text:
INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality
rates, main causes related with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and bone
mineral disorder (CKD-BMD). Uremic toxins, as advanced glycation end
products (AGEs), are non-traditional cardiovascular risk factor and play a
role on development of CKD-BMD in CKD. The measurement of skin
autofluorescence (sAF) is a noninvasive method to assess the level of AGEs
in tissue, validated in CKD patients.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is analyze AGEs measured by sAF levels (AGEs-sAF) and its relations with CVD and BMD parameters in HD patients.
METHODS: Twenty prevalent HD patients (HD group) and healthy subjects (Control group, n = 24), performed biochemical tests and measurements of anthropometric parameters and AGEs-sAF. In addition, HD group performed measurement of intact parathormone (iPTH), transthoracic echocardiogram and radiographies of pelvis and hands for vascular calcification score.
RESULTS: AGEs-sAF levels are elevated both in HD and control subjects ranged according to the age, although higher at HD than control group. Single high-flux HD session does not affect AGEs-sAF levels. AGEs-sAF levels were not related to ventricular mass, interventricular septum or vascular calcification in HD group. AGEs-sAF levels were negatively associated with serum iPTH levels.
CONCLUSION: Our study detected a negative correlation of AGEs-sAF with serum iPTH, suggesting a role of AGEs on the pathophysiology of bone disease in HD prevalent patients. The nature of this relation and the clinical application of this non-invasive methodology for evaluation AGEs deposition must be confirmed and clarified in future studies.
Keywords: hemodialysis units, hospital; parathyroid hormone; cardiovascular diseases; bone diseases; glycosylation end products, advanced.
INTRODUÇÃO: A doença renal crônica (DRC) apresenta elevadas taxas de morbidade e
mortalidade, sendo a doença cardiovascular (DCV) e o distúrbio mineral e
ósseo da DRC (DMO-DRC) complicações frequentes. As toxinas urêmicas, dentre
elas os produtos finais da glicação avançada (AGEs), são fatores de risco
cardiovascular não tradicionais e se encontram envolvidas no desenvolvimento
do DMO-DRC na DRC. A medida da autofluorescência da pele (sAF) é método não
invasivo para quantificação do acúmulo tecidual de AGEs validado em
pacientes portadores de DRC.
OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as relações entre os AGEs medidos por sAF (AGEs-AF) e parâmetros de DCV e DMO-DRC em pacientes em hemodiálise (HD).
MÉTODOS: 20 pacientes em HD (grupo HD) e 24 indivíduos hígidos (grupo controle) foram submetidos à análise bioquímica sérica, medidas antropométricas e de sAF. O grupo HD realizou medida de hormônio intacto da paratireoide (PTHi), ecocardiograma transtorácico e radiografias de pelve e mãos para pesquisa de calcificação vascular.
RESULTADOS: Os níveis de AGEs-sAF foram elevados para a idade nos grupos HD e controle, porém mais elevados no grupo HD. Sessão única de HD de alto-fluxo não afetou os níveis de AGEs-sAF. Os níveis teciduais de AGEs não se correlacionaram com massa ventricular, espessura de septo interventricular ou calcificação vascular no grupo HD. Os níveis de AGEs-sAF se correlacionaram negativamente com os níveis séricos de PTHi.
CONCLUSÃO: Nosso estudo detectou correlação negativa entre os níveis de AGEs-sAF e os níveis séricos de PTHi, sugerindo que os AGEs estejam envolvidos na fiosiopatologia da doença óssea em pacientes em HD. A natureza desta relação e a aplicação clínica deste método não invasivo de avaliação do acúmulo tecidual de AGEs deve ser confirmada e elucidada por estudos futuros.
Palavras-chave: hemodiálise; hormônio intacto da paratireoide; doenças cardiovasculares; doenças ósseas; produtos finais de glicosilação avançada.
|Citation: França RA, Esteves ABA, Borges CM, Quadros KRS, Falcão LCN, Caramori JCT, et al. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) accumulation in skin: relations with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder. Braz. J. Nephrol. (J. Bras. Nefrol.) 39(3):253. doi:10.5935/0101-2800.39-03-0253
|Received: December 15 2016; Accepted: March 03 2017
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Patients under hemodialysis (HD) treatment have five-fold shorter life expectancy than healthy subjects do at the same age. The main causes of death in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and bone mineral disorder (CKD-MBD).1,2
In addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors, uremic toxins are non-traditional factors associated with mortality in CKD patients. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are uremic toxins which are elevated in CKD because of increased production by oxidative stress, impaired renal excretion and diet consumption.3 The measurement of skin autofluorescence (sAF) is a noninvasive method used to indirectly evaluate the accumulation of AGEs in this tissue. This methodology was validated in studies, including those with CKD patients, through the comparison between AGEs-sAF values and density of AGEs in skin biopsies processed by immunohistochemistry for AGEs.3-5
AGEs accumulation on tissue proteins seems to be a contributing factor in atherosclerosis. Some studies revealed elevated levels of AGEs in patients with coronary artery disease,6 carotid artery stenosis7 and peripheral artery disease,8 irrespective of diabetes mellitus (DM) or renal disease.9 For these reasons AGEs have been described as a predictor of cardiovascular mortality.3,10
Another important potential clinical application of AGEs evaluation through sAF is to investigate its relations with CKD-MBD. Of note, AGEs seems to do negative effects on bone quality by mechanisms that are not fully elucidated, being associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia.11 AGEs can reduce bone formation by interfering with the production of matrix proteins and inducing mesenchymal stem cells apoptosis.11 Furthermore, AGEs may interfere with the osteoblast differentiation, proliferation and mineralization, actions that were demonstrated in cell culture studies.11,12
AGEs seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of adynamic bone disease in CKD patients by inhibiting osteoblastic activity and parathormone secretion.13 Since AGEs could act on bone turnover by multiple mechanisms, they are probably related to serum intact parathormone (iPTH), the most commonly used biomarker that supports CKD-MBD management,14 although this issue was not proven yet.
Considering that AGEs can affect both bone tissue and cardiovascular system, this study aim to evaluate the relations between AGEs accumulation in skin measured by sAF (AGEs-sAF) and CKD-MBD parameters through analysis of clinical, biochemical and image studies in a cohort of patients under chronic HD treatment.
Study design and subjects
This pilot study is an observational, transversal, controlled, single-center study involving CKD patients under HD treatment. Patients included in HD group (N = 20) were recruited from the Nephrology Department's outpatient HD clinic at Hospital das Clínicas, University of Campinas. All patients receiving chronic HD were dialyzed thrice weekly for four hours with high-flux and high-efficiency polysulphone dialyzers. The inclusion criteria for the study are as follows: age > 18 years old; undergoing HD for more than three months. Exclusion criteria were: skin phototypes "V" and "VI" by Fitzpatrick classification15 (skin colors that not allow the precise measurement of AGE-sAF by AGE-ReaderT following manufacturer's instructions), have clinical instability, cancer or HIV.
In order to compare the measurements of AGEs-sAF values we used a control group with apparently normal healthy subjects (n = 24) that fulfill following criteria: aged between 20 and 70 years; serum creatinine < 1.2 mg/dL; serum albumin > 3.5 mg/dL; do not have the diagnostic of DM, chronic inflammatory disease, not be pregnant or using medicines that exert influences on bone metabolism (i.e., anticonvulsants, bisphosphonates, calcimimetics, calcitonin, corticosteroids, GnRH analogs, vitamin D, dicumarinic, hormone replacement therapy, and thyroid treatments).
Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects, and the ethics committee of the University of Campinas approved the study protocol (CAAE 38406514.6.0000.5404). The study was performed in accordance with the precepts of the Declaration of Helsinki.
Study protocol
All patients were on their HD schedule in the second session of the week in order to perform laboratory blood tests and measurements of anthropometric parameters, blood pressure and AGEs-sAF.
Height and weight were measured without shoes, and without heavy clothing. Body mass index (BMI) was defined as weight (kg) divided by square of height (m2). Waist circumference (WC) was measured midway between the last rib and the crest of the ileum and hip circumference (HC) around the pelvis at the point of maximum protrusion of the buttocks, both in a horizontal plane, without compressing the soft tissues. WC and HC were recorded to the nearest cm and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was defined as a ratio of WC to HC. Systolic blood pressure was measured on the left arm in control group and on contralateral arm which do not have an arteriovenous fistula in HD patients.
In patients from HD group, transthoracic echocardiogram was performed to analyze left ventricular mass, valve calcification and interventricular septum thickness. Vascular calcification was evaluated in plain radiographic films of pelvis and hands by simple score proposed by Adragão et al.16 ranging from 0 to 8. The pelvis radiographic films were divided into four sections by two imaginary lines: a horizontal line over the upper limit of both femoral heads and a median vertical line over the vertebral column. The films of the hands were divided, for each hand, by a horizontal line over the upper limit of the metacarpal bones. The presence of linear calcifications in each section was counted as "1" and its absence as "0". Vascular calcifications were evaluated only in the follow arteries: iliacs, femorals, radials and digitals by the same observer.
An interview was conducted with all subjects focusing on comorbidities and disease history, both in general and specific previous cardiovascular disease (CVD). History of CVD was considered positive if the following events were present: myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, angina pectoris or surgical procedures for angina or coronary/peripheral artery disease (including percutaneous-transluminal angioplasty). The patient's medical files were reviewed in order to identify and record any concomitant medications. Patients and healthy subjects were classified according Framingham risk.17
Laboratory tests
Blood samples were collected immediately before the second HD session of the week or in a previously scheduled date in control group. Serum creatinine, urea, potassium, hemoglobin, hematocrit, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, fasting glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides, uric acid, C-reactive protein, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (chemiluminescence method), albumin, ß2-microglobulin and bicarbonate levels were assayed in an on-site biochemistry laboratory using standard auto-analyzer techniques (Modular IIPR system, Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland). Serum intact 1-84-parathormone (iPTH) was determined by a chemiluminometric immunoassay (Liaison N-tact PTH CLIAR, Diasorin, Stillwater).
Measurement of AGEs-sAF
Tissue accumulation of AGEs was indirectly measured by evaluation of sAF with an instrument named AGE-ReaderT according to the supplier's recommendations (DiagOptics BV, Groningen, The Netherlands). This desktop device uses AGEs fluorescent properties to measure sAF, which is calculated as the ratio between the emission light and reflected excitation light, and is expressed in arbitrary units (AU).4,5 sAF was assessed on the ventral site of the lower arm. Pre- and post-HD evaluations of AGEs-sAF were performed in the second HD sessions of the week, on contralateral arm which do not have an arteriovenous fistula or left arm (control group).
