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The current study examined cross‐cultural differences in perceptions of certain externalizing symptoms, such as those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – hyperactivity impulsivity (ADHD‐HI) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5). For this study, 39 American and 34 Japanese college students rated the acceptability of externalizing symptoms. The results showed cross‐cultural patterns of perceptions for externalizing symptoms. In terms of ADHD‐HI symptoms, Americans were less accepting of "often interrupts or intrudes on others" and "often has difficulty awaiting his or her turn" while Japanese individuals were less accepting of "often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat" and "often on the go, acting as if driven by motor." For ODD symptoms, Americans were less accepting of "often blames others," "often actively defies or refuses to comply with request," "is often angry and resentful," "often loses temper," and "often deliberately annoys others." This study showed the possible perceptual differences of symptoms between Japanese and American populations, which may be the first step in testing the nonequivalence of DSM‐5 constructs of externalizing disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conduct problems are increasingly prevalent in girls and they uniquely predict negative outcomes. Yet, few reliable risk factors for aggression and violence in girls and women have been identified. Although preliminary evidence suggests peer relationships may be central to the development of youth conduct problems, especially in girls, rigorous interactive models of peer risk and protective factors for conduct problems are lacking. Based on 3104 10−13‐year‐old girls in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study, we tested the independent associations of separate peer risk factors (i.e., relational aggression victimization, physical aggression victimization, and deviant peer affiliation) with multidimensional conduct problems, including their moderation by peer support. Being the victim of relational aggression, being the victim of physical aggression, and deviant peer affiliation were each positively associated with conduct problems and perpetration of aggression whereas peer support was negatively associated with youth report conduct problems and perpetration of physical aggression. Further, elevated peer support significantly attenuated the association of being the victim of relational aggression with teacher‐rated conduct problems. These results highlight the sensitivity of conduct problems to peer risk factors and suggest that peer support designates important configurations of risk that differentially relate to conduct problems in girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replicated evidence shows that adolescents enrolled in high-achieving schools exhibit elevated mental health problems relative to national norms, reflecting risk factors such as achievement and social pressures. The frequency of digital media use is similarly a potential risk factor for poor youth mental health, although mediators of this association have not been identified. 2952 youth from three high-achieving U.S. high schools reported the frequency of their digital media use as well as internalizing and externalizing problems and substance use. Using a multiple mediation framework, the frequency of social comparison, receiving negative feedback, and risky self-presentation online each uniquely mediated the association of digital media use with internalizing and externalizing problems in boys and girls; for substance use, risky self-presentation mediated this association in both boys and girls and negative feedback mediated substance use in girls only. Measurable online behaviors in the form of social comparison, negative feedback, and self-presentation may crucially underlie the association of digital media use frequency with socio-emotional development in adolescents. Implications for intervention focused on impacting online behaviors for improving youth mental health are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective: We employed latent profile analysis (LPA) to discern configurations of executive functioning (EF) and neuroticism (NE) and tested their concurrent validity with respect to internalizing and externalizing problems and physical health. Participants: A total of 125 college students completed the study. Methods: Participants self-reported NE and EF on separate normed rating scales and completed computerized tests of EF. Self-reported internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and global physical health were collected. Results: LPA revealed four profiles: (1) Lower EF + Higher NE, (2) Higher EF + Lower NE, (3) Inconsistent EF + Higher NE, and (4) Inconsistent EF + Lower NE. Adjusting for covariates, profiles were differentially associated with internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and physical health. Conclusions: Screening EF and NE in college students may identify those at risk for psychopathology and physical health concerns. Tailored prevention and intervention efforts on college campuses targeting EF and NE may enhance well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasing prevalence of adolescent depression, identification of its early predictors and elucidation of the mechanisms underlying its individual differences is imperative. Controlling for baseline executive functioning (EF), we tested separate ADHD dimensions (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity) as independent predictors of early adolescent depression, including temporally-ordered causal mediation by academic functioning and social problems, using structural equation modeling. At baseline, participants consisted of 216 children (67% male) ages 6–9 years old with (n = 112) and without (n = 104) ADHD who subsequently completed Wave 2 and 3 follow-ups approximately two and four years later, respectively. Predictors consisted of separate parent and teacher ratings of childhood ADHD and laboratory-based assessments of key EF domains. At Wave 2, parents and teachers completed normed rating scales of youth academic and social functioning; youth completed standardized assessments of academic achievement. At Wave 3, youth self-reported depression. Baseline inattention positively predicted early adolescent depression whereas childhood hyperactivity-impulsivity and EF did not. Neither academic nor social functioning significantly mediated predictions of depression from baseline ADHD and EF. We consider prediction of early adolescent depression from inattention, including directions for future intervention and prevention research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. However, there have been reports of osteoarthritis (OA) at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) when USO was performed on patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch. This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic and functional outcomes following USO in patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients having a reverse oblique sigmoid notch who underwent USO for ulnar impaction syndrome between 2002 and 2013. We evaluated radiographic changes of the DRUJ and functional outcomes of patients.Results: We enrolled 22 patients (22 wrists) with an average age of 49.6 years and a mean follow-up of 93.2 (range, 36-179; standard deviation [SD], 38.2) months. We found that there were changes in the inclination angle of the sigmoid notch, from an average reverse oblique of 14.9o (range, 11o-23o; SD, 3.4o) preoperatively to a more parallel 5.1o (range, 0o-11o; SD, 3.2o) at the final follow-up. The functional results at the final follow-up were good, with a mean visual analogue scale for pain of 0.2 (range, 0-1; SD, 0.4) at rest and 1.3 (range, 0-3; SD, 0.9) during activity, QuickDASH of 15.1 (range, 2.3-34.1; SD, 8.8), and modified Mayo Wrist Score of 91.6 (range, 70-100; SD, 6.4). Seven wrists (31.8%) had changes compatible with OA, but the wrists did not exhibit a significantly