Associations between therapist factors and treatment efficacy in randomized controlled trials of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children and youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Previous research suggests that the effect of therapist factors on patient outcomes is significant. Yet, to date, no reviews have explored the potential effects of therapist characteristics on treatment outcomes for children and youth with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the professional characteristics of trial therapists delivering trauma-focused cognitive behavioral interventions (TF-CBT) for child PTSD in clinical trials and understand the association between treatment efficacy and therapist factors.

DECRYPT trial: study protocol for a phase II randomised controlled trial of cognitive therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in youth exposed to multiple traumatic stressors.

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a distressing and disabling condition that affects significant numbers of children and adolescents. Youth exposed to multiple traumas (eg, abuse, domestic violence) are at particular risk of developing PTSD. Cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD), derived from adult work, is a theoretically informed, disorder-specific form of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy.

GABA Alpha 2,3 Modulation Improves Select Phenotypes in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability. FXS is caused by functional loss of the Fragile X Protein (FXP), also known as Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). In humans and animal models, loss of FXP leads to sensory hypersensitivity, increased susceptibility to seizures and cortical hyperactivity.

A systematic review of the clinician related barriers and facilitators to the use of evidence-informed interventions for post traumatic stress.

Background: A number of evidence-informed interventions for PTSD have been developed and recommended by clinical guidelines. Despite efforts to disseminate these approaches, there remains a gap between evidence and practice, and research has started to identify a number of barriers to the implementation of evidence-informed interventions.

Methods: This systematic review aimed to synthesise the relevant literature, both quantitative and qualitative, relating to clinicians' perceived barriers and facilitators.

Simulation-based training to teach nurses skills in falls assessment and prevention.

A simulation-based training course was designed to support the development of nurses' skills in falls assessment and prevention. National guidance on falls risk assessment and prevention was used to develop the course content. The course enabled participants to practise real-life scenarios in a safe environment, reflect on their performance and receive feedback from their peers.

PlatformTM, a standards-based data custodianship platform for translational medicine research.

Biomedical informatics has traditionally adopted a linear view of the informatics process (collect, store and analyse) in translational medicine (TM) studies; focusing primarily on the challenges in data integration and analysis. However, a data management challenge presents itself with the new lifecycle view of data emphasized by the recent calls for data re-use, long term data preservation, and data sharing. There is currently a lack of dedicated infrastructure focused on the 'manageability' of the data lifecycle in TM research between data collection and analysis.

Sleep EEG Derived From Behind-the-Ear Electrodes (cEEGrid) Compared to Standard Polysomnography: A Proof of Concept Study.

Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings represent a vital component of the assessment of sleep physiology, but the methodology presently used is costly, intrusive to participants, and laborious in application. There is a recognized need to develop more easily applicable yet reliable EEG systems that allow unobtrusive long-term recording of sleep-wake EEG ideally away from the laboratory setting. cEEGrid is a recently developed flex-printed around-the-ear electrode array, which holds great potential for sleep-wake monitoring research.

A SNAP-tag fluorogenic probe mimicking the chromophore of the red fluorescent protein Kaede.

Self-labelling protein tags with fluorogenic probes serve as great fluorescence imaging tools to understand key questions of protein dynamics and functions in living cells. In the present study, we report a SNAP-tag fluorogenic probe 4c mimicking the chromophore of the red fluorescent protein Kaede. The molecular rotor properties of 4c were utilized as a fluorogenic probe for SNAP-tag, such that conjugation with SNAPf protein leads to inhibition of twisted intramolecular charge transfer, triggering fluorogenecity.

Modulation of Fluorescent Protein Chromophores To Detect Protein Aggregation with Turn-On Fluorescence.

We present a fluorogenic method to visualize misfolding and aggregation of a specific protein-of-interest in live cells using structurally modulated fluorescent protein chromophores. Combining photophysical analysis, X-ray crystallography, and theoretical calculation, we show that fluorescence is triggered by inhibition of twisted-intramolecular charge transfer of these fluorophores in the rigid microenvironment of viscous solvent or protein aggregates. Bioorthogonal conjugation of the fluorophore to Halo-tag fused protein-of-interests allows for fluorogenic detection of both misfolded and aggregated species in live cells.

Acamprosate in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome: modulation of spontaneous cortical activity, ERK1/2 activation, locomotor behavior, and anxiety.

Background: Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) occurs as a result of a silenced fragile X mental retardation 1 gene () and subsequent loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. Loss of FMRP alters excitatory/inhibitory signaling balance, leading to increased neuronal hyperexcitability and altered behavior. Acamprosate (the calcium salt of N-acetylhomotaurinate), a drug FDA-approved for relapse prevention in the treatment of alcohol dependence in adults, is a novel agent with multiple mechanisms that may be beneficial for people with FXS.

Risky sun tanning behaviours amongst Irish University students: a quantitative analysis.

Background: Despite Ireland's temperate maritime climate, it has the third highest rate of malignant melanoma in the European Union, indicating the need to recognise tanning practices as a risky behaviour, especially amongst those most at risk (the younger population).

Aim: To explore the factors associated with deliberate sun tanning amongst university students in Cork, Ireland.

