Controlled Trial Examining the Strength-Based Grit Wellbeing and Self-Regulation Program for Young People in Residential Settings for Substance Use

This cohort-controlled trial examined whether the 12-session Grit Wellbeing and Self-regulation Program enhanced the treatment outcomes of young people accessing residential alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment. Grit focuses on increasing wellbeing and reducing substance use and mental health problems by building self-regulation skills, strengths, social connections, and health behaviours. Participants were 194 (66% male, Mage 27.40) young people (aged 18-35 years) accessing a six-week residential treatment program for substance use. Participants received standard treatment, or standard treatment plus Grit (two sessions/week for six weeks). The primary outcome was substance use, measured as: (i) global substance use and (ii) alcohol, methamphetamine, and cannabis use involvement. Secondary outcomes included wellbeing, depression, anxiety, and vocational engagement. Participants were assessed at baseline, and 6-weeks (secondary outcomes only), 3-months, 6-months, and 12-months post-program enrolment. Results revealed that both groups showed a significant improvement in all outcomes at three months, and improvements were maintained at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. The Grit group had a larger reduction in methamphetamine and cannabis use involvement compared to the control group. This study presents promising evidence that a six-week residential program can achieve improvements in AOD use, depression, anxiety, wellbeing and vocational engagement. Further, targeting self-regulation may enhance such programs.

Changes in Substance Use Among People Seeking Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluating Mental Health Outcomes and Resilience

Background:

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use patterns have altered as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions. This study aimed to: (i) determine the impact of the pandemic on patterns of AOD use among individuals seeking treatment, (ii) identify which mental health and resilience factors were associated with changes in patterns of AOD use and (iii) evaluate changes in the contextual factors (eg, motivations) associated with use.

Methods:

Cross-sectional surveys were completed by clients (n = 325) who had sought AOD treatment from January 2020 onwards. We measured quantity and frequency of AOD use now compared to before the pandemic, mental health (depression, anxiety, trauma exposure), resilience and contextual factors related to AOD use.

Results:

Quantity of tobacco and cannabis use increased post-pandemic, while methamphetamine and alcohol did not change. Depression was associated with more frequent alcohol use now compared to before the pandemic, while anxiety and lower resilience were associated with less frequent cannabis use now. Lower resilience was associated changes in methamphetamine use. Depression was associated with using more frequently for enjoyment and to alleviate loneliness following the pandemic, and anxiety was associated with using earlier in the day and to alleviate boredom.

Conclusions:

The pandemic has led to increased frequency of AOD use for a subset of individuals seeking treatment. Depression, anxiety and resilience are important factors associated with altered AOD use, and changes in the motivations and control surrounding use. Special consideration of this should be considered during AOD treatment through the pandemic.

FullFix: a randomised controlled trial of a telephone delivered transdiagnostic intervention for comorbid substance and mental health problems in young people

INTRODUCTION

Transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) targets common psychological factors that underlie multiple disorders. While transdiagnostic interventions are a promising new approach, limited research has evaluated these treatments within the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector for young people with comorbid mental health symptoms. This project will examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of FullFix-a new risk-targeted transdiagnostic CBT telehealth programme for comorbid AOD and depression/anxiety disorders in young people. Secondary aims are to identify moderators and mediators of treatment outcomes, to determine how and why treatment is effective and who is most likely to benefit.

METHODS/DESIGN

Participants will be 130 young people (aged 16-35) accessing AOD services in Queensland, Australia, with comorbid mental health symptoms. They will be randomised to receive either the FullFix intervention plus standard AOD care or standard AOD care alone. Primary outcomes on AOD use and mental health symptoms will be reassessed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, along with secondary outcomes of emotion regulation, social connectedness, perceived self-efficacy, coping skills and quality of life. The trial commenced on October 2018 and expected completion date is September 2021.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for this trial was provided by the University of Queensland (#2018001185). The results of the trial will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, scientific presentations at conferences and distributed via a report and presentations to the partner organisation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12618001563257.

