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We report on the device fabrication and measured performance of p-i-n photodiodes made from wafer-bonded InGaAs-on-Si material. Dark currents below 38 pA and 3-dB bandwidths above 11 GHz were measured for a -4-V bias and for an active area diameter of 20 μm. The thermal conductivity of silicon enables a 200-MHz 1-dB compression current of 76.5 mA, measured on nonoptimized test devices. These devices dissipate upwards of 612 mW of electrical power. High-yield wafer-scale fabrication of InGaAs-on-Si p-i-n photodetectors is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Acute necrotic hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (ANHLE) is a subform of acute disseminating leukoencephalitis which is a post viral or vaccination uncommon disease with poor prognosis. Radiological findings include multiple or diffuse lesions involving the white matter and sparing the cortex with or without rim enhancement. In addition to areas of hemorrhages with possible involvement of basal ganglia and thalami. We describe the imaging findings for 2 cases of ANHLE; a 59-years-old male and a 47-years-old female. Both of them were tested positive of SARS-COVID2 with presentation of consciousness loss and respiratory failure. CT and MRI brain show global white matter changes associated with acute hemorrhagic necrosis, although uncommon, are compatible with postviral acute necrotic hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis with end point of death for the first patient and coma for the second patient., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests., (© 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.)

Introduction: Forms of childhood trauma tend to co-occur and are associated with increased risk for psychiatric and substance use disorders. Commonly used binary measures of trauma exposure have substantial limitations., Methods: We performed multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), separately by sex, using data from the Childhood Trauma (CT) Study's sample of twins and siblings (N = 2594) to derive three first-order factors (childhood physical abuse, childhood sexual abuse, and parental partner abuse) and, as hypothesized, one higher order, childhood trauma factor (CTF) representing a measure of their common variance., Results: CFA produced a good-fitting model in the CT Study; we replicated the model in the Comorbidity and Trauma (CAT) Study's sample (N = 1981) of opioid-dependent cases and controls. In both samples, first-order factors are moderately correlated (indicating they measure largely unique, but related constructs) and their loadings on the CTF suggest it provides a reasonable measure of their common variance. We examined the association of CTF score with risk for psychiatric and substance use disorders in these samples and the OZ-ALC GWAS sample (N = 1538) in which CT Study factor loadings were applied. We found that CTF scores are strongly associated with liability for psychiatric and substance use disorders in all three samples; estimates of risk are extremely consistent across samples., Conclusions: The CTF is a continuous, robust measure that captures the common variance across forms of childhood trauma and provides a means to estimate shared liability while avoiding multicollinearity.

Background and Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) primarily affects infants and young children. Although topical corticosteroids (TCSs) are often prescribed, noncorticosteroid treatments are needed because compliance with TCSs is poor due to concerns about their side effects. In this longest and largest intervention study ever conducted in infants with mild-to-moderate AD, pimecrolimus 1% cream (PIM) was compared with TCSs., Methods: A total of 2418 infants were enrolled in this 5-year open-label study. Infants were randomized to PIM (n = 1205; with short-term TCSs for disease flares) or TCSs (n = 1213). The primary objective was to compare safety; the secondary objective was to document PIM's long-term efficacy. Treatment success was defined as an Investigator's Global Assessment score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear)., Results: Both PIM and TCSs had a rapid onset of action with >50% of patients achieving treatment success by week 3. After 5 years, >85% and 95% of patients in each group achieved overall and facial treatment success, respectively. The PIM group required substantially fewer steroid days than the TCS group (7 vs 178). The profile and frequency of adverse events was similar in the 2 groups; in both groups, there was no evidence for impairment of humoral or cellular immunity., Conclusions: Long-term management of mild-to-moderate AD in infants with PIM or TCSs was safe without any effect on the immune system. PIM was steroid-sparing. The data suggest PIM had similar efficacy to TCS and support the use of PIM as a first-line treatment of mild-to-moderate AD in infants and children., (Copyright © 2015 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

