Mental health and socio-economic variations in Australian suicide

This paper investigates the relationship between suicide rates and prevalence of mental disorder and suicide attempts, across socio-economic status (SES) groups based on area of residence. Australian suicide data (1996-1998) were analysed in conjunction with area-based prevalences of mental disorder derived from the National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being (1997). Poisson regression models of suicide risk included age, quintile of area-based SES, urban-rural residence, and country of birth (COB), with males and females analysed separately. Analysis focussed on the association between suicide and prevalences of (ICD-10) affective disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders and suicide attempts by SES group. Prevalences of other psychiatric symptomatology, substance use problems, health service utilisation, stressful life-events and personality were also investigated. Significant increasing gradients were evident from high to low SES groups for prevalences of affective disorders, anxiety disorders (females only), and substance use disorders (males only); sub-threshold drug and alcohol problems and depression; and suicide attempts and suicide (males only). Prevalences of mental disorder, other sub-threshold mental health items and suicide attempts were significantly associated with suicide, but in most cases associations were reduced in magnitude and became statistically non-significant after adjustment for COB, urban-rural residence, and SES. For male suicide the relative risk (RR) in the lowest SES group compared to the highest was 1.40 (95% CI 1.29-1.52, p < 0.001) for all ages, and 1.46 (95% CI 1.27-1.67, p < 0.001) for male youth (20-34 years). This relationship was not substantially modified in males when regression models included prevalences of affective disorders, and other selected mental health variables and demographic factors. From a population perspective, SES remained significantly associated with suicide after controlling for the prevalence of mental disorders and other psychiatric symptomatology. Mental conditions and previous suicidal behaviour may play an intermediary role between SES and suicide, but this study suggests that an independent relationship between suicide and SES also exists. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Neotropical genus Stibadocerina Alexander and its phylogenetic relationship to other Stibadocerinae genera: further evidence of an ancestral trans-Pacific biota (Diptera: Cylindrotomidae)

Stibadocerina Alexander, a monotypic genus, includes the only known Neotropical species of the family Cylindrotomidae, S. chilensis Alexander, 1929, from South Central Chile (ca. 36 degrees 50`S-42 degrees 17`S). In this paper, Stibadocerina chilensis is redescribed and illustrated in detail. A study of wing-vein homology in the subfamily Stibadocerinae is provided, to identify the components of the reduced radial sector in Stibadocerina and related taxa. The proposed hypotheses of wing-vein homology are tested, and the systematic position of Stibadocerina is assessed through a cladistic analysis of 13 characters of the male imago, scored for exemplar species of the four genera included in the Stibadocerinae. A single most parsimonious tree supports the monophyly of the Stibadocerinae and the following relationships among its included genera: Stibadocerodes [Stibadocera (Stibadocerella + Stibadocerina)]. The subfamily includes one example of a vicariant distribution with a sister-group relationship between South Central Chilean and East Asian taxa, and supports a biogeographical interpretation of an ancestral trans-Pacific biota.

A synergistic relationship of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure with coronary artery calcification

We sought to evaluate this ""response-to-injury"" hypothesis of atherosclerosis by studying the interaction between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) in predicting the presence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in asymptomatic men. We Studied 526 men (46 +/- 7 years of age) referred for electron-beam tomography (EBT) exam. The prevalence of CAC was determined across LDL-C tertiles (low: <115 mg/dl; middle: 115-139 mg/dl high: >= 140 mg/dl) within tertiles of SBP (low: <121 mmHg; middle: 121-130 mmHg; high: >= 131 mmHg). CAC was found in 220 (42%) men. There was no linear trend in the presence of CAC across LDL-C tertiles in the low (p = 0.6 for trend) and middle (p = 0.3 for trend) SBP tertile groups, respectively. In contrast, there was a significant trend for increasing CAC with increasing LDL-C (1st: 44%; 2nd: 49%; 3rd: 83%; p < 0.0001 for trend) in the high SBP tertile group. In multivariate logistic analyses (adjusting for age, smoking, triglyceride levels, HDL-cholesterol levels, body mass index, and fasting glucose levels), the odds ratio for any CAC associated with increasing LDL-C was significantly higher in those with highest SBP levels, whereas no such relationship was observed among men with SBP in the lower two tertiles. An interaction term (LDL-C x SBP) incorporated in the multivariate analyses was statistically significant (p = 0.038). The finding of an interaction between SBP and LDL-C relation to CAC in asymptomatic men support the response-to-injury model of atherogenesis. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relationship between the appearance of tongue carcinoma on intraoral ultrasonography and neck metastasis