Social Cognitive Moderators of the Relationship Between Social Anxiety and Alcohol Outcomes in Young People

OBJECTIVE

Social anxiety has been linked to problem drinking in young people. Identifying moderators of this relationship will aid the development of effective interventions for this at-risk group. This cross-sectional study examined whether anticipated social outcomes and controlled drinking self-efficacy moderated the relationship between social anxiety and alcohol outcomes.

METHOD

A total of 385 participants (drinkers and nondrinkers; mean age = 20.98, SD = 2.35; 65% female; 81% born in Australia), completed an online survey measuring alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harms, social anxiety, anticipated social outcomes, and controlled drinking self-efficacy. Regressions examined the interactive effects of social anxiety, anticipated social outcomes, and controlled drinking self-efficacy on alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harms.

RESULTS

A significant three-way interaction was found for alcohol consumption (95% CI [-0.523, -0.018]). Simple slopes revealed an inverse relationship between social anxiety and alcohol consumption when participants anticipated positive evaluations for being drunk and had high controlled drinking self-efficacy (95% CI [-1.181, -0.273]). The three-way interaction for alcohol-related harms was not significant (95% CI [-1.445, 0.799]). A significant two-way interaction revealed that the relationship between social anxiety and alcohol-related harms was only significant when individuals had low (95% CI [0.571, 3.943]), but not high (95% CI [-1.149, 0.735]), controlled drinking self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Social anxiety was associated with reduced alcohol consumption when young people anticipated positive evaluations for being drunk and had high confidence to control their drinking. Further, social anxiety was associated with alcohol-related harms when young people had low confidence to control their drinking. Interventions for alcohol use among socially anxious young people could focus on increasing confidence to control drinking.

Does self-efficacy moderate the effect of gambling advertising on problem gambling behaviors?

Problem gambling causes significant harm to individuals and society. Financial losses from gambling in Australia exceed those anywhere else in the world. Problem gamblers are overrepresented among substance users and rural and remote Australians. Limited research exists on the impact of gambling advertising on problem gambling among those seeking substance use treatment, in rural/remote areas, and protective factors that may guard against these impacts. This study examined whether self-efficacy to control gambling moderated the relationship between the perceived impact of gambling advertising and problem gambling in people seeking treatment for substance use. Participants (N = 198, 60% female) who had recently sought treatment for substance use from services in rural/remote areas of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, completed an anonymous online survey. Problem gambling severity was measured by the Problem Gambling Severity Index, with 30% of participants showing at least moderate-risk problem gambling behaviors (12% moderate-risk gambling, 18% high-risk gambling). Moderated regression analyses found self-efficacy to control gambling significantly moderated the relationship between the perceived impacts of gambling advertising and the severity of problem gambling. At low levels of self-efficacy to control gambling, higher perceived impacts of advertising on gambling involvement and awareness were associated with higher levels of problem gambling behavior. However, at high levels of self-efficacy to control gambling, the association between problem gambling and impact of gambling advertising was weaker for involvement and not significant for awareness. Findings suggest that self-efficacy could be targeted as a treatment option to protect vulnerable groups from the effects of gambling advertising. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of a brief psychoeducational intervention for reducing alcohol use and related harm in school leavers

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Many young people engage in risky partying behaviours and excessive alcohol use in the transition period following high school graduation. Despite this, there is limited longitudinal research on adolescents before and after school graduation; and limited evaluation of interventions targeting these high-risk periods. The present study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the impact of brief psychoeducation interventions on substance use, psychological distress and well-being during this important life transition.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants were 334 high school leavers (53% female, M_age  = 17.14) from Queensland, Australia. They received either: (i) a psychoeducation intervention on safe partying behaviours; (ii) a reconstructed version of the psychoeducation intervention; or (iii) a standard health curriculum control. Surveys were conducted at baseline; 2 weeks, immediately following post-graduation celebratory event 'Schoolies'; and 4 months, immediately following university orientation 'O-week'.

