Anger expression, coping, and substance use in adolescent offenders

The present study examined anger expression and avoidant coping and their relationship to substance use and use-related consequences in a sample of 270 incarcerated adolescents. Outwardly expressed anger was significantly associated with both alcohol and marijuana use and use-related consequences. Avoidant coping was also significantly associated with all outcome variables. There were no significant interactions between anger expression (outward or inward) and avoidant coping. Collectively, results suggest that expression of anger and avoidant coping are independent risk factors for substance use and use-related consequences across two classes of drugs in adolescent offenders.     

Characterization,mechanistic analysis and improving the properties of denture adhesives

Objective

Denture adhesives are widely used to avoid the detachment and sliding of dentures. However, the adhesion properties can be affected by variation in mouth conditions such as the level of salivation. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of environmental conditions on the adhesion properties of a commercially available denture adhesive named as Poligrip^® Free manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Ltd., UK and to identify the reasons for the observed variation in its adhesion strength.

Pseudoaneurysm of mitro-aortic intervalvular fibrosa during the course of mitral valve endocarditis with aorto-left ventricle outflow tract fistula

The mitro-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIVF) connects the anterior mitral leaflet to the posterior portion of the aortic annulus.The pseudoaneurysm of MAIVF is one of the uncommon but catastrophic complications of native or prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis or chest trauma.We report a case of infective endocarditis of mitral valve complicated by development of pseudoaneurysm of MAIVF, and fistulous formation causing massive shunt flow from the ascending aorta above the non-coronary cusp to the left ventricle outflow tract.     

Challenges in conducting research on sexual violence and HIV and approaches to overcome them

Studies have implicated sexual violence as a strong correlate of HIV acquisition in women. Characterizing how such violence affects the female immune system may provide insight into the biological mechanisms of HIV transmission and ultimately improve global HIV prevention strategies. Little research has been carried out in this domain, and the obstacles to investigation can be daunting. Here, we describe methodological challenges encountered and solutions explored while implementing a study of dysregulation of immune biomarkers potentially indicative of increased HIV susceptibility in women following sexual assault. Challenges included accessing sexual assault survivors and defining sexual assault, promoting study participant well‐being during research engagement, reducing selection and information bias, collecting and processing biological samples, and adjusting for confounders such as reproductive tract infections and emotional and physical abuse. We found that many survivors of sexual assault welcomed the attention from study staff and felt empowered by the opportunity to help other women at risk for violence. Well‐trained research staff and well‐articulated community and medical partnerships were key methods to overcoming challenges while promoting the safety and welfare of vulnerable study participants.     

Intestinal fungal and parasitic infections in kidney transplant recipients: a multi-center study

Kidney transplant recipients are susceptible to various infections due to the use of immunosuppressive drugs. The present study was performed as studies on the prevalence of intestinal fungal and parasitic infections in kidney transplant recipients are limited. A total of 150 kidney transplant recipients and 225 matched immunocompetent outpatients, who were referred to the laboratory of Noor Hospital, Isfahan, were studied. After recording demographic characteristics, direct test and specific laboratory cultures were carried out on the stool specimens. Patients were instructed on sanitary rules and, during each medical visit, they were reminded of the same. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic and fungal infections was 33.3% and 58.7%, respectively, in transplant recipients and 20% and 51%, respectively, in the control group; the difference was not statistically significant. The most prevalent intestinal parasite was Entameba coli, which was seen in 9.3% of the study patients and 6.7% of the controls. The most prevalent fungus was Candida sp., which was seen in 22% of the study patients and 24.4% of the control group. Co-existing infection with two or more fungi was seen in 14.8% and 3.4% in the case and control groups, respectively; P <0.001. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection by a single organism between the two groups. However, co-existing infection with two or more species was more prevalent in transplant recipients. We conclude that further investigations are needed to evaluate the pathogenesis of infection with these microorganisms.     

Diabetic foot infections: the role of microbiology and antibiotic treatment

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for the development of foot infections. Among the risk factors that contribute to the development of diabetic foot infections are local neuropathy, vascular changes and depressed local host defenses. The microbiology of these infections is often complex and can be polymicrobial. Treatment of these infections depends on the severity and extent of infection. Treatment should involve a multi-disciplinary team approach involving surgeons and infectious disease specialists. The current recommendations for treatment are primarily based on expert opinion and consensus rather than clinical trials. No single agent or combination of agents has been shown to be superior to others. The aim of this review is to provide valid options of therapy, especially with regard to newer agents that are currently available for treatment of both soft tissue infections and osteomyelitis.