Observation of new resonant structures in γγ → ωϕ, ϕϕ, and ωω

The processes γγ → ωϕ, ϕϕ, and ωω are measured using an 870  fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider. Production of vector meson pairs is clearly observed and their cross sections are measured for masses that range from threshold to 4.0 GeV. In addition to signals from well established spin-zero and spin-two charmonium states, there are resonant structures below charmonium threshold, which have not been previously observed. We report a spin-parity analysis for the new structures and determine the products of the η(c), χ(c0), and χ(c2) two-photon decay widths and branching fractions to ωϕ, ϕϕ, and ωω.

The acute effects of kava and oxazepam on anxiety, mood, neurocognition; and genetic correlates: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study

RATIONALE

Kava (Piper methysticum) is a psychotropic plant medicine with history of cultural and medicinal use. We conducted a study comparing the acute neurocognitive, anxiolytic, and thymoleptic effects of a medicinal dose of kava to a benzodiazepine and explored for the first time specific genetic polymorphisms, which may affect the psychotropic activity of phytomedicines or benzodiazepines.

METHODS

Twenty-two moderately anxious adults aged between 18 and 65 years were randomized to receive an acute dose of kava (180 mg of kavalactones), oxazepam (30 mg), and placebo 1 week apart in a crossover design trial.

RESULTS

After exposure to cognitive tasks, a significant interaction was revealed between conditions on State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State anxiety (p = 0.046, partial ŋ² = 0.14). In the oxazepam condition, there was a significant reduction in anxiety (p = 0.035), whereas there was no change in anxiety in the kava condition, and there was an increase in anxiety in the placebo condition. An increase in Bond-Lader "calmness" (p = 0.002) also occurred for the oxazepam condition. Kava was found to have no negative effect on cognition, whereas a reduction in alertness (p < 0.001) occurred in the oxazepam condition. Genetic analyses provide tentative evidence that noradrenaline (SLC6A2) transporter polymorphisms may have an effect on response to kava.

CONCLUSION

Acute "medicinal level" doses of this particular kava cultivar in naive users do not provide anxiolytic activity, although the phytomedicine also appears to have no negative effects on cognition.

Observation of X(3872)→J/ψγ and search for X(3872)→ψ'γ in B decays

We report a study of B→(J/ψγ)K and B→(ψ'γ)K decay modes using 772×10⁶ B ̅B events collected at the Υ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. We observe X(3872)→J/ψγ and report the first evidence for χ(c2)→J/ψγ in B→(X_{c ̅cγ)K decays, while in a search for X(3872)→ψ'γ no significant signal is found. We measure the branching fractions, B(B(±)→X(3872)K(±))B(X(3872)→J/ψγ)=(1.78(-0.44)(+0.48)±0.12)×10(-6), B(B(±)→χ(c2)K(±))=(1.11(-0.34)(+0.36)±0.09)×10(-5), B(B(±)→X(3872)K(±))B(X(3872)→ψ'γ)<3.45×10⁶ (upper limit at 90% C.L.), and also provide upper limits for other searches.

Long-term results of salvage cryotherapy for prostate cancer

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Background: The optimum treatment of Prostate cancer recurrence following external bean radiation therapy (EBRT) remains a controversial topic. The primary problem with comparing salvage techniques following EBRT is the lack of long term data. We reviewed the long- term overall survival, disease-specific survival and disease free survival of patients who have undergone salvage cryotherapy to the prostate gland.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients undergoing salvage cryotherapy for locally recurrent prostate cancer after EBRT by a single surgeon at a single institution from 1995-2004. Patients preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data was reviewed and recorded. Should a patient no longer be followed by the urology service the Patients and the patient's primary care physician or urologist were contacted. Mortality data, PSA results, bone scan results and any details of hormone therapy were recorded for this study.

Results: 187 patients were included in the current study from which 176 patients had records available for follow up giving a follow up rate of 94%. Mean follow up was 7.46 years (1-14 years). 52 patients were followed for greater than 10 years. Average time to prostate cancer recurrence in patients who developed recurred was 2.3 years and average time to hormone therapy in these patients was 2.8 years. Overall survival at 10 years was high at 87%. Risk factors for recurrence of tumour identified were presalvage PSA, preradiation and presalvage gleason score. Preradiation gleason score had little impact on survival. PSA nadir of >1.0ng/mL was highly predictive of early recurrence. Disease-free survival rates of between 39 and 64% depending on risk factors.