RESULTS

Significant time by group effects were found for problem drinking, F(2, 227) = 3.07, P < 0.05, and well-being, F(4, 439) = 3.54, P < 0.01. There was stability in problem drinking from baseline to follow-up for the psychoeducation groups but small increases in problem drinking for the control (d = 0.12). Both psychoeducation groups had improvements in well-being scores from baseline to post-Schoolies (d = 0.40; 0.20), which were maintained across time. In contrast, the control condition showed a decrease in well-being scores from baseline to the post O-week follow-up (d = 0.15).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Brief school-based psychoeducational interventions may result in small improvements in well-being, and possibly stabilise the trajectory of problematic drinking in high-risk environments.

The interactive effects of perceived peer drinking and personality profiles on adolescent drinking: a prospective cohort study

AIMS

(1) To classify Australian adolescents according to their alcohol consumption trajectories; and (2) to assess the direct and interactive effects of perceived peer drinking (PPD) and personality on adolescent drinking.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study comprising secondary analysis of six waves of prospective data (collected between 2014 and 2016) from the control arm of the Climate Schools Combined Study.

SETTING

Nineteen schools across three Australian states.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1492 socio-demographically diverse students (mean age at baseline: 13.47; 68% female; 82% born in Australia).

MEASUREMENTS

Alcohol consumption trajectories were assessed using self-reported sipping of alcohol, full standard drink consumption, binge drinking and quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. One item assessed PPD and personality was assessed using the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale.

FINDINGS

Eight hundred and sixty-four (58%) adolescents consumed alcohol across the study period. Four drinking trajectories were identified: abstaining (n = 513; reference group); onset (n = 361; initiated after baseline); persistent (n = 531; initiated prior to baseline); and decreasing (n = 50; consumed alcohol at baseline but ceased or decreased thereafter). A significant PPD × anxiety sensitivity (AS) interaction affected probability of belonging to the onset (P < 0.001) and persistent (P = 0.003) trajectories. The effect of PPD on probability of belonging to the onset trajectory was only significant when adolescents reported low [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.464-2.646, P < 0.001], but not high AS. The effect of PPD on probability of belonging to the persistent drinking trajectory was stronger at low (95% CI = 2.144-3.283, P < 0.001), compared with high (95% CI = 1.440-2.308, P < 0.001) AS.

CONCLUSIONS

In Australian adolescents, self-reported drinking onset and persistent drinking appear to be more strongly associated with perceived peer drinking in those with low anxiety sensitivity than those with high anxiety sensitivity.

An Examination of Gender Differences in the Association of Adolescent Substance use with Eating and Weight Loss Attitudes

OBJECTIVE

To assess gender differences in the relationship between eating and weight loss attitudes (EWAs), and 30-day tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents, while controlling for potential confounds (age, country of birth, psychological distress, pubertal development, peer alcohol and tobacco use, and sexual activity).

METHODS

School students aged between 11 and 17 years (N = 10,273) from high schools in the State of Victoria (Australia) completed surveys in class under conditions of anonymity and confidentiality.

RESULTS

The interaction between EWAs and gender was significant for tobacco use but not for alcohol use, indicating that the effect of EWAs on tobacco use, but not alcohol use, vary by gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco use was related to EWAs in adolescent females but not males, and this is consistent with the possibility that females use tobacco in an instrumental fashion to control weight. Implications and Contribution: Female adolescents high in eating and weight loss attitudes were more likely to engage in tobacco use. In contrast, eating and weight loss attitudes were not related to male tobacco use. These results point to the potential importance of developing gender-specific approaches towards addressing problematic behaviors in adolescent populations.

