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Correlates
Kinds of Correlates Terms modified by Correlates Selected AbstractsFibrosing TB Mediastinitis Presenting as a Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: A Case Presentation and Echocardiogram CorrelateECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 7 2006Lidiette Esquivel M.D. A 49-year-old woman developed a chronic obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) as a complication of mediastinal tuberculosis. Echocardiography findings are presented along with the cavography. Symptoms disappeared after stenting the fibrosed SVC. Transesophageal echocardiogram findings led to the condition's final resolution. [source] Both Global Gray Matter Volume and Regional Gray Matter Volume Negatively Correlate with Lifetime Alcohol Intake in Non,Alcohol-Dependent Japanese Men: A Volumetric Analysis and a Voxel-Based MorphometryALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2006Yasuyuki Taki Background: Non,alcohol-dependent heavy drinkers, as well as alcohol-dependent individuals, show brain atrophy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there are correlations between global and regional gray matter volumes and the lifetime alcohol intake using volumetric analysis and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) among Japanese non-alcohol,dependent male individuals. Methods: High-resolution three-dimensional magnetic resonance images were acquired from 405 Japanese non-alcohol,dependent male individuals. The collected images were normalized, segmented for volumetric analysis, and additionally smoothed for VBM. For volumetric analysis, the partial correlation coefficient was estimated between the gray matter ratio, which represents the percentage of gray matter volume in the intracranial volume, and the lifetime alcohol intake adjusted for the age of each subject. Multiple regression analysis was performed among regional gray matter volume, lifetime alcohol intake, and age using VBM. Results: Volumetric analysis revealed that gray matter ratio showed a negative correlation with the lifetime alcohol intake adjusted for age (p=0.059, partial correlation coefficient=,0.091). The VBM revealed that the gray matter volumes of the bilateral middle frontal gyri showed a significant negative correlation with the lifetime alcohol intake adjusted for age and systolic blood pressure (left side, p=0.006, Z=4.77; right side, p=0.023, Z=4.45, and p=0.046, Z=4.27). Conclusions: Our study suggests that non-alcohol,dependent Japanese male individuals show that both global gray matter volume and regional gray matter volume have negative correlations with the lifetime alcohol intake. Our study may contribute to clarifying the mechanism underlying the brain structural changes because of alcohol influence in healthy non-alcohol,dependent individuals. [source] Conference Attendance Does Not Correlate With Emergency Medicine Residency In-Training Examination ScoresACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 2009H. Gene Hern Jr MD Abstract Objectives:, The residency review committee for emergency medicine (EM) requires residents to have greater than 70% attendance of educational conferences during residency training, but it is unknown whether attendance improves clinical competence or scores on the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) in-training examination (ITE). This study examined the relationship between conference attendance and ITE scores. The hypothesis was that greater attendance would correlate to a higher examination score. Methods:, This was a multi-center retrospective cohort study using conference attendance data and examination results from residents in four large county EM residency training programs. Longitudinal multi-level models, adjusting for training site, U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score, and sex were used to explore the relationship between conference attendance and in-training examination scores according to year of training. Each year of training was studied, as well as the overall effect of mean attendance as it related to examination score. Results:, Four training sites reported data on 405 residents during 2002 to 2008; 386 residents had sufficient data to analyze. In the multi-level longitudinal models, attendance at conference was not a significant predictor of in-training percentile score (coefficient = 0.005, 95% confidence interval [CI] = ,0.053 to 0.063, p = 0.87). Score on the USMLE Step 1 examination was a strong predictor of ITE score (coefficient = 0.186, 95% CI = 0.155 to 0.217; p < 0.001), as was female sex (coefficient = 2.117, 95% CI = 0.987 to 3.25; p < 0.001). Conclusions:, Greater conference attendance does not correlate with performance on an individual's ITE scores. Conference attendance may represent an important part of EM residency training but perhaps not of ITE performance. [source] Cyclin D1 Amplification and p16(MTS1/CDK4I) Deletion Correlate With Poor Prognosis in Head and Neck Tumors,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 3 2002Ali Namazie MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis Cyclin D1, a cell cycle regulator localized to chromosome 11q13, is amplified in several human tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Amplification and/or overexpression of cyclin D1 have been correlated to a poor prognosis. Deletion of the p16 gene, localized to 9p21, has also been observed in a significant proportion of HNSCC. The p16 gene regulates cyclin D1-CDK4 activity and prevents retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene phosphorylation, thereby downregulating cellular proliferation. Detection of cyclin D1 amplification and p16 deletion using a simple and sensitive method will be valuable for the development of effective treatment modalities for head and neck cancer. Study Design We have used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to study cyclin D1 amplification and p16 gene deletion in head and neck tumors. Both single- and dual-color FISH were performed. Methods Paraffin-embedded tissues from 103 patients with HNSCC were analyzed using genomic DNA probes for cyclin D1 and p16. Dual-color FISH was performed with chromosome 11 or 9 centromeric probes as a control. Twenty-eight of these samples were analyzed for p16 expression by immunohistochemistry. Results Cyclin D1 amplification was observed in 30% (31/103) of patients, and p16 deletion in 52% (54/103). Lack of p16 expression was observed in 64% (18/28) of