Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factors and events associated with second-generation antipsychotic compared to antidepressant use in a non-elderly adult sample: results from a claims-based inception cohort study

This is a study of the metabolic and distal cardiovascular/cerebrovascular outcomes associated with the use of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) compared to antidepressants (ADs) in adults aged 18-65 years, based on data from Thomson Reuters MarketScan (R) Research Databases 2006-2010, a commercial U.S. claims database. Interventions included clinicians\u27 choice treatment with SGAs (allowing any comedications) versus ADs (not allowing SGAs). The primary outcomes of interest were time to inpatient or outpatient claims for the following diagnoses within one year of SGA or AD discontinuation: hypertension, ischemic and hypertensive heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. Secondary outcomes included the same diagnoses at last follow-up time point, i.e., not censoring observations at 365 days after SGA or AD discontinuation. Cox regression models, adjusted for age, gender, diagnosis of schizophrenia and mood disorders, and number of medical comorbidities, were run. Among 284,234 individuals, those within one year of exposure to SGAs versus ADs showed a higher risk of essential hypertension (adjusted hazard ratio, AHR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.12-1.21,

A Zeeman Slower based on magnetic dipoles

A transverse Zeeman slower composed of an array of compact discrete neodymium magnets is considered. A simple and precise model of such a slower based on magnetic dipoles is developed. The theory of a general Zeeman slower is modified to include spatial nonuniformity of the slowing laser beam intensity due to its convergence and absorption by slowed atoms. The slower needs no high currents or water cooling and the spatial distribution of its magnetic field can be adjusted. In addition the slower provides a possibility to cool the slowed atoms transversally along the whole length of the slower. Such a slower would be ideal for transportable optical atomic clocks and their future applications in space physics.Comment: 17 pages, 9 figure

The working practices and clinical experiences of paediatric speech and language therapists: a national UK survey

Background: The majority of speech and language therapists (SLTs) work with children who have speech, language and communication needs. There is limited information about their working practices and clinical experience and their views of how changes to healthcare may impact upon their practice. Aims: To investigate the working practices and professional experiences of paediatric SLTs working in the UK through an online survey. Methods & Procedures: The survey was conducted online using Survey Monkey. Therapists were alerted to the survey through the Bulletin of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and by e-mails to national special interest groups. Outcomes & Results: A total of 516 clinicians completed the survey. A large majority worked in the National Health Service (NHS). A varied pattern of working was revealed. Most worked in several settings and saw a range of clients. A typical clinician spends less than one-quarter of their time giving direct therapy and more than one-quarter training parents and other professionals. Nearly half of respondents felt that their time could be better used. Too little time for direct therapy and the time required for administration emerged as their principal concerns. Most clinicians have specialist knowledge of particular client groups and spend more time with them than do non-specialists. Nevertheless, clients are more likely to be treated by a therapist who does not claim to have specialist knowledge of their condition than by one who does. The only clients for whom this is not the case are those with dysphagia. Eighty per cent of respondents felt that proposed changes to the NHS would not benefit the children they treat and there was widespread concern about cuts and the effects of general practitioner commissioning. Despite this, a large majority expected to remain speech and language therapists 5 years from now. Conclusions & Implications : This survey provides an overview of the working practices of paediatric speech and language therapists. Its findings have significant implications for training and workforce development in the profession

Search for Λ + c → ϕ p π 0 and branching fraction measurement of Λ + c → K − π + p π 0

We have searched for the Cabibbo-suppressed decay Λ+c→ϕpπ0 in e+e− collisions using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 915 fb−1. The data were collected by the Belle experiment at the KEKB e+e− asymmetric-energy collider running at or near the Υ(4S) and Υ(5S)resonances. No significant signal is observed, and we set an upper limit on the branching fraction of B(Λ+c→ϕpπ0)\u3c15.3×10−5 at 90% confidence level. The contribution of nonresonant Λ+c→K+K−pπ0 decays is found to be consistent with zero, and the corresponding upper limit on its branching fraction is set to be B(Λ+c→K+K−pπ0)NR\u3c6.3×10−5 at 90% confidence level. We also search for an intermediate hidden-strangeness pentaquark decay P+s→ϕp. We see no evidence for this intermediate decay and set an upper limit on the product branching fraction of B(Λ+c→P+sπ0)×B(P+s→ϕp)\u3c8.3×10−5 at 90% confidence level. Finally, we measure the branching fraction for the Cabibbo-favored decay Λ+c→K−π+pπ0; the result is B(Λ+c→K−π+pπ0)=(4.42±0.05(stat)±0.12(syst)±0.16(norm))%, which is the most precise measurement to date

