bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social science and psychiatric epidemiology. A difficult relationship
Authors: Leighton Alexander H.
Published: August 2007

The difficulty in the relationships among the social sciences, psychiatry and epidemiology is important because it inhibits incremental growth of scientific knowledge regarding human behavior. This in turn handicaps coping with social, psychological and cultural perturbations which currently threaten human existence. A major reason for the difficulty in the relationships is the presence of divergent views among the various relevant disciplines with regard to the nature of the scientific process. This article presents an outline of the scientific process modelled on those sciences which focus on living systems. Growth in scientific knowledge is seen to occur as a result of a spiral movement in which articulating conceptual and operational transactions alternate. A problem of our time is that parts of the spiral are often disengaged and conducted independently in a way that makes impossible the incremental synthesis of theory, hypotheses, premisses and data.
Social facts and the sociological imagination: The contributions of sociology to psychiatric epidemiology
Authors: Eaton William W.
Published: August 2007

This paper provides a conceptual framework for understanding the relationship of psychiatry, epidemiology, and sociology. After a section on definitions, seven empirical contributions by sociologists to the field of psychiatric epidemiology are briefly presented to illustrate the notion of the social fact (contributions by Durkheim, Dunham, Hollingshead, Srole and Langner, Kerckhoff and Back, Dohrenwend, and Brown). Four broad sociological theories are reviewed, as illustrations of the sociological imagination (stratification theory, the idea of Verstehen, symbolic interactionism, and the sociology of knowledge). It is concluded that two major contributions of sociology to psychiatric epidemiology are the concepts and data related to the social fact, and the possibilities offered by the sociological imagination.
Screening for depression in primary care Development and validation of the Depression Scale, a screening instrument for depression
Authors: Salokangas R. K. R. , Poutanen O. , Stengård E.
Published: August 2007

Depression is a common mental disorder; effective methods for treating it are also available. Its recognition and diagnosis are prerequisite to effective treatment. A majority of depressed patients are generally managed in the primary care setting; only a half of the cases, however, are identified at their first visit. Screening instruments to improve recognition of depression have therefore been developed. The Depression Scale (DEPS), consisting of 10 items, was developed and tested in primary care patients aged 18 to 64 years. Clinical assessments were made on the basis of Present State Examination interviews with 436 patients. The DEPS proved to be satisfactory. Increasing age and poor education had an adverse effect on the screening process, however. The sensitivity of the DEPS for clinical depression was 74% and the specificity for non‐depression 85%. The sensitivity for severe depression was 84% and the specificity for symptom‐free patients 93%. The DEPS seems to improve the recognition of depression in primary care and may also be suitable for screening depression in the general population and for identifying high‐risk groups.
Affective illness in family members and matched controls
Authors: Nelson E. , Rice J. , Rochberg N. , Endicott J. , Coryell W. , Akiskal H. S.
Published: August 2007

As part of the US National Institute of Mental Health Collaborative Program on the Psychobiology of Depression study, a subset of 460 randomly chosen relatives of affectively ill probands were compared to a control group matched by the acquaintanceship method. The rate of major affective disorder in relatives was found to be 36%; the rate among controls was 28%. Relatives were also found to have significantly higher rates of bipolar II disorder, any Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) affective disorder and any RDC mental disorder. All of these rates were found to be significantly higher when female relatives were compared with their acquaintances, but only the rate of any RDC mental disorder was higher when this comparison was made in men. The acquaintanceship method enabled the selection of a control group that closely resembled the relatives, probably to the extent of “overmatching”. When the match was evaluated to determine whether relatives tended to select comparably ill (or well) acquaintances, this was found to be the case only for alcoholic and never mentally ill relatives.
Cotard's syndrome: analysis of 100 cases
Authors: Berrios G. E. , Luque R.
Published: August 2007

