Social networks and depressive symptoms among elderly women and men in Havana, Cuba

OBJECTIVES: To examine the main and the stress-buffering effects of social networks on depressive symptoms among elderly Cuban men and women living in La Havana. METHOD: Information was gathered from a representative sample of the elderly population in Havana (n = 1905), as part of the SABE (Salud, Bienestary Enuejecimiento) study. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. The structure and function of social networks were studied. Gender-specific multivariate logistic regressions were fitted to test the main (independent of stressors) and the stress-buffering effects (in the presence of financial strain or disabilities) on depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Social ties were associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms in women and men independently of the presence of stressors. Women who were or had been married, lived in an extended family, and enjoyed balanced exchanges with relatives and children reported low prevalence of depressive symptoms. Men were less likely to report depressive symptoms if they were currently married, and did not live alone. Social networks buffered the effect of financial strain on depression, but not in the event of disability. CONCLUSION: In Cuba, networks centered on children and extended family were associated with low frequency of depressive symptoms, ruling contrary to common findings in developed societies. These living arrangements have an important role in buffering the impact of financial strain on depressive symptoms.     

Decreased levels of GABA in the inferior colliculus of the epilepsy-prone hamster (GPG/Vall)

Abnormalities in GABA levels in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CNIC) of the epilepsy-prone hamster (GPG/Vall) were evaluated by using immunohistochemistry, densitometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These findings demonstrate a decrease both in GABA immunostaining (neuropil and neurons) and in GABA concentration (HPLC) in the CNIC of the epileptic hamster compared to control animals. These decreases may reflect a reduced availability of this neurotransmitter that may act as an audiogenic seizure-initiating factor.     

Multi-society guideline for reprocessing flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes

Summary  Flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the care of patients with gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary disorders. Compliance with accepted guidelines for the reprocessing of gastrointestinal endoscopes between patients is critical to the safety and success of their use. When these guidelines are followed, pathogen transmission can be effectively prevented. Increased efforts and resources should be directed to improve compliance with these guidelines. Further research in the area of gastrointestinal endoscope reprocessing should be encouraged. The organizations that endorsed this guideline are committed to assisting the FDA and manufacturers in addressing critical infection control issues in gastrointestinal device reprocessing.