Genome-wide association study of Alzheimer's disease with psychotic symptoms

Psychotic symptoms occur in ~40% of subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are associated with more rapid cognitive decline and increased functional deficits. They show heritability up to 61% and have been proposed as a marker for a disease subtype suitable for gene mapping efforts. We undertook a combined analysis of three genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to identify loci that (1) increase susceptibility to an AD and subsequent psychotic symptoms; or (2) modify risk of psychotic symptoms in the presence of neurodegeneration caused by AD. In all, 1299 AD cases with psychosis (AD+P), 735 AD cases without psychosis (AD-P) and 5659 controls were drawn from Genetic and Environmental Risk in AD Consortium 1 (GERAD1), the National Institute on Aging Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (NIA-LOAD) family study and the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC) GWASs. Unobserved genotypes were imputed to provide data on >1.8 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Analyses in each data set were completed comparing (1) AD+P to AD-P cases, and (2) AD+P cases with controls (GERAD1, ADRC only). Aside from the apolipoprotein E (APOE) locus, the strongest evidence for association was observed in an intergenic region on chromosome 4 (rs753129; 'AD+PvAD-P' P=2.85 × 10(-7); 'AD+PvControls' P=1.11 × 10(-4)). SNPs upstream of SLC2A9 (rs6834555, P=3.0 × 10(-7)) and within VSNL1 (rs4038131, P=5.9 × 10(-7)) showed strongest evidence for association with AD+P when compared with controls. These findings warrant further investigation in larger, appropriately powered samples in which the presence of psychotic symptoms in AD has been well characterized.Molecular Psychiatry advance online publication, 18 October 2011; doi:10.1038/mp.2011.125.

Stress, coping and burn-out in nursing students

Aim: To explore the relationship between sources of stress and psychological burn-out and to consider the moderating and mediating role played sources of stress and different coping resources on burn-out.

Background: Most research exploring sources of stress and coping in nursing students construes stress as psychological distress. Little research has considered those sources of stress likely to enhance well-being and, by implication, learning.

Method: A questionnaire was administered to 171 final year nursing students. Questions were asked which measured sources of stress when rated as likely to contribute to distress (a hassle) and rated as likely to help one achieve (an uplift). Support, control, self-efficacy and coping style were also measured, along with their potential moderating and mediating effect on burn-out.

Findings: The sources of stress likely to lead to distress were more often predictors of wellbeing than sources of stress likely to lead to positive, eustress states. However, placement experience was an important source of stress likely to lead to eustress. Self-efficacy, dispositional control and support were other important predictors. Avoidance coping was the strongest predictor of burn-out and, even if used only occasionally, it can have an adverse effect on burn-out. Initiatives to promote support and self-efficacy are likely to have the more immediate benefits in enhancing student well-being.

Conclusion: Nurse educators need to consider how course experiences contribute not just to potential distress but to eustress. How educators interact with their students and how they give feedback offers important opportunities to promote self-efficacy and provide valuable support. Peer support is a critical coping resource and can be bolstered through induction and through learning and teaching initiatives. 

Three dimensional analysis of the lamina cribrosa in glaucoma

Background/aim: Structural changes in the lamina cribrosa have been implicated in the pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic atrophy. The aim of this study was to determine a measure the surface variability of the cup floor in normal subjects and patients with glaucoma. Methods: A sample of age matched normal subjects (NN), patients with low tension glaucoma (LTG), and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) were included in the study. The glaucoma groups were matched for the severity of the visual field loss. Mean 10 degree topographic images of normal and glaucomatous eyes from the Heidelberg retina tomograph were imported into ERDAS image processing software where topographic analysis of the cup floor could be assessed. Each image was processed using customised spatial filters that calculated the surface depth variation in localised neighbourhood areas across each image. The local change in depth across the cup floor surface was determined and compared between the three clinical groups. Results: The depth variation in the cup floor was largest in normal subjects followed by LTG and POAG. Highly statistically significant differences in surface depth variability of the cup floor existed between normal and LTG (p=0.005), between normal and POAG (p

Impact of sample preparation on mineralogical analysis of zero-valent iron reactive barrier materials

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) of zero-valent iron (Fe⁰) are increasingly being used to remediate contaminated ground water. Corrosion of Fe⁰ filings and tbe formation of precipitates can occur when the PRB material comes in contact with ground water and may reduce the lifespan and effectiveness of the barrier. At present, there are no routine procedures for preparing and analyzing the mineral precipitates from Fe⁰ PRB material. These procedures are needed because mineralogical composition of corrosion products used to interpret the barrier processes can change with iron oxidation and sample preparation. The objectives of this study were (i) to investigate a method of preparing Fe⁰ reactive barrier material for mineralogical analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and (ii) to identify Fe mineral phases and rates of transformations induced by different mineralogical preparation techniques. Materials from an in situ Fe⁰ PRB were collected by undisturbed coring and processed for XRD analysis after different times since sampling for three size fractions and by various drying treatments. We found that whole-sample preparation for analysis was necessary because mineral precipitates occurred within the PRB material in different size fractions of the samples. Green rusts quickly disappeared from acetone-dried samples and were not present in air-dried and oven-dried samples Maghemite/magnetite content increased over time and in oven-dried samples, especially after heating to 105°C. We conclude that care must be taken during sample preparation of Fe⁰ PRB material, especially for detection of green rusts, to ensure accurate identification of minerals present within the barrier system.

