Anxiety and cognitive performance: Attentional control theory.

Attentional control theory is an approach to anxiety and cognition representing a major development of Eysenck and Calvo's (1992) processing efficiency theory. It is assumed that anxiety impairs efficient functioning of the goal-directed attentional system and increases the extent to which processing is influenced by the stimulus-driven attentional system. In addition to decreasing attentional control, anxiety increases attention to threat-related stimuli. Adverse effects of anxiety on processing efficiency depend on two central executive functions involving attentional control: inhibition and shifting. However, anxiety may not impair performance effectiveness (quality of performance) when it leads to the use of compensatory strategies (e.g., enhanced effort; increased use of processing resources). Directions for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

AIDS-associated renal tuberculosis

In order to study the prevalence and the clinical features of renal tuberculosis associated with AIDS, we studied the renal tissue of the necropsies made in 46 AIDS patients under light microscopy. We found renal tuberculous granuloma in 11 (23%) patients (in 3 without previous diagnosis of renal or extrarenal tuberculosis) and only 4 of them presented moderate hematuria or pyuria sterile. As subclinical renal tuberculosis was frequent in this group of AIDS patients, the urine culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis may be useful for diagnosing tuberculosis in AIDS patients.     

Effects of in utero cocaine exposure on the expression of mRNAS encoding the dopamine transporter and the D1, D2 and D5 dopamine receptor subtypes in fetal rhesus monkey

The effects of in utero cocaine exposure on the development of the mRNAs encoding the dopamine transporter (DAT) and the D1, D2 and D5 dopamine receptor subtypes were determined in fetal monkey brains at day 45 and day 60 of gestation. Pregnant monkeys were treated with cocaine 3 mg/kg or saline i.m., four times a day from day 18 of gestation until the pregnancy was terminated at day 45 or day 60. The fetal brains were dissected, and tissue RNA extracted and quantified using ribonuclease protection assay analysis. In day 45 fetal monkeys, dopamine D1 and D2 receptor subtype mRNAs and DAT mRNA were found in low quantities both in control and cocaine-treated subjects. In day 60 fetal monkeys, D1 receptor mRNA levels were highest in the frontal cortex/striatal area, and low to moderate quantities were found in diencephalic and mesencephalic fetal brain regions. Dopamine D2 receptor mRNA levels were highest in the frontal cortex/striatal area, diencephalon and the midbrain, moderate in the brainstem and low in the caudal temporal lobe and surrounding cortical areas. Dopamine D5 receptor mRNA was expressed in low quantities throughout the day 60 fetal monkey brain, whereas DAT mRNA was found in the midbrain only. In utero cocaine exposure caused a significant increase in dopamine D1, D2 and D5 receptor subtype mRNAs in the frontal cortex/striatal area of day 60 fetal monkeys. These results support the hypothesis that dopamine synthesis and release may be reduced in cocaine-treated fetuses, which results in dopamine receptor up-regulation.     

Intestinal obstruction. The experience of the Emergency Service of S. José Hospital 1981-1991

The results of 3679 patients, with intestinal obstruction, submitted to emergency surgery at the UUC-HCL between November 1981 and November 1991, were analysed in a general way, with the use of a graphic presentation. In the mechanical group, hernia (1604 cases), adhesions and bands (568 cases) and cancer (713 cases) were the most common pathologies; intestinal ischaemia (143 cases) was the most frequent form in the neurogenic group. Surgical therapy was evaluated in a general way. However, we comment on the evolution of primary surgical treatment of colorectal cancer in obstruction (625 cases). The mortality rate was in general: 10.8% (adults). In relative terms, the main features were intestinal ischaemia (39%), cancer (23%) and intestinal volvulus (22%).     

Effect of vitamin A supplementation on diarrhoea and acute lower-respiratory-tract infections in young children in Brazil

A beneficial effect of periodic vitamin A supplementation on childhood mortality has been demonstrated, but the effect on morbidity is less clear. We investigated the effect of vitamin A supplementation on diarrhoea and acute lower-respiratory-tract infections (ALRI) in children from northeastern Brazil in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled community trial. 1240 children aged 6-48 months were assigned vitamin A or placebo every 4 months for 1 year. They were followed up at home three times a week, and data about the occurrence and severity of diarrhoea and ALRI were collected. Any child with cough and respiratory rate above 40 breaths per min was visited by a paediatrician. The overall incidence of diarrhoea episodes was significantly lower in the vitamin-A-supplemented group than in the placebo group (18.42 vs 19.58 x 10(-3) child-days; rate ratio 0.94 [95% Cl 0.90-0.98]). The benefit of supplementation was greater as regards severe episodes of diarrhoea; the incidence was 20% lower in the vitamin A group than in the placebo group (rate ratio 0.80 [0.65-0.98]). With the standard definition of diarrhoea (> or = 3 liquid or semi-liquid stools in 24 h) the effect of vitamin A on mean daily prevalence did not reach significance, but as the definition of diarrhoea was made more stringent (increasing number of stools per day), a significant benefit became apparent, reaching for diarrhoea with 6 or more liquid or semi-liquid stools in 24 h a 23% lower prevalence. We found no effect of vitamin A supplementation on the incidence of ALRI. The reduction in severity of diarrhoea may be the most important factor in the lowering of mortality by vitamin A supplementation.     

