Essentials of forensic post-mortem MR imaging in adults

Post-mortem MR (PMMR) imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool with a wide scope in forensic radiology. In the past 20 years, PMMR has been used as both an adjunct and an alternative to autopsy. The role of PMMR in forensic death investigations largely depends on the rules and habits of local jurisdictions, availability of experts, financial resources, and individual case circumstances. PMMR images are affected by post-mortem changes, including position-dependent sedimentation, variable body temperature and decomposition. Investigators must be familiar with the appearance of normal findings on PMMR to distinguish them from disease or injury. Coronal whole-body images provide a comprehensive overview. Notably, short tau inversion–recovery (STIR) images enable investigators to screen for pathological fluid accumulation, to which we refer as “forensic sentinel sign”. If scan time is short, subsequent PMMR imaging may be focussed on regions with a positive forensic sentinel sign. PMMR offers excellent anatomical detail and is especially useful to visualize pathologies of the brain, heart, subcutaneous fat tissue and abdominal organs. PMMR may also be used to document skeletal injury. Cardiovascular imaging is a core area of PMMR imaging and growing evidence indicates that PMMR is able to detect ischaemic injury at an earlier stage than traditional autopsy and routine histology. The aim of this review is to present an overview of normal findings on forensic PMMR, provide general advice on the application of PMMR and summarise the current literature on PMMR imaging of the head and neck, cardiovascular system, abdomen and musculoskeletal system.

Still frame from the hour of death: Acute intracerebral hemorrhage on post-mortem computed tomography in a decomposed corpse

We report a case of an acute hypertensive, intracerebral hemorrhage on post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in a decomposed corpse. In clinical radiology, the appearance of blood on cross-sectional imaging is used to estimate the age of intracranial hemorrhage. The findings from this case indicate that characteristics of intracerebral blood on PMCT provide a still frame of the hemorrhage, as it was at the time of death. This observation suggests that the appearance of blood on PMCT may be used to estimate the age of an intracerebral hemorrhage but not to estimate the post-mortem interval.

Transient exposure to environmental estrogen affects embryonic development of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario).

Transient exposure of brown trout embryos from fertilization until hatch (70 days) to 17β-estradiol (E2) was investigated. Embryos were exposed to 3.8 and 38.0 ng/L E2 for 2h, respectively, under four scenarios: (A) exposure once at the day of fertilization (0 days post-fertilization, dpf), (B) once at eyeing stage (38 dpf), (C) weekly exposure until hatch or (D) bi-weekly exposure until hatch. Endpoints to assess estrogen impact on embryo development were fertilization success, chronological sequence of developmental events, hatching process, larval malformations, heart rate, body length and mortality. Concentration-dependent acceleration of development until median hatch was observed in all exposure scenarios with the strongest effect observed for embryos exposed once at 0 dpf. In addition, the hatching period was significantly prolonged by 4-5 days in groups receiving single estrogen exposures (scenarios A and B). Heart rate on hatching day was significantly depressed with increasing E2 concentrations, with the strongest effect observed for embryos exposed at eyeing stage. Estrogenic exposure at 0 dpf significantly reduced body length at hatch, not depending on whether this was a single exposure or the first of a series (scenarios A and D). The key finding is that even a single, transient E2 exposure during embryogenesis had significant effects on brown trout development. Median hatch, hatching period, heart rate and body length at hatch were found to be highly sensitive biomarkers responsive to estrogenic exposure during embryogenesis. Treatment effects were observable only at the post-hatch stage.

Reversibility of endocrine disruption in zebrafish (Danio rerio) after discontinued exposure to the estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the persistence of the feminizing effects of discontinued 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) exposure on zebrafish (Danio rerio). An exposure scenario covering the sensitive phase of sexual differentiation, as well as final gonad maturation was chosen to examine the estrogenic effects on sexual development of zebrafish. Two exposure scenarios were compared: continuous exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1-10 ng/L EE2) up to 100 days post-hatch (dph) and developmental exposure up to 60 dph, followed by 40 days of depuration in clean water. The persistence of effects was investigated at different biological organization levels from mRNA to population-relevant endpoints to cover a broad range of important parameters. EE2 had a strong feminizing and inhibiting effect on the sexual development of zebrafish. Brain aromatase (cyp19b) mRNA expression showed no clear response, but vitellogenin levels were significantly elevated, gonad maturation and body growth were inhibited in both genders, and sex ratios were skewed towards females and undifferentiated individuals. To a large extent, all of these effects were reversed after 40 days of recovery, leading to the conclusion that exposure to the estrogen EE2 results in very strong, but reversible underdevelopment and feminization of zebrafish. The present study is the first to show this reversibility at different levels of organization, which gives better insight into the mechanistic basis of estrogenic effects in zebrafish.

