tool for detecting the focal forms of congenital hyperinsulinism. 18F-DOPA is taken up by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase in pancreatic β-cells. However, the role of this enzyme in insulin secretion is unknown. Subjects and Methods: A Japanese boy who presented with symptomatic hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia at the age of 2 days and spontaneous resolution at 1 year and 10 months was subjected to mutational analysis and repeated 18F-DOPA PET scans. Results: Mutational analysis revealed a paternally inherited monoallelic mutation, c.4186G>T (p.D1396Y), in the ABCC8 gene, and an 18F-DOPA PET scan revealed focal uptake in the body of the pancreas. The patient was successfully treated with frequent feeding. A follow-up PET scan revealed virtually identical uptake to that observed previously. However, in the arterial stimulation-venous sampling procedure, no significant insulin release was observed. He was placed on a normal diet, and no hypoglycemia recurrence was observed. Conclusion: This case demonstrates two important findings. Firstly, the uptake of 18F-DOPA does not correlate with the insulin-secreting capacity of the lesion. Secondly, clinical remission could be a functional process not necessarily accompanied by the apoptotic death of abnormal β-cells.
Endothelial Function and Mechanical Arterial Properties in Children Born Small for Gestational Age: Comparison with Obese Children
Authors: Jouret B. , Dulac Y. , Bassil Eter R. , Taktak A. , Cristini C. , Lounis N. , Molinas C. , Salles J.P. , Arnaud C. , Acar P. , Tauber M.
Published: September 2011

Background: Early cardiovascular events preceding atherosclerosis have been reported in children born small for gestational age (SGA). Aims: To describe in detail the mechanical and functional arterial properties of SGA children and to compare the data to those of obese children in order to gain a better understanding of the severity of the dysfunction. A control group was required to overcome the lack of normal values. Methods: Three groups of 7- to 15-year-old children were included. Sixty children born SGA without obesity, 49 children with obesity and not SGA, and 55 controls underwent complete carotid and brachial arterial measurements using ultrasound and flow-mediated dilation. Biological measurements were performed in the obese and SGA groups. Results: Mean blood pressure and intima-media thickness were lower in SGA children than in the obese group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively), but not different from the control group. Flow-mediated dilation was lower in SGA than in obese children and in controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These data show that children born SGA have endothelial dysfunction with normal intima-media thickness.
Evaluation and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in the Aging Male: A Mini-Review
Authors: Albersen Maarten , Orabi Hazem , Lue Tom F.
Published: September 2011

Before the 20th century, individuals often did not live beyond the reproductive years, and sexuality of the elderly was not an issue. However, in the current era it is known that as life expectancy improves, both men and women are seeking to preserve their sexuality into old age. While the appreciation of sexuality persists with aging, a decline in sexual activity is typically seen with, and can be attributed to both general health problems as well as specific sexual dysfunctions. Erectile dysfunction is the most frequently diagnosed sexual dysfunction in the older male population. This mini-review provides an overview of contemporary literature concerning epidemiology, pathophysiology, assessment and treatment of erectile dysfunction in the aging male.
Definition and Subcategorization of Idiopathic Short Stature: Between Consensus and Controversy
Authors: Wit Jan M.
Published: September 2011

Although various expert and consensus meetings have been held, there remains uncertainty about the definition of idiopathic short stature (ISS) and its subgroups. In this short review, the hypothetical pathophysiology, diagnosis and subcategorization of ISS are discussed. ISS in childhood may be the result of a combination of variants of three groups of genes: (1) single genes (or combinations of a few single genes) of which mutations, deletions or duplications are associated with a relatively large negative effect on height; (2) genes of which relatively frequently occurring polymorphisms are associated with a small negative effect on height; and (3) genes associated with delayed maturation of the epiphyseal plate. Differentiation between ISS and short children born small for gestational age and those with dysmorphic syndromes, systemic diseases or growth hormone deficiency and resistance can be difficult. Subcategorization based on distance to target height and onset of puberty is arbitrary, but useful.
Genetics of Human Stature: Lessons from Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Perola Markus
Published: September 2011

Over the past 2 to 3 years, linkage disequilibrium mapping methods, or genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have made a seminal turn in the molecular genetic studies of complex human traits such as height, i.e., stature. Human stature is a highly heritable trait across populations and the phenotype for stature is easily measured and related to many other traits; therefore, it is available in most studies evaluating any phenotype. For this reason, it has become a beacon for large consortium genetic studies, during both the pre-GWAS and GWAS eras. Tens of thousands of genome-scanned individuals have been analysed together against their genome. Several loci have been implicated in association with stature (54 of these have been published), and most chromosomes have a locus linked to the trait in family studies. However, the prediction power of loci indentified by molecular genetic methods still remains inferior to clinical assessment of offspring stature using midparental height as a guide. Although the genomic methods provide important insights into heritability of stature, it will be a major challenge for molecular genetic studies to provide information that surpasses that of midparental height.
Psychological Criteria for Treating Children with Idiopathic Short Stature
Authors: Bullinger Monika
Published: September 2011

