Genetic association study of QT interval highlights role for calcium signaling pathways in myocardial repolarization

The QT interval, an electrocardiographic measure reflecting myocardial repolarization, is a heritable trait. QT prolongation is a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) and could indicate the presence of the potentially lethal mendelian long-QT syndrome (LQTS). Using a genome-wide association and replication study in up to 100,000 individuals, we identified 35 common variant loci associated with QT interval that collectively explain ∼8-10% of QT-interval variation and highlight the importance of calcium regulation in myocardial repolarization. Rare variant analysis of 6 new QT interval-associated loci in 298 unrelated probands with LQTS identified coding variants not found in controls but of uncertain causality and therefore requiring validation. Several newly identified loci encode proteins that physically interact with other recognized repolarization proteins. Our integration of common variant association, expression and orthogonal protein-protein interaction screens provides new insights into cardiac electrophysiology and identifies new candidate genes for ventricular arrhythmias, LQTS and SCD.

Early developmental, temperamental and educational problems in ‘substance use disorder’ patients with and without ADHD. Does ADHD make a difference?

Introduction: The prevalence of ADHD among patients with substance use disorder (SUD) is substantial. This study addressed the following research questions: Are early developmental, temperamental and educational problems overrepresented among SUD patients with ADHD compared to SUD patients without ADHD? Do this comorbid group receive early help for their ADHD, and are there signs of self-medicating with illicit central stimulants? Method: An international, multi-centre cross-sectional study was carried out involving seven European countries, with 1205 patients in treatment for SUD. The mean age was 40 years and 27% of the sample was female. All par- ticipants were interviewed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus and the Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV. Results: SUD patients with ADHD (n = 196; 16.3% of the total sample) had a significantly slower infant develop- ment than SUD patients without ADHD (n = 1,009; 83.4%), had greater problems controlling their temperament, and had lower educational attainment. Only 24 (12%) of the current ADHD positive patients had been diagnosed and treated during childhood and/or adolescence. Finally, SUD patients with ADHD were more likely to have central stimulants or cannabis as their primary substance of abuse, whereas alcohol use was more likely to be the primary substance of abuse in SUD patients without ADHD. Conclusion: The results emphasize the importance of early identification of ADHD and targeted interventions in the health and school system, as well as in the addiction field.

Risk factors for borderline personality disorder in treatment seeking patients with a substance use disorder: an international multicenter study

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) often co-occur, partly because they share risk factors. In this international multicenter study, risk factors for BPD were examined for SUD patients. In total, 1,205 patients were comprehensively examined by standardized interviews and questionnaires on psychiatric diagnosis and risk factors, and it was found that 1,033 (85.7%) had SUDs without BPD (SUD) and 172 (14.3%) had SUD with BPD (SUD + BPD). SUD + BPD patients were significantly younger, more often females and more often diagnosed with comorbid adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. SUD + BPD patients did not differ from SUD patients on most risk factors typical for SUD such as maternal use of drugs during pregnancy or parents having any SUD. However, SUD + BPD patients did have a higher risk of having experienced emotional and physical abuse, neglect, or family violence in childhood compared to SUD patients, suggesting that child abuse and family violence are BPD-specific risk factors in patients with SUDs. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Soil and land information: How to support decision-making?

Soils are fundamental to ensuring water, energy and food security. Within the context of sus- tainable food production, it is important to share knowledge on existing and emerging tech- nologies that support land and soil monitoring. Technologies, such as remote sensing, mobile soil testing, and digital soil mapping, have the potential to identify degraded and non- /little-responsive soils, and may also provide a basis for programmes targeting the protection and rehabilitation of soils. In the absence of such information, crop production assessments are often not based on the spatio-temporal variability in soil characteristics. In addition, uncertain- ties in soil information systems are notable and build up when predictions are used for monitor- ing soil properties or biophysical modelling. Consequently, interpretations of model-based results have to be done cautiously. As such they provide a scientific, but not always manage- able, basis for farmers and/or policymakers. In general, the key incentives for stakeholders to aim for sustainable management of soils and more resilient food systems are complex at farm as well as higher levels. The same is true of drivers of soil degradation. The decision- making process aimed at sustainable soil management, be that at farm or higher level, also in- volves other goals and objectives valued by stakeholders, e.g. land governance, improved envi- ronmental quality, climate change adaptation and mitigation etc. In this dialogue session we will share ideas on recent developments in the discourse on soils, their functions and the role of soil and land information in enhancing food system resilience.

