Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

On December 5, 2022, an indirect drive fusion implosion on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a target gain G_{target} of 1.5. This is the first laboratory demonstration of exceeding "scientific breakeven" (or G_{target}>1) where 2.05 MJ of 351 nm laser light produced 3.1 MJ of total fusion yield, a result which significantly exceeds the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition as reported in a previous NIF implosion [H. Abu-Shawareb et al. (Indirect Drive ICF Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001]. This achievement is the culmination of more than five decades of research and gives proof that laboratory fusion, based on fundamental physics principles, is possible. This Letter reports on the target, laser, design, and experimental advancements that led to this result.

Observations and properties of the first laboratory fusion experiment to exceed a target gain of unity

An indirect-drive inertial fusion experiment on the National Ignition Facility was driven using 2.05 MJ of laser light at a wavelength of 351 nm and produced 3.1±0.16 MJ of total fusion yield, producing a target gain G=1.5±0.1 exceeding unity for the first time in a laboratory experiment [Phys. Rev. E 109, 025204 (2024)10.1103/PhysRevE.109.025204]. Herein we describe the experimental evidence for the increased drive on the capsule using additional laser energy and control over known degradation mechanisms, which are critical to achieving high performance. Improved fuel compression relative to previous megajoule-yield experiments is observed. Novel signatures of the ignition and burn propagation to high yield can now be studied in the laboratory for the first time.

Efficacy and Safety of Ensovibep for Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19 : A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Ensovibep (MP0420) is a designed ankyrin repeat protein, a novel class of engineered proteins, under investigation as a treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if ensovibep, in addition to remdesivir and other standard care, improves clinical outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 compared with standard care alone.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04501978).

SETTING

Multinational, multicenter trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults hospitalized with COVID-19.

INTERVENTION

Intravenous ensovibep, 600 mg, or placebo.

MEASUREMENTS

Ensovibep was assessed for early futility on the basis of pulmonary ordinal scores at day 5. The primary outcome was time to sustained recovery through day 90, defined as 14 consecutive days at home or place of usual residence after hospital discharge. A composite safety outcome that included death, serious adverse events, end-organ disease, and serious infections was assessed through day 90.

RESULTS

An independent data and safety monitoring board recommended that enrollment be halted for early futility after 485 patients were randomly assigned and received an infusion of ensovibep (n = 247) or placebo (n = 238). The odds ratio (OR) for a more favorable pulmonary outcome in the ensovibep (vs. placebo) group at day 5 was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.67 to 1.30; P = 0.68; OR > 1 would favor ensovibep). The 90-day cumulative incidence of sustained recovery was 82% for ensovibep and 80% for placebo (subhazard ratio [sHR], 1.06 [CI, 0.88 to 1.28]; sHR > 1 would favor ensovibep). The primary composite safety outcome at day 90 occurred in 78 ensovibep participants (32%) and 70 placebo participants (29%) (HR, 1.07 [CI, 0.77 to 1.47]; HR < 1 would favor ensovibep).

LIMITATION

The trial was prematurely stopped because of futility, limiting power for the primary outcome.

CONCLUSION

Compared with placebo, ensovibep did not improve clinical outcomes for hospitalized participants with COVID-19 receiving standard care, including remdesivir; no safety concerns were identified.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

National Institutes of Health.

Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion.

A controlled evaluation of the effect of social prescribing programs on loneliness for adults in Queensland, Australia (protocol)

BACKGROUND

In social prescribing, link workers support individuals whose persistent health problems are exacerbated by loneliness by connecting them to community-based social activities. This approach is well established in the UK and is gaining attention in Australia. However, a major limitation of research to date has been a lack of theoretically informed and rigorous evaluations of social prescribing. We will address these points in this study, applying a social identity framework to examine the effects of group-based social prescribing (SP) activity compared to primary care treatment as usual (TAU).

