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This study investigates associations between house characteristics and chemical contaminants in house dust, collected under the nationally representative Canadian House Dust Study (2007–2010). Vacuum samples (

Trends in the elemental composition of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 ) collected from indoor, outdoor, and personal microenvironments were investigated using two metrics: ng/m3 and mg/kg. Pearson correlations that were positive using one metric commonly disappeared or flipped to become negative when the other metric was applied to the same dataset. For example, the correlation between Mo and S in the outdoor microenvironment was positive using ng/m3 (p

Trends in the elemental composition of fine particulate matter (PM

A fluidized bed aerosol generator was connected to a 13-stage cascade impactor (nanoMOUDI) for the size fractionation of urban dust (&lt, 10 µm), followed by the gravimetric analysis of loaded PTFE filter samples. This method was used to characterize the PM10 (thoracic) fraction of road dust sampled from expressways, arterial roads and local roads in Toronto, Canada. The fine particle fractions (&lt, 1.8 µm) of all the studied samples accounted for 51–72% of the resuspended PM10 (by weight). Elemental analysis using ICP-MS and ICP-OES revealed an overall trend of element enrichment in the &lt, 1.8 µm fraction compared to the coarse fraction (1.8–10 µm) of the road dust. By contrast, archived house dust samples displayed the reverse trend for most elements. The lung bioaccessibility of target elements (Al, B, Ba, Co, Cr, Fe, La, Mn, Mo, Sb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) was assessed for each road dust fraction using 0.1 M ammonium citrate (pH 4.4) to simulate intracellular fluid and Gamble solution (pH 7.2) to simulate interstitial lung fluid. The &lt, 1.8 µm fraction of local road dust displayed significantly higher bioaccessibility (p &lt, 0.05) for Zn when using Gamble solution, and for seven out of the 14 target elements when using ammonium citrate. These results show the importance of characterizing the fine fraction of road dust.

This study investigated relationships between element concentrations in settled indoor dust and airborne particulate matter (PM), and characterized element concentrations in fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10-2.5) modes of indoor, outdoor and personal microenvironments. Concentrations in settled house dust correlated significantly (99% CI) with concentrations in indoor PM10 for 11 out of 17 studied elements: Ag, Al, As, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, U, V and Zn. Five elements showed significant correlations between personal PM10 and settled dust, at 99% CI for Ag, Al, and As; and at 95% CI for Mn and Sb. These significant dust- PM10 correlations were observed in non-smokers’ homes in Windsor, Canada, in which PM10-2.5 comprised 55% of personal and indoor PM10 (median values in 2005 and 2006 respectively). Several elements were more concentrated in indoor PM10 compared to the settled dust from which the PM10 was derived, with enrichment factors ranging from 1.3 to 11. Dust fractionation experiments confirmed that most trace elements were enriched in resuspended PM10 compared to the parent dust sample. The

Road dust is an important source of resuspended particulate matter (PM) but information is lacking on the chemical composition of the ultrafine particle fraction (UFP

Road dust is a sink and source of metals and metalloids of human health concern. To date, many studies have examined the composition of road dust but there remain critical knowledge gaps on the chemistry of thoracic fractions ( Zn > Ba > Cr > Cu > Pb > V > Ni > Sn > Mo > Co > As > Sb > Cd. Iron, Cr, Ni, Co, Mo and Cu levels were significantly associated with road class, with the highest concentrations measured for the expressway. Most elements, especially Sb and Zn, were enriched in thoracic sweepings. The PCA results demonstrate the importance of non-fossil fuel, traffic-related elemental emissions. Difficulties in identifying sources, given uncertainties regarding overlapping chemical profiles, are also highlighted. Significant elemental loadings to roads were estimated to occur, with the largest amounts identified for Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, Cr and Cu. Road dust resuspension is predicted to be the most important source of emissions for Fe, Al, Mn, Cr, V, Sn, Mo, Co and Sb.

