Experiences from patients in mental healthcare accessing their electronic health records: results from a cross-national survey in Estonia, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Patients' online record access (ORA) enables patients to read and use their health data through online digital solutions. One such solution, patient-accessible electronic health records (PAEHRs) have been implemented in Estonia, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. While accumulated research has pointed to many potential benefits of ORA, its application in mental healthcare (MHC) continues to be contested. The present study aimed to describe MHC users' overall experiences with national PAEHR services. METHODS: The study analysed the MHC-part of the NORDeHEALTH 2022 Patient Survey, a large-scale multi-country survey. The survey consisted of 45 questions, including demographic variables and questions related to users' experiences with ORA. We focused on the questions concerning positive experiences (benefits), negative experiences (errors, omissions, offence), and breaches of security and privacy. Participants were included in this analysis if they reported receiving mental healthcare within the past two years. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise data, and percentages were calculated on available data. RESULTS: 6,157 respondents were included. In line with previous research, almost half (45%) reported very positive experiences with ORA. A majority in each country also reported improved trust (at least 69%) and communication (at least 71%) with healthcare providers. One-third (29.5%) reported very negative experiences with ORA. In total, half of the respondents (47.9%) found errors and a third (35.5%) found omissions in their medical documentation. One-third (34.8%) of all respondents also reported being offended by the content. When errors or omissions were identified, about half (46.5%) reported that they took no action. There seems to be differences in how patients experience errors, omissions, and missing information between the countries. A small proportion reported instances where family or others demanded access to their records (3.1%), and about one in ten (10.7%) noted that unauthorised individuals had seen their health information. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, MHC patients reported more positive experiences than negative, but a large portion of respondents reported problems with the content of the PAEHR. Further research on best practice in implementation of ORA in MHC is therefore needed, to ensure that all patients may reap the benefits while limiting potential negative consequences.

The feasibility and impact of implementing a computer-guided consultation to target health inequality in Asthma.

Greater Manchester has a greater prevalence and worse asthma outcomes than the national average. This study aims to evaluate a digital approach to primary care asthma management and in particular the initial impact of implementing Clinical Decision Support System software in the form of a computer-guided consultation (CGC) in the setting of primary care asthma reviews in deprived areas of Greater Manchester. The CGC (LungHealth Ltd) is an intelligent decision support system ensuring accurate guideline-based staging of asthma and assessment of asthma control with the software subsequently prompting guideline-standard management. Patients on asthma registers in Greater Manchester Primary Care Networks were identified and underwent remote review by nursing staff using the CGC linked directly to the GP clinical system. Three-hundred thirty-eight patients (mean age 59 (SD 17) years; 60% Female) were reviewed. The CGC reported the patient's asthma control to be "Good" in 22%, "Partial" in 6% and "Poor" in 72%. ACT scores were significantly higher in those patients exhibiting "Good" and "Partial" control when compared to those with "Poor" control. The number of steroid courses and hospital admissions in the previous 12 months was significantly lower in those patients exhibiting "Good" and "Partial" control when compared to those with "Poor" control. Nineteen percent were found not to have a personalised asthma management plan during CGC review, which was alerted by the CGC and subsequently, all but 3 patients had this created on review completion (McNemar's test; p < 0.001). 5% were found not to have been prescribed regular inhaled steroid therapy resulting in the operator being alerted by the CGC in all cases. Overall, 44% underwent alteration in asthma therapy following the CGC review with 82% of these representing treatment escalation. An end-to-end digital service solution is feasible for Asthma within primary care and the utilisation of a CGC when conducting primary care asthma reviews increases implementation of guideline-level management thus addressing healthcare inequality while enabling identification of "high risk" asthma patients and guiding appropriate therapy escalation and de-escalation.

COVID-19 et maladies auto-immunes dans un centre de traitement des épidémies à Dakar / COVID 19 and autoimmune diseases in an outbreak treatment center in Dakar

