Anterior EEG asymmetries and opponent process theory.

The opponent process theory of emotion [Solomon, R.L., and Corbit, J.D. (1974). An opponent-process theory of motivation: I. Temporal dynamics of affect. Psychological Review, 81, 119-143.] predicts a temporary reversal of emotional valence during the recovery from emotional stimulation. We hypothesized that this affective contrast would be apparent in asymmetrical activity patterns in the frontal lobes, and would be more apparent for left frontally active individuals. The present study tested this prediction by examining EEG asymmetries during and after blocked presentations of aversive pictures selected from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). 12 neutral images, 12 aversive images, and 24 neutral images were presented in blocks. Participants who were right frontally active at baseline did not show changes in EEG asymmetry while viewing aversive slides or after cessation. Participants left frontally active at baseline, however, exhibited greater relative left frontal activity after aversive stimulation than before stimulation. Asymmetrical activity patterns in the frontal lobes may relate to affect regulatory processes, including contrasting opponent after-reactions to aversive stimuli.     

Long-Term Effects of Education and Legislation Enforcement on All-Age Bicycle Helmet Use: A Longitudinal Study

Bicycle-related injuries are a leading cause of child and youth hospitalizations in Canada. The use of helmets while bicycling reduces the risk of brain injuries. This study investigated the long-term effect of legislation coupled with enforcement to improve helmet use rates. We conducted a longitudinal observational study of helmet use at 9, 11, and 14 years after bicycle helmet legislation was enacted. Data were compared to baseline observations collected after legislation was passed in 1997. A comprehensive enforcement and educational diversion program, Operation Headway–Noggin Knowledge (OP–NK), was developed and implemented in partnership with regional police during the study period. Helmet use was sustained throughout the post-legislation period, from 75.3 % in the year legislation was enacted to 94.2 % 14 years post-legislation. The increase in helmet use was seen among all age groups and genders. Helmet legislation was not associated with changes in bicycle ridership over the study years. OP–NK was associated with improved enforcement efforts as evidenced by the number of tickets issued to noncompliant bicycle riders. This observational study spans a 16-year study period extending from pre-legislation to 14 years post all-age bicycle helmet legislation. Our study results demonstrate that a comprehensive approach that couples education and awareness with ongoing enforcement of helmet legislation is associated with long-term sustained helmet use rates. The diversion program described herein is listed among best practices by the Public Health Agency of Canada.     

Drosophila under the lens: imaging from chromosomes to whole embryos

Microscopy has been a very powerful tool for Drosophila research since its inception, proving to be essential for the evaluation of mutant phenotypes, the understanding of cellular and tissue physiology, and the illumination of complex biological questions. In this article we review the breadth of this field, making note of some of the seminal papers. We expand on the use of microscopy to study questions related to gene locus and nuclear architecture, presenting new data using fluorescence in-situ hybridization techniques that demonstrate the flexibility of Drosophila chromosomes. Finally, we review the burgeoning use of fluorescence in-vivo imaging methods to yield quantitative information about cellular processes. Electronic Supplementary Material Electronic Supplementary Material is available for this article at and accessible for authorized users.     

Lymphedematous fibroepithelial polyps of the penis associated with long-term condom catheter use: case report and review of the literature

Lymphedematous fibroepithelial polyps of the penis are lesions that have only recently been described and are frequently associated with condom catheter use. We report an additional case of lymphedematous fibroepithelial polyps of the penis in association with long-term condom catheter use in a 36-year-old man. Local excision showed large polypoid nodules with compact orthohyperkeratosis and mild acanthosis. The stroma was hypercellular with spindled to stellate fibroblasts and occasional multinucleated cells. Proliferation of small linear to slightly arcuate vessels with some superficial dilatation was a prominent feature. Focal expression of smooth muscle actin and desmin was present in the stroma. Lymphedematous fibroepithelial polyps of the penis are rare lesions with only 11 cases previously reported. We present here an additional example of this entity to highlight the differential diagnosis, the association with condom catheter use and to raise awareness for this unusual diagnosis.     

Is fall self-efficacy an independent predictor of recurrent fall events in older adults? Evidence from a 1-year prospective study

Falls, which are prevalent among older adults, may not only cause severe physical injuries, but also lead to low fall self-efficacy (FSE). Low FSE is associated with restricted activity, which putatively increases risk of future falls. However, emerging studies have failed to confirm this association. Furthermore, the interplay between age, gender, and fall history with falls has not been adequately addressed in adults aged 70 years or older. The aims of this secondary analysis were to: (1) prospectively explore the association of FSE and fall events considering age, gender, and fall history, and (2) examine the characteristics of fall events and fall-related outcomes. Forty-seven community-dwelling adults over 70 years of age were followed for about 12 months. During the follow-up, 22 participants with low FSE experienced 119 fall events whereas 25 participants with high FSE reported 106 fall events. Among fallers, 72.3% (n = 34) experienced recurrent fall events. About 15.0% (n = 34) of 225 fall events resulted in injuries and 4.0% of injuries required medical care. FSE was a statistically significant predictor of future fall events (incident rate ratio = 0.96, p = .013) regardless of age, gender, and fall history. Participants with low FSE were more likely than those with high FSE to fall more frequently without noticeable prodromal symptoms and apparent reasons. These findings suggest that FSE is an important protective factor against future fall events. However, interpretation of these results requires caution given the small sample size and effect size.     

Glomerulopathies with Fibrillary Deposits

Renal diseases involving glomerular deposits of fibrillary material are an important diagnostic challenge for the ultrastructural pathologist. Two primary disorders of this type, termed ``fibrillary glomerulonephritis'' (characterized by fibrils measuring approximately 20nm in diameter) and ``immunotactoid glomerulopathy'' (characterized by larger, microtubular deposits), have been described. The possible relatedness of these two disorders and their potential association with other systemic illnesses are subjects of current debate. Other multisystemic diseases, including amyloidosis and various forms of cryoglobulinemia, can also present with fibrillary or microtubular deposits in the kidney. Five cases are presented in which fibrillar or microtubular structures were identified in renal biopsies by ultrastructural examination. The distinction between fibrillary glomerulonephritis,immunotactoid glomerulopathy, and other processes that have similar ultrastructural features are discussed.