Polygenic risk and hostile environments: Links to stable and dynamic antisocial behaviors across adolescence.

Adverse environments are linked to elevated youth antisocial behavior. However, this relation is thought to depend, in part, on genetic susceptibility. The present study investigated whether polygenic risk for antisociality moderates relations between hostile environments and stable as well as dynamic antisocial behaviors across adolescence. We derived two antisocial-linked polygenic risk scores (PRS) (N = 721) based on previous genome-wide association studies. Forms of antisocial behavior (nonaggressive conduct problems, physical aggression, social aggression) and environmental hostility (harsh parenting and school violence) were assessed at age 13, 15, and 17 years. Relations to individual differences stable across adolescence (latent stability) vs. time-specific states (timepoint residual variance) of antisocial behavior were assessed via structural equation models. Higher antisocial PRS, harsh parenting, and school violence were linked to stable elevations in antisocial behaviors across adolescence. We identified a consistent polygenic-environment interaction suggestive of differential susceptibility in late adolescence. At age 17, harsher parenting was linked to higher social aggression in those with higher antisocial PRS, and lower social aggression in those with lower antisocial PRS. This suggests that genetics and environmental hostility relate to stable youth antisocial behaviors, and that genetic susceptibility moderates home environment-antisocial associations specifically in late adolescence.

Online physical exercise intervention in older adults during lockdown: Can we improve the recipe?

BACKGROUND: Recorded and live online physical exercise (PE) interventions are known to provide health benefits. However, the effects of prioritizing the number of live or recorded sessions remain unclear. AIMS: To explore which recorded-live sessions ratio leads to the best implementation and benefits in older adults. METHODS: Forty-six community-dwelling adults (> 60y.o.) were randomized into two groups completing a 12-week online PE intervention. Each group had a different ratio of live-recorded online sessions as follows: Live-Recorded-Live sessions (LRL; n = 22) vs. Recorded-Live-Recorded sessions (RLR; n = 24). RESULTS: Drop-out rates did not reach significance (LRL:14% vs. RLR: 29%, p = 0.20), and adherence was similar (> 85%) between groups. Both groups reported similar levels of satisfaction (> 70%), enjoyment (> 75%), and perceived exertion (> 60%). Both groups increased physical health and functional capacities, with greater improvements in muscle power (LRL: LRL: + 35 ± 16.1% vs. RLR: + 7 ± 13.9%; p = 0.010) and endurance (LRL: + 34.7 ± 15.4 vs. RLR: + 27.0 ± 26.5, p < 0.001) in the LRL group. DISCUSSION: Both online PE intervention modalities were adapted to the participants' capacities and led to a high level of enjoyment and retention. The greater physical improvements observed in the LRL group are likely due to the higher presence of the instructor compared to the RLR group. Indeed, participants received likely more feedback to appropriately adjust postures and movements, increasing the quality of the exercises. CONCLUSION: When creating online PE interventions containing both recorded and live sessions, priority should be given to maximizing the number of live sessions and not the number of recorded sessions.

Interpersonal capitalization moderates the associations of chronic caregiving stress and depression with inflammation.

Chronic stress and depression can enhance chronic low-grade inflammation. Interpersonal factors may buffer the impact of stress and depression on inflammation. Interpersonal capitalization is a social support process in which one discloses positive personal events and experiences to close others. Greater capitalization may attenuate the deleterious impact of chronic stress and depression. The goal of the current study was to assess whether interpersonal capitalization is associated with inflammation and whether it moderates the association of chronic stress and depression with inflammation. In this cross-sectional study of chronic caregiving stress, 222 caregiving mothers of adolescents with developmental disabilities or comparison mothers of typically developing adolescents completed a self-reported daily diary assessment of capitalization, the Center for Epidemiological Study-Depression scale, and provided blood samples to assess interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein, three circulating inflammatory markers. Regression analysis indicated that there was no main effect of capitalization on inflammation, p = .24, R2 = .006. However, there was a significant three-way interaction among capitalization, chronic caregiving stress, and depressive symptoms, p = .01, R2 = .02. Among participants with lower capitalization, greater depressive symptoms were associated with higher inflammation in the caregiving group, but not in the comparison group. Among participants with higher capitalization, greater depressive symptoms were no longer significantly associated with higher inflammation among caregivers, but were marginally related to inflammation in the comparison group. Capitalization may thus be an interpersonal process mitigating the effects of chronic stress and depression on inflammation.

Associations among oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) DNA methylation in adulthood, exposure to early life adversity, and childhood trajectories of anxiousness.

Recent models propose deoxyribonucleic acid methylation of key neuro-regulatory genes as a molecular mechanism underlying the increased risk of mental disorder associated with early life adversity (ELA). The goal of this study was to examine the association of ELA with oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) methylation among young adults. Drawing from a 21-year longitudinal cohort, we compared adulthood OXTR methylation frequency of 46 adults (23 males and 23 females) selected for high or low ELA exposure based on childhood socioeconomic status and exposure to physical and sexual abuse during childhood and adolescence. Associations between OXTR methylation and teacher-rated childhood trajectories of anxiousness were also assessed. ELA exposure was associated with one significant CpG site in the first intron among females, but not among males. Similarly, childhood trajectories of anxiousness were related to one significant CpG site within the promoter region among females, but not among males. This study suggests that females might be more sensitive to the impact of ELA on OXTR methylation than males.