Postmortem magnetic resonance imaging: Reproducing typical autopsy heart measurements

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of cardiac postmortem magnetic resonance (PMMR) to perform routine measurements of the ventricular wall thicknesses and the heart valves and to assess if imaging measurements are consistent with traditional autopsy measurements. METHODS In this retrospective study, 25 cases with cardiac PMMR and subsequent autopsy were included. The thicknesses of the myocardial walls as well as the circumferences of all heart valves were measured on cardiac PMMR and compared to autopsy measurements. Paired samples T-test and the Wilcoxon-Signed rank test, were used to compare autopsy and cardiac PMMR measurements. For exploring correlations, the Pearson's Correlation coefficient and the Spearman's Rho test were used. RESULTS Cardiac PMMR measurements of the aortic and pulmonary valve circumferences showed no significant differences from autopsy measurements. The mitral and tricuspid valves circumferences differed significantly from autopsy measurements. Left myocardial and right myocardial wall thickness also differed significantly from autopsy measurements. Left and right myocardial wall thickness, and tricuspid valve circumference measurements on cardiac PMMR and autopsy, correlated strongly and significantly. CONCLUSION Several PMMR measurements of cardiac parameters differ significantly from corresponding autopsy measurements. However, there is a strong correlation between cardiac PMMR measurements and autopsy measurements in the majority of these parameters. It is important to note that myocardial walls are thicker when measured in situ on cardiac PMMR than when measured at autopsy. Investigators using post-mortem MR should be aware of these differences in order to avoid false diagnoses of cardiac pathology based on cardiac PMMR.

Prochloraz causes irreversible masculinization of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The aim of the present study was to investigate the persistence of endocrine effects by prochloraz, a fungicide known to have multiple effects on the endocrine system of vertebrates. Since discontinuous exposure is particularly relevant in aquatic ecosystems, an exposure scenario with an exposure phase and a subsequent recovery period was chosen to assess the potential for reversibility of effects by prochloraz on the sexual development of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations of prochloraz (10-300 μg/L) until 60 days post hatch (dph), which includes the period of sexual differentiation. For the subsequent 40 days, fish were either held in clean water for depuration or under further continuous exposure. Histological investigations of the gonads revealed persistent effects on sexual differentiation. The sex ratio was skewed towards males and significantly more intersex individuals were found after exposure to prochloraz at 60 dph. No intersex fish, but masculinized sex ratios were still present after the depuration period, documenting that prochloraz irreversibly affects the sexual development of zebrafish.

A sex difference in seasonal timing of birth in a livebearing fish

Sex differences in seasonal timing include differences in hatch- or birth-date distribution and differences in the timing of migration or maturation such as protandrous arrival timing (PAT), which is early male arrival at breeding sites. I describe a novel form of protandrous arrival timing, as a sex difference in birth-date distribution in a live-bearing fish (Dwarf Perch, Micrometrus minimus). In this species, birth coincides with arrival at breeding sites because newborn males are sexually active. A series of samples of pregnant females and young of year was collected in Tomales Bay, CA. I analyzed the daily age record in otoliths to estimate the conception date of broods and the age that young-of-year individuals were born. Males were born at a younger age than females, as indicated by the daily age record and also by the predominance of females in broods from which some young had already been born, which was a common occurrence in pregnant females with older embryos. Sex ratio of broods varied with conception date such that early-season broods were predominantly male, possibly as a result of temperature-dependent sex determination. The combined effects of the sex difference in age at birth and seasonal shift in sex ratio were to shift the mean birth date of males relative to females by five days. The most likely ultimate explanation for PAT in the Dwarf Perch is that it arises from exploitation (scramble) competition for mating opportunities among recently-born young-of-year males.

