Sensory profiles in adults with and without ADHD.

BACKGROUND: Our previous work demonstrates that adults with ADHD produce more force at the fingertips compared to adults without ADHD. One possibility is that somatosensation is impaired in ADHD. However, ADHD is often comorbid with anxiety, and anxiety influences sensory responsivity. AIMS: The goal of the current work was to evaluate differences in the self-report of sensory experiences in adults with and without ADHD, while controlling for internalizing behaviors. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Forty-five adults (23 with ADHD) completed a semi-structured interview for the diagnosis of ADHD, the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), and the Achenbach Adult Self Report (ASR). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Adults with ADHD reported more hyper- and hypo- sensitivity compared to adults without ADHD, even when controlling for internalizing behaviors. Specifically, between group differences were found for low registration, sensation seeking, and sensory sensitivity scores, but not for sensation avoiding, and for movement, visual, touch, activity, audition, or taste/smell. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings demonstrate that sensory hyper- and hypo- sensitivity may be features of ADHD in adults. Further, they demonstrate that internalizing behaviors influence the perception of sensory experiences and thus should be accounted for in studies of sensory processing, integration, and modulation in adults with ADHD.

Avian hosts of Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) and the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in larvae feeding on the Oregon junco.

Larval and nymphal western blacklegged tick, Ixodes pacificus Cooley & Kohls (Acari: Ixodidae), were collected from birds, rodents, and lizards at Quail Ridge Reserve located in Napa County in northwestern California. Species from three vertebrate classes were sampled simultaneously from two transects during two consecutive spring seasons. Feeding larval and nymphal ticks were removed and preserved for counting, examination and testing for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner. Mean infestations with I. pacificus subadults on lizards were 10.0, on birds 2.9, and on rodents 1.3. I. pacificus larvae (204) collected from 10 avian species and (215) collected from two rodent species were tested for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.s. via real-time polymerase chain reaction. Three B. burgdorferi-infected larvae were taken from two Junco hyemalis and two infected larvae from one Neotoma fuscipes Baird. This is the detection of B. burgdorferi ss in an Ixodes pacificus larvae feeding on a Junco hyemalis L., [corrected] in western North America.

Genetic relatedness and virulence gene profiles of Escherichia coli strains isolated from septicaemic and uroseptic patients.

We investigated the relationship between clonality and virulence factors (VFs) of a collection of Escherichia coli strains isolated from septicaemic and uroseptic patients with respect to their origin of translocation. Forty septicaemic and 30 uroseptic strains of E. coli were tested for their phylogenetic groupings, genetic relatedness using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), biochemical fingerprinting method (biochemical phenotypes [BPTs]), adherence to HT-29 cells and the presence of 56 E. coli VF genes. Strains belonging to phylogenetic groups B2 and D constituted 93% of all strains. Fifty-four (77%) strains belonged to two major BPT/RAPD clusters (A and B), with cluster A carrying significantly (P = 0.0099) more uroseptic strains. The degree of adhesion to HT-29 cells of uroseptic strains was significantly (P = 0.0012) greater than that of septicaemic strains. Of the 56 VF genes tested, pap genes was the only group that were found significantly (P < 0.0001) more often among uroseptic isolates. Phylogenetic group B2 contained a significantly higher number of strains carrying pap genes than those in group D. We conclude that uroseptic E. coli are clonally different from septicaemic strains, carry more pap genes and predominantly adhere more to the HT-29 cell model of the gut.

Severe intoxication from xylazine inhalation.

We present the first documented case of overdose from xylazine inhalation. The patient developed findings consistent with alpha 2 adrenergic agonist toxicity, eg coma, miosis, apnea, bradycardia, hypothermia, and dry mouth 2 hours after exposure. Standard dose naloxone did not reverse these effects. The patient fully recovered after appropriate supportive measures. A review of prior reports of xylazine exposure is provided.

Indications for, techniques of, complications of, and efficacy of gastric lavage in the treatment of the poisoned child.

Gastrointestinal decontamination is central to the care of poisoned patients, and gastric lavage is one common method for gastrointestinal decontamination. Gastric lavage in pediatric patients should be limited to children who present shortly after a potentially life-threatening ingestion. The routine use of gastric lavage has recently been questioned because of limited outcome data and increased morbidity. If gastric lavage is deemed necessary, proper positioning of the patient and strict attention to appropriate technique are essential to avert complications.

Experimental and field evaluations of two acaracides for control of I. pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) in northern California.

Use of acaricides for the control of Ixodes pacificus (Cooley & Kohls), the vector of Lyme borreliosis in the western United States, can be a beneficial component in a program to reduce the morbidity of Lyme borreliosis in California. Three commercially available acaricides, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon, were evaluated in laboratory bioassays for their effectiveness against I. pacificus adults. Based on bioassay results, chlorpyrifos and carbaryl were selected for field evaluations. Chlorpyrifos demonstrated the lowest LD50 in the laboratory and the best overall control in the field trials. Chlorpyrifos and carbaryl provided effective control with a residual effect on adult ticks up to 7 wk after a single treatment. A field application timed to coincide with the highest period of adult questing activity proved effective in the control of I. pacificus in a Sierran foothill habitat. Judicious use of either of the acaricides evaluated may help to reduce adult tick densities in a peridomestic environment and thereby reduce the risk of human exposure to Lyme borreliosis and other tick-borne agents.

Late-presenting acute acetaminophen toxicity and the role of N-acetylcysteine.

NAC is an effective antidote for APAP toxicity. NAC has been shown to be effective for early toxicity and is gaining acceptance for late toxicity. As the knowledge of APAP toxicity advances, the duration and route of NAC administration may be clarified.

Atomic-scale desorption through electronic and vibrational excitation mechanisms.

The scanning tunneling microscope has been used to desorb hydrogen from hydrogen-terminated silicon (100) surfaces. As a result of control of the dose of incident electrons, a countable number of desorption sites can be created and the yield and cross section are thereby obtained. Two distinct desorption mechanisms are observed: (i) direct electronic excitation of the Si-H bond by field-emitted electrons and (ii) an atomic resolution mechanism that involves multiple-vibrational excitation by tunneling electrons at low applied voltages. This vibrational heating effect offers significant potential for controlling surface reactions involving adsorbed individual atoms and molecules.

Effective management of complaints in the emergency department.

Many of the causes of complaints can be reduced but not completely eliminated. Appropriate attention through education and quality management keeps the department's attention focused on increasing patient satisfaction.

Complications of varicella: varicella-associated cerebritis in a child. Case report and review.

Chickenpox is a common contagious disease of childhood. Infection with varicella-zoster virus generally follows a benign course, but complications may occur. We report the case of a child with chickenpox who developed diffuse cerebritis with significant dehydration, azotemia, elevations in transaminases, and coagulopathy. The neurologic complications of varicella-zoster infection are reviewed.