METHODS

Ninety participants experiencing loneliness recruited from primary care services and community centres across five sites in Southeast Queensland will be assigned to one of two conditions (SP, TAU) and assessed at two timepoints (baseline, + 8 weeks). Individuals will be aged 18 years and over, have sufficient English language skills to provide consent, and at the time of recruitment they will not be experiencing acute symptoms or social issues that require urgent intervention. Primary outcomes are loneliness, mental well-being, and health service use (total number of GP, hospital, and allied health visits in the past 3 months). Secondary outcomes will assess social group processes, including number of important social groups, new group identification, multiple identity compatibility, and group-based support and emotion regulation.

DISCUSSION

This study will provide comprehensive data about the extent to which, and how, social prescribing to community-based group activities may help people to feel less lonely, more socially integrated, and healthy over the first 8 weeks. If effective, this social identity-informed model of social prescribing can be disseminated in communities across Australia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ANZCTR, Registered 8 June 2022 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622000801718.aspx.

SELF-EFFICACY TO OVERCOME EXERCISE BARRIERS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA

Although cancer survivors are recommended to exercise, they may lack confidence (self-efficacy) to be active. This research aimed to measure exercise barriers and related self- efficacy in individuals with cancer-related lymphedema as well as examine relationships between self-efficacy and participant characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was under- taken in individuals with cancer-related lymphedema using a validated 14-item Likert scale assessing self-efficacy to overcome general and lymphedema-specific exercise barriers (0%=not at all confident, 100%=extremely confident). Demographic, medical and lymphedema data were also collected. Of 109 participants (52% response), 79% (n=86) had breast cancer-related lymphedema. Participants were found to be moderately confident to exercise when facing general (48% [95% CI: 44, 52]) and lymphedema-specific exercise barriers (51% [95% CI: 47, 55]). Participants who were female, sedentary (p<0.05), had lymphedema for ≥2 years, and reported greater symptom burden (p<0.05) recorded lower general exercise barriers self- efficacy. Lower lymphedema-specific exercise barriers self-efficacy was reported by individuals who were sedentary, had cancers other than breast, and higher symptom burden. These findings suggest general and lymphedema-specific barriers challenge exercise confidence in those with cancer-related lymphedema, and strategies tailored to improve confidence in overcoming exercise barriers are warranted. Supporting individuals to be sufficiently active during and following cancer treatment should consider behavior change strategies tailored to the unique needs faced by individuals with lymphedema.

Priority recommendations for the implementation of patient-reported outcomes in clinical cancer care: a Delphi study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop priority recommendations for the service level implementation of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into clinical cancer care.

Methods

Development of draft guidance statements was informed by a literature review, the Knowledge to Action (KTA) implementation framework, and discussion with PRO experts and cancer survivors. A two-round modified Delphi survey with key stakeholders including cancer survivors, clinical and research experts, and Information Technology specialists was undertaken. Round 1 rated the importance of the statements and round 2 ranked statements in order of priority.

Results

Round 1 was completed by 70 participants with round 2 completed by 45 participants. Forty-seven statements were rated in round 2. In round 1, the highest agreement items (>90% agreement) included those that focused on the formation of strong stakeholder partnerships, ensuring ongoing communication within these partnerships, and the use of PROs for improvement and guidance in clinical care. Items ranked as the highest priorities in round 2 included assessment of current staff capabilities and service requirements, mapping of workflows and processes to enable collection, and using collected PROs to guide improved health outcomes.

Conclusions

This stakeholder consultation process has identified key priorities in PRO implementation into clinical cancer care that include clinical relevance, stakeholder engagement, communication, and integration within the existing processes and capabilities.

Implication for Cancer Survivors

Routine adoption of PRO collection by clinical cancer services requires multiple implementation steps; of highest priority is strong engagement and communication with key stakeholders including cancer survivors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11764-021-01135-2.