Ontogenetic Effects of Hatching Plasticity in the Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) due to Egg and Larval Predators

The ability to respond plastically to the environment has allowed amphibians to evolve a response to spatial and temporal variation in predation threat (Benard 2004). Embroys exposed to egg predation are expected to hatch out earlier than their conspecifics. Larval predation can induce a suite of phenotypic changes including growing a larger tail area. When presented with cues from both egg and larval predators, embryos are expected to respond to the egg predator by hatching out earlier because the egg predator presents an immediate threat. However, hatching early may be costly in the larval environment in terms of development, morphology, and/or behavior. We created a laboratory experiment in which we exposed clutches of spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) eggs to both egg (caddisfly larvae) and larval (A. opacum) predators to test this hypothesis. We recorded hatching time and stage and took developmental and morphological data of the animals a week after hatching. Larvae were entered into lethal predation trials with a larval predatory sunfish (Lepomis sp.) in order to study behavior. We found that animals exposed to the egg predator cues hatched out earlier and at earlier developmental stages than conspecifics regardless of whether there was a larval predator present. Animals exposed to larval predator cues grew relatively larger tails and survived longer in the lethal predation trials. However the group exposed to both predators showed a cost of early hatching in terms of lower tail area and shorter survival time in predation trials. The morphological and developmental effects measured of hatching plasticity were transient as there were no developmental or morphological differences between the treatment groups at metamorphosis. Hatching plasticity may be transient but it is important to the development and survival of many amphibians.

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 96 - Korrespondenzen u.a. mit Jürgen Habermas (p. III 6, 1-421)

