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T Jacob

Publications and source records attributed to T Jacob.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

A new measure of parenting practices involving preadolescent- and adolescent-aged children.

Parenting behaviors have played critical roles in various theoretical and clinical models that have sought to explain the development and course of deviant child behavior. Notwithstanding the importance of this topic, the extant literature reveals very few adequate instruments for describing such patterns. To address 3 this need, the authors developed a self-report procedure for assessing parenting practices involving preadolescent and adolescent children, the Loeber Youth Questionnaire. Preliminary reliability and concurrent validity data were quite encouraging, and the instrument's two major dimensions (affect and control) fit well with the existing clinical and research literature. Limitations and future research directions are addressed.

Adolescent↗

Home interactions of high and low antisocial male alcoholics and their families.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the naturalistic interactions of two alcoholism subgroups during home dinnertime conversations. METHOD: Dinnertime conversations of 96 alcoholic and 47 control families were audiotaped and subsequently assessed via a multicomponent coding system involving trained raters who were blind to psychiatric status of participating families. To examine potentially important alcoholism types, two subgroups were formed on the basis of the male alcoholic's level of antisociality. RESULTS: Across all groups, mothers' rate of communication to children was greater than fathers' to children for all communication variables; similarly, children's rate of communication to mothers exceeded their rate to fathers across all communication variables. Most interesting, however, was the finding that families of alcoholics reflecting higher levels of antisociality expressed lower levels of positivity, disagreement and instrumentality than did families of alcoholics who exhibited lower levels of antisociality. CONCLUSIONS: Although expectations regarding generational differences across groups were confirmed, findings regarding the two alcoholism subgroups were opposite to expectations; that is, we had hypothesized that high antisocial alcoholics and their families would exhibit more overtly disruptive behavior than low antisocial alcoholics and their families. The interpretation and implication of these findings were discussed in terms of the importance and impact of the observational setting: in particular, that the home setting may allow for certain family coping strategies (e.g., disengagement) more so than a task-structured, laboratory setting.

Adolescent↗

Young adult children of alcoholic, depressed and nondistressed parents.

OBJECTIVE: Although the study of children of alcoholics (COAs) has been a highly productive line of inquiry within the alcoholism research arena, there is a limited literature on the nature, degree and pervasiveness of drinking and nondrinking outcomes exhibited by COAs as they move into their young adult years. The aim of the current study was to extend earlier work on this topic using a larger and older sample than had been available previously. METHOD: Both structured telephone interviews and self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain drinking, psychiatric and psychosocial functioning data from 128 (67 female) adult offspring of alcoholic fathers (COAs), 138 (73 male) adult offspring of normal control fathers and 127 (79 female) adult offspring of depressed fathers. RESULTS: Cross-group differences were stronger and more wide-ranging than those found in our earlier analyses, indicating that significantly more COAs than comparison offspring were experiencing serious problems in the areas of drinking, personality/psychopathology and educational/social functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings provide further evidence that the risks for COAs might relate specifically to parental alcoholism and its impact on offspring development and not to the combined effects of various parental psychopathologies and/or extreme forms of family instability. When evaluated within the larger COA literature, these data support the assumption that there may be a continuity of adverse effects associated with COAs as they move from adolescence into their young adult years.

Adolescent↗

Abscisic acid signal transduction in guard cells is mediated by phospholipase D activity.

In guard cells, the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) inhibits stomatal opening and induces stomatal closure through the coordinated regulation of ion transport. Despite this central role of ABA in regulating stomatal function, the signal transduction events leading to altered ion fluxes remain incompletely understood. We report that the activity of the enzyme phospholipase D (PLD) transiently increased in guard cell protoplasts at 2.5 and 25 min after ABA application. Treatment of guard cell protoplasts with phosphatidic acid (PtdOH), one of the products of PLD activity, led to an inhibition of the activity of the inward K+ channel. PtdOH also induced stomatal closure and inhibited stomatal opening when added to epidermal peels. Application of 1-butanol (1-buOH), a selective inhibitor of PtdOH production by PLD, inhibited the increase in PtdOH production elicited by ABA. 1-BuOH treatment also partially prevented ABA-induced stomatal closure and ABA-induced inhibition of stomatal opening. This inhibitory effect of buOH was enhanced by simultaneous application of nicotinamide, an inhibitor of cADP ribose action. These results suggest that in the guard cell, ABA activates the enzyme PLD, which leads to the production of PtdOH. This PtdOH is then involved in triggering subsequent ABA responses of the cell via a pathway operating in parallel to cADP ribose-mediated events.