patients. There was a good correlation between the deletion of p16 sequences and the loss of p16 expression (P = .008). Amplification of cyclin D1 had a statistically significant association with recurrence, distant metastasis, and survival at 36 months. There was a significant association between p16 deletion and the development of distant metastases. Cyclin D1 amplification and p16 deletion together correlated with recurrence, distant metastasis, and survival. Conclusions We demonstrate that FISH is a simple and sensitive method for detecting cyclin D1 amplification and p16 deletion in head and neck cancer. Our results suggest that these two genetic aberrations together portend a poorer outcome than either of the abnormalities alone in head and neck cancer. [source] Urinary CXCL9 and CXCL10 Levels Correlate with the Extent of Subclinical TubulitisAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2009S. Schaub Subclinical tubulitis has been associated with the later development of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA), leading to diminished allograft survival. The aim of this study was to investigate how concentrations of urinary CXC-receptor 3 (CXCR3) chemokines (i.e. CXCL4/9/10/11) and CCL2 relate to the extent of subclinical tubulitis. Using ELISA, urinary CXCR3 chemokines, CCL2 and tubular injury markers (i.e. urinary NGAL and ,1-microglobulin [,1 m]) were measured in patients with stable estimated GFR ,40 mL/min exhibiting normal tubular histology (n = 24), subclinical borderline tubulitis (n = 18) or subclinical tubulitis Ia/Ib (n = 22), as well as in patients with clinical tubulitis Ia/Ib (n = 17) or IF/TA (n = 10). CXCL9 and CXCL10 were significantly higher in subclinical tubulitis Ia/Ib than in subclinical borderline tubulitis (p , 0.03) and normal tubular histology (p , 0.0002). By contrast, NGAL, ,1-m, CXCL4, CXCL11 and CCL2 were not or only marginally distinctive across these patient groups. All urinary chemokines and tubular injury markers were higher in clinical tubulitis Ia/Ib than in normal tubular histology (p , 0.002), but only tubular injury markers were elevated in IF/TA. These results demonstrate a correlation of urinary CXCL9 and CXCL10 levels with the extent of subclinical tubulitis suggesting potential as noninvasive screening biomarkers. [source] CPT-11 May Provide Therapeutic Efficacy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer and the Effects Correlate with the Level of DNA Topoisomerase I ProteinCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 12 2001Yasuaki Nakajima CPT-11 is a potent anti-cancer drug and a specific inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I). In this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of CPT-11 on esophageal squamous cell cancers (ESCC) and to determine the correlation between the effects and the levels of Topo I expression. We examined the growth-inhibitory effect caused by SN-38, an active metabolite of CPT-11, in 14 human ESCC cell lines established from 10 primary and 4 metastatic lesions. CPT-11 was considered effective against 5 cell lines from primary lesions and one from metastatic lesions, and thus may show therapeutic efficacy against both primary and metastatic ESCC tumors. Although Topo I mRNA levels in these 14 ESCC cell lines, as quantitated by northern blot analysis, showed no correlation with the IC50 values, Topo I protein levels, as quantitated by western blot analysis, showed an inverse correlation with the IC50 values. Topo I protein levels could be an indicator of sensitivity to CPT-11. We also determined Topo I protein levels in 40 ESCC tumors and matched normal mucosae. Thirty-four tumors showed 1.2-22.3-fold increases in Topo I levels. Two patients receiving pre-operative chemotherapy and one receiving radiotherapy exhibited increased Topo I protein levels in their tumor lesions. It appeared that CPT-11 could provide selective therapeutic efficacy against ESCC tumors. CPT-11 may be effective for the treatment of metastatic ESCC tumors and as a second-line anti-cancer drug for ESCC. [source] Muscle Strength After Resistance Training Is Inversely Correlated with Baseline Levels of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors in the Oldest OldJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 2 2004Helle Bruunsgaard MD Objectives:, To test the hypothesis that physical exercise induces an antiinflammatory response that is associated with reduced chronic activation of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha system in frail elders and that the increase in muscle strength after resistance training is limited by systemic low-grade inflammation. Design:, A 12-week controlled resistance-training study. Setting:, Nursing homes in Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants:, Twenty-one frail nursing home residents aged 86 to 95 completed the study. Intervention:, Ten participants were randomized to a program of resistance training of knee extensors and flexors three times a week for 12 weeks; the remaining 11 participants served as a control group who joined social activities supervised by an occupation therapist. Measurements:, Muscle strength, plasma levels of TNF-,, soluble TNF receptor (sTNFR)-1, and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured before and at the end of the intervention period. Results:, The training program improved muscle strength but did not affect plasma levels of TNF-, and sTNFR-I or IL-6. However, plasma levels of sTNFR-I at baseline were inversely correlated with the increase in muscle strength. Conclusion:, Low-grade activation of the TNF system could limit the increase in muscle strength after resistance training in the oldest old. Furthermore, data suggest that theantiinflammatory response induced by 12 weeks of resistance training is not sufficient to reduce chronic activation of the TNF system, but the small sample size limited this interpretation. [source] Low Muscle Mass of the Thigh is Significantly Correlated with Delirium and Worse Functional Outcome in Older Medical PatientsJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 7 2002Wolfram Weinrebe MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Interleukin-6 Levels are Inversely Correlated with Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Decompensated Heart FailureJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2001DORON ARONSON M.D. Interleukin-6 and Heart Rate Variability.Introduction: Increased local and systemic elaboration of cytokines have an important role