Neuroimaging findings in primary insomnia.

State-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques have accelerated progress in the study and understanding of sleep in humans. Neuroimaging studies in primary insomnia remain relatively few, considering the important prevalence of this disorder in the general population. This review examines the contribution of functional and structural neuroimaging to our current understanding of primary insomnia. Functional studies during sleep provided support for the hyperarousal theory of insomnia. Functional neuroimaging also revealed abnormalities in cognitive and emotional processing in primary insomnia. Results from structural studies suggest neuroanatomical alterations in primary insomnia, mostly in the hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex. However, these results are not well replicated across studies. A few magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies revealed abnormalities in neurotransmitter concentrations and bioenergetics in primary insomnia. The inconsistencies among neuroimaging findings on insomnia are likely due to clinical heterogeneity, differences in imaging and overall diversity of techniques and designs employed. Larger samples, replication, as well as innovative methodologies are necessary for the progression of this perplexing, yet promising area of research.

BETR-World: a geographically explicit model of chemical fate: application to transport of alpha-HCH to the Arctic.

The Berkeley-Trent (BETR)-World model, a 25 compartment, geographically explicit fugacity-based model is described and applied to evaluate the transport of chemicals from temperate source regions to receptor regions (such as the Arctic). The model was parameterized using GIS and an array of digital data on weather, oceans, freshwater, vegetation and geo-political boundaries. This version of the BETR model framework includes modification of atmospheric degradation rates by seasonally variable hydroxyl radical concentrations and temperature. Degradation rates in all other compartments vary with seasonally changing temperature. Deposition to the deep ocean has been included as a loss mechanism. A case study was undertaken for alpha-HCH. Dynamic emission scenarios were estimated for each of the 25 regions. Predicted environmental concentrations showed good agreement with measured values for the northern regions in air, and fresh and oceanic water and with the results from a previous model of global chemical fate. Potential for long-range transport and deposition to the Arctic region was assessed using a Transfer Efficiency combined with estimated emissions. European regions and the Orient including China have a high potential to contribute alpha-HCH contamination in the Arctic due to high rates of emission in these regions despite low Transfer Efficiencies. Sensitivity analyses reveal that the performance and reliability of the model is strongly influenced by parameters controlling degradation rates.

[One-stage surgery of middle ear cholesteatoma in adults: apropos of 180 cases]. / Chirurgie en un temps du cholestéatome de l'oreille moyenne chez l'adulte: à propos de 180 cas.

OBJECTIVES: In order to evaluate the results of tympanoplasty in one stage middle ear cholesteatoma surgery, a retrospective study of 180 consecutive cholesteatomas operated on was undertaken. METHODS: 150 single procedures and 30 revision surgeries realized between 1992 and 1997 were analysed by studying anatomical and functional results with a mean follow-up of 24 months. RESULTS: Among the 150 adult patients, 85 (57%) were previously operated on in other centres and presented a recurrence of cholesteatoma. Closed technique was performed in 110 cases (61%) and opened one in the remaining cases (41%). Ossiculoplasty was made in 101 cases (56%) with different materials (15 incus autografts, 14 teflon prosthesis, 35 hydroxyapatite (HA) composite prosthesis and 37 all in HA prosthesis): 91 cases in a one-stage procedure but 10 worse functional results required a closed revision procedure. Twenty cases were also revised after one year of follow up at least: six recurrences of cholesteatoma were operated on by using canal down mastoidectomy (4%), 14 limited residual cholesteatomas (9.3%) had a revision closed technique procedure. CT Scan followed up all the patients operated on by a closed technique. Postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was 20 +/- 11.3 dB and 27 +/- 10.1 dB in closed and opened techniques, respectively (p < 0.05). ABG was 20 +/- 9.2 dB and 26 +/- 13 dB in type II and type III tympanoplasty, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: If the tympanic and posterior cavities are reasonably safe, middle ear cholesteatoma in adults can be well cured by a one-stage procedure including ossicular chain reconstruction with hydroxylapatite prosthesis covered with cartilage graft who achieved a valuable hearing restoration.

[Tympanic grafts: surgical techniques and results of 260 cases]. / Les greffes tympaniques: techniques chirurgicales et résultats. A propos de 260 cas.