In 1880, Jules Cotard reported a clinical state he believed was a new type of agitated melancholia. A statistical analysis has been carried out of 100 cases of Cotard's syndrome to determine how this clinical concept has fared since its inception. In terms of clinical profile, no difference was found between men and women or between underlying diagnostic categories; age seemed to increase the likelihood of developing délire des négations. Depression was reported in 89% of subjects; the most common nihilistic delusions concerned the body (86%) and existence (69%). Anxiety (65%) and guilt (632) were also common, followed by hypochondriacal delusions (58%) and delusions of immortality (55). An exploratory factor analysis extracted 3 factors: psychotic depression, Cotard type I and Cotard type II. The psychotic depression factor included patients with melancholia and few nihilistic delusions. Cotard type I patients, on the other hand, showed no loadings for depression or other disease and are likely to constitute a pure Cotard syndrome whose nosology may be closer to the delusional than the affective disorders. Type II patients showed anxiety, depression and auditory hallucinations and constitute a mixed group. This new grouping cuts across the more traditional view and may have therapeutic implications. Authors, in general, have considered délire des négutions as a syndrome rather than a new disease and do not seem to support the view that the completeness of the syndrome is a function of presence or severity of depression. The view that délire des négutions refers only to the delusion of being dead has also curried little favour as it is likely to waste information.
Reproductive behaviour in schizophrenia relative to other mental disorders: evidence for increased fertility in men despite decreased marital rate
Authors: Lane A. , Byrne M. , Mulvany F. , Kinsella A. , Waddington J. L. , Walsh D. , Larkin C. , O'Callaghan E.
Published: August 2007

Using case register data, the overall marital rate among 5158 patients with mental illness was found to be comparable to the general population. The proportion of those ever married was markedly reduced in the schizophrenic group relative to those with a manic or neurotic illness. Men with schizophrenia had a particularly low rate of marriage. The overall marital fertility of the 3 groups was comparable to each other and appeared to be higher than that in the general population. In the schizophrenic group only, married men, particularly those with a family history of mental disorder, produced more children than married women. Men might represent a more fertile group of schizophrenic patients with some biological advantage of increased fecundity, which may help to compensate for negative selection pressures.
Mental disorders and comorbidity in attempted suicide
Authors: Suominen K. , Henriksson M. , Suokas J. , Isometsä E. , Ostamo A. , Lönnqvist J.
Published: August 2007

The present study examined the prevalence and comorbidity of mental disorders according to DSM‐III‐R among male and female suicide attempters. A systematic sample of 114 patients from consecutive cases of attempted suicide referred to a general hospital in Helsinki between 1 January and 31 July 1990 was interviewed. In 98% of the cases at least one Axis I diagnosis was made. Depressive syndromes were more common among females (85%) than males (64%), and alcohol dependence was more common among males (64%) than females (21%). A high proportion of suicide attempters (82%) suffered from comorbid mental disorders. Comorbidity appears to play an important role in parasuicide.
Restless legs syndrome and paroxetine
Authors: Sanz‐Fuentenebro F. J. , Huidobro A. , Tejadas‐Rivas A.
Published: August 2007

Restless legs syndrome is a frequent dyssomnia with well‐known clinical features but uncertain origin and treatment. This paper describes a case of restless legs syndrome worsened by paroxetine. A possible pathogenic hypothesis related to the attributed neurochemical properties of the drug is proposed.
Irreversible sinus node dysfunction induced by resumption of lithium theram
Authors: Terao T. , Abe H. , Abe K.
Published: August 2007

Terao T, Abe H, Abe K. Irreversible sinus node dysfunction induced by resumption of lithium therapy.

Acta Psychiatr Scand 1996: 93: 407–408. © Munksgaard 1996.

