High-fidelity vibrokinetic stimulation induces sustained changes in intercortical coherence during a cinematic experience.

OBJECTIVE: High-fidelity vibrokinetic (HFVK) technology is widely used to enhance the immersiveness of audiovisual (AV) entertainment experiences. However, despite evidence that HFVK technology does subjectively enhance AV immersion, the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. Neurophysiological studies could provide important evidence to illuminate this mechanism, thereby benefiting HFVK stimulus design, and facilitating expansion of HFVK technology. APPROACH: We conducted a between-subjects (VK, N = 11; Control, N = 9) exploratory study to measure the effect of HFVK stimulation through an HFVK seat on electroencephalographic cortical activity during an AV cinematic experience. Subjective appreciation of the experience was assessed and incorporated into statistical models exploring the effects of HFVK stimulation across cortical brain areas. We separately analyzed alpha-band (8-12 Hz) and theta-band (5-7 Hz) activities as indices of engagement and sensory processing, respectively. We also performed theta-band (5-7 Hz) coherence analyses using cortical seed areas identified from the theta activity analysis. MAIN RESULTS: The right fusiform gyrus, inferiotemporal gyrus, and supramarginal gyrus, known for emotion, AV-spatial, and vestibular processing, were identified as seeds from theta analyses. Coherence from these areas was uniformly enhanced in HFVK subjects in right motor areas, albeit predominantly in those who were appreciative. Meanwhile, compared to control subjects, HFVK subjects exhibited uniform interhemispheric decoherence with the left insula, which is important for self-processing. SIGNIFICANCE: The results collectively point to sustained decoherence between sensory and self-processing as a possible mechanism for how HFVK increases immersion, and that coordination of emotional, spatial, and vestibular processing hubs with the motor system may be required for appreciation of the HFVK-enhanced experience. Overall, this study offers the first ever demonstration that HFVK stimulation has a real and sustained effect on brain activity during a cinematic experience.

Mortality of urban Aboriginal adults in Canada, 1991-2001.

OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality patterns for urban Aboriginal adults with those of urban non-Aboriginal adults. METHODS: Using the 1991-2001 Canadian census mortality follow-up study, our study tracked mortality to December 31, 2001, among a 15% sample of adults, including 16 300 Aboriginal and 2 062 700 non-Aboriginal persons residing in urban areas on June 4, 1991. The Aboriginal population was defined by ethnic origin (ancestry), Registered Indian status and/or membership in an Indian band or First Nation, since the 1991 census did not collect information on Aboriginal identity. RESULTS: Compared to urban non-Aboriginal men and women, remaining life expectancy at age 25 years was 4.7 years and 6.5 years shorter for urban Aboriginal men and women, respectively. Mortality rate ratios for urban Aboriginal men and women were particularly elevated for alcohol-related deaths, motor vehicle accidents and infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. For most causes of death, urban Aboriginal adults had higher mortality rates compared to other urban residents. Socio-economic status played an important role in explaining these disparities. CONCLUSION: Results from this study help fill a data gap on mortality information of urban Aboriginal people of Canada.

Mortality of urban Aboriginal adults in Canada, 1991-2001.

OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality patterns for urban Aboriginal adults with those of urban non-Aboriginal adults. METHODS: Using the 1991-2001 Canadian census mortality follow-up study, our study tracked mortality to December 31, 2001, among a 15% sample of adults, including 16 300 Aboriginal and 2 062 700 non-Aboriginal persons residing in urban areas on June 4, 1991. The Aboriginal population was defined by ethnic origin (ancestry), Registered Indian status and/or membership in an Indian band or First Nation, since the 1991 census did not collect information on Aboriginal identity. RESULTS: Compared to urban non-Aboriginal men and women, remaining life expectancy at age 25 years was 4.7 years and 6.5 years shorter for urban Aboriginal men and women, respectively. Mortality rate ratios for urban Aboriginal men and women were particularly elevated for alcohol-related deaths, motor vehicle accidents and infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. For most causes of death, urban Aboriginal adults had higher mortality rates compared to other urban residents. Socio-economic status played an important role in explaining these disparities. CONCLUSION: Results from this study help fill a data gap on mortality information of urban Aboriginal people of Canada.

Pain management of wound care.

Children and adults still suffer pain during wound dressing changes despite national guidelines. Assessing and managing pain are essential components of comprehensive wound care. Developmentally sensitive pain assessment tools are available to measure verbal, behavioral, and physiologic responses to pain. Holistic pain assessment includes pain intensity, location, description, relief measures, cultural background, and the patient's developmental level and anxiety. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions should be combined to manage pain based upon patient's response and nursing assessment. Nurses with a fundamental knowledge of pain assessment and management provide their patients with pain and symptom relief during wound care.

Public health in managed care: a randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of postcard reminders.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an annual public health intervention in a managed care setting. METHODS: Managed care organization members 65 years and older who received influenza immunization in 1996 were randomized to an intervention group (mailed a postcard reminder to receive an influenza vaccination in 1997) or a control group (no postcard). Vaccination rates for both groups were assessed monthly. RESULTS: Members receiving the intervention were no more likely to be immunized (78.6%) than members of the control group (77.2%, P = .222). Members were vaccinated at the same pace regardless of vaccination history and postcard intervention status. CONCLUSIONS: Postcard reminders were not an effective intervention among seniors who had been vaccinated the previous year.

[Infantile mortality in Ile-et-Vilaine (1970-1986)]. / La mortalité infantile en Ille-et-Vilaine (1970-1986).

The rates and the causes of infantile mortality between 1970 and 1986 in the district of Ille-et-Vilaine are reported. During that period, infantile mortality rate decreased from 18.7 to 7.06% and from 12.4 to 3.6% during the first week (0-6 days), thereby suggesting the efficacy of medical care programs for this pediatric age group in France. Since 1980, with more accurate record keeping, using the recommended international classifications, there is a relative stagnation in the rate or early neonatal deaths (3.97 to 3.67) as compared to a sizable drop in the rates of late neonatal deaths (1.90 to 0.73) and post neonatal deaths (4.63 to 2.57). Congenital abnormalities have become the most important cause of death (34%) before prematurity (24.58%). However, the number of congenital anomalies should quickly decrease with prenatal screening programs leading to interruption of pregnancies. Although the percentage of infantile deaths due to prematurity has decreased from 66% between 1970 and 1974 to 24.58% in recent years, prematurity remains an important cause of death. Infections have decreased and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is currently the most important cause of death during the postneonatal period. The well known factors of risks are confirmed and particularly increased vulnerability of the population with a low socio-economic status which should lead to appropriate prevention programs. Despite these very impressive results, birth remains the most vulnerable period of life and current efforts should continue. Priority must be given to the improvement of prenatal care which requires good ongoing collaboration between obstetrics and pediatrics and the use of the Maternity Health Booklet.