All the measurements were performed in triplicate at room temperature in a room with windows covered by curtains to avoid sun illumination (semi-dark). The mean value of the triple measurement was used for further analysis. To rank AGEs tissue levels according to the age we used the reference values established in a Dutch cohort.18
Statistical analysis
Data were expressed as the mean ± SD, median and interquartile range or frequency, as appropriate. For descriptive and analytical purposes, data from patients in HD group were stratified according to the median AGEs-sAF levels (sAF AGEs < 2.7 AU versus = 2.7 AU). Intergroup comparisons were performed using a ?2 test for categorical variables and Student's t-test or a Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. Pearson's correlation coefficient or Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess the relationships between AGEs-sAF and selected clinical or biochemical variables. The threshold for statistical significance was set to bicaudal p < 0.05. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 17.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago).
Twenty-four healthy subjects (control group) and 20 patients (HD group) had completed the study. Clinical and demographic characteristics, as well biochemistry results are shown on Tables 1 and 2.
|(n = 24)
|(n = 20)
|Age (years)
|38 ± 9
|38 ± 19
|Female gender, n (%)
|14 (58)
|9 (43)
|BMI (Kg/m2)
|25 ± 4
|23.5 ± 6
|Waist circunference (cm)
|83.5 ± 14
|87 ± 17
|Waist-to-hip ratio
|0.84 ± 0.1
|0.92 ± 0.1a
|SBP (mmHg)
|110 ± 9
|132 ± 18a
HD: Hemodialysis; BMI: Body mass index; SBP: Systolic blood pressure.
a p < 0.05.
|(n = 24)
|(n = 20)
|AGEs-sAF (AU)
|2.3 ± 0.4
|2.6 ± 0.4
|Glycemia (mg/dL)
|86 ± 9
|77 ± 23
|Glycated hemoglobin (%)
|5.1 ± 0.2
|5.1 ± 0.7
|Ferritin (ng/mL)
|129 (103-171)
|519 (414-750)
|C-reactive protein (mg/dL)
|0.2 ± 0.2
|1.7 ± 3
|Albumin (g/dL)
|4.4 ± 0.2
|3.8 ± 0.5
|Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
|185 ± 37
|145 ± 33
|LDL-cholesterol (mg/dL)
|106 ± 29
|77 ± 23
|HDL-cholesterol (mg/dL)
|54 ± 12
|39 ± 13
|Triglycerides (mg/dL)
|133 ± 102
|143 ± 61
|Uric acid (mg/dL)
|4.9 ± 1.2
|6.7 ± 1.1
|Urea (mg/dL)
|29 ± 7
|136 ± 38
|Creatinine (mg/dL)
|0.79 ± 0.14
|11 ± 2.8
|Hemoglobin (g/dL)
|14 ± 1
|10.3 ± 1.7
|Hematocrit (%)
|43 ± 3
|32.2 ± 5
HD: Hemodialysis; AGEs-sAF: Advanced glycation end products; sAF: Skin autofluorescence; AU: Arbitrary unit; LDL: Low density lipoprotein; HDL: High density lipoprotein.
In control group, AGEs-sAF according to their age was higher in 22 (91%) subjects (2.3 ± 0.4 AU). AGEs-sAF were positively correlated with age (R = 0.77; p = 0.001), as well the serum C-reactive protein (R = 0.48; p = 0.03), triglycerides (R = 0.43; p = 0.03), total cholesterol (R = 0.54; p = 0.006) and glycated hemoglobin levels (R = 0.46; p = 0.02). Systolic blood pressure (R = 0.46; p = 0.02) and BMI (R = 0.45; p = 0.02) were clinical parameters positively associated with the parameter "age". The Framingham cardiovascular (CV) risk score were intermediate in 2 (8%) and low in 18 (91%) subjects.
In HD group, AGEs-sAF according to their age was high in all HD patients (2.6 ± 0.4 AU). Pre- and post-HD session AGEs-sAF measurements did not differ between them (2.6 ± 0.4 vs. 2.6 ± 0.4; p = 0.18), and were positively correlated (R = 0.862; p = 0.0001). Serum levels of iPTH were 397 ± 386 pg/mL, 25-hydroxyvitamin D 36.6 ± 11 ng/mL, bicarbonate 19 ± 3 mmol/L, alkaline phosphatase 94 ± 64 IU/mL and ß2-microglobulin 4.6 ± 0.9 mg/mL. The Framingham cardiovascular (CV) risk score were high in 1 (5%), intermediate in 2 (10%) and low in 17 (85%) patients.
We found a negative correlation between serum iPTH levels and AGEs-sAF levels in patients in HD group (R = -0.497; p = 0.026) (Figure 1). Parameters of CVD and bone and mineral metabolism were also analyzed in HD group as a function of the median of AGEs-sAF levels (i.e., < 2.7 and = 2.7 AU) (Table 3). In this analysis serum iPTH levels in patients with AGEs-sAF < 2.7 AU were almost twofold higher from those with AGEs-sAF = 2.7 AU, although this difference do not reach statiscal significance (543 ± 503 vs. 292 ± 246 pg/mL, p = 0.16). All others parameters related with bone metabolism, like serum alkaline phosphatase (96 ± 88 vs. 97 ± 43, p = 0.98), total calcium (9 ± 1.2 vs. 9.2 ± 0.5, p = 0.65) and phosphate levels (4.3 ± 1.2 vs. 4.9 ± 2, p = 0.46) were similar. In regard of CVD parameters, interventricular septum (9.7 ± 2.7 vs. 8.2 ± 1 mm, p = 0.11), left ventricular mass (193 ± 87 vs. 135 ± 42 g, p = 0.08) and vascular calcification score (2 ± 2.5 vs. 1.7 ± 1.9, p = 0.76) did not differ according to median AGEs-sAF levels.
|AGEs-sAF (AU)
|< 2.7
|= 2.7
|(n = 20)
|(n = 10)
|(n = 10)
|Age (years)
|38 ± 19
|40 ± 24
|36 ± 26
|BMI (Kg/m2)
|23.5 ± 6.3
|21.3 ± 5.2
|25.5 ± 7
|WC (cm)
|87.3 ± 17.3
|82.1 ± 16.4
|91 ± 19
|HD vintage (months)
|46 ± 21
|42 ± 47
|52 ± 53
|1.5 ± 0.61
|3 ± 0.5
|1.6 ± 0.6
|2.7 ± 0.7
|2.6 ± 0.9
|2.8 ± 0.8
|Creatinine (mg/dL)
|11 ± 2.8
|12.4 ± 2.5
|10 ± 2.7
|Urea (mg/dL)
|136 ± 38
|138 ± 54
|135 ± 24
|Potassium (mEq/L)
|5 ± 0.7
|5.3 ± 0.5
|4.9 ± 0.7
|Bicarbonate (mmol/L)
|18.7 ± 2.7
|19.2 ± 3.5
|18.3 ± 2.2
|Hematocrit (%)
|32.2 ± 5
|31.2 ± 6.5
|33 ± 3.9
|Calcium (mg/dL)
|9.2 ± 0.8
|9 ± 1.2
|9.2 ± 0.5
|Phosphate (mg/dL)
|4.6 ± 1.6
|4.3 ± 1.2
|4.9 ± 2
|iPTH (pg/mL)
|397 ± 385.7
|543 ± 503
|292 ± 246
|25-OH-D (ng/mL)
|36.6 ± 10.9
|34.3 ± 11.6
|38 ± 11
|95 ± 64
|96 ± 88
|97 ± 43
|Ferritin (ng/dL)
|575 ± 257
|620 ± 226
|545 ± 296
|CRP (mg/dL)
|1.73 ± 3.1
|2.9 ± 4.4
|0.9 ± 1.1
|Albumin (g/dL)
|3.8 ± 0.5
|3.7 ± 0.6
|3.8 ± 0.3
|Glycose (mg/dL)
|77.4 ± 24.9
|89 ± 27
|68 ± 21
|HbA1c (%)
|5.1 ± 0.7
|4.9 ± 0.5
|5.2 ± 0.8
|IVS (mm)
|8.9 ± 2
|9.7 ± 2.7
|8.2 ± 1
|LV mass (g)
|161.4 ± 68
|193 ± 87
|135 ± 42
|Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
|145 ± 33.5
|133 ± 22
|155 ± 40
|LDL-cholesterol (mg/dL)
|77.1 ± 23.5
|67 ± 18
|84 ± 26
|HDL-cholesterol (mg/dL)
|39 ± 13.4
|37 ± 15
|41 ± 13
|Triglycerides (mg/dl)
|143.3 ± 61.7
|141 ± 59
|148 ± 68
|VC score
|1.8 ± 2.1
|2 ± 2.5
|1.7 ± 1.9
|VC score = 3 (N)
AGEs: Advanced glycation end products measured by skin autofluorescence; AU: Arbitrary unit; BMI: Body mass index; WC: Waist circumference; HD: Hemodialysis; UF: Ultrafiltration; iPTH: Intact parathormone; 25-OH-D = 25-hydroxyvitamin D; ALP: Alkaline phosphatase; CRP: C-reactive protein; HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin; NR: Not rated; IVS: Interventricular septal thickness; LV: Left ventricular; LDL: low density lipoprotein; HDL: High density lipoprotein; VC: Vascular calcification.
The comparisons between groups revealed that patients in HD group had significantly higher mean AGEs-sAF levels than did control group (2.6 vs. 2.3; p = 0,031). As expected, most part of traditional cardiovascular risk factors was noted in HD group. For example, they had higher WHR (0.92 ± 0.1 vs. 0.84 ± 0.1; p = 0.009), systolic blood pressure (132 ± 18 vs. 110 ± 9; p = 0.001), higher levels of inflammatory markers like serum ferritin [519 (414-750) vs. 129 (103-171); p = 0.001] and C-reactive protein (1.7 ± 3 vs. 0.2 ± 0.2; p = 0.03), anemia (10.3 ± 1.7 vs. 14 ± 1; p = 0.001), as well creatinine and urea levels (p = 0.001). Despite the presence of three (15%) patients with DM in HD group, no differences was noted on serum glycemia (86 vs. 77; p = 0.12) and glycated hemoglobin levels (5.1 vs. 5.1; p = 0.54) between the groups, which could be explained by low prevalence of DM.
Our study demonstrates three main findings. First, AGEs-sAF levels ranged according age are elevated both in HD and control groups, although it was significantly higher in HD group. Second, high-flux HD single session did not affect AGEs-sAF levels. Third, AGEs-sAF was negatively associated with serum iPTH levels, the main bone turnover marker used in CKD-MBD management.