in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure (CHF) through diverse mechanisms. Because cytokines are known to act at the neuronal level in both the peripheral and central nervous system, we sought to determine whether increased cytokine levels are associated with the autonomic dysfunction that characterizes CHF. Methods and Results: We studied 64 patients admitted for decompensated CHF (mean age 59 ± 12 years). Autonomic function was assessed using time, and frequency-domain heart rate variability (HRV) measures, obtained from 24-hour Holter recordings. In addition, norepinephrine, tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured in all patients. TNF-, levels did not correlate with any of the HRV measures. IL-6 inversely correlated with the time-domain parameters of standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN) (r =,0.36, P = 0.004) and standard deviation of all 5,minute mean RR intervals (SDANN) (r =,0.39, P = 0.001), and with the frequency-domain parameters of total power (TP) (r =,0.37, P = 0.003) and ultralow-frequency (ULF) power (r =,0.43, P = 0.001). No correlation was found between IL-6 and indices of parasympathetic modulation. Using multiple linear regression models, adjusting for clinical variables and drug therapies, the strong inverse relationship between IL-6 and SDNN (P = 0.006), SDANN (P = 0.001), TP (P = 0.04), and ULF power (P = 0.0007) persisted. Conclusion: Reduction of long-term HRV indices is associated with increased levels of IL-6 in patients with decompensated heart failure. The ability of long-term HRV parameters to better reflect activation of diverse hormonal systems may explain their greater prognostic power for risk stratification in patients with CHF. [source] Quantitative and Qualitative Measures of Hippocampal Atrophy Are Not Correlated in Healthy Older MenJOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 2 2010Karen J. Ferguson PhD ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In neuroimaging studies of dementia and mild cognitive impairment, hippocampal atrophy (HA) is commonly assessed by qualitative ratings of hippocampal appearance, or by measuring hippocampal volumes. These estimates of HA are considered to be equivalent. However, few studies have examined their relationship, especially in healthy older individuals. We therefore examined the relationship between hippocampal qualitative atrophy scores and quantitative volumetric measurements in healthy older men. METHODS Ninety-seven healthy community-dwelling 65-70-year-old men underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Hippocampal volumes were measured and adjusted for intracranial size. A validated 4-point visual rating scale was used to assess hippocampal atrophy. RESULTS There was a wide range of unadjusted hippocampal volumes among subjects (right: 2,582 to 5,196 mm3[mean 3,626 mm3; SD 465.5 mm3] and left: 2,111 to 4,580 mm3[mean 3,501 mm3; SD 439.5 mm3]), which was maintained following adjustment for intracranial size. However, only 9% of subjects were rated as having moderate or severe HA. Qualitative and quantitative measures were not significantly correlated (left hippocampus: rho = .07, P= .52; right hippocampus: rho = .10, P= .34). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that qualitative and quantitative indices of hippocampal atrophy in healthy older men are not equivalent. Small hippocampal volumes do not necessarily equate to hippocampal atrophy. [source] Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin (CDT) and HDL Cholesterol (HDL) Are Highly Correlated in Male Alcohol Dependent PatientsALCOHOLISM, Issue 4 2000Armin Szegedi Background: Serum levels of total HDL cholesterol (HDL) are reportedly influenced by recent alcohol intake. We examined the correlation between HDL cholesterol and widely used markers of excessive alcohol intake, such as carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), ,-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), or mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes (MCV), of which CDT is thought to be the most specific. Methods: Several serological markers [i.e., CDT, GGT, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), MCV, and HDL] were determined in 100 actively drinking male patients with alcohol dependence (DSM-IV) and in 27 non-alcohol-dependent controls, according to routine procedures. Spearman,s rank correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: We found a highly significant positive correlation between HDL and CDT (rs= 0.55;p < 0.0005) in patients, but not in controls (rs= 0.13;p= 0.51). HDL was also positively correlated with GGT, ALAT, ASAT, and MCV only in patients. Conclusions: HDL cholesterol, as a widely determined parameter, may represent a useful routine marker for recent excessive alcohol intake. High HDL cholesterol levels should alert clinicians to investigate a patient's recent pattern of alcohol consumption. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Maternal Circulating TNF-, Levels are Highly Correlated with IL-10 Levels, but not IL-6 and IL-8 Levels, in Women with Pre-EclampsiaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2009David F. Lewis Problem, Several lines of evidence have shown that maternal cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were altered in women with pre-eclampsia (PE) compared to those from normal pregnancies. In this study, we determined whether these cytokine levels are correlated before and after delivery in patients with PE. Method of study, Venous blood was obtained from 50 women diagnosed with severe PE at the time of admission and 24 hr after delivery. Plasma concentrations for TNF-,, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Results, There were no statistical differences for maternal levels of TNF-,, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 before and 24 hr postpartum. TNF-, and IL-10, but not IL-6 and IL-8, levels were significantly correlated before and 24 hr after delivery: TNF-,: y = 19.963 + 0.953*x; r2 = 0.924; IL-10: y = 10.521 + 1.113*x; r2 = 0.984, P < 0.001, respectively. Furthermore, TNF-, levels were correlated with IL-10 levels, but not with IL-6 and IL-8 levels. Conclusion, The correlation patterns of TNF-, with IL-10 and TNF-, with IL-6 and IL-8 suggest disparity in functional regulations between these cytokines in maternal circulation in PE. [source] Phylogenetic Age is Positively Correlated with Sensitivity to Timber Harvest in Bornean MammalsBIOTROPICA, Issue 1 2008Erik Meijaard ABSTRACT The