The prevalence of child sexual abuse in community and student samples: A meta-analysis

Background: Studies conducted internationally confirm that child sexual abuse is a much more widespread problem than previously thought, with even the lowest prevalence rates including a large number of victims that need to be taken into account. Objective: To carry out a meta-analysis of the prevalence of child sexual abuse in order to establish an overall international figure. Methods: Studies were retrieved from various electronic databases. The measure of interest was the prevalence of abuse reported in each article, these values being combined via a random effects model. A detailed analysis was conducted of the effects of various moderator variables. Results: Sixty-five articles covering 22 countries were included. The analysis showed that 7.9% of men (7.4% without outliers) and 19.7% of women (19.2% without outliers) had suffered some form of sexual abuse prior to the age of eighteen. Conclusions: The results of the present meta-analysis indicate that child sexual abuse is a serious problem in the countries analysed.

Rheology of high solids surface size starches

T��m��n diplomity��n tarkoituksena oli tutkia pintaliimat��rkkelysten reologista k��ytt��ytymist�� korkeissa kuiva-ainepitoisuuksissa. Tarve ty��n suorittamiselle syntyi kun tutkittiin pintaliimausta filminsiirtopuristimella tavallista korkeammissa kuiva-ainepitoisuuksissa, sile��n sauvan ollessa applikointilaitteena. Koska applikointi sile��ll�� sauvalla tapahtuu hydrodynaamisten periaatteiden mukaisesti, sen k��ytt�� edellytt���� pintaliimojen reologisten ominaisuuksien tarkkaa tuntemusta ja hallintaa.Kiinnostuksen kohteena olevat ominaisuudet olivat t��rkkelysten kuiva-ainepitoisuuden (8 ��� 30 %) vaikutus viskositeettiin eri l��mp��tiloissa (20, 30, 40 ja 50 ��C), leikkausnopeus alueella 1 s-1 - 700 000 s-1. My��s t��rkkelysten my��t��rajat m����ritettiin tutkimuksessa. Viskositeetti eri leikkausnopeusalueilla mitattiin seuraavilla laitteilla: Bohlin VOR (matalat leikkausnopeudet ja my��t��raja) ja Hercules HiShear (keskitason leikkausnopeudet) reometrit sek�� Eklund kapillaariviskometri (korkeat leikkausno-peudet). Analysoidut t��rkkelykset olivat kaksi anionista matalaviskoottista peruna (t��rkkelys A) ja ohra (t��rkkelys C) t��rkkelyst��, sek�� yksi kationinen korkeaviskoottinen peruna t��rkkelys (t��rkkelys B). Tutkittujen t��rkkelysten Brookfield viskositeetit (100 rpm) olivat (10 % liuos, 60 ��C:ssa) t��rkkelys A ja C: 25 �� 5 mPas ja t��rkkelys B: 100 �� 20 mPas.T��rkkelysliuosten kuiva-ainepitoisuuden noustessa muuttui virtausk��ytt��ytyminen Newtoniaalisesta leikkausohenevaksi. Leikkausoheneva k��ytt��ytyminen oli voimakkainta t��rkkelys B:n kohdalla. Viskositeetti ��� l��mp��tila riippuvuus korkeissa leikkausnopeuksissa (esim. 500 000 s-1) oli v��h��isemp����, mit�� oli oletettavissa Brookfield viskositeettiarvojen perusteella. Kaikki tarkkelykset osoittautuivat tiksotrooppisiksi, my��s tiksotrooppisuus lis����ntyi kuiva-ainepitoisuuden kasvaessa. T��rkkelysten my��t��rajat osoittautuivat odottamattoman alhaisiksi, kuitenkin varsinkin t��rkkelys B:n my��t��rajat olivat selv��sti riippuvaisia l��mp��tilasta ja kuiva-ainepitoisuudesta. Tutkittujen t��rkkelysten virtausk��ytt��ytyminen oli kirjallisuudessa esitetyn kaltaista. T��rkkelysmolekyylien ketjun pituus oli t��rkein t��rkkelyksen reologisia ominaisuuksia m����ritt��v�� tekij��; mit�� matalampi on t��rkkelyksen molekyylimassa, sit�� matalammat ovat viskositeetti ja my��t��raja. Pintaliimauksessa t��rkkelysmolekyylien ketjunpituudella on suuri vaikutus ajettavuuteen ja lopputuotteen ominaisuuksiin. Haasteellista pintaliimat��rkkelyksen valinnassa on sellaisen yhdistelm��n l��yt��minen, jossa sopivan reologisen k��ytt��ytymisen omaava t��rkkelys ja pintaliimatulle paperille tai kartongille asetetut vaatimukset kohtaavat.

