Psychometric properties of long and short forms of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) in a Thai population

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of different forms of the Child Perceptions Questionnaires (CPQ11-14) for use in Thai adolescents.

METHODS

Cross-sectional questionnaire and clinical analytical study conducted at 2 schools in Chonburi province, Thailand. Clinical data were collected for 95 students (64 female, 31 male) aged 11-14 years. Data from the Thai version of CPQ11-14 were used to analyze the measurement properties of the original and 4 short forms of the CPQ11-14.

RESULTS

Participants found it difficult to remember that they should assess the impact only in relation to the problems of their teeth, lips, mouth or jaws. The Thai versions of the CPQ11-14 have satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability except for the CPQ11-14 - ISF:8. The criterion validity of all versions was acceptable except for the CPQ11-14 - RSF:8. No CPQ11-14 scores correlated with clinical status, otherwise construct validity was acceptable for the original CPQ11-14 and the 16-item questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

The original scale of the CPQ11-14 indicates the highest validity and reliability among the 5 forms of the CPQ11-14 but has weak relations with clinical data. If it is to be used in low disease populations larger samples will be required. The 16-item questionnaires show some acceptable validity and reliability properties. The findings for the 8-item versions do not support their use in Thailand.

Working memory subsystems and task complexity in young boys with Fragile X syndrome

BACKGROUND

Working memory problems have been targeted as core deficits in individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS); however, there have been few studies that have examined working memory in young boys with FXS, and even fewer studies that have studied the working memory performance of young boys with FXS across different degrees of complexity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the phonological loop and visual-spatial working memory in young boys with FXS, in comparison to mental age-matched typical boys, and to examine the impact of complexity of the working memory tasks on performance.

METHODS

The performance of young boys (7 to 13-years-old) with FXS (n = 40) was compared with that of mental age and race matched typically developing boys (n = 40) on measures designed to test the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad across low, moderate and high degrees of complexity. Multivariate analyses were used to examine group differences across the specific working memory systems and degrees of complexity.

RESULTS

Results suggested that boys with FXS showed deficits in phonological loop and visual-spatial working memory tasks when compared with typically developing mental age-matched boys. For the boys with FXS, the phonological loop was significantly lower than the visual-spatial sketchpad; however, there was no significant difference in performance across the low, moderate and high degrees of complexity in the working memory tasks. Reverse tasks from both the phonological loop and visual-spatial sketchpad appeared to be the most challenging for both groups, but particularly for the boys with FXS.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings implicate a generalised deficit in working memory in young boys with FXS, with a specific disproportionate impairment in the phonological loop. Given the lack of differentiation on the low versus high complexity tasks, simple span tasks may provide an adequate estimate of working memory until greater involvement of the central executive is achieved.

Blackawton bees

BACKGROUND

Real science has the potential to not only amaze, but also transform the way one thinks of the world and oneself. This is because the process of science is little different from the deeply resonant, natural processes of play. Play enables humans (and other mammals) to discover (and create) relationships and patterns. When one adds rules to play, a game is created.

THIS IS SCIENCE

the process of playing with rules that enables one to reveal previously unseen patterns of relationships that extend our collective understanding of nature and human nature. When thought of in this way, science education becomes a more enlightened and intuitive process of asking questions and devising games to address those questions. But, because the outcome of all game-playing is unpredictable, supporting this 'messyness', which is the engine of science, is critical to good science education (and indeed creative education generally). Indeed, we have learned that doing 'real' science in public spaces can stimulate tremendous interest in children and adults in understanding the processes by which we make sense of the world. The present study (on the vision of bumble-bees) goes even further, since it was not only performed outside my laboratory (in a Norman church in the southwest of England), but the 'games' were themselves devised in collaboration with 25 8- to 10-year-old children. They asked the questions, hypothesized the answers, designed the games (in other words, the experiments) to test these hypotheses and analysed the data. They also drew the figures (in coloured pencil) and wrote the paper. Their headteacher (Dave Strudwick) and I devised the educational programme (we call 'i,scientist'), and I trained the bees and transcribed the childrens' words into text (which was done with smaller groups of children at the school's local village pub). So what follows is a novel study (scientifically and conceptually) in 'kids speak' without references to past literature, which is a challenge. Although the historical context of any study is of course important, including references in this instance would be disingenuous for two reasons. First, given the way scientific data are naturally reported, the relevant information is simply inaccessible to the literate ability of 8- to 10-year-old children, and second, the true motivation for any scientific study (at least one of integrity) is one's own curiousity, which for the children was not inspired by the scientific literature, but their own observations of the world. This lack of historical, scientific context does not diminish the resulting data, scientific methodology or merit of the discovery for the scientific and 'non-scientific' audience. On the contrary, it reveals science in its truest (most naive) form, and in this way makes explicit the commonality between science, art and indeed all creative activities.