Self-efficacy to overcome exercise barriers in individuals with cancer-related lymphedema

Although cancer survivors are recommended to exercise, they may lack confidence (self-efficacy) to be active. This research aimed to measure exercise barriers and related selfefficacy in individuals with cancer-related lymphedema as well as examine relationships between self-efficacy and participant characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in individuals with cancer-related lymphedema using a validated 14-item Likert scale assessing self-efficacy to overcome general and lymphedema-specific exercise barriers (0%=not at all confident, 100%=extremely confident). Demographic, medical and lymphedema data were also collected. Of 109 participants (52% response), 79% (n=86) had breast cancer-related lymphedema. Participants were found to be moderately confident to exercise when facing general (48% [95% CI: 44, 52]) and lymphedema- specific exercise barriers (51% [95% CI: 47, 55]). Participants who were female, sedentary (p<0.05), had lymphedema for ≥2 years, and reported greater symptom burden (p<0.05) recorded lower general exercise barriers selfefficacy. Lower lymphedema-specific exercise barriers self-efficacy was reported by individuals who were sedentary, had cancers other than breast, and higher symptom burden. These findings suggest general and lymphedema- specific barriers challenge exercise confidence in those with cancer-related lymphedema, and strategies tailored to improve confidence in overcoming exercise barriers are warranted. Supporting individuals to be sufficiently active during and following cancer treatment should consider behavior change strategies tailored to the unique needs faced by individuals with lymphedema.

Effect of Gammulin supplementation during the first 24 d of life on health, growth, and first-lactation performance of Holstein cows

Development and health during calfhood are paramount for the success of dairy operations because they are associated with longevity and productivity later in life. Thus, provision of nutritional supplements has been explored as an alternative to improve growth of preweaned calves. Holstein calves (female = 472, male = 46) from 2 dairies located in the San Joaquin Valley were assigned randomly to receive 25 g/d of Gammulin (APC Inc.) from 2 to 24 d of age (GAM = 263) or to receive no supplementation (control = 255). Calves were fed a mixture of waste milk and milk replacer (3.79 L/d), and study personnel added the supplement to the bottles of calves in the GAM treatment daily. Study personnel monitored calves 6 d/wk and recorded starter intake, fecal score (1 = firm, 4 = watery), and attitude score (1 = alert and responsive, 4 = recumbent). Blood samples were collected (4, 7, 14, 26, 44, 56, and 68 d of age) to determine concentrations of total protein, glucose (n = 64), nonesterified fatty acids (n = 64), β-hydroxybutyrate (n = 171), and hematocrit (n = 518). Calves (n = 64) were treated with 0.5 mg of ovalbumin at 3, 21, and 42 d of age, and concentration of anti-ovalbumin IgG was measured. The percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes positive for phagocytosis and oxidative burst after the ex vivo exposure to an enteropathogenic Escherichia coli was evaluated (n = 64). We followed the female calves through the end of the first lactation or until they left the herd to evaluate the effect of treatment on first-lactation performance. Treatment did not affect metabolic and immune responses. During the supplementation (1 to 24 d of age), starter intake did not differ between treatments, but the GAM treatment reduced starter intake (638.5 ± 1.1 vs. 696.6 ± 1.1 g/d; mean ± standard error of the mean) from 25 to 60 d of age and average daily gain (798.8 ± 15.4 and 749.5 ± 15.2) from 23 to 60 d of age, resulting in reduced body weight at 60 d of age (68.4 ± 0.4 vs. 69.8 ± 0.5 kg). From 1 to 24 d of age, GAM treatment reduced the number of days calves had fecal score = 4 (ratio of number of days = 0.92; 95% confidence interval = 0.84-1.00) and it reduced the number of electrolyte treatments calves received (ratio of number of treatments = 0.92; 95% confidence interval = 0.85-0.99). Treatment did not affect the hazard of first calving and first-lactation 305-d milk yield, but the adjusted hazard ratio (0.82; 95% confidence interval = 0.65, 1.04) of pregnancy in the first lactation tended to be reduced for the GAM treatment. In the conditions of this experiment, supplementation with 25 g/d of GAM to the liquid feed from 2 to 24 d of age did not improve calfhood health and performance.

