Very large fMRI study using the IMAGEN database: sensitivity-specificity and population effect modeling in relation to the underlying anatomy

In this paper we investigate the use of classical fMRI Random Effect (RFX) group statistics when analyzing a very large cohort and the possible improvement brought from anatomical information. Using 1326 subjects from the IMAGEN study, we first give a global picture of the evolution of the group effect t-value from a simple face-watching contrast with increasing cohort size. We obtain a wide activated pattern, far from being limited to the reasonably expected brain areas, illustrating the difference between statistical significance and practical significance. This motivates us to inject tissue-probability information into the group estimation, we model the BOLD contrast using a matter-weighted mixture of Gaussians and compare it to the common, single-Gaussian model. In both cases, the model parameters are estimated per-voxel for one subgroup, and the likelihood of both models is computed on a second, separate subgroup to reflect model generalization capacity. Various group sizes are tested, and significance is asserted using a 10-fold cross-validation scheme. We conclude that adding matter information consistently improves the quantitative analysis of BOLD responses in some areas of the brain, particularly those where accurate inter-subject registration remains challenging.     

Unhealthy Weight‐control Behaviours,Dieting and Weight Status: A Cross‐cultural Comparison between North American and Spanish Adolescents

The aim of the current study was to examine and compare dieting and unhealthy weight‐control behaviours (UWCB) in population‐based samples in two large urban areas in Spain (Barcelona) and in the USA (Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota). Additionally, use of UWCB across weight categories was explored in both samples. Participants included 1501 adolescents from Barcelona (48% girls, 52% boys) and 2793 adolescents from the Twin Cities (53% girls, 47% boys). The main outcome measures were dieting, UWCB (less extreme and extreme) and weight status. Although dieting and UWCB were prevalent in both samples, particularly among girls, the prevalence was higher in the US sample. In both countries, the report of dieting and use of UWCB was highest among overweight and obese youth. Prevention interventions that address the broad spectrum of eating and weight‐related problems should be warranted in light of the high prevalence and co‐occurrence of overweight and unhealthy weight‐related behaviours. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.     

Anti-arrhythmia efficacy of propafenone in children. Apropos of 30 cases

Thirty children aged from 3 months to 20 years were treated with propafenone 250 to 650 mg/m2 divided into 2 to 4 daily doses, for a mean period of 14 months (range: 4 days to 5 years); 8 had chronic atrial tachycardia, 9 had junctional arrhythmia and 13 had ventricular arrhythmia. There were 17 good results (suppression of the arrhythmia), 7 fair results (good clinical effect but partial persistence of the arrhythmia) and 6 failures, either because the drug proved ineffective (3 cases) or on account of side-effects (3 cases). In the treatment of chronic atrial tachycardia propafenone seemed to be more effective than amiodarone in 3 cases and as effective as that drug in 2 cases. In junctional arrhythmia propafenone was certainly effective but unpredictably so (3 good results, 2 fair results, 4 failures). Among ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia in bursts was the one which benefited most regularly from treatment with propafenone: the results in 8 patients were better than those obtained with other antiarrhythmic agents (class I drugs, beta-blockers, calcium antagonists); only amiodarone proved superior to propafenone in this type of arrhythmia. Despite a 27% incidence of side-effects, propafenone was generally well tolerated by the children, with no significant gastrointestinal disorders. No depressive effect on the myocardium was noted in 6 children with moderate heart failure well controlled by digitalis and diuretics. However, since overdosage may cause severe disorders of conduction with widened ventriculogram, we recommend regular ECG monitoring during the first 3 days of treatment at least: although there is little slowing down of sinus rate (12%) and little modification of the slow phase under treatment, serious toxicity is possible. Thus, propafenone is a drug that should be handled with caution, but it constitutes a major addition to the range of antiarrhythmic agents which can be used in paediatrics.     

Genetic aspects of familial multiple myeloma

To elucidate the role of genetics in familial multiple myeloma, two sisters having plasma cell dyscrasia were studied. The women were 58 and 56 years old, and the diagnoses were made 22 months apart. Specific antisera for patient 1's lambda light chains produced in rabbits had no cross-reactivity with her sister's lambda light chains. Karyotypic analysis by G.T.G. banding revealed abnormalities in both patients, but no common abnormalities. HLA typing disclosed identical tissue types (AW24, A26, B13, BW55). An immunologic epidemiologic study performed on 26 family members, encompassing four generations, disclosed no additional cases of paraproteinemia.     

pH-Abhängige Einflüsse apparativer Parameter auf den Diffusionsfluß durch Lipoidmembranen

pH Dependent Influences of Apparatus Parameters on the Flux of Diffusion Through Lipoid Membranes The pH dependence of the diffusion of salicylic acid through membranes containing dodecanol was investigated. The lower the pH, the more does the aqueous layer resist the flux of diffusion. For this reason, apparatus parameters that control the convection of the aqueous phase variously influence the diffusion rate at different pH values. The diffusion resistance of the aqueous layer can be calculated from experimental data.     

Komplexbildung zwischen 1-Methylbarbital und Dimethylacetamid

Complexation between 1-Methylbarbital and Dimethylacetamide The complexation between 1-methylbarbital and dimethylacetamide by hydrogen bond was investigated by means of the light absorption in the near infrared and by NMR-spectroscopy taking into account the self-association of 1-methylbarbital. An 1 : 1-complex is formed, its association constant and enthalpy were determined.     

Synthesen von Flavon-2′-carbonsäuren und Chromono-(2′,3′-3,4)-isocumarin-derivaten

Synthesis of Flavone-2′-carboxylic Acids and Chromonoisocoumarines When we tried to synthesize 1,2-bischromonylbenzene derivatives from phthalic acid and o-hydroxy-acetophenone derivatives by Baker-Venkataraman-rearrangement flavone-2′-carboxylic acid derivatives are obtained in one step. This is a simple way to get flavone-2′ carboxylic acids and chromonoisocoumarines.