PURPOSE OF STUDY: The aim of this retrospective survey was to define factors which may influence tympanic grafts results. METHODS: 260 surgical procedures were retrospectively analyzed between 1992 and 1997 by studying anatomical and functional results with a mean follow-up of 18 months. RESULTS: Global rate of tympanic grafts reperforation was 9.2%. At 18 months, the air conduction gain was 9.5 +/- 11.5 dB, with an 13 +/- 7.7 dB air-bone gap (ABG) and 80% ABG inferior to 20 dB, the change in air bone gap was 9 +/- 10.3 dB. Several factors influencing the results were identified: second hand surgical procedures (40%) had worse functional results than patients from first hand procedures, inflammatory atrial mucosa or obstruction of the eustachian tube (more graft retraction), retracted malleus handle and/or stuck to the promontory (worse auditory results), temporal aponeurosis placed under malleus handle (more reperforation of the graft without hearing difference as to graft placement above malleus handle), association of canal wall-down technique (poor auditory results), surgeon experience (better auditory results). CONCLUSION: A first surgical procedure, normal malleus handle and atrial mucosa, no mastoidectomy or canal wall-up technique, a temporal aponeurosis graft placed above malleus handle are predictive factors for anatomical and/or functional good results.

[Predictive factors of outcome in 220 ossiculoplasties in adults]. / Facteurs prédictifs du résultat de 220 ossiculoplasties chez l'adulte.

OBJECTIVE: To define factors predictive of outcome after ossiculoplasty in adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1992 to 1998, 220 ossiculoplasties were performed for chronic otitis media in 200 patients (100 men and 90 women), average age 53 years, age range 17 - 82 years. Ninety-four patients (47%) had not undergone prior surgery (99 ossiculoplasties) and 106 (53%) underwent revision procedures (121 ossiculoplasties). Average follow-up was 20 months. All patients were reexamined at consultations 3 and 12 months after surgery and 100 patients (50%) were reexamined at two years. The operations were classified in type II tympanoplasty when the patient presented a normal stapes (n=120), and a type III tympanoplasty when the stapes arch was absent (n=100). Perforations (n=200) were repaired by temporal aponeurosis in 160 cases (80%) and a tragal perichondrium in 40 cases (20%). The materials used included 23 incus autografts (10%), 105 hydroxyapatite composite Goldenberg prosthesis (48%), 55 all-hydroxyapatite Xomed prosthesis (25%) including 20 covered with a thinned tragal cartilage, 19 teflon Klein prosthesis (9%), 12 Ionos prosthesis (5%) and 6 Malleus prosthesis (3%). The results were analyzed from the microscopic aspect and audiometric data for frequencies 0,5 to 3 KHz. RESULTS: Twenty prosthesis luxed or extruded (9%) within an average of 6 months, 15 (12.4%) after a revision procedure and 5 (5%, p<0,05) after an initial procedure. Fifteen perforations (15/200, 7.5%) occurred, 9 with temporal aponeurosis grafts (9/160, 5.6%) and 6 with perichondrium grafts (6/40, 15%, NS). The residual air-bone gap (ABG) was equal to 23 +/- 12,5 dB with 57% of ABG<20 dB at 12 months follow-up. The gain in air conduction was 14 +/- 16,5 dB and the change in air-bone gap 13 +/- 12,3 dB. Some factors could significantly improve functional results: presence of the stapes arch (n=120, p<0,05), first-intention procedure (n=99, p<0,05), and use of all-hydroxyapatite prosthesis in type II (p<0,05) or type III tympanoplasties. CONCLUSION: Ossiculoplasty with all-hydroxyapatite prosthesis produced satisfactory results in type II or III tympaonoplasties.

[Surgical approach to petroclival meningioma. Value of translabyrinthine approach extended to the petrous apex]. / Voies d'abord des méningiomes pétro-clivaux. Intérêt de la voie trans-labyrinthique étendue à l'apex pétreux.

Petro-clival meningiomas are rare tumors. Because of their deep location in the posterior fossa, many surgical approaches have been proposed, generally with severe post-operative morbidity and mortality. Thirty-six meningiomas of the petrous apex (34 posterior surface of petrous bone meningiomas, 2 clivus meningiomas) were operated, via a trans petrosal approach, from 1983 to 1993. In 14 cases, the trans-labyrinthine (TL) approach, extended by drilling the bone above the internal auditory canal (IAC) was performed (39%). In 18 cases the TL approach was extended in a subtemporal, transtentorial approach (50%). In one case (2.5%), after rerouting the facial nerve posteriorly, the TL approach was extended anteriorly in a transcochlear approach. The retro-sigmoïd approach was performed in one case (2.5%). The extended middle fossa approach was performed in two cases of clivus meningiomas (5%). Total excision was obtained in 27 cases (75%). By using the Laser, quality of resection is increased. Most complications and morbidity were encountered with tumors extending towards the cavernous sinus. Extended translabyrinthine approach allows total excision in most of cases of petro-clival meningiomas. For clivus tumors or tumors invading the cavernous sinus, the extended middle fossa approach and subtotal petrosectomy are proposed respectively.

Comparison of natural and synthetic prostaglandin E2 tablets in labour induction.

A multicentre, randomized, double-blind trial compared the efficacy and safety of and tolerance to natural and synthetically produced prostaglandin E2 tablets in the induction of labour in 202 women. The compounds were similarly effective, inducing labour in approximately 66% of patients. The total dose required and the interval between induction and delivery were similar in the two groups, as were the Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes and the incidence of maternal and fetal side effects.