Introduction : Les patients présentant une affection systémique ont un risque accru d'infections. Leur prise en charge au cours de la pandémie au COVID19 constitue un défi qui doit prendre en considération plusieurs aspects. Nous rapportons les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques, et évolutives des patients COVID positifs suivis pour une maladie auto-immune (MAI). Patients et méthode : étude rétrospective, descriptive et analytique menée au centre de traitement des épidémies du centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Le Dantec de Dakar durant les périodes du 30 Avril au 30 Octobre 2020 puis du 30 Décembre 2020 au 30 Avril 2021. Etaient inclus tous les dossiers des patients suivis pour une maladie systémique hospitalisés pour COVID-19 confirmée à la RT-PCR. Résultats : treize patients étaient inclus dans l'étude, composés de 8 femmes et de 5 hommes. L'âge moyen était de 59 ans [16 à 74 ans]. Il s'agissait de 8 cas de maladies auto-immunes systémiques (MAIS) : polyarthrite rhumatoïde (n=3 ; 37,5%), Sjögren primitif (n=2 ; 25%), lupus systémique, dermatomyosite, arthrite à cellules géantes chacun 1 cas (12,5%) et 5 cas de maladies auto-immunes spécifiques d'organes (MASO) : maladie de Basedow (n=1 ; 20% de MASO), thyroïdite de Hashimoto (n=1 ; 20%), myasthénie (n=1 ; 20%), diabète de type 1 (n=1 ; 20%) et maladie de Biermer (n=1 ; 20%). Les formes cliniques étaient modérées (6 cas ; 46,1%), sévères (2cas ; 15,4%) et critiques (2cas ; 15,4%). Huit patients (8/13) avaient au moins une comorbidité associée. Deux décès (2/13) étaient notés. Conclusion : il n'a pas été trouvé une augmentation des complications sévères dues au COVID-19 chez les patients suivis pour une maladie auto-immune. Leur pronostic n'est pas différent de celui de la population générale.

[Dysthyroidism in children and adolescents at the Mali hospital]. / Dysthyroïdie chez les enfants et les adolescents à l'hôpital du Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Dysthyroidism (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) in children and adolescents is much rarer than in adults. The purpose of our study was to study the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, etiological and etiological aspects and to specify the therapeutic and evolutionary modalities of this condition. METHOD: This was a five-year descriptive, retrospective and prospective study of children and adolescents under 18 years of age with dysthyroidism. RESULTS: We collected 90 children and adolescents with dysthyroidism (hyperthyroidism 77.8% (n=70) and hypothyroidism 22.2% (n=20). For hyperthyroidism (n=70): the average age was 13.07 years and the sex ratio was 0.16. The family history of dysthyroidism was found in 24.3% (n=17). Clinical manifestations were dominated by tachycardia 88.57% (n=62), weight loss 87.14% (n=61), vibrating pulse 87.14% (n=61) and palpitation 81.42% (n=57). Bilateral exophthalmos was present in 70% of patients (n=49) with palpebral retraction in 51.42% (n=56). Goitre was present in 54 patients (77.1%). It was diffuse in 62.9% (n=44) and nodular in 12.9% (n=9). Basedow's disease represented the first etiology with 84.3% (n=59), followed by toxic multinodular goitre12, 9% (n=9). Sixty-eight patients (97.1%) received medical treatment with synthetic antithyroid drugs. Clinical remission was achieved in 64.3% (n=45) and 54.3% of patients were in biological euthyroidism at 6 months follow-up. For hypothyroidism (n=20): the average age was 10.70 years and the sex ratio was 0.53. Six family cases of hypothyroidism and three cases of family goitre were found. The clinical picture was dominated by signs of hypo metabolism at hypersomnia type 95% (n=19) and anorexia 75% (n=15). The skin was dry in 60% (n=12). A staturo-weight delay in 65% (n=13), behavioural disorders in 55% (n=11), weight gain in 40% (n=8) and puberty delay in 10% (n=2). Goitre was nodular in 25% (n=5) with cervical adenopathy present in 15% (n=3). Hashimoto's thyroiditis accounted for 45% (n=9) of etiologies followed by iodine deficiency disorders in 15% (n=3) and iatrogenic causes (2 cases of thyroidectomy). All patients were started on hormone replacement therapy for life. Five patients with large multinodular goiter received total thyroidectomy in addition to medical treatment. Euthyroidism was observed in 55% (n=11) of patients at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Dysthyroidism in children and adolescents exists in our health facilities. Its management is deficient because of the technical and financial platform. Our public health decision-makers must help implement a screening strategy to facilitate faster diagnosis and treatment.