5 Briefe mit Antwort an Inga Haag, 1951-1955; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Jürgen Habermas an Max Horkheimer, 1955; 1 Brief von Ministerialrat i. R. Theodor Häbich an Max Horkheimer, 1957; 2 Briefe mit Antwort von cand. phil. Walter Hähnle an Max Horkheimer, 1955, 1957; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Sekretärin Jutta Hagen an Max Horkheimer, 1956; 1 Dissertationsauszug von Volker Freiherr von Hagen, 1954; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Julia Hagenbucher an Max Horkheimer, 1951/1952; 1 Entwurf zu einem Gratulationsschreiben von Max Horkheimer an Professor Otto Hahn, ohne Jahr; 2 Drucksachen von Obermagistratsrat Julius Hahn, 1953, 1955; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Theodor W. Adorno, von Dr. Hans Hahn an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief von Theodor W. Adorno an Dr. Hans Hahn, 1952; 1 Danksagung von Rabbi Hugo Hahn, 1955; 3 Briefe mit Antwort von Paul Hahn an Max Horkheimer, 1951-1958; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an die Gebrüder Haldy, 1952; 1 Brief mit Antwort und Beilage von Professor George W. F. Hallgarten an Max Horkheimer, 1950; 1 Rundschreiben von Arzt und Psychotherapeut Hans Hammer, 1957; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Margarete Hampf-Solm, 1955; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Professor Eduardo Hamuy an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief von der Stadtärztin Dr. med. Carola Hannappel an Max Horkheimer, 1951; 1 Brief von Hansenmeister an Max Horkheimer, 1951; 1 Brief mit Antwort und Beilage von der Buchhandlung Ludwig Häntzschel an Max Horkheimer, 1958; 1 Brief von Professor Frederick Harris Harbison an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 3 Briefe mit Antwort von Robert Harcourt an Max Horkheimer, 1958; 1 Brief von Karl Hardach an Max Horkheimer, 1957; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Emilie Harlacher an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Drucksache mit Antwort von Oberkirchenrat Otto L. A. von Harling an Max Horkheimer, 1955; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Gertrud Harms an Max Horkheimer, 1955; 2 Brief mit Antwort von Professor Wolfgang Hartke an Max Horkheimer, 1954-1956; 2 Briefe mit antwort von Max Horkheimer an Senator Georg Hartmann, 1951, 1954; 3 briefe mit Antwort und Beilage von Ökonom Heinz Hartmann an Max Horkheimer, 1956-1958; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Professor Wilbert E. Moore an Max Horkheimer, 1957; 3 Briefe mit Antwort und Beilage von Dr. phil. Leo Hartmann an Max Horkheimer, 1957-1858; 1 Brief mit Antowort von Dr. phil. Eckardt Mesch an Max Horkheimer, 1957; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Luzie Hatch an Max Horkheimer, 1954; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an den Direktor H. W. Haupt, 1950; 1 Drucksache von Haus Schwalbach, 1951; 4 Briefe mit Antwort von Professor Gottfried und Ellen Hausmann an Max Horkheimer, 1951-1958; 6 Briefe mit Antwort von Eva Haussner an Max Horkheimer, 1957, 1958; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Professor Robert J. Havighurst an Max Horkheimer, 1951; 1 Brief mit Beilage von Herbert Hax an Max Horkheimer, 1955; 2 Briefe mit Antwort und Beilage von Jean Louis Hébarre an Max Horkheimer, 1950-1952; 1 Brief mit Antwort von dem Hebedienst für Elektrizität, Gas und Wasser an Max Horkheimer, 1951; 5 Briefe mit Antwort und Beilage von Professor Otto Heckmann an Max Horkheimer, 1952, 1954; 1 Brief von Melvin J. Lasky an August Heckscher, 1957; 3 Briefe mit Antwort von Marie Heep an Max Horkheimer, 1956-1858; 1 Brief von der Buchhandlung Thekla Heer an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief mit Antwort von dem Verleger Jakob Hegner an Max Horkheimer, 1955; 1 Brief von Dr. phil. Rudolf M. Heilbrunn an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Professor Eduard Heimann an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief von Professor Eduard Heimann an Theodor W. Adorno, 1957; 1 Brief mit Antwort von stud. phil. Wolfgang Heinrich an Max Horkheimer, 1958; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an den Direktor Helmuth Heintzmann, 1955; 1 Aktennotiz von Professor Bernhard Heller, 1956; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Philipp A. Heller an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Assistent Winfried Hellmann, 1957; 2 Briefe mit Antwort von Professor Arthur Henkel an Max Horkheimer, 1953/1954; 1 Brief von Max Horkheiemr an Dorothy Henkel, 1952; 2 Briefe mit Antwort von Dr. jur. Werner Hennig an Max Horkheimer, 1951; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Professor Wilhelm Hennis, 1957; 3 Briefe mit Antwort und Beilage von Professor Fritz Hepner an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an den Hessischer Minister für Erziehung und Volksbildung, 1950; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Professor Henrietta Herbolsheimer an Max Horkheimer, 1957/1958; 2 Briefe mit Antwort von P. G. Herbst an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an den Herder Verlag, 1953; 2 Briefe mit Antwort, Beilagen und Aktennotizen von Guenter R. Herz an Max Horkheimer, 1956-1957; 2 Briefe mit Antwort unv Beilagen von Professor Theodor W. Adorno, von Dr. phil. Günther Herzberg an Max Horkheimer, 1951-1953; 1 Brief von Professor Theodor W. Adrono an Dr. phil. Günther Herzberg, 1951; 1 Brief von Dr. phil. G. Herzfeld an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief von dem Herzog-Film an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Professor Theodor W. Adorno, von Professor Erich Herzog an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief von Professor Theodor W. Adorno an Professor Erich