worse function when compared to wrists without OA changes, except for supination motion and grip strength.Conclusions: For patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid inclination following USO, we observed that the inclination angle had a tendency to become parallel and some patients developed OA at the DRUJ. However, long-term functional outcomes could still be good. The reverse oblique sigmoid inclination does not seem to be an absolute contraindication for USO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although often considered to be at low risk for negative outcomes, there is replicated evidence that youth attending high-achieving schools experience clinically significant mental health problems that exceed national norms. However, relatively little is known about family correlates of adolescent socio-emotional development, including parental criticism and expectations. Using a sample of high school students (N = 710, mean age = 16.7 years, 45% female) drawn from a high-achieving school in a largely affluent area, this study investigated concurrent associations between adolescent perceptions of maternal and paternal criticism and expectations with their self-reported internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. To discern configurations of family environment based on separate ratings of maternal and paternal criticism and expectations, we employed person-centered, latent profile analysis. An empirically distinct class emerged consisting of families with elevated maternal and paternal criticism and expectations; this class concurrently reported the highest levels of internalizing and externalizing problems. These findings highlight the importance of parent-child relationships for offspring well-being and suggest that paternal achievement expectations may be particularly relevant among high-achieving youth. We consider these findings within the larger context of family factors and adolescent development among youth in high-achieving contexts, including the significant need to consider father-offspring relationship factors. Highlights: Youth from high-achieving schools are at elevated risk for mental health problems. Parent criticism and expectations were correlated with youth psychopathology. Father-child relationships were especially salient for youth with the highest risk. Parent influences are crucial for assessing risk among achievement-oriented youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate dosimetric differences of salvage irradiations using two commercially available volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) techniques: RapidArc (RA) and HyperArc (HA), for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after initial radiation therapy.Methods: Ten patients with recurrent NPC status previously treated with radiation therapy were considered suitable candidates for salvage SBRT using VMAT approach. Two separate treatment plans were created with HA and RA techniques for each case, with dosimetric outcomes compared with respect to tumor target coverage and organs-at-risk (OARs) sparing. Furthermore, the cumulative radiobiological effects to the relevant OARs from the original radiotherapy to the respective salvage SBRT plans were analyzed in terms of biologically effective dose (BED).Results: Treatment with HA exhibited similar target dose coverage as with RA, while delivering a higher mean dose to the targets. Using RA technique, the mean maximal doses to optic apparatus and the mean brain dose were reduced by 1 to 1.5 Gy, comparing to HA technique. The conformity index, gradient radius, and intermediate dose spillage in HA plans were significantly better than those in RA. With HA technique, the volume of brain receiving 12 Gy or more was reduced by 44%, comparing to RA technique. The cumulative BEDs to spinal cord and optic apparatus with RA technique were 1 to 2 Gy3 less than those with HA. HA technique significantly reduced the volume within body that received more than 100 Gy.Conclusions: With better dose distribution than RA while maintaining sufficient target dose coverage, HA represents an attractive salvage SBRT technique for recurrent NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using multiple mediation with bootstrapping, dimensions of executive functioning (i.e., inhibitory control, working memory, set shifting) were tested as mediators of predictions of academic and social outcomes from observed positive and negative parenting in 131 children followed prospectively into early adolescence. Inhibitory control and working memory mediated predictions of academic achievement, whereas inhibitory control meditated predictions of school competence from positive parenting. Additionally, working memory mediated predictions of negative social preference, but not social competence, from positive parenting. Executive functioning did not mediate predictions from negative parenting. The role of parenting in shaping youth outcomes through executive functioning is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Externalizing disorders are more prevalent in rural than urban settings and account for disproportionately high mental health service costs for rural adolescents. Although cultural stressors such as discrimination have been associated with externalizing problems in ethnic minority youth broadly, this relationship is understudied in Latinos, particularly those in rural settings. Further, though the associations of family processes such as familism and family conflict have been studied in relation to youth externalizing symptoms, whether these processes change in the face of adolescent discrimination stress remains unknown.Methods: A moderated multiple mediation model was used to examine the association between perceived discrimination, externalizing symptoms, and the indirect effect of family factors (familism, and family conflict) in a large sample (n = 455) of rural Latino youth. We also evaluated whether indirect and direct effects of discrimination on externalizing symptoms differed in boys versus girls.Results: Familism and family conflict each independently mediated the relationship between discrimination related stress and externalizing symptoms. However, discrimination had a direct effect on externalizing symptoms for boys only. In girls, this association held only when family factors were accounted for. Post-hoc analyses reveal that the moderating effect of sex on discrimination is driven by differences in rule-breaking behavior, as opposed to aggressive behavior.Conclusion: Findings suggest that discrimination is associated with changes in the family environment which in turn invoke elevated risk for externalizing problems. Further, family-focused interventions that address externalizing problems may be especially effective for adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including parenting, child psychology and child development.