COVID-19 contact tracing apps: UK public perceptions

In order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers around the globe have increasingly invested in digital health technologies to support the ‘test, track and trace’ approach of containing the spread of the novel coronavirus. These technologies include mobile ‘contact tracing’ applications (apps), which can trace individuals likely to have come into contact with those who have reported symptoms or tested positive for the virus and request that they self-isolate. This paper takes a critical public health perspective that advocates for ‘genuine participation’ in public health interventions and emphasises the need to take citizen’s knowledge into account during public health decision-making. In doing so, it presents and discusses the findings of a UK interview study that explored public views on the possibility of using a COVID-19 contact-tracing app public health intervention at the time the United Kingdom (UK) Government announced their decision to develop such a technology. Findings illustrated interviewees’ range and degree of understandings, misconceptions, and concerns about the possibility of using an app. In particular, concerns about privacy and surveillance predominated. Interviewees associated these concerns much more broadly than health by identifying with pre-existent British national narratives associated with individual liberty and autonomy. In extending and contributing to ongoing sociological research with public health, we argue that understanding and responding to these matters is vital, and that our findings demonstrate the need for a forward-looking, anticipatory strategy for public engagement as part of the responsible innovation of the COVID-19 contact-tracing app in the UK.

A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE ROLE OF EXERCISE IN THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA

In the absence of guidance from scientific evidence, a range of lymphedema prevention and management, guidelines were developed by relevant organizations around the world. These became publicly available, promoted and endorsed, particularly to women with breast cancer. The recommendations advised avoidance of any activity that could overload or restrict the lymphatic system and need for caution when participating in specific physical activities. However, over the past 20 years evidence has accumulated which has significantly challenged the safety of these recommendations, in particular for those with cancer. There now exists consistent and compelling evidence in support of exercise following a diagnosis of cancer. Participating in exercise during and following cancer treatment improves function and quality of life, reduces treatment-related morbidity, and may improve survival. Further, exercise, including resistance exercise at moderate or high load, is considered safe for those at risk- or with lymphedema. That is, exercise has not been shown to cause or worsen cancer-related lymphedema. This article provides a historical account of the advice given to patients in the prevention and management of lymphedema and how this advice has evolved.

Evaluating the sensitivity of the ACC/AHA pooled cohort risk calculator to predict atherosclerotic cardiovascular events within 10 years: how many events are we failing to predict?

Background

The ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has been recommended as the initial step in cardiovascular risk assessment. The sensitivity of this tool to detect those who will develop ASCVD within 10-years, while considering age and sex groups, has not been extensively studied.

Methods

Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) we evaluated a community-based cohort of consecutive patients that sought primary care in Olmsted County, MN, between the years 1998–2000 and were followed up through March 1st 2016. Inclusion criteria were ages 40–79 and complete data to calculate the PCE. We excluded those with known ASCVD, atrial fibrillation or heart failure. Criteria were similar to those used to derive the PCE. Events were validated in duplicate and included fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Patient information was ascertained using the record linkage system of the REP. Follow-up was truncated at 10 years. We assessed the ASCVD predicted risk (categorized as low &lt;5%, intermediate 5–9.9%, high 10–19.9%, and very high ≥20% risk) at baseline, in subjects having an ASCVD event within 10-years in the community across age (&lt;65 years) and sex categories. We also categorized ideal cardiovascular health as ≥4 metrics [non-smoker, body mass index &lt;25 kg/m2, and not having of elevated blood pressure (≥130/80 mmHg), LDL cholesterol (&gt;100 mg/dL), or fasting blood glucose (&gt;100 mg/dL), in the absence of a medical diagnosis or treatment].

Results

We included 30,042 adults, mean ± SD age 48.5±12.2 years, 54% women, with a median follow-up of 16.5±5.3 years. There were 1,555 ASCVD events (5.2%) at 10 years of follow-up. The performance of the PCE was similar to what was described in the original report (0.78 vs 0.79). Overall, among those who suffered an ASCVD, 54% of women and 41% of men were not high risk as predicted by PCE (Figure 1A). Most women (73%) &lt;65 years of age would had been considered low risk within 10-years before the event, and only 10% would have been considered to be high risks (Figure 1B). Nonetheless, women &lt;65 years who had an ASCVD event and low 10-year predicted ASCVD risk by PCE were less likely to have ideal cardiovascular health [55 (0.40%) vs 3884 (28.39%), p-value&lt;0.0001], when compared to women in the low risk category without an event.