Traditional local medicines in the republic of Palau and non-communicable diseases (NCD), signs of effectiveness.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The aim of this survey was to describe which traditional medicines (TM) are most commonly used for non-communicable diseases (NCD - diabetes, hypertension related to excess weight and obesity) in Pacific islands and with what perceived effectiveness. NCD, especially prevalent in the Pacific, have been subject to many public health interventions, often with rather disappointing results. Innovative interventions are required; one hypothesis is that some local, traditional approaches may have been overlooked. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method used was a retrospective treatment-outcome study in a nation-wide representative sample of the adult population (about 15,000 individuals) of the Republic of Palau, an archipelago of Micronesia. RESULTS: From 188 respondents (61% female, age 16-87, median 48,), 30 different plants were used, mostly self-prepared (69%), or from a traditional healer (18%). For excess weight, when comparing the two most frequent plants, Morinda citrifolia L. was associated with more adequate outcome than Phaleria nishidae Kaneh. (P=0.05). In case of diabetes, when comparing Phaleria nishidae (=Phaleria nisidai) and Morinda citrifolia, the former was statistically more often associated with the reported outcome "lower blood sugar" (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Statistical association between a plant used and reported outcome is not a proof of effectiveness or safety, but it can help select plants of interest for further studies, e.g. through a reverse pharmacology process, in search of local products which may have a positive impact on population health.

Differential growth responses to water balance of coexisting deciduous tree species are linked to wood density in a Bolivian tropical dry forest

A seasonal period of water deficit characterizes tropical dry forests (TDFs). There, sympatric tree species exhibit a diversity of growth rates, functional traits, and responses to drought, suggesting that each species may possess different strategies to grow under different conditions of water availability. The evaluation of the long-term growth responses to changes in the soil water balance should provide an understanding of how and when coexisting tree species respond to water deficit in TDFs. Furthermore, such differential growth responses may be linked to functional traits related to water storage and conductance. We used dendrochronology and climate data to retrospectively assess how the radial growth of seven coexisting deciduous tree species responded to the seasonal soil water balance in a Bolivian TDF. Linear mixed-effects models were used to quantify the relationships between basal area increment and seasonal water balance. We related these relationships with wood density and sapwood production to assess if they affect the growth responses to climate. The growth of all species responded positively to water balance during the wet season, but such responses differed among species as a function of their wood density. For instance, species with a strong growth response to water availability averaged a low wood density which may facilitate the storage of water in the stem. By contrast, species with very dense wood were those whose growth was less sensitive to water availability. Coexisting tree species thus show differential growth responses to changes in soil water balance during the wet season. Our findings also provide a link between wood density, a trait related to the ability of trees to store water in the stem, and wood formation in response to water availability.

