Sexual Behavior of Immature Tibetan Macaques (\u3ci\u3eMacaca thibetana\u3c/i\u3e)

Tibetan macaque sociosexual behavior begins in infancy, and comprises many of their initial interactions with other group members as infants. Tibetan macaques possess a large sociosexual behavioral repertoire, including a behavior called bridging, which involves infants and juveniles, and is found in only four species. Immature macaques differ in the types, rate, and partner preferences across a variety of behaviors. This study compared rates of sexual behavior among four age and sex classes of 26 immature Tibetan macaques at Mt. Huangshan, China. A total of 643 sex behaviors were observed and evaluated for 5 parameters: total sex behavior rates, initiation rates, rates of different types of sexual behavior, partner preference, and rates within different social contexts. Nine types of sex behaviors were observed with bridging being the most common (n = 179) and self-genital manipulation being the least common (n = 18)(H7 = 38.6, p \u3c 0.05). Sex behaviors occurred at the highest rate within spontaneous (2.9 sex behaviors per hour) and play (2.2 sex behaviors per hour) social contexts relative to grooming, aggressive, and self-directed contexts (H4 = 72.4, p \u3c 0.05). Generally, younger males exhibited higher rates of sex behavior relative to other immature classes across all five aspects, and younger females exhibited lower rates of sex behavior relative to other immature classes across all five aspects. Immature Tibetan macaques engage in many sex behaviors with both immature and adult group members. Further studies are needed on the long-term effects of immature sexual behavior regarding its function and influence on social rank and reproductive success

Postsecondary Employment Experiences among Young Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: We examined postsecondary employment experiences of young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compared these outcomes with those of young adults with different disabilities. Method: Data were from Wave 5 of the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2), a nationally representative survey of young adults who had received special education services during high school. We examined the prevalence of ever having had—and currently having—a paid job at 21–25 years of age. We analyzed rates of full employment, wages earned, number of jobs held since high school, and job types. Results: About half (53.4%) of young adults with an ASD had ever worked for pay outside the home since leaving high school, the lowest rate among disability groups. Young adults with an ASD earned an average of $8.10 per hour, significantly lower than average wages for young adults in the comparison groups, and held jobs that clustered within fewer occupational types. Odds of ever having had a paid job were higher for those who were older, from higher-income households, and with better conversational abilities or functional skills. Conclusions: Findings of worse employment outcomes for young adults with an ASD suggest this population is experiencing particular difficulty in successfully transitioning into employment. Research is needed to determine strategies for improving outcomes as these young adults transition into adulthood

Two-frequency forced Faraday waves: Weakly damped modes and pattern selection

Recent experiments (Kudrolli, Pier and Gollub, 1998) on two-frequency parametrically excited surface waves exhibit an intriguing "superlattice" wave pattern near a codimension-two bifurcation point where both subharmonic and harmonic waves onset simultaneously, but with different spatial wavenumbers. The superlattice pattern is synchronous with the forcing, spatially periodic on a large hexagonal lattice, and exhibits small-scale triangular structure. Similar patterns have been shown to exist as primary solution branches of a generic 12-dimensional $D_6\dot{+}T^2$-equivariant bifurcation problem, and may be stable if the nonlinear coefficients of the bifurcation problem satisfy certain inequalities (Silber and Proctor, 1998). Here we use the spatial and temporal symmetries of the problem to argue that weakly damped harmonic waves may be critical to understanding the stabilization of this pattern in the Faraday system. We illustrate this mechanism by considering the equations developed by Zhang and Vinals (1997, J. Fluid Mech. 336) for small amplitude, weakly damped surface waves on a semi-infinite fluid layer. We compute the relevant nonlinear coefficients in the bifurcation equations describing the onset of patterns for excitation frequency ratios of 2/3 and 6/7. For the 2/3 case, we show that there is a fundamental difference in the pattern selection problems for subharmonic and harmonic instabilities near the codimension-two point. Also, we find that the 6/7 case is significantly different from the 2/3 case due to the presence of additional weakly damped harmonic modes. These additional harmonic modes can result in a stabilization of the superpatterns.Comment: 26 pages, 8 figures; minor text revisions, corrected figure 8; this version to appear in a special issue of Physica D in memory of John David Crawfor

