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Introduction: There is good evidence from epidemiological studies that the diagnosis of schizophrenia is associated with an increased risk of violence.Some studies have linked the presence of positive symptoms, first psychotic episode, duration of untreated psychosis and lack of insight with violent behavior. Objective: The primary objective was to identify factors related to violent behavior in patients diagnosed with psychotic disorder attended by our group, a multidisciplinary mobile outreach team (EMSE). Methodology: We evaluated a total of 249 patients diagnosed with psychotic disorder between 2007 and 2012. We administered the following scales: PANSS, GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning), CGI (Clinical Global Impression), GEP (Severity of psychiatric illness scale, AVAT (Instrument to assess violent behavior in mental illness) and SUMD (Scale unawareness of mental disorders). To study the correlation between the scales and the score of the AVAT instrument we used the Pearson correlation. Clinical variables were also compared between aggressive and non-aggressive patients using Chisquare and Student's. Results: There is a positive correlation between AVAT and PANSS-P (r =0.544), ICG (r =0.472), GEP (r =0.515) and a negative correlation between AVAT and GAF (r = -0357). The correlation between AVAT and SUMD is positive (r =0.119) but not statistically significant. Conclusion: The presence of positive symptoms and clinical severity has been linked to increased aggressiveness and to predict the occurrence of violent behavior in the course of psychotic disorder. Unlike other studies, no correlation was observed with the lack of insight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Magnetic fields generated by the nonlinear Rayleigh-Taylor growth of laser-seeded three-dimensional broadband perturbations were measured in laser-accelerated planar targets using ultrafast proton radiography. The experimental data show self-similar behavior in the growing cellular magnetic field structures. These observations are consistent with a bubble competition and merger model that predicts the time evolution of the number and size of the bubbles, linking the cellular magnetic field structures with the Rayleigh-Taylor bubble and spike growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collisionless shocks are often observed in fast-moving astrophysical plasmas, formed by non-classical viscosity that is believed to originate from collective electromagnetic fields driven by kinetic plasma instabilities. However, the development of small-scale plasma processes into large-scale structures, such as a collisionless shock, is not well understood. It is also unknown to what extent collisionless shocks contain macroscopic fields with a long coherence length. For these reasons, it is valuable to explore collisionless shock formation, including the growth and self-organization of fields, in laboratory plasmas. The experimental results presented here show at a glance with proton imaging how macroscopic fields can emerge from a system of supersonic counter-streaming plasmas produced at the OMEGA EP laser. Interpretation of these results, plans for additional measurements, and the difficulty of achieving truly collisionless conditions are discussed. Future experiments at the National Ignition Facility are expected to create fully formed collisionless shocks in plasmas with no pre-imposed magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mnd2 mice die prematurely as a result of neurodegeneration 30-40 days after birth due to loss of the enzymatic activity of the mitochondrial quality control protease HtrA2/Omi. Here, we show that transgenic expression of human HtrA2/Omi in the central nervous system of mnd2 mice rescues them from neurodegeneration and prevents their premature death. Interestingly, adult transgenic mnd2 mice develop accelerated aging phenotypes, such as premature weight loss, hair loss, reduced fertility, curvature of the spine, heart enlargement, increased autophagy, and death by 12-17 months of age. These mice also have elevated levels of clonally expanded mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions in their tissues. Our results provide direct genetic evidence linking mitochondrial protein quality control to mtDNA deletions and aging in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase aberrantly expressed in neuroblastoma, a devastating pediatric cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. Germline and somatically acquired ALK aberrations induce increased autophosphorylation, constitutive ALK activation and increased downstream signaling. Thus, ALK is a tractable therapeutic target in neuroblastoma, likely to be susceptible to both small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and therapeutic antibodies-as has been shown for other receptor tyrosine kinases in malignancies such as breast and lung cancer. Small-molecule inhibitors of ALK are currently being studied in the clinic, but common ALK mutations in neuroblastoma appear to show de novo insensitivity, arguing that complementary therapeutic approaches must be developed. We therefore hypothesized that antibody targeting of ALK may be a relevant strategy for the majority of neuroblastoma patients likely to have ALK-positive tumors. We show here that an antagonistic ALK antibody inhibits cell growth and induces in vitro antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of human neuroblastoma-derived cell lines. Cytotoxicity was induced in cell lines harboring either wild type or mutated forms of ALK. Treatment of neuroblastoma cells with the dual Met/ALK inhibitor crizotinib sensitized cells to antibody-induced growth inhibition by promoting