The Relative and Interactive Effects of Actual and Perceived Gambling Exposure on Gambling Behaviour

Actual and perceptual measures of gambling exposure are important predictors of problem gambling. This study used Zero-Inflated Poisson regression analyses to assess the relative and interactive effects of actual and perceived exposure on problem gambling risk and severity. Data from the 2008 and 2009 Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Alberta surveys indicated actual exposure was significantly associated with problem gambling risk while perceived exposure was significantly associated with problem gambling severity. These associations differ for gamblers from emerging and mature areas. Further, actual and perceived exposure had significant interaction effects on problem gambling severity but not on risk. Implications from these findings suggest that the prevalence of problem gambling could be reduced by restrictions on gambling opportunities.

The Prevalence of Comorbid Personality Disorders in Treatment-Seeking Problem Gamblers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of comorbid personality disorders among treatment-seeking problem gamblers. Almost one half (47.9%) of problem gamblers displayed comorbid personality disorders. They were most likely to display Cluster B disorders (17.6%), with smaller proportions reporting Cluster C disorders (12.6%) and Cluster A disorders (6.1%). The most prevalent personality disorders were narcissistic (16.6%), antisocial (14.0%), avoidant (13.4%), obsessive-compulsive (13.4%), and borderline (13.1%) personality disorders. Sensitivity analyses suggested that these prevalence estimates were robust to the inclusion of clinical trials and self-selected samples. Although there was significant variability in reported rates, subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences in estimates of antisocial personality disorder according to problem gambling severity, measure of comorbidity employed, and study jurisdiction. The findings highlight the need for gambling treatment services to conduct routine screening and assessment of co-occurring personality disorders and to provide treatment approaches that adequately address these comorbid conditions.

Evaluation of the Cepheid GeneXpert system for detecting Bacillus anthracis

AIMS

The Cepheid GeneXpert is a four-site, automated sample preparation and real-time PCR detection system. In this study, the capability of the GeneXpert to isolate and detect nucleic acid from Bacillus anthracis Ames spores was assessed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A four-plex, dried-down bead cartridge containing PCR reagents specific for the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids as well as sample processing and inhibition controls was evaluated. For B. anthracis Ames spores harbouring pXO1 and pXO2, samples containing 68 CFU per ml (148 spores per ml) were positive in all four replicates. A limited cross-reactivity panel, which included closely related Bacillus species, was also tested to determine the specificity of the pXO1 and pXO2 assays. No cross-reactivity occurred. Further, B. anthracis Sterne spore samples were analysed to compare results when processed using the GeneXpert to those run directly on the Cepheid SmartCycler without sample processing. The GeneXpert detection capability was three logs lower than the SmartCycler indicating the benefit of incorporating a nucleic acid extraction procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the GeneXpert is a rapid and reliable system for simultaneously detecting the B. anthracis virulence plasmids pXO1 and pXO2.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The GeneXpert is the only platform currently available that is capable of both nucleic acid purification and real-time PCR detection enclosed within a single system. Further, all sample manipulations are automated, thus reducing errors associated with manual processing.

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma: short T2 on MR imaging

A case of sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma and its appearance on MRI is presented. The tumor showed a zonal architecture on MRI with a large central core of very low signal intensity and a peripheral rim of intermediate to high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted spin echo pulse sequences. The core showed decreased cellularity with dense collagen deposition on histologic examination, and the peripheral zone increased cellularity with increased nuclear atypia. The presence of a prominent region of very low signal intensity on T1- and T2- weighted images can be seen with neural tumors, giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath, aggressive fibromatosis, and, in rare instances, with soft tissue sarcomas rich in collagen.

Correlation of PCR-detected clonal gene rearrangements with bone marrow morphology in patients with B-lineage lymphomas

Bone marrow biopsy is the conventional staging and posttherapy evaluation method for assessing marrow involvement by lymphoma. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) for antigen receptor rearrangements have the potential to increase the detection of minimal degrees of marrow involvement. The present study is a concurrent morphologic and PCR evaluation of 225 staging or posttherapy marrow biopsies from 127 patients with B-lineage non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The biopsies were morphologically categorized into four groups: group 1 (positive for lymphoma), 60 biopsies (27%); group 2 (suspicious for lymphoma), 20 biopsies (9%); group 3 (lymphocytic lesions of indeterminate biology), 22 biopsies (10%); and group 4 (negative for lymphoma), 123 biopsies (54%). Molecular studies were performed on concurrently obtained aspirates and used consensus immunoglobulin-heavy-chain (IgH) and IgH/bcl-2 gene PCR primers. A molecular clone was detected in 53 of the 225 aspirates (24%): group 1, 34 aspirates (57%); group 2, five aspirates (25%); group 3, one aspirate (5%); and group 4, 13 aspirates (11%). A PCR-positive aspirate was present in 47% of follicular lymphomas, 58% of diffuse large cell lymphomas, and 72% of the other lymphomas in the group I specimens. Morphology or PCR was positive in 79 of the 225 cases (35%). The molecular detection of clonality in the aspirate DNA from cases with positive morphologic findings was lower than anticipated. The discordance between morphology and PCR results may be related to sample variation between the trephine biopsy and aspirate, a failure to aspirate sufficient lymphoma cells, or insufficient primer homology for amplification. DNA extracted from trephine sections may provide results more concordant with morphology, because PCR detected a clone in 10 of 11 DNA specimens extracted from trephine biopsies with positive morphologic findings and PCR negative aspirates.

Characterization of exposure and dose of man made vitreous fiber in experimental studies

The use of fibrous test materials in in vivo experiments introduces a number of significant problems not associated with nonfibrous particulates. The key to all aspects of the experiment is the accurate characterization of the test material in terms of fiber length, diameter, particulate content, and chemistry. All data related to fiber properties must be collected in a statistically sound manner to eliminate potential bias. Procedures similar to those outlined by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or the World Health Organization (WHO) must be the basis of any fiber characterization. The test material to which the animal is exposed must be processed to maximize the amount of respirable fiber and to minimize particulate content. The complex relationship among the characteristics of the test material, the properties of the delivery system, and the actual dose that reaches the target tissue in the lung makes verification of dose essential. In the case of man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF), dose verification through recovery of fiber from exposed animals is a complex task. The potential for high fiber solubility makes many of the conventional techniques for tissue preservation and digestion inappropriate. Processes based on the minimum use of aggressive chemicals, such as cold storage and low temperature ashing, are potentially useful for a wide range of inorganic fibers. Any processes used to assess fiber exposure and dose must be carefully validated to establish that the chemical and physical characteristics of the fibers have not been changed and that the dose to the target tissue is completely and accurately described.

Soft tissue closure of unilateral congenital maxillary alveolar cleft

A surgical procedure for the soft tissue closure of a congenital maxillary osseous and soft tissue cleft is presented. Normal function is established and prosthodontic replacement of congenital dental defects is facilitated.