Background: Genetic risk for alcohol dependence has been shown to overlap with genetic factors contributing to variation in dimensions of personality. Although drinking motives have been posited as important mediators of the alcohol-personality relation, the extent to which the genetic covariance between alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms (i.e., abuse and dependence criteria) and personality is explained by genetic factors contributing to variation in drinking motives remains unclear., Methods: Using data from 2,904 young adult female twins, the phenotypic and genetic associations between personality dimensions (constraint [measured by the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire; Tellegen A, 1982 unpublished data], conscientiousness, neuroticism, and agreeableness [measured by the NEO-PI; Costa and McCrae, 1985]), internal drinking motives (enhancement and coping motives [measured by the Drinking Motive Questionnaire; Cooper, 1994]), and AUD symptoms were tested., Results: Significant genetic associations were found between all personality measures and AUD symptoms. Coping motives showed significant genetic overlap with AUD symptoms and most personality measures, whereas enhancement motives were not significantly heritable. Adjusting for coping motives, genetic correlations between AUD symptoms and traits of neuroticism and agreeableness were no longer statistically significant., Conclusions: Findings suggest that genetic variation in drinking to cope might account for a considerable proportion of the genetic covariance between specific personality dimensions and AUD symptoms., (Copyright © 2011 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.)

Acute bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the lower respiratory tract. The infection is frequent among young children and is most commonly caused by the respiratory syncytial virus. The infection causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchioles which leads to obstructive breathing and respiratory difficulties. The diagnosis is primarily made by clinical examination; laboratory and radiological studies are of little value. Treatment is principally supportive and symptomatic. The prognosis is generally excellent and the majority of patients recover without sequelae. The aim of this article is to review the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of acute bronchiolitis according to current evidence. The epidemiology, pathophysiology and prognosis will also be discussed.

Background: The prevalence of adult atopic diseases in Iceland is lower than in other West European countries, despite an affluent lifestyle, but limited data are available on children. The main aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of atopic diseases and sensitivity to common allergens in 10- to 11-year-old Icelandic schoolchildren as part of phase II of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC)., Methods: Nine hundred and forty-six children and their parents answered a questionnaire about atopic diseases. Skin prick tests with six allergens were performed on 773 children and they were examined for signs of atopic dermatitis (AD)., Results: The 12-month prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma was 11.5% and 8.9% respectively. The reported prevalence of AD was 27%, but only 9.2% had signs when inspected. A positive skin prick test (SPT) was found in 24.4% of the children, that is 18.8% to grass, 12.9% to cat, 3.6% to trees, 3.0% to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 1.4% to D. farinae and 0.5% to Alternaria., Conclusion: The high prevalence of atopic diseases in children at 10-11 years is surprising, as the prevalence in adults is low in Iceland. The findings resemble those in developing countries. Iceland has had an affluent lifestyle for a considerable time, but the absence of dust mites, low pet ownership and relatively low pollen counts in the country raise doubts about the role of exposure levels in the development of sensitization and atopic diseases.

Background: The incidence of skin cancer has had a rapid increase in Sweden during the last 20 years. Sun exposure is an important preventable risk factor for skin cancer. It is essential to develop interventions to change people's exposure to the sun. The perception of own susceptibility to harm is essential in theories about self-protective behaviour. The aim of the present paper was to examine the associations between different risk perceptions, sun-related behaviour, readiness to change, and optimism bias., Method: A total of 722 visitors of a mobile skin cancer screening unit answered a questionnaire in the summer of 2001. The campaign was conducted at five different locations in Sweden., Results: The participants in this study seemed to have realistic believes about the contribution of solar radiation to the risk of developing skin cancer, however, they seriously underestimated skin cancer incidence in the population and the impact of skin cancer on general health., Conclusion: People concerned about skin cancer seem to be aware of the fact that sun exposure is an important risk factor for skin cancer, but they fail to use this information in a consistent way to formulate a judgment of their own vulnerability to harm. People need to be informed about the high incidence of skin cancer, the personal risk factors of skin cancer, and the fact that unintentional as well as intentional sun exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

