Showing papers by "Chaminade University of Honolulu published in 2011"
TL;DR: Although some decline was observed in the Minnesota cohort, no statistically significant trends were apparent in the community studies, and a significant reduction in cognitive impairment measured by neuropsychological testing was identified in the national survey.
Abstract: Declines in heart disease and stroke mortality rates are conventionally attributed to reductions in cigarette smoking, recognition and treatment of hypertension and diabetes, effective medications to improve serum lipid levels and to reduce clot formation, and general lifestyle improvements. Recent evidence implicates these and other cerebrovascular factors in the development of a substantial proportion of dementia cases. Analyses were undertaken to determine whether corresponding declines in age-specific prevalence and incidence rates for dementia and cognitive impairment have occurred in recent years. Data spanning 1 or 2 decades were examined from community-based epidemiological studies in Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana, and from the Health and Retirement Study, which is a national survey. Although some decline was observed in the Minnesota cohort, no statistically significant trends were apparent in the community studies. A significant reduction in cognitive impairment measured by neuropsychological testing was identified in the national survey. Cautious optimism appears justified.
454 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that bhang may impair fertility in male mice through alteration in the testicular endocannabinoid system and that chronic bhang exposure in humans would be predicted to alter male fertility.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic uptake of bhang, prepared from the Cannabis sativa, on male reproductive physiology in adult male Parkes strain (P) mice. An attempt was also made to investigate the presence of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors, and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the testis and to evaluate any changes in it resulting from chronic intake of bhang in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adult male mice were given bhang (3 or 6 mg/kg body weight/day) orally for 36 consecutive days. Chronic intake of bhang caused regressive changes in the testes and suppressed sperm count, viability and motility. Bhang intake also caused significant decline in circulating testosterone level due to decline in testicular 3β HSD enzyme activity. An immunohistochemical study demonstrated the presence of CB1, CB2 and FAAH in the testis of mice. The present study also showed significant variation in the CB1 and CB2 receptors and FAAH protein levels in testes of mice exposed to bhang. These suppressive effects may be due to inhibitory effect of bhang on pituitary expression of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) I receptor protein. Treatment of testes with bhang in vitro significantly decreased testicular luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and FAAH expression suggesting direct action of bhang on testicular activity. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study thus suggest that bhang may impair fertility in male mice through alteration in the testicular endocannabinoid system and that chronic bhang exposure in humans would be predicted to alter male fertility. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92:195–205, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
49 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the efficacy of a gender-specific, problem-solving court for girl offenders is evaluated. And the results show that the program does seem to be effective in terms of reducing both recidivism and risky behavior as well as increasing the development of prosocial and healthy relationships.
Abstract: This research evaluates the efficacy of a gender-specific, problem-solving court for girl offenders. Official statistics, interview data, and focus group data are utilized to determine whether the court is achieving its stated goals of reducing recidivism, risky behaviors, and confinement for the girls who attend this court program. The present research demonstrates that the program does seem to be effective in terms of reducing both recidivism and risky behavior as well as increasing the development of prosocial and healthy relationships. The article concludes with some lessons learned from the implementation of this court program as well as ideas for future research.
17 citations
TL;DR: Initial exploration of the use of infrared vibrational frequency of ligands as a potential novel molecular descriptor supports a tool for rapid lead optimization in the 4-aminoquinazoline chemical series and a potential method for scaffold hopping in pursuit of new inhibitors.
6 citations
TL;DR: Two Hawaii-based shared site programs, the Seagull Sc... as discussed by the authors, have been used to promote the integration of diversity in the DNA of the state and its residents.
Abstract: Hawaii is often referred to as “the melting pot of the Pacific.” Multicultural diversity is embedded in the DNA of the state and its residents. Two Hawaii-based shared site programs, the Seagull Sc...
3 citations
18 Oct 2011
1 citations
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the experiences of a group of teachers in an at-risk elementary school engaged in a three-year professional development project funded by a Mathematics and Science Partnership grant, and examine how the components of professional development during the first two years, notably the Reflective Teaching Model, collaborative problem solving and analysis of student work, helped pave the way for success in lesson study in year three.
Abstract: This study describes the experiences of a group of teachers in an at-risk elementary school engaged in a three-year professional development project funded by a Mathematics and Science Partnership grant. The partners, teachers, professors, and school administrators, modified the professional development to serve the needs of the teachers. Although not in the original plan, lesson study became the focus of the project in year three. This case study illustrates difficulties typically encountered in introducing lesson study in the United States, and examines how the components of the professional development during the first two years, notably the Reflective Teaching Model, collaborative problem solving and analysis of student work, helped pave the way for success in lesson study in year three.
1 citations