High rates of smoking especially in female Crohn's disease patients and low use of supportive measures to achieve smoking cessation : Data from the SwissIBD cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Smoking is a crucial environmental factor in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, knowledge on patient characteristics associated with smoking, time trends of smoking rates, gender differences and supportive measures to cease smoking provided by physicians is scarce. We aimed to address these questions in Swiss IBD patients. METHODS: Prospectively obtained data from patients participating in the Swiss IBD cohort study was analysed and compared to the general Swiss population (GSP) matched by age, sex and year. RESULTS: Among a total of 1770 IBD patients analysed (49.1% male), 29% are current smokers. More than twice as many patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are active smokers compared to ulcerative colitis (UC, 39.6% vs. 15.3%, p<0.001). In striking contrast to the GSP, significantly more women than men with CD smoke (42.8% vs. 35.8%, p=0.025), with also an overall significantly increased smoking rate compared to the GSP in women but not men. The vast majority of smoking IBD patients (90.5%) claim to never have received any support to achieve smoking cessation, significantly more in UC compared to CD. We identify a significantly negative association of smoking and primary sclerosing cholangitis, indicative of a protective effect. Psychological distress in CD is significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers, but does not differ in UC CONCLUSIONS: Despite well-established detrimental effects, smoking rates in CD are alarmingly high with persistent and stagnating elevations compared to the GSP, especially in female patients. Importantly, there appears to be an unacceptable underuse of supportive measures to achieve smoking cessation.

Final results of the SAKK 16/00 trial: a randomized phase III trial comparing neoadjuvant chemoradiation to chemotherapy alone in stage IIIA/N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Aim: One standard option in the treatment of stage IIIA/N2 NSCLC is neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery. We investigated in a randomized trial whether the addition of neoadjuvant radiotherapy would improve the outcome. Here we present the final results of this study. Methods: Patients (pts.) with pathologically proven, resectable stage IIIA/N2 NSCLC, performance status 0-1, and adequate organ function were randomized 1:1 to chemoradiation (CRT) with 3 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (cisplatin 100 mg/m2 and docetaxel 85 mg/m2 d1, q3weeks) followed by accelerated concomitant boost radiotherapy (RT) with 44 Gy in 22 fractions in 3 weeks, or neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (CT), with subsequent surgery for all pts. The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS). Results: 232 pts. were randomized in 23 centers, the median follow-up was 53 months. Two thirds were men, median age was 60 years (range 37-76). Histology was squamous cell in 33%, adenocarcinoma in 43%. Response rate to CRT was 61% vs. 44% with CT. 85% of all pts. underwent surgery, 30-day postoperative mortality was 1%. The rate of complete resection was 91% (CRT) vs. 81% (CT) and the pathological complete remission (pCR) rate was 16% vs. 12%. The median EFS was 13.1 months (95% CI 9.9 - 23.5) for the CRT group vs. 11.8 months (95% CI 8.4 - 15.2) in the CT arm (p 0.665). The median overall survival (OS) with CRT was 37.1 months (95% CI 22.6 -50), with CT 26.1 months ( 95% CI 26.1 - 52.1, p 0.938). The local failure rate was 23% in both arms. In the CT arm 12 pts. were given postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for R1 resection, 6 pts. received PORT in violation of the protocol. Pts. with a pCR, mediastinal downstaging to ypN0/1 and complete resection had a better outcome. Toxicity of chemotherapy was substantial, especially febrile neutropenia was common, whereas RT was well tolerated. Conclusions: This is the first completed phase III trial to evaluate the role of induction chemoradiotherapy and surgery, in comparison to neoadjuvant CT alone followed by surgery. RT was active, it increased response, complete resection and pCR rates. However, this failed to translate into an improvement of local control, EFS or OS. Notably, surgery after induction treatment was safe, including pneumonectomy. The overall survival rates of our neoadjuvant regimen are very encouraging, especially for a multicenter setting. Disclosure: M. Pless: Advisory Board for Sanofi; R. Cathomas: Advisory Board Sanofi D.C. Betticher: Advisory Board Sanofi. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Identification of new transformation products during enzymatic treatment of tetracycline and erythromycin antibiotics at laboratory scale by an on-line turbulent flow liquid-chromatography coupled to a high resolution mass spectrometer LTQ-Orbitrap