The role of psychological criteria in guiding treatment decisions about growth hormone (GH) replacement in idiopathic short stature (ISS) is a current topic of debate. This summary discusses findings about the impact of short stature in terms of observer-rated and patient-reported psychological outcomes. Although a literature review did not provide conclusive evidence for differences in psychological status between short children and children of normal height in the general population, patients and parents, when probed, reported issues, especially in the social domain. Studies do not clearly suggest that the diagnosis of ISS or GH deficiency is related to impaired psychological functioning; they also do not imply that height is the only determinant of psychological status. Similarly, results on treatment-related changes in psychological status are equivocal. Assessment of psychological status should be included in future research and in the current clinical care of patients with ISS. Accumulating evidence suggests that assessment of psychological criteria may become a factor in guiding treatment decisions in patients with ISS.
Principles of Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Treatment in Children with Idiopathic Short Stature
Authors: Bang Peter
Published: September 2011

Until recently, growth hormone (GH) was the only treatment available to improve growth rate in short, prepubertal children. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is now approved in the United States and the European Union for treatment of short stature in children with severe primary IGF-I deficiency, a condition characterized by unresponsiveness to GH in IGF-I–producing tissues. This has increased the focus on the growth response to GH therapy in short children treated according to current recommendations. In particular, children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) may have some degree of GH insensitivity that decreases their response to GH treatment. This minireview discusses data on the response to GH treatment in patients with ISS and recent studies on the use of IGF-I in subgroups of patients with ISS. The rationale for future combination treatment with GH plus IGF-I is also discussed.
Developments in Idiopathic Short Stature: Cost versus Allocation of Resources
Authors: Durand-Zaleski Isabelle
Published: September 2011

In the context of health-care costs, containment and economic downturn, there is a question as to whether the high cost of growth hormone (GH) therapy for patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS) is worth the health benefit provided. The economic evaluations of GH for the treatment of patients with ISS have considered gain in height as the major clinical endpoint. The incremental cost of each centimetre of adult height gained due to GH treatment has been estimated to be between £13,500 and £27,200 (€16,400 to €33,100), but could range from £4,300 to £272,000 (€5,200 to €330,900) depending on height gain, GH dose and unit cost, as well as discount rate chosen. Evidence regarding a potential benefit on health-related quality of life is lacking.
Growth Outcomes in Individuals with Idiopathic Short Stature Treated with Growth Hormone Therapy
Authors: Dahlgren Jovanna
Published: September 2011

The few studies that have evaluated the long-term height outcomes following growth hormone (GH) treatment in children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) have shown a growth response to GH treatment similar to that in GH-deficient children. A literature search of all randomized and nonrandomized studies of GH treatment in children with ISS from prepubertal years to adult height or near-adult height published over the last 10 years identified six publications (none was a classic meta-analysis). Several studies showed a dose-dependent response in height outcome. Overall, the younger the patient and the greater the difference in current height vs. parental height at start of treatment, the more substantial the gain in height. Height improvement ranged from 0.5 to 1.3 standard deviation score (SDS). The magnitude of height gain was substantial, even after adjustment for growth changes in control subjects (0.5 to 1 SDS), and it was comparable to that seen in other non-GH-deficient syndromes. Only two studies reported data from matched control subjects. Interestingly, there was no difference in height gain between familial short stature and non-familial short stature after adjusting for spontaneous height gain to adult age in non-GH-treated control subjects. To summarize, patients withISS can benefit from GH treatment with respect to growth outcome, with results maintained into adulthood.
Growth-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Chaplin John Eric
Published: September 2011

Measuring a child’s quality of life (QoL) is a complex dynamic, involving consideration of both present circumstances and future limitations. In relation to short stature, health-related QoL, with its emphasis on current health status, may be inadequate to describe QoL in children with treatable growth problems. Growth problems concern not only current physical health (being) and adaptation to the physical and social environment (belonging) but also what will happen in the future as a consequence of growth problems and the possibility of achieving the potential of the individual (becoming). These three aspects of QoL should be included in growth-related QoL in order to reflect the reduced QoL resulting from continued short stature and the potential benefit of growth enhancement. Future QoL instruments for growth-related problems should incorporate aspects of ‘becoming’ and the long-term consequences of growth improvement for the individual.
Metabolic Benefits of Growth Hormone Therapy in Idiopathic Short Stature
Authors: Dahlgren Jovanna
Published: September 2011