We present the case of a 56‐year‐old woman with syncope and sinus node dysfunction after long‐term lithium therapy. Following lithium discontinuation, sinus node function recovered completely. After resuming low doses of lithium, however, severe sinus node dysfunction recurred. Thereafter, sinus node function did not recover after lithium was discontinued, and a permanent pacemaker was implanted. These findings suggest that irreversible sinus node dysfunction should be recognized as a potentially fatal, albeit rare, risk of lithium therapy, and that previous recovery from sinus node dysfunction after long‐term lithium treatment cannot always guarantee the reversible nature of this abnormality after resumption of lithium therapy.
Periodontal therapy alters gene expression of peripheral blood monocytes
Authors: Papapanou Panos N. , Sedaghatfar Michael H. , Demmer Ryan T. , Wolf Dana L. , Yang Jun , Roth Georg A. , Celenti Romanita , Belusko Paul B. , Lalla Evanthia , Pavlidis Paul
Published: August 2007

Aims: We investigated the effects of periodontal therapy on gene expression of peripheral blood monocytes.

Methods: Fifteen patients with periodontitis gave blood samples at four time points: 1 week before periodontal treatment (#1), at treatment initiation (baseline, #2), 6‐week (#3) and 10‐week post‐baseline (#4). At baseline and 10 weeks, periodontal status was recorded and subgingival plaque samples were obtained. Periodontal therapy (periodontal surgery and extractions without adjunctive antibiotics) was completed within 6 weeks. At each time point, serum concentrations of 19 biomarkers were determined. Peripheral blood monocytes were purified, RNA was extracted, reverse‐transcribed, labelled and hybridized with AffymetrixU133Plus2.0 chips. Expression profiles were analysed using linear random‐effects models. Further analysis of gene ontology terms summarized the expression patterns into biologically relevant categories. Differential expression of selected genes was confirmed by real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction in a subset of patients.

Results: Treatment resulted in a substantial improvement in clinical periodontal status and reduction in the levels of several periodontal pathogens. Expression profiling over time revealed more than 11,000 probe sets differentially expressed at a false discovery rate of <0.05. Approximately 1/3 of the patients showed substantial changes in expression in genes relevant to innate immunity, apoptosis and cell signalling.

Conclusions: The data suggest that periodontal therapy may alter monocytic gene expression in a manner consistent with a systemic anti‐inflammatory effect.
Intra‐ and extra‐oral halitosis: finding of a new form of extra‐oral blood‐borne halitosis caused by dimethyl sulphide
Authors: Tangerman Albert , Winkel Edwin G.
Published: August 2007

Aim: The aim of this study was to unravel the origen and cause of intra‐oral and extra‐oral halitosis.

Material and Methods: We studied 58 patients complaining of halitosis, using gas chromatography of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in mouth and nose breath, organoleptic scoring of mouth and nose breath, Halimeter® readings of mouth air and tongue‐coating inspection. Subjects had no precence or history of periodontitis.

Result: Of 58 patients, 47 patients had halitosis of oral origin, six had halitosis of extra‐oral origin and five had no halitosis (halitophobia). A strong correlation was found between the degree of intra‐oral halitosis as measured by organoleptic scoring of mouth breath and the concentration of the VSCs hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) in mouth breath. Taking into account the much larger odour index of CH3SH, it was concluded that CH3SH is the main contributor to intra‐oral halitosis. In all six cases of extra‐oral halitosis, halitosis was caused by the presence of elevated levels of dimethyl sulphide (CH3SCH3) in mouth and nose breath.

Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that the VSC, CH3SH and to a lesser extent H2S are the main contributors to intra‐oral halitosis and that CH3SCH3 is the main contributor to extra‐oral or blood‐borne halitosis, due to a hitherto unknown metabolic disorder.
A case series and immunophenotypic analysis of CK20−/CK7+ primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin
Authors: Calder Kenneth B. , Coplowitz Shana , Schlauder Scott , Morgan Michael B.
Published: August 2007

Background:  The diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) can be rather challenging; therefore, the immunohistochemical profile is important in confirming the microscopic diagnosis. Characteristic of the neuroendocrine and epithelial differentiation of MCC, antibodies to cytokeratin (CK) 20, CK7, epithelial membrane antigen, and neuron‐specific enolase among others, are used in confirming the diagnosis. As reported in the literature, the majority of MCC express CK20 and are CK7 negative. Herein, we present a case series of seven patients with CK20−/CK7+ primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Methods:  All cases of MCC with specific CK20−/CK7+ staining on file at a large Veterans’ hospital and tertiary referral dermatopathology service were reviewed. All seven cases were analyzed for clinical, pathologic and immunophenotypic attributes. All specimens were submitted for immunohistochemical staining and interpreted by a single dermatopathologist.