This work describes the formation of transformation products (TPs) by the enzymatic degradation at laboratory scale of two highly consumed antibiotics: tetracycline (Tc) and erythromycin (ERY). The analysis of the samples was carried out by a fast and simple method based on the novel configuration of the on-line turbulent flow system coupled to a hybrid linear ion trap ��� high resolution mass spectrometer. The method was optimized and validated for the complete analysis of ERY, Tc and their transformation products within 10 min without any other sample manipulation. Furthermore, the applicability of the on-line procedure was evaluated for 25 additional antibiotics, covering a wide range of chemical classes in different environmental waters with satisfactory quality parameters. Degradation rates obtained for Tc by laccase enzyme and ERY by EreB esterase enzyme without the presence of mediators were ���78% and ���50%, respectively. Concerning the identification of TPs, three suspected compounds for Tc and five of ERY have been proposed. In the case of Tc, the tentative molecular formulas with errors mass within 2 ppm have been based on the hypothesis of dehydroxylation, (bi)demethylation and oxidation of the rings A and C as major reactions. In contrast, the major TP detected for ERY has been identified as the ���dehydration ERY-A���, with the same molecular formula of its parent compound. In addition, the evaluation of the antibiotic activity of the samples along the enzymatic treatments showed a decrease around 100% in both cases

The Market Behavior of Emerging Stock Markets in Europe

This study investigates the over and underreaction effects in nine emerging stock markets of Europe. Especially, the possible behavioral aspects behind them are an area of interest. These aspects would link them strongly to behavioral finance. Second, our aim is to provide more evidence of the similar or dissimilar behavior in general among these countries. Third, the possibility to gain abnormal returns from these markets is also under investigation. Data from nine emerging stock market indexes in Europe is gathered from January 1, 1998 to January 1, 2008 to find answers to the stated questions. Studies for the over and underreaction effects are done using a variant of the event study methodology which in this case includes two different calculation methods for the expected returns. Studies are performed using 60 day time intervals. The results between the two different methods used are relatively similar concerning the over and underreaction effects. Another of the methods, however, suggests there to be behavioral aspects behind the effects interpreted. On the other hand, the another method does not support this suggestion. However, a conclusion can be made that the factors driving these countries' behavior are related to their geographical location and to the fact that they are emerging countries.

Multigram synthesis and in vivo efficacy studies of a novel multitarget anti-Alzheimer's compound

We describe the multigram synthesis and in vivo efficacy studies of a donepezil���huprine hybrid that has been found to display a promising in vitro multitarget profile of interest for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Its synthesis features as the key step a novel multigram preparative chromatographic resolution of intermediate racemic huprine Y by chiral HPLC. Administration of this compound to transgenic CL4176 and CL2006 Caenorhabditis elegans strains expressing human A��42, here used as simplified animal models of AD, led to a significant protection from the toxicity induced by A��42. However, this protective effect was not accompanied, in CL2006 worms, by a reduction of amyloid deposits. Oral administration for 3 months to transgenic APPSL mice, a well-established animal model of AD, improved short-term memory, but did not alter brain levels of A�� peptides nor cortical and hippocampal amyloid plaque load. Despite the clear protective and cognitive effects of AVCRI104P4, the lack of A�� lowering effect in vivo might be related to its lower in vitro potency toward A�� aggregation and formation as compared with its higher anticholinesterase activities. Further lead optimization in this series should thus focus on improving the anti-amyloid/anticholinesterase activity ratio.