Towards many colors in FISH on 3D-preserved interphase nuclei

The article reviews the existing methods of multicolor FISH on nuclear targets, first of all, interphase chromosomes. FISH proper and image acquisition are considered as two related components of a single process. We discuss (1) M-FISH (combinatorial labeling + deconvolution + widefield microscopy); (2) multicolor labeling + SIM (structured illumination microscopy); (3) the standard approach to multicolor FISH + CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscopy; one fluorochrome - one color channel); (4) combinatorial labeling + CLSM; (5) non-combinatorial labeling + CLSM + linear unmixing. Two related issues, deconvolution of images acquired with CLSM and correction of data for chromatic Z-shift, are also discussed. All methods are illustrated with practical examples. Finally, several rules of thumb helping to choose an optimal labeling + microscopy combination for the planned experiment are suggested. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

Clinical response to long-term propranolol therapy in hyperthyroidism

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Urethral metastasis from non-seminomatous germ cell tumor: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>We present a case of nonseminomatous germ cell tumor of the testes with acute urinary retention secondary to urethral metastasis. This presentation, and similar cases of urethral metastasis from this tumor, have not been reported previously.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 35-year-old Caucasian man presented to hospital with a history of acute urinary retention. On examination he was found to have right testicular enlargement with raised β-human chorionic gonadotrophin, serum α-fetoprotein and lactate dehydrogenase levels. He underwent radical left inguinal orchidectomy and histology confirmed a nonseminomatous germ cell tumor of the testes. Cystoscopy carried out due to urinary retention showed penile metastasis and the biopsy confirmed metastatic malignant undifferentiated teratoma. Staging computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis showed pulmonary, pelvic nodal, ischial and penile metastasis. The diagnosis of the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group of poor prognosis metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumor was made, following which he received four cycles of bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy with curative intent. He had a complete marker and an excellent radiological response. He is currently under follow up.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The unusual presentation of lymphovascular spread in this case of nonseminomatous germ cell tumor highlights the need to include routine pelvic imaging in the assessment and follow up of testicular cancer.</p

Experiences and Attitudes of Genome Investigators Regarding Return of Individual Genetic Test Results

Purpose Whether and how to return individual genetic results to study participants is among the most contentious policy issues in contemporary genomic research. Methods: We surveyed corresponding authors of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), identified through the National Human Genome Research Institute's Catalog of Published GWAS, to describe the experiences and attitudes of these stakeholders. Results: Of 357 corresponding authors, 200 (56%) responded. One hundred twenty-six (63%) had been responsible for primary data and sample collection, whereas 74 (37%) had performed secondary analyses. Only 7 (4%) had returned individual results within their index GWAS. Most (69%) believed that return of results to individual participants was warranted under at least some circumstances. Most respondents identified a desire to benefit participants's health (63%) and respect for participants's; desires for information (57%) as major motivations for returning results. Most also identified uncertain clinical utility (76%), the possibility that participants will misunderstand results (74%), the potential for emotional harm (61%), the need to ensure access to trained clinicians (59%), and the potential for loss of confidentiality (51%) as major barriers to return. Conclusion: Investigators have limited experience returning individual results from genome-scale research, yet most are motivated to do so in at least some circumstances

The Color Dipole Picture of low-x DIS: Model-Independent and Model-Dependent Results

We present a detailed examination of the color-dipole picture (CDP) of low-$x$ deep inelastic scattering. We discriminate model-independent results, not depending on a specific parameterization of the dipole cross section, from model-dependent ones. The model-independent results include the ratio of the longitudinal to the transverse photoabsorption cross section at large $Q^2$, or equivalently the ratio of the longitudinal to the unpolarized proton structure function, $F_L (x,Q^2)=0.27 F_2 (x, Q^2)$, as well as the low-$x$ scaling behavior of the total photoabsorption cross section $\sigma_{\gamma^*p} (W^2, Q^2)=\sigma_{\gamma^*p} (\eta (W^2, Q^2))$ as $\log (1 / \eta (W^2, Q^2))$ for $\eta (W^2, Q^2) <1$, and as $1/\eta (W^2, Q^2)$ for $\eta (W^2, Q^2) \gg 1$. Here, $\eta (W^2, Q^2)$ denotes the low-$x$ scaling variable, $\eta (W^2, Q^2)=(Q^2 + m^2_0) / \Lambda^2_{sat} (W^2)$ with $\Lambda^2_{sat} (W^2)$ being the saturation scale. The model-independent analysis also implies $\lim\limits_{W^2\rightarrow\infty, Q^2 {\rm fixed}} \sigma_{\gamma^*p} (W^2, Q^2) / \sigma_{\gamma p} (W^2) \rightarrow 1$ at any $Q^2$ for asymptotically large energy, $W$. Consistency with pQCD evolution determines the underlying gluon distribution and the numerical value of $C_2 = 0.29$ in the expression for the saturation scale, $\Lambda^2 (W^2) \sim (W^2)^{C_2}$. In the model-dependent analysis, by restricting the mass of the actively contributing $q \bar q$ fluctuations by an energy-dependent upper bound, we extend the validity of the color-dipole picture to $x \cong Q^2 / W^2 \le 0.1$. The theoretical results agree with the world data on DIS for $0.036 {\rm GeV}^2 \le Q^2 \le 316 {\rm GeV}^2$.Comment: 77 pages, 30 figure