Strategies to improve quantitative assessment of immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent labelling.

Binary image thresholding is the most commonly used technique to quantitatively examine changes in immunolabelled material. In this article we demonstrate that if implicit assumptions predicating this technique are not met then the resulting analysis and data interpretation can be incorrect. We then propose a transparent approach to image quantification that is straightforward to execute using currently available software and therefore can be readily and cost-effectively implemented.

Volunteerism under the magnifying glass.

Are you making a concerted effort to seek out and attract those volunteers who can really add value to your cause? Do you place as much emphasis on recruiting volunteers for the long-term as you do when hiring employees? Arguably, the answers to all of these questions should be a resounding "yes."

[Eating behavior of 12-16-year olds of French-speaking Valais: cross-sectional survey among 962 secondary students]. / Comportements alimentaires des 12-16 ans du Valais romand: enquête transversale auprès de 962 élèves du degré secondaire.

Eating habits that are potentially harmful are picked up during the teens. The aim of the study is to identify the main eating habits of 12-16 year-old teenagers of central Valais in order to plan better targeted health promotion interventions. The study design is cross sectional. An anonymous questionnaire was taken by a sample of 962 teenagers. Some results: 25.2% did not have breakfast every day, 37.0% did not eat neither fruit nor vegetable the day before, 58.2% had a soda drink the day before, 5.5% of the 12 of the 16 year-old ones and 51.2% year old ones drink some alcohol over the weekends. Possible health promotion interventions are listed.

Considerations in determining cost effectiveness in psychiatric rehabilitation.

Over the past decade there has been an increasing tendency by mental health professionals and economists to evaluate programs in terms of costs and benefits. The current paper deals with some of the more important issues which should be accounted for when contemplating undertaking a cost benefit analysis or a cost effectiveness exercise in the area of psychiatric rehabilitation.