cell surface accumulation of ALK and thus increasing the accessibility of antigen for antibody binding. These data support the concept of ALK-targeted immunotherapy as a highly promising therapeutic strategy for neuroblastomas with mutated or wild-type ALK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the successful demonstration of an OMEGA laser-driven platform for generating and studying nearly two-dimensional unstable plasma shear layers [Hurricane et al., Phys. Plasmas 16, 056305 (2009); Harding et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 045005 (2009)], this Letter reports on the first quantitative measurement of turbulent mixing in a high-energy-density plasma. As a blast wave moves parallel to an unperturbed interface between a low-density foam and a high-density plastic, baroclinic vorticity is deposited at the interface and a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability-driven turbulent mixing layer is created in the postshock flow due to surface roughness. The spatial scale and density profile of the turbulent layer are diagnosed using x-ray radiography with sufficiently small uncertainty so that the data can be used to constrain turbulent mixing models. The estimated Reynolds number (~106), Liepmann-Taylor scale (~0.5 /¿m), and inner viscous scale (-- 0.17 /¿m) in the postshock plasma flow are consistent with an "inertial subrange," within which a Kolmogorov turbulent energy cascade can be active. An illustration of comparing the data set with the predictions of a two-equation turbulence model in the ARES radiation hydrodynamics code is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports an experimental approach to deposit flexible diamond-like carbon (DLC) films on hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) with plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition and an analytical model to describe the self-segmentation mechanism of the DLC films. By making use of the substantial thermal expansion mismatch between the DLC films and the rubber substrate, a dense network of cracks forms in the DLC films and contributes to flexibility. The size of the microsegments can be controlled by tuning the temperature variation of the substrate during deposition through varying the substrate bias voltage. The formation mechanism of the crack network and its effect on the flexibility of DLC films coated on rubber are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The application of a time-domain electromagnetic simulation code to a realistic and challenging problem like the high-resolution range profile (HRRP) generation of an inlet cavity model is presented in this paper. HRRPs can be used to accomplish noncooperative target identification (NCTI) of aircrafts by means of radar, and the database needed in this technique tends to be populated with predicted data obtained with software tools. Most codes employed with these purposes are frequency domain methods, which need multiple simulations at different adequately chosen frequencies, as well as some postprocessing, to get a radar signature. Instead, this paper focuses on finite difference time domain (FDTD) analysis of the response of a cavity, because of the relevance of these parts of an aircraft in the overall signature, and numerical results are compared with measurements performed by the authors in an anechoic chamber. This work also shows the advantages of using an electromagnetic code based on time domain for HRRP generation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS) is a frequent condition, affecting about 15% of women of reproductive age. Because of its familial occurrence, a multifactorial model of susceptibility, including both genetic and environmental factors, has been proposed. However, the identification of genetic factors has been elusive. Design Case-control study aimed at evaluating possible associations between functionally relevant variants of the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotrophin receptor gene ( LHCGR) and PCOS phenotype. Patients A total of 198 PCOS and 187 non- PCOS women, aged 14-35 years, of Sardinian origin, were referred to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Cagliari ( Sardinia). PCOS diagnosis was based on the Rotterdam criteria. Measurements We determined the genotype of ins18 LQ, S291 N and S312 N variants at the LHCGR locus. Genotype was related to the presence or absence of PCOS and to several clinical and biochemical characteristics. Results The presence of at least one 312 N allele was strongly associated with PCOS risk ( OR, 2·04; 95% CI, 1·32-3·14; χ2, 10·47; P = 0·001). 312 N homozygosity was associated with a further risk increase ( OR, 2·73; 95% CI, 1·25-5·95; χ2, 6·65; P = 0·01). The number of ins18 LQ alleles was associated with LH serum levels in controls (χ2, 8·04, P = 0·017). Conclusions For the first time, we have identified a genetic variant that is strongly associated with PCOS in an isolated population. These results, if confirmed in other cohorts, may provide the opportunity to test the S312 N genotype at the LHCGR locus in fertile women to assess the risk of PCOS. The avoidance of triggering factors like weight increase may improve the reproductive outcome of potentially at-risk subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main drawbacks of using endometrial cytology in cows is the time required for sample collection and interpretation. It is recommended to count a large number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and to calculate their overall percentage. However, since counting a large number of cells is a laborious method, it would be preferable to simplify the analysis by counting the number of PMN in few microscopic fields. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether a simple test, based on calculating the average number of PMN in 10 fields at 1000x, could be a reliable technique for the diagnosis of endometritis. Two hundred and sixty endometrial samples were taken from Holstein cows at different postpartum stages using an adapted cytobrush. Smears obtained were air-dried for fixing and stained with a Romanowsky-type procedure. To evaluate the counting method, the percentage of PMN in 150 cells was calculated as well as the average number of PMN in 10 fields at 1000x. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was constructed to evaluate both methods, the percentage of PMN (used as reference) and the average number of PMN. It was observed that the area under the curve is (regardless of cut-of used) higher than 0.99 and the correspondence between both methods were 1.58 PMN/field for the cut-of value of 15% and 2.40 PMN/field for the cut-of value of 20%. These results show that this simple method could be used to determine the percentage of PMN in endometrial cytological samples and to diagnose endometritis in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) are issues of interest to avian producers in Madagascar. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is the major constraint for village aviculture, and avian influenza viruses type A (AIAV) are known to circulate in bird flocks. This study aims at classifying smallholder poultry farms, according to the combination of risk factors potentially associated with NDV and AIAV transmission and to assess the level of infection for each farm class. Two study sites, Lake Alaotra and Grand Antananarivo, were chosen with respect to their differences in terms of agro-ecological features and poultry productions. A typology survey involving 526 farms was performed to identify possible risk factors for (i) within-village, and (ii) between-village virus transmission. A cross-sectional serological study was also carried out in 270 farms to assess sero-prevalences of NDV and AIAV for each farm class and the link between them and risk factor patterns. For within-village transmission, four classes of farms were identified in Grand Antananarivo and five in Lake Alaotra. For between-village virus transmission, four classes of farms were identified for each site. In both sites, NDV sero-prevalence was higher than for AIAV. There was no evidence of the presence of H5 or H7 subtypes of AIAV. Sero-prevalences were significantly higher in Lake Alaotra than in Grand Antananarivo for both viruses (OR=2.4, p =0.02 for NDV, and OR=9.6, p <0.0001 for AIAV). For within-village NDV transmission in Grand Antananarivo, backyard chicken farms (OR=3.6, p <0.001), and chicken farms with biosecurity awareness (OR=3.4, p <0.01) had greater odds of having antibodies against NDV than the others. For between-village virus transmission, farms with multiple external contacts, and farms using many small markets had greater odds of having antibodies against NDV than the others (OR=5.4, p <0.01). For AIAV, there were no differences in sero-prevalences among farm classes. In Lake Alaotra, the observed high density of palmipeds and widespread rice paddies were associated with high sero-prevalences for both viruses, and a homogeneous risk of virus transmission between the different farm classes. In Grand Antananarivo, farm visits by collectors or animal health workers, and farm contacts with several markets were identified as potential risk factors for NDV transmission. Further studies are needed to identify the circulating virus genotypes, model their transmission risk, and provide adapted control measures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To assess the effectiveness of an antispasmodic drug, hyoscine-N-butylbromide, in reducing pain during hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy). Methods Eight hundred and sixteen patients undergoing HyCoSy were randomized to receive 10 mg hyoscine-N-butylbromide ( n = 408) or placebo ( n = 408) per os, 30 min before the procedure, in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Immediately after the procedure, the patient was asked to describe any pain experienced in comparison with pain usually suffered during the menstrual cycle, and the operator assigned a pain score between 0 and 4 as follows: 0 (no reaction or discomfort), 1 (slight pain, less than menstrual pain), 2 (moderate pain, exceeding menstrual cramps but no vasovagal reaction), 3 (vasovagal reaction or pain requiring observation in a hospital) and 4 (vasovagal reaction or pain requiring resuscitation). The primary aim was to estimate the difference in pain score, considered as a categorical value, between the active arm of the trial and the control group. The secondary aim was to evaluate if pain is related to tubal patency. Results There was no difference in pain score between the hyoscine-N-butylbromide group and the placebo group ( P = 0.807). There was a negative correlation between pain and tubal patency, regardless of treatment group ( P < 0.0001). Conclusions Administration of 10 mg antispasmodic drug hyoscine-N-butylbromide does not reduce pain in patients undergoing HyCoSy. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granzymes (gzms) are key components of T-killer (Tc) cells believed to mediate pro-apoptotic activities. Recent evidence suggests that gzms also possess non-cytotoxic activities that contribute to host defense. In this study, we show that Tc cells from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-infected wild-type (wt) and gzm A/B-deficient mice express similar levels of gzmK protein, with both mouse strains efficiently controlling infection. GzmK, in recombinant form or secreted by ex vivo-derived LCMV-immune gzmAxB−/− Tc cells, lacks pro-apoptotic activity. Instead, gzmK induces primary mouse macrophages to process and secrete interleukin-1β, independent of the ATP receptor P2X7. Together with the finding that IL-1Ra (Anakinra) treatment inhibits virus elimination but not generation of cytotoxic Tc cells in wt mice, the data suggest that Tc cells control LCMV through non-cytotoxic processes that involve gzmK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study buoyant displacement flows with two miscible fluids of equal viscosity in ducts that are inclined at angles close to horizontal (β≈90°). As the imposed velocity (V⁁0) is increased from zero, we change from an exchange flow dominated regime to a regime in which the front velocity (V⁁f) increases linearly with V⁁0. During this transition, we observed an interesting phenomenon in which the layer of displaced fluid remained at the top of the pipe (diameter D⁁) during the entire duration of the experiment, apparently stationary for times t⁁>=103D⁁/V⁁0 (the stationary residual layer). Our investigation revealed that this flow marks the transition between flows with a back flow, counter to the imposed flow, and those that displace instantaneously. The same phenomena are observed in pipes (experiments) and in plane channels (two-dimensional numerical computations). A lubrication/thin-film model of the flows also shows the transition from back flow to instantaneous displacement. At long times, this model has a stationary residual layer solution of the type observed, which is found at a unique ratio χ of the axial viscous velocity to the imposed velocity. The prediction of the stationary residual layer from the lubrication model is compared with the transition in observed behavior in our pipe flow experiments and our 2D numerical displacements in the channel. Reasonable agreement is found for the pipe and excellent agreement for the channel. Physically, in either geometry at transition, the upper layer of the fluid is in a countercurrent motion with zero net volumetric flux; the velocity at the interface is positive, but the velocity of the interface is zero. This results from a delicate balance between buoyancy forces against the mean flow and viscous forces in the direction of the mean flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Information on antibody persistence after aerosol revaccination with MMR components is limited. Thus, antibody titers were determined in 283 adult participants in a MMR vaccine trial 12 months after revaccination. One group had received aerosolized Triviraten vaccine while two other groups received either injected Triviraten or MMR II vaccine. Both MMR vaccines contained the same rubella strain, but different measles and mumps strains. Seropositivity to measles persisted in 98% of aerosolized vaccine recipients, 92% of injected Triviraten, and 95% of injected MMR II. All participants in the three groups retained seropositivity to rubella, while less than 50% remained seropositive to mumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Amblyomma variegatum, the Tropical Bont Tick (TBT), is the principal vector of heartwater and is associated with dermatophilosis, major causes of losses in animal production and mortality in Caribbean livestock. From 1995 to 2007, the Caribbean Amblyomma Programme (CAP) supported treatment and surveillance activities in 11 islands of the Eastern Caribbean with an initial objective of eradicating TBT. In addition to control activities, surveillance data were collected between 1997 and 2006 in a unique regional database. We report the analysis of the surveillance data from four islands (Nevis, St Kitts, St Lucia, and Barbados) where control and surveillance followed the initial protocol and where enough data were collected. We describe the evolution of TBT infestation levels and the efforts carried out throughout the surveillance period. Logistic regression identified factors associated with herds found infested with TBT. Overall, treatment programmes were associated with a decrease in proportion of TBT-infested farms. High surveillance efforts were carried out throughout the 1997–2007 period for all island of interest, but inadequate level of surveillance was observed in several quarters especially for St Kitts. Third quarter of the year, as indication of adult TBT seasonality on livestock, was significantly associated with the risk of detecting TBT in Nevis and St Kitts livestock farms. Also, presence of cattle in Nevis farms was shown associated with an increasing probability of farms being declared TBT-infested. Outcomes of these analyses provide basis for recommendations to improve future national and regional control and surveillance activities. This analysis demonstrates the usefulness of long term and adequate surveillance data for control programmes and identification of factors associated with risk of having infested herds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Guadeloupe, West Nile virus (WNV) activity was first observed in equids in 2002, and a high seroprevalence was found in 2003. The objective of our study was to determine individual and environmental factors associated with the risk of WNV seropositivity during 2002–2003. Fieldwork was conducted to retrospectively determine the location of equids at the time of virus circulation and to collect information regarding environmental and individual variables. Sera were collected from 369 equids out of an estimated total population of less than 500. Thirty-four environmental and individual variables were investigated. Equids had a higher risk (p <0.001) for WNV seropositivity if they lived within the proximity “distance less than 1.5km” of marshes or swamp forests “a large freshwater formation behind mangroves” or if they remained outside after dusk. Equids living within the proximity of