Journal Article↗

Clinical experience with superior vena caval Greenfield filters.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of superior vena caval (SVC) Greenfield filters in patients at risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) secondary to upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT). METHODS: Over a 46-month period, 26 patients (10 men, mean age 67 years, range 25 to 89) with UEDVT in whom anticoagulation was contraindicated (n = 22) or ineffective in preventing recurrent PE or extension of the thrombus (n = 4) were treated with placement of SVC Greenfield filters. RESULTS: One SVC filter was misplaced into the innominate vein but left in place; this vein remains patent after 2 months without evidence of filter migration. Follow-up ranged from 10 days to 46 months (mean 7.8 months). Fifteen (58%) patients died inhospital of causes unrelated to the SVC filter or recurrent thromboembolism (mean time to death 36 days). Of the 11 survivors, follow-up ranged from 1 to 38 months (mean 22). Sequential chest roentgenograms in 9 (82%) patients revealed no filter migration or displacement. No evidence of PE was found in any of the survivors over the course of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion of SVC Greenfield filters is a safe and feasible therapy to prevent recurrent thromboembolism in patients with UEDVT who are refractory to or inappropriate for anticoagulation therapy.

Adult↗

P53 gene transfer to the injured rat carotid artery promotes apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: In a previous study we have demonstrated significant reduction of intimal hyperplasia after adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of p53 protein to the injured rat carotid artery. The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether apoptosis is one of the mechanisms responsible for this reduction. Apoptosis, a physiologic cell death process that stabilizes cell numbers in tissues, can be independently induced by p53. METHODS: In vivo gene transfer was used in isolated segments of balloon-injured rat carotid arteries. Genetically modified adenovirus encoding for wild-type p53 protein (AdWTp53) was applied at 8 x 10(10) plaque-forming units/mL. Control rats received either adenovirus null at the same concentration or balloon injury alone. Arteries were harvested at 24 and 48 hours after the procedure. Apoptosis was detected in tissue sections by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Specimens were graded either negative or positive less than 10%, 10% to 20%, 20% to 30%, or greater than 30% according to the number of apoptotic cells in the medial or intimal layer per high power field. Specimens were also subjected to DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: With the TUNEL assay no apoptosis was visualized at 24 and 48 hours in the controls (n = 5 in each group), whereas in the AdWTp53 groups (n = 5 in each) all specimens presented apoptosis (P < .05, AdWTp53 vs controls). The average grade of apoptotic cells detected in the medial layer in the AdWTp53 groups was less than 10% to 20% at 24 hours and 20% to 30% at 48 hours. The DNA agarose gel electrophoresis failed to detect a DNA laddering pattern, characteristic of apoptosis. Electron microscopy revealed morphologic changes typical of apoptosis in the treated group, whereas specimens from control group did not reveal any apoptotic features. CONCLUSIONS: At 48 hours after balloon injury alone, no apoptosis was observed in the vessel wall. However, when p53 gene was transferred, apoptosis was visualized in all specimens with greater intensity at 48 hours after injury. Promotion of apoptosis may play a key role in the mechanism by which p53 gene decreases intimal hyperplasia.

Animals↗

Localized changes in apoplastic and cytoplasmic pH are associated with root hair development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Morphogenesis in plants is characterized by highly regulated cell enlargement. However, the mechanisms controlling and localizing regions of growth remain essentially unknown. Root hair formation involves the induction of a localized cell expansion in the lateral wall of a root epidermal cell. This expanded region then enters a second phase of localized growth called tip growth. Root hair formation therefore provides a model in which to study the cellular events involved in regulating localized growth in plants. Confocal ratio imaging of the pH of the cell wall revealed an acidification at the root hair initiation site. This acidification was present from the first morphological indications of localized growth, but not before, and was maintained to the point where the process of root hair initiation ceased and tip growth began. Preventing the wall acidification with pH buffers arrested the initiation process but growth resumed when the wall was returned to an acidic pH. Cytoplasmic pH was found to be elevated from approximately 7.3 to 7. 7 at the initiation site, and this elevation coincided with the acidification of the wall. Preventing the localized increase in cytoplasmic pH with 10 mM butyrate however did not inhibit either the wall acidification or the initiation process. In contrast, there was no detectable gradient in pH associated with the apex of tip growing root hairs, but both elevated apoplastic pH and butyrate treatment irreversibly inhibited the tip growth process. Thus the processes of tip growth and initiation of root hairs show differences in their pH requirements. These results highlight the role of localized control of apoplastic pH in the control of cell architecture and morphogenesis in plants.

