Using Cognitive Bias Modification to Deflate Responsibility in Compulsive Checkers

Cognitive-behavioural models of compulsive checking posit a dominant role for beliefs regarding one’s responsibility to prevent harm. In the current study we employed a computerised cognitive bias modification of interpretation (CBM-I) paradigm to target and modify responsibility biases in a sample of undergraduate students with high levels of checking symptoms (N = 100). Participants were randomly assigned to either a positive (decrease responsibility bias) or negative (increase responsibility bias) CBM-I training condition. Relative to participants in the negative training condition, participants in the positive training condition demonstrated reduced responsibility bias in a subsequent interpretive bias test. Positive training also resulted in more adaptive physiological responding during a responsibility stressor task. There were no differential effects of CBM-I training, however, on observed or self-reported checking or self-reported responsibility beliefs. In light of these mixed findings, we outline future avenues for improving the efficacy of CBM-I training targeting responsibility biases.     

Multimodality therapy improves survival in elderly patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer—A retrospective analysis

ObjectivesConcurrent combined modality therapy is optimal treatment for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is given with curative intent. However, elderly patients (≥ 75) are often undertreated, despite good performance status (PS). This study evaluated the treatment, outcomes and survival in elderly patients with stage III NSCLC versus patients < 75 years old.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of data from the Lung Cancer Registry at Mayo Clinic Arizona (MCA) was conducted. Patients with newly diagnosed stage III NSCLC from 1998 to 2006 were analyzed for type of therapy and outcomes.ResultsThree hundred and eighty-nine patients with newly diagnosed stage III NSCLC were identified from 1998 to 2006. Two hundred and forty-three (62%) patients were < 75 years old, and 146 patients (38%) were ≥ 75 years old. Among 374 eligible patients, 45% of patients < 75 years old received combined chemoradiation therapy vs. only 21% of patients ≥ 75 years old (p < 0.0001). The median survival in the < 75 age group was 14.5 months vs. 10.1 months in the ≥ 75 age group (p = 0.0014). In the < 75 age group, median survival was 15.0 months in patients who received combined modality treatment vs. 14.1 months in the other treatments group (p = 0.02). In the elderly group, median survival was 19.9 months in the combined modality group vs. 7.8 months in the other treatments group (p = 0.0048).ConclusionOur results confirm that older patients are less likely to receive optimal therapy, regardless of functional status. Prospective studies are desperately needed to help improve management of the burgeoning geriatric oncology population.     

EVALUATION OF CLINICOMYCOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ONYCHOMYCOSIS

Background:

Incidence of onychomycosis has increased tremendously in recent times. Relatively little work has been done on this problem in our country. Research in past has been concentrated mainly on superficial mycoses of the skin.

Aim:

It is a well-established fact that geographical distribution of the fungi may change from time to time; hence, this study was planned to analyze clinical, epidemiological, and mycological features of onychomycosis.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty patients clinically suspected and microscopically proven to have onychomycosis were taken up for the study. Nail samples, collected by scraping in 30 patients and by using a dental drill in the rest, were examined microscopically and cultured for fungus.

Results and Conclusions:

Forty-five fungal isolates were obtained from 60 patients. Trichophyton rubrum was the commonest fungus isolated (46.67%). Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans accounted for 20% and 15.56% isolates, respectively. Two cases showed mixed growth of Trichophyton rubrum and Aspergillus niger in one and Trichophyton rubrum and Aspergillus fumigatus in the other. Isolation rate was higher by drilling compared to scraping, the rates being 83.33% and 66.67%, respectively. Superficial mycotic infections were present in 27 patients (45%).     

Effect of tannin-rich leaves of oak (Quercus incana) on various microbial enzyme activities of the bovine rumen

1. The objective of the present experiment was to study the effects of oak (Quercus incana) leaves rich in tannins on various enzyme activities of the bovine rumen. 2. The procedure employed was incubation of tannin-rich, very-low-tannin or virtually tannin-free leaves in nylon-gauze bags in the rumen, and determination of enzyme activities in microbes tightly bound to the solid matrix and in microbes loosely plus tightly attached to the solid matrix. 3. The activities of urease (EC 3.5.1.5), carboxymethylcellulose, glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.2) and alanine aminotransferase (glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) (EC 2.6.1.2) were significantly lower in the tannin-rich group, whereas the activities of glutamate ammonia ligase (glutamine synthetase) (EC 6.3.1.2; both gamma-glutamyltransferase (EC 2.3.2.2) and the forward reaction) were higher in the tannin-rich group. These changes were more marked in micro-organisms tightly bound to the solid matrix than in the more complex microbial compartment. 4. The protein, DNA and RNA contents, and protein: RNA ratio, were significantly lower in the tannin-rich group, whereas no difference was observed for protein: DNA between the groups. 5. Effects of tannin-containing extracts of oak leaves on various rumen enzymes in vitro showed a trend similar to that observed in nylon-gauze bags, suggesting that the changes observed in various compartments were due to the tannins of oak leaves.     

Physiological,haematological and histopathological responses in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fingerlings fed with differently detoxified Jatropha curcas kernel meal

Protein rich Jatropha curcas kernel meal is toxic. It was detoxified using heat treatment and solvent extraction. Two duration of detoxification process were investigated: shorter (30 min) and longer (60 min) and the detoxified meals so obtained were designated as J_a and J_b respectively. Common carp fingerlings (252 fish; 3.2 ± 0.07 g) were fed with the following diets: Control containing fishmeal (FM); S_50, J_a50 and J_b50: 50% of FM protein replaced by soybean meal (SBM), detoxified Jatropha kernel meal (DJ_aKM and DJ_bKM); S₇₅, J_a75 and J_b75: 75% of FM protein replaced by SBM, DJ_aKM and DJ_bKM. White blood cells count, mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin concentration, calcium and sodium ions and total bilirubin in blood did not differ significantly among the groups. Higher (P > 0.05) RBC count was observed in plant protein fed groups compared to control group. Highest alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase activities in blood were observed in J_a75, which were not different (P > 0.05) from those in J_a50 group, but were higher than in the other groups. No adverse histopathological changes in liver and muscle of any group were observed, but intestinal mucosa of J_a75 groups showed severe pathological lesions. The results demonstrate that Jb was completely detoxified. Since the performance of J_b50 group was similar to control group and better than the other groups, optimum inclusion level of J_b is 50% replacement of FM protein.