PRINCIPAL FINDING

'We discovered that bumble-bees can use a combination of colour and spatial relationships in deciding which colour of flower to forage from. We also discovered that science is cool and fun because you get to do stuff that no one has ever done before. (Children from Blackawton)'.

Interface exchange coupling in Co nanoparticles dispersed in a Mn matrix

The structural and magnetic properties of 1.8 nm Co particles dispersed in a Mn matrix by co-depositing pre-formed mass-selected Co clusters with an atomic vapour of Mn onto a common substrate have been studied by using EXAFS (extended x-ray absorption fine structure), XMCD (x-ray magnetic circular dichroism), magnetometry, and theoretical modelling. At low Co volume fraction (5%) Co@Mn shows a significant degree of alloying and the well-defined particles originally deposited become centres of high Co concentration CoMn alloy that evolves from pure Co at the nanoparticle centre to the pure Mn matrix within a few nm. Each inhomogeneity is a core-shell particle with a Co-rich ferromagnetic core in contact with a Co-depleted antiferromagnetic shell. The XMCD reveals that the Co moment localized on the Co atoms within the Co-rich cores is much smaller than the ferromagnetic moment of the Co nanoparticles deposited at the same volume fraction in Ag. Electronic structure calculations indicate that the small magnitude of the core Co moment can be understood only if significant alloying occurs. Monte Carlo modelling replicates the exchange bias (EB) behaviour observed at low temperature from magnetometry measurements. We ascribe EB to the interaction between the ferromagnetic Co-rich cores and the antiferromagnetic Mn-rich shells.

Randomised, controlled trial of concomitant pneumococcal and meningococcal conjugate vaccines

A randomised, open-label study compared the immunogenicity and safety of 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MnCC vaccine) administered concomitantly and individually. Infants received PCV7+MnCC vaccine (n=265), PCV7 alone (n=268) or MnCC vaccine alone (n=178). PCV7 was administered at 2, 3½, 6 and 12 months, and MnCC vaccine at 2, 6 and 12 months. For the 7 pneumococcal serotypes tested (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F), proportions of subjects with pneumococcal serotype-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody concentrations ≥0.35 μg/mL post-infant series were non-inferior for the PCV7+MnCC vaccine (91.5-99.6%) and PCV7 (89.0-99.6%) groups. Proportions of subjects achieving serogroup C meningococcal serum bactericidal assay titres ≥1:8 post-infant series were non-inferior for the PCV7+MnCC vaccine (99.6%) and MnCC vaccine groups (98.8%). Pneumococcal IgG antibody levels were similar in the PCV7+MnCC vaccine and PCV7 groups at each time point. Post-infant and post-toddler meningococcus C serum bactericidal assay titres and IgG levels were similar in the PCV7+MnCC vaccine and MnCC groups, although pre-toddler, the levels were lower in the PCV7+MnCC vaccine group than the MnCC vaccine group. Immune response rates to diphtheria antigen approached 100% for all vaccine groups. Local reactions were mostly similar among the treatment groups. The MnCC vaccine group had lower rates of some systemic events than the PCV7+MnCC vaccine group. Immune responses to PCV7+MnCC vaccine were non-inferior compared with those seen with each vaccine administered alone.

¹⁵C(d,p)¹⁶C reaction and exotic behavior in ¹⁶C

We have studied the ¹⁵C(d,p)¹⁶C reaction in inverse kinematics using the Helical Orbit Spectrometer at Argonne National Laboratory. Prior studies of electromagnetic-transition rates in ¹⁶C suggested an exotic decoupling of the valence neutrons from the core in that nucleus. Neutron-adding spectroscopic factors give a different probe of the wave functions of the relevant states in ¹⁶C. Shell-model calculations reproduce both the present transfer data and the previously measured transition rates, suggesting that ¹⁶C may be described without invoking very exotic phenomena.