Although harsh parenting and peer rejection are independently associated with childhood conduct problems (CP), these patterns are often informant specific, suggesting that their associations across contexts (i.e., home and school) should be considered. In a sample of 142 children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; ages 5-10; 66% male), we used structural equation modeling to evaluate the structure of multi-informant (parent, teacher) and multimethod (semi-structured interview, questionnaire) rated aggressive, rule-breaking, and oppositional behavior. Next, we explored context-specific associations by modeling harsh parenting and peer rejection as simultaneous and independent predictors of home and school CP. We observed several key findings: (a) the structure of parent- and teacher-reported CP was best accounted by context-specific CP (i.e., home vs. school) and a second-order general CP factor; (b) harsh punishment and peer rejection each independently predicted the second-order general CP factor; and (c) peer rejection was uniquely associated with school CP, whereas harsh punishment was associated only with the second-order general CP factor and did not exhibit specificity with home CP. Whereas harsh parenting and peer rejection were each independently associated with generalized CP, peer rejection showed an additional, unique context-specific association with CP exclusively expressed at school. We discuss potential explanatory mechanisms underlying context-specific associations of CP, as well as address etiological and clinical implications for understanding informant-discrepancies in CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although individual differences in fluid reasoning reliably mediate predictions of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms from birth weight in youth with typical cognitive development (TD), it is unknown if this indirect effect operates similarly in the development of ADHD symptoms secondary to intellectual disability (ID). Thus, we evaluated mediation by fluid reasoning in a longitudinal sample of 163 youth (45% female) with (n = 52) or without (n = 111) ID who were followed prospectively from age 5 to age 13. At age 9, youth completed the Arithmetic subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, a measure of fluid reasoning. At ages 9 and 13, mothers and teachers separately rated youth ADHD symptoms and mothers completed a diagnostic interview. Mediation was tested via path analysis with bootstrapped confidence intervals, and moderated mediation estimated whether indirect effects differed between ID and TD youth or based on youth IQ. Controlling for demographic factors and age 9 ADHD symptoms, age 9 Arithmetic mediated birth weight and multi-method/informant age 13 ADHD symptoms, such that birth weight positively predicted Arithmetic, which negatively predicted ADHD symptoms. Neither ID status nor IQ moderated the observed indirect effect through Arithmetic, suggesting that it was similar for ID and TD youth as well as across the range of youth IQs. These findings support previous evidence that fluid reasoning, as measured by Arithmetic, may causally mediate birth weight and ADHD symptoms, and suggest that this pathway operates similarly with respect to the development of ADHD symptoms in youth with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seven articles featured in this Special Section on “Child Psychopathic Traits for Specifying Conduct Disorder” collectively prosecute an important tension in the field: despite evidence that psychopathic traits in children, adolescent, and adults are multidimensional, callous-unemotional (CU) traits have evolved to nearly eclipse the construct of youth psychopathic traits. That is, does inclusion of grandiosity and impulsivity, and related psychopathic constructs improve predictive models? Employing a rich array of methods, these studies converged to suggest that using the entire constellation of psychopathic traits significantly improved predictions of key criteria. Crucially, predictions were consistent across development, multiple external criteria, and diversely recruited samples (e.g., community, incarcerated). From a developmental psychopathology framework (Cicchetti 2008), I synthesize the theoretical and empirical implications of these studies and offer perspectives on future directions. In particular, there is an urgent need to elucidate mechanisms from psychopathic traits to important clinical, public health, and functional outcomes; identification of potential causal processes is necessary to establish the validity of psychopathic traits and to ultimately innovate intervention and prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The physical and psychological impact of brachial plexus injury (BPI) has not been comprehensively measured with BPI-specific scales. Our objective was to develop and test a patient-derived questionnaire to measure the impact and outcomes of BPI.Methods: We developed a questionnaire in 3 phases with preoperative and postoperative patients. Phase 1 included interviews of patients using open-ended questions addressing the impact of BPI and improvement expected (preoperative patients) or received (postoperative patients). Phase 2 involved assembling a draft questionnaire and administering the questionnaire twice to establish test-retest reliability. Phase 3 involved selecting final items, developing a scoring system, and assessing validity. Patient scores using the questionnaire were assessed in comparison with scores of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and RAND-36 measures.Results: Patients with partial or complete plexopathy participated. In Phase 1 (23 patients), discrete categories were discerned from open-ended responses and became items for the preoperative and postoperative versions of the questionnaire. In Phase 2 (50 patients [14 from Phase 1]), test-retest reliability was established, with weighted kappa values of ≥0.50 for all items. In Phase 3, 43 items were retained and grouped into 4 subscales: symptoms, limitations, emotion, and improvement expected (preoperative) or improvement received (postoperative). A score for each subscale, ranging from 0 to 100, can be calculated, with higher scores indicating more symptoms, limitations, and emotional distress, and greater improvement expected (or received). Preoperative scores were worse than postoperative scores for the symptoms, limitations, and emotion subscales (composite score of 48 compared with 38; p = 0.05), and more improvement was expected than was received (69 compared with 53; p = 0.01). Correlations with the DASH (0.44 to 0.74) and RAND-36 (0.23 to 0.80) for related scales were consistent and moderate, indicating that the new questionnaire is valid and distinct.Conclusions: We developed a patient-derived questionnaire that measures the physical and psychological impact of BPI on preoperative and postoperative patients and the amount of improvement expected or received from surgery. This BPI-specific questionnaire enhances the comprehensive assessment of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given its considerable public health significance, identifying predictors of early expressions of conduct problems is a priority. We examined the predictive validity of daring, a key dimension of temperament, and the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART), a laboratory-based measure of risk taking behavior, with respect to two-year change in parent, teacher-, and youth self-reported oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and antisocial behavior. At baseline, 150 ethnically diverse 6- to 10-year old (M = 7.8, SD = 1.1; 69.3% male) youth with ( n = 82) and without ( n = 68) DSM-IV ADHD completed the BART whereas parents rated youth temperament (i.e., daring); parents and teachers also independently rated youth ODD and CD symptoms. Approximately 2 years later, multi-informant ratings of youth ODD, CD, and antisocial behavior were gathered from rating scales and interviews. Whereas risk taking on the BART was unrelated to conduct problems, individual differences in daring prospectively predicted multi-informant rated conduct problems, independent of baseline risk taking, conduct problems, and ADHD diagnostic status. Early differences in the propensity to show positive socio-emotional responses to risky or novel experiences uniquely predicted escalating conduct problems in childhood, even with control of other potent clinical correlates. We consider the role of temperament in the origins and development of significant conduct problems from childhood to adolescence, including possible explanatory mechanisms underlying these predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is independently associated with both anxiety and conduct problems, it is unclear how co-occurring ADHD + anxiety are associated with different forms of conduct problems. That is, there is relatively little evidence how ADHD and co-occurring anxiety, relative to ADHD only and anxiety only, are associated with aggression and delinquency. Controlling for age, sex, oppositional defiant disorder diagnostic status and total psychopathology, we compared children with anxiety only, ADHD only, ADHD + anxiety, and a clinic-referred comparison group on measures of conduct problems. Three hundred