Recurrent sinopulmonary disease in a young adult

In 50 patients aged 60 +/- 4 operated for colorectal carcinoma simultaneous combined radionuclide phlebography (RNP) and pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy (PPS) using 99Tcm labeled macroaggregates of the human serum albumin (MAHSA) were performed within 20 postoperative days aiming to detect deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and segmental DVT localization as well as incidence, localization and clinical characteristics of developed pulmonary perfusion disorders. Deep vein thrombosis was detected in 33 (66%) patients with rather uniform distribution in vein segments. According to their scintigraphic characteristics the findings suggested recent thrombosis in almost all cases (only two of them had signs of chronic thrombosis). Of patients with detected DVT 17 (52%) had pulmonary perfusion disorders of which 10 (59%) were unilateral (7 right and 3 left) and 7 (42%) bilateral. Characteristics and extent of perfusion defects suggested very probable PTE in 11 (65%) patients and less probable in 6 (35%). It has been concluded that patients operated for colorectal carcinoma were highly exposed to DVT and PTE development which necessitates all measures contributing to their prevention.     

Electroretinographic analysis of ultraviolet sensitivity in juvenile and adult goldfish retinas

Electroretinographic (ERG) spectra show that juvenile goldfish have ultraviolet (UV) sensitivity but adults do not. Chromatic adaptation data suggest mediation by UV cones. ERG spectra from eye cups and spectrophotometry of lenses show that the loss of UV sensitivity with age does not result from lens changes. Our results contribute to a growing literature on UV cone mechanisms and visual development in fish.     

Expression of hepatocyte low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein is post-transcriptionally regulated by extracellular matrix

A clinical trial was conducted to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the atrial septal defect (ASD) occlusion system for transcatheter closure of secundum ASD and patent foramen ovale (PFO) after episodes of cerebral embolism. Occlusion was attempted in 200 patients aged 1 to 74 years (mean 32). The procedure failed in 26 patients (13%); the device was retrieved through a catheter in 20 and through surgery in 6 patients. Procedure-related complications necessitating surgical removal of the device included device embolization in 2, device entrapment within the Chiari network in 1, frame fracture in 1, and perforation of atrial wall in 2. All 6 patients experienced an uneventful postoperative course. An additional 11 patients (6%) underwent surgical removal of the device during follow-up. There were 163 patients (81%) with an implanted ASD occlusion system at follow-up of from 6 to 36 months (mean 17). Thrombus formation around the device was detected by transesophageal echocardiography in 9 patients 1 to 4 weeks after implantation. One of these patients (who had a coagulation factor XII deficiency) suffered a cerebral thromboembolism. Late atrial wall perforation (5, 6, and 8 months after implantation) occurred in 3 adult patients. Infectious endocarditis developed in 2 adult patients (1%). No late device embolization and no atrioventricular valve injury occurred. An asymptomatic device frame fracture was found in 14% and frame deformity in 4% of all patients during the follow-up period of >230 patient-years. Immediately after closure, a moderate/large residual shunt remained in 8% and a small shunt in 29% of patients. After 1 year, a moderate/large shunt was present in 2% and a small one in 26% of patients. During a total follow-up of 49 patient-years, only 1 of 46 patients with PFO had a transient neurologic event after the closure. The study indicates that patients with centrally situated secundum ASD and those with PFO after cerebral embolism can be treated with this system with a high success rate and an acceptable morbidity.     

The HLD (CalMod) index and the index question

Twenty free-ranging guanaco (Lama guanicoe) in Chubut Province, Argentina, were immobilized for health evaluations. All but two animals appeared to be in good condition. Hematology, serum chemistry, and vitamin and mineral levels were measured, and feces were evaluated for parasites. Serology tests included bluetongue, brucellosis, bovine respiratory syncitial virus, bovine viral diarrhea/mucosal disease, equine herpesvirus 1, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, Johne's disease (Mycobacterium paratuberculosis), foot and mouth disease, leptospirosis (17 serovars), parainfluenza-3, and vesicular stomatitis. Blood samples from 20 domestic sheep (Ovis aries) maintained in the same reserve with the guanaco were also collected at the same time for serology tests. No guanaco had positive serologic tests. Sheep were found to have antibody titers to bovine respiratory syncytial virus, Johne's disease, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza-3. There was no apparent difference in external appearance or condition, or statistical difference in blood test values, between the animals that were positive or negative for parasite ova.