The interactive effects of personality profiles and perceived peer drinking on early adolescent drinking

Early adolescent drinking has been identified as an important risk factor for the development of alcohol dependence. Both perceived peer drinking and personality profiles have been implicated as risk factors for early adolescent drinking. However, research is yet to determine how these 2 factors may interact to increase such risk. This study aimed to determine whether personality profiles moderated the relationship between perceived peer drinking and early adolescent drinking. Baseline data were utilized in the analyses, from 3,287 adolescents (M_age = 13.51 years, SD = .58; 54% female; 78% born in Australia) participating in the Climate Schools Combined Study (a cluster randomized controlled trial with 75 schools located across Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia, Australia). Lifetime consumption of alcohol, perceived peer drinking, and personality profiles (Substance Use Risk Profile Scale) were measured. A moderated binary logistic regression found the personality profiles of impulsivity, sensation seeking, and hopelessness were positively related to early adolescent drinking, whereas anxiety sensitivity had a negative association. A significant interaction revealed that adolescents with higher levels of sensation seeking and who perceived their peers to be drinking were significantly more likely to report early adolescent drinking (consumption of a full standard drink; OR = 1.043; 95% CI [1.018-1.069]). These results indicate that perception of peer drinking is more strongly associated with early adolescent drinking, when adolescents are also high on sensation seeking. Prevention and intervention programs could consider targeting both sensation seeking and perceived peer drinking in adolescents. (PsycINFO Database Record

Associations between the group processes of bullying and adolescent substance use

The adverse impact of bullying and victimization on substance use among youth has received increasing attention. Bullying is a specific type of aggressive behavior that not only involves bullies and victims but also followers, who actively support or reinforce the bully; defenders, who intervene to defend or assist the victim; or outsiders who passively observe or ignore the bullying. Limited research to date has linked these five bullying role behaviors to substance use. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between each of the bullying role behaviors and adolescent alcohol and tobacco use. Participants were 1255 (748 female) students (Mage=15.3, age range: 13-17years) in Grades 9 (n=714) and 11 (n=541). Bullying role behaviors, alcohol and tobacco onset and intensity, and alcohol-related harms were assessed. Results revealed an association between pro-bullying behavior (bullying and following) and all substance use variables, and between defender behavior and smoking and alcohol-related harm. No relationship between victimization, or outsider behavior, and substance use was found after controlling for the other bullying roles. The findings highlight the complex relationship between bullying roles, alcohol and tobacco use and alcohol-related harm in adolescents.

Moral Disengagement, Anticipated Social Outcomes and Adolescents' Alcohol Use: Parallel Latent Growth Curve Analyses

Moral disengagement is a social cognitive process that has been extensively applied to transgressive behaviors, including delinquency, aggression and illicit substance use. However, there has been limited research on moral disengagement as it relates to underage drinking. The current study aimed to examine moral disengagement contextualized to underage drinking and its longitudinal relationship to alcohol use. Moreover, the social context in which adolescent alcohol use typically occurs was also considered, with a specific emphasis on the social sanctions, or social outcomes, that adolescents anticipate receiving from friends for their alcohol use. Adolescents were assessed across three time-points, 8 months apart. The longitudinal sample consisted of 382 (46% female) underage drinkers (12-16 years at T1). Parallel latent growth curve analysis was used to examine the bi-directional influence of initial moral disengagement, anticipated social outcomes, and alcohol use on subsequent growth in moral disengagement, anticipated social outcomes and alcohol use. The interrelation of initial scores and growth curves was also assessed. The findings revealed that, in the binary parallel analyses, initial moral disengagement and anticipated social outcomes both significantly predicted changes in alcohol use across time. Moreover, initial anticipated social outcomes predicted changes in moral disengagement. These findings were not consistently found when all three process analyses were included in a single model. The results emphasize the impact of social context on moral disengagement and suggest that by targeting adolescents' propensity to justify or excuse their drinking, as well as the social outcomes adolescents anticipate for being drunk, it may be possible to reduce their underage drinking.

How new technology is changing mammography and breast cancer management

Breast-imaging technology has improved in ways that allow one not only to detect breast cancer earlier, but also to distinguish benign from malignant lesions better. These capabilities are influencing the approach to breast cancer. We review current trends and issues for the non-radiologist.