Suicide and parasuicide: a selected review of the literature.

The increase in adolescent suicides has prompted the World Health Organization to set targets to reduce the incidence of deaths by the year 2000. In order to achieve this target further investigation into the perceptions of adolescent parasuicidal individuals is required to reduce the number of suicide attempts. Statistical evidence shows that parasuicidal individuals are commonly females who attempt suicide by taking an overdose. In the majority of cases help has been sought within the month prior to the attempt. Following an attempt many individuals feel isolated or ignored by health professionals. It appears that communication difficulties and negative attitudes by health professionals often reinforce the stigma associated with suicide. Nurses can contribute to the prevention of parasuicide/suicide by actively providing therapeutic care and counselling parasuicidal individuals to help them deal with major life events.

Corneal biomechanics, refractive error, and axial length in Chinese primary school children.

PURPOSE: Low corneal hysteresis is associated with longer axial length in Chinese secondary school children. The authors sought to explore this association in primary school children. METHODS: LogMAR presenting visual acuity, cycloplegic refractive error, ocular biometry, central corneal thickness (CCT), and corneal hysteresis (CH) was assessed for children in grades 1 to 3 at an academically competitive urban school in Shantou, China. RESULTS: Among 872 eligible children (mean age, 8.6 ± 2.1 years), 651 (74.7%) completed the examination. Among 1299 examined eyes, 111 (8.5%) had uncorrected vision ≤6/12. Mean spherical equivalent refractive error for all eyes was +0.26 ± 1.41 D, and axial length (AL) was 22.7 ± 0.90 mm. CH for the lowest (mean AL, 21.7 ± 0.39 mm), two middle (mean AL, 22.4 ± 0.15 and 22.9 ± 0.15 mm), and highest quartiles (mean AL, 23.7 ± 0.74 mm) of AL were 10.6 ± 2.1 mm Hg, 10.4 ± 2.1 mm Hg, 10.3 ± 2.3 mm Hg, and 10.2 ± 2.3 mm Hg respectively (age- and gender-adjusted Pearson's correlation coefficient r = -0.052; P = 0.001). In generalized estimating equation models adjusting for age, gender, and CCT, lower CH was significantly associated with longer AL (P < 0.001) and more myopic refractive error (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CH measurement is practical in young children because this is when myopia undergoes its most rapid progression. Prospective follow-up of this cohort at high risk for myopia is under way to determine whether low CH is predictive, or a consequence, of long AL.

Energy resource scheduling in a real distribution network managed by several virtual power players

Smart Grids (SGs) appeared as the new paradigm for power system management and operation, being designed to integrate large amounts of distributed energy resources. This new paradigm requires a more efficient Energy Resource Management (ERM) and, simultaneously, makes this a more complex problem, due to the intensive use of distributed energy resources (DER), such as distributed generation, active consumers with demand response contracts, and storage units. This paper presents a methodology to address the energy resource scheduling, considering an intensive use of distributed generation and demand response contracts. A case study of a 30 kV real distribution network, including a substation with 6 feeders and 937 buses, is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. This network is managed by six virtual power players (VPP) with capability to manage the DER and the distribution network.

Systems Genetics of Metabolism: The Use of the BXD Murine Reference Panel for Multiscalar Integration of Traits.

Metabolic homeostasis is achieved by complex molecular and cellular networks that differ significantly among individuals and are difficult to model with genetically engineered lines of mice optimized to study single gene function. Here, we systematically acquired metabolic phenotypes by using the EUMODIC EMPReSS protocols across a large panel of isogenic but diverse strains of mice (BXD type) to study the genetic control of metabolism. We generated and analyzed 140 classical phenotypes and deposited these in an open-access web service for systems genetics (www.genenetwork.org). Heritability, influence of sex, and genetic modifiers of traits were examined singly and jointly by using quantitative-trait locus (QTL) and expression QTL-mapping methods. Traits and networks were linked to loci encompassing both known variants and novel candidate genes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), here linked to hypophosphatasia. The assembled and curated phenotypes provide key resources and exemplars that can be used to dissect complex metabolic traits and disorders.

L'Écho de Paris

1887/10/08 (Numéro 1299).

Notes, copies de documents, épitaphes, armoiries et pierres tombales de Dijon, et des abbayes de Beaulieu, Quincy, Teuley, Auvillars et du Tart.

