Interpretation of negative values of the interaction parameter in the adsorption equation through the effects of surface layer heterogeneity

The problem of the negative values of the interaction parameter in the equation of Frumkin has been analyzed with respect to the adsorption of nonionic molecules on energetically homogeneous surface. For this purpose, the adsorption states of a homologue series of ethoxylated nonionic surfactants on air/water interface have been determined using four different models and literature data (surface tension isotherms). The results obtained with the Frumkin adsorption isotherm imply repulsion between the adsorbed species (corresponding to negative values of the interaction parameter), while the classical lattice theory for energetically homogeneous surface (e.g., water/air) admits attraction alone. It appears that this serious contradiction can be overcome by assuming heterogeneity in the adsorption layer, that is, effects of partial condensation (formation of aggregates) on the surface. Such a phenomenon is suggested in the Fainerman-Lucassen-Reynders-Miller (FLM) 'Aggregation model'. Despite the limitations of the latter model (e.g., monodispersity of the aggregates), we have been able to estimate the sign and the order of magnitude of Frumkin's interaction parameter and the range of the aggregation numbers of the surface species. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

Suppressing the negative effect of devaluation on group identification: The role of intergroup differentiation and intragroup respect

We examined (N = 76) how social creativity strategies such as intergroup differentiation and intragroup respect suppress the negative impact of threat to an ingroup's value on group identification. Threat was manipulated through false feedback concerning how other groups perceived an ingroup. Both intergroup differentiation and intragroup respect were higher when participants learned that the ingroup was devalued compared to when it was valued. Mediational analyses demonstrated that these factors suppressed the direct negative relationship between value threat and group identification. Discussion focused on the consequences of these social creativity strategies for group identification and collective action. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Patterns of brain asymmetry in the perception of positive and negative facial expressions

The divided visual field technique was used to investigate the pattern of brain asymmetry in the perception of positive/approach and negative/withdrawal facial expressions. A total of 80 undergraduate students (65 female, 15 male) were distributed in five experimental groups in order to investigate separately the perception of expressions of happiness, surprise, fear, sadness, and the neutral face. In each trial a target and a distractor expression were presented simultaneously in a computer screen for 150 ms and participants had to determine the side (left or right) on which the target expression was presented. Results indicated that expressions of happiness and fear were identified faster when presented in the left visual field, suggesting an advantage of the right hemisphere in the perception of these expressions. Fewer judgement errors and faster reaction times were also observed for the matching condition in which emotional faces were presented in the left visual field and neutral faces in the right visual field. Other results indicated that positive expressions (happiness and surprise) were perceived faster and more accurately than negative ones (sadness and fear). Main results tend to support the right hemisphere hypothesis, which predicts a better performance of the right hemisphere to perceive emotions, as opposed to the approach-withdrawal hypothesis.

Anxiety-like symptoms induced by morphine withdrawal may be due to the sensitization of the dorsal periaqueductal grey

Withdrawal from morphine leads to the appearance of extreme anxiety accompanied of several physical disturbances, most of them linked to the activation of brainstem regions such as the locus coeruleus, ventral tegmental area, hypothalamic nuclei and periaqueductal grey (PAG). As anxiety remains one of the main components of morphine withdrawal the present study aimed to evaluating the influence of the dorsal aspects of the PAG on the production of this state, since this structure is well-known to be involved in defensive behaviour elicited by anxiety-evoking stimuli. Different groups of animals were submitted to 10 days of i.p. morphine injections, challenged 2 h after with an i.p. injection of naloxone (0.1 mg/kg), and submitted to the plus-maze, open-field and light-dark transition tests. The effects of morphine withdrawal on anxiety-induced Fos immunolabelling were evaluated in four animals that passed by the light-dark transition test randomly chosen for Fos-protein analysis. Besides the PAG, Fos neural expression was conducted in other brain regions involved in the expression of anxiety-related behaviours. Our results showed that morphine withdrawn rats presented enhanced anxiety accompanied of few somatic symptoms. Increased Fos immunolabelling was noted in brain regions well-known to modulate these states as the prelimbic cortex, nucleus accumbens, amygdala and paraventricular hypothalamus. Increased Fos labelling was also observed in the ventral and dorsal aspects of the PAG, a region involved in anxiety-related processes suggesting that this region could be a common neural substrate enlisted during anxiety evoked by dangerous stimuli as well as those elicited by opiate withdrawal. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved,

Timing of rotator cuff activation during shoulder external rotation in throwers with and without symptoms of pain