INTRODUCTION: La dysthyroïdie (hyperthyroïdie ou hypothyroïdie) chez l'enfant et l'adolescent est beaucoup plus rare que chez l'adulte. Notre étude avait pour but d'étudier les aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques, étiologiques et de préciser les modalités thérapeutiques et évolutives de cette affection. MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude descriptive, rétrospective et prospective de cinq ans portant sur les enfants et adolescents âgés de moins de 18 ans présentant une dysthyroïdie. RÉSULTATS: Nous avons colligé 90 enfants et adolescents présentant une dysthyroïdie (hyperthyroïdie 77,8% (n=70) et hypothyroïdie 22,2% (n=20).Pour l'hyperthyroïdie (n=70) : l'âge moyen était de 13,07 ans et le sex ratio de 0,16. L'antécédent familial de dysthyroïdie était retrouvé dans 24,3% (n=17). Les manifestations cliniques étaient dominées par la tachycardie 88,57% (n=62), l'amaigrissement 87,14% (n=61), le pouls vibrant 87,14% (n=61) et la palpitation 81,42% (n=57).L'exophtalmie bilatérale était présente chez 70% des patients (n=49) avec rétraction palpébrale dans 51,42% (n=56). Le goitre était présent chez 54 patients (77,1%). Il était diffus dans 62,9% (n=44) et nodulaire dans 12,9% (n=9). La maladie de Basedow représentait la première étiologie avec 84,3% (n=59), suivie du goitre multinodulaire toxique12, 9% (n=9). Soixante-huit patients (97,1%) ont bénéficié d'un traitement médical par antithyroïdien de synthèse. La rémission clinique était obtenue chez 64,3% (n=45) et 54,3% des patients étaient en euthyroïdie biologique au bout 6 mois de suivi. Pour l'hypothyroïdie (n=20) : l'âge moyen était de 10,70 ans et le sex ratio à 0,53. Six cas familiaux d'hypothyroïdie et trois cas de goitre familial étaient retrouvés. Le tableau clinique était dominé par les signes d'hypo métabolisme à type d'hypersomnie 95% (n=19) et d'anorexie 75% (n=15). La peau était sèche dans 60% (n=12). Un retard staturo-pondéral dans 65% (n=13), les troubles du comportement dans 55% (n=11), la prise pondérale chez 40% (n=8) et le retard pubertaire chez 10% (n=2). Le goitre était nodulaire chez 25% (n=5) avec présence d'adénopathies cervicales dans 15% (n=3). La thyroïdite d'Hashimoto représentait 45% (n=9) des étiologies suivies des troubles dus à la carence iodée dans 15% (n=3) et des causes iatrogéniques (2 cas de thyroïdectomie). Tous les patients ont été mis sous traitement hormonal substitutif à vie. Cinq patients ayant un volumineux goitre multinodulaire ont bénéficié en plus du traitement médical une thyroïdectomie totale. L'euthyroïdie était observée chez 55% (n=11) des patients au bout 6 mois de suivi. CONCLUSION: La dysthyroïdie chez les enfants et les adolescents existe dans nos structures de santé. Sa prise en charge est déficiente à cause du plateau technique et financier. Nos décideurs en santé publique doivent aider à la mise en place d'une stratégie de dépistage pour faciliter le diagnostic et le traitement plus rapide.

Macrophage activation syndrome, a rare complication of primary Sjögren's syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The association of macrophage activation syndrome and primary Sjögren's syndrome has been rarely reported in the literature. We report the first observation of this association in Africa, south of the Sahara, and we discuss the diagnosis and therapeutic challenge. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old Mauritanian and Berber woman was followed for primary Sjögren's syndrome. After a voluntary cessation of her usual background treatment, she was admitted to our department for an outbreak of her illness. A clinical examination revealed anemic syndrome, peripheral polyarthritis, coughing rales at both pulmonary bases, and fever at 39.5 °C. On biologic examination, there was bicytopenia with anemia at 5.70 g/dl, lymphopenia at 796/mm3, a biological inflammatory syndrome with a sedimentation rate at 137 mm in the first hour, C-reactive protein at 97 mg/l, hyperferritinemia at 1778 mg/l (9 normal value), and hypergammaglobulinemia at 20.7 g/l of polyclonal appearance. The triglycerides were 1.95 g/l (1.4 normal value) and the lactate dehydrogenase level was 491 IU/l (1.5 normal value). Cytological examination of a medullary puncture revealed an image of hemophagocytosis. An infectious screening was negative. Thoracic computed tomography showed non-specific interstitial lung disease. A diagnosis of macrophage activation syndrome complicating primary Sjögren's syndrome was selected with a probability of 97.2%, according to H-Score. The evolution was favorable under a treatment including etoposide (VP-16). CONCLUSION: Macrophage activation syndrome is a rare entity, rarely reported during primary Sjögren's syndrome. Its spontaneous evolution is invariably fatal. There is no consensus on therapeutic treatment. Etoposide is a therapeutic option especially in forms refractory to corticosteroid therapy.