Conclusions: Cryotherapy has a definite role in the management of prostate cancer, representing a minimally invasive salvage treatment with acceptable 10 year disease free survival (DFS) of upwards of 39% and specific groups attaining 10 year DFS of 64%. Presalvage PSA and Gleason score are the best predictors of disease recurrence, whilst preradiation gleason score did not correlate with risk of disease recurrence. A PSA Nadir greater than 1 ng/mL indicates a poor prognosis in which early ADT should be strongly considered.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Arthritis in the Canadian Aboriginal population: north-south differences in prevalence and correlates

BACKGROUND

Information on arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders among Aboriginal people is sparse. Survey data show that arthritis and rheumatism are among the most commonly reported chronic conditions and their prevalence is higher than among non-Aboriginal people.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the burden of arthritis among Aboriginal people in northern Canada and demonstrate the public health significance and social impact of the disease.

METHODS

Using cross-sectional data from more than 29,000 Aboriginal people aged 15 years and over who participated in the Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2006, we assessed regional differences in the prevalence of arthritis and its association with other risk factors, co-morbidity and health care use.

RESULTS

The prevalence of arthritis in the three northern territories ("North") is 12.7% compared to 20.1% in the provinces ("South") and is higher among females than males in both the North and South. The prevalence among Inuit is lower than among other Aboriginal groups. Individuals with arthritis are more likely to smoke, be obese, have concurrent chronic diseases, and are less likely to be employed. Aboriginal people with arthritis utilized the health care system more often than those without the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Aboriginal-specific findings on arthritis and other chronic diseases as well as recognition of regional differences between North and South will enhance program planning and help identify new priorities in health promotion.

Arthritis in the Canadian Aboriginal population: north-south differences in prevalence and correlates

Background

Information on arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders among Aboriginal people is sparse. Survey data show that arthritis and rheumatism are among the most commonly reported chronic conditions and their prevalence is higher than among non-Aboriginal people.

Objective

To describe the burden of arthritis among Aboriginal people in northern Canada and demonstrate the public health significance and social impact of the disease.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from more than 29 000 Aboriginal people aged 15 years and over who participated in the Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2006, we assessed regional differences in the prevalence of arthritis and its association with other risk factors, co-morbidity and health care use.

Results

The prevalence of arthritis in the three northern territories ("North") is 12.7% compared to 20.1% in the provinces ("South") and is higher among females than males in both the North and South. The prevalence among Inuit is lower than among other Aboriginal groups. Individuals with arthritis are more likely to smoke, be obese, have concurrent chronic diseases, and are less likely to be employed. Aboriginal people with arthritis utilized the health care system more often than those without the disease.

Conclusion

Aboriginal-specific findings on arthritis and other chronic diseases as well as recognition of regional differences between North and South will enhance program planning and help identify new priorities in health promotion.

Arthritis in the Canadian Aboriginal population: North-South differences in prevalence and correlates

BACKGROUND

Information on arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders among Aboriginal people is sparse. Survey data show that arthritis and rheumatism are among the most commonly reported chronic conditions and their prevalence is higher than among non-Aboriginal people.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the burden of arthritis among Aboriginal people in northern Canada and demonstrate the public health significance and social impact of the disease.

METHODS

Using cross-sectional data from more than 29 000 Aboriginal people aged 15 years and over who participated in the Aboriginal Peoples Survey 2006, we assessed regional differences in the prevalence of arthritis and its association with other risk factors, co-morbidity and health care use.

RESULTS

The prevalence of arthritis in the three northern territories ("North") is 12.7% compared to 20.1% in the provinces ("South") and is higher among females than males in both the North and South. The prevalence among Inuit is lower than among other Aboriginal groups. Individuals with arthritis are more likely to smoke, be obese, have concurrent chronic diseases, and are less likely to be employed. Aboriginal people with arthritis utilized the health care system more often than those without the disease.

CONCLUSION

Aboriginal-specific findings on arthritis and other chronic diseases as well as recognition of regional differences between North and South will enhance program planning and help identify new priorities in health promotion.

Lived experience of caregivers of persons with dementia in Hong Kong: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

To report the lived experience of caregivers of persons with dementia in Hong Kong, and to explore their service needs.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study of caregivers of persons with dementia. Four focus group interviews, each group comprising 6 to 7 informal caregivers, were conducted. A total of 27 participants were recruited. With the participants' consent, interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Colaizzi's methods for phenomenological analysis were used.

RESULTS

Caregiving in dementia in Hong Kong is as demanding and challenging as reported in other developed communities. 'Confusion regarding diagnosis', 'Emotional impact', 'Difficulty in coping with the care recipient behaviours', 'Provision of care recipient's daily care needs is demanding', and 'Conflicts among social roles' were themes pervasive across every focus group. In addition, the needs of carers changed as the disease of their care recipients progressed.

CONCLUSIONS

As the local population continues to age, family caregivers are faced with increasing demands. Understanding their experience is pivotal in the design of effective carer support services. Our findings highlight the sources of strain and unmet needs of Hong Kong Chinese caregivers, which may serve as a guide for future service development.