CT visualization of medullary sponge kidney

Recognizing the changes of medullary sponge kidney (MSK) on computed tomographic (CT) scans may be of value in both diagnosis and in differentiating this from other disease states. The appearance on CT of MSK has not previously been well described. A case is reported that demonstrates ectatic renal collecting tubules visualized by CT, and techniques are suggested to optimize visualization of these changes.     

Association and linkage with quantitative traits

This paper examines two approaches for the analysis of quantitative traits: (1) association studies and (2) linkage studies. The trait studied was Q1 from simulated Problem 2 data set in Genetic Analysis Workshop 9. Our purpose was to evaluate associations present in the data, to identify nongenetic and genetic predictors of the trait, and to explore the simulated genome for linkage. Through the association study, we found evidence for the primary major gene associated with this trait. The linkage study found evidence of residual genetic effect acting through other traits. Adjustments of Q1 for Q2 and Q3 led to a failure to find significant effects of MG2 and MG3. This supports the suggestion that adjustment for genetically influenced traits for effects of other genetic traits can reduce the power to detect major gene effects. In summary, we detected the major gene directly associated with the trait of interest through association studies. Linkage analysis detected evidence for two other genes associated to a lesser degree with the trait. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The active ingredient in EMDR: is it traditional exposure or dual focus of attention?

Very little is known about the mechanisms that underlie the therapeutic effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). This study tested whether the content of participants' responses during EMDR is similar to that thought to be effective for traditional exposure treatments (reliving), or is more consistent with distancing, which would be expected given Shapiro's proposal of dual process of attention. The responses made by 44 participants with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were examined during their first EMDR treatment session. An independent rater coded these responses according to whether they were consistent with reliving, distancing or focusing on material other than the primary trauma. The coding system was found to have satisfactory inter‐rater reliability. Greatest improvement on a measure of PTSD symptoms occurred when the participant processed the trauma in a more detached manner. Cross‐lagged panel correlations suggest that processing in a more detached manner was a consequence of the EMDR procedure rather than a measure that covaried with improvement. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Aspergillosis in a 24-week newborn: a case report.

Aspergillosis is an uncommon neonatal infection, diagnosed with an increasing frequency over the last two decades. We report a premature neonate who developed aspergillosis while receiving amphotericin B and fluconazole for candidiasis. Despite early recognition and diagnosis, the infant died. We review the clinical appearance of Aspergillus species, the distinctions between primary cutaneous aspergillosis and invasive aspergillosis, and advances in diagnosis and treatment.