AGEs-sAF levels ranged according to age were higher in HD group than control group. This finding was supported by some studies which have demonstrated that AGEs accumulation occurs in uremic patients, independently of the presence of DM or their serum glucose levels.3,10,19 Possible mechanisms of this uremic toxin accumulation in ESKD are the reduced metabolic clearance and the increased oxidative stress, in addition to higher rate of reactive carbonyl compounds formation.3,20 AGEs tissue accumulation can also explain, at least partially, the aging phenotype of HD patients, since is known that AGEs cause widespread damage to tissues through upregulation of inflammation and cross-linking of collagen and other proteins.21
In our study we observed high values of AGEs-sAF, both in healthy and HD subjects, using as reference values obtained from a Dutch study in caucasian population.18 We cannot exclude that different skin types and eating habits in our healthy subjects (control group) can at least partially, explain these results, since we know that diet-derived AGEs is an important source of this toxins22 and that skin pigmentation can influence AGEs-sAF lecture.5 Mook-Kanamori et al.23 demonstrate that the ethnicity exerts influence on AGEs-sAF, with higher levels in Arabs and Filipinos. Limited data exists on sAF in non-caucasian population and in the best of our knowledge, no prior data exist in South Americans, as well in Brazilians sub-groups. More studies including Brazilians are needed to determine if the actual AGEs-sAF values of reference range values are applicable in our population.
In our study, AGEs-sAF pre- and post-HD high flux single session were similar. The use of different HD techniques to counteract AGEs accumulation in HD patients has been investigated, with evidences of free plasma AGEs and AGEs peptides removal by low or high flux HD during a single session. High flux and more frequent HD regime, as daily or home dialysis, has been suggested to be modalities capable of reducing serum AGEs levels in the long-term.24,25 However, these previous studies had demonstrated HD influence on plasma AGEs levels, but not on skin accumulation, a tissue with low turnover. Probably, if there is, it is necessary months on HD treatment to note changes in its levels on skin.
It is suggested that AGEs-sAF is an independent predictor of overall and CVD mortality in HD patients.4,26 AGEs and their receptor (RAGE) play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular damage and cardiovascular disorders, especially in patients with diabetes and CKD. Recently, an in vivo study had demonstrated the association of AGEs accumulation in vessel tissues and medial arterial calcification severity in patients with renal failure.27
Despite these evidences in the literature, our subjects in HD group did not shown significantly differences in CV parameters according AGEs-sAF levels, namely, interventricular septum thickness, left ventricular mass, and vascular or valve calcification. Since AGEs seems to be associated with atherosclerosis, further studies including carotid ultrasound in HD population can improve findings of vascular calcification. Furthermore, the present study did not associated AGEs-sAF to metabolic stress markers, glycated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein and hyperlipidemia, in opposition to previous studies, probably due our study sample size.5,28
AGEs negative effects on bone tissue have been described since is known your association with osteoporosis.29 Many studies using cell culture experiments have been done to clarify AGEs effects on bone tissue, demonstrating multiple possible mechanisms as following: stimulating osteoblasts apoptosis,30 impairing growth factors or osteogenic cells adhesion to bone matrix,11 inhibiting osteoblastic differentiation,31 stimulating osteoblasts to secrete bone-resorbing cytokines,32 and enhancing osteoclast bone resorption.33
Recently, is speculate AGEs participation on CKD-MBD pathophysiology, mainly in adynamic bone disease.34 Yamamoto et al.13 had described that AGEs can inhibit osteoblastic activity and parathyroid hormone secretion in response to hypocalcemia. In our study we detected a negative correlation of AGEs -sAF with serum iPTH, suggesting a role of AGEs on the pathophysiology of bone disease in HD prevalent patients. These findings must be confirmed in future studies with bone biopsy and serum dosage of AGEs to clarify AGEs effect on CKD-MBD.
This pilot study has several limitations. Potential influences of ethnicity and diet limit definitive conclusions. In addition, we did not have performed AGEs analysis on serum or bone histomorphometry studies. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first Brazilian study performed in HD patients using sAF to analyze AGEs tissue accumulation and their relations with CVD parameters and markers of bone metabolism.
In conclusion, AGEs-sAF levels were higher in HD group than control. Surprisingly, some apparently healthy subjects had high AGEs-sAF levels expected according to their age. Single high-flux HD session seems not affect AGEs-sAF levels. A negative relation between AGEs-sAF levels and serum iPTH levels was observed suggesting a role of AGEs on the pathophysiology of bone disease in prevalent HD patients. The nature of this relation and the clinical application of this non-invasive methodology for evaluation AGEs deposition must be confirmed and clarified in future studies.
The authors declare that this research received no specific grant from any funding agency and acknowledge J.B. Lopes de Faria (Renal Pathophysiology Laboratory, Investigation on Diabetes Complications, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil) which has supplied the instrument AGE-Reader.


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Sigma Delta Omega was the recipient of the 2015 Community Values Award!
Sigma Delta Omega showed dedication to service and their community by completing 2584 hours of service in the 2015 calendar year. That's an average of 46 hours per member!
To learn more about the Community Values Award, click here.
A Q and A with Aryn Thomas, Community Outreach Coordinator of Sigma Delta Omega
What does service mean to you and your chapter? What standard do you hold for your members regarding service?
Service has always been an important part of my life. The impact that even a small act of kindness can make is extraordinary. I am constantly blown away by the members of SDO. Majority of us are science or engineering majors, taking some of the most challenging courses, and everyone still finds time to give back to the community. These ladies are absolutely incredible, with many of them achieving well beyond the minimum requirement of 10 hours of community service per term.
Can you name and describe some projects/ongoing service that your chapter is involved in?
Our chapter participates in a wide variety of service projects on and off campus. One of the larger projects our sister's volunteer with is a program called AWSEM, which stands for Advocates for Women in Science Engineering and Mathematics. Our sisters mentor middle school and/or high school girls during this six week program to encourage the young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. Our club is also famous for our Periodic Table of Cookies, which we sell during WinterTerm in order to raise money for Relay for Life.
What is your national philanthropy focus?
Our sorority isn't a national sorority so we don't have necessarily a national philanthropy, but we focus more locally. Our philanthropy raises money for K-12 science programs for youth in the Corvallis area.
What events does your chapter put on that we can all be looking forward to for the end of this year or next year?
We are wrapping up our Periodic Table of Cookies by the end of Week 7 this term, with all proceeds benefiting Relay for Life! Philanthropy has a tentative plan to do another science themed cookie sale, with beakers, test tubes, Erlenmeyer flasks, and atoms during Spring term. Our main philanthropy event, the Mad Scientist Pursuit will be held next Fall term for 2016.
What do you feel bonds your chapter together? (List some fun things you all do together!)
Although we're in an un-housed sorority and don't spend as much time together as some other chapters, we haven't let that get in the way of our sisterhood bonding time. Almost every chapter meeting we put time aside to do sisterly bonding activities and our social chairs have been incredible with planning weekly events, such as a Fondue Night, Pizza Making Nights, and . One of the biggest things we do as a chapter is a Spring Retreat. We take one weekend during spring term and rent a huge, beautiful house, that the whole sorority can go stay in for the weekend. We've gone to the beach previous years and this year it'll be at the mountain! It's a perfect time to spend more quality time with our sisters, getting to know each other more, relax and most importantly have fun!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Neighbor's chase after violent carjackers, leads to arrest
A woman is carjacked and hospitalized after a brutal attack at her apartment complex. Multiple witnesses say the victim was viciously assaulted and thrown to the ground after walking from her mailbox. However, one of the witnesses took a big risk and was able to help officers find the suspects that attacked the victim.
Around 7 P.M. Tuesday evening, 55-year-old Diane Cristin routinely, parked her car and walked to the complex mailbox nearby. Two men approached her asking for the time and to borrow a phone charger. She declined and turned her back.
Witness, Daniel Smith says he and his roommates heard a really loud scream and at first thought it was the television. Then he heard it again and "it was was one of those moments you're like...it's not the TV." They then looked outside and saw a woman laying on the ground yelling for help, while two gentleman began to run across the street.
Police say 24-year-old James Nelson and 34-year-old Antonio Roberts stole the victims car keys and drove away from the complex. One of the witnesses-Daniel- felt with his driving experience he could locate the suspects. He hopped in his car and were able to follow the two all the way to a home on NW 23rd Terrace. He then drove back to the complex to notify officers of their location, where police found them hiding in a bedroom at that exact address.
Also Tuesday morning, a neighbor that was parked right in front of where the incident occurred, found his car broken into. With wires hanging from under the steering-wheel as if someone was attempting to hot-wire the vehicle. The owner said he found keys, a lighter and other small items left behind. Witnesses said they are unsure if it is related to the carjacking.
Diane Cristin was hospitalized for at least a day and is undergoing surgery for some of her injuries. Both suspects are in jail with bond set at $350,000.


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Tesla Model D ( Solar Thermal Magazine)
Earlier this week, Tesla's Ceo Elon Musk teased his company's next electric car, tweeting that he would "unveil the D and something else" on October 9th. We are all looking forward to see both the model D and the surprise.
Any ideas or spy photo's of these cars on the road? Any one?
Gordon Smith
Gordon's expertise in the area of industrial energy efficiency and alternative energy. He is an experienced electrical engineer with a Masters degree in Alternative Energy technology. He is the co-founder of several renewable energy media sites including Solar Thermal Magazine.
Twitter •


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Dania Beach — City commissioners recently were screening a list of applicants for the city manager's position. The discussion turned to how professional city managers should stay with a city for at least two or three years.
But of course, city commissioners said, that's not always the case.
In fact, "we once had one leave at lunch," Commissioner Bob Mikes said.
"And he didn't even pick up the bill," Commissioner John Bertino added.
Big Brother is watching.
Nobody's been a bigger critic of the city's early retirement program than local activist Pete Brewer. And nobody supports the plan, implemented in the mid-1990s, more than City Manager Sam Finz.
During Wednesday's commission meeting, the pair had a playful showdown about some program facts.
Finz told commissioners that the program cut 200 jobs, and Brewer yelled out, "183." Finz smiled and said he stood corrected.
A few minutes later, when Finz said about 120 new workers had taken their place, he paused, turned to the audience and checked his figures with Brewer, who started laughing.
Finz shrugged and nodded at Brewer as if saying, "Just wanted to make sure."
Then he laughed and continued his presentation.


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Joining the show's Entertainment Editor Richard Arnold in Cannes for the annual film festival, the businessman spoke about his new pop-up restaurant.
However after a chat about which stars had visited his new venture, conversation turned to Cheryl with Richard doing his best to approach the subject of the former X Factor judge.
After asking how he was since his split from the star, Jean-Bernard revealed: "I couldn't be more happier," before returning the conversation to his business.
"It's my new venture. It started last night and it went well."
Jean Bernard Fernandez Versini refuses to talk about Cheryl: Jean Bernard Fernandez-Versing refused to talk about Cheryl on Good Morning Britain [ITV/BBC]
Wanting to know if he had anything to say about Cheryl's baby son, Richard asked: "Do you have a message for Cheryl about her baby?"
After a brief silence, Jean Bernard made no reference to Cheryl or her son and simply told the TV star: "You know what, it's the film festival so we might as well focus on that.