To evaluate the usefulness of intraoral ultrasonography (IOUS) as a tool for predicting neck metastasis. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue is aggressive and has a great propensity to metastasize to cervical lymph nodes. SCC of the oral cavity has a worse prognosis when associated with metastatic cervical nodes. Therefore, the metastatic potential of tongue carcinoma should be graded preoperatively to help determine the requirement for neck dissection. Nineteen patients (11 men, 8 women) between 36 and 79 years of age (mean age 60) with T1 to T4a TNM-stage tongue carcinomas were evaluated preoperatively with IOUS. Clinical and pathological TNM classifications were performed. The average tumor thicknesses measured using histological sections were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than those with IOUS (1.3 vs. 1.6 cm, respectively). A significant correlation was observed between the tumor thickness measured using ultrasonography and that measured using histological sections (pathology). Based on this greater accuracy, the cutoff point of tumor thickness based on IOUS evaluation for predicting neck metastasis was determined to be 1.8 cm. Some factors may influence neck metastasis. A knowledge of these would help to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention for N0 patients. The results of this study indicates that there is a significant correlation between neck metastasis and tumor thickness. Intraoral ultrasonography is useful tool for identifying tongue tumors and measuring their thickness, with the thickness measured by IOUS showing a very good correlation with histological measurements. Moreover, IOUS provides prognostic information prior to surgical treatment since tumor thickness can predict the chance of recognizing metastatic cervical nodes.

Investigation of the relationship between protein, message and inducer concentrations in recombinant E-coli cells

Chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) protein and mRNA levels in E. coli were determined following induction of a tac::cat construct by isopropyl-beta-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). High cat mRNA levels did not directly reflect CAT protein levels, in either shakeflask experiments or fermentations. Furthermore, concentrations of IPTG resulting in the highest levels of expression of cat mRNA, were different to those resulting in highest levels of CAT protein. The data suggest that high transcriptional activities lead to limitations at the translational level.

Postlepidapedon Zdzitowiecki, 1993 and Gibsonivermis n g (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae) from fishes of the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia, and their relationship to Intusatrium Durio & Manter, 1968

The genus Intusatrium Durio & Manter, 1968 is redefined based on a re-examination of paratypes of the type-species, I. robustum Durio & Manter, 1968, and is considered monotypic with characteristic terminal genitalia: internal seminal vesicle elongate tubular, with rather thick wall, divided by slight change in wall thickness into longer proximal and shorter distal region; pars prostatica subcylindrical; ejaculatory duct relatively short, with wrinkled/wall. The genus Postlepidapedon Zdzitowiecki, 1993 is redefined and Intusatrium secundum Durio & Manter, 1968 is attributed to it as a new combination. Postlepidapedon secundum n. comb. is redescribed from a paratype and new material from Choerodon graphicus. P. spissum n. sp. from Choerodon venustus, C. cyanodus, C. fasciatus and C. schoenleinii is recognised on the basis of its thick-walled internal seminal vesicle. I! uberis n. sp. from Choerodon schoenleinii and C. venustus is distinguished by the shape and contents of the cirrus-sac with narrow, convoluted internal seminal vesicle, large vesicular pars prostatica and short, muscular ejaculatory duct. A new genus, Gibsonivermis, erected for Intusatrium berryi Gibson, 1987, is characterised by the elongate narrow cirrus-sac and a uroproct. G. berryi n. comb. is redescribed from Sillago ciliata, S. maculata and Sillago sp.

