Characterizing associations and dissociations between anxiety,social, and cognitive phenotypes of Williams syndrome

Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurogenetic disorder known for its “hypersocial” phenotype and a complex profile of anxieties. The anxieties are poorly understood specifically in relation to the social-emotional and cognitive profiles. To address this gap, we employed a Wechsler intelligence test, the Brief Symptom Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Salk Institute Sociability Questionnaire, to (1) examine how anxiety symptoms distinguish individuals with WS from typically developing (TD) individuals; and (2) assess the associations between three key phenotypic features of WS: intellectual impairment, social-emotional functioning, and anxiety. The results highlighted intensified neurophysiological symptoms and subjective experiences of anxiety in WS. Moreover, whereas higher cognitive ability was positively associated with anxiety in WS, the opposite pattern characterized the TD individuals. This study provides novel insight into how the three core phenotypic features associate/dissociate in WS, specifically in terms of the contribution of cognitive and emotional functioning to anxiety symptoms.     

Role of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis: A systematic review

BackgroundThe aim was to assess the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis (AgP).MethodsThe addressed focused question was “Is aPDT effective in the treatment of AgP?” MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ISI Web of knowledge and Google-Scholar databases were searched from 1977 till May 2015 using combinations of the following keywords: antimicrobial; photochemotherapy; photodynamic therapy; photosensitizing agents; AgP; scaling and root-planing (SRP). Reviews, case reports, commentaries, and articles published in languages other than English were excluded.ResultsSeven studies were included. In 5 studies, aPDT was performed as an adjunct to SRP. Laserwavelengths and duration of irradiation ranged between 660–690 nm and 60–120 s, respectively. Laser power output as reported in 2 studies was 75 mW. One study showed significant improvement in periodontal parameters for subjects receiving aPDT as an adjunct to SRP as compared to treatment with SRP alone at follow up. However, comparable periodontal parameters were reported when aPDT as an adjunct to SRP was compared to SRP alone in the treatment of AgP in one study. One study showed comparable outcomes when aPDT was compared to SRP in the treatment of AgP. In two studies, adjunctive antibiotic administration to SRP showed significantly better outcomes when compared to application of adjunctive use of aPDT to SRP.ConclusionaPDT is effective as an adjunct to SRP for the management of AgP, however, further randomized clinical trials with well defined control groups are needed in this regard.     

Gemcitabine, vinorelbine and prednisone for refractory or relapsed aggressive lymphoma,results of a phase II single center study

The optimum therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) not qualifying for platinum-based and/or high-dose chemotherapy is not known. We conducted a prospective phase II study evaluating a regimen consisting of gemcitabine (1 g/m², days 1 and 8), vinorelbine (30 mg/m², days 1 and 8) and prednisone (100 mg/day, days 1–8) (GVP) given every 21 days. Fifteen patients with a median age of 68 years and a median of three previous therapies were enrolled. Diagnoses included B lymphoblastic (n=1), diffuse large B cell (n=10), anaplastic large T cell (n=2) and peripheral T-cell NHL (n=2). The median international prognostic index score was 3 (six patients with a score of 4 or 5). Five patients achieved a complete remission and three patients a partial remission. The median overall survival was 13.8 months, and the median time to next treatment was 4.4 months. Haematological toxicities of World Health Organisation grades 3/4 were leucopenia in 58%, thrombocytopenia in 33% and anaemia in 17% of all courses. Three patients had grade 3 infections. There was no treatment-related mortality. GVP shows substantial activity in poor prognosis relapsed or refractory aggressive lymphomas and is generally well tolerated, but haematological toxicity is dose limiting.     