Laparoscopic-assisted enteroscopy

This case demonstrates that laparoscopic-assisted enteroscopy (LAE) is a safe and effective technique to aid diagnosis and treatment of small bowel lesions that are difficult to identify with traditional and advanced imaging and interventional techniques. In patients where definite bowel lesions are identified on small bowel capsule endoscopy or small bowel enteroscopy, LAE can be extremely valuable in pinpointing the lesion intra-operatively. This technique may have certain merit for laparoscopic Crohn's stricturoplasty.

Trimetoquinol: bronchodilator effects in horses with heaves following aerosolised and oral administration

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY

The bronchodilator effects of trimetoquinol (TMQ) have been studied when administered i.v. or intratracheally, but not in an aerosolised form.

OBJECTIVES

To define the relationship between the therapeutic and adverse responses (therapeutic index) of TMQ when administered as an aerosol or by the oral route.

METHODS

Increasing doses of TMQ were administered to horses with heaves as an aerosol and by the oral route. Dose ranged 100-1000 microg/horse for aerosolised TMQ and from 6-60 microg/kg bwt for the oral route. Airway and cardiac effects were assessed by measurement of maximal change in pleural pressure (deltaPplmax) and heart rate (HR), respectively. Side effects of sweating, agitation and muscle trembling were scored subjectively. Duration of action of aerosolised (1000 pg/horse) and oral (6-60 microg/kg bwt) TMQ was evaluated over 6 h.

RESULTS

Aerosol administration of TMQ caused dose-dependent bronchodilation but did not change HR or cause other observable side effects. When 1000 microg/horse was administered via aerosol, TMQ produced a 2-phase bronchodilation; an immediate effect lasting up to 30 min and a second phase between 2 and 4 h. Oral TMQ was therapeutically ineffective.

CONCLUSION

Aerosol administration of TMQ is a safe and effective method of producing bronchodilation in horses.

Intravenous and intratracheal administration of trimetoquinol, a fast-acting short-lived bronchodilator in horses with ‘heaves’

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Trimetoquinol (TMQ) is a potent beta-adrenoceptor agonist bronchodilator used in human medicine but has not been evaluated for potential use as a therapeutic agent for horses with 'heaves'.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the pharmacodynamics of TMQ in horses with 'heaves' to determine potential therapeutic effects.

METHODS

Increasing doses of TMQ were administered to horses with 'heaves' by i.v. and intratracheal (i.t.) routes. Doses ranged 0.001-0.2 microg/kg bwt i.v. and 0.01-2 microg/kg bwt i.t. Cardiac and airways effects were assessed by measurement of heart rate (HR) and maximal change in pleural pressure (deltaPplmax), respectively. Side effects of sweating, agitation and muscle trembling were scored subjectively. Duration of action to i.v. (0.2 microg/kg bwt) and i.t. (2 microg/kg bwt) TMQ was evaluated over 6 h.

RESULTS

Intravenous TMQ was an exceptionally potent cardiac stimulant. Heart rate increased at 0.01 microg/kg bwt, and was still increasing after administration of highest dose, 0.2 microg/kg bwt. Airway bronchodilation, measured as a decrease in deltaPplmax, also commenced at 0.01 microg/kg bwt. By the i.t. route, TMQ was 50-100-fold less potent than by i.v. Side effects included sweating, agitation and muscle trembling. Overall, the onset of HR and bronchodilator effects was rapid, within about 3 min, but effects were over at 2 h.

CONCLUSION

When administered i.v. and i.t., TMQ is a highly potent cardiac stimulant and a modest bronchodilator. It may not be an appropriate pharmacological agent by i.v. and i.t. routes for the alleviation of signs in horses with 'heaves'. Further studies of TMQ by oral and aerosol routes are necessary.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

In horses, TMQ is a fast-acting bronchodilator with a short duration of action. It could be used as a rescue agent during an episode of 'heaves'. The i.v. and i.t. administration of TMQ is associated with side effects, similar to those reported for all other beta-agonists. However, other routes, such as aerosol and oral, may prove useful and safe for the alleviation of bronchoconstriction typical of 'heaves'.