"I just want to make it the best possible as it's my first venture here and I just want to make this count and make this big."
As Richard finished his interview and the show returned to the studio, hosts Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid spoke about their co-star's plans before Susanna stated: "hashtag awks."
Meanwhile, Cheryl recently broke her social media silence since giving birth to her son with One Direction star Liam Payne.
Showing her support for Liam's new single, the former Girls Aloud star posted: "#LiamPayne #STRIPTHATDOWN this is an emoji test not a personal request," followed by a sly smile and see no evil emoji.
The 33-year-old then replied to her fans who rushed to congratulate her again on becoming a mum.
"We're all doing great. Thank you."
To another she called her baby son, who's middle name has been revealed to be Grey, "amazing."
The new mum also shared a joke with her fans about a deal that Liam and Bear have with each other.
Haing been asked if the new dad had been peed on yet, Cheryl remarked: "Just me.
"I think those two have a deal", alongside a confused face.
Good Morning Britain continues on ITV, weekdays from 6.30am.
Source: http://www.ok.co.uk/tv/good-morning-britain/1076077/cheryl-baby-son-bear-jean-bernard-fernandez-versini-refuses-message-good-morning-britain-watch-clip


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Hello lovelies, sorry I've been away the last couple of weeks, but have no fear I'm back! And I'm back with a goodie! The Little Black Book of Bronzers by Too Faced is the best idea ever! It's a collection of all of their bronzers in one cute little palette. I love the idea of a 'little black book' with all your secrets in it. It's perfect for any makeup lover!
Inside you get 4 matte bronzers which are the very famous Chocolate Soleil bronzers in all 3 shades and also the 16 hour long one too, along with 4 of their shimmery bronzers. All the Chocolate Soleil ones have the trademark chocolate scent which is yummy.
On the inside cover is a cute Bronzer Wardrobe for the week, with a planner of which bronzers to wear on which date and for different occasions, really fun and quirky.
Let's get onto the swatches. I'm going to go through all the matte ones first, then the shimmery ones at the end, so I'll be jumping around the palette but in a clockwise direction :)
First one at the top of the palette is Milk Chocolate Soleil a light/medium matte, this is a good shade for contouring or bronzing for fair skin tones. It has a nice satin look to it. It's a little too light for me which is a shame as I think it's such a pretty colour, it doesn't really show up on my cheeks but I can use it as a transition colour for my eyeshadow.
Next is Chocolate Soleil, I love this to contour with, it's cool toned enough to not look orange but warm enough to not look ashy. I'd say this, along with my Benefit Hoola are my favourite bronzers to contour with. Saying that I can also still use this as a bronzer if I put this all over.
Next is the newest of the three shades, Dark Chocolate Soleil, a deep/tan matte. When I tried the Milk chocolate one I remember thinking, I'd like a slightly darker one so was really excited to try this when it came out. This is much warmer then the Milk Chocolate one though, so I can't really use this to contour (I mean I have done, but it's not as flattering for my skin tone lol). This is definitely a bronzer on me, but I have to be light handed with it as it's more suited for darker skin tones.
Lastly on the matte ones, Endless Summer, the 16 hour long-wear bronzer. I find this one a little too light for me personally. From the swatch it looks a little bit shimmery but it doesn't look shimmery on the face at all. This, I would say is for more light/medium skin tones. Because I find this a little light for me, I can't really comment of whether it lasts 16 hours or not, that is a pretty big claim though. If any of you use this, please let me know if it really does last that long!
Here are all four next to each other for you to compare.
Onto the shimmery bronzers! First is the luminous Snow Bunny. I don't know what it is about Snow Bunny but for some reason I really love the name of this! This is made up of 4 colours which you can use alone or mix together, I tend to mix them together. I have swatched the 4 colours on top and the bottom swatch is them all mixed together. They are all lovely colours, you could certainly use them individually as highlighters but I like them all mixed and washed over my bronzer to give a nice glow.
Next is my favourite, Pink Leopard, they have called this a blushing bronze. I mix all these together as way too fiddly to use the colours separately! This is a gorgeous pink-coppery bronze. I use this as a bit of a highlighter along my cheekbones after I've bronzed with a matte shade, and it's beautiful.
Next is Beach Bunny, this is a selection of more golden shades opposed to the lighter pinker ones of Snow Bunny. Again I have swatched the colours individually on top and the bottom swatch is them all mixed together. This is more bronze than Snow Bunny, which is a paler gold when swatched, giving a more sun kissed glow. So pretty!
Lastly is Sun Bunny, (all these bunnies!) This is made up of two colours, you can use these individually or mixed together. I have swatched them separately on top again and mixed below. The lighter shade looks more like it might be a highlight in the pan but on my hand it's very coppery. Mixed together this is a slightly pinker lighter bronze then the Beach Bunny.
Here are all four next to each other for comparison (all the mixed together shades).
There is so much choice in this palette I absolutely love it. The pans are smaller than the individuals but I love that as you can travel with this. It also gives you a chance to test out which ones are your favourites before going out to get the full size, and to be honest, these are plenty big enough to last you ages! I got this a little while ago and I think I paid about $50 for it. It's currently on sale on the Too Faced site at the moment at $44.10 (£36.00) which if you ask me is an absolute bargain for what you get! And Too Faced ship to the UK! :)
If you wanted to get the individual bronzers (I have linked them all apart from the Endless Summer one - not sure if that one is discontinued??) but they are £25.00 each.
Let me know your favourite Too faced bronzer in the comments below!


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Smog Checks
If your vehicle is six years or older your Vehicle Registration Renewal might require a SMOG Certification. If you need a regular smog for any vehicle or any reason, you can stop by Bonita Valley Auto Care. Bonita Valley Auto Care is quick convenient and hassle free. We are also a full service automotive shop which means we can provide you with recommendations to help you with the needed repairs to pass your SMOG test.
What is Test Only Center?
A test only center is a smog check station that is allowed to do only smog no repairs. If your car fails smog check you need to go to a test and repair station. A test only smog check center has an obligation to insure a non-biased smog test inspection. They can not perform repairs and can not profit by failing your car.
Why I have to go to a Test Only Center?
In order to comply with state of CALIFORNIA laws department of Consumer affairs/Bureau of Automotive Repair directs vehicles that are more likely to fail called High Emitter Profile or Gross Polluters to a Test Only Center and two percent of the vehicles that are driven on California roads are directed to test only centers so overall effectiveness of the Smog Check Program.
What is High Emitter Profile?
All the gasoline powered vehicles driven on California roads are required to get emission test every two years or change of ownership all the data collected from smog inspection goes into database called Vehicle Identification Database (VID) The VID is used by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), BAR, and other government agencies. In addition, general vehicle data such as make, model-year, vehicle miles traveled, high mileage, very low mileage for age, emissions-related recalls/technical service bulletins, a history of failing smog tests, vehicles was tested by a technician/station that received a citation, pattern problems and engine size help define the HEP.
Vehicles Exempt from Smog Check :
When a car is sold, who is responsible for the inspection?
The seller is required to provide the buyer with a valid smog inspection certification at the time of the sale or transfer. Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of issuance.
The inspection is not required on a transfer if a biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification).
NOTE: Smog certifications are not required for transfers that occur for a gasoline powered motor vehicle that is four or less model years old. (Determine the oldest-qualifying year model by subtracting three from the current year) the four or less model years old rule does not apply to diesel powered vehicles. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner.
*courtsey of the CA DMV
- 1975 and older vehicles
- Hybrids
- Natural gas powered vehicle weighing more than 14000 pounds
- Motorcycle
- Diesel vehicles older than 1998 or GVWR 14000 pounds
- Electrical vehicles


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To deprecated in version 2 instead of use Terms
Item Name describes what type of thing the Item is. Items may have more than one Item Name attached to them.
&start={x} start at item number x (integer, optional, default=0)
&limit={x} reurn x items in list (integer, optional, maximum=100, default=50)
'begins' Matches for when the term is at the start of the field only.
'ends' Matches for when the term is at the and of the field only.
'lt' Does a less than comparison.
'lte' Does a less than or equal to comparison.
'gt' Does a greater than comparison.
'gte' Does a greater than or equal to comparison.
'in' Term may have multiple comma separated values any of which is matched for in field via a 'contains' search.
'exact' Field must match term exactly (case sensitive).
'isblank' If term is 1 this filter matches when the field is empty, null or zero.
Use &{field}_isblank=0 to only return results where the field has some content.
So to find all collections where the name of the collection begins with 'tyrrell' use:


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It took Dean's sleep-fogged brain a few moments to register Sam's voice; it took far less time to register Sam's attempt to pull the blankets away from the cocoon Dean had made for himself. Growling in displeasure at being awakened, particularly since Dad had given him permission to sleep in, Dean rolled further to his left bunching all of the blankets he had a hold on further into his grasp and rolling his face into the pillow. Maybe if he just ignored Sam, he'd go away. It was Friday, didn't he have school?
Sam changed tactics – instead of pulling the blankets away from around Dean's head and shoulders, he began yanking them upward off of Dean's feet and legs. Dean frowned into the pillow; that was just weird. This wasn't a get your ass out of bed Dad wants us to run five miles and I'm not going by myself wake up call. Dean struggled to consciousness as Sam continued to fight with the blankets, all the while pushing and shoving Dean.
"DEAN!" The desperate edge to Sam's voice woke Dean up quicker than any pushing and shoving ever would.
Sam didn't recognize that Dean had finally started to rouse and continued to wrestle the blankets away with frantic movements. When Dean attempted to sit up and remove the blankets for himself, he ended up with a face full of linens from the other end of the bed.
"SAMMY! What the hell?"
Sam startled and sat down hard at the foot of Dean's bed. Dean pushed himself to a seated position against the headboard and peeled the blankets off of his head. Sam's eyes were wide and his face was tight with a look of barely contained panic. Sam moved in quickly, grabbing Dean by his arms just above his elbows. Any other time, Dean would've shaken him off, but the panic was still there; he reached out grasping Sam's arms in a grip that mirrored the one he was caught in.
Dean's mind raced through a million possible scenarios that set his heart to thumping an unpleasant rhythm in his chest because the one thing he was immediately certain of was that whatever had gone wrong, it had to involve Dad. Dean opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, Sam interrupted him.
"How old are you?"
Dean blinked and squinted. Of all the horrible and potentially terrifying things Sam might have said, Dean wasn't expecting that.
"Dean, how old are you?" Sam repeated urgently.
"Old enough to kick your ass and look good doin' it, Sammy." Dean replied with a smirk.
It wasn't the answer the youngest Winchester wanted, but Sam's barely repressed bitchface was the response Dean was looking for from his brother. The high level of hysteria was gone from Sam's expression though there was still tremendous tension in the hold he had on Dean, and he searched Dean's face like he was looking for something he'd thought he'd lost.