The US Food and Drug Administration approved use of recombinant human growth hormone (GH) for the treatment of idiopathic short stature (ISS) in children; however, few studies have evaluated metabolic outcomes. This article addresses whether children with ISS treated with GH experience the same metabolic benefits as children with GH deficiency (GHD) treated with GH. A systematic review of all published studies of GH treatment in children with ISS that included data on metabolic outcomes identified five studies. No meta-analysis has been performed.Studies show a metabolic response to GH treatment in children with ISS similar to that observed in children with GHD; effects include a transient decrease in insulin sensitivity and a dose-dependent increase in insulin-like growth factor I. However, no increase in the risk of diabetes was found. Children with ISS seem to benefit from GH treatment in terms of height gain without any severe negative metabolic outcomes.
An Erythropoietin Gene Polymorphism in the Hypoxia-Responsive Element at Position 3434 Is Possibly Associated with Hypertension
Authors: Schulz E.G. , Neumann C.L. , Menne J. , Schettler V. , Mackenbrock C. , Popov A.F. , Hagenah G.C. , Hinz J. , Bargfeldt M. , Gasser T. , Haller H. , Hermann M.
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: Several polymorphisms of vasoactive hormones have been implicated in hypertension. Erythropoietin (EPO) interacts with vasoactive substances, such as angiotensin II. Previously detected single nucleotide polymorphisms in the hypoxia-responsive element of EPO might be associated with hypertension and hypertensive end organ damages. Methods: 400 hypertensive patients and 200 age- and gender-matched normotensive controls were genotyped for an EPO polymorphism [cytosine (C)/thymine (T) single nucleotide polymorphism] at position 3434. Patients were grouped according to their genotype into the CC group (CC genotype) and the CT/TT group (CT and TT genotype). BP was measured by ambulatory BP monitoring. Results: The CC genotype was present in 87% of hypertensive patients and in 78.5% of controls (p = 0.007). In addition, patients with the CC genotype had higher BP levels compared with CT/TT genotypes (BPsys 143.7 ± 20.4 vs. 136.1 ± 13.5 mm Hg, p = 0.01, and BPdias 85.8 ± 11.6 vs. 82.4 ± 8.9, p = 0.043) despite a nearly identical number of antihypertensive drugs (2.3 ± 1.5 vs. 2.3 ± 1.6; p = 0.257). 100% of the small number of patients with end-stage renal disease (n = 15) had the CC genotype. Conclusion: The CC genotype of the EPO gene at position 3434 is more frequently found in patients with hypertension and is associated with higher BP levels.
Lead Deposition in Bovine Enamel during a pH-Cycling Regimen Simulating the Caries Process
Authors: Molina G.F. , Costa de Almeida G.R. , de Souza Guerra C. , Cury J.A. , de Almeida A.P. , Barroso R.C. , Gerlach R.F.
Published: September 2011

Like fluoride, lead (Pb) accumulates on the enamel surface pre-eruptively, but it is not yet known whether it also deposits on enamel while dental caries is developing. This study evaluates Pb distribution in bovine enamel slabs submitted to a pH-cycling regimen simulating the caries process. The slabs were subjected to 8 cycles of de- and remineralizing conditions, and Pb (as acetate salt) was added to the de- and remineralized solutions at concentrations of 30 µg/l (experimental group, E1) and 300 µg/l (experimental group, E2). The control group (C) consisted of solutions to which Pb was not added. After the pH cycling, 100-µm sections of the slabs were analyzed by polarizing microscopy, to observe the extent of caries-like lesions, and these sections were used for Pb estimation by Synchrotron radiation X-ray microfluorescence. Caries lesions were observed along all superficial enamel surfaces to an extent of 120 µm. A Pb concentration gradient was observed in enamel, which decreased toward dentine. The highest Pb signals were observed for group E2, and the differences were statistically significant at enamel depths of 0 (C vs. E2; p = 0.029) and 50 µm (C vs. E2 and E1 vs. E2; p = 0.029). In conclusion, this study suggests that if Pb is present in the oral environment, it may deposit in enamel during the caries process.
Leo Schnug: Alcoholic Dementia as an Unexpected Source of Inspiration for an Artist
Authors: Sellal François
Published: September 2011

Artistic creativity can be defined as the ability to challenge established academic representations or tastes, and to produce both innovative and esthetic works. Here, we investigate the influence of alcoholic dementia on creativity by describing the case of the famous painter Leo Schnug. It is clear that Schnug’s motor and psychic disorders had a dramatic influence on his late artistic output. His hallucinations, panic attacks and delusions had an influence on both the themes and the personal, expressionistic and easily recognizable style of his work. It is unlikely that he would have attained these had he been in good health.
Profiling of Sputum Inflammatory Mediators in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Bafadhel M. , McCormick M. , Saha S. , McKenna S. , Shelley M. , Hargadon B. , Mistry V. , Reid C. , Parker D. , Dodson P. , Jenkins M. , Lloyd A. , Rugman P. , Newbold Paul , Brightling C.E.
Published: September 2011