Genetic structure and diversity of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. in Cerrado fragments of the S��o Paulo State, Brazil

The loss of large areas of Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) in Brazil can lead to reduced biodiversity and to the extinction of species. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the genetic fragility of populations of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf exposed to different anthropic conditions in fragments of Cerrado in the state of S��o Paulo. The study was carried out in two Experimental Stations operated by the Forest Institute (Assis and Itirapina), in one fully protected conservation unit (Pedregulho) and in one private property (Brotas). Analyses were conducted using leaf samples from 353 adult specimens and eight pairs of microsatellite loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 13 to 15 in all populations, but the mean number of effective alleles was approximately half this value (7.2 to 9-1). Observed heterozygosity was significant and lower than the expected in all populations. Consequently, all populations deviated from Hardy-Weinberg expected frequencies. Fixation indexes were significant for all populations, with the Pedregulho population having the lowest value (0.189) and Itirapina having the highest (0.283). The analysis of spatial genetic structure detected family structures at distance classes of 20 to 65 m in the populations studied. No clones were detected in the populations. Estimates of effective population size were low, but the area occupied by each population studied was large enough for conservation, medium and long term. Recent reductions or bottlenecks were detected in all four populations. Mean Gst’ (genetic divergence) indicated that most of the variation was within populations. Cluster structure analysis based on the genotypes detected K= 4 clusters with distinct allele frequencies patterns. The genetic differentiation observed among populations is consistent with the hypothesis of genetic and geographic isolation. Therefore, it is essential to adopt conservation strategies that raise the gene flow between fragments.

Technical and economic indicators of the yellow passion fruit tree irrigated with underground water supply

The research aimed to quantify technical and economic indicators of yellow passion fruit tree irrigated with fractions of irrigation with underground source of water, to generate information that helps farmers in decision making on the implementation of investment in irrigated fruit growing (yellow passion fruit). For this purpose, we used the passion fruit crop irrigated with Microjet type irrigation system, with conducting system in simple espaliers. The treatments consisted of five hours of application of the depth of water required by the crop with irrigation frequency of two days. The results showed that the highest yield (16660kg ha-1) was obtained with the fractionation of irrigation twice a day (50% to 7h and 50% to 21h30), which provided an increase in productivity of 54%, demonstrating the financial viability and being highly profitable to the interest rate of 2% per year, with low sensitivity of financial risk to real interest rates above the prevailing market.

Corrosion behaviour of boiler tube materials during combustion of fuels containing Zn and Pb

M��nga f��rbr��nningsanl��ggningar som br��nner utmanande br��nslen s��som restfraktioner och avfall r��kar ut f��r problem med ��kad korrosion p�� ��verhettare och/eller vattenv��ggar pga. komponenter i br��nslena som ��r korrosiva. F��r att minimera problemen i avfallseldade pannor h��lls ��ngparametrarna p�� en relativt l��g niv��, vilket drastiskt minskar energiproduktionen. Bel��ggningarna i avfallseldade pannor best��r till st��rsta delen av element som ��r f��rknippade med h��gtemperaturkorrosion: Cl, S, alkalimetaller, fr��mst K och Na, och tungmetaller som Pb och Zn, och det finns ocks�� indikationer av Br-f��rekomst. Det l��ga ��ngtrycket i avfallseldade pannor p��verkar ocks�� st��lr��rens temperatur i pannv��ggarna i eldstaden. I dagens l��ge h��lls temperaturen normalt vid 300-400 ��C. Alkalikloridorsakad (KCl, NaCl) h��gtemperaturkorrosion har inte rapporterats vara relevant vid s��pass l��ga temperaturer, men n��rvaro av Zn- och Pb-komponenter i bel��ggningarna har p��visats f��rorsaka ��kad korrosion redan vid 300-400 ��C. Vid f��rbr��nning kan Zn och Pb reagera med S och Cl och bilda klorider och sulfater i r��kgaserna. Dessa tungmetallf��reningar ��r speciellt problematiska pga. de bildar l��gsm��ltande saltblandningar. Dessa l��gsm��ltande gasformiga eller fasta f��reningar f��ljer r��kgasen och kan sedan fastna eller kondensera p�� kallare ytor p�� pannv��ggar eller ��verhettare f��r att sedan bilda aggressiva bel��ggningar. Tungmetallrika (Pb, Zn) klorider och sulfater ��kar risken f��r korrosion, och effekten f��rst��rks ytterligare vid n��rvaro av sm��lta. Motivet med den h��r studien var att f�� en b��ttre insikt i h��gtemperaturkorrosion f��rorsakad av Zn och Pb, samt att unders��ka och prediktera beteendet och motst��ndskraften hos n��gra st��lkvaliteter som anv��nds i ��verhettare och pannv��ggar i tungmetallrika f��rh��llanden och h��ga materialtemperaturer. Omfattande laboratorie-, sm��skale- och fullskaletest utf��rdes. Resultaten kan direkt utnyttjas i praktiska applikationer, t.ex. vid materialval, eller vid utveckling av korrosionsmotverkande verktyg f��r att hitta initierande faktorer och f��rst�� deras effekt p�� h��gtemperaturkorrosion.