An architectural understanding of natural sway frequencies in trees.

The relationship between form and function in trees is the subject of a longstanding debate in forest ecology and provides the basis for theories concerning forest ecosystem structure and metabolism. Trees interact with the wind in a dynamic manner and exhibit natural sway frequencies and damping processes that are important in understanding wind damage. Tree-wind dynamics are related to tree architecture, but this relationship is not well understood. We present a comprehensive view of natural sway frequencies in trees by compiling a dataset of field measurement spanning conifers and broadleaves, tropical and temperate forests. The field data show that a cantilever beam approximation adequately predicts the fundamental frequency of conifers, but not that of broadleaf trees. We also use structurally detailed tree dynamics simulations to test fundamental assumptions underpinning models of natural frequencies in trees. We model the dynamic properties of greater than 1000 trees using a finite-element approach based on accurate three-dimensional model trees derived from terrestrial laser scanning data. We show that (1) residual variation, the variation not explained by the cantilever beam approximation, in fundamental frequencies of broadleaf trees is driven by their architecture; (2) slender trees behave like a simple pendulum, with a single natural frequency dominating their motion, which makes them vulnerable to wind damage and (3) the presence of leaves decreases both the fundamental frequency and the damping ratio. These findings demonstrate the value of new three-dimensional measurements for understanding wind impacts on trees and suggest new directions for improving our understanding of tree dynamics from conifer plantations to natural forests.

Evaluation de l'outil de sélection des candidats au don pour améliorer la qualité des produits dérivés de sang à l'Hôpital du Mali

Introduction : La sécurité transfusionnelle constitue un défi majeur dans les pays en développement. La sélection médicale est un élément essentiel dans la stratégie visant à réduire la transmission d'agents infectieux Mali. Dans ce travail nous avons évalué l'outil utilisé pour le screening pré-don dans l'unité de banque de sang de l'hôpital du Mali. Matériel et Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective du 30 mars 2016 au 14 février 2017 incluant tous les candidats au don de sang. Après la sélection médicale, une qualification biologique a été réalisée au niveau du Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine notamment pour les 4 infections transmissibles obligatoires de l'OMS (VHB, VHC, VIH et Syphilis). Résultats : Au total, 726 candidats au don ont été inclus. La moyenne d'âge était de 30,72 ± 8,8 ans, compris entre 17 et 60 ans. Le sex-ratio H/F était : 8,48. Il s'agissait dans 83,5% des cas d'un don de compensation, 67% étaient à leur premier don. La sélection médicale a permis d'écarter 108 candidats pour des raisons diverses. Sur les 618 candidats retenus, 79 soit 12,8% des PSL n'étaient pas qualifiés pour la distribution pour VIH (0,3%), VHB (10,7%), VHC (1,8%), syphilis (0,3%) et co-infection VHB+VHC (0,3%). Conclusion : Cette étude nous a permis d'identifier quelques insuffisances de l'outil. Nous concluons que cet outil utilisé pour la sélection médicale doit être amélioré

Sarcoïdose systémique du sujet âgé et amylose : complication ou association fortuite ? A propos d'une observation

Introduction : La sarcoïdose est une granulomatose systémique de cause inconnue. Son association avec une amylose a été exceptionnellement décrite. Nous en rapportons une observation association.Observation : Une patiente âgée de 68 ans était admise dans notre service pour exploration de troubles psycho-comportementaux associés à une macro-polyadénopathie. Le diagnostic d'une sarcoïdose à localisation médiastino-ganglionnaire, cutanée et neurologique était retenu. La biopsie des salivaires accessoires mettait en évidence des dépôts amyloïdes. Le bilan de retentissement de l'amylose objectivait une altération de la fonction rénale et uneprotéinurie à 2,36 g/24H. La corticothérapie associée à l'hydroxy-chloroquine a été instituée. L'évolution était favorable. Conclusion : Cette observation illustre l'intérêt de la recherche systématique d'une amylose au cours de la sarcoïdose. La biopsie des glandes salivaires accessoires est de par son innocuité, la technique de référence dans l'amylose systémique du sujet âgé

Strongly Metallic Electron and Hole 2D Transport in an Ambipolar Si-Vacuum Field Effect Transistor.

