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Background: The aim of the investigation was to evaluate if the inclination of the lower anterior teeth can be controlled reliably after lower premolar extraction for Class III camouflage treatment with completely customized lingual appliances (CCLAs). Treatment outcome was tested against the null hypothesis that lower premolar extractions for non-surgical camouflage treatment of a Class III malocclusion will lead to further compensation by retroclining mandibular incisors during CCLA treatment. Methods: This retrospective study included 25 patients (f/m 12/13; mean age 20.7 years, SD 9.5 years) with uni- or bilateral Class III molar relationship and a Wits value of ≤ -2 mm. In all consecutively debonded patients, lower premolars were extracted to correct the sagittal relationship with a non-surgical camouflage approach. Lateral head films prior to (T1) and at the end of lingual orthodontic treatment (T2) were used to evaluate skeletal and dentoalveolar effects. A paired t-test with alpha = 5% was used to define differences between the endpoints. The linear correlation between the inclination of the mandibular incisors at T1 and the achieved correction was measured with the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC). A Schuirmann's TOST equivalence test was used to check if the final lower incisor inclination was within the defined norms. Results: The null hypothesis was rejected as the mean lower incisor inclination was improved by 1.8° despite lower premolar extractions (T1: 86.8°/ T2: 88.6°). There was a strong correlation (-0.75) between the lower incisor inclination at T1 and the achieved correction indicating a controlled correction towards the norm regardless of the initial incisor position. At T2, the interincisal angle as well as the lower incisor inclination were within the norm. Conclusion: Lower premolar extractions for non-surgical camouflage treatment of a Class III malocclusion will not lead to undesired retroclining of mandibular incisors during CCLA treatment even in severe cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health challenges are common during the perinatal period, particularly following pregnancy loss. This longitudinal study investigates the role of self-compassion in the mental health of perinatal women having previously experienced (n = 45) or not having experienced (n = 123) pregnancy loss. Archival data was utilised to compare levels of perinatal depression, psychological distress, and self-compassion for women receiving psychological therapy at session one and session six. Results indicated that both participant groups reported similar levels on all variables at baseline. There were significant increases in self-compassion and decreases in perinatal depression and psychological distress after six sessions of therapy for both groups. A regression showed changes in self-compassion following six sessions of therapy was predictive of psychological distress, particularly for women who reported pregnancy loss. Self-compassion may represent a viable intervention for psychological distress in a perinatal population particularly following pregnancy loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual differences in cognitive performance in childhood are a key predictor of significant life outcomes such as educational attainment and mental health. Differences in cognitive ability are governed in part by variations in brain structure. However, studies commonly focus on either gray or white matter metrics in humans, leaving open the key question as to whether gray or white matter microstructure plays distinct or complementary roles supporting cognitive performance. To compare the role of gray and white matter in supporting cognitive performance, we used regularized structural equation models to predict cognitive performance with gray and white matter measures. Specifically, we compared how gray matter (volume, cortical thickness, and surface area) and white matter measures (volume, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity) predicted individual differences in cognitive performance. The models were tested in 11,876 children (ABCD Study; 5,680 female, 6,196 male) at 10 years old. We found that gray and white matter metrics bring partly nonoverlapping information to predict cognitive performance. The models with only gray or white matter explained respectively 15.4 and 12.4% of the variance in cognitive performance, while the combined model explained 19.0%. Zooming in, we additionally found that different metrics within gray and white matter had different predictive power and that the tracts/regions that were most predictive of cognitive performance differed across metrics. These results show that studies focusing on a single metric in either gray or white matter to study the link between brain structure and cognitive performance are missing a key part of the equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) were designed by combining a PLGA core with a lipid shell that incorporated PEG–Lipid conjugates with various functionalities (-RGD, -cRGD, -NH2, and -COOH) to create targeted drug delivery systems. Loaded with a neutral lipid orange dye, the HNPs were extensively characterized using various techniques and investigated for their uptake in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) using FC and CLSM. Moreover, the best-performing HNPs (i.e., HNP-COOH and HNP-RGD as well as HNP-RGD/COOH mixed) were loaded with the anti-inflammatory drug BRP-201 and prepared in two size ranges (dH ~140 nm and dH ~250 nm). The HNPs were examined further for their stability, degradation, MDM uptake, and drug delivery efficiency by studying the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) product formation, whereby HNP-COOH and HNP-RGD both exhibited superior uptake, and the HNP-COOH/RGD (2:1) displayed the highest inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs collection mapping to evaluate the university library's resources, aligning to curriculum or academic board programs supporting student professional development. Using mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative by complementarity, it focuses on 13 programs, referencing the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order. Findings indicate adequate varied book collections, ranging from "not recent" to "slightly not recent." Annual periodical subscriptions for board programs almost meet CHED criteria. Last three years, an average of 14 volumes per program was acquired. The university library effectively supports these board courses, yet recommendations include enhancing book collections, subscribing to journals and databases, and adherence to CHED standards for resource quality and balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blended library services are reinforced by academic librarians to deal with the challenges that come from the changes caused by the pandemic. Transformation is reflected through information and communication technologies that are in constant development and available to users remotely. This study discusses the extent of usage and effectiveness of blended library services at the University of Baguio library by the students, faculty, non-teaching, and other library users. Blended library services covered online platforms, online resources, online circulation, online reference service, online information literacy (IL), and online want list form. This study used a descriptive research design to gather the information that will systematically describe the current status of the UB library online services. A survey questionnaire formatted in google form was employed to gather the needed information. The findings of the study reveal that the blended library services of the university have been utilized - much utilized by the users, specifically canvas LMS resources of online resources, online document delivery of online circulation and the library e-mail: library@e.ubaguio.edu of online reference service, other feature of blended library services have not been used to their full advantage. Furthermore, the blended library services are highly effective as assessed by the faculty, non-teaching staff, and other library users. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the Library strongly endorses additional databases and integration of these databases, library guides, and library services in the canvas LMS; regular posting of the blended services in the UB library social media account and platform for easier accessibility on the part library users; lastly, re-evaluate the way the development, manage and deliver marketing strategies of the blended services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European media landscapes have changed into high-choice environments. Additionally, research suggests an increasing number of people are staying away from the news (news-avoiders). In two studies, we approach the topic on the macro and micro-level. In Study 1, we analyze on the macro-level how news-avoiders in 18 EU countries have developed since the late 1980s and what role country variables play in this context. We use multilevel spline models to distinguish between two phases of technological advancement. Findings suggest an increase in news-avoiders in the phase when the Internet was available. The market share of public-service broadcasters is no discerning factor for the number of news-avoiders in different countries. Using German panel-data, Study 2 takes a closer look at the news-avoiders in the Internet phase. We also show the increase of news-avoiders on the micro-level, but do not identify an increasing impact of political interest on news avoidance over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe clinical signs, diagnostics, treatments and outcomes of prostatitis and prostatic abscesses of dogs in a referral population. Animals: Eighty‐two dogs diagnosed with prostatitis and/or prostatic abscesses from three referral hospitals. Procedures: Retrospective case series. Results: A total of 82 dogs were included, and the median age was nine years. Acute prostatitis was diagnosed in 63% of cases, chronic prostatitis in 37% of cases and 40% of cases had prostatic abscessation. Prostatomegaly was the most common ultrasonographic finding. Mineralisation was identified in 20% of cases. The results of urine and prostatic bacterial culture were concordant in only 50% of cases. Antimicrobial resistance was encountered commonly, with 29% of cultures resistant to one antimicrobial and 52% resistant to two or more antimicrobials. Abscesses were treated with either antimicrobials alone, ultrasound‐guided needle drainage or surgical drainage. Conclusions and clinical relevance: With antimicrobial treatment and castration, the prognosis for canine prostatitis appears good. Prostatic abscessation is commonly encountered and does not appear to infer a worse prognosis and antimicrobials alone, ultrasound‐guided needle drainage and surgical drainage all appear to be reasonable treatment options. Antimicrobial resistance is commonly encountered, and the results of urine culture and susceptibility testing are frequently discordant with those from samples from the prostate. Sampling of the prostate is required to confirm a diagnosis and exclude other pathologies such as neoplasia, particularly as mineralisation is seen in a reasonable number of cases of dogs with prostatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian stimulation is an indispensable part of IVF and is employed to produce multiple ovarian follicles. In women who undergo ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins, supraphysiological levels of estradiol, as well as a premature rise in progesterone levels, can be seen on the day of hCG administration. These alterations in hormone levels are associated with reduced embryo implantation and pregnancy rates in IVF cycles with a fresh embryo transfer. This article aims to improve the reader's understanding of the effects of elevated progesterone levels on human endometrial receptivity and oocyte/embryo quality. Based on current clinical data, it appears that the premature rise in progesterone levels exerts minimal or no effects on oocyte/embryo quality, while advancing the histological development of the secretory endometrium and displacing the window of implantation. These clinical findings strongly suggest that reduced implantation and pregnancy rates are the result of a negatively affected endometrium rather than poor oocyte/embryo quality. Understanding the potential negative impact of elevated progesterone levels on the endometrium is crucial to improving implantation rates following a fresh embryo transfer. Clinical studies conducted over the past three decades, many of which have been reviewed here, have greatly advanced our knowledge in this important area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With up to 17 domains, non-structural protein 3 (nsp3) is the largest protein of SARS-CoV-2. In part due to its large size, many of its functions still remain a mystery. It is known that nsp3 fulfils several essential functions in the cycle of infection, however most of its domains have not been structurally determined. One of its essential functions is to cleave the polyprotein, which is translated first upon infection, into other functional non-structural proteins. Nsp3 is also involved in the evasion of the host immune system and forms large pore complexes important for viral replication. Furthermore, it interacts with more than 30 other host and viral proteins, resulting in a multitude of potential ways to affect the host cell and viral replication. Themany roles of this coronaviral Swiss army knife make it a promising drug target. In this review, we aim to clarify naming conventions and give an overview on the structures and functions of its domains as a starting point for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide and suicidal behaviors represent a leading cause of morbidity and mortality during adolescence. While several lines of evidence suggest that suicidal behaviors are associated with risky decisions and deficient cognitive control in laboratory tasks in adults, comparatively less is known about adolescents. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature on the association between these neurocognitive variables and adolescent suicidal behaviors. The online search strategy identified 17 neurocognitive studies examining either cognitive control or decision-making processes in adolescents with past suicidal behaviors. Several studies have reported that adolescents with a history of suicidal behaviors present neuropsychological differences in the cognitive control (using Go/NoGo, suicide Stroop Test, continuous performance test, suicide/death Implicit Association Test), and decision-making (Iowa Gambling Task, Cambridge Gambling Task, cost computation, delay discounting, loss aversion tasks) domains. Due to a lack of replication or conflicting findings, our systematic review suggests that no firm conclusion can be drawn as to whether altered decision-making or poor cognitive control contribute to adolescent suicidal behaviors. However, these results collectively suggest that further research is warranted. Limitations included scarcity of longitudinal studies and a lack of homogeneity in study designs, which precluded quantitative analysis. We propose remediating ways to continue neuropsychological investigations of suicide risk in adolescence, which could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and predictive markers, enabling early intervention in suicidal youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The same is found in atherosclerosis neointimal lesions (Figure [H and I]), suggesting that this pattern of vWF localization and I VWF/Vwf i transcription is a general characteristic of neointimal lesions in both the systemic and pulmonary vascular beds. Keywords: hypertension, pulmonary; models, animal; vascular remodeling; von Willebrand Factor EN hypertension, pulmonary models, animal vascular remodeling von Willebrand Factor 429 431 3 08/02/22 20220802 NES 220802 vWF (von Willebrand Factor) is a large, secreted, multimeric glycoprotein transcribed by vascular endothelial cells and, to a lesser extent, megakaryocytes throughout the body. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease characterized by profound vascular remodeling in which pulmonary arteries narrow because of medial thickening and occlusion by neointimal lesions, resulting in elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure. Therapies targeting the neointima would represent a significant advance in PAH treatment; however, our understanding of the cellular events driving neointima formation, and the molecular pathways that control them, remains limited.Methods: We comprehensively map the stepwise remodeling of pulmonary arteries in a robust, chronic inflammatory mouse model of pulmonary hypertension. This model demonstrates pathological features of the human disease, including increased right ventricular pressures, medial thickening, neointimal lesion formation, elastin breakdown, increased anastomosis within the bronchial circulation, and perivascular inflammation. Using genetic lineage tracing, clonal analysis, multiplexed in situ hybridization, immunostaining, deep confocal imaging, and staged pharmacological inhibition, we define the cell behaviors underlying each stage of vascular remodeling and identify a pathway required for neointima formation.Results: Neointima arises from smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and not endothelium. Medial SMCs proliferate broadly to thicken the media, after which a small number of SMCs are selected to establish the neointima. These neointimal founder cells subsequently undergoing massive clonal expansion to form occlusive neointimal lesions. The normal pulmonary artery SMC population is heterogeneous, and we identify a Notch3-marked minority subset of SMCs as the major neointimal cell of origin. Notch signaling is specifically required for the selection of neointimal founder cells, and Notch inhibition significantly improves pulmonary artery pressure in animals with pulmonary hypertension.Conclusions: This work describes the first nongenetically driven murine model of pulmonary hypertension (PH) that generates robust and diffuse occlusive neointimal lesions across the pulmonary vascular bed and does so in a stereotyped timeframe. We uncover distinct cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying medial thickening and neointima formation and highlight novel transcriptional, behavioral, and pathogenic heterogeneity within pulmonary artery SMCs. In this model, inflammation is sufficient to generate characteristic vascular pathologies and physiological measures of human PAH. We hope that identifying the molecular cues regulating each stage of vascular remodeling will open new avenues for therapeutic advancements in the treatment of PAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The landscape of surgical training has been subject to many changes over the past 15 years. This study examines resident satisfaction, determinants of satisfaction, demographics, working hours and the teaching rate of common operations in a longitudinal fashion with the aim to identify trends, shortcomings and possible ways to improve the current training system. Methods: The Swiss Medical Association administers an annual survey to all Swiss residents to evaluate the quality of postgraduate medical training (yearly respondents: 687–825, response rate: 68–72%). Teaching rates for general surgical procedures were obtained from the Swiss association for quality management in surgery. Results: During the study period (2003–2018), the number of surgical residents (408–655 (+61%)) and graduates in general surgery per year (42–63 (+50%)) increased disproportionately to the Swiss population. While the 52 working hour restriction was introduced in 2005 reported average weekly working hours did not decline (59.9–58.4 h (−3%)). Workplace satisfaction (6 being highest) rose from 4.3 to 4.6 (+7%). Working climate and leadership culture were the main determinants for resident satisfaction. The proportion of taught basic surgical procedures fell from 24.6 to 18.9% (−23%). Conclusions: The number of residents and graduates in general surgery has risen markedly. At the same time, the proportion of taught operations is diminishing. Despite the introduction of working hour restrictions, the self-reported hours never reached the limit. The low teaching rate combined with the increasing resident number represents a major challenge to the maintenance of the current training quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cross‐sectional associations have been documented between cybervictimization and suicidal risk; however, prospective associations remain unclear. Methods: Participants were members of the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD), a prospective birth cohort of 2,120 individuals followed from birth (1997/98) to age 17 years (2014/15). Cybervictimization and face‐to‐face victimization experienced since the beginning of the school year, as well as serious suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempt were self‐reported at ages 13, 15 and 17 years. Results: In cross‐sectional analyses at 13, 15 and 17 years, adolescents cybervictimized at least once had, respectively, 2.3 (95% CI = 1.64–3.19), 4.2 (95% CI = 3.27–5.41) and 3.5 (95% CI = 2.57–4.66) higher odds of suicidal ideation/attempt after adjusting for confounders including face‐to‐face victimization, prior mental health symptoms and family hardship. Sensitivity analyses suggested that cybervictimization only and both cyber‐ and face‐to‐face victimization were associated with a higher risk of suicidal ideation/attempt compared to face‐to‐face victimization only and no victimization; however, analyses were based on small n. In prospective analyses, cybervictimization was not associated with suicidal ideation/attempt 2 years later after accounting for baseline suicidal ideation/attempt and other confounders. In contrast, face‐to‐face victimization was associated with suicidal ideation/attempt 2 years later in the fully adjusted model, including cybervictimization. Conclusions: The cross‐sectional association between cybervictimization and suicidal ideation/attempt is independent from face‐to‐face victimization. The absence of a prospective association suggested short‐term effects of cybervictimization on suicidal ideation/attempt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Recently, we demonstrated that early low concentrations of circulating, adalimumab-bound TNF in RA patients treated with adalimumab was associated with future anti-drug antibody formation. Furthermore, low TNF was associated with less frequent baseline MTX use. This is remarkable, because of the anti-inflammatory effects of MTX and a potential inhibiting effect on cytokine production. We hypothesized an indirect effect of non-MTX use on low TNF concentrations via immunogenicity. To investigate the effect of MTX on TNF concentrations independent of anti-drug antibody formation, we measured TNF in RA patients treated with etanercept, a drug with low immunogenicity. Methods TNF was quantified in 186 consecutive etanercept-treated RA patients at baseline and at weeks 4, 16 and 28. The dynamics of TNF during etanercept treatment were compared with dynamics recently published for adalimumab. Results We demonstrated that TNF concentrations at week 4 did not associate with baseline MTX or remission after 28 weeks. Furthermore, median (interquartile range) TNF increased from <112 (<112–<112) pg/ml at baseline to 548 (344–688) pg/ml at week 4 and remained stable at week 16 and 28 [598 (442–756) and 568 (444–755) pg/ml, respectively]. Conclusion Circulating TNF did not associate with MTX usage in etanercept-treated patients. This implies that MTX does not have a direct effect on TNF concentrations in circulation and that the association between early low TNF and non-use of MTX for adalimumab is thus most likely due to anti-drug antibody formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although some causes of rhinogenic headache, such as acute sinusitis, have clear diagnostic criteria, others, such as "sinus headache" and mucosal contact points, are more nebulous. Misdiagnosis of these entities and primary headaches may result in unnecessary medical or surgical treatment. The purpose of this systematic review is to delineate current understanding of diagnosis and treatment of rhinogenic headaches, including sinus and mucosal contact point headaches, in children. Methods: PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane databases were searched for studies on sinus headache and mucosal contact point headaches in children. Studies were assessed for level of evidence, and risk of bias was assessed by Methodological Index for Non‐Randomized Studies (MINORS) scoring. Diagnostic criteria, management strategies, and other clinical data were analyzed. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Level of evidence was predominantly 4. Forty percent of pediatric patients with migraine had been previously misdiagnosed with sinus headache. Of 327 pediatric patients in two studies, between 55% and 73% had at least 1 cranial autonomic symptom associated with their migraine. For children with mucosal contact point headaches, surgical management in select patients improved headache intensity or severity in 17 (89%) cases. Conclusion: The majority of pediatric patients with sinus headache harbor a primary headache disorder, with migraine being most common. Physicians should suspect primary headache disorders in pediatric patients with chronic headaches and a normal exam. Although some case series are supportive of surgical management for mucosal contact point headaches in children, the level of evidence supporting these recommendations is insufficient. High‐quality clinical trials are necessary for continuing to improve outcomes in patients with these clinical entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciphering the processes driving the evolution of the diverse pheromone-mediated chemical communication system of insects is a fascinating and challenging task. Understanding how pheromones have arisen has been supported by studies with the model organism Leptopilina heterotoma, a parasitoid wasp whose defensive compound (−)-iridomyrmecin also evolved as a component of the female sex pheromone and as a cue to avoid competition with other females during host search. To understand how compounds can evolve from being non-communicative to having a communicative function and to shed light on the evolution of the multi-functional use of iridomyrmecin in the genus Leptopilina, the chemical communication of two additional species, L. ryukyuensis and L. japonica, was studied. We demonstrate that in both species a species-specific mixture of iridoids is produced and emitted by wasps upon being attacked, consistent with their putative role as defensive compounds. In L. ryukyuensis these iridoids are also used by females to avoid host patches already exploited by other conspecific females. However, females of L. japonica do not avoid the odor of conspecific females during host search. We also show that the sex pheromone of female L. ryukyuensis consists of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), as males showed strong courtship behavior (wing fanning) towards these compounds, but not towards the iridoid compounds. In contrast, males of L. japonica prefer their females' iridoids but CHCs also elicit some courtship behavior. The use of iridoid compounds as defensive allomones seems to be common in the genus Leptopilina, while their communicative functions appear to have evolved in a species-specific manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adherence to oral chemotherapy is essential for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and multiple myeloma (MM) to remain in remission. Few studies have used a Likert-type scale to measure medication adherence in CML and MM patients. We applied a validated treatment adherence tool, the ASK-12 (Adherence Starts with Knowledge ®) survey, which assessed inconvenience and forgetfulness, treatment beliefs, and medication-taking behaviors recorded on a five-point Likert-type scale at two visits. Results: A medication adherence survey was administered to 42 newly diagnosed or pre-existing CML or MM patients at two outpatient oncology clinics affiliated with an academic medical center in rural eastern North Carolina. Thirty-one patients completed surveys at visit 1 and visit 2 (median 4.5 months apart). Most patients were treated for MM (65%), were non-Hispanic black (68%) and female (58%). Within subscales, mean adherence scores decreased between visits, signaling better adherence. Overall, visit scores were correlated (0.63, p = 0.001). Forgetting to take medication sometimes was the most common reason for non-adherence. Medication costs were not a barrier for MM patients. Greater patient–provider informed decision-making was identified as an opportunity for quality improvement among CML patients. The ASK-12 survey provided a strategy to obtain robust information on medication adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Irritability is gaining considerable attention as a risk factor for suicide-related outcomes (suicide mortality, attempt, and ideation). However, the evidence of this association is scant. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence regarding the associations between irritability and suicide-related outcomes across the life-course.Methods: We conducted a systematic search on Medline and PsycINFO (up to January 2018) for original articles published in English investigating the association between irritability and suicide-related outcomes. Two researchers independently screened the articles, assessed the quality of the evidence (New-Castle-Ottawa Scale) and extracted study characteristics.Results: Thirty-nine studies were retrieved, most were of low/medium quality. Twelve assessed irritability in childhood/adolescence (6 in community samples, 6 in clinical samples) and 27 in adulthood (7 in community samples, 20 in clinical samples). In both childhood/adolescence and adult samples, most community-based studies reported a positive association between irritability and suicidal ideation and/or attempt, while clinical studies reported mixed findings. More specifically, in clinical studies, the association of irritability with suicide-related outcomes (i) was not supported among adult depressed patients, (ii) findings were inconsistent in adult bipolar patients, (iii) for inpatients/outpatients with various psychiatric disorders/conditions, association was observed in adulthood but not in childhood/adolescence.Limitations: Differences in methodology and definition/measurement of irritability limited the comparability of included studies.Conclusions: Although irritability has been proposed as a promising transdiagnostic factor associated with suicide-related outcomes, the absence of consensus in the definition of irritability (vs anger or reactive/impulsive aggression), the poor methodological quality, and the lack of developmental considerations mitigate the conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Robotic surgery continues to expand in minimally invasive surgery; however, the literature is insufficient to understand the current training process for general surgery residents. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to identify the current approach to and perspectives on robotic surgery training. Methods. An electronic survey was distributed to general surgery program directors identified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education website. Multiple choice and open-ended questions regarding current practices and opinions on robotic surgery training in general surgery residency programs were used. Results. 20 program directors were surveyed, a majority being from medium-sized programs (4–7 graduating residents per year). Most respondents (73.68%) had a formal robotic surgery curriculum at their institution, with 63.16% incorporating simulation training. Approximately half of the respondents believe that more time should be dedicated to robotic surgery training (52.63%), with simulation training prior to console use (84.21%). About two-thirds of the respondents (63.16%) believe that a formal robotic surgery curriculum should be established as a part of general surgery residency, with more than half believing that exposure should occur in postgraduate year one (55%). Conclusion. A formal robotics curriculum with simulation training and early surgical exposure for general surgery residents should be given consideration in surgical residency training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) display the ability to eliminate a wide variety of bacteria, without toxicity to the host eukaryotic cells. Synthetic polymers containing moieties mimicking lysine and arginine components found in AMPs have been reported to show effectiveness against specific bacteria, with the mechanism of activity purported to depend on the nature of the amino acid mimic. In an attempt to incorporate the antimicrobial activity of both amino acids into a single water-soluble copolymer, a series of copolymers containing lysine mimicking aminopropyl methacrylamide (APMA) and arginine mimicking guanadinopropyl methacrylamide (GPMA) were prepared via aqueous RAFT polymerization. Copolymers were prepared with varying ratios of the comonomers, with degree of polymerization of 35-40 and narrow molecular weight distribution to simulate naturally occurring AMPs. Antimicrobial activity was determined against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria under conditions with varying salt concentration. Toxicity to mammalian cells was assessed by hemolysis of red blood cells and MTT assays of MCF-7 cells. Antimicrobial activity was observed for APMA homopolymer and copolymers with low concentrations of GPMA against all bacteria tested, with low toxicity toward mammalian cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cigarette smoking is an established risk factor for pancreatic cancer (PC). We examined the association between cigarette smoking and PC in a San Francisco Bay Area clinic-based, case-control study.Methods: A total of 536 cases and sex and age frequency-matched controls (n = 869) were recruited predominately from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) medical clinics between 2006 and 2011. Participants were interviewed in-person using structured questionnaires. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were computed.Results: Forty-eight percent of cases and controls reported never having smoked cigarettes; 39% of cases and 40% of controls were former smokers; 13% of cases and 12% of controls were current smokers. No association was found for either former (OR = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66-1.1) or current cigarette smoking (men: OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.60-1.7; women: OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.73-2.1). No dose-response relationships were detected with number of cigarettes/day, smoking intensity, duration, or years since last smoked. Comparisons with a 1995-1999 population-based UCSF study demonstrated a significantly increased proportion of never smokers in this study (P < .001).Conclusions: This study revealed no significant associations between cigarette smoking and PC in the San Francisco Bay Area during 2006-2011. Data suggest a reduction in the duration of smoking within the referral population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways; asthma patients are hampered by recurrent symptoms of dyspnoea and wheezing caused by bronchial obstruction. Most asthma patients suffer from chronic allergic lung inflammation triggered by allergens such as house dust mite (HDM). Coagulation activation in the pulmonary compartment is currently recognized as a feature of allergic lung inflammation, and data suggest that coagulation proteases further drive inflammatory mechanisms. Here, we tested whether treatment with the oral thrombin inhibitor dabigatran attenuates allergic lung inflammation in a recently developed HDM-based murine asthma model. Mice were fed dabigatran (10 mg/g) or placebo chow during a 3-wk HDM airway exposure model. Dabigatran treatment caused systemic thrombin inhibitory activity corresponding with dabigatran levels reported in human trials. Surprisingly, dabigatran did not lead to inhibition of HDM-evoked coagulation activation in the lung as measured by levels of thrombin-antithrombin complexes and D-dimer. Repeated HDM administration caused an influx of eosinophils and neutrophils into the lungs, mucus production in the airways, and a T helper 2 response, as reflected by a rise in bronchoalveolar IL-4 and IL-5 levels and a systemic rise in IgE and HDM-IgG1. Dabigatran modestly improved HDM-induced lung pathology (P < 0.05) and decreased IL-4 levels (P < 0.01), without influencing other HDM-induced responses. Considering the limited effects of dabigatran in spite of adequate plasma levels, these results argue against clinical evaluation of dabigatran in patients with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate whether incidence rates of malignant cutaneous melanoma in U.S. Department of Defense active duty military personnel differed from rates in the U.S. general population between 2000 and 2007.Methods: The study population included active duty military personnel and the general population aged 18 to 56 years. Data were obtained from the U.S. Department of Defense medical data systems and from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program. Melanoma risk was estimated by incidence rate ratios (IRRs).Results: Melanoma risk was higher among active duty personnel than the general population (IRR = 1.62, 95% confidence interval = 1.40-1.86). Incidence rates were higher for white military personnel than for white rates in general population (36.89 and 23.05 per 100,000 person-years, respectively). Rates were also increased for military men and women compared with SEER (men, 25.32 and 16.53 per 100,000; women, 30.00 and 17.55 per 100,000). Air Force service personnel had the highest rates and Army had the lowest.Conclusion: Melanoma rates were marginally higher among active duty military personnel than the general population between 2000 and 2007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic dry reforming over a platinum-basedcatalyst is described experimentally and numerically in a laboratorypilot-plant flow reactor. The results reveal that coking in the upperpart of the catalyst bed and at the entrance of the reactor occurs,depending on the composition of the reaction mixture and the respectivetemperature. To a significant extent, gas-phase reactions play a roleas being the cause for the observed coking behavior in the reformingof methane in the presence of carbon dioxide at high temperaturesof 1123–1273 K and at 20 bar. Hydrogen addition can inhibitcoke formation better than water addition. The reactor is modeledby a one-dimensional description of the reacting field using elementary-stepreaction mechanisms of up to 4238 gas-phase reactions among 1034 speciesand 58 heterogeneous reactions among 8 gas-phase species and 14 surface-adsorbedspecies. The study leads an optimized positioning of the catalystin a technical reformer tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophobins are small fungal proteinsthat self-assemble at hydrophobic/hydrophilicinterfaces to form stable, amyloid membranes that are resistant todenaturation. Their remarkable surface activity has driven intenseresearch for their potential utility in biomedical and cosmetic applications.In this research, the self-assembly characteristics of the Class Ihydrophobin ABH1 from Agaricus bisporus, the edible white button mushroom, were evaluated as a functionof solution and interface properties, in an attempt to gain greatermechanistic understanding. The kinetics of self-assembly were examinedusing dynamic quartz crystal microbalance techniques in combinationwith AFM, ellipsometry, contact angle goniometry, light scattering,and circular dichroism spectroscopy. It was found that the strengthof interfacial tension between two phases drives the speed of ABH1assembly and that the nature and location of the molecular orderingwas influenced by temperature. ABH1 demonstrates different characteristicsand self-assembly properties than those reported for other Class Ihydrophobins, including causing an instantaneous decrease in surfacetension in aqueous solution and undergoing a direct transition toβ-sheet conformation on self-assembly at elevated temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have demonstrated that community-based cancer coalitions can effectively address cancer disparities in rural areas. Scenario plots have been used to assess community needs in health care and public health. The social and medical context of a woman with undetected breast cancer was developed as a patient scenario implemented at a rural cancer coalition meeting to rapidly identify gaps in services. Transportation, fragmentation of cancer care, access to insurance coverage, patient navigation, and survivorship services were identified as gaps in ensuring patient compliance across the continuum of breast cancer care throughout the region. Results will be used to shape coalition priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find ways to improve response rates of medical and health surveys. We investigated whether a prenotification letter instead of a second reminder and varying senders of the questionnaires would affect response rates. Study Design and Setting: We present the results of two studies. In the first study, four groups were compared that either received a prenotification letter (group 1 and 2) or a second reminder letter (group 3 and 4); received the questionnaire from either a research institute (group 1 and 3) or a health insurance company (HIC; group 2 and 4). In the second study, we compared two groups that received the questionnaire sent by either a HIC or a hospital. Response rates, response speed, respondent characteristics, item nonresponse, and mean scores on quality aspects and global ratings were compared. Results: Response rates did not differ significantly between groups. Prenotification groups returned their questionnaires faster. No other significant differences were found for response speed, respondent characteristics, item nonresponse, or mean scores. Conclusion: A prenotification letter does only increase initial response speed and does not increase total response rates. A prenotification letter should be considered when quick response is desirable. Varying senders had no effect on response rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) show great potential asalternativetherapeutic agents to conventional antibiotics as they can selectivelybind and eliminate pathogenic bacteria without harming eukaryoticcells. It is of interest to develop synthetic macromolecules thatmimic AMPs behavior, but that can be produced more economically atcommercial scale. Herein, we describe the use of aqueous reversibleaddition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizationto prepare primary and tertiary amine-containing polymers with precisemolecular weight control and narrow molecular weight distributions.Specifically, N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide (APMA)was statistically copolymerized with N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide(DMAPMA) or N-[3-(diethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide(DEAPMA) to afford a range of (co)polymer compositions. Analysis ofantimicrobial activity against E. coli(Gram-negative) and B. subtilis(Gram-positive)as a function of buffer type, salt concentration, pH, and time indicatedthat polymers containing large fractions of primary amine were mosteffective against both strains of bacteria. Under physiological pHand salt conditions, the polymer with the highest primary amine contentcaused complete inhibition of bacterial growth at low concentrations,while negligible hemolysis was observed over the full range of concentrationstested, indicating exceptional selectivity. The cytotoxicity of selectpolymers was evaluated against MCF-7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides have been implicated in the etiology of Alzheimer disease. Among the different forms of Aβ aggregates, low molecular weight species ranging between ∼2- and 50-mers, also called "soluble oligomers," have emerged as the species responsible for early synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss. Emerging evidence suggests that the neurotoxic oligomers need not be formed along the obligatory nucleation-dependant fibril formation pathway. In our earlier work, we reported the isolation of one such "off-pathway" 12–18-mer species of Aβ42 generated from fatty acids called large fatty acid-derived oligomers (LFAOs) (Kumar, A., Bullard, R. L., Patel, P., Paslay, L. C., Singh, D., Bienkiewicz, E. A., Morgan, S. E., and Rangachari, V. (2011) PLoS One 6, e18759). Here, we report the physiochemical aspects of LFAO-monomer interactions as well as LFAO-LFAO associations in the presence of interfaces. We discovered that LFAOs are a replicating strain of oligomers that recruit Aβ42 monomers and quantitatively convert them into LFAO assemblies at the expense of fibrils, a mechanism similar to prion propagation. We also found that in the presence of hexane-buffer or chloroform-buffer interfaces LFAOs are able to associate with themselves to form larger but non-fibrillar aggregates. These results further support the hypothesis that low molecular weight oligomers can be generated via non-fibril formation pathways. Furthermore, the unique replicating property of off-pathway oligomers may hold profound significance for Alzheimer disease pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: For patients with Alzheimer’s disease complicated by behavioral disturbances, to use single questions about perceived depression and assess patient and caregiver accuracy in recognizing patient depression. Methods: Cross-sectional interviews from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness- Alzheimer’s Disease (CATIE-AD). Patients were asked ‘Do you believe you are depressed?’ Caregivers were asked ‘Do you believe the patient is depressed?’ and ‘Do you believe you (caregiver) are depressed?’ These responses were compared to the patient’s score on the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), and to the caregiver’s score on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) using screening test characteristics. Results: Two hundred fifty-seven total patient/caregiver pairs were evaluated. Patients had a mean age of 78 years, were mainly female, white, and had a mean Mini-Mental State Examination Score of 15. Caregivers were on average 63 years old, and were mostly spouses or children. 37% of patients had depression (CSDD≥12). Patients recognized their own depression with a sensitivity of 0.26 (CI: 0.18, 0.37) and specificity of 0.85 (0.79, 0.90). Caregivers’ accuracy in recognizing depression in the patient revealed a sensitivity of 0.65 (C.I.: 0.55, 0.75) and specificity of 0.58 (CI: 0.50, 0.66). Twelve per cent of caregivers were depressed, and caregiver burden was associated with patient depression. Conclusion: Clinically significant depression was common, and asking a single question to the patient about depression failed to detect most cases. Caregivers identified two-thirds of patient depression when asked this one question. Caregiver depression and perceived burden were associated with patient depression. Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: National estimates indicate that a low proportion of institutional and hospital-based healthcare workers obtain influenza vaccine. Information on seasonal influenza vaccination coverage in county-level public healthcare workers is lacking, including knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding seasonal influenza vaccination. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the percentage of employees receiving seasonal influenza vaccination, including perceptions and attitudes of employees of 17 health agencies in a 25-county region in eastern, rural North Carolina. Methods: Prior to the H1N1 pandemic, an 18-item voluntary, self-administered survey (pen-and-paper or web-based) was provided to 1653 employees of 15 local health departments and two health jurisdictions in 25 counties of eastern North Carolina in May 2008, obtaining vaccination information for 2007–2008 influenza season. Analysis was conducted in summer 2008 and October 2009. Results: A total of 1209 respondents completed the survey (73% response proportion). Seventy-two percent of valid survey respondents voluntarily received free influenza vaccine for the 2007–2008 season. Gender, ethnicity, and ≥10 years working in public health were significantly associated with obtaining vaccine. Using logistic regression, positive significant predictors were having a vaccination last year and perceived importance of vaccine. Cost to obtain vaccination was a deterrent. The most common reason stated was to protect people (66%), while the most common reason for not receiving the vaccine was belief that the vaccine can cause illness (19%). Almost 60% of employees reported support for a mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program at their health department. Conclusions: The percentage of county public health workers obtaining seasonal influenza vaccination is almost twice that of healthcare workers in other settings. This study provides evidence that efforts may be successful in increasing influenza vaccination coverage of healthcare workers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of polymer conformation and degree of substitution on miscibility, morphology and mechanical properties of solution blended systems containing polyphenylsulfone and copolymers of phenylketone substituted p-phenylene with m-phenylene were studied. Static and dynamic light scattering studies were performed to obtain the z-average root mean square radius of gyration, second virial coefficient, weight average molecular weight and hydrodynamic radius. Solution blends of polyphenylsulfone with phenylene copolymers yielded free standing films. Blend miscibility was assessed by glass transition behavior, morphology was analyzed using atomic force microscopy and mechanical properties were measured using nanoindentation. Copolymer composition determined miscibility. Miscible blends exhibited homogeneous morphologies while immiscible blends displayed unique, heterogeneous morphologies. Polymer conformation in solution, rather than enthalpic contributions, was the primary determinant of miscibility. Successful reinforcement was achieved in blended systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oral epithelial cells provide an easily accessible source of germline DNA. Two methods for collection were compared in a 1992–1995 case-control study of oral cancer in Puerto Rico. One group of subjects (55 controls without oral cancer) collected oral rinse samples at home or work under the direction of a nonmedically trained interviewer (“self-collection”); the other group (94 controls) participated in a clinic-based collection, which also included blood and urine samples, conducted by a medical technician (“clinic collection”). Participation was higher for self-collection (98.2%) than for clinic collection (70.7%) (p < 0.001). DNA yields ranged from 2.0 to 204.5μg (median, 25.9 μg) and did not differ by collection method, although yields varied by interviewer among self-collected samples (p = 0.02). Success rates for polymerase chain reaction amplification of the ADH3, NAT1, and multiplex CYP1A1/GSTT1/GSTM1 genotyping assays ranged from 76.4% (NAT1) to 98.2% (ADH3) for self-collected samples and were similar to those for clinic-collected samples (87.2–97.9%). Failure to amplify was associated with low DNA content (p = 0.015). Similar results were observed among cases (91 self-collected, 66 clinic collected), except that DNA yields did not vary by interviewer and a larger fraction (10.2%) of samples contained less than 5 μg of DNA, perhaps because of disease-related oral impairment. Self-collection of oral epithelial DNA samples appears satisfactory and efficient for many epidemiologic studies. Am J Epidemiol 2000; 151; 199–205. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to determine whether the healthy worker effect and its component parts operate similarly for women and men. A cohort of workers from 14 synthetic vitreous fiber factories in seven countries, employed for at least 1 year between 1933 and 1977 and followed up to the early 1990s, included 375 deaths and 53, 608 person-years among females and 2, 568 deaths and 210, 073 person-years among males. Standardized mortality ratios for all-cause and circulatory diseases were adjusted for country, age, calendar time, and gender. In addition, internal comparisons were adjusted for time since hire and employment status. The analyses addressed the following: 1) the healthy hire effect, 2) the time since hire effect, and 3) the healthy worker survivor effect. In this cohort, an overall healthy worker effect was not present in either gender. The healthy hire effect, based on standardized mortality ratios for years 1–4 since hire, was observed in males (standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 0.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7, 1.0) but was less in females (SMR = 0.9; 95%CI: 0.5, 1.6). The relative risks increased slightly with time since hire in males but not in females. Higher mortality ratios were seen among those leaving employment than among those who remained actively employed; however, this effect was substantially greater for women (relative risk (RR) = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.8, 6.3) than men (RR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.5, 2.1). The gender difference for active versus inactive status was stronger up to age 60 (men: RR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.0; women: RR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.8, 7.1) than above that age. In conclusion, it appears that there is a stronger selection of healthy men than women into the workforce, while health-related selection out of the workforce is stronger for women than men. Am J Epidemio 1999;150: 1099-106. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The Northern California county of Marin (MC) has historically had high breast cancer incidence rates. Because of MC's high socioeconomic status (SES) and racial homogeneity (non-Hispanic White), it has been difficult to assess whether these elevated rates result from a combination of established risk factors or other behavioral or environmental factors. This survey was designed to compare potential breast cancer risks and incidence rates for a sample of middle-aged MC women with those of a demographically similar population. Methods: A random sample of 1500 middle-aged female members of a large Northern California health plan, half from Marin County (MC) and half from a comparison area in East/Central Contra Costa County (ECCC), were mailed a survey covering family history, reproductive history, use of oral contraceptives (OC) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), behavioral health risks, recency of breast screening, and demographic characteristics. Weighted data were used to compare prevalence of individual breast cancer risk factors and Gail scores. Ageadjusted cumulative breast cancer incidence rates (2000-2004) were also calculated for female health plan members aged 40-64 residing in the two geographic areas. Results: Survey response was 57.1% (n = 427) and 47.9% (n = 359) for MC and ECCC samples, respectively. Women in the two areas were similar in SES, race, obesity, exercise frequency, current smoking, ever use of OCs and HRT, age at onset of menarche, high mammography rates, family history of breast cancer, and Gail scores. However, MC women were significantly more likely than ECCC women to be former smokers (43.6% vs. 31.2%), have Ashkenazi Jewish heritage (12.8% vs. 7.1%), have no live births before age 30 (52.7% vs. 40.8%), and be nulliparous (29.2% vs. 15.4%), and less likely to never or rarely consume alcohol (34.4% vs. 41.9%). MC and ECCC women had comparable 2000-2004 invasive breast cancer incidence rates. Conclusion: The effects of reproductive risks factors, Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, smoking history, and alcohol consumption with regard to breast cancer risk in Marin County should be further evaluated. When possible, future comparisons of breast cancer incidence rates between regions should adjust for differences in income and education in addition to age and race/ethnicity, preferably by using a sociodemographically similar comparison group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation is a well-established risk factor for human cutaneous malignant melanoma. Intermittent and cumulative exposures from UVB have been estimated most often by interview questionnaire. This study assessed cumulative UVB using a ground-based measurement instrument to estimate the association between UVB and melanoma. Methods: Population-based, incident cases of melanoma (n = 380) and frequency-matched controls (n = 364) residing in Connecticut at diagnosis were interviewed between 1987 and 1989 about recreational and vacation activities, sun-protection practices, occupation, and other factors. Using a residential history, regression estimates of lifetime UVB were derived from ambient measures of UVB, adjusted for intermittent exposure. Results: Cases and controls received 29% of lifetime mean UVB in the first 15 years of life. Number of days per year in recreational activity during childhood and late adulthood were associated with increased melanoma risk. When estimating lifetime UVB adjusted for intermittent exposure, melanoma risk peaked at a 5.7-fold increased risk in the ninth decile. Conclusion: Sporadic and chronic sun exposure play a role in melanoma etiology. Skin-protection practices should be encouraged across levels of sun intensity, not only in childhood but throughout adulthood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To compare a family informant's report of memory loss in an older family member to standardized clinical diagnoses of cognitive impairment.Setting: Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE), a 10-year longitudinal study of community dwellers aged 65 and greater in five counties of North Carolina.Participants: A stratified random sample of potentially demented participants was selected from the second wave of the Duke EPESE using responses to a brief cognitive screen. A neuropsychological battery was administered to these participants, and their family informants were asked whether they recognized memory loss in the participant. One hundred fifty-seven participants completed the full evaluation and also had an available family informant.Main Outcome Measures: Family informant's report of memory loss (yes, no, sometimes) compared to expert consensus diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia.Results: There was poor concordance between the clinical diagnoses of cognitive impairment or dementia and the family informant's recognition of memory loss (kappa=-0.05; P=.74). When informants reported memory loss, 30% of participants were found not to have a cognitive loss. Among participants in whom family informants reported no memory loss, 75% were diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment (sensitivity, 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61 to 0.78; specificity, 0.24, 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.40; positive predictive value, 70%; negative predictive value, 25%).Conclusions: Asking family members about memory loss in a patient may be an unreliable strategy to detect dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare a family informant's report of memory loss in an older family member to standardized clinical diagnoses of cognitive impairment.Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE), a 10-year longitudinal study of community dwellers aged 65 and greater in five counties of North Carolina.A stratified random sample of potentially demented participants was selected from the second wave of the Duke EPESE using responses to a brief cognitive screen. A neuropsychological battery was administered to these participants, and their family informants were asked whether they recognized memory loss in the participant. One hundred fifty-seven participants completed the full evaluation and also had an available family informant.Family informant's report of memory loss (yes, no, sometimes) compared to expert consensus diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia.There was poor concordance between the clinical diagnoses of cognitive impairment or dementia and the family informant's recognition of memory loss (κ=−0.05;P=.74). When informants reported memory loss, 30% of participants were found not to have a cognitive loss. Among participants in whom family informants reported no memory loss, 75% were diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment (sensitivity, 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61 to 0.78; specificity, 0.24, 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.40; positive predictive value, 70%; negative predictive value, 25%).Asking family members about memory loss in a patient may be an unreliable strategy to detect dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a growing understanding of late-life depression, few studies focus on the old-old, those 75 years and over. We wished to characterize depressive symptoms and determine the accuracy of two common screening instruments for major and minor depression in a population of old-old retirees. Participants lived independently in one of two Continuing Care Retirement Communities and volunteered for an in-home interview about cancer screening attitudes. As part of this baseline interview, they were screened with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Those agreeing to a second interview received an evaluation using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV), performed by a geriatric psychiatrist within two weeks of the initial interview. In an educated and cognitively intact group of retirees averaging 80 years of age, the GDS and CES-D performed poorly using standard cutpoints in detecting both major (sensitivity 60% for both) and minor (sensitivity 33% and 50%, respectively) depression. One in five participants had significant depression as confirmed by SCID-IV evaluation. Twelve percent had major depression and 7% had minor depression. Most participants had their first episode of either after age 60. Contrary to most studies evaluating the GDS and CES-D for accuracy in detecting late-life depression, these instruments at standard cutpoints performed poorly in this group of healthy older adults. The healthy old-old may require novel screening interventions to detect clinically significant depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Despite a growing understanding of late-life depression, few studies focus on the old-old, those 75 years and over. We wished to characterize depressive symptoms and determine the accuracy of two common screening instruments for major and minor depression in a population of old-old retirees. Methods Participants lived independently in one of two Continuing Care Retirement Communities and volunteered for an in-home interview about cancer screening attitudes. As part of this baseline interview, they were screened with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Those agreeing to a second interview received an evaluation using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV), performed by a geriatric psychiatrist within two weeks of the initial interview. Results In an educated and cognitively intact group of retirees averaging 80 years of age, the GDS and CES-D performed poorly using standard cutpoints in detecting both major (sensitivity 60% for both) and minor (sensitivity 33% and 50%, respectively) depression. One in five participants had significant depression as confirmed by SCID-IV evaluation. Twelve percent had major depression and 7% had minor depression. Most participants had their first episode of either after age 60. Conclusions Contrary to most studies evaluating the GDS and CES-D for accuracy in detecting late-life depression, these instruments at standard cutpoints performed poorly in this group of healthy older adults. The healthy old-old may require novel screening interventions to detect clinically significant depression. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic review of studies was conducted to determine the accuracy of depression screening instruments for older adults in primary care. A predefined search strategy targeted only studies of adults aged 65 years or older in primary care or community setting, including long-term care. Articles were included in this review if they reported original data and tested depression screening instruments against a criterion standard, yielding sensitivity and specificity. Findings indicated that accurate and feasible screening instruments are available for detecting late-life depression in primary care. More research is needed to determine the accuracy of depression screening instruments for demented individuals, and for those with subthreshold depressive disorders.

Examines the relationship between alcohol dehydrogenase type 3 and the risk of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers. Risk of developing oral cancer by individuals homozygous for the ADH31 allele; Increase in the risk for oral cancer per additional alcoholic drink per week; Evidences presented on the carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde.

• Graphite electrodes can be used in combination Glyoxal-based electrolytes. • Graphite electrodes display high performance in 1.5 M KFSI in TEG/VEC. • 1.5 M KFSI in TEG/VEC is a promising electrolyte for potassium-ion batteries. In this work the use of the solvents 1,1,2,2-tetramethoxyethan (tetramethylglyoxal, TMG) and 1,1,2,2-tetraethoxyethan (tetraethylglyoxal, TEG) in potassium-based systems is reported for the first time. We show that utilizing electrolytes based on these solvents, potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) and the additive vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC), it is possible to reversibly intercalate and extract potassium-ions into and from graphite electrodes. Graphite electrodes in combination with the electrolyte 1.5 M KFSI in TEG/VEC display an intercalation capacity of 200 mAh g−1, stable for 40 cycles at C/10. This performance is comparable to that achieved with conventional organic electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to provide insights into the associations between the Big Five personality traits, gaming motives, and time spent gaming. Nine hundred and eighty-six participants completed an online survey including socio-demographic questions, a 100-item personality test assessing the Big Five personality traits, and the Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire. Moreover, participants provided self-reported information on their weekly time spent gaming. Playing video games for Escapism, Coping, Fantasy, and Competition motives was each associated with different Big Five personality traits. Moreover, when age, gender, personality traits, and gaming motives were included in a multiple linear regression model as predictors of time spent gaming, lower Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, as well as more gaming for Social, Escapism, and Competition motives predicted greater time spent gaming. The results provide insights into the associations between personality traits, gaming motives, and time spent gaming. Furthermore, these findings may help understanding conditions associated with excessive gaming behaviour, such as gaming disorder. • Lower Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness predict more gaming time. • Gaming for Social, Escapism, and Competition motives predict more gaming time. • Men are more likely to spend more time gaming than women. • First study on associations of the MOGQ and Big Five personality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]