Skin cancer is an emerging public health problem in Sweden. Even though the most important preventable risk factor for the development of skin cancer--sun exposure--is known, the incidence of skin cancer is still increasing. Studies have showed an association between increased risk of skin cancer and sunburn early in life. The aim of the present paper was to examine the frequency of sun exposure, sunburn and use of sun protective measures among an urban sample of Swedish toddlers. In March 2003, the parents of 4000 randomly selected children born between September 2001 and August 2002 were contacted by mail, and asked to fill out an enclosed questionnaire. The questionnaire concerned their own and their one-year-old child's sun exposure and sunburn history, and a few questions about knowledge, attitudes and protective activities were also included. One fifth of the children had been severely sunburnt at least once. Thirty-six percent of all children had been abroad on vacation to a sunny resort. More knowledge among parents increased the likelihood that the child was properly protected when in the sun, and parents own time in the sun was positively related to child's time in the sun. Being of the opinion that children look healthier when tanned was also positively associated with child sunburn. Thirty-five percent of all parents spent two hours or more in the sun during peak hours (11a.m. - 3p.m.) on a typical work-free day in the summer, and almost 10% of all parents had their children exposed to the sun for two hours or more during peak hours. We conclude that children in Sweden seem to get exposed to extensive sun exposure very early in life. Information and increased knowledge among parents to young children seems to be a potential way of increasing sun protection behaviour and decrease sun exposure among very young children.

The rapid evaluation of complex visual environments is critical for an organism's adaptation and survival. Previous studies have shown that emotionally significant visual scenes, both pleasant and unpleasant, elicit a larger late positive wave in the event-related brain potential (ERP) than emotionally neutral pictures. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether neuroelectric responses elicited by complex pictures discriminate between specific, biologically relevant contents of the visual scene and to determine how early in the picture processing this discrimination occurs. Subjects (n = 264) viewed 55 color slides differing in both scene content and emotional significance. No categorical judgments or responses were required. Consistent with previous studies, we found that emotionally arousing pictures, regardless of their content, produce a larger late positive wave than neutral pictures. However, when pictures were further categorized by content, anterior ERP components in a time window between 200 and 600 ms following stimulus onset showed a high selectivity for pictures with erotic content compared to other pictures regardless of their emotional valence (pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant) or emotional arousal. The divergence of ERPs elicited by erotic and non-erotic contents started at 185 ms post-stimulus in the fronto-central midline region, with a later onset in parietal regions. This rapid, selective, and content-specific processing of erotic materials and its dissociation from other pictures (including emotionally positive pictures) suggests the existence of a specialized neural network for prioritized processing of a distinct category of biologically relevant stimuli with high adaptive and evolutionary significance.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections during infancy are considered to be a risk factor for developing asthma and possibly allergic sensitization., Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the cytokines, chemokines, and eosinophil cationic protein in the nasopharyngeal secretions of infants < or = 7 months of age with RSV infections or other respiratory viral infections and healthy infants as controls. Groups were also analyzed according to age, < or = 3 months and >3 months, and the levels were compared within and between groups., Results: Thirty-nine infants with RSV, 9 with influenza or parainfluenza virus infections and 50 controls with no history of infections, were enrolled in the study. The RSV-infected infants had significantly higher levels of IL-4; macrophage inflammatory protein 1beta, a chemoattractant for T cells; and eosinophil cationic protein in nasopharyngeal secretions compared with the control group. The levels of the TH2 cytokine IL-4 were significantly higher in RSV-infected infants < or = months of age compared with RSV-infected infants >3 months of age. In infants < or = 3 months of age, infections with influenza or parainfluenza virus caused TH2-like responses similar to those produced by RSV., Conclusion: Infections with RSV as well as with influenza and parainfluenza virus during early infancy preferentially promote a TH2-like response in the nose with local production of IL-4, IL-5, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1beta and infiltration and activation of eosinophils.