We report experiment and theory on an ambipolar gate-controlled Si(111)-vacuum field effect transistor where we study electron and hole (low-temperature 2D) transport in the same device simply by changing the external gate voltage to tune the system from being a 2D electron system at positive gate voltage to a 2D hole system at negative gate voltage. The electron (hole) conductivity manifests strong (moderate) metallic temperature dependence with the conductivity decreasing by a factor of 8 (2) between 0.3 K and 4.2 K with the peak electron mobility (∼18 m2/V s) being roughly 20 times larger than the peak hole mobility (in the same sample). Our theory explains the data well using random phase approximation screening of background Coulomb disorder, establishing that the observed metallicity is a direct consequence of the strong temperature dependence of the effective screened disorder.

[Cervico-facial traumatic injuries at the Donka national hospital of the teaching hospital of Conakry]. / Les Plaies Traumatiques Cervico-Faciales A L'Hopital National Donka Du CHU De Conakry.

The Cervico-Facial Traumatic Injuries (CFTI) can entrain complications and serious aesthetic and functional sequella. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of CFTI, to describe the clinical forms and to evaluate the treatment. It was a prospective study conducted from February to July 2010 in the National Donka hospital of the Teaching Hospital of Conakry. The study concerned 265 patients, who benefited a treatment and reevaluated. The young adults aged between 21-30 years were the most affected (38.49%). 74.34 % were men and 25.66 % were females with a sex ratio of 2.9. Road accident was the etiology of injuries in 70.57% of cases. Clinically, the lesions were dominated by the wounds type II (49.05 %) followed by the wounds type I (48.30 %) and 2,65 % of wounds was type III. The treatment was medical and surgical. Evolution was considered favorable in 82.13 % of cases and disfavorable in 17.85 % of cases.

Les plaies traumatiques cervico-faciales a hopital national Donka du CHU de Conakry

Les plaies traumatiques cervico-faciales (PTCF) peuvent entrainer des complications et des sequelles esthetiques et fonctionnelles graves. Les objectifs de l'etude etaient de determiner le profil epidemiologique des PTCF; de decrire les formes cliniques rencontrees et leur prise en charge. Il s'agissait d'une etude prospective realisee de Fevrier a Juillet 2010 a l'hopital National Donka du CHU de Conakry. Elle a porte sur 265 patients presentant des PTCF et ayant beneficie d'une prise en charge. La frequence des PTCF par rapport aux autres plaies traumatiques des autres regions etait de 8;56. Les adultes jeunes de 21-30 ans etaient les plus touches (38;49) et 74;34etaient des hommes contre 25;66de femme soit un sex ratio de 2;90. Les AVP etaient la cause des plaies dans 70;57des cas. Le tableau clinique etait domine par les plaies de type II (49;05) suivis des plaies de type I (48;30) et 2;65de plaies de type III. Le traitement effectue etait medico-chirurgical. L'evolution a ete jugee favorable dans 82;13des cas et defavorable dans 17;85 des cas

Human blood and marrow side population stem cell and Stro-1 positive bone marrow stromal cell numbers decline with age, with an increase in quality of surviving stem cells: correlation with cytokines.

Hematological deficiencies increase with aging leading to anemias, reduced hematopoietic stress responses and myelodysplasias. This study tested the hypothesis that side population hematopoietic stem cells (SP-HSC) would decrease with aging, correlating with IGF-1 and IL-6 levels and increases in bone marrow fat. Marrow was obtained from the femoral head and trochanteric region of the femur at surgery for total hip replacement (N=100). Whole trabecular marrow samples were ground in a sterile mortar and pestle and cellularity and fat content determined. Marrow and blood mononuclear cells were stained with Hoechst dye and the SP-HSC profiles acquired. Marrow stromal cells (MSC) were enumerated flow cytometrically employing the Stro-1 antibody, and clonally in the colony forming unit fibroblast (CFU-F) assay. Plasma levels of IGF-1 (ng/ml) and IL-6 (pg/ml) were measured by ELISA. SP-HSC in blood and bone marrow decreased with age but the quality of the surviving stem cells increased. MSC decreased non-significantly. IGF-1 levels (mean=30.7, SEM=2) decreased and IL-6 levels (mean=4.4, SEM=1) increased with age as did marrow fat (mean=1.2mmfat/g, SEM=0.04). There were no significant correlations between cytokine levels or fat and SP-HSC numbers. Stem cells appear to be progressively lost with aging and only the highest quality stem cells survive.