Methods: Self-reported sun exposure, attitudes to tanning and sun protection practices were investigated using an online questionnaire in April 2010.

A pilot study: dose adaptation of capecitabine using mobile phone toxicity monitoring - supporting patients in their homes.

Purpose: Real-time symptom monitoring using a mobile phone is potentially advantageous for patients receiving oral chemotherapy. We therefore conducted a pilot study of patient dose adaptation using mobile phone monitoring of specific symptoms to investigate relative dose intensity of capecitabine, level of toxicity and perceived supportive care.

Methods: Patients with breast or colorectal cancer receiving capecitabine completed a symptom, temperature and dose diary twice a day using a mobile phone application.

How feasible is implementation of distress screening by cancer clinicians in routine clinical care?

Background: There is considerable uncertainty regarding the acceptability of routine distress screening.

Methods: In an unfunded implementation study, the authors asked 50 clinicians (chemotherapy nurses and treatment radiographers/radiation technologists) to implement a screening program for distress as part of routine care and to record their feedback after each clinical encounter. In total, 379 patients were screened using a simple paper-and-pencil versions of distress thermometer and the emotion thermometer (ET).

Delayed diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm formation in a patient with diaphyseal aclasis.

A 15 year old boy, with known diaphyseal aclasis, presented with a swollen left leg. The diagnosis of popliteal pseudoaneurysm, a known and well understood vascular complication, was delayed due to presentation suggestive of a chondrosarcoma. In this age group, sarcomatous change is more common and a potentially sinister complication of diaphyseal aclasis.

Identification of patient-reported distress by clinical nurse specialists in routine oncology practice: a multicentre UK study.

Background: There is uncertainty regarding how well clinical nurse specialists are able to identify distress in cancer settings.

Methods: We examined recognition of patient-reported distress by nurse specialists across three sites in the East Midlands (UK). Clinicians were asked to report on their clinical opinion regarding the presence of distress or any mental health complication after routine assessment of 401 mixed cancer patients.

Stress-inducible alternative translation initiation of human cytomegalovirus latency protein pUL138.

We have previously characterized a 21-kDa protein encoded by UL138 (pUL138) as a viral factor inherent to low-passage strains of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) that is required for latent infection in vitro. pUL138 is encoded on 3.6-, 2.

Identification of etamiphylline and metabolites in equine plasma and urine by accurate mass and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Etamiphylline camsylate (Millophylline V) was administered intravenously to two horses at a dose of 2.8 mg/kg. Urine and blood samples were taken up to 32 h post administration.

Characterization of a novel Golgi apparatus-localized latency determinant encoded by human cytomegalovirus.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) exists indefinitely in infected individuals by a yet poorly characterized latent infection in hematopoietic cells. We previously demonstrated a requirement for the putative UL138 open reading frame (ORF) in promoting a latent infection in CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) infected in vitro. In our present study, we have identified two coterminal transcripts of 2.

An assessment of the implementation of the provincial cervical screening programme in selected Primary Health Care Clinics in the Ilembe Region, KwaZulu-Natal.

Cervical cancer is almost completely preventable, yet it is the second most prevalent cancer amongst women in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in particular has a high mortality rate of cervical cancer and 1: 40 women die from cancer of the cervix. Therefore, in 1997 a cervical screening policy and programme was implemented in the province.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 inhibits T-cell infiltration and preserves pancreatic beta-cell function in an in vitro type 1 diabetes mellitus model.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) results from autoreactive T-cells that attack and destroy insulin producing pancreatic beta-cells. This knowledge has provided a framework for numerous efforts to prevent or mitigate T1DM at various stages of the disease. In this study, we utilized an organ culture model of type 1 diabetes to determine whether tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) could block T-cell migration into the pancreas and ultimately preserve beta-cell function.

Effect of signal intensity on perceived speed.

The effect of signal intensity (proportion of dots moving in the same direction compared to noise dots that move in random directions) on perceived speed was investigated. It was found that increasing signal level decreased the perceived speed of the stimulus. This finding indicates that global-motion pooling processes play a role in the extraction of speed information.

Progestagen profiles during the last trimester of gestation in Thoroughbred mares with normal or compromised pregnancies.

Progesterone (P4), pregnenolone (P5) and their metabolites are present in maternal plasma in pregnant mares. It is believed that one of these progestagens may maintain myometrial quiescence. The aims of this study were to identify specific progestagens in pregnant mares' plasma and determine whether these differed between mares with healthy or compromised pregnancies.

Ontogeny of uteroplacental progestagen production in pregnant mares during the second half of gestation.

In pregnant mares during late gestation, little, if any, progesterone (P4) is found in the maternal circulation. Hence, quiescence of the equine uterus is believed to be maintained by metabolites of pregnenolone and P4 known as progestagens, which are produced by the uteroplacental tissues. However, little is known about the ontogeny, distribution, or actual rates of uteroplacental progestagen production in pregnant mares and their fetuses during the second half of pregnancy.

Occupational health nursing in South Africa. Enhancing international perspectives.

1. Occupational health care in South Africa has lagged behind that of other countries because it was developed within the context of a fragmented, racist, and conservative legislative framework. This legislation has been improved in recent years.