Self-assessed sun sensitivity (skin type) according to Fitzpatrick's classification has been reported to have drawbacks. Data from a cross-sectional study of tanning habits in Stockholm, Sweden, showed an underestimation of sun sensitivity among adolescents. Cautionary advice regarding sun and sun bed exposure, and sunscreen use versus skin type may have to be revised.

The use of questionnaires in epidemiological studies needs more methodological research. The time and effort spent on questionnaire design is often limited. Studies on the construction of questionnaires could lead to a higher quality of data, enhanced comparability and improved credibility of epidemiological findings. The aim of the present study was to examine the test-retest reliability of some common items measuring sun-related variables. A sample of 52 female Swedish nurses attending a postgraduate course in research methodology was chosen. They completed a questionnaire on two occasions spaced 3 weeks apart in the winter of 2000. When the results were analysed, items on sun-related behaviours and sunbed use were sufficiently reliable. The items on skin type and sunburn showed moderate stability. Stage of change related to sunlight exposure, items measuring beliefs about sunbathing along with items assessing self-efficacy and risk perception with regards to sunbathing showed lower stability. The results showed that many essential items concerning exposure to ultraviolet radiation and sunburns were sufficiently stable, but other items were less stable and could be improved upon; suggestions for improving these items are presented. The study illustrates the value of reliability testing in the process of item construction. Using methodological studies to improve the reliability and validity of data is an important step toward higher standards for questionnaire surveys.

As part of a skin cancer control programme, we studied the occurrence of self-reported outdoor tanning, sunbed use and ultraviolet (UV)-induced erythema in an urban area. A cross-sectional questionnaire study of 6000 adolescents aged 13-19 years, and 4000 adults aged 20-50 years was applied. Non-response was analysed for outdoor tanning and sunbed use. Results, in general, did not differ between responders and non-responders. Females aged 17-29 years tanned outdoors most frequently. Sunbed use and related erythema was twice as common in young females. In males, outdoor tanning was not age-related. In the past 12 months, 55% reported sunburn and/or burn from sunbed use, one-third were burned in Sweden, one-quarter on sunny resorts abroad. Sunburn occurs frequently. Compliance with recommendations for sunbed use is poor, especially among adolescents and young adults. To reduce the occurrence of erythema, the influence of risk settings upon behaviours is a critical issue for exploration.

76Br-bromodeoxyuridine has previously been suggested as a PET tracer to characterize proliferation potential. However, in animal studies a large fraction of the tissue radioactivity is due to 76Br-bromide, which remains extracellular for extensive periods and contributes significantly to the level of radioactivity. The present project aimed at investigating whether in human brain tumors, sufficient amounts of 76Br-bromodeoxyuridine would be incorporated into DNA, to motivate further attempts with this tracer. Eight patients with brain tumors: 3 meningiomas, 2 astrocytoma grade IV, 1 astrocytoma oligodendroglioma grade II-IV and 2 metastases, were examined with PET and 76Br-BrdU on three occasions: immediately after injection of the tracer, at 4-6, and at 18-20 hours after administration. After the first PET study, diuresis was introduced and maintained for about 12 hours. About 20 hours after tracer administration, 200 mg/m(2) bromodeoxyuridine was administered to 7 patients median 5.8 (range 1-22) hours prior to operation allowing the immunohistochemical analysis of the proliferation potential. During the operation, tumor samples were taken and radioactivity in DNA extracted and measured. The uptake of radioactivity was higher in the tumors than in brain parenchyma. However, in the operative samples only 1-27% (average: 9%) of the radioactivity was found in the DNA fraction. The plasma radioactivity remained high throughout the study with only minimal signs of elimination by the diuresis. 76Br-BrdU is extensively metabolized to 76Br-bromide, and only a minor fraction of the radioactivity is found in the DNA fraction, making it unlikely that this tracer can be used for assessment of proliferation potential.