Results:  All the cases showed diffuse cytoplasmic staining for CK7 and positive staining for synaptophysin. CK20 and thyroid transcription factor‐1 staining was negative.

Conclusions:  Herein we have presented a hitherto unreported group of patients with CK20−/CK7+ primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. The purpose of this case series is to describe a new immunophenotypic variant of MCC, while further expanding the differential diagnosis of tumors included in the subset of neoplasms showing CK20−/CK7+ staining.
Eruptive squamous cell carcinomas, keratoacanthoma type, arising in a multicolor tattoo
Authors: Goldenberg Gary , Patel Shiv , Patel Manisha J. , Williford Phillip , Sangueza Omar
Published: August 2007

Permanent tattoos are formed through the injection of ink solids through the epidermis into the dermis and can cause multiple adverse reactions. We report a 38‐year‐old man who presented to our Dermatologic Surgery Unit with a diagnosis of a superficially invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), keratoacanthoma (KA) type, of the left forearm in a 1‐month‐old tattoo. Since his initial biopsy, he developed four more similar lesions on his left forearm within his tattoo. On physical examination, the patient had a large, multicolor tattoo on his left forearm, a well‐healed surgical biopsy site and four erythematous hyperkeratotic papules within differently pigmented areas of the patient’s tattoo. Histopathological examination showed KA and tattoo pigment. Based on the eruptive nature of these lesions, their clinical presentation and the histopathological changes, we report this as the first case of eruptive KA arising in a multicolor tattoo.
Acne inversa complicated by squamous cell carcinoma in association with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma arising in the absence of predisposing factors: a case report
Authors: Barresi Valeria , Vitarelli Enrica , Barresi Gaetano
Published: August 2007

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is a relatively rare neoplasm. Risk factors associated with its development include asbestos exposure, chronic irritation or inflammation of the peritoneum, abdominal radiotherapy, familial Mediterranean fever and simian virus 40. A familial segregation of this neoplasia has been reported in small villages of the Cappadocian region of Turkey, and it has been postulated that hereditary factors may predispose to mesothelioma, even with exposure to small amounts of asbestos. We report a case of DMPM, which apparently occurred in the absence of predisposing factors in a patient with a clinical history characterized by recurrent pre‐sacral acne inversa of long duration. The association of this chronic inflammatory disease with DMPM has never been reported. The genetic locus for acne inversa has recently been identified within the 1p21.1–1q25.3 chromosomal region. Interestingly, frequent losses in chromosomal region 1p.21–22 have been found in mesothelioma as well. It is thus tempting to speculate that genetic mutations involving chromosome 1p.21–22 may account for the development of both diseases.
5‐HT1A receptor gene C −1019 G polymorphism and amygdala volume in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Zetzsche T. , Preuss U. W. , Bondy B. , Frodl T. , Zill P. , Schmitt G. , Koutsouleris N. , Rujescu D. , Born C. , Reiser M. , Möller H.‐J. , Meisenzahl E. M.
Published: August 2007