reasons that forest vertebrates differ in their response to selective timber extraction in tropical forests remain poorly characterized. Understanding what determines response and sensitivity can indicate how forest management might yield greater conservation benefits, and help us identify which lesser-known species may be especially vulnerable. We assessed the response of 41 Bornean mammals to selective timber harvest and tested eight hypotheses regarding the correlation between those responses and a range of species characteristics. Multivariate analyses show that phylogenetic species age is a key variable determining sensitivity. Older species are less able to cope with the effects of selective timber harvest. Most of these species are endemic to insular southeast Asia, and do not occur on the Asian mainland. These species are more specialized, and appear less able to cope with habitat change. In contrast, species tolerant to logging evolved more recently. This group tends to be omnivorous or herbivorous, to use all vegetation strata, and to be regionally widespread. This finding allows the sensitivity to habitat disturbance of lesser-known species to be predicted, and therefore has important conservation implications. These new insights also help in the design of large-scale forest landscapes that combine sustainable forest management and species conservation requirements. We recognize that these functions can be compatible, but that some species still need completely protected areas for their survival. RINGKASAN Hingga saat ini belum banyak penelitian mengungkapkan bagaimana berbagai vertebrata hutan akan bereaksi ketika dilakukan pembalakan hutan secara selektif. Dengan mempelajari tingkat reaksi dan kepekaan vertebrata, maka dapat diketahui bagaimana pengelolaan hutan dapat memberikan manfaat konservasi yang lebih besar. Penelitian demikian dapat membantu kami mengidentifikasi spesies mana saja yang biologinya sedikit diketahui namun termasuk rentan kepunahan. Kami mengevaluasi tanggapan 41 spesies mamalia Kalimantan/Borneo terhadap pemanenan kayu secara selektif, dan selanjutnya menguji 8 hipotesa berkaitan dengan hubungan atau korelasi antara tanggapan yang terjadi dengan berbagai karakteristik dari masing-masing spesies yang diteliti. Berdasarkan analisis multivarian disimpulkan bahwa umur filogenetik dari masing-masing spesies merupakan penentu kelentingan masing-masing spesies tersebut terhadap dampak pemanenan selektif. Spesies yang berumur lebih tua cenderung kurang dapat mentolerir dampak pemanenan kayu. Kebanyakan spesies ini merupakan endemik kepulauan di Asia Tenggara. Spesies ini cenderung merupakan spesialis (memiliki niche yang lebih sempit), serta tampaknya tidak seberapa kuat menerima dampak perubahan habitat. Sebaliknya spesies yang lebih toleran terhadap pembalakan cenderung baru berevolusi belakangan ini. Kelompok ini cenderung bersifat omnivora atau herbivora, serta mampu menggunakan seluruh lapisan vegetasi yang ada, serta tersebar meluas. Berdasarkan penelitian ini, dimungkinkan dilakukan prakiraan terhadap kepekaan dan dengan demikian terdapat berbagai manfaat praktis dalam hal metodologi. Analisis ini juga dapat membantu perancangan lanskap hutan berskala besar, dengan menggabungkan pengelolaan hutan berkelanjutan serta kebutuhan konservasi spesies. Kami melihat bahwa kedua kebutuhan pengelolaan tersebut dapat dipadu-serasikan, namun untuk beberapa spesies akan mutlak dibutuhkan kawasan yang dilindungi penuh demi kelanjutan spesies-spesies tersebut. [source] The Kinetic Acidity of Oligofluorobenzenes Correlated with Their Gas Phase Deprotonation EnergiesCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 11 2005Manfred Schlosser Prof. Dr. Abstract The relative reactivities of fluorobenzene, all di-, tri-, and tetrafluorobenzenes and pentafluorobenzene toward sec -butyllithium have been assessed in tetrahydrofuran at ,100,°C. At this temperature no subsequent transmetalation reactions take place but those compromise the outcome of the competition experiments if the latter are conducted at ,75,°C. The rates determined at ,100,°C reflect the basicity differences between the naked (oligo)fluorophenyl anions to the extent of 10,%. [source] Carnivore-Livestock Conflicts: Effects of Subsidized Predator Control and Economic Correlates on the Sheep IndustryCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006KIM MURRAY BERGER Canis latrans; coyotes; depredación; evaluación de política Abstract:,Despite the importance of carnivores in terrestrial ecosystems, many nations have implemented well-coordinated, state-funded initiatives to remove predators, largely because of conflicts with humans over livestock. Although these control efforts have been successful in terms of the number of carnivores removed, their effects on the viability of the industries they seek to protect are less understood. I assessed the efficacy of long-term efforts by the U.S. government to improve the viability of the sheep industry by reducing predation losses. I used regression analysis and hierarchical partitioning of a 60-year data set to explore associations among changes in sheep numbers and factors such as predator control effort, market prices, and production costs. In addition, I compared trends in the sheep industry in the western United States, where predator control is subsidized and coyotes (Canis latrans) are abundant, with trends in eastern states that lack federally subsidized predator control and that were (1) colonized by coyotes before 1950 or (2) colonized by coyotes between 1950 and 1990. Although control efforts were positively correlated with fluctuations in sheep numbers, production costs and market prices explained most of the model variation, with a combined independent contribution of 77%. Trends in sheep numbers in eastern and western states were highly correlated (r ,0.942) independent of the period during which they were colonized by coyotes, indicating either that control has been ineffective at reducing predation losses or that factors other than predation account for the declines in both regions. These results suggest that government-subsidized predator control has failed to prevent the decline in the sheep industry and alternative support mechanisms need to be developed if the goal is to increase sheep production and not simply to kill carnivores. Resumen:,A pesar de la importancia de carnívoros en los ecosistemas terrestres, muchos países han implementado iniciativas bien coordinadas, financiadas por el gobierno, para remover