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The objective of this study was to examine different methods of preparation of a low-alcohol drink for use as a control in behavioral studies. Treatments included.' untreated juice, juice with alcohol (rum), juice with rum floated on the surface and juice with ethanol floated on the surface. Untrained panelists (n=48) rated each drink for overall preference, alcohol aroma intensity, sweetness, sourness, 'burn'/mouthfeel, alcohol flavor and perceived alcohol concentration. Alcohol flavor intensity and 'burn' were the most intense in juice with rum, followed by the two floated alcohol drinks. Perceived alcohol concentration was moderate in juice with floated rum and juice with floated ethanol. Floating ethanol on top of a juice performed adequately as a sensory mimic for a full-alcohol drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitrointracanal temperatures produced by the injection of high-temperature thermoplasticized gutta-percha were measured. Obturations of a standard root canal were performed using an Obtura II heated gutta- percha system at temperature settings of 160, 185, and 200°C. There was an increase in the recorded temperatures in the root canal for all three temperature settings with the mean temperature range from 38.52°C to 61.58°C. The mean temperature of the empty heating chamber was also measured and was accurately indicated on the control unit. However, the mean temperature of the gutta-percha in the heating chamber was almost 20°C cooler than expected at each of the three settings. Finally, there was more than a 100°C decrease in the mean temperature of the extruded gutta-percha in relation to the temperature of the gutta-percha in the heating chamber. Several clinically relevant observations were noted. Each of these observations was related to the tempera- ture setting of the Obtura II control unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an investigation of the relation between life events (stressors) and illness, 87 medical students reported on a prospective basis their health and life events history over a three year period. There were a few positive findings, e.g. that subjects who reported more life events during the period also reported more illnesses during that period. Overall, however, the study showed a lack of statistically significant association between life events and illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep, which is crucial for restoring of physiological functions and health, is reportedly impaired in psoriasis. The role of different potential sleep confounding factors, including detailed pruritus characteristics, and the complex interplay between psychological variables (anxiety and depression), pruritus and sleep disturbance in psoriasis remain insufficiently investigated. Objectives: To investigate sleep characteristics and to identify clinical, demographic and psychological factors associated with sleep disturbance in psoriasis. Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 334 psoriasis patients (response rate 86%) and 126 control subjects (response rate 82%). Measures included sleep quality [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], psoriasis severity, pruritus characteristics, including average pruritus intensity [visual analogue scale (VAS)], severity of comorbidities, anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – HADS) and quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index – DLQI, and Short Form 12 – SF12). Results: Fifty‐nine per cent of patients and 34% of control subjects (P < 0.001) suffered from sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5). Patients slept 1 h less than control subjects (median 6 vs. 7 h, P < 0.001). Patients without pruritus had less impaired sleep (global PSQI) than patients with strong (P < 0.001) and very strong pruritus (P < 0.001). Anxiety (HADS‐A) and depression (HADS‐D) levels were the strongest predictors of sleep impairment, followed by pruritus exacerbation at night, age, female sex, pruritus exacerbation in the morning, average pruritus intensity (VAS), diagnosed depression and gastroesophageal reflux disease, altogether explaining 32%–37% of the variance in global sleep quality. Both anxiety (HADS‐A) and depression (HADS‐D) were significant mediators explaining the association between pruritus intensity (VAS) and sleep impairment in 42% and 37% respectively. Conclusions: Sleep disturbance in patients with psoriasis is highly prevalent. Patients with psoriasis should be assessed for sleep impairment, pruritus, anxiety and depression. Reduction in pruritus should be considered as an important therapeutic goal, along with therapies aimed at reducing anxiety and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Acquired cold urticaria (ACU) is a physical urticaria characterized by local skin reactions after cold exposure. Objective markers of disease severity and activity would be helpful. Unfortunately, such markers are not yet available, even though stimulation time and temperature thresholds are promising candidates. Objectives We assessed and correlated critical temperature thresholds (CTTs) with disease severity and activity in patients with ACU. Methods CTTs were determined in 45 patients with ACU by Temp Test®-based cold contact stimulation tests (Emo Systems GmbH, Berlin, Germany), and ACU severity and activity were assessed using Likert scales. Results Patients with ACU exhibited mean ± SEM CTTs of 17 ± 6 °C (range 4–27 °C). These thresholds and their changes correlated with the severity ( r = 0·53, P < 0·05) and activity of disease ( r = 0·64, P < 0·05), respectively. Conclusions These findings indicate that temperature threshold measurements may be used for assessing disease severity and activity as well as the efficacy of therapeutic measures including novel treatment approaches for cold urticaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]