Background: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) display features of overlap in airway physiology and airway inflammation. Whether inflammatory phenotypes in airway disease describe similar mediator expression is unknown. Objectives: To explore the relationship of airway inflammation and cytokine and chemokine expression in asthma and COPD. Methods: Subjects with asthma and COPD (n = 54 and n = 49) were studied. Clinical characteristics and sputum were collected at entry into the study. A 2-step sputum processing method was performed for supernatant and cytospin preparation. Meso Scale Discovery and Luminex platforms were used to measure cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinase levels. Results: Analytes sensitive to dithiothreitol (DTT) that had increased recovery in the 2-step sputum process were IL-1β, 4, 5, 10, 13, IFN-γ, TNFRI, GM-CSF, CCL2, 3, 4, 5, 13 and 17. There was a differential expression in IL-8, TNFRI and TNFRII between asthma and COPD [mean fold difference (95% CI): IL-8, 2.6 (1.3–5.4), p = 0.01; TNFRI, 2.1 (1.3–5.4), p = 0.03; TNFRII, 2.6 (1.2–5.6), p = 0.02]. In neutrophilic and eosinophilic airway inflammation, TNFα, TNFRI, TNFRII, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-5 could differentiate between these phenotypes. However, these phenotypes were unrelated to the diagnosis of asthma or COPD. Conclusion: Recovery of sputum mediators sensitive to DTT can be improved using the described sputum processing technique. Within airway inflammatory sub-phenotypes there is a differential pattern of mediator expression that is independent of disease. Whether these inflammatory phenotypes in asthma and COPD confer distinct pathogeneses, therapeutic responses and clinical phenotypes needs to be further evaluated.
Electrocardiographic Changes in Centenarians: A Study on 42 Subjects and Comparison with the Literature
Authors: Basile Giorgio , Cucinotta Maria Despina , Figliomeni Paolo , Lo Balbo Claudia , Maltese Giuseppe , Lasco Antonino
Published: September 2011

Background: Aging is associated with extensive and pervasive changes in cardiovascular structure and function, which may result in electrocardiographic alterations. The typical modifications seen in an electrocardiogram (ECG) in elders are: prolonged PR and QT intervals, QRS left-axis deviation and microvolt T wave. Several studies have included elderly people, but not long-living elderly and centenarians in particular who represent an increasing part of the population. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the electrocardiographic findings in a population of centenarians and to compare the results with the few studies present in the literature. Methods: We analyzed 42 healthy centenarians (12 males, 30 females; average age 101.43 ± 1.80 years) living in Messina, a municipality of Eastern Sicily, in Italy. They were clinically and functionally evaluated. All ECGs were analyzed by a single observer blind to clinical data. We assessed survival by phone recall. Results: PR interval mean duration was 190 ± 3.3 ms, QRS 90 ± 1.4 ms, QTc interval mean duration was 370 ± 3.5 ms. Entirely normal ECG recordings were found in 7 centenarians (16.6%). The most frequently observed abnormalities included left-axis deviation and left anterior hemiblock in 16 centenarians (38.09%), left ventricular hypertrophy and aspecific ST-T wave abnormalities in 13 subjects (30.95%). We found no statistically significant differences between men and women. The mean age at death was 102.44 ± 2.45, and we did not find significant differences in age at death in long-living elderly in relation to different electrocardiographic findings. Comparing our results with two previous studies in the literature, the first conducted in Switzerland [Cornu: Rev Med Suisse Rom 1979;99:107–113] and the second in Nebraska [Lakkireddy et al.: Am J Cardiol 2003;92:1249–1251], we found a higher frequency of left ventricular hypertrophy that was compatible with the prevalence of hypertension in our centenarians (33.3%). Moreover, we did not find left bundle branch block, and the frequency of premature beats was remarkably less than that observed in the Swiss and US studies. Conclusions: Considering the increasing rate of centenarians, we believe that the results of the present study on electrocardiographic changes in centenarians may also be useful in clinical practice.
Mechanisms of Myocardial Infarction in Women Without Angiographically Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Reynolds Harmony R. , Srichai Monvadi B. , Iqbal Sohah N. , Slater James N. , Mancini G.B. John , Feit Frederick , Pena-Sing Ivan , Axel Leon , Attubato Michael J. , Yatskar Leonid , Kalhorn Rebecca T. , Wood David A. , Lobach Iryna V. , Hochman Judith S.
Published: September 2011

Background—

There is no angiographically demonstrable obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in a significant minority of patients with myocardial infarction, particularly women. We sought to determine the mechanism(s) of myocardial infarction in this setting using multiple imaging techniques.

Methods and Results—

Women with myocardial infarction were enrolled prospectively, before angiography, if possible. Women with ≥50% angiographic stenosis or use of vasospastic agents were excluded. Intravascular ultrasound was performed during angiography; cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 1 week. Fifty women (age, 57±13 years) had median peak troponin of 1.60 ng/mL; 11 had ST-segment elevation. Median diameter stenosis of the worst lesion was 20% by angiography; 15 patients (30%) had normal angiograms. Plaque disruption was observed in 16 of 42 patients (38%) undergoing intravascular ultrasound. There were abnormal myocardial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings in 26 of 44 patients (59%) undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in 17 patients, and T2 signal hyperintensity indicating edema in 9 additional patients. The most common LGE pattern was ischemic (transmural/subendocardial). Nonischemic LGE patterns (midmyocardial/subepicardial) were also observed. Although LGE was infrequent with plaque disruption, T2 signal hyperintensity was common with plaque disruption.