eighty ethnically diverse boys and girls ages 5 to 17 (M = 11.62) were evaluated using a semistructured diagnostic interview for ADHD and anxiety; aggressive and delinquent behavior were evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist. Children with anxiety only (n = 119) did not differ from clinic-referred comparisons (i.e., noDSM-IVdiagnosis;n = 95) on aggression or delinquency; children with ADHD only (n = 130) were significantly more aggressive and delinquent than children with anxiety only. Children with ADHD + anxiety (n = 36) were significantly less aggressive than children with ADHD only, but they did not differ with respect to delinquency. These preliminary data suggest that ADHD, in the presence of anxiety, may be associated with significantly less aggression but not less delinquency. We discuss these findings from a developmental psychopathology framework and stress the need for further study to support possible implications for intervention and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• Based on AV collision reports, gaps in the safety performance of automated vehicles (AVs) are identified. • This study untangles relationships among pre-crash conditions, AV driving modes, and crash outcomes within a path-analytic framework. • AVs are manually disengaged when interacting with transit vehicles before a crash occurs. • AVs require thorough testing to adapt to critical infrastructures, such as intersections, ramps, and slip lanes. Vehicle automation, manifested in self-driving cars, promises to provide safe mobility by reducing human errors. While the testing of automated vehicles (AVs) has improved their performance in recent years, automation technologies face challenges such as uncertainty of safety impacts in mixed traffic with human-driven vehicles. This study aims to examine the gaps in AV safety performance and identify what will be required on a preferential basis for AVs to guarantee an acceptable level of safety performance, especially in mixed traffic, by conducting a thorough analysis of crashes involving levels 2–3 AVs. Based on 260 AV collision reports from California from 2019 to 2021, this study extracts crash-related variables from crash records in a standardized form, crash locations, and, notably, crash narratives reported by AV manufacturers. This study untangles the complex interrelationships among pre-crash conditions, AV driving modes, crash types, and crash outcomes by applying a path-analytic framework with the frequentist and Bayesian approaches. Results show that 51.9 percent of crashes were rear-ends. Particularly, AVs become more vulnerable to rear-end collisions in the automated driving mode than in the conventional mode, given a crash. Additionally, the automated driving mode would not significantly affect the chance of a sideswipe collision, injury, or AV damage levels. Another interesting finding is that manual disengagement is more likely to happen when an AV interacts with a transit vehicle right before a crash occurs while having a negative relationship with injury crashes. Moreover, to reduce injury crashes, AVs would need more thorough testing to adapt to the critical roadway and infrastructure features such as intersections, ramps, and slip lanes; and roadway infrastructure would require improvements to support transportation automation. The risk factors identified in this study can be considered in AV safety assessment scenarios and future operations of mixed traffic. This study demonstrates that AV crash narrative data can be leveraged to improve knowledge of AV safety in mixed traffic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through their decision-making processes, organisations can play a key role in addressing global environmental challenges. However, to be effective, these processes need to be based on evidence. This paper aims to evaluate the ‘optimum’ healthcare waste treatment technology, using a National Health Service organisation in the East Midlands region of England, as the case study organisation. Using analytic hierarchy process as the research tool, this research determined that the ‘optimum’ approach was a mix of technologies. However, this result was largely driven by costs considerations. Thus the findings suggest the need for a holistic approach to the decision-making process for the procurement of their healthcare waste management services. The use of analytic hierarchy process generally worked well in informing the decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education attempting to improve wellness and reduce burnout after the recent staff suicides. It discusses the prominent cause of burnout of payer pressure particularly prior authorization (PA), the career expectations which are not met by the practicing oncologists.

Although genetic and environmental factors are separately implicated in the development of antisocial behavior (ASB), interactive models have emerged relatively recently, particularly those incorporating molecular genetic data. Using a large sample of male Caucasian adolescents and young adults from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), the association of deviant peer affiliation, the 30-base pair variable number tandem repeat polymorphism in promoter region of the monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA) gene, and their interaction, with antisocial behavior (ASB) was investigated. Weighted analyses accounting for over-sampling and clustering within schools as well as controlling for age and wave suggested that deviant peer affiliation and MAOA genotype were each significantly associated with levels of overt ASB across a 6-year period. Only deviant peer affiliation was significantly related to covert ASB, however. Additionally, there was evidence suggestive of a gene-environment interaction (G × E) where the influence of deviant peer affiliation on overt ASB was significantly stronger among individuals with the high-activity MAOA genotype than the low-activity genotype. MAOA was not significantly associated with deviant peer affiliation, thus strengthening the inference of G × E rather than gene-environment correlation (rGE). Different forms of gene-environment interplay and implications for future research on ASB are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite robust evidence that parents and teachers provide incremental validity in the assessment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), far less is known about the predictive utility of various strategies for incorporating these multi-informant data. Thus, we compared the 2-year predictive validity of four common assessment methods (i.e., algorithms) for ADHD symptoms—(a) parent only, (b) teacher only, (c) parentorteacher (“or rule”), and (d) parentandteacher (“and rule”)—with respect to psychopathology and multidomain functional outcomes. At baseline, separate parent and teacher ratings of ADHD were obtained from an ethnically diverse (53% non-White) sample of 195 6- to 10-year-old children (30% female) to classify children according to the 4 algorithms. We then evaluated the predictive validity of each baseline ADHD algorithm with respect to its prediction of separate measures of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, as well as normed ratings of academic and social impairment obtained at a 2-year follow-up. The “or rule” algorithm, based on symptoms being endorsed by either informant, optimally predicted psychopathology and functional outcomes relative to the other algorithms. These findings converge with previous evidence that incorporating data from multiple informants, and more sensitive approaches in particular, provide incremental validity in the assessment of ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Children who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with functional impairment in at least one setting at 4-6 years of age were followed prospectively through age 18 years. On average, the 125 children (107 boys) with ADHD at baseline improved over time, but still continued to exhibit more symptoms, functional impairment, and risky behavior through adolescence