Positive correlation between high mate value and slow life history strategy is moderated by trait heritability.

Life history theory - which considers the influence of environmental factors that occur over the course of an organism's life in determining patterns of development and behavior - has been used to provide insight into the cause and interpretation of a wide variety of individual differences traits. Recent research has added individual differences in mate value to this list, such that high mate value has been correlated with a slow life history strategy. The current research replicated and further explored this relationship across two studies. Consistent with previous research, Study 1 demonstrated a moderate correlation between life-history strategy and a general assessment of self-perceived mate value. Study 2 expanded this investigation to include a multifactor assessment of self-perceived mate value and provided evidence that the relationship between mate value and life history strategy may be moderated by mate value trait heritability. Specifically, the relationship between mate value and life history strategy was found to be significantly stronger for those mate value traits with the lowest heritability estimates. Results are interpreted and discussed in terms of facultative calibration of evolved psychological mechanisms and conditional behavioral strategies.

Energy drinks: review of performance benefits, health concerns, and use by military personnel.

Energy drinks (EDs) are highly caffeinated beverages usually containing herbal ingredients promoted and consumed for purported improvements in attention and athletic performance. The popularity of EDs among adolescents and young adults has steadily increased for more than a decade. Reports suggest U.S. military populations consume EDs with greater frequency as compared to age-matched civilian populations. This article reviews the literature and outlines the current body of evidence evaluating the human performance benefits and potential harms associated with ED use.

Investigation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission aboard the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, 2006.

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was diagnosed in a sailor aboard the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan; an investigation was conducted to determine a screening strategy for 1,172 civilian passengers who were aboard during a temporary guest rider program. Sailors were screened for latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. A case-control study was conducted among sailors to determine factors associated with new LTBI. No secondary TB disease was identified; 13% of close contacts had new LTBI. Factors associated with new LTBI among sailors were having been born outside the United States (adjusted odds ratio = 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.55--5.07) and being a carrier air wing member (adjusted odds ratio = 2.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.83--4.58). Among 38 civilian passengers berthed near the patient, 1 (3%) had LTBI. The investigation results indicated that Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission was minimal and eliminated unnecessary TB screening for 1,134 civilians which saved public health resources.

Rheumatology telephone helplines: patient and health professionals' requirements.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to ascertain patients' and health professionals' requirements from a rheumatology helpline and how such a service should be delivered. METHODS: Self-completed questionnaires were administered to both users of rheumatology helplines, patients and health professionals (HPs), and providers of rheumatology services at five UK NHS trusts. Additional data were sought from experts in the field. Information was elicited on access to the service, preferred waiting time for response to a call, acceptability of an answerphone and choice of HP responding. Quantitative data were analysed using percentages and Chi-squared tests. Open questions were analysed as free text responses, and organized into clusters of themes. RESULTS: A total of 607 questionnaires were returned, 523 from users (411 patients, 112 health professionals) and 84 from providers. There were no significant differences across the five Trusts. The top six reasons for patients contacting the helpline were: advice on changes in condition, drug information, understanding symptoms, blood results, information on diagnosis, and appointment queries. All groups recommended a return call on the same day and were happy to leave an answerphone message. HP users requested additional access via e-mail and fax. Rheumatology practitioners were deemed the most appropriate personnel to staff a helpline. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study have contributed a valuable insight into the essential components of a rheumatology helpline service from a user and provider perspective. These data will add to existing recommendations for the management of a rheumatology helpline service and ultimately contribute to a proposal for national guidelines.