Study Design: Fine-wire EMG rotator cuff onset time analysis in 2 matched groups of throwers with and without pain. Objective: To identify if there is a difference in the activation patterns of the rotator cuff muscles during a rapid shoulder external rotation task between throwers with and without pain. Background: The coordinated action of the rotator cuff is recognized as essential for glenohumeral joint control in the throwing athlete. Identification of abnormalities occurring in muscle activation patterns for injured athletes is relevant when prescribing rehabilitative exercises. Methods and Measures: Twelve throwers with shoulder pain were compared to a matched group of 11 asymptomatic throwers. Participants were matched for age, height, body mass, and habitual activity. Fine-wire EMG electrodes were inserted into the subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus. EMG activity was measured during a reaction time task of rapid shoulder external rotation in a seated position. The timing of onset of EMG activity was analyzed in relation to visualization of a light (reaction time) and to the onset of infraspinatus activity (relative latency). Results: In the group with shoulder pain, the onset of subscapularis activity was found to be significantly delayed (reaction time, P = .0018; relative latency, P = .0005) from the onset of infraspinatus activity when compared to the control group. Conclusions: The presence of shoulder pain in these athletes was associated with a difference in the onset of subscapularis EMG activity during a rapid shoulder external rotation movement. This was an initial step in the understanding of the joint protection mechanisms of the glenohumeral joint and the problems that occur in throwers. This information may assist in providing future guidelines for more effective rehabilitation and prevention strategies for this condition.

Bleeding patterns and menstrual-related symptoms with the continuous use of a contraceptive combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone: a randomized study

Background: The objective of this study was to compare bleeding patterns of women using a contraceptive combination of 30 mcg ethinylestradiol (EE) and 3 mg drospirenone (DRSP) continuously or cyclically. Menstrual-related symptoms were also evaluated. Study Design: This open, prospective, randomized study evaluated 78 women using the EE/DRSP combination continuously for 168 days or for six 28-day cycles, each followed by a 7-day hormone-free interval. A diary with pre-established scales was used to assess the frequency and intensity of bleeding and menstrual-related symptoms. Results: Amenorrhea increased with continuous use; 62.2% of women with continuous use were amenorrheic at the end of treatment (95% CI: 46.6-77.8%). Dysmenorrhea, headache, acne, nausea, edema and increased appetite improved significantly in the continuous-use group, and mastalgia and edema in the cyclic-use group (p<.05). Six subjects in the continuous-use group (15.4%) and three in the cyclic-use group (7.7%) discontinued due to adverse events. Conclusions: Continuous use was associated with amenorrhea and fewer menstrual-related symptoms compared to cyclic use. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Symptoms after mould exposure including Stachybotrys chartarum, and comparison with darkroom disease

P>Background: Mould-attributed symptoms have included features which overlap with unexplained syndromes such as sick building syndrome. Objectives: We describe questionnaire and chart review findings in patients following exposure to moulds which include Stachybotrys and compare responses with two control groups. Methods: Thirty-two patients presented with symptoms attributed to mould exposures. Exposure identification for 25 patients had reported S tachybotrys chartarum as well as other mould (Aspergillus, Penicillium), 88% at work. The remaining seven had professionally visualized or self-reported/photographic exposure evidence only. A chart review was performed and a follow-up with a questionnaire, including questions on current health status, and nonspecific symptoms. Results: Cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness (at presentation) were reported in 79%, 70% and 64%, respectively, and persisted > 6 weeks in 91%. Skin test(s) were positive to fungal extract(s) in 30%. Seventeen returned questionnaires were obtained 3.1 (SD 0.5) years after the initial clinic assessment. Among this subgroup, persisting asthma-like symptoms and symptoms suggestive of sick building syndrome were frequent, and similar to a group previously assessed for darkroom disease among medical radiation technologists. The mould-exposed group more commonly reported they were bothered when walking in a room with carpets, complained of a chemical or metallic taste in their mouth, and had problems in concentration when compared with a control physiotherapist group (P < 0.005). Conclusions: Although only a minority with health concerns from indoor mould exposure had demonstrable mould-allergy, a significant proportion had asthma-like symptoms. Other symptoms were also common and persistent after the initial implicated exposure.

A Preliminary Controlled Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Clozapine-Resistant Schizophrenia

The use of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) in addition to antipsychotic regimen to treat persistent psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia is growing. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of CBT to a befriending (BF) control group in patients with schizophrenia who are refractory to clozapine. Twenty-one patients completed the 21-week trial. In comparison with the control group, the CBT group showed a significant improvement in the General Psychopathology and total score of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, as well as an improvement Of Quality of Life scale. The improvement in psychopathology persisted at 6-month follow-up assessment.