depredadores, principalmente debido a conflictos entre humanos y ganado. Aunque estos esfuerzos de control han sido exitosos en términos del número de carnívoros removidos, sus efectos sobre la viabilidad de las industrias que se busca proteger son poco comprendidos. Evalué la eficacia de los esfuerzos a largo plazo del gobierno de E.U.A. para mejorar la viabilidad de la industria ovina mediante la reducción de pérdidas por depredación. Utilicé análisis de regresión y partición jerárquica de un conjunto de datos de 60 años para explorar asociaciones entre cambios en el número de ovejas y factores como el esfuerzo de control de depredadores, precios de mercado y costos de producción. Adicionalmente comparé las tendencias en la industria ovina en el oeste de Estados Unidos, donde el control de depredadores está subsidiado y los coyotes (Canis latrans) son abundantes, con las tendencias en los estados orientales que carecen de control subsidiado federalmente y que fueron (1) colonizados por coyotes antes de 1950 o (2) colonizados por coyotes entre 1950 y 1990. Aunque los esfuerzos de control se correlacionaron positivamente con las fluctuaciones en el número de ovejas, los costos de producción y los precios de mercado explicaron la mayor parte de la variación del modelo, con una contribución independiente combinada de 77%. Las tendencias en el número de ovejas en los estados orientales y occidentales estaban muy correlacionadas (r , 0.942) independientemente del período en que fueron colonizados por coyotes, lo que indica que el control ha sido ineficiente en la reducción de depredación o que factores, distintos a la depredación, son responsables de las declinaciones en ambas regiones. Estos resultados sugieren que el control subsidiado por el gobierno ha fallado en prevenir la declinación de la industria ovina y que se necesitan desarrollar mecanismos de soporte alternativos si la meta es incrementar la producción de ovejas y no simplemente matar carnívoros. [source] Precursors and correlates of criminal behaviour in womenCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2004Dr Julie Messer Background The precursors and correlates of criminal behaviour in women were examined in this longitudinal study of women in their late thirties. Methods The sample consisted of a high-risk group of women (n = 86) and a comparison group ( n = 97): the former had been raised in institutional care. Questionnaire measures of childhood behaviour problems and detailed interview data from two time points in adulthood were obtained, along with official records of offending. Results In terms of childhood precursors, antisocial behaviour, institutional rearing, hyperactivity and adolescent conduct disorder were found to be significantly related to offending. Later adolescent factors were also found to be important: mixing with deviant peers and leaving school without any qualifications or plans for work. Correlates of offending in adulthood included difficulties in mental health, drug use, marriage and parenting. Further analysis was undertaken to clarify the associations by using ex-care status and conduct disorder as covariates. Discussion Well-established predictors of offending in male samples seem quite as important for women and girls. The findings also suggested strong links between offending and problems in parenting. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] R-wave Amplitude in Lead II of an Electrocardiograph Correlates with Central Hypovolemia in Human BeingsACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 10 2006John G. McManus MD Abstract Objectives Previous animal and human experiments have suggested that reduction in central blood volume either increases or decreases the amplitude of R waves in various electrocardiograph (ECG) leads depending on underlying pathophysiology. In this investigation, we used graded central hypovolemia in adult volunteer subjects to test the hypothesis that moderate reductions in central blood volume increases R-wave amplitude in lead II of an ECG. Methods A four-lead ECG tracing, heart rate (HR), estimated stroke volume (SV), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were measured during baseline supine rest and during progressive reductions of central blood volume to an estimated volume loss of >1,000 mL with application of lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) in 13 healthy human volunteer subjects. Results Lower-body negative pressure resulted in a significant progressive reduction in central blood volume, as indicated by a maximal decrease of 65% in SV and maximal elevation of 56% in HR from baseline to ,60 mm Hg LBNP. R-wave amplitude increased (p < 0.0001) linearly with progressive LBNP. The amalgamated correlation (R2) between average stroke volume and average R-wave amplitude at each LBNP stage was ,0.989. Conclusions These results support our hypothesis that reduction of central blood volume in human beings is associated with increased R-wave amplitude in lead II of an ECG. [source] Timing and duration of developmental nicotine exposure contribute to attenuation of the tadpole hypercapnic neuroventilatory responseDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 7 2009Cord M. Brundage Abstract The ability for air-breathing vertebrates to adjust ventilation in response to increased CO2 (hypercapnia) is fundamental to maintaining pH homeostasis. Developmental nicotine exposure has been shown to impair tadpole neuroventilatory responses to hypercapnia following 8,12 weeks of exposure. It is not clear, however, to what extent the timing of exposure during development and/or the duration over which the exposure takes place contribute to this impairment. Here, tadpoles were exposed to 30 ,g/L of nicotine for 3- or 10-week durations, either early or late in tadpole development. Correlates of tadpole lung neuroventilation were monitored during normocapnic (1.5% CO2) and hypercapnic (5% CO2) conditions of isolated brainstems. Preparations derived from early metamorphic tadpoles failed to increase lung neuroventilation in response to hypercapnia whether they had been exposed to nicotine for 3 or 10 weeks. Preparations derived from late metamorphic tadpoles failed to respond to hypercapnia after being exposed to nicotine for 10 weeks. These results suggest that both the developmental timing and duration of exposure are important when considering nicotine's effect on the hypercapnic neuroventilatory response. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2009 [source] Should symptom frequency be factored into scalar measures of alcohol use disorder severity?ADDICTION, Issue 9 2010Deborah A. Dawson ABSTRACT Aims To evaluate whether weighting counts of alcohol use disorder (AUD) criteria or symptoms by their frequency of occurrence improves their association with correlates of AUD. Design and participants Data were collected in personal interviews with a representative sample of US adults interviewed in 1991,92. Analyses were conducted among past-year drinkers (12+ drinks, n = 18 352) and individuals with past-year DSM-IV AUD (n = 2770). Measurements Thirty-one symptom item indicators, whose frequency of occurrence was measured in eight categories, were used to create unweighted and frequency-weighted counts of DSM-IV past-year AUD symptoms and criteria. Correlates included density of familial alcoholism and past-year volume of ethanol intake, frequency of intoxication and utilization of alcohol treatment. Findings Although the AUD correlates were associated strongly and positively with the frequency of AUD symptom occurrence, weighting for symptom frequency did not strengthen their association consistently with AUD severity scores. Improved performance of the weighted scores was observed primarily among AUD correlates linked closely with the frequency of heavy drinking and among individuals with AUD. Criterion counts were correlated nearly as strongly as symptom counts with the AUD correlates. Conclusions Frequency weighting may add somewhat to the validity of AUD severity measures, especially those that are intended for use among individuals with AUD, e.g. in clinical settings. For studying the etiology and course of AUD in the general population, an equally effective and less time-consuming alternative to obtaining symptom frequency may be the use of unweighted criterion counts accompanied by independent measures of frequency of heavy drinking. [source] Drug-related behaviors independently associated with syphilis infection among female sex workers in two Mexico,US border citiesADDICTION, Issue 8 2010Oralia Loza ABSTRACT Aims To identify correlates of active syphilis infection among female sex workers (FSWs) in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. Design Cross-sectional analyses of baseline interview data. Correlates of active syphilis (antibody titers >1 : 8) were identified by logistic regression. Setting Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, two Mexican cities on the US border that are situated on major drug trafficking routes and where prostitution is quasi-legal. Participants A total of 914 FSWs aged ,18 years without known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who had had recent unprotected sex with clients. Measurements Baseline interviews and testing for syphilis antibody using Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests. Findings Median age and duration in sex work were 32 and 4 years, respectively. Overall, 18.0% had ever injected drugs, 14.2% often or always used illegal drugs before or during sex in the past month, 31.4% had clients in the last 6 months who injected drugs, and 68.6% reported having clients from the United States. Prevalence of HIV and active syphilis were 5.9% and 10.3%, respectively. Factors independently associated with active syphilis included injecting drugs (AOR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.40, 4.08), using illegal drugs before or during sex (AOR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.16, 3.65) and having any US clients (AOR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.43, 5.70). Conclusions Among female sex workers in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, drug-using behaviors were associated more closely with active syphilis than were sexual behaviors, suggesting the possibility of parenteral transmission of T. pallidum. Syphilis eradication programs should consider distributing sterile syringes to drug injectors and assisting FSWs with safer-sex negotiation in the context of drug use. [source] Adult versus adolescent onset of smoking: how are mood disorders and other risk factors involved?ADDICTION, Issue 8 2009Vladeta Ajdacic-Gross ABSTRACT Aims To examine the strength of association between smoking and mood disorders and the association between smoking and its traditional risk factors, comparing those who started smoking in adolescence with those who started smoking in early adulthood. Design and participants The analyses relied on prospective data from the Zurich Study. This longitudinal community study started in 1979 with a stratified sample of 591 participants aged 20/21 years, weighted towards those with mental disorders. Follow-up interviews were conducted at ages 23, 28, 30, 35 and 41. Measurements In this analysis the adult versus adolescent onset of smoking was regressed on the cumulative prevalence of mood disorders, personality characteristics measured by the Freiburg Personality Inventory, common risk factors such as parental smoking, conduct and school problems, troubles with the family and basic socio-demographic variables (sex, education). Findings In the Zurich Study cohort we found that 61.6% were former or current smokers, of whom 87% started smoking before the age of 20 and 13% after the age of 20. Adolescent onset of smoking was associated strongly with later major depression, dysthymia or bipolar disorders and, furthermore, with parental smoking, extroverted personality and discipline problems and rebelliousness in youth. However, only depression and dysthymia were associated with adult onset smoking and other risk factors associated with smoking were not so associated in this group. Conclusions Correlates of smoking onset in adolescence are mainly not applicable to the onset of smoking in young adulthood. Smoking onset beyond adolescence is an open research issue. [source] Association of tobacco dependence and quit attempt duration with Rasch-modeled withdrawal sensitivity using retrospective measuresADDICTION, Issue 6 2009Harold S. Javitz ABSTRACT Aim To examine whether Rasch modeling would yield a unidimensional withdrawal sensitivity measure correlating with factors associated with successful smoking cessation. Design The psychometric Rasch modeling approach was applied to estimate an underlying latent construct (withdrawal sensitivity) in retrospective responses from 1644 smokers who reported quitting for 3 or more months at least once. Setting Web-based, passcode-controlled self-administered computerized questionnaire. Participants Randomly selected convenience sample