The proprotein convertase family of enzymes includes seven endoproteases with significant redundancy in their cleavage activity. We previously described the peptide Ac-LLLLRVK-Amba that displays potent inhibitory effects on both PACE4 and prostate cancer cell lines proliferation. Herein, the molecular determinants for PACE4 and furin inhibition were investigated by positional scanning using peptide libraries that substituted its leucine core with each natural amino acid. We determined that the incorporation of basic amino acids led to analogues with improved inhibitory potency toward both enzymes, whereas negatively charged residues significantly reduced it. All the remaining amino acids were in general well tolerated, with the exemption of the P6 position. However, not all of the potent PACE4 inhibitors displayed antiproliferative activity. The best analogues were obtained by the incorporation of the Ile residue at the P5 and P6 positions. These substitutions led to inhibitors with increased PACE4 selectivity and potent antiproliferative effects.

A pilot study was undertaken to characterize the concentration, duration and particle size distribution of the talc cloud that forms in the personal breathing zone (PBZ) during application of certain talc-containing cosmetics. Multiple direct-reading instruments were employed to simultaneously monitor PM4 concentrations (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter &lt, 4 &micro, m, mg/m3) at different distances from each of three subjects while they applied talc products. Results indicated that the purpose and method of applying the talc product, combined with behavioral and physical differences amongst subjects, all strongly influenced airborne talc concentrations and the duration of the cloud. Air concentrations of talc in the PBZ averaged around 1.0 mg/m3, and the duration of exposure varied from less than one minute to more than ten minutes. The real-time monitors captured the occasional formation of secondary clouds, likely caused by resuspension of talc particles from skin or other surfaces. Measurements of aerosolized baby powder, face powder, and two adult body powders indicated that the median aerodynamic diameter of the talc cloud ranged from 1.7 to 2.0 &micro, m. These direct-reading approaches were valuable for providing detailed characterization of short duration exposures to airborne talc particles, and will be useful to support future exposure assessments of talc and other powders in consumer products.

Introduction The interpersonal context of an individual struggling with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is of critical importance. Objective The purpose of the current study is to offer, through a dyadic perspective, a unique portrait of the relevant indicators of romantic relationship functioning (i.e., romantic attachment, dyadic trust, dyadic coping, relationship satisfaction, and caregiving) that distinguish young women who have engaged in NSSI from those who have not. Method Participants consisted of 20 women who indicated having engaged in NSSI in the past six months and 20 women who indicated having never engaged in NSSI, along with their respective partner. Results Results revealed that women who engaged in NSSI were more likely to report subjective distress in the form of attachment anxiety and distrust, as well as lower relationship satisfaction and adaptive dyadic coping strategies, compared to women who had never engaged in NSSI. Findings also showed that partners of women who engaged in self-injury reported more attachment anxiety than partners of women who do not engage in NSSI. Conclusion These results highlight the importance of romantic relationship dynamics and the potential associations with engagement in self-injurious behaviors, which has implications for the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies.

L’objectif de cette étude préliminaire est d’examiner la perception du soutien offert par le partenaire amoureux comme médiateur de la relation entre l’attachement amoureux du patient (anxiété face à l’abandon et évitement de l’intimité) et la dramatisation de la douleur par ce dernier, de même que les liens directs entre ces variables. L’échantillon d'analyse comprend 46 adultes qui vivent quotidiennement avec de la douleur chronique et qui sont en relation de couple depuis au moins 6 mois. Les participants ont complété l’Experiences in Close Relationships, le Perceived Responsiveness Scale et le Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Les résultats indiquent que plus un individu a un attachement non sécurisant, moins il perçoit de soutien de son partenaire amoureux. L’anxiété face à l’abandon est associée à plus de dramatisation face à la douleur.