Arabidopsis↗

Sports-medical assessment for athletes with a disability.

The purpose of this article is to describe a Sports-Medical Assessment Protocol (SMAP) for athletes with a disability. The purposes of the SMAP are to identify medical problems and therapeutic goals for supplementary training programmes for athletes with a disability, and to provide baseline data for future follow up. The SMAP includes an interview, cardiorespiratory assessment and physical and functional examination. Data were collected from assessment protocols of 14 male athletes with various neurological disorders who qualified to participate in the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996. Nine of the athletes had some range of motion (ROM) limitations, one had shoulder pain and one low back pain following physical stress. Two athletes with postpolio presented muscle fasciculation and one of them also presented bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Based on the results we concluded that utilizing the SMAP may contribute to trainers' and athletes' (with a disability) awareness of the physical needs of elite athletes as well as participants in leisure sport activities.

Adult↗

Parent-child interactions and child outcomes as related to gender of alcoholic parent.

Parents and children from alcoholic and non-alcoholic families (N = 137) were compared in regard to quality of interactions (using the Marital Interaction Coding System), child outcomes (using the Child Behavior Checklist), and the possible moderating effects of parenting behavior on child outcomes. Alcoholic families were subdivided by gender (father-alcoholic, mother-alcoholic, both parents alcoholic) to assess for the effect that gender of alcoholic parent has on parent-child interactions and child outcomes. Results indicated that dual and mother-only alcoholic families exhibited the most impaired interactions, although child problem behavior was not significantly different across the three groups containing one or two alcoholic parents. Furthermore, father's behavior (both alcoholic fathers and those married to an alcoholic), as compared to mother's behavior, most clearly moderated child outcomes. The possible protective effect of having a non-alcoholic mother was also indicated. Results are discussed in regard to the negative and positive effects that parents from alcoholic households can have on children.

Adolescent↗

Marital interactions of depressed men and women.

This article examined marital interactions in 50 couples with a depressed husband, 41 couples with a depressed wife, and 50 nondepressed control couples. As expected, couples with a depressed partner evidenced more disturbed marital interaction than control couples. Furthermore, couples with a depressed wife demonstrated less positive communication than couples with a depressed husband, notwithstanding the fact the depressed husbands exhibited greater depression severity than depressed wives. Findings are integrated with recent research on gender differences in affective expression.

Adult↗

Marital interactions of male versus female alcoholics.

This study assessed the interactions of 131 alcoholic and nonalcoholic couples as they engaged in discussions of personally relevant problems. For 50 couples, the husband was alcoholic; for 15 couples, the wife was alcoholic; for 16 couples, both spouses were alcoholics; and for 50 couples, neither spouse was alcoholic. Observations were conducted during sessions when alcohol was consumed and in nondrinking sessions. Female alcoholic couples (with nonalcoholic spouses) demonstrated high negativity in the "no-drink" session, which was normalized in the drink session, suggesting an adaptive function to alcohol use. Concordant couples (both members were alcoholic) also demonstrated high negativity in the no-drink session, but exhibited increased negativity in the drink session, suggesting that concordance has a maladaptive impact on marital interaction. All alcoholic groups demonstrated greater negativity and lower positivity and congeniality in their marital interactions compared to nonalcoholic couples. Couples with male alcoholics were the least divergent from normal control couples. Unique female patterns in alcoholism are discussed in terms of adaptive and reinforcing patterns and spousal influences.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Parenting influences on the development of alcohol abuse and dependence.