Conclusion

The PCE fails to identify most women who will develop an ASCVD event, particularly women &lt;65 years of age. These results underscore the importance of using additional information when estimating ASCVD risk among women and the need for better cardiovascular risk prediction tools.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Mayo Clinic

The effect of bacteriochlorophyll derivative WST-D and near infrared light on the molecular and fibrillar architecture of the corneal stroma

A cross-linking technique involving application of Bacteriochlorophyll Derivative WST-11 mixed with dextran (WST-D) to the epithelium-debrided cornea and illumination with Near Infrared (NIR), has been identified as a promising therapy for stiffening pathologically weakened corneas. To investigate its effect on corneal collagen architecture, x-ray scattering and electron microscopy data were collected from paired WST-D/NIR treated and untreated rabbit corneas. The treated eye received 2.5 mg/mL WST-D and was illuminated by a NIR diode laser (755 nm, 10 mW/cm²). An increase in corneal thickness (caused by corneal oedema) occurred at 1-day post-treatment but resolved in the majority of cases within 4 days. The epithelium was fully healed after 6–8 days. X-ray scattering revealed no difference in average collagen interfibrillar spacing, fibril diameter, D-periodicity or intermolecular spacing between treated and untreated specimens. Similarly, electron microscopy images of the anterior and posterior stroma in healed WST-D/NIR corneas and untreated controls revealed no obvious differences in collagen organisation or fibril diameter. As the size and organisation of stromal collagen is closely associated with the optical properties of the cornea, the absence of any large-scale changes following treatment confirms the potential of WST-D/NIR therapy as a means of safely stiffening the cornea.

A historical account of the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of cancer-related lymphedema

In the absence of guidance from scientific evidence, a range of lymphedema prevention and management, guidelines were developed by relevant organizations around the world. These became publicly available, promoted and endorsed, particularly to women with breast cancer. The recommendations advised avoidance of any activity that could overload or restrict the lymphatic system and need for caution when participating in specific physical activities. However, over the past 20 years evidence has accumulated which has significantly challenged the safety of these recommendations, in particular for those with cancer. There now exists consistent and compelling evidence in support of exercise following a diagnosis of cancer. Participating in exercise during and following cancer treatment improves function and quality of life, reduces treatment-related morbidity, and may improve survival. Further, exercise, including resistance exercise at moderate or high load, is considered safe for those at risk- or with lymphedema. That is, exercise has not been shown to cause or worsen cancer-related lymphedema. This article provides a historical account of the advice given to patients in the prevention and management of lymphedema and how this advice has evolved.

Reversal of intestinal failure associated liver disease fibrosis in a patient receiving long term home parenteral nutrition

Intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD) is frequent problem encountered when managing patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Its occurrence is often multifactorial and modification of these factors is vital for the management of such hepatic dysfunction. The use of novel lipid preparations can form part of this management strategy. We present a case whereby such modification of contributing factors, including lipid preparations, led to improvements in IFALD and reversal of hepatic fibrosis.

Abstract P6-12-06: Effect and moderators of exercise on fatigue in patients with breast cancer: Meta-analysis of individual patient data

Background - Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling complaints in patients with breast cancer and can effectively be reduced by physical exercise, with small to moderate effect sizes. To identify heterogeneity in responses to exercise and to further personalize exercise prescriptions, moderators of exercise effects on fatigue should be investigated. However, most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are not adequately powered for such analyses. Therefore we conducted meta-analyses using the individual patient data of several exercise RCTs. The aim is to investigate the effect and moderators of physical exercise on cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer.

Methods - Within the Predicting OptimaL cAncer RehabIlitation and Supportive care (POLARIS) consortium, principal investigators of 34 exercise RCTs worldwide have shared their individual patient data. Twenty-two of these RCTs included patients with breast cancer with a total sample size of 3,061. Different questionnaires to assess level of fatigue were used, which was acknowledged by using z-scores in the analysis. A one-step individual patient data meta-analysis, using a linear mixed-effect model adjusted for baseline fatigue, with a random intercept on study (to account for study clustering) was undertaken to investigate effect of exercise on fatigue. The result, a between-group difference in z-scores, corresponds to a Cohen's d effect size. An interaction term was included in the model to assess potential moderators including demographic (age, marital status, education), clinical (body mass index, presence of distant metastasis), intervention-related (intervention timing, delivery mode and duration), and exercise-related (exercise type, frequency, intensity, duration) characteristics.