Herzog, 1952; 1 Brief mit Antwort von dem Verlag Otto H. Hess an Max Horkheimer, 1954; 1 Brief von Professor Gerhard Hess an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Drucksachevon dem Hessischer Arbeitsausschuss gegen Rekrutierung, 1952; 1 Brief mit Beilage von dem Hotel Hessischer Hof an Max Horkheimer, 1956; 1 Brief mit Antwort von dem Hessischer Landesverband für Erwachsenenbildung an Max Horkheimer, 1956; 2 Briefe mit Antwort und Beilage von Marc Heurgon an Max Horkheimer, 1958; 1 Brief mit Beilage von Ruth Heydebrand an Max Horkheimer, [1955]; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Professor Frederick W. J. Heuser an Max Horkheimer, 1954; 2 Briefe mit Antwort von Professor Joh Erich Heyde an Max Horkheimer, 1958; 1 Befürwortung von Wolf von Heydebrand an Max Horkheimer, 1954; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Professor Heinz Joachim Heydorn an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief mit Antwort und Beilage von dem Arzt Otto Heymann an Max Horkheimer, 1955; 5 Briefe zwischen dem Devisenberater und Steuerhelfer Joseph Christ und Max Horkheimer, 1955, 1956, 1961; 1 Brief von dem Office of the United States High Commissioner for Germany an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Lebenslauf von Elen B. Hill, ohne Jahr; 1 Brief von Kurt H. Wolff an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief von Rolf Himmelreich an Max Horkheimer, 1956; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Dr. Rolf Hinder an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Anton Hinsinger an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief mit Antwort von dem Hippokrates-Verlag an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief von Bernice L. Hirsch anMax Horkheimer, 1957; 4 Briefe und Beilagen zwischen dem Historiker und Soziologe Helmut Hirsch an Max Horkheimer, 1951-1954, 25.05.1951; 3 Briefe mit Antwort von Lux Hirsch an Max Horkheimer, 1958; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Trude Hirschberg an Max Horkheimer, 1951; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Ingineur Paul F. Hirschfelder an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief von Johannes Hirzel an Max Horkheimer, 1955; 1 Brief mit Antwort von dem Historisches Seminar Köln an Max Horkheimer, 1956; 1 Brief mit Antwort und Beilage von Professor Wolfgang Hochheimer an Professor Theodor W. Adorno, 1952; 2 Briefe von Max Horkheimer an Professor Wolfgang Hochheimer, 1953, 1954; 2 Memoranden von der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Psychologie, 1953; 1 Brief mit Beilage von Stud. phil. Erna Hochleitner an Max Horkheimer, 1956; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Professor Helmut Coing an Max Horkheimer, 1957; 3 Briefe mit Antwort von der Hochschule für Sozialwissenschaften Wilhelmshaven an Max Horkheimer, 1957, 1958; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an die Hochschule für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften Nürnberg, 1953; 2 Drucksachen von dem Hochschul-Dienst, 1952; 2 Drucksachen von der Hochschule für politische Wissenschaften München, 1952; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Dr. Wolfram Hodermann an Max Horkheimer, 1951; 4 Briefe zwischen Dr. phil. Walter Höllerer und Max Horkheimer, 1956; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Privatdozent Dr. phil. Walter Hoeres anMax Horkheimer, 1956; 2 Briefe mit Antwort von Stud. phil. Charlotte Hoffmann an Max Horkheimer, 1950; 3 Briefe mit Antwort und Beilage von Professor Walter Hoffmann an Max Horkheimer, 1950-1955; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Wolfhart E. V. Hoffmann an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Dr. Werner Hofmann, 1956; 1 Glückwunschtelegramm mit Antwort von Ernst und Karl Hohner, 1953; 1 Brief von Dozent Uvo Hölscher an Max Horkheimer, 1950; 2 Briefe mit Antwort von Professor Dr. med. K. Holldack an Max Horkheimer, 1957; 2 Briefe mit Antwort von Dipl. Landwirt Bernhard Hollenhorst an Max Horkheimer, 1956; 1 Brief von Hans Heinz Holz an Max Horkheimer, 1951; 2 Briefe mit Antwort und Beilage von Dr. phil. Rudolf Holzinger an Max Horkheimer, 1951, 1952; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Jakob Hommen an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief von Adele Hoppe anMax Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Dr. jur. Anton Horn an Max Horkheimer, 1954; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Dr. phil. Emil Horn an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief von der Landesabgeordneten Ruth Horn an H. Maidon, 1953; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Reg.-Direktor Dr. phil. Kurt Horstmann an Max Horkheimer, 1953; 1 Brief von dem Hotel Baur au Lac an H. Maidon, 1958; 2 Briefe mit 1 Antwort von dem Hotel Frankfurter Hof an Max Horkheimer, 1956, 1958; 1 Brief mit Antwort von dem Hotel Stafflenberg an H. Maidon, 1953; 1 Brief von dem Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, München an Max Horkheimer, 1951; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Jean J. Hubener, 1951; 2 Briefe mit Antwort und Beilage von Susanna Huber-Weisser an Max Horkheimer, 1956; 1 Todesanzeige von dem Sozialgerichtsdirektor Gustav Adolf Hünniger, 1955; 1 Brief von dem Oberstudiendirektor F. Huf an Max Horkheimer, 1952; 1 Brief mit Antwort von Professor H. D. Huggins an Max Horkheimer, 1954; 2 Briefe mit 1 Antwort und 1 Beilage von dem Humboldt-Verlag, Wien-Stuttgart an Max Horkheimer, 1951; 1 Brief von Helge Pross an stud. rer. pol. Kristian Hungar, 1957; 1 Brief von Helmut Hungerland an Max Horkheimer, 1950; 1 Brief mit Antwort von James R. Huntley an Max Horkheimer, 1954; 1 Brief von Professor Robert Maynard Hutchins an Max Horkheimer, 1957;