Combination of pulsed corona discharge with TiO2 photocatalysis: verification of hypothesis

The oxidation potential of pulsed corona discharge concerning aqueous impurities is limited in respect to certain refractory compounds. This may be enhanced in combination of the discharge with catalysis/photocatalysis as developed in homogeneous gas-phase reactions. The objective of the work consists of testing the hypothesis of oxidation potential enhancement in combination of the discharge with TiO2 photocatalysis applied to aqueous solutions of refractory oxalate. Meglumine acridone acetate was included for meeting the practical needs. The experimental research was undertaken into oxidation of aqueous solutions under conditions of various target pollutant concentrations, pH and the pulse repetition rate with plain electrodes and the electrodes with TiO2 attached to their surface. The results showed no positive influence of the photocatalyst, the pollutants were oxidized with the rate identical within the accuracy of measurements. The possible explanation for the observed inefficiency may include low UV irradiance, screening effect of water and generally low oxidation rate in photocatalytic reactions. Further studies might include combination of electric discharge with ozone decomposition/radical formation catalysts.

Performance Determinants of Renewable Energy Companies

The purpose of this thesis is to identify the Performance Determinants (PD) of Renewable Energy (RE) companies. It analyzes the background of the RE industry while reflecting simultaneous developments in the fossil based industries. I divided the determinants into two groups: market level and firm level and established hypotheses based on the existing literature. Data from public companies was gathered to construct a Panel Data structure. This is then tested by using a Linear Regression with Fixed Effects model. The model specification was efficient at reflecting the analyzed phenomena. My results showed that both market level and firm level determinants are significant in the RE Industry but the firm level determinants had higher explanatory power (R2). The determinants' relationships were found to follow those from the manufacturing industry more than the utilities' industry. Out of the market level determinants Consumer Price Index (CPI), Interest Rates and Oil prices were significant. Out of the firm level determinants Debt to Assets, Net Investments, Cash flows from operations, Sales and Earnings Before Interests and Taxes (EBIT) were significant. I concluded that this information is valuable for key industry players as they can achieve their objectives faster by elaborating better strategies using these results.

Rice seedling and plant development as affected by increasing rates of penoxsulam under controlled environments

Rice is a major staple in many countries. Weed control is one of the factors limiting higher rice yield. ALS (acetolactate synthase)-inhibiting herbicides are desirable weed control herbicides because of their high efficacy, low toxicity to mammalians, and low rates used. An important herbicide characteristic is high selectivity to the crop, since it facilitates fast crop establishment and greater crop advantage over the weeds. The objectives of this work were to study the effects of increasing rates of the ALS-inhibiting herbicide penoxsulam on seed integrity and germination, and seedling and plant development of rice cv. BRS Pelota under controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The results showed that penoxsulam affected rice germination and seedling and plant growth at rates above 54 g a.i. ha-1, and that penoxsulam is safe for rice seedling development at the currently recommended rates.