Respecting the circle of life: one year outcomes from a randomized controlled comparison of an HIV risk reduction intervention for American Indian adolescents

Potential for widespread transmission of HIV/AIDS among American Indian (AI) adolescents exists, yet no evidence-based interventions (EBIs) have been adapted and evaluated with this population. Intensive psychoeducation may improve knowledge and decision-making which could potentially translate to reductions in HIV risk behaviors. A peer group randomized controlled comparison of an adapted EBI vs. control was delivered over an eight-day summer basketball camp in one reservation-based tribal community to adolescents ages 13–19. Outcome data were gathered immediately post-camp and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Self-selected peer groups were randomized to intervention (n = 138) or control (n = 129) conditions for a total sample of 267 participants (56.2% female), mean age 15.1 years (SD = 1.7). Intervention participants had better condom use self-efficacy post-camp (Adjusted Mean Difference [AMD] = ?0.75, p < 0.005) and at 6 (AMD = ?0.44, p < 0.005) and 12 months (AMD = ?0.23, p < 0.05) follow-up. Intervention participants also had higher HIV prevention and transmission knowledge (post-camp: AMD = 0.07, p < 0.01; 6 months: AMD = 0.06, p < 0.01) were more likely to believe condoms prevent sexually transmitted infections (post-camp: RR = 1.41, p < 0.005; 6 months: RR = 1.34, p < 0.05), to talk with an adult about HIV/AIDS (post-camp: RR=1.78, p < 0.005; 6 months: RR = 1.14, p < 0.005), had higher partner negotiation efficacy related to substance use during sex (post-camp: AMD = 0.37, p < 0.01), and were more likely to intend to use a condom (post-camp: RR = 1.39, p < 0.01). The adapted intervention had short- and medium-term impacts on AI adolescent risk for HIV/AIDS, but attenuated at 12 months. Intervention delivery through a community-based camp is feasible and acceptable with strong retention. Additional study is needed to evaluate the adapted intervention's impact on sexual risk behaviors and if booster sessions and parent involvement translate to long-term impacts.     

Gastric Cancer and Paraneoplastic Pemphigus

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a relatively rare but significant acquired autoimmune mucocutaneous disorder that is characterised by diffuse erythema, painful blistering and sores of the skin and mucus membranes. The underlying pathogenesis is believed to be triggered by altered immune system in response to underlying neoplasm. The manifestations can predate, occur at the same time or after the diagnosis of cancer. Associations with gastric cancer have only been reported twice. A 78-year-old lady presented with a month’s history of extensive skin lesions that started off as bullous lesions and biopsy revealed bullous pemphigus. Endoscopy for anemia revealed gastric cancer. This case reinforced the need to consider underlying malignancy in elderly patient with new onset dermatological presentation.     

Utility of Tissue Similarity Maps Based on Relative Cerebral Blood Volume for Grading Gliomas as Validated by Histological Results

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不同非密闭雾化治疗方式在不合作患儿中的应用效果

目的 探讨不同非密闭雾化方式在不合作患儿接受布地奈德雾化治疗中的应用效果。方法 选取本院门诊270例3岁以下使用布地奈德雾化治疗的患儿,采用随机数字表法将患儿分为Pari雾化系统、Philips雾化系统及Salter雾化系统3个治疗组,毎组90例,各组又依据面罩距离面部0 cm、2 cm、4 cm分为3个小组,毎组30例,分别测量各组雾化气流流速及吸入雾化颗粒量占总雾化颗粒量的比例。采用方差分析及Bonferroni进行统计分析。结果 雾化气流流速及雾化吸入量在不同雾化系统组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在3种距离下,Pari系统均能使患儿吸入最多量的雾化颗粒,其次是Salter系统,再是Philips系统,与此相反,气流流速Pari系统最低。Pari系统离开面部4 cm及Salter系统离开面部2 cm的吸入量均高于Philips系统0 cm的吸入量。结论 选择合适的非密闭雾化系统方式,是提高不合作患儿布地奈德雾化治疗的有效方式。     

The danger of chlorhexidine in lignocaine gel: A case report of anaphylaxis during urinary catheterisation

This article describes a case of anaphylaxis secondary to chlorhexidine during urethral catheterisation. Despite little evidence for the use of antiseptic lubricants in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections, the distribution and use of such products continues to be widespread. Chlorhexidine-free lubricating gel is widely available and should be used for urological procedures wherever possible.