than demographically matched healthy comparison children. These findings support the predictive validity of the diagnosis of ADHD at younger ages by demonstrating that the symptoms and impairment are enduring. Nonetheless, there were marked variations in developmental outcomes. Among children with ADHD, higher numbers of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms and higher number of concurrent symptoms (oppositional, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression) measured at baseline each predicted higher future levels of the same dimension of symptoms. In addition, higher baseline levels of inattention, oppositional, conduct disorder, and anxiety symptoms predicted greater future functional impairment. Among children with ADHD, girls and children from families with lower family incomes had relatively poorer outcomes. Although outcomes varied along a continuum, approximately 10% of the children with ADHD at 4-6 years could be classified as functioning in the normative range on multiple measures during 15-18 years. Although this finding awaits replication, lower levels of hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms at 4-6 years predicted more normative functioning during adolescence. These findings suggest that ADHD identified in early childhood predicts an increased likelihood of functional impairment through adolescence for most, but not all, children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although average or high IQ was central to initial conceptualizations of psychopathy, IQ is typically negatively associated with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). Few studies have simultaneously considered narcissism and callous-unemotional (CU) traits with respect to ODD and CD symptoms, including potential interactive associations with IQ. Participants were 221 ethnically-diverse (45 % non-White) 6-9 year-old children with ( n = 114) and without ( n = 107) attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with separate parent and teacher ratings of narcissism, CU traits, ODD, and CD. To minimize shared method variance, we conservatively examined the association of parent-rated psychopathic traits with teacher-rated ODD and CD as well as the association of teacher-rated psychopathic traits with parent-rated ODD and CD. Controlling for age, sex, and the number of child ADHD symptoms, narcissism, but not CU traits, uniquely and positively predicted parent- and teacher-rated ODD and CD symptoms. We also observed a significant IQ × narcissism interaction where narcissism was more strongly associated with ODD and CD among children with high IQ relative to average and low IQ youth. Whereas studies of youth psychopathic traits focus almost exclusively on CU traits, narcissism independently predicted separate parent and teacher ratings of ODD and CD, particularly among children with high IQ. These preliminary data persuasively suggest that early narcissism is a critical facet of psychopathy and in conjunction with IQ, may suggest a unique profile associated with emergent conduct problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly half of AL amyloidosis patients have cardiac involvement, an independent predictor of poor prognosis. High-dose melphalan and autologous stem-cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) can induce complete hematologic responses and prolong survival in AL amyloidosis. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-induced mobilization of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) in AL amyloidosis patients is associated with volume overload, arrhythmias and capillary leak syndrome. Plerixafor has a different mechanism of action and has non-overlapping toxicities with G-CSF. We describe our experience in five patients with AL amyloidosis and cardiac involvement who received plerixafor with G-CSF for PBSC mobilization. Median age was 56 years; two patients had undergone heart transplantation within the year prior to HDM/SCT. Three patients received plerixafor after an initial trial of mobilization with G-CSF alone. No patient had any significant toxicities during mobilization and PBSC collection. The median total yield of PBSCs collected was 5.9 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg; the median number of leukapheresis days was 2. Neutrophil engraftment after HDM/SCT occurred at a median of nine days, platelet engraftment at a median of 13 days. Plerixafor was effective and well tolerated when used upfront or as rescue for PBSC mobilization in AL amyloidosis patients with cardiac involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The 44-base-pair polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) has been implicated in the etiology of depression, but relatively little is known about potential mediators of this association. Although dimensions of temperament are likely to be proximal to the neurobiological and genetic factors underlying depression, studies have yet to formally evaluate temperament as a potential causal pathway. We examined individual differences in dimensions of temperament [negative emotionality (NE), prosociality (PRO), and daring (DA)] as potential mediators of 5-HTTLPR genotype and child depression. Using a multiple mediation framework, we tested the association of child 5-HTTLPR genotype and these dimensions of temperament with multi-informant ratings of child depression in a sample of 218 children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The long allele of 5-HTTLPR was associated with higher NE and lower PRO, but not DA. High NE mediated the association of 5-HTTLPR genotype and separate parent and teacher ratings of depression. ADHD status did not moderate the mediational role of NE for 5-HTTLPR and depression. Results suggest that NE may constitute a pathway between 5-HTTLPR and child depression. The role of genetic variation and temperament dimensions as intermediate traits in the development of depression is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although negative parenting behavior and peer status are independently associated with childhood conduct problems (e.g., oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)), relatively little is known about their interplay, particularly in relation to differentiated measures of positive and negative peer regard. To improve the specificity of the association of negative parenting behavior and peer factors with ODD, we explored the potential interaction of parenting and peer status in a sample of 169 five-to ten-year-old ethnically diverse children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessed using multiple measures (i.e., rating scales, interview) and informants (i.e., parents, teachers). Controlling for children's age, sex, number of ADHD symptoms, and parents' race-ethnicity, peer acceptance inversely predicted and inconsistent discipline, harsh punishment, and peer rejection were each positively associated with ODD symptom severity. Interactive influences were also evident such that inconsistent discipline and harsh punishment each predicted elevated ODD but only among children experiencing low peer acceptance or high peer rejection. These findings suggest that supportive environments, including peer acceptance, may protect children from negative outcomes associated with inconsistent discipline and harsh punishment. Findings are integrated with theories of social support, and we additionally consider implications for intervention and prevention. Aggr. Behav. 40:79-90, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cognitive Attentional Syndrome Scale 1 Revised (CAS‐1R) is a 10‐item self‐report measure designed to assess dysfunctional metacognition, a transdiagnostic predictor of psychological disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, major depression disorder). Dysfunctional metacognition is classified into “cognitive attentional syndrome” and “metacognitive beliefs,” and the latter in turn into negative and positive beliefs. We translated the CAS‐1R into Japanese (CAS‐1R‐J) and examined its reliability and validity in a Japanese community sample. We recruited 552 participants via the Internet and received responses from 552 individuals (Time 1) and 112 individuals (Time 2). Of these, the data of 87 individuals were used to examine test–retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the factor structure (three‐factor model) of the CAS‐1R‐J was appropriate. Each subscale showed good internal consistency. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis showed discriminant and incremental validity for anxiety and depressive symptoms, meaning the CAS‐1R‐J is valid to assess state cognitive attentional syndrome and metacognitive beliefs among Japanese individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Risk taking behavior can be both adaptive and maladaptive depending on context. The majority of studies on risk taking, however, focus on clinical populations and dangerous or harmful risk taking. Individual differences in learning during risk taking are rarely examined in relation to task performance. The present study examined risk taking and associated outcomes in an exploration-based instrumental learning task (Balloon Emotional Learning Task; BELT), which presented a series of balloons in which participants pump up for points. Consistent with prior work, sensation seeking predicted increased risk taking behavior. Importantly, however, a significant interaction between sensation seeking and associative sensitivity, an attentional construct defined as the frequency and remoteness of automatic cognitive activity, was found. Specifically, among individuals high in sensation seeking, associative sensitivity predicted fewer balloon explosions and an increase in points earned on the balloon condition with the most potential for feedback driven learning. Thus, these findings suggest that sensation seekers are a heterogeneous group, and secondary traits such as associative sensitivity moderate risk taking and learning according to context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The mechanical properties of demineralized bovine cortical femur bone were investigated by cyclic loading–unloading compression in three anatomical directions (longitudinal, radial, transverse) within the physiological strain range. The loading responses in the radial and transverse directions were nearly linear up to 2% strain, while the response in longitudinal direction was strongly non-linear in that range. The unloading responses were non-linear for each anatomical direction, giving rise to overall loading–unloading hysteresis and cyclic dissipation of energy. The mechanical properties were observed to be anisotropic: the radial direction was found to be the most energy dissipative, while the longitudinal direction appeared to be the stiffest bone direction. The cyclic loading mostly affects the bone stiffness in the radial and transverse directions, while the longitudinal direction was found to be the least affected. These anisotropic properties can be attributed to the differences in collagen fibers alignment and different microstructural architecture in three different anatomical bone directions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Although the association of the dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been widely studied, far less is known about its potential interaction with environmental risk factors. Given that maltreatment is a replicated risk factor for ADHD, we explored the interaction between DAT1 and maltreatment with ADHD symptoms defined dimensionally and using latent class analysis (LCA). Method: We tested the association of the 40 base-pair variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism in DAT1, maltreatment, and their interaction in 2,488 boys and girls from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Results: In boys, ADHD symptoms were optimally defined by four classes (Combined, Hyperactive/Impulsive, Inattentive, and Normal), whereas in girls, ADHD symptoms were defined by three classes (Combined, Combined-Mild, Normal). A significant DAT1 × maltreatment interaction revealed that maltreated girls homozygous for the 10-repeat allele had more symptoms of ADHD, and were also 2.5 times more likely to be classified in the Combined ADHD group than in the Normal Group. Conclusions: The underlying structure of ADHD symptoms differed between boys and girls and DAT1 interacted with maltreatment to predict ADHD symptoms and ADHD status derived from LCA. Interactive exchanges between maltreatment and DAT1 for ADHD symptoms, and their implications for intervention, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently comorbid with disruptive behavior disorders, less is known about ADHD and comorbid anxiety. To improve understanding about the association of anxiety and social functioning, we studied 223 6 to 9year-old ethnically diverse boys and girls (M =7.4years) with and without ADHD. According to parents, children with ADHD and anxiety (n =46) and ADHD only (n =71) were consistently less socially competent than comparison children (i.e., no anxiety and ADHD: n =80) and children with anxiety only (n =26), who did not differ from one another. A similar pattern emerged for teacher ratings where youth with ADHD only and ADHD with anxiety exhibited the most social problems, but they did not differ from each other. These data suggest that comorbid anxiety does not exacerbate social dysfunction among 6 to 9year-old children with ADHD. We consider findings within a developmental psychopathology framework to further understand social development in children with ADHD and anxiety. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although parents and teachers are valid informants in the assessment of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there is relatively little systematic research on how these ratings should be optimally combined. We compared four methods of ADHD assessment to determine how well they identified impaired children: (1) parent only, (2) teacher only, (3) parent or teacher ('or rule'), and (4) parent and teacher ('and rule'). We obtained parent and teacher ratings of ADHD from the Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scale on 232 5- to 10-year-old children (69% male; 47% Caucasian) with ( n = 121) and without ( n = 111) ADHD. We used receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and seemingly unrelated regression analyses (SUR) to evaluate how accurately each method identified categorically- and dimensionally-defined measures of functional impairment. Parent ratings of ADHD optimally identified globally impaired children based on categorical and dimensional measures. However, teacher ratings of ADHD most accurately identified children who were negatively regarded by peers using categorical, but not dimensional, measures. No ADHD assessment method effectively identified children with academic difficulties. Although multiple informants are valuable in the assessment of ADHD, no single method was consistently superior in identifying impaired children across domains. We consider alternative assessment strategies in ADHD as well as other potential factors that may contribute to modest agreement among informants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relatively little is known about the potential interplay between genetic and environmental influences on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including gene-environment interaction (G×E). There is evidence that parenting behavior interacts with offspring genotype in the development of externalizing problems, but studies have largely focused on explicit maltreatment rather than differentiated measures of parenting behavior, including positive and negative parenting. We tested the interactive effects of the 30-base pair variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAO-A) with positive and negative parenting behavior on parent- and teacher ratings of inattention and hyperactivity symptoms among 150 6-9 year-old boys with and without ADHD. Negative parenting predicted parent and teacher ratings of inattention symptoms, but only among boys with high-activity MAO-A genotype. MAO-A genotype did not moderate the association