of 1644 adult members of an e-mail invitation-only web panel drawn from consumer databases. Measurements Lifetime Tobacco Use Questionnaire, assessing tobacco use across the life-span, including demographics and respondent ratings of the severity of withdrawal symptoms experienced in respondents' first and most recent quit attempts lasting 3 or more months. Findings Rasch-modeled withdrawal sensitivity was generally unidimensional and was associated with longer periods of smoking cessation. One latent variable accounted for 74% of the variability in symptom scores. Rasch modeling with a single latent factor fitted withdrawal symptoms well, except for increased appetite, for which the fit was marginal. Demographic variables of education, gender and ethnicity were not related to changes in sensitivity. Correlates of greater withdrawal sensitivity in cessation attempts of at least 3 months included younger age at first quit attempt and indicators of tobacco dependence. Conclusion The relationship between tobacco dependence symptoms and Rasch-model withdrawal sensitivity defines further the relationship between sensitivity and dependence. The findings demonstrate the utility of modeling to create an individual-specific sensitivity measure as a tool for exploring the relationships among sensitivity, dependence and cessation. [source] Correlates of Board Empowerment in Small CompaniesENTREPRENEURSHIP THEORY AND PRACTICE, Issue 5 2007Jonas Gabrielsson This study seeks to advance the understanding of board empowerment in small companies. Predictions based on agency and resource dependency theories were used to examine how contingency factors correlate with board empowerment, in this study conceptualized as a larger number of board members, a higher representation of outside directors, and separate CEO and board chair positions. Statistical analyses on a sample of 135 small companies gave ample support for the agency-theoretic prediction that board empowerment in small companies is a response to satisfy the demands from owners not directly involved in managing the company. Other factors influencing board empowerment were younger CEOs, high degree of exports, and past poor company performance. The influence of these contingency factors, however, was not as strong and extensive as the presence of outside owners. The article ends with a discussion of the findings and their implications for understanding boards and governance in small companies. [source] Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of drug use among adolescents: results from the Mexican Adolescent Mental Health SurveyADDICTION, Issue 8 2007Corina Benjet ABSTRACT Aims To estimate the life-time and 12-month prevalence of illicit drug use among Mexican adolescents, the age of onset of first drug use and the socio-demographic correlates. Method A multi-stage probability survey of adolescents aged 12,17 years residing in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area was carried out in 2005. Adolescents were administered the computer-assisted adolescent version of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview by trained lay interviewers in their homes. The response rate was 71% (n = 3005). Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed considering the multi-stage and weighted sample design of the survey. Findings Of the adolescents, 5.2% have ever tried illicit drugs, 2.9% in the last 12 months. The most frequently used drugs are marijuana, followed by tranquilizers/stimulants. The median age of first use is 14 years. Correlates of life-time drug use are older age, having dropped out of school, parental drug problems, low religiosity and low parental monitoring. Conclusions While drug use among Mexican adolescents is lower than among adolescents from other developed countries, its increasing prevalence with age and the narrowing male/female ratio calls for firm public health actions, particularly prevention strategies. [source] Depressive symptoms among mothers of children with epilepsy: A review of prevalence, associated factors, and impact on childrenEPILEPSIA, Issue 11 2009Mark A. Ferro Summary The impact of epilepsy is not limited to the child experiencing seizures, but affects all members of the family. As primary caregivers, mothers are particularly at risk for experiencing increased depressive symptoms and risk for clinical depression. The objective of this systematic review was to critically assess available evidence regarding the prevalence, associated factors, and impact of maternal depressive symptoms on child outcomes in epilepsy. Using a modified version of the Quality Index, studies were rigorously evaluated in terms of reporting, external validity, and internal validity. Limitations in the study designs and analytic techniques of previous research are discussed, and study methods to overcome these barriers are presented in order to advance this research area. Up to 50% of mothers of children with epilepsy are at risk for clinical depression. Correlates of maternal depressive symptoms include a number of modifiable risk factors such as role ambiguity, worry, and satisfaction with relationships. In addition, studies suggest that depressive symptoms in mothers have a negative impact on child outcomes in epilepsy including behavior problems and health-related quality of life. The overall mean score on the Quality Index was 9.7, indicating a midrange quality score, suggesting a need for more methodologically robust studies. [source] Quantitative EEG Asymmetry Correlates with Clinical Severity in Unilateral Sturge-Weber SyndromeEPILEPSIA, Issue 1 2007Laura A. Hatfield Summary:,Purpose: Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder with vascular malformations of the skin, brain, and eye. SWS results in ischemic brain injury, seizures, and neurologic deficits. We hypothesized that a decrease in quantitative EEG (qEEG) power, on the affected side, correlates with clinical severity in subjects with SWS. Methods: Fourteen subjects had 16-channel scalp EEG recordings. Data were analyzed using fast Fourier transform and calculation of power asymmetry. Blinded investigators assigned scores for clinical neurological status and qualitative assessment of MRI and EEG asymmetry. Results: The majority of subjects demonstrated lower total power on the affected side, usually involving all four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta). qEEG asymmetry correlated strongly with neurologic clinical severity scores and MRI asymmetry scores. qEEG data generally