Conclusions—

Plaque rupture and ulceration are common in women with myocardial infarction without angiographically demonstrable obstructive coronary artery disease. In addition, LGE is common in this cohort of women, with an ischemic pattern of injury most evident. Vasospasm and embolism are possible mechanisms of ischemic LGE without plaque disruption. Intravascular ultrasound and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging provide complementary mechanistic insights into female myocardial infarction patients without obstructive coronary artery disease and may be useful in identifying potential causes and therapies.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00798122.
Therapeutic Inhibition of miR-208a Improves Cardiac Function and Survival During Heart Failure
Authors: Montgomery Rusty L. , Hullinger Thomas G. , Semus Hillary M. , Dickinson Brent A. , Seto Anita G. , Lynch Joshua M. , Stack Christianna , Latimer Paul A. , Olson Eric N. , van Rooij Eva
Published: September 2011

Background—

Diastolic dysfunction in response to hypertrophy is a major clinical syndrome with few therapeutic options. MicroRNAs act as negative regulators of gene expression by inhibiting translation or promoting degradation of target mRNAs. Previously, we reported that genetic deletion of the cardiac-specific miR-208a prevents pathological cardiac remodeling and upregulation of Myh7 in response to pressure overload. Whether this miRNA might contribute to diastolic dysfunction or other forms of heart disease is currently unknown.

Methods and Results—

Here, we show that systemic delivery of an antisense oligonucleotide induces potent and sustained silencing of miR-208a in the heart. Therapeutic inhibition of miR-208a by subcutaneous delivery of antimiR-208a during hypertension-induced heart failure in Dahl hypertensive rats dose-dependently prevents pathological myosin switching and cardiac remodeling while improving cardiac function, overall health, and survival. Transcriptional profiling indicates that antimiR-208a evokes prominent effects on cardiac gene expression; plasma analysis indicates significant changes in circulating levels of miRNAs on antimiR-208a treatment.

Conclusions—

These studies indicate the potential of oligonucleotide-based therapies for modulating cardiac miRNAs and validate miR-208 as a potent therapeutic target for the modulation of cardiac function and remodeling during heart disease progression.
Overexpression of the Sodium Chloride Cotransporter Is Not Sufficient to Cause Familial Hyperkalemic Hypertension
Authors: McCormick James A. , Nelson Joshua H. , Yang Chao-Ling , Curry Joshua N. , Ellison David H.
Published: September 2011

The sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) is the primary target of thiazides diuretics, drugs used commonly for long-term hypertension therapy. Thiazides also completely reverse the signs of familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHHt), suggesting that the primary defect in FHHt is increased NCC activity. To test whether increased NCC abundance alone is sufficient to generate the FHHt phenotype, we generated NCC transgenic mice; surprisingly, these mice did not display an FHHt-like phenotype. Systolic blood pressures of NCC transgenic mice did not differ from those of wild-type mice, even after dietary salt loading. NCC transgenic mice also did not display hyperkalemia or hypercalciuria, even when challenged with dietary electrolyte manipulation. Administration of fludrocortisone to NCC transgenic mice, to stimulate NCC, resulted in an increase in systolic blood pressure equivalent to that of wild-type mice (approximately 20 mm Hg). Although total NCC abundance was increased in the transgenic animals, phosphorylated (activated) NCC was not, suggesting that the defect in FHHt involves either activation of ion transport pathways other than NCC, or else direct activation of NCC, in addition to an increase in NCC abundance.
Rosie Phillips Bingham
Authors: Neville Helen A.
Published: September 2011

Rosie Phillips Bingham has contributed to the field of counseling psychology and the broader discipline of psychology in myriad ways. She is nationally recognized for her innovation, leadership skills, and fundraising capabilities. She is also known for her commitment to student development and her caring mentoring approach. In this life narrative, the multiple factors influencing Rosie’s professional development are uncovered, as is her journey in becoming a self-assured psychologist who is committed to social justice and who has made a significant difference in individuals’ lives and in the profession.
Beliefs about parental authority, parenting styles, and parent-adolescent conflict among Iranian mothers of middle adolescents
Authors: Seyed Mohammad Assadi  , Smetana Judith , Shahmansouri Nazila , Mohammadi Mohammad
Published: September 2011

Associations among parenting styles, parental authority beliefs, and adolescent—parent conflict were examined in 426 mothers of middle adolescents from 3 cities in Iran. Consistent with past research, mothers judged parental authority as less legitimate for personal than for conventional or prudential issues. Poorer, less educated mothers were more authoritarian in their parenting, and more authoritarian and less authoritative parenting and poorer maternal mental health were uniquely associated with more frequent and more intense conflicts. Conflicts were more frequent among mothers who evaluated parental authority as less legitimate for prudential issues and more legitimate for personal issues, particularly among mothers of boys. Despite broad variation in mothers’ education and social class, conflicts reflected concerns about drawing boundaries between mothers’ legitimate authority and adolescents’ personal jurisdiction.
A developmental shift in Black-White differences in depressive affect across adolescence and early adulthood: The influence of early adult social roles and socio-economic status
Authors: Jager Justin
Published: September 2011