Alterations of amygdala structure and function have been repeatedly described in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The aim of our study was to determine whether a functional polymorphism of the 5‐hydroxytryptamine1A receptor (5‐HTR1A) gene C −1019 G (identity number: rs6295 G/C) is associated with structural changes of the amygdala in patients with BPD. Twenty‐five right‐handed female inpatients with BPD according to DSM IV and 25 healthy controls matched for age, sex, handedness and educational status were enrolled. Brain volumetry of the amygdala was performed with a 1.5‐T Magnetom Vision apparatus (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) and analyzed by the software program ‘brains’. Patients who have the 5‐HTR1A gene G allele had significantly smaller amygdala volumes than C/C genotype carriers (P = 0.02). While no difference of allelic distribution between patients and controls was detected, the described effect of 5‐HTR1A genotype on amygdala volume was found for the whole group of patients, as well as in the subgroup of patients with comorbid major depression (P = 0.004) but not in controls. In contrast to these subgroups of BPD patients who had significant amygdala volume differences, the mean amygdala volume of the whole group of BPD patients was not significantly different from that of controls. In summary, our study provides first evidence that 5‐HTR1A gene C −1019 G polymorphism is associated with structural changes in the limbic system of BPD patients, a finding that might be disease related and might contribute to explanation of previous discrepant results regarding amygdala volume changes in BPD. Future research is recommended to clarify possible interactions between this functional polymorphism and symptoms, course and treatment responses in this disorder.
USE OF [123I]‐2‐IODO‐l‐PHENYLALANINE AS A TUMOR IMAGING AGENT IN TWO DOGS WITH SYNOVIAL CELL SARCOMA
Authors: PEREMANS K. , KERSEMANS V. , LIUTI T. , VANDERMEULEN E. , CORNELISSEN B. , GIELEN I. , DE SPIEGELEER B. , MERTENS J. , BURVENICH C. , SLEGERS G.
Published: August 2007

[123I]‐iodo‐l‐phenylalanine was successfully evaluated for gamma camera imaging in vivo in tumor‐bearing athymic mice and in humans with brain tumors. Here, we report the use of this tracer in two dogs with synovial cell sarcoma of the tarsus. [123I]‐iodo‐l‐phenylalanine was quantitatively prepared as a kit formulation using the Cu1+‐assisted nucleophilic exchange. Rapid [123I]‐2‐iodo‐l‐phenylalanine tumor accumulation was observed with good tumor to background contrast and rapid clearance in these two dogs. This radiopharmaceutical is a promising alternative tumor tracer to overcome the known limitations of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose and, when labelled with radioiodine‐131, has the potential to be used for therapeutic purposes.
Rhetoric and Rhapsody A response to David Bentley Hart's The Beauty of the Infinite
Authors: Loughlin Gerard
Published: August 2007

I offer a brief outline of The Beauty of the Infinite, pointing up its similarities with and differences from John Milbank's Theology and Social Theory (1990), and the violence of its rhetoric. I then take issue with Hart's reading of Nicholas Lash on the death and resurrection of Christ. I argue that not only is Lash closer to Hart than Hart allows, but that Lash recognizes the necessarily unfinished nature of Christian story telling. Hart is led by his rhetoric of out‐narration to affirm an unsustainable completeness that elides the terrors of suffering and death, the very fault for which Hart chides Lash. Having noted Hart's misdirection I conclude with an appreciation of his aesthetics.
Genetic susceptibility to SLE is associated with TNF‐alpha gene polymorphism –863, but not –308 and –238, in Thai population
Authors: Hirankarn N. , Avihingsanon Y. , Wongpiyabovorn J.
Published: August 2007

The production of cytokine varies among individuals and correlates with the polymorphism of cytokine genes. Three functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at position –863, –308, and –238 in the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) gene promoter were analysed for association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 154), and clinical manifestations in a Thai population were compared with 154 ethnically matched controls. The genotyping was determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The association between these SNPs and SLE was analysed using chi‐squared test. The –863A allele and –863A, –308G, –238G haplotype were found to be significantly increased in SLE patients (25%) compared with healthy controls (15.3%) (Pc = 0.009, OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.21–2.83). In addition –863A allele was found to be significantly increased in the SLE group with Raynaud's phenomenon compared to SLE without Raynaud's phenomenon (35% vs. 19.4%) (Pc = 0.048, OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.21–4.10). The –863A allele of TNF‐α gene and the extended haplotype of –863A, –308G, –238G can be used as a genetic marker for SLE susceptibility in Thai populations. In addition, the –863A genotype could produce high TNF levels and potentially induce the occurrence of Raynaud's phenomenon.
Sex‐specific association of the human PTPN22 1858T‐allele with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Nielsen C. , Hansen D. , Husby S. , Lillevang S. T.
Published: August 2007