Results – Exercise significantly reduced fatigue reported by women with breast cancer (β= -0.15, 95% CI -0.21;-0.09). This effect did not differ significantly between patients with different demographic and clinical characteristics (p-valuesinteraction &gt;0.05). Also, neither timing (during or post-treatment) and duration of the intervention, nor exercise-related factors moderated intervention effects on fatigue. Supervised exercise had significantly larger effects on fatigue than unsupervised exercise (βdifference= -0.17, 95%CI -0.28;-0.05). Compared to the control group, supervised exercise significantly improved fatigue (β = -0.21, 95%CI = -0.28;-0.14), while unsupervised exercise did not (β = -0.04, 95%CI = -0.14;0.06).

Conclusion – Exercise significantly reduces fatigue in patients with breast cancer across subgroups formed on the basis of age, marital status, education level, body mass index, and presence of distant metastasis. The effect of exercise is significantly larger when performed under supervision. Hence, exercise, and preferably supervised exercise, represents a viable intervention for the prevention and treatment of fatigue among patients with breast cancer.

Citation Format: van Vulpen JK, Sweegers MG, Kalter J, Peeters PH, Courneya KS, Newton RU, Aaronson NK, Jacobsen PB, Steindorf K, Stuiver MM, Hayes S, Mesters I, Knoop H, Goedendorp M, Mutrie N, Thorsen L, Schmidt M, Sonke GS, Bohus M, James EL, Oldenburg HS, Velthuis MJ, Nollet F, Wenzel J, Wiskemann J, Galvão DA, Chinapaw MJ, Irwin ML, Griffith KA, van Weert E, Daley AJ, McConnachie A, Schulz K-H, Short CE, Plotnikoff RC, Potthoff K, van Beurden M, van Harten WH, Schmitz KH, Winters-Stone KM, Taaffe DR, van Mechelen W, Kersten M-J, Verdonck-de Leeuw IM, Brug J, Buffart LM, May AM. Effect and moderators of exercise on fatigue in patients with breast cancer: Meta-analysis of individual patient data [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-12-06.

Maternal attachment style and depression associated with childbirth: preliminary results from a European and US cross-cultural study

Background

Insecure attachment style relates to major depression in women, but its relationship to depression associated with childbirth is largely unknown. A new UK-designed measure, the Attachment Style Interview (ASI), has potential for cross-cultural use as a risk marker for maternal disorder.

Aims

To establish the reliability of the ASI across centres, its stability over a 9-month period, and its associations with social context and majoror minor depression.

Method

The ASI was used by nine centres antenatally on 204 women, with 174 followed up 6 months postnatally. Interrater reliability was tested and the ASI was repeated on a subset of 96 women. Affective disorder was assessed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM–IV.

Results

Satisfactory interrater reliability was achieved with relatively high stability rates at follow-up. Insecure attachment related to lower social class position and more negative social context. Specific associations of avoidant attachment style (angry–dismissive or withdrawn) with antenatal disorder, and anxious style (enmeshed or fearful) with postnatal disorder were found.

Conclusions

The ASI can be used reliably in European and US centres as a measure for risk associated with childbirth. Its use will contribute to theoretically underpinned preventive action for disorders associated with childbirth.

Adaptation of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders for assessing depression in women during pregnancy and post-partum across countries and cultures

Background

To date, no study has used standardised diagnostic assessment procedures to determine whether rates of perinatal depression vary across cultures.

Aims

To adapt the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM–IV Disorders (SCID) for assessing depression and other non-psychotic psychiatric illness perinatally and to pilot the instrument in different centres and cultures.

Method

Assessments using the adapted SCID and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were conducted during the third trimester of pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum with 296 women from ten sites in eight countries. Point prevalence rates during pregnancy and the postnatal period and adjusted 6-month period prevalence rates were computed for caseness, depression and major depression.