Now that he knew Sam was listening and could hear him, Dean replied with a straight answer. "I'm twenty, Sam. You're sixteen and I'm twenty." Sam relaxed even further and whispered a barely audible "Thank God".
With Sam back on track and relatively calm, Dean fought hard against the tightness in his chest to ask the question he really didn't want to ask. "Where's Dad?"
Sam's fingers tightened reflexively on Dean's biceps as he threw a glance over his shoulder at the bedroom door. Dean threw his legs off the side of the bed pulling Sam up with him as he rose. He shouldered Sam aside, not so much to move him out of the way, but to take the lead.
"Dad?" Dean called as he stalked through the door down the short hallway leading to the other bedroom. A quick search proved the room to be empty and that the bed hadn't been slept in. "If Dad never made it to bed, he should be out on the couch." Dean was speaking more to himself than for Sam's benefit.
Dean stalked out of his father's bedroom and made a short detour into the bathroom and kitchen area just to assure himself he had only one place left to look. The small cabin where they'd taken up residence when John needed a place to convalesce in the winter wasn't big by any stretch of the imagination. Sam's frantic shushing did not prevent Dean from calling out louder. "Dad!"
"Dean!" Sam grabbed the back of Dean's t-shirt in an attempt to slow him down. "You're gonna wake it up!"
"That's kinda the plan, Sammy." Dean approached the couch cautiously. Sam veered to the left and picked up a seldom used fireplace poker. The boys ended up standing side by side glaring suspiciously at the worn out couch. Sam held the poker with both hands in front of himself in a defensive position; Dean stood with his arms crossed.
"What is it?" Sam whispered.
"Not "it", Sammy." Dean replied. He was already wearying of Sam's inability to deal with the situation; particularly since the assumption was that he had the ability to function even thought he hadn't had any coffee yet.
"How did it get here?" Sam continued.
"I'm pretty sure that's where he fell asleep."
Sam's brows drew down in concentration and disbelief. His tone declared his intention to dig in his heels on this argument, "That is NOT Dad, Dean."
But, Dean was fairly sure it was. The quick search of the house confirmed that John Winchester was nowhere to be found – at least, not the John Winchester that was immediately recognizable to his sons.
The figure sleeping serenely on the couch that had quickly become John's favorite place to crash looked to be around eleven or twelve years old. He was curled on his right side with his right hand folded loosely by his face. His left hand held the ancient faded afghan tightly around his shoulders. Legs and feet that would never have been hidden by the undersized throw at his full height were tucked neatly beneath the colorful blanket.
Dean absently slapped at Sam's hand as the poker was extended outward toward the couch. "No poking." Dean ordered softly, as if it needed to be said. Apparently it did, because the poker was immediately in motion again. Sam's concentration was so focused on the figure on the couch that he didn't see the glare Dean leveled at him as he tried to snatch the poker away from his brother. "Sam!" he hissed.
Sam, comfortable with rebellion after nearly a year of openly wrangling with their father, answered Dean glare for glare, and would not release his hold on the iron fireplace implement. A silent and furious tug-of-war followed and would have escalated much further, but movement from the couch froze the both of them and got their attention. Dean let go of the poker and Sam held it defensively once again.
The child on the couch woke in stages; rolling and snuffing into the pillow, rubbing a hand across bleary eyes, and then blinking into full awareness. A tentative smile warmed his face. "Mornin'."
Dean crouched and sat on the ratty ottoman to put him closer to the boy's line of sight. "Hey." Dean found himself at an utter loss for words.
"Did I fall asleep here? Oh jeeze…" the boy sat upright with a mixed look of embarrassment and horror on his face as a different scenario occurred to him. "Did my dad carry me in from the car?"
"Your dad?" Sam echoed, from his place between the couch and coffee table.
Dean replied smoothly, automatically seeking to soothe the boy's wounded pride. "Nope, you walked in under your own power…but you were kind of out of it." Dean paused and cocked his head to the side, not knowing where or how to push. "You don't remember how you got here…" Dean stumbled over how to address the boy, "John?"
The boy shook his head slightly, unconcerned with his vague recollections of the night before and apparently unaware of losing decades of his life. "Nope." He cocked his head in an eerie imitation of the gesture Dean had just made. "You're Dean, right?" He tucked his feet up under his crossed legs, and then looked up to beam at Sam. Dimples creased his face and his expression hit Dean like a fist to his gut. "And you're Sam? It's so boss to finally meet you guys!"
Dean frowned slightly at John's choice of adverb. "We're pretty excited to meet you too, uh…John. Johnny." Dean was getting a little tired of being the only one attempting to communicate. He tried to throw Sam a "help me out" look, but Sam was standing as stoic as ever, though he had let the poker drop down to his side.
"I've been so bummed out being cooped up for so long!" Johnny punctuated his statement with an elaborate stretch. "So when my old man talked to your old man about a visit, I was stoked!"
"Yeah, that was a great idea." Dean agreed, hoping that the grin on his face didn't appear as false as it felt. "Are you hungry?"
"Yeah, but I gotta pee first." John kicked his feet out from under the blanket, and then proceeded to pull the whole afghan up over his head in order to let it slide down behind his back. He jumped to his feet and looked at Dean expectantly. "Bathroom?"
Dean stood up next to the ottoman and tried not to show his distress at having to look down at his father. He pointed. "First door on the left."
John spun on one foot and slid himself through the space between Sam and the couch. Sam remained immobile and scowled at the disturbingly small figure as he scampered toward the bathroom.
When the door to the bathroom slammed shut, Sam finally broke his silence. "My "old man" talked to your "old man"? What's that all about?" The waver in Sam's voice was slight, but Dean could see him creeping back into panic mode.
"I don't know, but it's 'boss' to meet us." Dean snickered a little even as he rubbed a hand across his face; an easy tell of his discomfort.
"Dean! That's not funny." Sam glared at Dean, and then turned his focus to the bathroom door. "What are we supposed to DO with…that?" Sam gestured emphatically with the poker.
Dean's face took on a serious and determined look. "We go back to the scene of the crime, Sammy."
"The Gypsy lady?" Sam asked. "You helped her out! Why would she do…" Sam gestured again, "THAT?!"
"I don't KNOW, Sam!" Dean snapped in frustration. Sam drew back slightly and Dean drew his hand across his face again. Dealing with a sixteen year old Sam was hard enough, but throwing an eleven year old "Johnny" into the mix might be too much for his sanity. "Get dressed. We're taking a field trip."
Sam sat and stared moodily at his shoes, and then traced random squiggles in the dirt between his feet. It was bad enough that this whole situation completely freaked him out, and that he'd panicked earlier in the morning, and he couldn't shake the knot of anger that had settled on a low burn in the pit of his stomach; but to add insult to injury… now he had to baby-sit?
The creak of the screen door announced Dean's return. His footsteps sure didn't sound peppy. This did not bode well. Sam continued to draw in the dirt; he felt, more than saw, Dean sit next to him on the porch steps. Sam didn't need Dean to tell him that so far, nothing had changed.
"Where's Johnny?"
There was no time to answer the question before the boy of the hour came careening around the left side of the porch running full out. He came to a dead stop in front of the steps, sending up a plume of dust near his feet and asked breathlessly, "How fast was that, Sam?"
Sam ignored the withering look Dean shot at him as he pretended to read his watch. "Nope, you didn't beat the record yet."
Johnny let out a disappointed, "Aw, man!" as he braced himself on his knees and tried to steady his breathing.
"Hey Johnny…don't just stand there." Dean waved his hand toward the dusty driveway. "Walk it off. You gotta keep those muscles loose."
Johnny stood up straight and asked, "How far should I go?"
"To the bottom of the driveway and back. Take it slow though, just an easy walk."
Spinning on his heel, Johnny started walking. As soon as the boy's back was turned Dean leaned in closer to Sam to accuse, "Seriously? All I do is ask you to watch him for ten minutes and you have him running laps?"
As far as Sam was concerned making John run laps was poetic justice. Or, it would've been if Johnny wasn't enjoying himself so much. Ignoring Dean, Sam asked, "What did the witch say?"
"Gypsy." Dean corrected.
"What did the Gypsy say?" Sam corrected in a tone that he never would've used with his father even on his worst day, accompanied by a pointed eye roll.
Dean ignored the tone and facial expression and answered, "She said…this is a gift."
"A gift?!" Sam exploded, turning toward Dean in amazement. Sam's yelling got Johnny's attention so he whirled at the end of the driveway and picked up the speed on his walk back toward the house.
With a warning hand on Sam's leg to keep him quiet, and a not too gentle squeeze to indicate he meant business, Dean turned his attention toward Johnny. "Sam said you were trying to beat a record. You ready to go again?"
"Yeah…two laps in two minutes." Johnny grinned in anticipation and got in a runner's ready stance with his right hand resting on the rail of the old porch. He turned his face toward Dean, ready for the call.
Sam suppressed another eye roll because Dean was taking it seriously and was actually going to time the kid. The second hand ticked from 59 to 00 and Dean yelled "GO!" Johnny was scrambling, off like a shot, and out of hearing range within seconds.
Sam pushed Dean's hand off of his leg as he turned his body to face his brother. "What kind of crap is this? A GIFT?!"
Dean didn't back up out of the space Sam crowded into. "I don't know, Sam. I can only tell you what she told me. This…" he waved his hand to indicate their current situation, "is a gift to us, our whole family, for helping her out."
"A gift. "Sam spat out. "Oh yeah, turning Dad into an eleven year old is a real treat for all of us."
"Jesus Sam! Aren't you a ray of sunshine?" Dean was frustrated as he tried to explain, and Sam was surprised to see another expression on his face. It wasn't an expression Dean let slip often, but when he did it was a kick in the gut. That face said Dean really wanted something, but Sam was holding him back – Dean would never say it out loud, not if he really meant it; but Sam knew enough to know when he was a buzz kill whether he intended to be one or not. Why the hell would Dean want Dad to be a kid? It didn't make any sense.
Johnny raced past, waving, with a determined expression on his flushed face. Sam shook his head in defeat as Dean checked his watch. "How long is it supposed to last?"
"As long as these things usually last." Dean replied in a wavering voice that was a poor impersonation of the Gypsy he'd left inside. Sam glared, gearing up for another explosion. Dean headed him off saying, "Three days. She said we have three days. He'll be back to his old self, literally, on Monday morning."
"Can we do anything to speed up the process?" Sam pushed.
"It's three days, Sam. I'm sure we can handle it 'til then." Dean looked away toward the left side of the house anticipating Johnny's return. Sam looked at Dean's profile, seething in silence. It was very clear that as far as Dean was concerned, the matter was closed. Not that he'd asked Sam's opinion, or that it was likely he would. Like father, like son.