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a common organ‐specific autoimmune disease of complex aetiology, involving the interaction of a large number of disease‐associated genes. By comparison of a Danish population sample of 253 Caucasian children and adolescents with T1D and a control group consisted of 354 unrelated healthy blood donors, the present study provides evidence of an isolated association of the disease‐associated PTPN22 1858T‐allele with T1D to the female sex. Furthermore, the present data suggest that PTPN22 genotypes affect the age of onset in a sex‐specific manner. The increased frequency of the risk allele and its association with age at onset in female T1D children and adolescents indicates that the genetic contribution to disease pathogenesis is more prominent in females in this population of Danish patients.
A closer look at using quasar near-zones as a probe of neutral hydrogen in the intergalactic medium
Authors: Bolton James S. , Haehnelt Martin G.
Published: August 2007

We examine a large set of synthetic quasar spectra to realistically assess the potential of using the relative sizes of highly ionized near-zones in the Lyα and Lyβ forest as a probe of the neutral hydrogen content of the intergalactic medium (IGM) at z > 6. The scatter in the relative near-zone size distribution, induced by underlying fluctuations in the baryonic density field and the filtering of ionizing radiation, is considerable even for fixed assumptions about the IGM neutral fraction. As a consequence, the current observational data cannot distinguish between an IGM which is significantly neutral or one which is highly ionized just above z= 6. Under standard assumptions for quasar ages and ionizing luminosities, a future sample of several tens of high-resolution Lyα and Lyβ near-zone spectra should be capable of distinguishing between a volume-weighted neutral hydrogen fraction in the IGM which is greater or less than 10 per cent.
Generating Dichotomous Item Scores with the Four‐Parameter Beta Compound Binomial Model
Authors: Monahan Patrick O. , Lee Won‐Chan , Ankenmann Robert D.
Published: August 2007

A Monte Carlo simulation technique for generating dichotomous item scores is presented that implements (a) a psychometric model with different explicit assumptions than traditional parametric item response theory (IRT) models, and (b) item characteristic curves without restrictive assumptions concerning mathematical form. The four‐parameter beta compound‐binomial (4PBCB) strong true score model (with two‐term approximation to the compound binomial) is used to estimate and generate the true score distribution. The nonparametric item‐true score step functions are estimated by classical item difficulties conditional on proportion‐correct total score. The technique performed very well in replicating inter‐item correlations, item statistics (point‐biserial correlation coefficients and item proportion‐correct difficulties), first four moments of total score distribution, and coefficient alpha of three real data sets consisting of educational achievement test scores. The technique replicated real data (including subsamples of differing proficiency) as well as the three‐parameter logistic (3PL) IRT model (and much better than the 1PL model) and is therefore a promising alternative simulation technique. This 4PBCB technique may be particularly useful as a more neutral simulation procedure for comparing methods that use different IRT models.
Tactile stimulation associated with nursing care to individuals with dementia showing aggressive or restless tendencies: an intervention study in dementia care
Authors: Skovdahl Kirsti , Sörlie Venke , Kihlgren Mona
Published: August 2007

Aim.  This study aimed to describe from documentation both the caregivers’ experiences of giving tactile stimulation to five people with moderate‐to‐severe dementia and who showed aggressive or restless tendencies, and the changes seen in them.

Background.  Clinical experiences indicate that tactile stimulation can contribute to a feeling of trust and confirmation as well as to improving communication, promoting relaxation and easing pain. There is, however, very little scientific documentation of the effects of touch massage for people with dementia.

Design.  From caregivers’ documentation (28 weeks) of experiences, the giving of tactile stimulation to five randomly selected people with dementia showing aggressive or restless tendencies and the subsequent changes noticed.