of positive parenting and parent- and teacher ratings of ADHD. We discuss the potential role of interactive exchanges between parenting behavior and child genotype in the development and persistence of ADHD and related behavior problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We sought to identify biomarkers of antitumor activity in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer treated with therapy containing cetuximab, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. Patients with stage III–IVB head and neck cancer received cisplatin, docetaxel, and cetuximab (TPE) followed by radiotherapy, cisplatin, and cetuximab (XPE) and maintenance cetuximab in a phase II clinical trial. Serum and tissue biomarkers were examined for treatment-related changes and for association with clinical outcomes. Concentrations of 31 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were measured before and after 3 cycles (9weeks) of induction TPE using multi-analyte immunobead-based profiling (Luminex Corp., Austin, TX), with selected analytes validated by a single analyte enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tumor biomarkers included phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (pSTAT3), EGFR and human papillomavirus (HPV). Thirty-one patients had baseline biomarkers and 25 had paired samples, pre- and post-TPE. Adjusting for false discovery, 14 analytes including MCP1c, IP-10, Leptin, interleukin (IL)-5, Eotaxin, IL-6, G-CSF, CXCL5 changed significantly post TPE induction. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and IL-6 levels were associated with tumor response as assessed by positron emission tomography and progression-free survival, however, the association was not significant after adjustment for false discovery. Analytes were not associated with toxicities, smoking history, HPV status, EGFR amplification, or pSTAT3 tumor protein levels. Baseline serum biomarkers, in particular VEGF and IL-6, were identified as potentially useful prognostic markers of cetuximab-containing therapy. Validation is warranted in future studies specifically designed to detect biomarker associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Structural biological materials must be highly impact resistant, as appendages such as antlers and horns must sustain repeated, seasonal impact loads. Determining the impact damage progression along with the impact strength is very important for understanding how nature has optimized the structure and properties of biological materials in order to guide the design of superior bio-inspired synthetic materials. A drop weight test tower based on standards for testing fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites was designed and fabricated to accommodate the small size of biological materials. The materials tested were divided into two groups: non-mineralized and mineralized. The former demonstrated the highest impact strength and showed strong dependence on water content, while the latter were relatively brittle and demonstrated no dependence on water content. Delamination was the most common damage mode observed for all biological materials tested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Given the clinical and public health significance of substance disorders and the need to identify their early risk factors, we examined the association of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with substance use (nicotine, alcohol, marijuana) and abuse/dependence outcomes (nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, other). To strengthen a potential causal inference, we meta-analyzed longitudinal studies that prospectively followed children with and without ADHD into adolescence or adulthood. Children with ADHD were significantly more likely to have ever used nicotine and other substances, but not alcohol. Children with ADHD were also more likely to develop disorders of abuse/dependence for nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and other substances (i.e., unspecified). Sex, age, race, publication year, sample source, and version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) used to diagnose ADHD did not significantly moderate the associations with substance outcomes that yielded heterogeneous effect sizes. These findings suggest that children with ADHD are significantly more likely to develop substance use disorders than children without ADHD and that this increased risk is robust to demographic and methodological differences that varied across the studies. Finally, few studies addressed ADHD and comorbid disruptive behavior disorders (DBD), thus preventing a formal meta-analytic review. However, we qualitatively summarize the results of these studies and conclude that comorbid DBD complicates inferences about the specificity of ADHD effects on substance use outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To improve understanding about genetic and environmental influences on antisocial behavior (ASB), we tested the association of the 44-base pair polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and maltreatment using latent class analysis in 2,488 boys and girls from Wave 1 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. In boys, ASB was defined by three classes (Exclusive Covert, Mixed Covert and Overt, and No Problems) whereas in girls, ASB was defined by two classes (Exclusive Covert, No Problems). In boys, 5-HTTLPR and maltreatment were not significantly related to ASB. However, in girls, maltreatment, but not 5-HTTLPR, was significantly associated with ASB. A significant interaction between 5-HTTLPR and maltreatment was also observed, where maltreated girls homozygous for the short allele were 12 times more likely to be classified in the Exclusive Covert group than in the No Problems group. Structural differences in the latent structure of ASB at Wave 2 and Wave 3 prevented repeat LCA modeling. However, using counts of ASB, 5-HTTLPR, maltreatment, and its interaction were unrelated to overt and covert ASB at Wave 2 and only maltreatment was related to covert ASB at Wave 3. We discuss these findings within the context of sex differences in ASB and relevant models of gene-environment interplay across developmental periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this Introduction to the Special Section is to synthesize recent conceptual, methodological, and developmental advances in the field of abnormal psychology and to highlight future directions for research that will catalyze innovations in our understanding of ADHD across development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunotherapy with the EGFR-specific mAb cetuximab is clinically effective in 10–20% of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Little information is available about the mechanism(s) underlying patients’ differential clinical response to cetuximab-based immunotherapy, although this information may contribute to optimizing the design of cetuximab-based immunotherapy. Our understanding of these mechanisms would benefit from the characterization of the variables which influence the extent of cell dependent-lysis of SCCHN cells incubated with cetuximab in vitro. Therefore, in this study we have investigated the role of FcγR IIIa-158 genotype expressed by effector NK cells, cetuximab concentration, and EGFR expression level by SCCHN cells in the extent of their in vitro lysis and in the degree of NK cell activation. PBMC or purified CD56+ NK cells genotyped at IIIa codon 158 and SCCHN cell lines expressing different levels of EGFR have been used as effectors and targets, respectively, in antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays. Furthermore, supernatants from ADCC assays were analyzed for cytokine and chemokine levels using multiplexed ELISA. We found that the extent of lysis of SCCHN cells was influenced by the EGFR expression level, cetuximab concentration, and FcγR polymorphism. Effector cells expressing the FcγR IIIa-158 VV allele were significantly ( P < 0.0001) more effective than those expressing FcγR IIIa VF and VV alleles in mediating lysis of SCCHN cells expressed higher