This study examined the mediating role of romantic perfectionism in the associations linking romantic attachment insecurity and self-perceived dyadic coping in a community sample of 170 mixed-sex couples. Path analyses, based on the actor-partner interdependence model, revealed that other-oriented perfectionism in men and women mediated the link between their own attachment-related avoidance and dyadic coping. Other-oriented perfectionism in women mediated the link between their own attachment-related anxiety and dyadic coping. Findings contribute to advancing knowledge about the intrapersonal and interpersonal mechanisms underlying coping processes in couples. Results also inform clinical interventions targeting attachment insecurities and perfectionism in the context of romantic relationships.

Road dust is enriched with a range of metals and metalloids of human health concern, including technology-critical elements, such as the automotive exhaust catalysts platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) a...

Metal enrichment of road dust is well characterized but available data on the bioaccessibility of metals in particle size fractions relevant to human respiratory health remain limited. The study goal was to investigate the bioaccessibility of platinum group elements (PGE), which are used as catalysts in automotive exhaust converters, in the inhalable fraction of road dust. Street sweepings were provided by the City of Toronto, Canada, collected as part of its Clean Roads to Clean Air program.The particle size relevance of road dust for inhalation exposures was confirmed using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer (mean Dx(50): 9.42 μm). Total PGE were determined in both bulk and inhalable fractions using nickel sulfide (NiS) fire-assay and instrumental neutron-activation analysis (INAA). PGE lung solubility was examined for the inhalable fraction using Gamble’s extraction. Sample digests were co-precipitated with Te-Sn, to pre-concentrate and isolate PGE, prior to their measurement using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Total PGE concentrations were enriched in the inhalable fraction of road sweepings. Geomean concentrations in the inhalable fraction were: palladium (Pd) (152 μg/kg), platinum (Pt) (55 μg/kg), rhodium (Rh) (21 μg/kg) and iridium (Ir) (0.23 μg/kg). Osmium (Os) concentrations were below the limit of detection (LOD). Bioaccessible PGEs (n = 16) using Gamble’s solution were below LOD for Ir and ruthenium (Ru). For the remainder, the geomean % bioaccessibility was highest for platinum (16%), followed by rhodium (14%) and palladium (3.4%). This study provides evidence that PGE in road dust are bioaccessible in the human lung.

// Christine Levesque 1, 2 , Frederic Couture 1, 2 , Anna Kwiatkowska 1, 2 , Roxane Desjardins 1, 2 , Brigitte Guerin 2, 3 , Witold A. Neugebauer 2 , Robert Day 1, 2 1 Department of Surgery/Urology Division and Faculte de Medecine et Sciences de la Sante, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1H 5N4, Canada 2 Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Faculte de Medecine et Sciences de la Sante, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1H 5N4, Canada 3 Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Faculte de Medecine et Sciences de la Sante, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1H 5N4, Canada Correspondence to: Robert Day, e-mail: Robert.day@usherbrooke.ca Keywords: PACE4, Multi-Leu peptide, Prostate Cancer, Proprotein convertases, Peptide inhibitors Received: November 16, 2014 Accepted: December 14, 2014 Published: February 19, 2015 ABSTRACT Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in North American men. Current pharmacological treatments are limited to anti-androgen strategies and the development of new therapeutic approaches remains a challenge. As a fundamentally new approach, we propose the inhibition of PACE4, a member of the proprotein convertases family of enzymes, as a therapeutic target in prostate cancer. We developed an inhibitor named the Multi-Leu peptide, with potent in vitro anti-proliferative effects. However, the Multi-Leu peptide has not been tested under in vivo conditions and its potency under such conditions is most likely limited, due to the labile characteristics of peptides in general. Using a peptidomimetic approach, we modified the initial scaffold, generating the analog Ac-[DLeu]LLLRVK-Amba, which demonstrates increased inhibitory potency and stability. The systemic administration of this peptidomimetic significantly inhibits tumor progression in the LNCaP xenograft model of prostate cancer by inducing tumor cell quiescence, increased apoptosis and neovascularization impairment. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiles of this inhibitor confirm adequate tumor delivery properties of the compound. We conclude that PACE4 peptidomimetic inhibitors could result in stable and potent drugs for a novel therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer.