This study examined Black—White differences in growth of depressive affect using a longitudinal sample of middle-class, suburban U.S. subjects (n = 956) that spanned from adolescence to early adulthood. Specifically, this study examined whether Black—White differences in growth of depressive affect shift over time, and the extent to which that shift, if any, was associated with racial differences in the rate and mental health consequences of early adult social roles (e.g., living arrangements, work/college status, and single parenthood) and socioeconomic status (SES). As expected, growth in depressive affect pivoted around the onset of early adulthood, with the trajectory pivoting upward for Black Americans and downward for White Americans. Due to deficits in SES, the relation between challenging early adult social roles—under/unemployment in particular—and growth in depressive affect was more positive for Black Americans. This differential ‘‘vulnerability’’ appears to underlie racial differences in early adult growth (and by connection contribute to racial differences in growth pivot). The extent to which Black Americans were at a greater risk (relative to White Americans) for an upward pivot increased as the number of challenging roles increased. Black Americans facing only optimal early adult social roles were not at a greater risk, while those facing only challenging social roles were at the greatest risk.
The formation of cognitive locks in single party dominant regimes
Authors: Forestiere Carolyn , Allen Christopher S.
Published: September 2011

‘Cognitive locks’ are ideational path dependencies in policy making (Blyth, 2001). This article argues that one source of cognitive locks is the presence of single party dominant regimes. Single party dominant regimes exist where a single party has managed to control the process of executive formation for an unusually long period of time. Because of their long tenure in executive office, dominant parties are often in positions to implement strong cognitive locks on their political societies. Not all cognitive locks are the same, however. Rather, how the dominant party behaved, either as a ‘distributional coalition’ or as an ‘encompassing organization’ (Olson, 1982) and how it subsequently incorporated ‘voice’ (Hirschman, 1970) to accommodate multiple interests, strongly influence the scope of the dominant party’s cognitive lock. These observations are utilized in two brief case illustrations derived from well-known cases of single party dominance.
Undocumented Research Participants: Ethics and Protection in a Time of Fear
Authors: Lahman Maria K. E. , Mendoza Bernadette M. , Rodriguez Katrina L. , Schwartz Jana L.
Published: September 2011

President Obama characterized Arizona’s recent immigration law as undermining “basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans.” The authors’ extend the national discussion regarding immigration to ethics and research. Therefore, the purpose of this methodological article is to advance areas for ethical consideration when researching undocumented participants. Undocumented participants have been described as vulnerable and in need of protection when researched. The authors contend that undocumented participants are capable, competent, yet vulnerable simultaneously. Characterizing these participants as wholly vulnerable is a form of Otherization. The authors present a literature review of Other, vulnerable participants, illegal participants, and undocumented persons/participants. Authors have been ethics reviewers and/or researchers of undocumented participants. Drawing on these experiences throughout the article, they provide reflexively composed narrative interludes. Methodological and ethical considerations and strategies in the areas of Culturally Responsive Relational Reflexive Ethics (CRRRE) oriented research, anonymity/confidentiality, and consent are advanced.
Latino/a Immigration: Actions and Outcomes Based on Perceptions and Emotions or Facts?
Authors: Casas J. Manuel , Cabrera Ana P.
Published: September 2011

This article describes how the perceived increase in Latino/a immigration, the present economic conditions, and the tendency to ascribe negative attributes and behaviors to the immigrant are resulting in anti-immigration actions and laws. It directs attention to the detrimental effects that such perceptions, actions, and laws are having on the psychological and social well-being of Latino/a immigrant families and children. Efforts are taken throughout the article to differentiate perceptions from reality and facts from fiction. The article concludes with selective professional, institutional, and legislative policy recommendations that advocate for a more humane treatment of Latino/a immigrant children and families.
Evaluating Federal Social Programs
Authors: Muhlhausen David B.
Published: September 2011

Federal social programs are rarely evaluated to determine whether they are actually accomplishing their intended purposes. As part of its obligation to spend taxpayers’ dollars wisely, Congress should mandate that experimental evaluations of every federal social program be conducted. The evaluations should be large-scale, multisite studies to guard against mistakenly assuming that a program that works in one location or with one population will automatically work in other situations. Congress should place substantially less emphasis on funding evaluations based on less rigorous types of research designs, because their conclusions are much less reliable. Finally, Congress should exercise strict oversight to ensure that the evaluations are conducted and the results reported in a timely manner.
A Survey of Preschool Staff Concerning Problem Behavior and Its Prevention in Head Start Classrooms
Authors: Snell Martha E. , Berlin Rebecca A. , Voorhees Mary D. , Stanton-Chapman Tina L. , Hadden Sarah
Published: September 2011

