Noise paradoxically increases reliability metrics

Lower signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the scanning environment is generally considered to exert a negative impact on the inter-/intra-subject consistency of resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) metrics. Here, we show through simulations that this assumption is not always true - poor SNR may paradoxically increase reliability metrics of RSFC under certain circumstances, due to the reduced senstivity to dynamic changes in brain connectivity

A Group Intervention for HIV/STI Risk Reduction among Indian Couples

Background: HIV in India is transmitted primarily by heterosexual contact. The present study sought to test the feasibility of a group HIV/STI risk re­duction intervention among heterosexual couples in India. Methods: Focus groups and key informant interviews were used in 2008 to cul­turally tailor the intervention. Thirty sexually active and HIV/STI negative cou­ples were enrolled and assessed regarding risk behavior and sexual barrier accept­ability. Gender-concordant group sessions used cognitive behavioral strategies for HIV/STI prevention. Results: At baseline, male condom use was low (36%); no participants re­ported use of female condoms or vaginal gels. HIV knowledge was low; women had more HIV knowledge and more positive attitudes towards con­dom use than men. Post-intervention, willingness to use all barrier products (t = 10.0, P< .001) and intentions to avoid risk behavior increased ( t = 5.62, P< .001). Conclusion: This study illustrates the feasibility of utilizing a group interven­tion to enhance HIV/STI risk reduction among Indian couples

Antenatal diagnosis of Lowe syndrome.

International audienc

Reducing sexual risk behavior among high risk couples in Northern India

PURPOSE: This study sought to assess the feasibility of conducting a group, culturally tailored behavioral intervention and its impact on sexual barrier use, self efficacy, knowledge, conflict resolution and coping among high risk heterosexual couples in Northern India. METHOD: This pilot study was conducted at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India from February 2008 to January 2009. Thirty sexually active high risk couples were drawn from a convenience sample of PGIMER patients attending infectious disease and family planning clinics. Couples participated in one month of 3 weekly gender concordant behavioral intervention groups and were individually administered assessments pre- and post-intervention. The intervention was tailored to the Northern Indian context, and addressed sexual barrier use, HIV/STI transmission and cognitive behavioral skill building focusing on sexual negotiation and communication. RESULTS: Participants were a mean age of 32 (men) and 29 (women) years, and the majority had at least 10 years of education. At baseline, the majority reported inconsistent condom use (<100% of the time) (64% of women, 59% of men). Post-intervention, nearly all participants reported consistent use (100% of the time) (100% of men, 97% of women). Participants also reported decreased verbal aggression, increased self efficacy and increased HIV-related knowledge, and women increased their use of positive coping tactics. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the potential to successfully utilize a group intervention to discuss sensitive issues such as sexual risk behavior among both men and women. Strategies to improve condom use and communication without increasing intimate partner violence in high risk couples may be an important adjunct to preventing the development of a generalized epidemic in India