The potential of PACE4 as a pharmacological target in prostate cancer has been demonstrated as this proprotein convertase is strongly overexpressed in human prostate cancer tissues and its inhibition, using molecular or pharmacological approaches, results in reduced cell proliferation and tumor progression in mouse tumor xenograft models. We developed a PACE4 high-affinity peptide inhibitor, namely, the multi-leucine (ML), and sought to determine whether this peptide could be exploited for the targeting of prostate cancer for diagnostic or molecular imaging purposes. We conjugated a bifunctional chelator 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7- triacetic acid (NOTA) to the ML peptide for copper-64 (64Cu) labeling and positron emission tomography (PET)– based prostate cancer detection. Enzyme kinetic assays against recombinant PACE4 showed that the NOTA-modified ML peptide displays identical inhibitory properties compared to the unmodified peptide. In vivo biodistribution of the 64Cu/NOTA-ML peptide evaluated in athymic nude mice bearing xenografts of two human prostate carcinoma cell lines showed a rapid and high uptake in PACE4-expressing LNCaP tumor at an early time point and in PACE4-rich organs. Co-injection of unlabeled peptide confirmed that tumor uptake was target-specific. PACE4-negative tumors displayed no tracer uptake 15 minutes after injection, while the kidneys, demonstrated high uptake due to rapid renal clearance of the peptide. The present study supports the feasibility of using a 64Cu/NOTA-ML peptide for PACE4-targeted prostate cancer detection and PACE4 status determination by PET imaging but also provides evidence that ML inhibitor–based drugs would readily reach tumor sites under in vivo conditions for pharmacological intervention or targeted radiation therapy.

The purpose of this study was to validate the English version of the original German Dyadic Coping Inventory. Results indicated that the English version of the Dyadic Coping Inventory is a valid an...

Proprotein convertases are a family of kexin-like serine proteases that process proteins at single and multiple basic residues. Among the predicted and identified PC substrates, an increasing number of proteins having functions in cancer progression indicate that PCs may be potential targets for antineoplastic drugs. In support of this notion, we identified PACE4 as a vital PC involved in prostate cancer proliferation and progression, contrasting with the other co-expressed PCs. The aim of the present study was to test the importance of PCs in ovarian cancer cell proliferation and tumor progression. Based on tissue-expression profiles, furin, PACE4, PC5/6 and PC7 all displayed increased expression in primary tumor, ascites cells and metastases. These PCs were also expressed in variable levels in three model ovarian cell lines tested, namely SKOV3, CAOV3 and OVCAR3 cells. Since SKOV3 cells closely represented the PC expression profile of ovarian cancer cells, we chose them to test the effects of PC silencing using stable gene-silencing shRNA strategy to generate knockdown SKOV3 cells for each expressed PC. In vitro and in vivo assays confirmed the role of PACE4 in the sustainment of SKOV3 cell proliferation, which was not observed with the other three PCs. We also tested PACE4 peptide inhibitors on all three cell lines and observed consequent reduced cell proliferation which was correlated with PACE4 expression. Overall, these data support a role of PACE4 in promoting cell proliferation in ovarian cancer and provides further evidence for PACE4 as a potential therapeutic target.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate a theoretical model specifying the direct and indirect associations between dyadic empathy, dyadic coping, and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 187 heterosexual couples. Dyadic and structural aspects of mediation were tested using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Results revealed that greater levels of an individual’s own propensity for dyadic empathy (i.e., one’s ability to experience empathic concern and perspective-taking) significantly predicted greater levels of an individual’s own dyadic coping strategies among both male and female participants. Moreover, increased levels of an individual’s own dyadic coping strategies significantly predicted a similar greater degree of an individual’s own relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, results also provide support for the possible mediating role that an individual’s own dyadic coping strategies may hold in explaining the links between an individual’s own empathic concern and an individual’s own relationship satisfaction among male participants. With regard to the dyadic components of the study’s model, findings indicated that perspective-taking among males significantly improve their female partners’ propensity to employ positive dyadic coping strategies. Moreover, empathic concern among female participants was found to improve their male partners’ dyadic coping strategies. Findings suggest the potential utility of examining dyadic coping as a means to expand clinical and empirical insights regarding the links between dyadic empathy and relationship satisfaction.