Method.  The documentation was analysed by using qualitative content analysis.

Results.  All residents displayed signs of positive feelings and relaxation. The caregivers stated that they felt able to interact with the residents in a more positive way and that they felt they had a warmer relationship with them.

Conclusion.  Tactile stimulation can be seen as a valuable way to communicating non‐verbally, of giving feedback, confirmation, consolation or a feeling of being valuable and taken care of.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Tactile stimulation has to be administered with respect and care, and given from a relational ethics perspective. Otherwise, there is a risk that tactile stimulation will be used merely as a technique instead of as a part of an effort to achieve optimal good, warm nursing care.
Coming and staying: a qualitative exploration of Registered Nurses’ experiences working in nursing homes
Authors: Prentice Dawn , Black Margaret
Published: August 2007

Aim. This paper reports on a qualitative study that explored the reasons why Registered Nurses (RNs) chose to work in nursing homes in Southern Ontario, Canada and what factors attracted them to remain.

Background.  There is a paucity of information about factors associated with the recruitment and retention of RNs within long‐term care (LTC) in Canada. As the population of older people is growing in Canada and elsewhere, it is essential that we better understand what attracts RNs to work and remain in this setting.

Design and method. A case study approach was used in this study of nine RNs working in three nursing homes. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews.

Findings. Six sub‐themes were identified: ‘Job of Choice’, ‘Job of Convenience’, ‘Caring for the Residents’, ‘A Supportive Environment’, ‘Heavy Workload’ and ‘Supervisory Role of the RN’.

Conclusion. Nurses chose to work in the nursing home because it was a ‘Job of Convenience’. However, characteristics of the organizational environment played a major role in their remaining. Also, the caring relationship with residents played a role in the nurses remaining in this setting.

Relevance to clinical practice. Strategies are provided that nurse managers may consider when planning recruitment and retention activities for LTC settings.
Working with volunteers: key issues for gerontological nursing – Future challenges
Authors: Cornes Michelle
Published: August 2007

To ensure that older people have access to all the advice, information and support they need nurses are increasingly expected to work with volunteers and the wider Voluntary and Community Sector. This article charts some of the current issues facing the sector so that nurses can collaborate more effectively, respect the contribution that volunteers can make and ultimately deliver well being, independence and choice. The focus is on recent policy in England which has sought to modernize and equip the Voluntary and Community Sector to meet National Health Service priorities. However, the underpinning themes and issues are likely to have broader resonance for volunteering in an international context. Trends in commissioning (service procurement) are identified which are likely to influence the future role and numbers of volunteers working in health and social care. Throughout this article key issues for nurse practitioners are discussed: What is the changing role of the volunteer? Can volunteers deliver significant extra capacity? What are the workforce implications? What are the risks and outcomes for older people?
Conservation status of Chinese species: (2) Invertebrates
Authors: XIE Yan , WANG Sung
Published: August 2007

A total of 2441 invertebrate species were evaluated using the IUCN Red List Criteria and Regional Guidelines. Approximately 30 experts were involved in this project, which covered a wide range of species, including jellyfish, corals, planarians, snails, mollusks, bivalves, decapods, benthic crustaceans, arachnids (spiders, scorpions), butterflies, moths, beetles, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, sea stars, acorn worms and lancelets. In general, invertebrate species in China were found to be severely threatened, with 0.9% being critically endangered, 13.44% endangered and 20.63% vulnerable. All species of hermatypic corals and planarians are threatened. More than 80% of evaluated species face serious threat due to habitat destruction by coral collection, logging, non‐woody vegetation collection, timber plantations, non‐timber plantations, extraction and/or livestock. Other threats are intrinsic factors, harvesting by humans, alien invasive species and pollution. The main intrinsic factors contributing to the high levels of threat are limited dispersal and restricted range. No conservation measures have been taken for 70% of the threatened invertebrates evaluated. Existing conservation measures include: strengthening of national and international legislation (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), increasing public awareness, studying population trends/monitoring, and establishment of protected areas. The major conservation measure employed is strengthening of policies. Relative to the situation worldwide (2006 IUCN Red List), there is little information available about invertebrate extinctions in China.
A zoological perspective on payments for ecosystem services
Authors: McNEELY Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2007

