IRF4 and BATF are critical for CD8⁺ T-cell function following infection with LCMV.

CD8(+) T-cell functions are critical for preventing chronic viral infections by eliminating infected cells. For healthy immune responses, beneficial destruction of infected cells must be balanced against immunopathology resulting from collateral damage to tissues. These processes are regulated by factors controlling CD8(+) T-cell function, which are still incompletely understood. Here, we show that the interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and its cooperating binding partner B-cell-activating transcription factor (BATF) are necessary for sustained CD8(+) T-cell effector function. Although Irf4(-/-) CD8(+) T cells were initially capable of proliferation, IRF4 deficiency resulted in limited CD8(+) T-cell responses after infection with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Consequently, Irf4(-/-) mice established chronic infections, but were protected from fatal immunopathology. Absence of BATF also resulted in reduced CD8(+) T-cell function, limited immunopathology, and promotion of viral persistence. These data identify the transcription factors IRF4 and BATF as major regulators of antiviral cytotoxic T-cell immunity.

How central and connected am I in my family? Family-based social capital of individuals with intellectual disability.

Using social network methods, this article explores the ways in which individuals with intellectual disability (ID) perceive their family contexts and the social capital that they provide. Based on a subsample of 24 individuals with ID, a subsample of 24 individuals with ID and psychiatric disorders, and a control sample of 24 pre-graduate and postgraduate students matched to the clinical respondents for age and sex, we found that family networks of clinical individuals are distinct both in terms of composition and in terms of social capital made available to them by their family ties. Individuals with ID perceive themselves as less central in their own family; their family networks are perceived as less dense, less centralized, and more disconnected. Individuals with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disorders have less family-based social capital than individuals with intellectual disabilities only. The composition of their family is also distinct as spouses or partners and children are missing. We discuss the importance of those findings for research on family relationships of individuals with ID.

Young children with Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome (CATCH-22). Psychological and language phenotypes.

This is the first clinical description of a detailed psychological, speech, and language phenotype of four young children (< 5 years) with Velo-Cardio-Facial syndrome (VCFS) due to a deletion on chromosome 22 (22q11.2). The reported elevated risk of developing schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in adolescence for individuals with this chromosomal deletion led us to examine the psychiatric and cognitive status of young children with VCFS. Our observations suggest a phenotype comprised of a borderline to mildly retarded level of intellectual functioning, a language delay, a general deficit in social initiation, difficulties with attention/concentration, and a perturbed train of thought.

[Introduction of health education in Vaud schools]. / L'introduction de l'éducation pour la santé dans les écoles vaudoises.

The traditional activities of screening are the prerogative of the school health professionals. Nonetheless health education should be approached in an interdisciplinary fashion and involve the form teachers as well as the specialized area teachers. This article describes a program of health education which is about to be organized in the canton of Vaud. This programs plans for the introduction of health education in the general curriculum and not limit it to a specific period or course. The themes are graded to the age of the pupils. Documents are being worked out by an ad hoc committee and will be available to teachers who desire them. The article also reviews the present activities in health education both at primary and secondary levels and reports on a number of experiences to make teachers aware of health problems. The article concludes on the advantages and difficulties that are linked, on the one hand, to the introduction of education for health in the basic curriculum and, on the other hand, to the use of teachers as promoters of health awareness.