We examined the self-reported practices of Head Start personnel toward children’s problem behavior in order to design an intervention for preschool personnel that was compatible with their needs. This study involved 78 Head Start staff from five programs in the Mid-Atlantic region. Participants were asked to respond to four questions concerning their practices for addressing their students’ problem behaviors. We found that survey respondents (a) listed externalizing behaviors as the predominant challenging behavior, (b) identified prevention and replacement methods for addressing problem behavior, (c) indicated that families of children with challenging behavior were involved in intervention planning and implementation, and (d) reported a need for additional training on classroom management and positive behavior support. Participants also were asked to respond to four conflict scenarios that were designed to measure how teachers would handle problem behavior situations. The majority of participants’ responses received a medium rating on a scale of low, medium, or high. Implications of these findings for preschool programs were discussed in terms of professional development and improved needs assessment measures.
Subject objects
Authors: Suchman Lucy
Published: September 2011

The focus of my inquiry in this article is the figure of the Human that is enacted in the design of the humanoid robot. The humanoid or anthropomorphic robot is a model (in)organism, engineered in the roboticist’s laboratory in ways that both align with and diverge from the model organisms of biology. Like other model organisms, the laboratory robot’s life is inextricably infused with its inherited materialities and with the ongoing — or truncated — labours of its affiliated humans. But while animal models are rendered progressively more standardised and replicable as tools for the biological sciences, the humanoid robot is individuated and naturalised. Three stagings of human— robot encounters (with the robots Mertz, Kismet and Robota respectively) demonstrate different possibilities for conceptualising these subject objects, for the claims about humanness that they corporealise, and for the kinds of witnessing that they presuppose.
Research and dementia, caring and ethnicity: a review of the literature
Authors: Botsford Julia , Clarke Charlotte L. , Gibb Catherine E.
Published: September 2011

Despite the need for services which are culturally appropriate there is a dearth of robust research on the impact of ethnic background on dementia and caregiving. A literature search has revealed a relative lack of published research from the UK, with more US studies available. This paper provides a review of the literature on these topics and includes a critique of ethnicity categorisation and commonly held assumptions. It explores the complexities of the concept of ethnicity and examines its significance in relation to understandings of health and illness in general, and dementia in particular. Ethnic background appears to account for differences in experiences of dementia and caregiving, but other compounding variables, including socio-economic factors and education, also need to be taken into account when considering the experiences of specific ethnic communities. The paper concludes that ethnicity is significant in regard to how people experience dementia and caregiving, but also highlights a continuing need for research which explores the impact of ethnic background in a sensitive and sophisticated manner.
Marte Meo Counselling: a promising tool to support positive interactions between residents with dementia and nurses in nursing homes
Authors: Alnes Rigmor Einang , Kirkevold Marit , Skovdahl Kirsti
Published: September 2011

Marte Meo Counselling (MMC) is an educational video-based counselling method developed to improve interactions between persons. This study aimed at investigating whether changes could be identified in the interactions between people with dementia and their nurses during morning care, following MMC. An intervention study based on video recordings before and after a MMC intervention was used. Thirteen nurses and 10 residents from six dementia-specific care units at six different institutions in Norway participated. Data were collected through video recording of six pairs (nurse and resident) in interaction before and after the staff received MMC. Four pairs participated as controls. The findings suggest that nurses who received MMC succeeded, to a greater degree than did the comparison nurses, in providing care consistent with promoting positive interactions. We found clearer indications of increased positive interactions and a reduction in inappropriate interactions in the intervention group. In the control group, the variation was greater, with both good and poor interactions present in the same cases.

This study indicates that MMC can serve as a facilitator for positive interactions and can also lead to a reduction in inappropriate interactions. Further research is needed to evaluate the effect of MMC.
Examining the intersection of desire, drugs and place among gay men
Authors: O’Byrne Patrick
Published: September 2011

The extant literature identifies a strong relationship between drug use and unprotected sex at large, gay-male-oriented, techno-parties that are known as circuit parties. The available research data, however, mostly fail to substantiate this link. Consequently, an interview-based qualitative study was undertaken with 17 gay men who attend circuit parties in Montréal, Canada. The findings revealed that the relationship between drugs and unprotected sex is multifactorial. Rather than there being a linear relationship between these items, the findings produced herein revealed that unprotected sex is the culmination of certain intersections between people's desire, their drug use, and the places where they use drugs and engage in unprotected sex. These findings highlight that researchers should now identify how these intersections yield unprotected sex.
Post-registration interprofessional learning: a literature review and consideration of research methods
Authors: Norrie Peter , Thorpe Lucy N. , Karagic Lazar , Dyson Susan
Published: September 2011

This review explores the literature with regards to interprofessional learning (IPL) for qualified nurses and other health care workers. Three research studies were found. These showed that IPL can promote interprofessional trust, knowledge and skills. There is as yet no evidence that patient outcomes are changed, and taken as a whole, the evidence is not strong. There is also evidence that the providers of IPL for post-registration health care workers also tend to be the researchers. This is not ideal; it raises the possibility of the inclusion of bias and, using the values of evidence based practice, weakens the evidence.