Understanding bioaccessibility, defined as the fraction of an element that is soluble under gastrointestinal conditions, has become an important component of human health risk assessments. This study investigated the impact of humidity on the bioaccessibility of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se) in house dust. Three dust samples (two vacuum samples and NIST 2584 Indoor Dust) were weathered in an oxygenated humidity chamber for four months. Bioaccessibility was determined in original and weathered samples using a simulated gastric extraction followed by Inductively-Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and/or Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) as required. Exposure to humid conditions significantly increased bioaccessibility in all samples by 45–93% for Pb and by 21–65% for Zn. In contrast, bioaccessibility of Se was significantly decreased in all three weathered samples (by 75–93%), whereas bioaccessibility of Co displayed a variable response (16% increase; no significant change; 35% decrease respectively). Synchrotron XAS analysis of Pb speciation in the original and weathered dust samples determined that Pb transformed from less bioaccessible inorganic species towards more bioaccessible organic species under humid conditions. These results indicated that chemical transformations in damp microenvironments where house dust accumulates, such as window troughs or the base of carpets, may increase the bioaccessibility of particle-bound elements. Changes in bioaccessibility caused by weathering were shown to be significant in the context of the nationally representative Canadian House Dust Study (n = 1025). The national datasets indicated that bioaccessibility is element-dependent (median 59% for Pb; 67% for Zn; 33% for Co; and 13% for Se). Variations in the frequency distributions were attributed to site-specific differences in speciation and the varied bioaccessibility of individual species. The importance of speciation in determining overall bioaccessibility was further demonstrated by measurements of dozens of Pb, Zn and Co compounds that could feasibly occur in house dust. It was concluded that interactions between these elements and the organic matter content of house dust are key to understanding element bioaccessibility and accumulation behaviour in the indoor environment.

PACE4 plays an important role in the progression of prostate cancer and is an attractive target for the development of novel inhibitor-based tumor therapies. We previously reported the design and synthesis of a novel, potent, and relatively selective PACE4 inhibitor known as a Multi-Leu (ML) peptide. In the present work, we examined the ML peptide through detailed structure-activity relationship studies. A variety of ML-peptide analogues modified at the P8-P5 positions with leucine isomers (Nle, DLeu, and DNle) or substituted at the P1 position with arginine mimetics were tested for their inhibitory activity, specificity, stability, and antiproliferative effect. By incorporating d isomers at the P8 position or a decarboxylated arginine mimetic, we obtained analogues with an improved stability profile and excellent antiproliferative properties. The DLeu or DNle residue also has improved specificity toward PACE4, whereas specificity was reduced for a peptide modified with the arginine mimetic, such as 4-amidinobenzylamide.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an issue primarily of concern in adolescents and young adults. Thus far, no single NSSI self-report measure offers a fully comprehensive assessment of NSSI, particularly including measurement of both its functions and potential addictive features. The Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) permits simultaneous assessment of both these characteristics; the current study examined the psychometric properties of this measure in a sample of 149 young adults in a university student sample (82.6% girls, Mage = 19.43 years). Exploratory factor analyses revealed 4 functions factors (internal emotion regulation, social influence, external emotion regulation, and sensation seeking) and a single addictive features factor. Convergent evidence for the functions factor scores was demonstrated through significant correlations with an existing measure of NSSI functions and indicators of psychological well-being, risky behaviors, and context and frequency of NSSI behaviors. Convergent evidence was also shown for the addictive features scores, through associations with NSSI frequency, feeling relieved following NSSI, and inability to resist NSSI urges. Additional comment is made regarding the potential for addictive features of NSSI to be both negatively and positively reinforcing. Results show preliminary psychometric support for the OSI as a valid and reliable assessment tool to be used in both research and clinical contexts. The OSI can provide important information for case formulation and treatment planning, given the comprehensive and all-inclusive nature of its assessment capacities.