Un modelo de desarrollo sustentable en las áreas bajo riego de los distritos Ugarteche y El Carrizal. Departamento de Luján de Cuyo. Provincia de Mendoza

Dos importantes distritos contiguos de Mendoza: Ugarteche y El Carrizal, ubicados al sur del Departamento de Luján de Cuyo constituyen el objeto de este estudio. Cuatro motivos son los que inspiraron la elección de estos espacios. Estas razones son las siguientes: a) Orientar los procesos de crecimiento de una zona “ganadora" y prevenir futuros desórdenes. b) La dimensión territorial del Plan Estratégico Vitivinícola (PEVI). c) El futuro de los oasis bajo riego. d) El Desarrollo Sustentable como marco valorativo.

Uituindign der Boekdrukkunst : [Texto impreso] getrokkenvit het latynsch werk van

Contiene: Naamlyst van Boeken, die in de XVII Neederlandsche Provincien geduurende de XV. Eeuw gedrukt zyn

Ceramide-binding and activation defines protein kinase c-Raf as a ceramide-activated protein kinase.

Interleukin 1 is the prototype of an inflammatory cytokine, and evidence suggests that it uses the sphingomyelin pathway and ceramide production to trigger mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and subsequent gene expression required for acute inflammatory processes. To identify downstream signaling targets of ceramide, a radioiodinated photoaffinity labeling analog of ceramide ([125I] 3-trifluoromethyl-3-(m-iodophenyl)diazirine-ceramide) was employed. It is observed that ceramide specifically binds to and activates protein kinase c-Raf, leading to a subsequent activation of the MAPK cascade. Ceramide does not bind to any other member of the MAPK module nor does it bind to protein kinase C-zeta. These data identify protein kinase c-Raf as a specific molecular target for interleukin 1 beta-stimulated ceramide formation and demonstrate that ceramide is a lipid cofactor participating in regulation of c-Raf activity.

Modified Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program Applied Within a Time-Limited Corrections Setting

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an empirically supported therapy developed to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder that has sustained efficacy following completion of the treatment (Linehan, 1993; Van Den Bosch et al., 2005). The core concepts of DBT include mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance, which seek to foster more functional ways of interacting with others, coping with distress, and managing difficult emotions. Using a standard DBT format in a corrections setting can be difficult due to the population's multifaceted composition. The Denver County Jail is a unique corrections setting because it contains a unit specifically developed for male inmates with mental health issues. A corrections modified, time-limited DBT curriculum was developed to fit the needs of this unique population. During the course of the group, staff appeared to be accepting of the group material and initial feedback from inmates and officers was positive.

De waarheid over den oorlog.

"Onder redactie van: Paul Dehn ... Dr. Drechsler ... Matthias Erzberger ... [e.a.]"

Historia constitutionis epidemicae verminosae, quae annis 1760, 1761, 1762 & initio 1763, per insulam Overflacque et contiguam Goedereede grassata fuit, cum perpetuis fere commentariis in praecipuos verminantium morbos ... /

Mode of access: Internet.

Jaarboek van het mijnwezen in Nederlandsch Oost-Indië

Mode of access: Internet.

Verslagen van landbouwkundige onderzoekingen /

Some issues have title: Agricultural research reports.

Jacob van Maerlant's strophische gedichten,

A new edition by Joh. Franck and J. Verdam appeared, 1897-98, as afl. 56-57, 59-60 in the same series.

Tafereelen /

Plates engraved by Pieter Tanjé and Claude Duflos.