We investigated the 3-dimensional effect of electrostimulation of the latissimus dorsi, the erector spinae and the intercostal muscles on spinal configuration in 16 New Zealand white rabbits. Electrostimulation on the right side of the spine resulted in a left convex, hypokyphotic curve and vertebral body rotation towards the convexity of the curve in all rabbits. The Cobb angle in the coronal plane increased with stimulation of each of the muscles examined. The kyphosis decreased with stimulation of the latissimus dorsi and the erector spinae. The vertebral rotation increased with stimulation of all muscles. Stimulation of the tested muscles resulted in the simultaneous occurrence of a 3-dimensional spinal deformity with the characteristics of idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: Cardiac creatine levels are depressed in chronic heart failure. Oral supplementation of creatine to healthy volunteers has been shown to increase physical performance., Aim: To evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on ejection fraction, symptom-limited physical endurance and skeletal muscle strength in patients with chronic heart failure., Methods: With a double-blind, placebo-controlled design 17 patients (age 43-70 years, ejection fraction < 40) were supplemented with creatine 20 g daily for 10 days. Before and on the last day of supplementation ejection fraction was determined by radionuclide angiography as was symptom-limited 1-legged knee extensor and 2-legged exercise performance on the cycle ergometer. Muscle strength as unilateral concentric knee extensor performance (peak torque, Nm at 180 degrees/s) was also evaluated. Skeletal muscle biopsies were taken for the determination of energy-rich phosphagens., Results: Ejection fraction at rest and at work did not change. Performance before creatine supplementation did not differ between placebo and creatine groups. While no change was seen in the placebo group compared to baseline, creatine supplementation increased skeletal muscle total creatine and creatine phosphate by 17 +/- 4% (P < 0.05) and 12 +/- 4% (P < 0.05), respectively. Increments were seen only in patients with < 140 mmol total creatine/kg d.w. (P < 0.05). One-legged performance (21%, P < 0.05), 2-legged performance (10%, P < 0.05), and peak torque, Nm (5%, P < 0.05) increased. Both peak torque and 1-legged performance increased linearly with increased skeletal muscle phosphocreatine (P < 0.05). The increments in 1-legged, 2-legged and peak torque were significant compared to the placebo group, (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: One week of creatine supplementation to patients with chronic heart failure did not increase ejection fraction but increased skeletal muscle energy-rich phosphagens and performance as regards both strength and endurance. This new therapeutic approach merits further attention.

Computed tomography (CT) scans are widely used for quantification of the morphology of the vertebral body and of the changes of the thoracic cage in the horizontal plane in scoliosis. So far, however, no method exists for precise quantification of the parameters of the posterior elements. We present a method for quantification on the basis of CT scans of different parameters of the morphology of both the vertebral body and posterior elements in the horizontal plane. The precision and accuracy of the method were estimated in a model study by CT scanning of a normal and a scoliotic vertebra in different, controlled, tilted positions. Moreover, in a clinical study CT scans of 19 thoracic vertebrae from non-scoliotic subjects and the apex vertebra from 40 scoliotic subjects were selected to test the applicability of the method to clinical studies. The intra- and interobserver variation of the measurements was analysed. The angle between the longitudinal axis of the vertebral body and that of the whole vertebra was used to evaluate the asymmetry of the vertebral body. The right to left pedicle width index, the right to left hemi-canal width index and the index of transverse process angles related to the axis of the vertebra were used to quantify the asymmetry of the posterior elements. The results indicate that, except for the pedicle width index, the variables under study were not significantly influenced by a 5 degrees or 10 degrees tilt ventrally, dorsally, or laterally of either the normal or the scoliotic vertebra. Hence, the method can be satisfactorily applied to longitudinal group comparisons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)