What Sam couldn't quite get a grasp on was why the situation pissed him off as much as it did. This clearly ranked at the top of the list of "weirdest things that ever happened to me", but it wasn't completely outside the realm of being able to deal with. When Johnny came flying around the side of the house again, his appearance hit Sam again - it was just wrong. He was too small, and too young and too… everything. It felt like a personal affront, though Sam couldn't pinpoint why.
Johnny skidded to a halt at the foot of the steps as Dean hauled himself up from his position. "Good job, dude! Two minutes flat!"
"I did it Sam!" Johnny crowed.
"Great. Can we go now?" Sam couldn't help the shortness in his tone, though in all honesty, he wasn't trying very hard to rein in his attitude. The disappointed look on Johnny's face when Sam didn't acknowledge his achievement hit Sam almost as hard as the casual way Dean threw his arm around Johnny's shoulders and tried to cheer him up. Sam was determined to ignore the whole stupid situation and slumped in the front of the Impala for the ride home.
The round trip to the Gypsy's place and back ate up all of the morning and the early part of the afternoon. Once the initial shock was over and it had kind of sunk in that they were stuck with Johnny for the weekend, Sam found himself increasingly irritated that he'd missed yet another day of school for "family business". It wasn't just any day of school either; with finals looming most of Sam's teachers were planning on passing out outlines and study guides to use as review – of course he missed all of that.
In a huff, Sam announced that he was going to study and didn't want to be disturbed. The display was really for Dean's benefit, so Sam was surprised when Johnny took it personally. It wasn't Sam's intention to hurt Johnny's feelings, but that was the unintended consequence of his dramatic declaration. Sam didn't even realize the kid was upset until he overheard Johnny asking Dean why Sam didn't join them, and if maybe their dads should've arranged a weekend in the summer so Sam wouldn't have had to miss school.
Sam pretended not to notice the glare Dean leveled at him and hunched down further over his books. In his mind, at least, he could acknowledge feeling badly about making Johnny feel unwanted and extraneous; but then he justified his attitude by arguing that John now knew how he felt most of the time. But even in his own head Sam knew the argument held no water considering that it wasn't John whose feelings had been hurt; it was Johnny, and they weren't the same. Sam sighed and fretfully rubbed his forehead.
Sam had dragged all of the books he'd brought home out to the porch because it was unseasonably warm and the kitchen was too confining. The temperature on the porch was marginally cooler than in the house, but certainly wasn't a quiet place to study. In his sulk, Sam found himself aggravated by every little noise – the chattering birds building their nests; the creak of the chair each time he shifted; the slam of the door every time Dean or Johnny went in or out of the house which they seemed to do every two seconds.
Dean made no pretense about making as much noise as possible, but Johnny was painfully conscientious about trying not to disturb Sam. After Johnny's latest excursion in and out of the house, Sam slammed the book in his lap shut. The universe was conspiring against him with the help of a Gypsy and it was really pissing him off. Reluctantly Sam gave his attention to the scene in the yard. He wouldn't admit it, but a small, unacknowledged part of him found it compelling and he was drawn in.
The centerpiece of the scene was Dean with the car – that at least was normal. He had his tools laid out, just the way Dad would, and was under the hood doing whatever it was he did under the hood. But next to him, looking even smaller than he was because he was tucked up so close to Dean, was Johnny. Johnny, who appeared to know as much about cars as Sam did, which was to say, very little; Johnny, who when leaning in to examine whatever it was Dean pointed out, had to lift his feet clear off the ground; Johnny, whose unbroken child's voice sailed above Dean's baritone in counterpoint with question after question.
As fascinating as it was to watch Johnny, Sam still couldn't completely wrap his brain around the whole situation – that this boy was his father – so Sam focused on Dean instead. Sitting on the porch, outside but not excluded, Sam had a unique perspective. Dean was relaxed and clearly enjoying himself. Sam envied his ability to totally embrace the moment in spite of its inherent weirdness.
Sam knew that he harbored a lot of resentment about Dean being a "good soldier" and constantly marching in lock-step with Dad, but seeing Dean with Johnny made Sam reevaluate. What struck Sam the most was how unbelievably patient Dean was with the younger boy. The kid had a million questions; Dean had a million-and-one answers. In the same situation, where John would've just grabbed the tools and done the job himself, Dean guided Johnny and showed him how to do each job. Dean was generous with his encouragement, and it was easy for Sam to see why Johnny soaked up all of the attention.
It wasn't hard for Sam to make the leap from watching Dean and Johnny to analyzing his own relationship with his brother. It was abundantly clear to Sam how Dean became so practiced dealing with extremely inquisitive little boys; though at twenty Dean was probably exercising more patience entertaining Johnny than he had when he was sixteen and dealing with a twelve year old Sam.
Sam became acutely aware of just how fortunate he was to have Dean as a brother. He didn't know what he'd do if he didn't have Dean looking out for him. Sam was uncomfortable with the sudden influx of feelings, but after a moment or two of letting it all wash over him he realized that though he was overwhelmed, the feelings were all positive – gratitude, love, satisfaction, pride. Was this part of the Gypsy's "gift"? And in the end, who was it supposed to benefit – Sam or Dean?
Suddenly claustrophobic, Sam pushed his books aside and abruptly stood up. A quick detour into the house was all it took to get the things he required. Sam flung the screen door open, vaulted down the steps of the porch and took off toward the back field. He needed to do something; he needed a distraction from the whole, crazy situation. Sam's feet seemed to have a mind of their own as he headed toward the area they had set up for target practice. The irony of the situation was not lost on Sam; the one activity he felt compelled to do, to shake his frustration, was the thing he would have fought the hardest against if it had been suggested to him by his father.
Methodically Sam set up the equipment he needed. They were lucky that the cabin was remote and abutted an isolated field they could use for this purpose. It was unlikely a stray hunter would wander into their territory and take unexpected buckshot in the ass; and even less likely that a neighbor would wonder what they were doing. Even if someone did overhear the shooting, there were enough hunters in this area of Georgia for the sound not to raise any suspicion.
Sam chose to practice with a rifle instead of one of the bows because he felt the need for some destruction. The "thunk" of an arrow into a target would not be nearly as satisfying as bits of flying hay or metal cans exploding. Automatically Sam inspected and loaded the rifle; ammunition was handy on a nearby stump if he needed to reload. Sam settled into the zone and began to fire round after round at his unsuspecting targets. After the last round was fired Sam took a deep breath. A soothing silence settled over the field.
"Whoa, Sam! That's pretty good!"
Sam whirled in irritation ready to unleash his frustration with this whole stupid situation; it was a new, but already deeply entrenched habit created by nearly a year of fighting with his father. Sam could feel his anger growing, bubbling up in a familiar wave ready to be released. But when he turned to face the source of his anger, it was at least a foot shorter than it was supposed to be, and currently having difficulty untangling its shoelace from the fence rail where it had become entwined.
Sam was overwhelmed again by the intensity of his feelings. This kid had nothing to do a lifetime worth of new schools, worn out clothes and living out of motel rooms. He had nothing to do with the last four months of John's illness and confinement or Sam's growing anxiety and determination to finish out the semester in the school where he'd started. This kid knew nothing outside of his shiny-happy, pre-Cold War bubble, and Sam just couldn't be the one to break it to him.
With a sigh of exasperation, Sam walked over to the fence to help Johnny. Before he knelt down to inspect the snagged shoelace Sam placed the rifle against the fence on his side an arm's length away and ordered, "Don't touch that." Sam was surprised to note the expression of acceptance on Johnny's face. It was just so unfamiliar coming from that source, Sam didn't quite know what to do with it, so he focused on the problem at hand.
But Johnny, much like the son he would father, was not one to hold back his garrulous tendencies. "I hope I didn't bother you, Sam. But when we heard the shooting Dean said you were doing target practice and said that I could come watch as long as I didn't go past the fence. So I sat up here to watch you and my shoe got stuck. Sam…you were SO GOOD!"
In his enthusiasm, Johnny lost his balance and had to reach out to grab Sam's shoulder to steady himself. Sam found himself automatically reaching out to steady Johnny as well. They made a strange tableau – Sam on one knee and Johnny on one foot working together to strike a balance from either side of the fence. A moment later the shoelace was free and Johnny had both feet under him. Since Sam was already in a good position, he took the time to tie the sneaker in a strong double knot. The simple action made Sam smile and improved his irritated mood.
When Sam straightened up he made sure to reclaim the rifle even though Johnny made no indication that he was interested in it. Instead, the youngest Winchester picked up the train of thought where he'd left off as he leaned his arms on the top rail of the leaning fence. "Wow, Sam. Do you always hit all the targets like that? You were amazing!"
Sam tensed and turned away slightly; he was waiting for the other shoe to drop, but it never did. The whole thing was disconcerting; it was rare in Sam's recollection that John gave any compliments, let alone ones that weren't backhanded or attached to "constructive criticism". But Johnny was completely genuine – he was impressed by Sam's skill, felt free to say it…and that was it. He had no expectations, which was extremely confusing for Sam to deal with.
Johnny seemed to be waiting for some kind of response, so Sam mumbled, "Uh, yeah…thanks."
Johnny didn't seem phased by Sam's reluctance to converse and just filled in the silence by himself. "Dean told me to tell you that when you were done that we should come back and get ready for dinner." Johnny looked up in inquiry. "Are you done?"
Again, what would've been a loaded question asked by John - "Are you done?" meaning "Are you going to leave those targets lying around?" or "Are you going to put that gun away without cleaning it?" both of which implying that of course Sam was not done - was innocently put forth by Johnny.
"No, I uh…need to put everything away." Sam paused and tipped his head as he looked at Johnny. "Do you want to help me?"
Johnny beamed as thought it was just the invitation he'd been waiting for. "Sure, Sam!" He vaulted cleanly over the fence and paused, standing next to Sam. Sam rested his rifle against the fence again repeating, "Don't touch that." It was so weird giving orders to his father.
Together Sam and Johnny walked over to what was left of the targets; Sam instructed Johnny to pick up the larger bits of shrapnel while he picked up the smaller remnants. The job was quickly done, and they headed back toward the cabin. Sam carried the rifle on his left side because Johnny was traipsing along on his right. As soon as they were in sight of the cabin, Johnny ran on ahead shouting to Dean, "Dean! Sam shot all the targets! Every single one!"
The slam of the screen door did little to muffle the clarity of Johnny's report or Dean's enthusiastic response, and Sam allowed himself a smile.
After dinner, while Johnny was trying to knock cans off the fence near the house using a sling shot that Dean whipped up, Sam started a conversation that made Dean's head hurt. It was good that Sam was starting to warm up to Johnny and Dean didn't have to resort to kicking his ass to make it happen, but now that Sam was showing some concern his mind had taken a strange path. The way Sam's brain worked was mysterious sometimes; he thought about things that would never occur to Dean, and then harped on them until he got his point across.
"All I'm saying, Dean," Sam continued as he passed a dripping plate over to be dried, "is that we don't know what he knows or how what he sees might affect him."