Health behaviors and their determinants in multiethnic, active Israeli seniors

To assess factors that affect the adoption of healthy lifestyles among a variety of active Israeli seniors, a survey was conducted in 2002 at the Peiluyada, a physical activity-oriented health fair for seniors held annually in Israel from 1995 to 2002. A multi-language, self-administered questionnaire, assessing predisposing factors, barriers and health-protective behaviors, was fielded to potential participants. Response rate at the event was 51%. Hebrew and Arabic speakers generally characterized their health as good to very good, while Russian speakers' health was rated only poor to fair. Over 80% engaged in regular physical activity, were satisfied with their diet, and conformed to international nutritional recommendations. Vaccination coverage against influenza (81%) and pneumocccocus (58%) was highest among Arabic speakers, and lowest among Russian speakers (33.5% and 12%, respectively). Higher age (> or =75 years) was significantly associated with receiving a vaccination against influenza. Major barriers to exercise included low motivation and poor physical health or disability. Health-related dietary restrictions were the leading nutritional barrier. Prominent barriers to vaccination included concerns about vaccine effectiveness (39%) and side effects (29%). Leading cues to action were a recommendation from one's doctor (67%) and from a healthcare worker (51%).     

Associations of multiple unhealthy lifestyle behaviors with overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity among Brazilian adolescents: A country-wide survey

Background and Aims

Physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, smoking and heavy drinking are four key unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (ULB) that may influence body weight and obesity development. More recently, sedentary time has been recognized as another potentially emerging ULB related to obesity. We therefore investigated the association of multiple ULB with overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity among Brazilian adolescents.

Continuing Risk Behaviors Among HIV-Seropositive Chronic Drug Users in Miami, Florida

This study investigates continuing risk behaviors among HIV-seropositive chronic drug users in Miami, Florida. Data were collected on 490 injecting and noninjecting seropositive drug users. Results indicate that from baseline to follow-up, HIV-seropositive injectors and non-injectors reported significant decreases of approximately 50% in risky sexual and injecting practices (IDUs only) associated with transmission of HIV. However, our findings also indicate that approximately one third of HIV-positive injectors and one half of HIV-positive noninjectors continue to have unprotected sex and one third of HIV-positive injectors are continuing to engage in risky injecting practices. Change in one risk behavior was predictive of change in other risk behaviors. Women were more likely to change injection behaviors than sexual practices. Injecting drug users showed greater overall behavioral change than noninjectors. These findings underscore the need to develop, disseminate, and implement effective intervention models specifically targeting HIV-positive drug users.     

神经节苷脂注射液7例聚集性不良反应分析

摘 要 目的:分析神经节苷脂钠注射液出现聚集性不良反应的影响因素。方法：调阅本院ADR/ADE 监测系统内的7份神经节苷脂注射液聚集性不良反应记录及相关病历,对用药人群、使用环节、ADR症状等因素进行调查分析。结果：经质量检验,此次使用的神经节苷脂注射液为合格药品,此次聚集性不良反应表现为抽搐、寒战、发热等过敏样症状。7例聚集性不良反应的发生时间、溶媒选择、药物用量、滴速等因素基本相同,仅在溶媒用量、合并用药方面存在差异。结论：导致聚集性不良反应发生的影响因素很多,难以确定某个具体因素。聚集性ADR一旦发现,应立即停药,及时上报,寻找原因,推动药品质量不断提高和临床用药不断规范。     

HIV Prevalence and Correlates of Unprotected Anal Intercourse Among Men Who Have Sex with Men, Jinan, China

China’s HIV epidemic may be shifting towards predominantly sexual transmission and emerging data point to potential increases in HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM). There is particular need to assess the extent of risk behavior among MSM outside of China’s most cosmopolitan cities. We conducted a respondent-driven sampling survey (N = 428) to measure HIV seroprevalence and risk behavior among MSM in Jinan, China, the provincial capital of Shandong. HIV prevalence was 0.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1–1.0). Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) in the last 6 months (reported by 61.4%) was associated with buying or selling sex to a man in the last 6 months, syphilis infection, multiple partners in the last month, low HIV knowledge and migrant status. No participant had previously tested for HIV. Risk for HIV transmission is widespread among MSM throughout China; basic prevention programs are urgently needed.