Oral bioaccessibility estimates for six metals which are prevalent as contaminants in Canada (zinc, lead, cadmium, copper, nickel, and chromium) are investigated for house dust using the simple gastric phase versus the two-phase physiologically-based extraction technique (PBET). The purpose is to determine whether a complete gastrointestinal (GI) assay yields a more conservative (i.e., higher) estimate of metal bioaccessibility in house dust than the gastric phase alone (G-alone). The study samples include household vacuum dust collected from 33 homes in Montreal, Canada, plus four certified reference materials (NIST 2583, NIST 2584, NIST 2710 and NIST 2710a). Results indicate that percent bioaccessibilities obtained using G-alone are generally greater than or equivalent to those obtained using the complete GI simulation for the six studied metals in house dust. Median bioaccessibilities for G-alone/GI in household vacuum dust samples (n = 33) are 76.9%/19.5% for zinc, 50.4%/6.2% for lead, 70.0%/22.4% for cadmium, 33.9%/30.5% for copper and 28.5%/20.7% for nickel. Bioaccessible chromium is above the detection limit in only four out of 33 samples, for which G-alone results are not significantly different from GI results (p = 0.39). It is concluded that, for the six studied metals, a simple G-alone extraction provides a conservative and cost-effective approach for estimating oral bioaccessibility of metals in house dust.

The Canadian House Dust Study was designed to obtain nationally representative urban house dust metal concentrations (μg g(-1)) and metal loadings (μg m(-2)) for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Consistent sampling of active dust of known age and provenance (area sampled) also permitted the calculation of indoor loading rates (mg m(-2) day(-1) for dust and μg m(-2) day(-1) for metals) for the winter season (from 2007 to 2010) when houses are most tightly sealed. Geomean/median indoor dust loading rates in homes located more than 2 km away from industry of any kind (9.6/9.1 mg m(-2) day(-1); n=580) were significantly lower (p

Despite evidence that adult attachment insecurity has been linked to the perpetration of physical intimate violence, the mechanisms underlying this link need further exploration. The goal of this study was to evaluate the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties in the association between romantic attachment and the use of physical intimate partner violence. To this end, 611 students recruited from Chilean universities completed the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses revealed that emotion regulation difficulties mediated the relationship between dimensions of romantic attachment (anxiety over abandonment and avoidance of intimacy) and physical violence perpetration among both male and female participants. Implications for future research and clinical practice are presented herein.

Nationally representative baseline data are presented for rare earth elements (REE), thorium (Th) and uranium (U) in house dust sampled from 1025 urban homes, in units of concentrations (μg g-1 ), loadings (μg m-2 ), and loading rates (ng m-2 d-1 ). Spearman rank correlations indicate that, in addition to outdoor sources, consumer products and building materials can influence indoor dust concentrations of REE, Th, and U. Correlations (P

Insecure attachment is believed to play a fundamental role in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). In fact, the quality of parent–child attachment relationships has become an emerging topic attracting a growing number of theoretical and research contributions in the field of NSSI. However, despite these considerable advances in the scientific study of NSSI, progress pertaining to investigating the quality of romantic attachment relationship is lacking. In an effort to expand current knowledge, the present study aims to not only explore the relationships between romantic attachment and NSSI, but also to explore the mechanisms by which these two variables relate by examining the mediating role that emotion regulation and dyadic coping might play in this relationship. Participants consisted of 797 (81.9 % female) university students, all of whom were involved in a romantic relationship for at least 6 months and between the ages of 17 and 25. Results revealed that although difficulties in emotion regulation mediated the relationships between romantic attachment insecurity (i.e., attachment anxiety and avoidance) and NSSI, dyadic coping was not found to be a significant mediator. These results highlight the importance of attachment security and internal processes to manage stress in the prevention of NSSI.