Dean attempted to make the point he'd been stuck on for what felt like hours. "I really don't think watching Star Wars will rip the time-space continuum, Sam. What could it hurt?"
"We don't know and that's just the problem!" Aggravated Sam turned toward Dean splashing dishwater everywhere. Dean shoved Sam until he was pointed toward the sink again. Sam pointedly shook his hands free of suds and water, and then turned again to Dean. "From the way Johnny looks and the way he's behaving, we can guess he's around eleven or twelve. When Dad was eleven or twelve the first time, Star Wars wasn't even close to being around, it was all Bonanza and Elvis. What if exposing him to Star Wars makes him realize that he's not our "cousin" and he freaks out? What if watching commercials on TV make him realize that he's supposed to be forty five and it does some crazy shit to his brain when he figures out he's missing thirty-five years of his life? Are you going to explain the Gypsy's "gift" to him?"
Dean sighed and rolled his eyes, fairly sure that Sam was being melodramatic. At the same time, was it really worth the risk of traumatizing Johnny for the sake of a two hour movie? They'd kept busy all day; surely they could find something to occupy themselves until it was time for the kid to go to bed. That was how they ended up playing Risk until close to midnight.
Generally, board games were not a Winchester pastime but when Pastor Jim had found this place for them through a friend of a friend they took up residence – "as is". That included a motley collection of furniture, a furnace with a dubious past and a surprising assortment of board games. Sam and Dean had spent many long nights during John's convalescence entertaining themselves with marathon games of Monopoly or Parcheesi. Risk was not really fun with two people and it was probably the last game they'd voluntarily play with their father; he was too competitive, too focused on making it a training exercise and too strong of a strategist for them to have any chance of beating him.
Playing Risk with Johnny was completely different. He understood the rules of the game, but didn't have the far reaching knowledge of strategy that he did as an adult. He gambled too much on each roll of the dice but was good-natured about every loss. He was generous with his praise and was particularly impressed when Dean conquered all of Asia.
By the time Sam had successfully engineered a surprising rally to take back North America, Johnny had already been knocked out of the game and was dozing in the corner of the couch. A soft snore stopped Sam in mid-roll. He put the dice down. "I guess we should put him to bed."
Sam appeared to be at a total loss and that panicked expression of What do I DO with him? from this morning was creeping back onto his face. Dean had to laugh – he'd seen Sam stand his ground against much scarier things, but Dad as a kid was completely freaking him out.
"Don't worry about it, Sam. I'll put him to bed. You check the doors and windows, and then you can turn in."
Sam immediately got to work, but Dean hesitated. Though he certainly had the strength and size to do it, it just seemed wrong to pick Johnny up off the couch and carry him like an infant. Dean could deal with Johnny being eleven years, but babying him sat wrong with Dean. Luckily he had a lot of experience putting young Winchesters to bed.
Dean lightly shook Johnny's shoulder as he rolled him so his feet were off the couch. Speaking softly, so as not to scare him, Dean encouraged Johnny to get up and start walking. Johnny roused enough to be somewhat mobile and Dean guided him into the big bedroom where he would sleep. In no time, Dean had Johnny undressed and under the covers. He figured that missing one night of teeth brushing wouldn't be the end of the world.
It crossed Dean's mind that double checking Sam's work at the doors and windows would be insulting to his brother, but as the eldest, in charge of not just Sam, but Johnny, Dean couldn't help himself. Sam didn't get his panties in a twist; he seemed to understand that Dean felt the added responsibility and didn't give him grief about it; at least not out loud. A short time later, both he and Sam were settled in the room they shared.
Dean allowed his thoughts wander as he let his body relax. He swore he could hear Sam's mind racing across the small divide between their beds. Dean could only imagine how Sam was extrapolating the ramifications of this whole Gypsy "gift", but as far as Dean was concerned he was going to enjoy the time they had with Johnny and deal with Monday when it rolled around.
Sam's breathing eventually evened out, and Dean relaxed even further. He was just about to slip under from a doze to true slumber when soft footfalls in the hallway got his attention. Clearly Johnny was making a midnight run to the bathroom which was indicated a few moments later by a flushing toilet. Dean listened for the tread of Johnny's feet heading back toward the bedroom, but he hesitated out in the hallway. Dean wondered if he'd lost his way; if the light he'd left on in the kitchen wasn't enough to guide Johnny.
It seemed Johnny got himself straightened out, and in the darkness Dean could hear him head back to the big bedroom. Dean strained his hearing to listen for the sounds that Johnny was settling back to bed and was surprised when a minute or two later, Johnny was out of bed and wandering in the hallway outside their room again. The footsteps went into the living room and then came back again. Concerned that the boy might be sleepwalking, Dean rose to intercept him.
Moving quietly so he wouldn't wake Sam, Dean ghosted out into the hallway. What he found surprised him - Johnny was waffling back and forth between their bedroom door and the living room clutching a blanket and a pillow with an expression of abject misery on his face.
Dean was instantly concerned, "Johnny? What's wrong?"
Johnny startled, and misery turned to mortification. "Dean! I'm sorry. It's nothing. I'll just go back to bed."
Johnny continued to apologize, but it was hard to hear what he was saying with his face buried in the pillow that was smushed up against his face. But what was worse was that Dean was pretty sure, positive in fact, that Johnny was using the pillow to wipe away his tears. Johnny moved to try and scoot past Dean, but Dean didn't let him pass. Instead he pulled the boy, blankets, pillows and all, close to him for a hug. The shaking in Johnny's small frame went right through Dean. Every protective instinct he'd ever had came blazing up as a bonfire from his gut. Whatever was wrong with Johnny, he had to make it right.
"Is everything okay?" Sam called out from behind them sounding genuinely concerned. Dean could hear him rising from his bed as well.
"He's fine, Sam." In a split-second decision, Dean steered Johnny back into the room he shared with Sam instead of toward the big bedroom. Sam was sitting up in his bed which was pushed up against the wall across from the doorway. Dean maneuvered himself and Johnny through the limited walking space between the two beds and sat them both down on Sam's bed. The only light in the room was the weak moonlight from outside and the ambient light that made it down the hall from the kitchen; Dean thought it was better in the semi-dark, he had a feeling Johnny wouldn't want Sam to see that he'd been crying.
Though Sam was seated cross-legged against the headboard, he had a long enough reach to put a soothing hand on Johnny's back under the arm Dean still had around his shoulder. Sam shot an anxious glance over Johnny's head at Dean, but Dean still didn't know what was wrong. At least the emotional storm from the hallway seemed to have passed; Johnny was no longer shaking.
"So what's going on, kiddo?" Dean prompted trying to keep his tone light. "What's got you wandering around in the middle of the night? I thought you were asleep."
Johnny mumbled into the pillow, "I had to go to the bathroom."
Dean waited, but when Johnny didn't seem inclined to offer more information he pressed him. "I heard you go out to the bathroom, but why didn't you go back to bed?"
Johnny hunched miserably around the pillow he held across his midsection. Dean could feel the tension in his shoulders increase. "I didn't want you guys to think that I was a big baby!" Johnny moaned unhappily.
Johnny's response didn't answer the question. Dean looked across at Sam, but Sam only shrugged at him. "I thought maybe if I slept on the couch like last night…but I was already asleep…"
It finally hit home for Dean that this was a kid they were dealing with; an eleven or twelve year old kid. He didn't know much of his father's childhood history, but maybe sleepovers were not a common occurrence. And maybe spending a weekend with his "cousins", as cool as they were, was still kind of unnerving. And maybe sleeping in a strange house in a strange bed all alone was just too much to ask, Gypsy gift or not.
"You want to bunk in here with us tonight?"
Johnny's gasp seemed to indicate that it was more than he could hope for. Dean didn't wait for him to respond. He stood up, leaving Johnny with Sam and strode into the living room. Dean gathered the couch cushions and returned to the bedroom. Johnny picked his feet up and scooted closer to Sam as Dean arranged a makeshift bed on the floor between their two beds. Satisfied with his work, Dean indicated that Johnny should make himself comfortable. Johnny basically fell out of Sam's bed onto the cushions and quickly made himself a nest.
"Are you guys sure this is okay?" Johnny asked tentatively, though it was clear he had no intention of leaving.
"As long as Sam remembers not to step on you when he gets up in the morning, I think it will be fine." Dean answered as he walked around to the far side of his bed in order to climb in.
By the time everyone was settled once again Dean's eyes had adjusted to the darkness. He could see that Sam had rolled over onto his side and was looking at Johnny with an expression that was hard to pinpoint on his face; it was a mixture of exasperation, concern and a little bit of awe. Clearly, Sam was still having issues dealing with John acting like a child – not because he was being childish, but because this pint-sized version of their father really was the child John had been long before life had scarred and hardened him. It was scary and a little heartbreaking to see John this way.
There was no telling what tomorrow would bring.


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The following incidents were listed among the official reports of local law enforcement agencies and court clerks. Readers are reminded that an arrest or charge does not constitute a finding of guilt. Only a court of law can make that determination.
Jemmane Whitehead Jr., 17, of 317 Midlothian, St. Louis, arrested on suspicion of murder and aggravated battery with a firearm on or about June 11 by Illinois State Police. Whitehead allegedly, with the intent to kill or do great harm to a male juvenile, date of birth, Oct. 2, 2000, shot the juvenile with a handgun, thereby causing the death of the juvenile; in committing a battery, intentionally and by means of the discharging of a firearm caused an injury to a male juvenile, date of birth, Aug. 30, 1998, said defendant shot the juvenile in the head with a handgun.
Yolanda D. Bynum, 55, of 767 N. 80th St., East St. Louis, arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a controlled substance on or about March 4 by Fairview Heights police. Bynum allegedly, had in her possession a substance containing Tramadol.
Cheryl L. Helfrich, 54, of 29 Drexel Drive, Cahokia, arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a controlled substance on or about March 4 by Fairview Heights police. Helfrich allegedly, had in her possession less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine.
Keombra A. James, 21, of 1210 Richard St., Cahokia, arrested on suspicion of retail theft and retail theft subsequent on or about June 11 by Fairview Heights police. James allegedly, took merchandise from Macy's, 200 St. Clair Square, Fairview Heights, being socks, shirts, shorts, total retail value in excess of $300; took shirts, total retail value not in excess of $300. Defendant had been previously convicted of retail theft, subsequent on Dec. 9, 2014.
Maurice T. Allen, 23, of 128 S. 34th St., Belleville, arrested on suspicion of theft on or about June 13 by St. Clair County sheriff. Allen allegedly, took property from Colleen Meneeley, being women's rings, total value in excess of $500.