ouassous shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) basins or sugar cane fields had a lower risk (p <0.001) for WNV seropositivity. These results confirm that WNV circulation is more likely in the humid coastal areas of Guadeloupe. The identification of risk factors is useful for predicting future emergence sites of WNV in the archipelago and other Neotropical islands, and to better target sentinel surveillance in the region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the United States, Latino youth experience disproportionately higher rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than non-Latino Whites. As a result, organizations serving Latino youth seek culturally appropriate evidence-based prevention programs that promote sexual abstinence and condom use. ¡Cuídate! is an efficacious HIV sexual risk reduction program for Latino youth aged 13-18. The program incorporates cultural beliefs that are common among Latino youth and associated with sexual risk behavior, and uses these beliefs to frame abstinence and condom use as culturally accepted and effective ways to prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS. ¡Cuídate! has been successfully delivered in community agencies and after-school programs but has not been integrated into an existing school curriculum. This brief case study describes efforts to implement ¡Cuídate! in a predominantly Latino urban high school in Denver. Ninety-three youth participated in the program from October 2007 to May 2008. ¡Cuídate! was adapted to accommodate the typical class period by delivering program content over a larger number of sessions and extending the total amount of time of the program to allow for additional activities. Major challenges of program implementation included student recruitment and the 'opt in' policy for participation. Despite these challenges, ¡Cuídate! was implemented with minor adaptations in a school setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a prelimanry measurement of the proton-antiproton differential elastic cross secion, dσ/dt at the center of mass energy of √s = 1.96 TeV in the t range of 0.2 < |t| < 1.4 (GeV/c)² using the roman pots of the D0 experiment at Fermilab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many astrophysical phenomena involve the interaction of a shock wave with an inhomogeneous background medium. Using scaled experiments with inhomogeneous foam targets makes it possible to study relevant physics in the laboratory to better understand the mechanisms of shock compression and to benchmark astrophysical simulation codes. First experiments on Zebra at the Nevada Terawatt Facility (NTF) have demonstrated flyer acceleration to sufficiently high velocities (up to 5 km/s) and that laser shadowgraphy can image sound fronts in transparent targets. Based on this, we designed an optimized setup to improve the flyer parameters (higher speed and mass) to create shock waves in transparent media. Once x-ray backlighting with the Leopard laser at NTF is operational, we will switch to foam targets with parameters relevant for laboratory astrophysics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to determine whether depressive symptoms among older persons systematically vary across urban neighborhoods such that experiencing more symptoms is associated with low socioeconomic status (SES), high concentrations of ethnic minorities, low residential stability and low proportion aged 65 years and older. METHODS: Survey data are from the Study of Assets and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD), a 1993 U.S. national probability sample of noninstitutionalized persons born in 1923 or earlier (i.e. people aged 70 or older). Neighborhood data are from the 1990 Census at the tract level. Hierarchical linear regression is used to estimate multilevel models. RESULT: The average number of depressive symptoms varies across Census tracts independent of individual-level characteristics. Symptoms are not significantly associated with neighborhood SES, ethnic composition, or age structure when individual-level characteristics are controlled statistically. However, net of individual-level characteristics, symptoms are positively associated with neighborhood residential stability, pointing to a complex meaning of residential stability for the older population. DISCUSSION: This study shows that apparent neighborhood-level socioeconomic effects on depressive symptoms among urban-dwelling older adults are largely if not entirely compositional in nature. Further, residential stability in the urban neighborhood may not be emotionally beneficial to its aged residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We visualize the flow induced by an isolated non-Brownian spherical particle settling in a shear thinning yield stress fluid using particle image velocimetry. With Re<1, we show a breaking of the fore-aft symmetry and relate this to the rheological properties of the fluid. We find that the shape of the yield surface approximates that of an ovoid spheroid with its major axis approximately five times greater than the radius of the particle. The disagreement of our experimental findings with previous numerical simulations is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses an investigation on measles outbreak associated with an International Youth Sporting event in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Texas from August-September 2007. The investigation was conducted by state and local health departments in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using standard measles surveillance case definitions and classifications. The investigation identified six cases that were linked epidemiologically to the index case and two generations of secondary transmission.