Guided by the attachment theory, this study tested the degree to which perspective taking mediates the effects of romantic attachment on the use of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) toward the partner. Participants consisted of 608 Chilean university students involved in a romantic relationship, among whom 44.2% of women and 34.7% of men reported inflicting at least one act of violence toward their partner during the previous year. Results from a structural equation model showed that the association between avoidance of intimacy and physical IPV is mediated by perspective taking for both men and women. However, perspective taking mediated the link between attachment anxiety and physical IPV in women only. Our findings underline the importance of the individual’s sense of attachment security in relation to their ability to empathize with their partners, as well as prevent the perpetration of physical IPV against them.

The proprotein convertases (PCs) play an important role in protein precursor activation through processing at paired basic residues. However, significant substrate cleavage redundancy has been reported between PCs. The question remains whether specific PC inhibitors can be designed. This study describes the identification of the sequence LLLLRVKR, named Multi-Leu (ML)-peptide, that displayed a 20-fold selectivity on PACE4 over furin, two enzymes with similar structural characteristics. We have previously demonstrated that PACE4 plays an important role in prostate cancer and could be a druggable target. The present study demonstrates that the ML-peptide significantly reduced the proliferation of DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer-derived cell lines and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. However, the ML-peptide must enter the cell to inhibit proliferation. It is concluded that peptide-based inhibitors can yield specific PC inhibitors and that the ML-peptide is an important lead compound that could potentially have applications in prostate cancer.

Two theoretical models of attachment have been proposed. The trait model conceptualizes attachment as a general personality characteristic of an individual, whereas the context model conceptualizes attachments as relationship-specific. Participant-parent relationship quality, attachment patterns in relationships to friends, and attachment patterns in relationships to romantic partners were examined to determine whether participants experience one general, trait-like attachment orientation or whether attachment patterns are context-specific. A sample of 2,214 young adults (76% female) aged between 17 and 25 years was recruited for participation from psychology courses offered at their university of study. Students completed a survey package including five self-report measures evaluating relational dimensions in relationships to parents, friends, and romantic partners, in addition to one self-report measure of psychological well-being. Participants in couple relationships also completed two self-report measures of dyadic well-being. Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses support the conceptualization of attachment patterns as context-specific variables because findings revealed distinctions between attachment patterns/quality of relationship to parents, friends, and romantic partners. Results from regression analyses suggest that such relationships contribute differently to participants’ psychological well-being and dyadic functioning.

Wipe sampling is the USA regulatory protocol for determination of "dust lead loadings" in residential environments. Few studies have applied the wipe sampling method to metals other than lead (Pb) for the purpose of residential exposure assessments. This study was undertaken to develop and expand the wipe method for quantifying additional metal(loid)s including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and antimony (Sb); and to provide information on typical background loadings for these metals in urban Canadian homes. A total of 932 wipe samples, 220 field blanks, and 220 duplicate wipes were collected from 222 homes located in three cities in Ontario, Canada using the ASTM 1728 standard. The wipes were digested using a modified version of the ASTM 1644 standard for Pb, which prescribes a hot nitric acid/hydrogen peroxide digestion. The key modification was the addition of hydrofluoric acid to improve recoveries of the target elements, and determination using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Generally, a large proportion of the results fell below the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ). To distinguish "elevated" metal loadings from loadings characterized as "urban background", an upper background threshold for each element was derived using a normality (Q-Q) plot. LOQ was determined to be the appropriate minimum threshold based on quality assurance criteria. It is concluded that wipes are a useful sampling option to investigate multi-element loadings in residential environments.