Racial differences in sensitivity of blood pressure to aldosterone

Blacks in comparison with whites are at risk for a more serious form of hypertension with high rates of complications. Greater sodium retention is thought to underlie the blood pressure (BP)-determining physiology of blacks, but specific mechanisms have not been identified. In a prospective observational study of BP, 226 black children and 314 white children (mean age, 10.6 years) were enrolled initially. Assessments were repeated in 85 blacks and 136 whites after reaching adulthood (mean age, 31 years). The relationship of BP to plasma aldosterone concentration in the context of the prevailing level of plasma renin activity was studied in blacks and whites. In a secondary interventional study, 9-α fludrocortisone was administered for 2 weeks to healthy adult blacks and whites to simulate hyperaldosteronism. BP responses in the 2 race groups were then compared. Although black children had lower levels of plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone, their BP was positively associated with the plasma aldosterone concentration, an effect that increased as plasma renin activity decreased (P=0.004). Data from black adults yielded similar results. No similar relationship was observed in whites. In the interventional study, 9-α fludrocortisone increased BP in blacks but not in whites. In conclusion, aldosterone sensitivity is a significant determinant of BP in young blacks. Although its role in establishing the risk of hypertension is not known, it could be as relevant as the actual level of aldosterone

Avaliando o impacto da política brasileira de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos na formação superior da área de saúde

As plantas podem ser modelos para a síntese de um grande número de fármacos e no caso dos fitoterápicos fazem parte diretamente de sua composição. A Política Nacional de Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos (PNPMF), de 2006, é considerada o marco regulatório da fitoterapia brasileira. O governo brasileiro desenvolveu ações para sua efetivação, entretanto seu avanço foi limitado por fatores tais como o conhecimento insuficiente dos profissionais de saúde sobre fitoterapia. A investigação exploratório-descritiva objetivou evidenciar as repercussões geradas pela PNPMF na graduação em saúde em um estado do Nordeste brasileiro. A fundamentação baseou-se em revisão de literatura sobre formação superior em saúde no Brasil, diretrizes curriculares nacionais, PNPMF, plantas medicinais em saúde pública e opiniões de grupos-chave da área. Utilizou-se uma abordagem quali-quantitativa, por meio da triangulação entre métodos

Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Associations with Mental Health Outcomes in the First Two Years after Moderate to Severe TBI: A TBI Model Systems Analysis

Purpose Research suggests that there are reciprocal relationships between mental health (MH) disorders and epilepsy risk. However, MH relationships to post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) have not been explored. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess associations between PTE and frequency of depression and/or anxiety in a cohort of individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI who received acute inpatient rehabilitation. Methods Multivariate regression models were developed using a recent (2010–2012) cohort (n = 867 unique participants) from the TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) National Database, a time frame during which self-reported seizures, depression [Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9], and anxiety [Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)] follow-up measures were concurrently collected at year-1 and year-2 after injury. Results PTE did not significantly contribute to depression status in either the year-1 or year-2 cohort, nor did it contribute significantly to anxiety status in the year-1 cohort, after controlling for other known depression and anxiety predictors. However, those with PTE in year-2 had 3.34 times the odds (p = .002) of having clinically significant anxiety, even after accounting for other relevant predictors. In this model, participants who self-identified as Black were also more likely to report clinical symptoms of anxiety than those who identified as White. PTE was the only significant predictor of comorbid depression and anxiety at year-2 (Odds Ratio 2.71; p = 0.049). Conclusions Our data suggest that PTE is associated with MH outcomes 2 years after TBI, findings whose significance may reflect reciprocal, biological, psychological, and/or experiential factors contributing to and resulting from both PTE and MH status post-TBI. Future work should consider temporal and reciprocal relationships between PTE and MH as well as if/how treatment of each condition influences biosusceptibility to the other condition

Incidence and risk factors of posttraumatic seizures following traumatic brain injury: A Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study

Objective Determine incidence of posttraumatic seizure (PTS) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) among individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI requiring rehabilitation and surviving at least 5 years. Methods Using the prospective TBI Model Systems National Database, we calculated PTS incidence during acute hospitalization, and at years 1, 2, and 5 postinjury in a continuously followed cohort enrolled from 1989 to 2000 (n = 795). Incidence rates were stratified by risk factors, and adjusted relative risk (RR) was calculated. Late PTS associations with immediate (7 day) versus no seizure prior to discharge from acute hospitalization was also examined. Results PTS incidence during acute hospitalization was highest immediately (<24 h) post-TBI (8.9%). New onset PTS incidence was greatest between discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and year 1 (9.2%). Late PTS cumulative incidence from injury to year 1 was 11.9%, and reached 20.5% by year 5. Immediate/early PTS RR (2.04) was increased for those undergoing surgical evacuation procedures. Late PTS RR was significantly greater for individuals who self-identified as a race other than black/white (year 1 RR = 2.22), and for black individuals (year 5 RR = 3.02) versus white individuals. Late PTS was greater for individuals with subarachnoid hemorrhage (year 1 RR = 2.06) and individuals age 23–32 (year 5 RR = 2.43) and 33–44 (year 5 RR = 3.02). Late PTS RR years 1 and 5 was significantly higher for those undergoing surgical evacuation procedures (RR: 3.05 and 2.72, respectively). Significance In this prospective, longitudinal, observational study, PTS incidence was similar to that in studies published previously. Individuals with immediate/late seizures during acute hospitalization have increased late PTS risk. Race, intracranial pathologies, and neurosurgical procedures also influenced PTS RR. Further studies are needed to examine the impact of seizure prophylaxis in high-risk subgroups and to delineate contributors to race/age associations on long-term seizure outcomes