We present an experimental investigation of a novel low Reynolds number shear flow instability triggered by a chemical reaction. An acid-base reaction taking place at the interface between a Newtonian fluid and carbopol-940 solution leads to a strong viscosity stratification, which locally destabilizes the flow. Our experimental observations are made in the context of a miscible displacement flow, for which the flow instability promotes local mixing and subsequently improves the displacement efficiency. The experimental study is complemented by a simplified normal mode analysis to shed light on the origin of the instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the role that mid-life and older wives and mothers play in promoting medication adherence among their HIV-infected husbands or adult sons who require daily living assistance. Interviews were conducted with 112 caregiving dyads, with caregivers reporting on their own behaviours and attitudes towards medications, and care-recipients (persons living with HIV [PLH]) providing information about their own adherence practices. By examining how caregiver characteristics, behaviours, and attitudes may influence PLH adherence it is explicitly recognized that caregivers and PLH are linked within a caregiving dyad. Findings indicate that caregivers often remind PLH to take medications, but these reminders are not significantly associated with adherence. Caregivers also report strong attitudes about medication hassles, concerns over treatment failure and general concerns about adherence. Controlling for background characteristics, high perceived adherence hassles on the part of the caregiver were associated with low PLH adherence, providing evidence of shared influence within the caregiving dyad. Adherence interventions may maximize their effectiveness if they consider the role of the family caregiver because these data suggest that caregiver attitudes are linked with PLH adherence behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents research titled "Norovirus Outbreak Among Evacuees From Hurricane Katrina--Houston, Texas, September 2005." The methods used in the epidemiological study are mentioned. The Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services (HCPHES) used a checklist of symptoms to collect triage data. Statistics concerning acute gastroenteritis are provided, as well as information about infection-control measures. The CDC editorial note comments on the outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis in the United States, conditions that facilitate transmission of the virus, management of outbreaks during disaster relief, and when norovirus should be suspected in acute gastroenteritis.

Abstract: Sticholysin II (St II) is a highly hemolytic cytolysin isolated from the sea anemone Stichodactyla heliantus. The toxin hemolytic action takes place through the formation of channels that provoke an electrolyte unbalance leading to osmotic shock. The lytic event must involve the exchange of electrolytes and the entrance of water, leading to red blood cell disruption. These processes can occur through St II pores and/or the endogenous red blood cells transporters. In order to evaluate the contribution of these channels to water, anion and cation transport, we have measured the hemolysis and K+ efflux rates in the presence of several specific inhibitors. The results obtained in the presence of Hg, an AQP1 blocker, indicate that water transport through these channels is not essential for the occurrence of the lytic process induced by St II. The data also support a partial role of K+ and anion transporters. In particular, they are compatible with a preferential K+ efflux though the K+/Cl− co-transport as a response to the promoted swelling. Furthermore, they suggest that chloride influx, a process that can regulate both K+ efflux and lysis, is partially mediated by the endogenous cell transporters, in particular, band-3 anion exchange system being relevant at early stages of the lytic process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To examine the evidence for a causal association between substance abuse and schizophrenia, and to discuss possible underlying mechanisms. Methods: The search strategy included a keyword search using the following sources: Medline, Embase and Psychlit. Articles were selected on the basis of key words and hand search of the reference lists within these papers. Results: There is an undeniable association between abuse of certain drugs and schizophrenia. More particularly, studies indicate that use of psychostimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine, as well as cannabis, increase the likelihood of developing schizophrenia. Animal and human research indicates that repeated exposure to these drugs can lead to a sensitization of dopamine transmission similar to that observed in patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion: The use of drugs which can cause dopamine sensitization appears to increase risk of schizophrenia, particularly in those with genetic or personality vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which used a quantitative method to compare intertemporal choice in rats whose orbital prefrontal cortex (OPFC) had been depleted of dopamine. Model of impulsive choice proposed in animals; Treatment of rats under halothane anaesthesia; Way in which concentrations of monoamines in the OPFC were determined.