IFN-gamma triggered STAT1-PKB/AKT signalling pathway influences the function of alloantigen reactive regulatory T cells

CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in the induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Rapid and transient production of IFN-gamma by Tregs from mice tolerized to alloantigen in vivo has been shown to be critical for their regulatory function. This IFN-gamma has the potential to affect the function of cells present in the same local microenvironment as the Tregs, including the Tregs themselves. Here we investigated the mechanism by which IFN-gamma produced by Tregs triggered signaling pathways in alloantigen reactive Tregs themselves thereby influencing their function in vivo. We show that IFN-gamma production and STAT1 activation was increased, while STAT1-dependent PKB/AKT activation was downregulated in alloantigen reactive Tregs. Further, the activation of STAT1 was blocked in IFN-gamma receptor deficient as well as IFN-gamma-deficient Tregs, suggesting that IFN-gamma produced by the alloantigen reactive Tregs might act in an autocrine manner to induce STAT1 activation. Importantly, STAT1-deficient Tregs failed to control allograft rejection in vivo. Overall, these findings suggest that the IFN-gamma-induced STAT1-PKB/AKT signaling pathway plays a key role in upregulating the ability of alloantigen reactive Tregs to control graft rejection in vivo.

Role of protein Z and protein C in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in Egypt (experience of one centre)

The aim of this study is to evaluate Protein Z (PTZ) and protein C (PTC) levels in newborns suffering from RDS, healthy preterm and full term newborns and to compare PTZ serum levels in RDS preterm infants with healthy preterm before and after recovery. Sixty newborn infants, recruited from the neonatal unit, were enrolled in the study and divided into 3 groups: Group (I): 20 preterm with RDS, Group (II): 20 healthy preterm control newborns (CPT) and Group (III): 20 healthy full term control newborns (CFT). Protein Z and C were measured using ELISA kits. The results of the study showed lower levels of protein Z were obtained in RDS group compared to preterm controls whose levels were significantly lower than in full-term controls. A significant increase in PTZ levels in RDS' group after recovery, when compared to preterm controls. In RDS, no significant correlations existed between PTZ levels (before and after recovery) and routine investigations except for a significant negative correlation with platelets count. No significant differences were found in PTC levels between the 3 studied groups. To conclude: premature newborns suffering from RDS showed decreased serum protein Z levels than normal preterm control newborns with further increase in its pattern after recovery. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the role of PTZ on outcome in premature newborns with RDS and to evaluate the relationship between protein PTZ and PTC and other coagulation factors incriminated in the development of RDS.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of TSER, ATM, RecQ1 genes association with survival in pancrease cancer

e14590

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the U.S . We tried to determine whether ATM, RecQ1 gene polymorphisms correlate with gemcitabine (G) and TSER gene polymorphism with capecitabine (C) response and over all survival(OS). We also tested the hypothesis that PaCa pts homozygous for the S/S variant of the TSER will have a higher 6-month survival with C compared to historical controls. TS expression is regulated by a polymorphism in the TSER and has been shown that pts with S/S variant have high response rate and increased toxicity in colon cancer pts. ATM and recQ1 genes are involved with DNA damage response and repair and correlate with G response. Methods: DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples in 82 pts with Stage IV pancreatic cancer was tested for the TSER, ATM and RecQ1 gene polymorphisms. All patients were treated with G 1,000mg/m2 wkly for 3/4 wks. Pts homozygous for the S/S variant were treated with C, 2,000 mg/m2/day for 14 /21days. Pts were evaluated for response to therapy according to the RECIST. Results: 16 pts (19.5%) were positive for S/S variant of TSER, but only 4 (4.8%) were treated. The reasons for declining treatment were geographic, logistic or progression issues. Only 1 pt was evaluable, receiving at least 3 cycles of C . All pts needed dose reductions due to toxicities. Grade 3 hand foot syndrome, diarrhea and vomiting were dose limiting toxicities. No complete or partial responses were seen. The pt who received 3 cycles came off study due to progressive disease and the other 3 pts came of the study due to toxicities. TSER polymorphism was correlated to OS and only S/S variant was significant with a trend towards improved OS by log rank test and Kaplan Meier plot. ATM and RecQ1 gene polymorphisms subtypes did not correlate with G response and OS ( not statistically significant). Conclusions: Our study represents an initial effort to apply pharmacogenetics to PaCa therapy. 19.5% of pts had the S/S variant of the TSER polymorphism, but only 4.8% enrolled. C administration was associated with excess toxicity. The toxicities observed in this study appear to outweigh the benefit of using C in this pt population. There is no correlation between ATM and RecQ1 genotypes with OS. However the sample size is too small to draw conclusions.

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