Michael R. Brock, 31, of 519 S. Herman St., Lebanon, arrested on suspicion of aggravated criminal sexual abuse from between Aug. 26, 2014 and Sept. 3, 2014 by Lebanon police. Brock allegedly, a person 18 years or age or older, knowingly committed an act of sexual abuse with a female minor, date of birth, Dec. 14, 1998 and initials, B.A. Defendant was at least 5 years older than the victim at the time.
Gregory K. Nelson, 53, of 311 N. 70th St., arrested on suspicion of aggravated discharge of a firearm, attempted murder and felon possession on or about June 23 by Illinois State Police. Nelson allegedly, discharged a firearm, a pistol, in the direction of another person, William Owen, knowing William Owen to be a peace officer engaged in the execution of his official duties; performed a substantial step toward the commission of that offense, in that Gregory Nelson knowingly fired a pistol one time in the direction of William Owen, a peace officer acting in the course of performing his official duties, after removing said pistol from his clothing while advancing toward and in close proximity to William Owen; knowingly possessed one his person a .9mm handgun. Defendant had been previously convicted of aggravated vehicular hijacking on Aug. 8, 2001.
Marcus J. Ware, 27, of 602 N. Charles St., Belleville, arrested on suspicion of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender from between Nov. 19, 2014 and June 23 by Belleville police. Ware allegedly, a sex offender, knowingly failed to register in accordance with the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration Act, with the Chief of Police of the City of Belleville, within 3 days of establishing a residence within that city.
Tiama L. Phipps, 21, of 805 S. 42nd St., Centreville, arrested on suspicion of aggravated domestic battery, escape of a felon from a penal institution, unlawful restraint, three counts of domestic battery on or about June 22 by Centreville police. Phipps allegedly, in committing a domestic battery, strangled Laquahia Davis, a family/household member, in that said defendant intentionally impeded the normal breathing/circulation of blood by applying pressure to Laquahia Davis' throat or neck; while in the lawful custody of Babatunde Owoseni, a peace officer for the city of Centreville, for the alleged commission of a felony offense, being unlawful restraint and domestic battery subsequent, intentionally escaped from custody in that while he was being transported to the Centreville Police Department, he rolled down the rear window of the police car and jumped out; knowingly and without legal authority detained Laquahia Davis in that he grabbed her and prevented her from leaving the boarding house located at 805 S. 42nd St., Centreville; knowingly caused physical contact to Laquahia Davis, a family/household member, in that said defendant struck her about the face; pushed her into the wall; pulled her hair. Defendant had been previously convicted of domestic battery on Jan. 22, 2014.


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a) Round neck T-shirts are comfortable to wear and reuse.
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c).The cloth used to prepare shirts is checked for its durability and long shelf life.


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We've been in Globalization for a while now, but the past five years have sealed it. When looking at all the stressors of urban life… too many rats packed into cages, meaningless competition, crime, racism, high cost of living, lousy availability of good food choices… it's logical to look for other choices. Many African Americans have opted to move to the suburbs at almost alarming rates.
Suburbia is where whites fled to get away from blacks. Poverty has not only increased in urban America, but in Suburban America too. With it, alcoholism and drug abuse has increased in both. So why… WHY… move to suburbia? If you're of a certain age demographic and your employment is tied to inner cities, then it's a natural choice. But mainly people fear detaching from the nightlife and the familiarity of cities.
It's past time to change.
Long term survival for blacks now looks best if you:
a.) Have your own piece of land (two or more acres)
b.) Own your own business
Who isn't tired of the "looking for a job" game?
It's time to explore MAKING a job. It's said that "Every problem is an opportunity in work clothes." Most people are conditioned to fall down on the sofa and cry about this or that problem… like complaining is going to fix anything. Most of the problems that face Black America are designed with the hope that we'll give up… or worse… feed the very dysfunctional egos that created those problems. (I won't get into "Power Addiction" and the inner void that fuels it right yet. But if you're interested, YouTube Dr. Gabor Mate's video on Power Addiction.)
For the ordinary person, moving to an area where you can be near an urban center but replace the ills of "Suburbia" with the more natural, healthier choice of "Rural." I've used, "www.city-data.com" for years. it's one of many websites filled with demographics and information about practically any place you're curious of moving to. Gone are the days when we could find the grass is greener. But what we now have is even better… all the tools laying around those over-grown properties you'll need to create whatever NURTURING lifestyle you dream of. All it takes is curiosity…. everything else will flow out from that.


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A Northumberland Alpine Gardener's Diary
This entry: 24 May 2016 by John Richards
Northumberland Diary. Entry 317.
Long time no see
Four weeks since my last contribution, and the busiest time of the year. For once I have a good excuse. No sooner were we into May, than I was rushed to hospital with an eye emergency, leading to two operations a week apart. This has led to an extremely tedious convalescence most of which has been spent 'posturing', head at roughly 45 degrees (one direction only), and nights spent on only one side. I need hardly say that this has been hardly conducive to gardening, or indeed (especially) the writing of diaries. A visit to the consultant today has brought with it somewhat better news, and a considerable slackening of the regime. In the meantime I have been able to make a few photographic records of the progress of the garden over the last three weeks or so, and my new-found (relative) freedom allows me to sit at the computer long enough to post some of these. One eye is still out of action, hopefully only a temporary measure, so some of the pictures may not even reach my customary mediocre standard. In compensation, I hope that a few of the photographs may be of interest. Probably, this epistle will be compiled over several sessions.
Some rhodos
Its been quite a good year for rhododendron flower here. A reasonably good show from the Maddenii hybrid Rh. 'Fragrantissimum' is a rarity here We should not be able to grow Maddeniis here at all really, too cold, too dry and too many late frosts. But I have had this plant a quarter of a century although I can count good flowering years on the fingers of one hand.
Rhododendron smirnovii has been good too. This was lifted to take to the E. Anglia Show (perforce in vain; I have had to miss two Shows), also a good excuse to get several pernicious weeds out of the rootball.
Rhododendron keiskei 'Yaku Fairy' wins my award for the best dwarf species (it won the International Farrer at Nottingham, 1981 for Kath Dryden). Here it is consigned to a tub in a rather shady spot where it receives no attention whatever and performs like this every year.
More awards to be handed out, this time to Rh. 'Chikor', which I have owned for some 44 years. It's not a great plant and has nearly died a couple of times, chiefly as a result of neglect. But it struggles on and reminds me of its distinguished parent Rh. ludlowii which I used to tend in Randle Cooke's garden.
Did you see Rhododendron roxieanum in flower in the last one? A distinguished if not very free-flowering plant (it has been better). I am always amused that such a class act seems to be named for a floosey! (no, I know the real reason, don't phone in).
As for hybrids, you can't beat 'King George', my favourite red, and brilliant every year without fail.
I have seen Rhododendron augustinii growing wild in the forests to the west of Wolong, Sichuan, at quite low altitude. It would not be a surprise were it tender, but it is in fact as tough as old boots, and an excellent parent to many hybrids. It was named for the plant explorer Augustine Henry who sounds like a French Missionary, but was in fact Irish! This is an unnamed form, grown from seed.
In the last issue I showed Rh. pseudochrysanthum in bud. It fulfilled its promise and is still flowering a month later.
One more rhodo before we pass to lesser mortals. Rh. oreotrephes is one of the latest here.
Some primulas
Rhodos and primulas tend to go together, two great Sinohimalayan genera of enormous diversity and beauty. Indeed I was once asked to give a lecture on rhododendrons and primulas which I have reprised several times. There have been some novelties flowering here this spring, several emenating from Stuart Pawley, past director of the Scottish Rock Garden Club seed exchange, who hads been raising hybrids between members of the Maximowiczii subsection. Perhaps the most successful has been this stunning cross between the yellow P. handeliana and the red P. maximowiczii.
Several of the others purport to be P. tangutica crosses but it is not clear to me to what extent they have been hybridised. I have raised several of a rather washy salmon or orangey hue which seem to be pure P. tangutica. Although this species is commonly a dark purple-brown in the wild, Holger Perner found populations with a very wide range of colours including many similar to these.
The next plant looks not unalike some straight P. maximowiczii but the leaves suggest that it may be the cross with P. tangutica. Unfortunately I have lost the label to this one.
It has also been a good time for the relatives of Primula chionantha. I was pleased that several of my own seedlings of the distinctive 'sinonivalis' form had overwintered successfully to flower for a second year. I also have a pot full of their seedlings.
Primula melanops has also been good, as has P. chionantha subsp. chionantha, rather out of focus here, my apologies!
A few years ago, Cyril Lafong kindly gifted me one of his seedlings of Primula aureata, a plant I had not grown for many years. Grown in a shady place under glass in a plastic pot, this has grown to a considerable size, but has made far too much leaf to be really attractive. I guess it has received too much nutrient, especially nitrogen, a cogent lesson!
What we must now call Primula bullata (formerly P. forrestii) has also been instructive. Of a batch of seedlings raised last summer, those grown in the alpine house in crock pots have not been successful, although another placed in a plastic pot in cooler consitions thrived, although rather leggily. More successful have been seedlings placed outside in fishboxes in a gritty compost in part shade, and cloched for the winter.
The very rare section Bullata species P. coelata has flowered almost too well, and I fear that it may soon be lost.
Finally, thanks to David Rankin's gift of seed, I am delighted to get back Primula malvacea, a plant I used to exhibit successfully. Despite a reputation for growing in rather dry dusty sites in lower rainfall regions of western China, I find this too is best in a plastic pot and avoiding too much hot sun.
With the exception of 'Old Rose', Meconopsis are only just starting to flower. One disappointment has been the following plant. Two years ago I raised two seedlings from my own plant of M. sulphurea (grown as M. pseudointegrifolia). One flowered last year and proved to be an elegant dwarf cream-flowered hybrid, apparently with M. delavayi. This 'went down' in good condition and I harboured the conceit that it would perennate (it set no seed). The other struggled and was thought lost (both were in identical plastic pots). However, when the survivor came to flower this May, plainly it was pure M. sulphurea, and so must have been the other seedling, the hybrid having died.
As inferred above, M. x cookei 'Old Rose' is thriving and has many dozens of flowers as I write. You don't need to see this excellent plant again, but as an excuse, one of six flowering individuals of M. delavayi has come up right alongside an 'Old Rose' and I think must be an overlooked self-sown seedling.
A few plants from the sand-bed terrace now. Seed-raised Dianthus microlepis has been slow but has remained tight and is now proving very floriferous.
A purchased plant of Androsace elegans has done well in similar conditions.
I had harboured hopes for this Lewisia tweedyi 'Rosea' for the Wymondham Show. Certainly, it had never been better. Never mind!
Saxifraga micans, a rather distinctive ally of S. andersonii with very abrasive leaves, has succeeded in a shallow pan stood outside, although it has yet to cover the surface.
To finish with, Haberlea 'Virginalis', originating from Randle Cooke's garden many decades ago, and a young plant of Magnolia 'Leonard Messel', the latter performing well for the first time.