Synucleins (Syn), a family of synaptic proteins, includes α-Syn, which plays a pivotal role in Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases (synucleinopathies) by forming distinct brain pathologies (Lewy bodies and neurites). Since traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a poorly understood risk factor for Parkinson’s disease, we examined the effects of TBI in the young and aged mouse brain on α-, β-, and γ-Syn. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that brains from sham-injured young and aged mice had normal α- and β-Syn immunoreactivity (IR) in neuropil of cortex, striatum, and hippocampus with little or no γ-Syn IR. At 1 week post TBI, the aged mouse brain showed a transient increase of α- and β-Syn IR in the neuropil as well as an induction of γ-Syn IR in subcortical axons. This was associated with strong labeling of striatal axon bundles by antibodies to altered or nitrated epitopes in α-Syn as well as by antibodies to inducible nitric oxide synthase. However, these TBI-induced changes disappeared by 16 weeks post TBI, and altered Syn IR was not seen in young mice subjected to TBI nor in α-Syn knockout mice while Western blots confirmed that TBI induced transient alterations of α-Syn in the mouse brains. This model of age-dependent TBI-induced transient alterations in α-Syn provides an opportunity to examine possible links between TBI and mechanisms of disease in synucleinopathies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Describes two multilayer-perceptron artificial-neural-network committee methods and a mathematical-macromodeling method for determining the concentrations of gases in a known gas mixture from outputs of an array of tin-oxide gas sensors placed in the mixtures. Training by backpropagation; Mean error bars and mean magnitude of errors; Histogram of the actual errors and error bars.

The effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) upon the conformation and hemolytic activity of St I and St II strongly depends on its concentration. At relatively low surfactant concentrations (ca. 0.5–5 mM range) the surfactant leads to the formation of aggregates, as suggested by the turbidity observed even at relatively low (micromolar range) protein concentrations. In this surfactant range, the proteins show an increase in intrinsic fluorescence intensity and reduced quenching by acrylamide, with an almost total loss of its hemolytic activity. At higher surfactant concentrations the protein adducts disaggregates. This produces a decrease in fluorescence intensity, increase in quenching efficiency by acrylamide, loss of the native tertiary conformation (as reported by the near UV-CD spectra), and increase in α-helix content (as evidenced by the far UV-CD spectra). However, and in spite of these substantial changes, the toxins partially recover their hemolytic activity. The reasons for this recovering of the activity at high surfactant concentrations is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of punctate brain lesions in neonates (number, appearance, distribution, and association with other brain abnormalities) and to relate them to neurodevelopmental outcome.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of 110 MRI brain scans from 92 infants admitted in 1998 to the neonatal intensive care unit. Results of routine neurodevelopmental follow up (1998-2001) in those infants with punctate brain lesions were analysed.Results: Punctate lesions were observed in 15/50 preterm and 2/42 term infants. In the preterm group, the number of lesions was < 3 in 20%, 3-10 in 27%, and > 10 in 53%. In 14/15 the lesions were linearly organised and located in the centrum semiovale. Other brain abnormalities were absent or minor--that is, "isolated" punctate lesions--in 8/15 and major in 7/15. In the term group, punctate lesions were organised in clusters and no other brain abnormalities were observed. Isolated punctate lesions were observed in 10/17 infants, and a normal neurodevelopmental outcome was seen in 9/10 (mean follow up 29.5 months). One infant showed a slight delay in language development. In the infants with associated brain lesions (7/17, mean follow up 27.5 months), outcome was normal in only two subjects.Conclusions: Punctate lesions are predominantly seen in preterm infants, are usually linearly organised, and border the lateral ventricles. Isolated punctate lesions may imply a good prognosis, because most of these subjects have a normal neurodevelopmental outcome so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between infant feeding and childhood asthma is controversial. This study tested the hypothesis that the relation between breast feeding and childhood asthma is altered by the presence of maternal asthma.Methods: Healthy non-selected newborn infants (n = 1246) were enrolled at birth. Asthma was defined as a physician diagnosis of asthma plus asthma symptoms reported on > or = 2 questionnaires at 6, 9, 11 or 13 years. Recurrent wheeze (> or = 4 episodes in the past year) was reported by questionnaire at seven ages in the first 13 years of life. Duration of exclusive breast feeding was based on prospective physician reports or parental questionnaires completed at 18 months. Atopy was assessed by skin test responses at the age of 6 years.Results: The relationship between breast feeding, asthma, and wheeze differed with the presence or absence of maternal asthma and atopy in the child. After adjusting for confounders, children with asthmatic mothers were significantly more likely to have asthma if they had been exclusively breast fed (OR 8.7, 95% CI 3.4 to 22.2). This relationship was only evident for atopic children and persisted after adjusting for confounders. In contrast, the relation between recurrent wheeze and breast feeding was age dependent. In the first 2 years of life exclusive breast feeding was associated with significantly lower rates of recurrent wheeze (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.9), regardless