levels of the activation markers CD69 and CD107a, and secreted significantly ( P < 0.05) larger amounts of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. IL-2 or IL-15 treatment increased cetuximab-mediated ADCC by poor binding FcγR IIIa 158 FF expressing NK cells. The importance of the FcγR IIIa-158 polymorphism in cytotoxicity of SCCHN cells by NK cells supports a potential role for immune activation and may explain patient variability of cetuximab mediated clinical responses. Cellular and secreted immune profiles and FcγR genotypes from patients’ lymphocytes may provide clinically useful biomarkers of immune activation in cetuximab treated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin on oxidative stress occurring in the brain after routine lobectomy neurosurgery procedures. Different concentrations of melatonin (5, 15 and 150 mg/kg) were administered 1 hr before lobectomy in a rodent surgical brain injury (SBI) model. Neurological outcomes were assessed 24 hr before the killing of the rodents, for evaluation of brain water content (brain edema) and lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress). The results showed that lower doses (5 and 15 mg/kg) failed to reduce brain edema, but the 15 mg/kg dose did lower oxidative stress and improved several neurological parameters. High concentration of melatonin (150 mg/kg) significantly increased brain edema and elevated oxidative stress when compared with the vehicle-treated group. Furthermore, high-dose melatonin also worsened neurological outcomes compared with other groups. The study suggests that melatonin has dual effects: low-dose melatonin may provide neuroprotective effects against SBI but a high dose may aggravate some parameters after SBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of plain films in differentiating coin batteries from coins. Setting: Study was conducted at a tertiary referral university medical center. Methods: Eleven radiographs were taken of various objects and independently reviewed by 14 radiologists and otolaryngologists. Reviewers were asked to identify the object filmed as either a battery or not a battery. In addition, otolaryngologists were asked if they would immediately proceed to the operative suite for removal based on the film. Results were tabulated and analyzed using a spreadsheet. Results: Overall, plain films had a sensitivity and specificity of 80.4% and 79.1%, respectively with an overall accuracy of 79.8%. When used as a test to determine urgency of removal, sensitivity increases to 94.4% while specificity decreases to 67.1% with an overall accuracy of 83.1%. Conclusions: Plain films are an effective method of evaluating for the possibility of batteries as esophageal foreign bodies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the relationship between social information processing (SIP) and both relational and overt, physical aggression in a longitudinally-followed sample of 228 adolescent girls (ages 11–18; 140 with ADHD and 88 comparison girls). During childhood, girls participated in naturalistic summer camps where peer rejection, overt physical aggression, and relational aggression were assessed via multiple informants and methods. Approximately 4.5 years later, these girls participated in follow-up assessments during which they completed a commonly-used vignette procedure to assess SIP; overt and relational aggression were again assessed through multiple informants. Correlations between (a) overt and relational aggression and (b) maladaptive SIP were modest in this female adolescent sample. However, relationships between aggression and SIP were stronger for the comparison girls than for the girls with ADHD. The relevance of SIP models for adolescent girls and clinical implications of findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate the prevalence of being well-adjusted in adolescence, boys and girls with (n = 96) and without (n = 126) attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were assessed seven times in eight years starting when they were 4-6 years of age. Symptoms of ADHD, ODD/CD, and depression/anxiety in addition to social skills and social preference were gathered using multiple methods and informants. Being well-adjusted was defined by surpassing thresholds in at least four of the five domains. At the 7- and 8-year follow-up, when youth were 11-14 years old, probands were significantly less likely to be well-adjusted relative to age- and ethnicity-matched control children. Only a minority of children with ADHD was well-adjusted in adolescence when emotional, behavioral, and social domains were considered simultaneously. Even when their ADHD symptoms improved over time, most probands exhibited significant impairment 7-8 years after their initial assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Stem cell therapy has been shown to attenuate the reduction of left ventricular function following myocardial infarction. Most studies have utilized either a direct injection or intra-coronary infusion of cells, but cytokine mobilization of stem cells in the murine model of acute myocardial infarction has been reported to induce similar improvement in cardiac function. Methods: An antero-apical infarction was induced in swine by balloon occlusion, followed by the daily administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) or placebo for 5 days. We used left ventricular angiograms and 2D echocardiograms to assess global function, and 3D echocardiograms to assess regional function prior to infarction, immediately following infarction, and at 8 weeks. Histologic evaluation was performed after sacrifice at 8 weeks. Results: There was no significant difference in early or late post-infarction left ventricular ejection fraction or in myocardial histology between the two groups. Following G-CSF therapy, however, 3D echocardiography demonstrated that the regional ejection fractions of the infarcted segments showed a 50.3% improvement in the G-CSF pigs compared to a 7.4% deterioration in the untreated pigs (p =0.005). Conclusions: Global left ventricular ejection fraction remained unchanged, and there is no histologic evidence for infarct attenuation following G-CSF infusion in the porcine infarct–reperfusion model. There was recovery of regional function in the infarcted segment in the G-CSF pigs. These data suggest that bone marrow mobilization in larger species has limited potential as a therapy designed to replace infarcted myocardium or to improve overall cardiac function, although further studies are needed to examine regional effect in the infarct area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: Prostate brachytherapy with suture embedded seeds has emerged as a popular technique to reduce seed migration and to improve dosimetry. Various trials have shown improved dosimetry with seed fixity, whereas others have shown no benefit and possible detriment to suture embedded seeds. In order to contribute to the understanding of whether seed stranding improves dosimetry, we present retrospective data from our institution. Methods and materials: We analyzed 80 patients treated between April 29, 2001 and June 19, 2006, receiving I-125 monotherapy for prostate cancer. Brachytherapy patients at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) were initially treated using a transperineal approach with loose seeds. Subsequent to October 26, 2002, all patients were implanted using suture embedded seeds. Dosimetric quantifiers were calculated based on a CT obtained 1-month postimplantation. Results: Dosimetry of patients treated with stranded seeds showed significant improvement. Specifically, the V100 (volume of the prostate receiving 100% of the prescribed dose) improved from 88% to 92% (p <0.05), and the D90 (maximum dose received by 90% of the prostate) improved from 143 to 155Gy (p <0.05). Conclusions: At UCLA, the use of suture embedded seeds resulted in a significant improvement in our dosimetric quantifiers. Based upon other published studies, this improvement in dosimetry may translate into improved patient outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]