The relationship between plasma potassium concentration and muscle torque during recovery following intense exercise

The present study investigated the relationship between plasma potassium ion concentration ([K+]) and skeletal muscle torque during three different 15-min recovery periods after fatigue induced by four 30-s sprints. Four males and one female completed the multiple sprint exercise on three separate days; recovery was passive, i.e. no cycling exercise (PRec), active cycling at 30% peak oxygen consumption (V) over dot(2peak) (30% Rec) and active cycling at 60% (V) over dot(2peak) (60% Rec). Plasma [K+] was measured from blood sampled from an antecubital vein of subjects at rest and at 0, 3, 5, 10 and 15 min into each recovery. Isokinetic leg strength was measured at rest and at 1, 6, 11 and 16 min during each recovery. Following the exhaustive sprints; [K+] increased significantly from an average mean (SEM) resting value of 3.81 (0.07) mmol.l(-1) to 4.48 (0.19) mmol.l(-1) (P < 0.01). In all recovery conditions, plasma [K+] returned to resting levels within 3 min following the fourth sprint. However, in the two active recovery conditions plasma [K+] increased over the remainder of the recovery periods to 4.36 (0.12) mmol.l(-1) in the 30% Rec condition and 4.62 (0.12) mmol.l(-1) in the 60% Rec condition, the latter being significantly higher than the former (P < 0.01). The maximum torque measured following the sprints decreased significantly, on average, to 61.1 (8.36)% of peak levels (P < 0.01). After 15 min of recovery, maximum torque was highest in the 30% Rec condition at 92.13 (3.06)% of peak levels (P < 0.01), compared to 85.23 (3.64)% and 85.71 (0.82)% for the PRec and 60% Rec conditions, respectively. In contrast to the significant differences in plasma [K+] across all three recovery conditions, muscle torque recovery was significantly different in only the 30% Rec condition. In summary, recovery of peak levels of muscle torque following fatiguing exercise does not appear to follow changes in plasma [K+].

Relationship between induced sputum cytology and inflammatory status with lung structural and functional abnormalities in asbestosis

Background Asbestosis is associated with lung cellular and immunological abnormalities. Induced sputum cytology and local and systemic markers of inflammation may be helpful to characterize disease status and progression in these patients. Methods Thirty-nine ex-workers with asbestosis on high-resolution CT (HRCT) and 21 non-exposed controls were evaluated. Sputum cytology and IL-8 in serum and sputum were related to lung function impairment. Results Subjects with asbestosis had reduced sputum cellularity but higher macrophagel neutrophil ratio and % macrophage as compared with controls. Sputum and serum IL-8 were also higher in patients with asbestosis (P < 0.05). In addition, evidence of lung architectural distorption on HRCT was associated with increased levels of serum IL-8. Interestingly, absolute macrophage number was negatively correlated with total lung capacity (r = -0.40; P = 0.04) and serum IL-8 to lung diffiusing capacity (r = -0.45; P = 0.01). Conclusions Occupationally exposed subjects with asbestosis on HRCT have cytologic abnormalities in induced sputum and increased local and systemic pro-inflammatory status which are correlated to functional impairment.

The relationship between body mass index and the variation in plasma levels of triglycerides after short-term red wine consumption

BACKGROUND: Alcoholic beverages may have protective cardiovascular effects but are known to increase the plasma levels of triglycerides (TG). Both TG and the ratio of TO to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-cholesterol) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVES: To determine the predictive factors for variations in plasma levels of TO and the TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio in patients after they had consumed red wine for 14 days. METHODS: Forty-two subjects (64% men, 46 +/- 9 years, baseline body mass index [BMI] 25.13 +/- 2.76 kg/m(2)) were given red wine (12% or 12.2% alc/vol, 250 mL/day with meals). Plasma concentration of lipids and glucose were measured before and after red wine consumption. Blood was collected after 12 hours of fast and alcohol abstention. RESULTS: Red wine increased plasma levels of TO from 105 +/- 42 mg/dL to 120 +/- 56 mg/dL (P = .001) and the TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio from 2.16 +/- 1.10 to 2.50 +/- 1.66 (P = .014). In a multivariate linear regression model that included age, baseline BMI, blood pressure, lipids, and glucose, only BMI was independently predictive of the variation in plasma TO after red wine (beta coefficient 0.592, P < .001). BMI also predicted the variation in TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio (beta coefficient 0.505, P = .001, adjusted model). When individuals were divided into three categories, according to their BMI, the average percentage variation in TG after red wine was -4%, 17%, and 33% in the lower (19.60-24.45 kg/m(2)), intermediate, and greater (26.30-30.44 kg/m(2)) tertiles, respectively (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with higher BMI, although nonobese, might be at greater risk for elevation in plasma TO levels and the TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio after short-term red wine consumption. (C) 2011 National Lipid Association. All rights reserved.