Both alcohol-specific and non-alcohol-specific parenting influences affect the development of alcohol abuse and dependence in the offspring. Alcohol-specific influences (e.g., the modeling of parental drinking behavior, the development of alcohol expectancies, and certain aspects of the parent-child relationship) are particularly relevant to the development of alcohol abuse and dependence in children of alcoholics. In contrast, non-alcohol-specific influences generally promote deviant behavior, including alcohol problems, in the offspring and affect children of alcoholics and nonalcoholics equally. These influences, which include inadequate parenting and other parent-child interaction patterns that promote aggressive, antisocial behavior in children, increase the offspring's risk of an alcoholism subtype associated with antisocial personality disorder. A different set of non-alcohol-specific family influences may contribute to an alcoholism subtype that emerges after the onset of depression.

Alcoholism↗

A critical analysis of COA research.

Five experts respected for their significant contributions to the scientific literature on children of alcoholics (COA's) offer their perspectives in a panel discussion format. The panel members reflect on the historical roots of COA research and comment on its current status and future direction. Enriched by the panelists' variety of backgrounds, research interests, and approaches, the discussion emphasizes the need to consider multiple variables that influence the risk for alcoholism among COA's.

Alcoholism↗

Negative family environment as a predictor of boys' future status on measures of hostile attitudes, interview behavior, and anger expression.

The present study tested the hypothesis that family environments characterized as nonsupportive, unaccepting, and conflictual lead to the development of hostile traits in adolescent Caucasian boys. Negative behaviors during parent-son discussions aimed at resolving disagreements were observed in a laboratory setting in 51 intact families. Sons' hostile traits were assessed at the time of the interactions and then 3 years later. Results showed that a high frequency of negative behaviors exhibited by both parents and sons predicted sons' later hostile attitudes and outward expression of anger after adjustment for their initial level of hostile attitudes and anger expression, respectively. A low frequency of positive behaviors exhibited by the father and son predicted sons' later Potential for Hostility ratings after adjustment for their initial level. The meaning of these findings for the conceptualization of hostility is discussed.

Adolescent↗

[Post-polio symptoms].

A crossectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of late symptoms among post-polio survivors. The aim was to increase awareness of late symptoms among professionals involved in rehabilitation, and to evaluate the need for accessible diagnostic and treatment facilities. Of the 146 subjects surveyed, about half reported decline in general health since maximal recovery. Among the late symptoms were muscle and joint pain (46%), fatigue (31%), cold intolerance (67%) and muscle cramps (39%). About 25% reported decreased functional ability and 13% required braces or mobility devices. Most of the late symptoms appeared gradually (median time 45 years after onset of polio). The prevalence of these late symptoms is slightly lower than that described in previous studies, but that of decreased functional ability, much lower. These differences may be due to differences in the populations surveyed. Symptomatic post-polio subjects should be identified and encouraged to use appropriate medical facilities.

Humans↗

Family interaction in the home. Development of a new coding system.

The Home Interaction Scoring System (HISS) is a recently developed observational coding system allowing for the systematic description of naturalistic family interaction. After discussing the importance of naturalistic observation procedures, we present a brief review of several coding systems that have been developed for this purpose. Based on our evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of these systems, our rationale for developing a new system is presented, followed by a detailed discussion of the current status of the HISS. In a final section, we discuss a number of in-progress and planned analyses of the HISS relevant to the instrument's value in the assessment of family process.

Adolescent↗

Age of the earliest known hominids in Java, Indonesia.

40Ar/39Ar laser-incremental heating of hornblende separated from pumice recovered at two hominid sites in Java, Indonesia, has yielded well-defined plateaus with weighted mean ages of 1.81 +/- 0.04 and 1.66 +/- 0.04 million years ago (Ma). The hominid fossils, a juvenile calvaria of Pithecanthropus and a partial face and cranial fragments of Meganthropus, commonly considered part of the Asian Homo erectus hypodigm, are at least 0.6 million years older than fossils referred to as Homo erectus (OH-9) from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, and comparable in age with the oldest Koobi Fora Homo cf. erectus (Homo ergaster) in Kenya. These ages lend further credence to the view that Homo erectus may have evolved outside of Africa. If the ancestor of Homo erectus ventured out of Africa before 1.8 Ma, the dispersal would have predated the advent of the Acheulean culture at 1.4 Ma, possibly explaining the absence of these characteristic stone cleavers and hand axes in East Asia.

Africa↗