Initial evaluation of a 290-microm diameter subcutaneous glucose sensor: glucose monitoring with a biocompatible, flexible-wire, enzyme-based amperometric microsensor in diabetic and nondiabetic humans

Results of the initial clinical evaluation in 20 human subjects of a subcutaneously implanted microsensor-based amperometrically glycemia-monitoring system, carried out between April 1994 and June 1995, are reported. The system was based on the electrical connection ("wiring") of the reaction centers of glucose oxidase to a gold electrode and on elimination of the chemicals that interfere with glucose monitoring through their horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation by internally generated hydrogen peroxide. The sensor was finer than a 29-gauge needle and had no leachable components. Because of its high selectivity for glucose, the sensor output was virtually nil at zero glucose level. This enables prompt "one-point" in vivo calibration of the sensor with a single blood glucose sample. Microsensors were subcutaneously implanted in ten nondiabetic and ten insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) volunteers. All subjects underwent standard meal tests and intravenous glucose-tolerance tests (IVGTT) in addition to hourly plasma glucose measurements. The sensor signals were continuously recorded, and the glucose concentration estimates were derived by calibrating the sensor using a single blood sample (one-point calibration). Regression analysis revealed that the sensor-estimated glucose concentrations were linearly related to the plasma glucose concentrations (r2 = 0.75) over a wide glucose concentration range (2-28 mmol/L) (sensor estimate = plasma 0.96 + 0.26 mmol/L). The difference between the estimated and actual glucose concentration was -0.13+/-0.23 mmol/L [mean +/-95% confidence interval (CI), n = 546], and 95% of the estimates fell in clinically acceptable zones of the Clarke error grid. The sensing delay time was 10.4+/-2.3 min as measured by the IVGTT. The subjects reported no discomfort associated with wearing the sensors.

Biocompatible, glucose-permeable hydrogel for in situ coating of implantable biosensors

A glucose-permeable hydrogel (97% water by mass) was formed by cross-linking an 8-armed, amine-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivative with a di-succinimidyl ester of an alpha,omega-dipropionic acid derivative of PEG in aqueous solution at room temperature. The gel was evaluated as a biocompatible interface between an amperometric glucose electrode and the subcutaneous tissue of a rat. Over a glucose concentration range of 0-30 mM, the loss in sensitivity to glucose caused by the application of the hydrogel was 34% and the reduction in limiting current at high glucose concentration (30 mM) was 35% at 37 degrees C for films that were approximately 0.06 mm thick, an acceptable loss. Hydrogel and Pellethane samples were subcutaneously implanted in male Sprague-Dawley rats for 7 days. The explanted samples were thin-sectioned, stained and examined under a light microscope. While the Pellethane samples were encapsulated with tissue consisting of macrophages, neutrophils, foreign body giant cells, fibroblasts and collagen, the PEG samples had very few adherent cells. The results show this system to be a good candidate for providing biocompatible interfaces for sensors, especially oxidoreductase-based sensors.

Stereotactic breast biopsy: a less-invasive option

Until recently, a woman with a nonpalpable lesion detected on mammography had to undergo the emotional and physical trauma of surgical excision. However, a new technique, percutaneous core needle biopsy, guided by digital three-dimensional x-ray imaging, offers a reasonable alternative to standard surgical biopsy. This method produces no pseudolesions, subjects the patient to less physical and emotional trauma, is done on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia, and costs far less than the surgical method.

The advanced practice nurse and changing perspectives on physical restraint

Regulatory changes concerning the use of physical restraints in nursing homes have stimulated an examination of restraint use practices in other care settings. Caregivers are receiving mixed messages about appropriate restraint use in the hospital. Legal decisions are ambiguous in terms of the nurse's liability for restraint decisions, and the use of restraints may create a conflict between respecting patient autonomy and acting in the patient's best interest. Recent research does not support the belief that restraint use prevents patient injuries, but continues to document the untoward effects of restraints. Restraint reduction efforts have been successful in nursing homes, and many strategies can be adapted in acute care. As the movement to integrated systems of care places increased emphasis on continuity of services across settings and improved client outcomes, restraint practice is one area where interinstitutional collaboration and coordination must occur. The advanced practice nurse is in a key role to facilitate continuity of restraint reduction efforts.

