Characterization of insertion sites and development of locus-specific assays for three broiler-derived subgroup E avian leukosis virus proviruses

This report deals with the identification of novel elements belonging to a family of endogenous retroviruses, designated endogenous avian leukosis virus-type proviral elements (ALVE), that reside in the genome of the chicken and are closely related to exogenous avian leukosis viruses. The study of ALVE elements in the chicken genome serves as a model system for understanding the interplay between endogenous viruses and their vertebrate hosts in general, including humans. In this report, we characterize the insertion sites and describe locus-specific, diagnostic polymerase chain reaction-based assays for three previously discovered, but as yet not localized, ALVE elements. In addition, we assess the proviral integrity, provide the complete element sequence and examine the genomic environs of the three broiler-derived elements.     

Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Identified During Central Line Placement: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: A persistent left superior vena cava is found in 0.3-0.5% of the general population and in up to 10% of patients with a congenital cardiac anomaly. It is the most common thoracic venous anomaly and is usually asymptomatic. Being familiar with such anomaly could help clinicians avoid complications during placement of central lines, Swan-Ganz catheters, PICC lines, dialysis catheters, defibrillators, and pacemakers. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of persistent left superior vena cava that was noted after placement of a central line. Mr JJ is a 41 year old African American man who was hospitalized for evaluation and management of alcoholic necrotizing pancreatitis. He required multiple central lines placements. He was noted to have a persistent left superior vena cava that was not recognized initially and thus lead to an unnecessary extra central line placement. DISCUSSION: This anatomic variant may pose iatrogenic risks if it is not recognized by the clinician. A central catheter that tracks down the left mediastinal border may also be in the descending aorta, internal thoracic vein, superior intercostal vein, pericardiophrenic vein, pleura, pericardium, or mediastinum. CONCLUSION: Our case is significant because the patient had two extra central venous catheter placements. This case strongly demonstrates the importance of knowing the thoracic venous anomalies.     

Reliability and validity of the youth outcome questionnaire self‐report

The psychometric properties of an adolescent mental health outcome instrument (Youth Outcome Questionnaire Self‐Report version [Y‐OQ‐SR]) were examined. Participants were 206 adolescents (ages 12–18; mean age=15). The Y‐OQ‐SR was evaluated in terms of its internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and concurrent validity. Criterion measures included the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Self‐Report of Personality—Adolescent Version (SRP), and the Child Behavior Checklist Youth Self Report (YSR). Analyses revealed very good internal consistency and test‐retest reliability of the Y‐OQ‐SR total score and subscales, and moderate to good concurrent validity with the SRP and YSR. The Y‐OQ‐SR appears to be a valid and reliable self‐report measure of psychosocial distress that warrants further study in youth psychotherapy research. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 65:1–12, 2009.     

Economic Burden of Surgically Confirmed Endometriosis in Canada

ObjectiveTo estimate the societal economic burden of illness caused by surgically confirmed endometriosis in Canada in 2009, including direct health care costs, lost productivity, and lost leisure time costs.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, direct health care resource use data were obtained from nine family physicians and nine gynaecologists from across Canada, who were experienced in the treatment of women with surgically confirmed endometriosis. Data on alternative treatments and health care providers, as well as work absenteeism, lost leisure time, and caregiver time were obtained from a convenience sample of 27 women with endometriosis treated at two gynaecology clinics in Alberta and Quebec. Unit costs were assigned to resource use items for treatment-seeking patients, and total costs for each resource use item were aggregated to estimate the societal costs of endometriosis in Canada in 2009, across all prevalent cases of surgically confirmed endometriosis.ResultsThe estimated mean annual societal cost of endometriosis was $5200 per patient (95% CI $3700 to $7100), with lost productivity and lost leisure time costs accounting for 78%. Extrapolating these figures yields an estimated total annual cost to Canadian society of $1.8 billion (95% CI $1.3 billion to $2.4 billion) attributable to surgically confirmed endometriosis in Canada.ConclusionFor some women, surgically confirmed endometriosis has a substantial negative impact that can result in suffering to the individual and her family, and lead to substantial productivity losses. Understanding the interplay between direct costs, lost productivity, and quality of life is critical for accurately identifying and evaluating effective treatments for this condition.