Prevalence of depressive symptoms in urban middle and high school Hispanic and African American students

This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms in urban Hispanic and African American middle and high school students (N=1,292) using data collected from a multi-component, multi-wave violence and substance use intervention program targeted at a large urban school district in Texas. Chi-square analysis was used to examine differences in race/ethnicity, gender, grade level and whether or not a student had been held back/repeated a grade in school. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the association between depressive symptoms and demographic variables. Being female and being held back/repeating a grade was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall 16% of the students reported depressive symptoms; Hispanic youth had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (16.8%) than the African American youth (14.8%). Minority females and those who had been held back/repeated a grade reported a prevalence of 19.4% and 21.2%, respectively. Further research is needed to understand why Hispanic youth continue to report a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than other minorities. Additionally research is required to further explore the association between academic performance and depressive symptoms in urban minorities, specifically the effect of being held back/repeating a grade.^

Risk and protective factors associated with depression among racial and ethnic mothers of adolescents

The central paradigm linking disadvantaged social status and mental health has been the social stress model (Horwitz, 1999), the assumption being that individuals residing in lower social status groups are subjected to greater levels of stress not experienced by individuals from higher status groups. A further assumption is that such individuals have fewer resources to cope with stress, in turn leading to higher levels of psychological disorder, including depression (Pearlin, 1989). Despite these key assumptions, there is a dearth of literature comparing the social patterning of stress exposure (Hatch & Dohrenwend, 2007; Meyer, Schwartz, & Frost, 2008; Kessler, Mickelson, & Williams, 1999; Turner & Avison, 2003; Turner & Lloyd, 1999; Turner, Wheaton, & Lloyd, 1995), and the distribution and contribution of protective factors, posited to play a role in the low rates of depression found among African- and Latino-Americans (Alegria et al., 2007; Breslau, Aguilar-Gaxiola, Kendler, Su, Williams, & Kessler, 2006; Breslau, Borges, Hagar, Tancredi, Gilman, 2009; Gavin, Walton, Chae, Alegria, Jackson, & Takeuchi, 2010; Williams, & Neighbors, 2006). Thus, this study sought to describe both the distribution and contribution of risk and protective factors in relation to depression among a sample of African-, European-, and Latina-American mothers of adolescents, including testing a hypothesized mechanism through which social support, an important protective factor specific to women and depression, operates. ^ Despite the finding that the levels of depression were not statistically different across all three groups of women, surprising results were found in describing the distribution of both risk and protective factors, in that results reported among all women who were mothers when analyzed masked differences within each ethnic group when SES was assessed, a point made explicit by Williams (2002) regarding racial and ethnic variations in women's health. In the final analysis, while perceived social support was found to partially mediate the effect of social isolation on depression, among African-Americans, the direct effect of social isolation and depression was lower among this group of women, as was the indirect effect of social isolation and perceived social support when compared to European- and Latina-American mothers. Or, put differently, higher levels of social isolation were not found to be as associated with more depression or lower social support among African-American mothers when compared to their European- and Latina-American counterparts. ^ Women in American society occupy a number of roles, i.e., that of being female, married or single, mother, homemaker or employee. In addition, to these roles, ethnicity and SES also come into play, such that the intersection of all these roles and the social contexts that they occupy are equally important and must be taken into consideration when making predictions drawn from the social stress model. Based on these findings, it appears that the assumptions of the social stress model need to be revisited to include the variety of roles that intersect among individuals from differing social groups. More specifically, among women who are mothers and occupy a myriad of other roles, i.e., that of being female, married or single, African- or Latina-American, mother, homemaker or employee, the intersection of all the roles and the social contexts that women occupy are equally important and must be taken into consideration when looking at both the types and distribution of stressors across women. Predictions based on simple, mutually exclusive categories of social groups may lead to erroneous assumptions and misleading results.^

(Table 2) Concentrations of persistant organic pollutants in the yolk of glaucous gull eggs, Bjørnøya, Svalbard archipelago

It is largely unknown if and how persistent organic pollutants (POPs) affect the transfer of maternal hormones to eggs. This occurs despite an increasing number of studies relating environmental conditions experienced by female birds at the time of egg formation to maternal hormonal effects. Here we report the concentrations of maternal testosterone, 17beta-estradiol and major classes of POPs (organochlorines, brominated flame retardants and metabolically-derived products) in the yolk of unincubated, third-laid eggs of the glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus), a top-predator in the Arctic marine environment. Controlled for seasonal and local variation, positive correlations were found between the concentrations of certain POPs and testosterone. Contaminant-related changes in the relative concentrations of testosterone and 17beta-estradiol were also observed. In addition, yolk steroid concentrations were associated with contaminant profiles describing the proportions of different POPs present in the yolk. Eggs from nests in which two sibling eggs hatched or failed to hatch differed in POP profiles and in the relative concentrations of testosterone and 17beta-estradiol. Although the results of this correlative study need to be interpreted with caution, they suggest that contaminant-related changes in yolk steroids may occur, possibly affecting offspring performance over and above toxic effects brought about by POPs in eggs.