Ultraviolet photoreception in mantis shrimp

An UV-sensitive class of photoreceptors exists in all regions of the retinas of mantis shrimps. UV photosensitivity apparently resides in rhabdomeres of the eighth retinular cell (R8) that lies atop each rhabdom; and in ommatidia where the R8 rhabdomere consists of microvilli parallel in a single direction, sensitivity is maximal when the e-vector of plane-polarized light is parallel to the microvilli. Spectral sensitivity of the UV photoreceptor peaks at 345 nm and is best explained by the presence of a photopigment with lambda max near 325 nm overlain by material that absorbs UV light at wavelengths below approximately 350 nm. Rhabdomeres of R8 cells in several different retinal regions of a variety of species examined contain a photopigment absorbing maximally below 340 nm. Under appropriate conditions, a metapigment with lambda max near 460 nm can be formed. UV vision may be useful for enhancing the visual contrast of midwater predators or prey.

The four A's of restraint reduction: attitude, assessment, anticipation, avoidance

The use of physical restraints in the nursing care of older persons is a controversial intervention. Consumer groups and regulatory bodies have issued statements and guidelines that call into question the use of restraints in all but the most extreme situations. This article reviews the changing perspectives on restraint use, including the growing body of research that documents the untoward effects of physical restraints. Alternatives to restraint use are discussed in relation to three broad areas: changing entrenched attitudes and beliefs, conducting thorough and frequent patients assessments, and planning interventions that anticipate events and behaviors and avoid problems that may lead to restraint use.

A conceptual approach to the identification of essential ethics content for the undergraduate nursing curriculum

While the importance of ethics content in the nursing curriculum is recognized, few guidelines exist to aid faculty in decisions regarding 'essential' content. Comparison of documents from the Hastings Center Institute of Society, Ethics and the Life Sciences, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing suggests that outcomes for the undergraduate nursing curriculum reflect the goals of both undergraduate and professional ethics education as identified by the Hastings Center study. Faculty are faced with the challenge of adequately addressing ethics in an already filled undergraduate curriculum. The conceptual integration of traditional clinical ethics with professional socialization and issues of professionalism provides a workable approach for identifying and integrating the necessary ethics content. Within this integrated approach the author identifies seven areas essential to the undergraduate curriculum: the moral ideals of the nursing profession, clarification of personal and professional values, moral issues/dilemmas common to nursing practice, recognizing ethical issues, basic ethical theory and principles, practice in analysis and debate, and the moral nature of a profession.

New mouse models for chronic Cryptosporidium infection in immunodeficient hosts

Cryptosporidium sp. causes fulminant diarrhea and chronic infection in immunocompromised, particularly human immunodeficiency virus-infected, persons. The lack of in vitro cultivation and a suitable animal model has limited development of effective treatment. We describe two new mouse models of chronic symptomatic cryptosporidiosis in adult athymic mice and in T-cell subset-depleted mice. A progressive infection, fatal within 4 months, occurred in most adult athymic mice; a few developed stable infections. Symptoms included dehydration, weight loss, intermittent diarrhea, and jaundice. Pathologic abnormalities and organisms localized in the intestine in stable infections but involved the hepatobiliary tree and pancreas in others. Lymphoid cells from histocompatible, Cryptosporidium sp.-immune mice cured infected nude mice. Identical infections occurred in neonatally infected BALB/c mice treated with anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies alone or also with anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies; the mice were cured when the monoclonal antibody treatments were stopped. These models will be useful in definition of the immune defects that permit chronic cryptosporidiosis to develop and in assessment of treatment modalities.

Cessation of Cryptosporidium-associated diarrhea in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient after treatment with hyperimmune bovine colostrum

Cryptosporidium is a parasite of the human gastrointestinal tract that can cause life-threatening diarrhea in immunodeficient patients. Although more than 80 agents have been tried with occasional anecdotal success, treatment remains primarily limited to hydration. A 38-yr-old homosexual man with antibody to human immunodeficiency virus and Cryptosporidium-related diarrhea is described. The patient excreted 6-12 L of stool per day for at least 3 mo, 2 of them spent in the hospital. Trials with more than 6 antidiarrheal medications were ineffective. The patient received bovine colostrum hyperimmune to Cryptosporidium by direct duodenal infusion. During infusion, the patient's fecal output decreased to less than 2 L per day, and 48 h after treatment, stools were formed and oocysts to Cryptosporidium were absent. The patient remained asymptomatic for 3 mo. Hyperimmune bovine colostrum offers an exciting new therapy for cryptosporidiosis; controlled trials to establish efficacy should be undertaken and the active factor(s) characterized.