Contient : Dessins de tombeaux de l'église des Carmes de Dijon ; Extrait du nécrologe des Carmes de Dijon (1646) ; Dessin d'un tombeau aux Carmélites de Dijon ; « Mémoire contre les relligieux de Bauliue pour la despouille de feu Monsr l'abbé dudit lieu. » ; Donation faite à l'abbaye de Quincy (1299) ; Dessins de pierres tombales de Teuley ; Extrait du terrier de l'abbaye du Tart ; Nécrologe des Cordeliers de Dijon ; Dessins de tombeaux de l'église des Cordeliers de Dijon ; Dessins de tombeaux de l'église des Cordeliers de Châtillon-sur-Seine ; Tombeau d'Isabelle, femme de Philippe, duc de Bourgogne, dans la cathédrale de Gosnay-lez-Béthune (dessin au lavis) ; Dessins de tombes aux Jacobins de Dijon ; Dessins de tombes aux Minimes de Dijon ; Translation des reliques de saint Médard de Soissons à Dijon (ex chartul. S. Stephani Divion.) ; Tombes de Saint-Étienne de Dijon ; Plan de la Sainte-Chapelle de Dijon et des alentours ; Nécrologe de la Sainte-Chapelle de Dijon ; Tombeaux de la Sainte-Chapelle de Dijon

Mélanges sur l'histoire d'Espagne.

Contient : Extraits des archives de Pampelune ; Extraits de l'Antiguedad de Espana y confermacion de la nobleza de Cantabria, par Pablo Gottardo (Milan, 1586) ; Confirmation des privilèges des marchands descendant dans la vallée de Roncal (1628) ; « Capitulos de la Hermandad » de Tudela ; Privilèges de Roncal ; Capitulation de la cité de Pampelune entre les mains du duc d'Albe ; Instructions données par le roi d'Espagne à M. de Salinas, pour s'enquérir au sujet du roi de France et du seigneur d'Albret ; Cession du Guipuzcoa à Charles [le Mauvais], roi de Navarre, par Pierre [le Cruel], roi de Castille ; Confirmation par Catherine, reine de Navarre, des privilèges accordés en 884 par Eneco à l'abbaye de Leyre ; Mémoire sur les privilèges accordés par les rois à diverses villes d'Espagne ; Chartes de Notre-Dame d'Oliva, en Navarre ; Fondation et privilèges de Notre-Dame de Fitero ; Pièces relatives à Louis de Beaumont, connétable de Castille ; Monitoire du Saint-Office contre Jeanne d'Albret ; Bref de Pie V, réglant les mesures à prendre dans les provinces basques par l'évêque de Bayonne, au sujet des affaires du for ecclésiastique ; Mémoire, en espagnol, sur la maison de Beaumont ; Donation par Jean V, roi d'Aragon, à Jean de Atondo, d'une rente de 120 florins d'or ; Notice généalogique sur la famille Enriquez de la Carra y Navarra

Mélanges historiques sur la Champagne, l'Artois et la Picardie.

Contient : Extraits d'un livre de réception des chanoines de l'église de Troyes ; Ligues des nobles de Champagne, Vermandois, Beauvaisis, etc ; Extraits de l'obituaire de Saint-Étienne de Troyes ; Extraits des chartes de Montier-la-Celle ; Accord entre Blanche, comtesse de Champagne, et Érard de Brienne ; Pièces relatives à l'abbaye de Signy ; Accord entre Jean de Châtillon, comte de Porcien, et l'abbaye de Saint-Hubert en Ardennes ; Chartes des seigneurs de Bazoches ; Extraits du cartulaire de l'abbaye du Charme-aux-Nonnains ; Charte de Gisla pour Sainte-Gertrude de Nivelles ; Extrait du martyrologe de l'église de Laon ; Bulles et chartes relatives à la même église ; Notice sur Gaudri, évêque de Laon ; Chartes de Saint-Jean de Laon ; Chartes concernant le diocèse de Laon ; Fondation de la chapelle de La Neuville-en-Hez ; Notice d'une donation faite par Guillaume le Conquérant à Saint-Étienne de Caen ; Diplôme de Robert le Pieux pour Saint-Vaast, daté de 1039 ; Chartes concernant les comtés de Boulogne et de Ponthieu ; Extraits de chartes concernant le diocèse d'Arras ; Extraits concernant les comtes de Saint-Pol ; Extrait des titres de Saint-Vaast d'Arras ; Extraits concernant les comtes de Flandre ; Diplôme d'Eudes pour Saint-Vaast ; Charte du comte Albert pour l'abbaye de Saint-Quentin ; Charte de Baudouin, comte de Flandre, pour Saint-Pierre au Mont-Blandin ; Extraits du cartulaire du Mont-Saint-Martin ; Épitaphes diverses de l'Artois ; Funérailles de Louis de Male, comte de Flandre