of the presence or absence of maternal asthma or atopy in the child. Beginning at the age of 6 years, exclusive breast feeding was unrelated to prevalence of recurrent wheeze, except for children with asthmatic mothers in whom it was associated with a higher odds ratio for wheeze (OR 5.7, 95% CI 2.3 to 14.1), especially if the child was atopic.Conclusion: The relationship between breast feeding and asthma or recurrent wheeze varies with the age of the child and the presence or absence of maternal asthma and atopy in the child. While associated with protection against recurrent wheeze early in life, breast feeding is associated with an increased risk of asthma and recurrent wheeze beginning at the age of 6 years, but only for atopic children with asthmatic mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To search for the value of treadmill exercise echocardiography in the detection of coronary artery disease in noninfarcted patients with left bundle branch block, we studied 35 patients (17 with coronary artery disease). We found high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (76%, 83%, and 80%, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a diagnostic technique used to spatially multiplex two x-ray radiographs of an object onto a detector along a single line-of-sight. This technique uses a thin, <2 µm, cosputtered backlighter target to simultaneously produce both Ni and Zn Heα emission. A Ni picket fence filter, 500 µm wide bars and troughs, is then placed in front of the detector to pass only the Ni Heα emission in the bar region and both energies in the trough region thereby spatially multiplexing the two radiographs on a single image. Initial experimental results testing the backlighter spectrum are presented along with simulated images showing the calculated radiographic images though the nickel picket fence filter which are used to measure the mix width in an accelerated nickel foam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-time states of a turbulent, decaying, two-dimensional, Navier–Stokes flow are shown numerically to relax toward maximum-entropy configurations, as defined by the ‘‘sinh-Poisson’’ equation. The large-scale Reynolds number is about 14 000, the spatial resolution is (512)2, the boundary conditions are spatially periodic, and the evolution takes place over nearly 400 large-scale eddy-turnover times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on the public health response to a small outbreak of measles that occurred in the U.S. in August 2007. A 12-year-old boy from Japan traveled to the U.S. with his sports team and was diagnosed with measles three days after his arrival. Ultimately, six measles patients who had been exposed through sports teams, air travel, and a sales visit were discovered. The article also discusses the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and serologic testing, as well as endemic measles as a largely eradicated disease in the U.S.

Background: The incidence of trocar site hernia (TSH) after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is reported to be low. The present study investigates the associated risk factors, with a view to preventing this complication.Methods: A retrospective study was made of the incidence of TSH in a personal series of LVHR, recording anthropometric and clinical data on the patients. Risk factors were assessed by bivariate and multivariate analyses. The patients were subjected to clinical and telephone follow-up.Results: In a series of 27 LVHR, the incidence of TSH was 22% (6 patients). The use of meshes larger than 10 x 15 cm for LVHR was the only TSH risk factor to reach statistical significance. Female gender and diabetes showed a higher incidence in the TSH group.Conclusions: The use of large meshes may be a risk factor for TSH. We believe this to be due to dilatation of the trocar orifice during introduction of the mesh, and also to postoperative retraction of the mesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An experimental study in pigs was designed to evaluate the consequences of normothermic ischemia in hypothermic isolated renal perfusion (HP). We perfused 16 kidneys after 45 minutes of vascular occlusion. Another 16 kidneys were perfused without previous warm ischemia. The ureter was catheterized in all procedures and the output collected during HP. Creatinine was added to the perfusion solution initially in order to determine creatinine clearance (CrCl). HP hydrodynamics were recorded in real time through a computerized system. According to the results, renal vascular resistance as well as CrCl were higher in ischemic kidneys. Both facts, along with minimal differences in the microscopic study, suggested an increased vascular tone of the efferent postglomerular arteriole during HP. HP was proven to be an optimal technique to minimize the histological consequences of ischemia. Microvascular and biochemical changes produced during HP may be essentially related to dynamic causes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since 2015, innovative ATMPs (Alofisel, Kymriah, Holoclar, Imlygic, Spherox, Strimvelis, Yescarta, Zalmoxis, Luxturna and Zynteglo) have been reached market authorization through the EMA. France: Six of these innovative therapies were assessed by the transparency committee: five obtained a positive reimbursement decision (Yescarta, Kymriah, Luxturna, Holoclar, Alofisel); their price is under negotiations. [Extracted from the article]

Summarizes the findings of an investigation into the outbreak of norovirus after Hurricane Katrina among evacuees in Houston, Texas in September 2005. Number of evacuees who reported symptoms of acute gastroenteritis from September 2-12; Measures implemented by health authorities to control the outbreak; Difficulties faced by the health authorities in monitoring the magnitude of the outbreak or the extent of disease among evacuees; Conditions that facilitated virus transmission.