Surveillance of alloantibodies after transplantation identifies the risk of chronic rejection

The monitoring of the levels of alloantibodies following transplantation might facilitate early diagnosis of chronic rejection (CR), the leading cause of renal allograft failure. Here, we used serial alloantibody surveillance to monitor patients with preoperative positive flow cytometric crossmatch (FCXM). Sixty-nine of 308 renal transplant patients in our center had preoperative positive FCXM. Blood was collected quarterly during the first postoperative year and tested by FCXM and single antigen bead luminometry, more sensitive techniques than complement-dependent cytotoxic crossmatching. Distinct post-transplant profiles emerged and were associated with different clinical outcomes. Two-thirds of patients showed complete elimination of FCXM and solid-phase assay reactions within 1 year, had few adverse events, and a 95% 3-year graft survival. In contrast, the remaining third failed to eliminate flow FCXM or solid-phase reactions directed against HLA class I or II antibodies. The inferior graft survival (67%) with loss in this latter group was primarily due to CR. Thus, systematic assessment of longitudinal changes in alloantibody levels, either by FCXM or solid-phase assay, can help identify patients at greater risk of developing CR

Prognostic models for predicting posttraumatic seizures during acute hospitalization, and at 1 and 2 years following traumatic brain injury

Objective Posttraumatic seizures (PTS) are well-recognized acute and chronic complications of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Risk factors have been identified, but considerable variability in who develops PTS remains. Existing PTS prognostic models are not widely adopted for clinical use and do not reflect current trends in injury, diagnosis, or care. We aimed to develop and internally validate preliminary prognostic regression models to predict PTS during acute care hospitalization, and at year 1 and year 2 postinjury. Methods Prognostic models predicting PTS during acute care hospitalization and year 1 and year 2 post-injury were developed using a recent (2011–2014) cohort from the TBI Model Systems National Database. Potential PTS predictors were selected based on previous literature and biologic plausibility. Bivariable logistic regression identified variables with a p-value < 0.20 that were used to fit initial prognostic models. Multivariable logistic regression modeling with backward-stepwise elimination was used to determine reduced prognostic models and to internally validate using 1,000 bootstrap samples. Fit statistics were calculated, correcting for overfitting (optimism). Results The prognostic models identified sex, craniotomy, contusion load, and pre-injury limitation in learning/remembering/concentrating as significant PTS predictors during acute hospitalization. Significant predictors of PTS at year 1 were subdural hematoma (SDH), contusion load, craniotomy, craniectomy, seizure during acute hospitalization, duration of posttraumatic amnesia, preinjury mental health treatment/psychiatric hospitalization, and preinjury incarceration. Year 2 significant predictors were similar to those of year 1: SDH, intraparenchymal fragment, craniotomy, craniectomy, seizure during acute hospitalization, and preinjury incarceration. Corrected concordance (C) statistics were 0.599, 0.747, and 0.716 for acute hospitalization, year 1, and year 2 models, respectively. Significance The prognostic model for PTS during acute hospitalization did not discriminate well. Year 1 and year 2 models showed fair to good predictive validity for PTS. Cranial surgery, although medically necessary, requires ongoing research regarding potential benefits of increased monitoring for signs of epileptogenesis, PTS prophylaxis, and/or rehabilitation/social support. Future studies should externally validate models and determine clinical utility

Patient-reported burden of intensified surveillance and surgery in high-risk individuals under pancreatic cancer surveillance

In high-risk individuals participating in a pancreatic cancer surveillance program, worrisome features warrant for intensified surveillance or, occasionally, surgery. Our objectives were to determine the patient-reported burden of intensified surveillance and/or surgery, and to assess post-operative quality of life and opinion of surgery. Participants in our pancreatic cancer surveillance program completed questionnaires including the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). For individuals who underwent intensified surveillance, questionnaires before, during, and ≥ 3 weeks after were analyzed. In addition, subjects who underwent intensified surveillance in the past 3 years or underwent surgery at any time, were invited for an interview, that included the Short-Form 12 (SF-12). A total of 31 high-risk individuals were studied. During the intensified surveillance period, median CWS scores were higher (14, IQR 7), as compared to before (12, IQR 9, P = 0.007) and after (11, IQR 7, P = 0.014), but eventually returned back to baseline (P = 0.823). Median HADS scores were low: 5 (IQR 6) for anxiety and 3 (IQR 5) for depression, and they were unaff