Results

The third trimester and 6-month point prevalence rates for perinatal depression were 6.9% and 8.0%, respectively. Postnatal 6-month period prevalence rates for perinatal depression ranged from 2.1% to 31.6% across centres and there were significant differences in these rates between centres.

Conclusions

Study findings suggest that the SCID was successfully adapted for this context. Further research on determinants of differences inprevalence of depression across cultures isneeded.

Application of Next Generation Sequencing for Diagnostic Testing of Tree Fruit Viruses and Viroids

Conventional detection of viruses and virus-like diseases of plants is accomplished using a combination of molecular, serological, and biological indexing. These are the primary tools used by plant virologists to monitor and ensure trees are free of known viral pathogens. The biological indexing assay, or bioassay, is considered to be the "gold standard" as it is the only method of the three that can detect new, uncharacterized, or poorly characterized viral disease agents. Unfortunately, this method is also the most labor intensive and can take up to three years to complete. Next generation sequencing (NGS) is a technology with rapidly expanding possibilities including potential applications for the detection of plant viruses. In this study, comparisons are made between tree fruit testing by conventional and NGS methods, to demonstrate the efficacy of NGS. A comparison of 178 infected trees, many infected with several viral pathogens, demonstrated that conventional and NGS were equally capable of detecting known viruses and viroids. Comparable results were obtained for 170 of 178 of the specimens. Of the remaining eight specimens, some discrepancies were observed between viruses detected by the two methods, representing less than 5% of the specimens. NGS was further demonstrated to be equal or superior for the detection of new or poorly characterized viruses when compared with a conventional bioassay. These results validated both the effectiveness of conventional virus testing methods and the use of NGS as an additional or alternative method for plant virus detection.

Is compression bandaging accurate? The routine use of interface pressure measurements in compression bandaging of venous leg ulcers

Objective: To test the use of a low-cost, portable, battery-powered sub-bandage pressure monitor as a part of a quality control measure for graduated compression bandaging in the leg ulcer clinics.

Methods: A total of 25 healthy volunteers (mean age 40 years) providing 50 limbs were bandaged with a 4-layer compression bandaging system. Interface pressure was measured by placing pressure sensors on the skin at three points (2 cm above the medial malleolus, on the widest part of the calf and on a point midway between them) in supine and standing positions. A further 16 patients (mean age 62 years) providing 22 limb measurements also participated in this study. Bandages were reapplied in patients with the help of the pressure monitors when the target pressure was not achieved in the first attempt.

Results: The interface pressures varied with change of position and movement. With the operator blinded, the target pressure of 35–40 mmHg at the ankle was achieved in only 36% of healthy volunteers (mean±95% confidence interval, 32.3±1.6 mmHg [supine]; 38.4±2.4 mmHg [standing position]). With the help of the pressure monitors, the target pressure was achieved in 78% of the patients.

Conclusion: This result suggests that it is important to have a tool that is easy to operate, and available as a part of the quality assurance in connection with treatment and also training of care providers, nurses, etc in how to apply a compression bandage.

Availability and Accessibility of Student-Specific Weight Loss Programs and Other Risk Prevention Health Services on College Campuses

BACKGROUND

More than one third of college students who are overweight or obese are in need of weight loss programs tailored to college students. However, the availability and accessibility of these programs is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the availability and ease of access to weight loss programs for students at 10 universities with the largest undergraduate enrollment.

METHODS

The 10 public universities with the largest student bodies with a mean (SD) undergraduate enrollment of 41,122 (7657) students were examined. The websites of the universities were assessed to determine the availability of weight loss programs. Services for high-risk health needs common to university campuses (ie, alcohol and other drugs, victim services, sexual health, and eating disorders) were searched.

RESULTS

Of the universities searched, 3 (30%, 3/10) offered weight loss programming, however, none met the predetermined criteria. Comparatively, all schools (100%, 10/10) offered no-cost and continual enrollment programming for the other high-risk health needs.

CONCLUSIONS

There are limited weight loss services available to undergraduate students compared with other university services. Collaboration between existing college health service providers is suggested for the delivery of appropriate programming for overweight and obese undergraduates wanting to lose weight.