Initial clinical experience with Myxo-ETlogix mitral valve repair ring.

OBJECTIVE: Complexity of mitral valve repair for myxomatous disease has led to low adoption. We report initial experience with a new ring designed specifically for myxomatous disease, the Myxo-ETlogix (Edwards Lifesciences LLC, Irvine, Calif). METHODS: From March 15, 2006, through November 19, 2007, 129 patients underwent mitral valve surgery for pure myxomatous disease, and 124 valves (96.1%) were repaired. The Myxo-ETlogix ring was used in 100 cases and the Physio ring (Edwards) in 24. The Myxo-ETlogix design includes a 3-dimensional shape to reduce systolic anterior motion and a larger orifice to accommodate elongated leaflets and decrease need for sliding plasty. Direct mitral valve measurements were made. Sizing was based on A2 height, and choice of ring type was based on unresected leaflet heights. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality or lasting perioperative morbidity. The Myxo-ETlogix group had taller A2, P1, P2, and P3 leaflet segments than the Physio group (P < or = .003). Only 1 sliding plasty was performed for asymmetry in the Myxo-ETlogix group. Predischarge and follow-up echocardiograms (n = 338 in 124 patients) disclosed transient nonobstructive chordal systolic anterior motion in 3 echocardiograms in 3 patients. No patients had 2+ or greater mitral regurgitation. At discharge, 5.7% had 1+ mitral regurgitation; this proportion was 17.3% at last follow-up (mean 6.1 +/- 4.4 months). CONCLUSION: In initial experience with the Myxo-ETlogix ring, nonobstructive systolic anterior motion has been rare and obstructive systolic anterior motion not observed. Ongoing prospective echocardiographic and clinical studies will elucidate the role of this etiology-specific ring.

Integer quantum Hall effect on a six-valley hydrogen-passivated silicon (111) surface.

We report magnetotransport studies of a two-dimensional electron system formed in an inversion layer at the interface between a hydrogen-passivated Si(111) surface and vacuum. Measurements in the integer quantum Hall regime demonstrate that the expected sixfold valley degeneracy for these surfaces is broken, resulting in an unequal occupation of the six valleys and anisotropy in the resistance. We hypothesize the misorientation of Si surface breaks the valley states into three unequally spaced pairs, but the observation of odd filling factors is difficult to reconcile with noninteracting electron theory.

Depression in HIV-infected patients: allopathic, complementary, and alternative treatments.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review article is to synthesize the current knowledge related to depression and HIV disease. METHODS: The research literature was critically evaluated for several selected therapies that are prescribed for HIV-infected persons to treat depression. These therapies included pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, alternative, and complementary therapies. RESULTS: Several therapies are currently available for the treatment of depression in HIV disease. When prescribing treatments, clinicians should be aware of problems associated with diagnoses, drug-drug interactions, and the benefits of some of the new therapies that are now available. Treatment regimes should be carefully designed to meet the individual needs of the patient and will optimally include a combination of approaches including psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, education, and/or complementary therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Although HIV is now a treatable disease, the prevalence of depression in the HIV population remains high and should be continually addressed.

Hydrogenic spin quantum computing in silicon: a digital approach.

We suggest an architecture for quantum computing with spin-pair encoded qubits in silicon. Electron-nuclear spin-pairs are controlled by a dc magnetic field and electrode-switched on and off hyperfine interaction. This digital processing is insensitive to tuning errors and easy to model. Electron shuttling between donors enables multiqubit logic. These hydrogenic spin qubits are transferable to nuclear spin-pairs, which have long coherence times, and electron spin-pairs, which are ideally suited for measurement and initialization. The architecture is scalable to a highly parallel operation.

Density-dependent spin polarization in ultra-low-disorder quantum wires.

There is controversy as to whether a one-dimensional (1D) electron gas can spin polarize in the absence of a magnetic field. Together with a simple model, we present conductance measurements on ultra-low-disorder quantum wires supportive of a spin polarization at B=0. A spin energy gap is indicated by the presence of a feature in the range (0.5-0.7)x2e(2)/h in conductance data. Importantly, it appears that the spin gap is not constant but a function of the electron density. Data obtained using a bias spectroscopy technique are consistent with the spin gap widening further as the Fermi level is increased.