Human N-CAM gene: mapping to chromosome 11 by analysis of somatic cell hybrids with mouse and human cDNA probes

We have used mouse and human cDNA probes to map the chromosomal position of the N-CAM gene in the human genome. Southern analysis of DNA isolated from a panel of mouse-human somatic cell hybrids has assigned the N-CAM gene to chromosome 11. This assignment was found with both mouse and human N-CAM cDNAs.

Cell surface differentiation antigen of human muscle encoded by a gene (MIC12) on chromosome 15

Monoclonal antibody 30.2A8 was produced by a hybridoma made by fusing cells from rats that had been immunized with rat-human muscle cell hybrids. The 30.2A8 reacts with a differentiation antigen in human skeletal muscle that is synthesized by myoblasts but not myotubes. The gene controlling synthesis of the antigen recognized by 30.2A8 was found to be encoded by human chromosome 15.

One-month crossover trial comparing the intraocular pressure control of 3.4% Piloplex twice daily with 2.0% pilocarpine four times daily

A one-month crossover trial comparing Piloplex 3.4% b.i.d. with pilocarpine 2.0% q.i.d. was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the 2 drugs in reducing the intraocular pressure of ocular hypertensive and open-angle glaucoma in subjects previously controlled with pilocarpine 2.0%. For both groups the mean IOP increased slightly from baseline with pilocarpine and decreased significantly from baseline with Piloplex. The side effects of both treatments were minor. Piloplex and pilocarpine treatment were both associated with eye dryness; Piloplex was associated with lacrimation in 2 subjects. This controlled study showed that Piloplex 3.4% b.i.d. was more effective than pilocarpine 2% q.i.d. in lowering intraocular pressure.

Human--rat muscle somatic cell hybrids form myotubes and express human muscle gene products

Somatic cell hybrids have been prepared at high frequency between the rat muscle cell line L6 and human fetal muscle cells. The hybrid cells express several human gene products including an antigen, 12E7, controlled by the human X chromosome, Thy-1, and several human isoenzymes. In addition, one clone (37-11) expresses a human muscle-specific surface antigen (5.1 H11) and, under appropriate conditions, can be induced to form myotubes. Upon myotube formation, this clone switches on the production of the human muscle-specific creatine kinase (ATP:creatine N-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.3.2) M subunit. This is an example of developmental regulation of human muscle-specific genes in somatic cell hybrids.

Evaluation of procedures for the diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection in rams

Procedures for the diagnosis of Br. ovis infection in rams were evaluated by examining 10 rams artificially infected by preputial inoculation. Observations were undertaken at weekly intervals for 1 year to follow changes in clinical, bacteriological and serological findings. Clinical lesions were detected in 1 ram 3 weeks after inoculation and in all rams by 8 weeks; lesions were undetectable in 3 rams at the completion of the trial. The presence of inflammatory cells in semen samples was the earliest indication of infection being demonstrated in 2 rams at 2 weeks and in all rams by 8 weeks; subsequently 86% of samples were positive. Br. ovis was detected in semen smears from 3 rams at 4 weeks but only one in all rams (at 27 weeks); overall 52% of semen smears were positive from 4 weeks onwards. Br. ovis was cultured from semen of 5 rams after 4 weeks and from all rams at 5 weeks; therafter 97% of samples were positive. All rams developed significant titres to the CFT between 2 and 9 weeks; therafter the CFT was a reliable indication of infection in 6 rams, highly suggestive in 3 and unreliable in one. By 8-10 weeks all rams developed significant titres to the IHA which were then maintained in all rams for the remainder of the trial.