It is suggested that workers who comment on their own IPL initiatives should make explicit the measures they have taken to minimise bias. Comparison of findings from the literature is made with pre-registration IPL and a tabulated summary of much of the published evidence is included, which may be a useful source for future authors in this field.
The role of sphingolipids in respiratory disease
Authors: Yang Yang , Uhlig Stefan
Published: September 2011

Sphingolipids form a broad class of lipids with diverse functions ranging from membrane constituents to intracellular second messengers and extracellular mediators. They can be rapidly generated or converted into each other and they play pivotal roles in various cellular processes, many of which are broadly associated with inflammation and apoptosis. Among the numerous sphingolipids, ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have received the greatest attention. Ceramide is a hydrophobic molecule that is increased in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ceramide is the eponym for ceramide-rich membrane platforms. that need to form as a prerequisite to the uptake of several microorganisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and as a prerequisite to many signaling processes including apoptosis and increased vascular permeability. Accordingly, abnormal amounts of enzymes involved in the synthesis of ceramide, such as neutral or acid sphingomyelinase, are found in emphysematic smokers and in patients with severe sepsis, and are considered as novel pharmacological targets. S1P acts as an extracellular mediator that opposes several actions of ceramide and acts by binding to G-protein coupled S1P receptors (S1P1–S1P5). Of particular interest are S1P1 receptors that enhance vascular barrier functions and are antiapoptotic. Therefore, S1P1-receptor ligands are suggested as novel drugs for COPD and acute lung injury. S1P is a potent chemotaxin for many leukocytes, it organizes lymphocyte trafficking and is involved in several key symptoms of asthma such as airway hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary eosinophil sequestration. S1P is formed by sphingosine kinases that have been identified as possible drug targets for the treatment of asthma. Based on these findings, several new drugs have recently been developed to specifically target sphingomyelinases, sphingosine kinases and S1P receptors for the treatment of COPD, cystic fibrosis, asthma and acute lung injury.
Veiled Emotions
Authors: Fischer Agneta H. , Gillebaart Marleen , Rotteveel Mark , Becker Daniela , Vliek Michael
Published: September 2011

The present study explores the relative absence of expressive cues and the effect of contextual cues on the perception of emotions and its effect on attitudes. The visibility of expressive cues was manipulated by showing films displaying female targets whose faces were either fully visible, covered by a niqab, or partially visible (control condition). Targets expressed anger, shame, and happiness in the three different face conditions. Results show that perception of emotions is mainly affected by an absence of expressive cues: Covering the lower part of the face results in the perception of less happiness in happy videos and of more intense negative emotions in both happy and shame videos. This bias toward the perception of more negative emotions in covered faces mediates a negative attitude toward niqabs.
Outcome according to cytogenetic abnormalities and DNA ploidy in myeloma patients receiving short induction with weekly bortezomib followed by maintenance
Authors: Mateos María-Victoria , Gutiérrez Norma C. , Martín-Ramos María-Luisa , Paiva Bruno , Montalbán María-Angeles , Oriol Albert , Martínez-López Joaquín , Teruel Ana-Isabel , Bengoechea Enrique , Martín Alejandro , Díaz-Mediavilla Joaquín , de Arriba Felipe , Palomera Luis , Hernández José-Mariano , Sureda Anna , Bargay Joan , Peñalver Francisco-Javier , Ribera Josep-Maria , Martín-Mateos María-Luisa , Fernández Manuela , García-Sanz Ramón , Vidriales María-Belén , Bladé Joan , Lahuerta Juan-José , San Miguel Jesús F.
Published: September 2011

Cytogenetic abnormalities (CAs) such as t(4;14), t(14;16) or del(17p), and nonhyperdiploidy are associated with poor prognosis in multiple myeloma. We evaluated the influence of CAs by FISH and DNA ploidy by flow cytometry on response and survival in 232 elderly, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients receiving an induction with weekly bortezomib followed by maintenance therapy with bortezomib-based combinations. Response was similar in the high-risk and standard-risk CA groups, both after induction (21% vs 27% complete responses [CRs]) and maintenance (39% vs 45% CR). However, high-risk patients showed shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than standard-risk patients, both from the first (24 vs 33 months; P = .04) and second randomization (17 vs 27 months; P = .01). This also translated into shorter overall survival (OS) for high-risk patients (3-year OS: 55% vs 77%; P = .001). This adverse prognosis applied to either t(4;14) or del(17p). Concerning DNA ploidy, hyperdiploid patients showed longer OS than nonhyperdiploid patients (77% vs 63% at 3 years; P = .04), and this was more evident in patients treated with bortezomib, thalidomide, and prednisone (77% vs 53% at 3 years; P = .02). The present schema does not overcome the negative prognosis of high-risk CAs and nonhyperdiploidy. This trial was registered with www.ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00443235.