Myocardial Viability and Survival in Ischemic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

BACKGROUND The assessment of myocardial viability has been used to identify patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction in whom coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) will provide a survival benefit. However, the efficacy of this approach is uncertain. METHODS In a substudy of patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction who were enrolled in a randomized trial of medical therapy with or without CABG, we used single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT), dobutamine echocardiography, or both to assess myocardial viability on the basis of pre-specified thresholds. RESULTS Among the 1212 patients enrolled in the randomized trial, 601 underwent assessment of myocardial viability. Of these patients, we randomly assigned 298 to receive medical therapy plus CABG and 303 to receive medical therapy alone. A total of 178 of 487 patients with viable myocardium (37%) and 58 of 114 patients without viable myocardium (51%) died (hazard ratio for death among patients with viable myocardium, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48 to 0.86; P = 0.003). However, after adjustment for other baseline variables, this association with mortality was not significant (P = 0.21). There was no significant interaction between viability status and treatment assignment with respect to mortality (P = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS The presence of viable myocardium was associated with a greater likelihood of survival in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction, but this relationship was not significant after adjustment for other baseline variables. The assessment of myocardial viability did not identify patients with a differential survival benefit from CABG, as compared with medical therapy alone.

Prediction of psychological adjustment to multiple sclerosis

This study examined the utility of self-efficacy as a predictor of social activity and mood control in multiple sclerosis (MS). Seventy-one subjects with MS were recruited from people attending an MS centre or from a mailing list and were examined on two occasions that were two months apart. Clinic patients were more disabled than patients who completed assessments by post, but they were of higher socioeconomic status and were less dysphoric; We attempted to predict self-reported performance of mood control and social activity at two months, from self-efficacy or performance on these tasks at pretest. Demographic variables, disorder status, disability, self-esteem and depression were also allowed to compete for entry into multiple regressions. Substantial stability in mood, performance and disability was observed over the two months. In both mood control and social activity, past performance was the strongest predictor of later performance, but self-efficacy also contributed significantly to the prediction. The disability level entered a prediction of social activity; but no other variables predicted either type of performance. A secondary analysis predicting self-esteem at two months also included self-efficacy for social activity, illustrating the contribution of perceived capability to later assessments of self-worth. The study provided support for self-efficacy as a predictor of later behavioural outcomes and self-esteem in multiple sclerosis. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Volume reduction of the corpus callosum and its relationship with deficits in interhemispheric transfer of information in recent-onset psychosis

The present study aimed to investigate the presence of corpus callosum (CC) volume deficits in a population-based recent-onset psychosis (ROP) sample, and whether CC volume relates to interhemispheric communication deficits. For this purpose, we used voxel-based morphometry comparisons of magnetic resonance imaging data between ROP (n = 122) and healthy control (n = 94) subjects. Subgroups (38 ROP and 39 controls) were investigated for correlations between CC volumes and performance on the Crossed Finger Localization Test (CFLT). Significant CC volume reductions in ROP subjects versus controls emerged after excluding substance misuse and non-right-handedness. CC reductions retained significance in the schizophrenia subgroup but not in affective psychoses subjects. There were significant positive correlations between CC volumes and CFLT scores in ROP subjects, specifically in subtasks involving interhemispheric communication. From these results, we can conclude that CC volume reductions are present in association with ROP. The relationship between such deficits and CFLT performance suggests that interhemispheric communication impairments are directly linked to CC abnormalities in ROP. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relationship between use of technology and employment rates for people with physical disabilities in Australia: Implications for education and training programmes

This study examined the impact of computer and assistive device use on the employment status and vocational modes of people with physical disabilities in Australia. A survey was distributed to people over 15 years in age with physical disabilities living in the Brisbane area. Responses were received from 82 people, including those with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Of respondents 46 were employed, 22 were unemployed, and 12 were either students or undertaking voluntary work. Three-quarters of respondents used a computer in their occupations, while 15 used assistive devices. Using logistic regression analysis it was found that gender, education, level of computer skill and computer training were significant predictors of employment outcomes. Neither the age of respondent nor use of assistive software were significant predictors. From information obtained in this study guidelines for a training programme designed to maximize the employability of people with physical disabilities were developed.