agreed with the MRI evidence of regional brain involvement. In MRI-qEEG comparisons that did not agree, decreased power on qEEG in a brain region not affected on MRI was more likely to occur in subjects with more severe neurologic deficits. Conclusions: qEEG provides an objective measure of EEG asymmetry that correlates with clinical status and brain asymmetry seen on MRI. These findings support the conclusion that qEEG reflects the degree and extent of brain involvement and dysfunction in SWS. qEEG may potentially be a useful tool for early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression in SWS. qEEG may prove useful, in severely affected individuals with SWS, for determining regions of brain dysfunction. [source] Neocortical Temporal FDG-PET Hypometabolism Correlates with Temporal Lobe Atrophy in Hippocampal Sclerosis Associated with Microscopic Cortical DysplasiaEPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2003Beate Diehl Summary: ,Purpose: Medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis (HS), with or without cortical dysplasia (CD), is associated with atrophy of the hippocampal formation and regional fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) hypometabolism. The relation between areas of functional and structural abnormalities is not well understood. We investigate the relation between FDG-PET metabolism and temporal lobe (TL) and hippocampal atrophy in patients with histologically proven isolated HS and HS associated with CD. Methods: Twenty-three patients underwent en bloc resection of the mesial and anterolateral neocortical structures. Ten patients were diagnosed with isolated HS; 13 patients had associated microscopic CD. Temporal lobe volumes (TLVs) and hippocampal volumes were measured. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET were co-registered, and regions of interest (ROIs) determined as gray matter of the mesial, lateral, and anterior temporal lobe. Results: All patients (HS with or without CD) had significant ipsilateral PET hypometabolism in all three regions studied (p < 0.0001). In patients with isolated HS, the most prominent hypometabolism was in the anterior and mesial temporal lobe, whereas in dual pathology, it was in the lateral temporal lobe. TLVs and hippocampal volumes were significantly smaller on the epileptogenic side (p < 0.05). The PET asymmetries ipsilateral/contralateral to the epileptogenic zone and TLV asymmetries correlated significantly for the anterior and lateral temporal lobes (p < 0.05) in the HS+CD group, but not in the isolated HS group. Mesial temporal hypometabolism was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: Temporal neocortical microscopic CD with concurrent HS is associated with more prominent lateral temporal metabolic dysfunction compared with isolated HS in TL atrophy. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and correlate the PET hypometabolic patterns with outcome data in patients operated on for HS with or without CD. [source] Correlates of Self-Directed Behaviour in Wild White-Faced CapuchinsETHOLOGY, Issue 4 2000Joseph H. Manson Elevated rates of self-directed behaviour (SDB) such as self-scratching and autogrooming have been widely used in recent years as an indicator of anxiety in catarrhine primates. This study presents the first examination of correlates of SDB rates in a platyrrhine primate. Subjects were 8 wild female white-faced capuchins at Lomas Barbudal, Costa Rica, who were observed for 119 h of focal individual follows. The subjects performed significantly more self-scratching and autogrooming while in close proximity to conspecifics than while alone, irrespective of whether the neighbour was dominant or subordinate to them. This result was attributable to elevated SDB rates during the 30 s preceding and following allogrooming bouts. Furthermore, subjects engaged in more SDB while in proximity to females (a) that were closer to them in dominance rank and (b) with whom they spent a larger proportion of their time in proximity. Self-directed behaviour rates after conflicts did not differ from non-postconflict rates. Nor were SDB rates above baseline levels during the 30 s before subjects descended to the ground. These results may provide support for the view that SDB rates index anxiety in this species, if grooming decisions signal individuals' current allegiances and are therefore a source of anxiety, even if being groomed is, itself, relaxing. Postconflict preparation for further aggression may mitigate against scratching and autogrooming in a fast-moving arboreal species. [source] Processes of Sibling Influence in Adolescence: Individual and Family Correlates,FAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 1 2008Shawn D. Whiteman Abstract: This study examined the nature and correlates of adolescents' perceptions of sibling influence. Participants included 2 siblings (firstborn age M= 17.34; second-born age M= 14.76 years) from 191 maritally intact families. Adolescents' perceptions of sibling influence were measured via coded responses to open-ended questions about whether their sibling had an influence on them. Analyses revealed that older and younger siblings reported different patterns of influence. Differentiation influence and being a role model were more prevalent for firstborns, whereas modeling and modeling plus differentiation were more prevalent for second-borns. First- and second-borns' reports of influence were linked differentially to their relational and personal qualities. Discussion focuses on the need to refine the measurement of sibling influence processes. [source] Correlates of Coparenting During Infancy,FAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 3 2005Eric W. Lindsey Abstract: This study examined family characteristics associated with the coparenting behavior of 60 parents with an 11- to 15-month-old infant (30 boys, 30 girls) during a structured triadic play session. Mothers reported on family demographics, social support, and child temperament. Both parents reported on their self-esteem and childrearing beliefs. Fathers displayed more supportive coparenting behavior than mothers. Mothers' intrusive coparenting behavior differed based on the number of children, parent's employment status, and child gender. Social support, parental self-esteem, and child temperament were significant correlates of individual coparenting behavior. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for family theory and family practice. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||