Hyaluronan in vaginal secretions: association with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether vaginal concentrations of hyaluronan were altered in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). STUDY DESIGN: Lavage samples from 17 women with acute RVVC, 27 women who were receiving a maintenance antifungal regimen, and 24 control women were tested for hyaluronan and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, and IL-23 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Median vaginal hyaluronan concentrations were 33.8 ng/mL (range, 21.6-66.3 ng/mL) in women with acute RVVC, 15.0 ng/mL (range, 11.2-50.6 ng/mL) in women who were receiving maintenance therapy, and 4.2 ng/mL (range, 3.6-12.0 ng/mL) in control subjects (P <= .02). The vaginal hyaluronan concentration was 27.4 ng/mL (range, 15.4-37.7 ng/mL) when Candida was detected by microscopy and 9.5 ng/mL (range, 7.7-14.6 ng/mL) in microscopy-negative cases (P = .0354). Elevated hyaluronan levels were associated with itching plus burning (40.7 ng/mL) or itching plus discharge (42.1 ng/mL), as opposed to itching only (6.2 ng/mL; P = .0152). Hyaluronan and IL-6 levels were correlated (P = .0009). CONCLUSION: Hyaluronan release is a component of the host response to a candidal infection and may contribute to symptoms.

Measurement of anxiety symptoms in older adults: The geriatric anxiety inventory

A measure of dimensional anxiety specifically designed for use in older people is urgently needed. Such a measure could be used in a variety of settings to screen for anxiety disorders and to measure response to treatment in older people with established anxiety disorders. We have developed a new instrument to measure generalized anxiety symptoms in older people, the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI). This new instrument uses plain language, minimises somatic items and has a dichotomous response scale. Although it is a self-report measure, it may readily be administered to frail and mildly cognitively impaired older people by nursing staff. The development and initial validation of the GAI will be described. The scale was administered to community samples as well as patients with anxiety, depression, and mild cognitive impairment. Reliability was high and validity sound when compared to a range of standard anxiety instruments, and the instrument was well-tolerated among these cohorts. Sensitivity, specificity and cut-off scores for community and impatient samples will be presented.

Selective Vagal Denervation of the Sinus and Atrioventricular Nodes, Guided by Vagal Reflexes Induced by High Frequency Stimulation, to Treat Refractory Neurally Mediated Syncope

Vagal Denervation and Neurally Mediated Syncope. A 15-year-old female patient presented with frequent episodes of vasovagal syncope refractory to non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures. Two tilt-table tests performed before and after conventional therapy were positive and reproduced the patient`s clinical symptoms. Selective vagal denervation, guided by HFS, was performed. Six radiofrequency pulses were applied on the left and right sides of the interatrial septum, abolishing vagal responses at these locations. Basal sinus node and Wenckebach cycle lengths changed significantly following ablation. A tilt test performed after denervation was negative and revealed autonomic tone modification. The patient reported significant improvement in quality of life and remained asymptomatic for 9 months after denervation. After this period, three episodes of NMS occurred during a 4-month interval and a tilt test performed 11 months after the procedure demonstrated vagal activity recovery. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 20, pp. 558-563, May 2009).

Prevalence and Risk of Asthma Symptoms Among Firefighters in Sao Paulo, Brazil: A Population-Based Study

The firefighters are at increased risk of respiratory disease as a result of exposure to smoke and dust. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk associated with respiratory symptoms among city firefighters in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study utilizing the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire was administered to firefighters and police officers, in order to evaluate their respiratory symptoms. Results Complete respiraton, data were obtained from 1,235 firefighters and 1,839 police officers. Among the firefighters, there were 55.5% never-smokers, 22.4% current smokers and 18.2% former smokers (P < 0.05). Among the police officers, there were 63.4%, 18.6%, and 9.6% who were never-smokers, current smokers and former smokers (P < 0.05), respectively. Compared to police, firefighters experienced an increase in wheezing [OR = 1.63 (95% CI: 1.43-1.87)], wheezing with breathlessness [OR = 1.34 (95% CI: 1.10-1.64)], wheezing without a cold [OR = 1.60 (95% CI: 1.32-1.95)], waking with tightness in the chest [OR = 1.20 (95% CI: 1.02-1.42)], and rhinitis [OR = 1.12 (95% CI: 1.03-1.22)]. The prevalence of adult-onset asthma in never-smokers was 9.3% and 6.7% for firefighters and police officers [OR = 1.23 (95% CI: 1.01-1.56)]. All independent association was observed between years employed, smoking, history of rhinitis, and work as a firefighter and respiratory, and nasal symptoms. We observed a high prevalence of asthma-like symptoms in firefighters who presented respiratory symptoms beginning immediately after firefighting. Conclusion These results suggest that the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and asthma in firefighters is higher than those in police officers. Work-as a firefighter, rhinitis and vears employed were risk factors for respiratory,symptoms of asthma. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:261 269, 2009. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.