The concept of payments for ecosystem services is being developed as an important means of providing a more diverse flow of benefits to people living in and around habitats valuable for conservation. The Kyoto Protocol, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, includes a Clean Development Mechanism to provide for payments for certain forms of carbon sequestration that may benefit animal species (at least as an incidental benefit). Other market‐based approaches for paying for carbon sequestration services outside the Kyoto framework are being promoted in various parts of the world. Another common form of payment for ecosystem services is compensating upstream landowners for managing their land in ways that maintain downstream water quality; this can include habitat management that benefits wild animal species. While biodiversity itself is difficult to value, it can be linked to other markets, such as certification in the case of sustainably‐produced forest products. This paper expands on some of the markets for ecosystem services that also benefit wildlife, identifies relevant sources of information, and highlights some of the initiatives linking such markets to poverty alleviation. Making markets work for ecosystem services requires an appropriate policy framework, government support, operational institutional support, and innovation at scales from the site level to the national level. Zoologists have much to contribute to all of these steps.
Who killed Porthos? Genetic tracking of a gorilla death
Authors: JEFFERY Kathryn J. , ABERNETHY Kate A. , TUTIN Caroline E. G. , ANTHONY Nicola A. , BRUFORD Michael W.
Published: August 2007

We describe a novel application of “forensic” genetics to study a key demographic event in a population of wild gorillas. We used microsatellite genotyping and non‐invasively collected DNA samples to identify one individual western lowland gorilla as being most likely to have caused the death of another in Lopé National Park, Gabon. Data from relatively few genotypes permitted the identification of female transfer events and the interpretation of individual behavior that was previously impossible using observational methods, thus providing rare behavioral data on an elusive forest‐dwelling species. Importantly, this study highlights the need for future studies of dispersal and local population structuring in forest populations, and more accurate population census methods. Genetic studies focusing on individual identification may play a valuable role in future gorilla conservation efforts.
Performance measures for evaluating services for people with a first episode of psychosis
Authors: Addington Donald E. , McKenzie Emily , Addington Jean , Patten Scott , Smith Harvey , Adair Carol
Published: August 2007

Aim:  The purpose of this project was to operationalize and apply a previously identified set of performance measures designed to evaluate services for those experiencing a first episode of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder.

Methods:  Operational definitions were developed for previously identified measures through an iterative process of discussions between clinical experts and health‐care evaluators. Data were collected from existing sources including corporate databases, clinical databases and chart review.

Results:  Definitions were developed for 44 measures covering seven of eight domains recommended for service level evaluation by the Canadian Institute for Health Information domains. Forty measures could be calculated.

Conclusions:  The measures represent a comprehensive set of performance measures suitable for the evaluation of services for people with a first‐episode psychosis. The measures could be used by other services in order to establish standards and norms for routine clinical practice.
Neuroprotection in emerging psychotic disorders
Authors: Berger Gregor , Dell’Olio Margaret , Amminger Paul , Cornblatt Barbara , Phillips Lisa , Yung Alison , Yan Yung , Berk Michael , McGorry Patrick
Published: August 2007

Aim: The emerging phase of psychotic disorders is pleomorphic and fluctuates in presentation. Hence, from a clinical perspective, treatment modalities are often unclear. This paper investigates the rational and potential use of neuroprotective agents in emerging psychotic disorders.

Methods: Medline databases were searched from 1966 to 2006 followed by the cross‐checking of references using following keywords: neuroprotection, apoptosis, natural cell death, neurodevelopment, plasticity, neurogenesis, combined with brain and schizophrenia.

Results: Agents such as atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, omega‐3 fatty acids, modulators of glutamateric neurotransmission (e.g. ampakines, glycine, memantine), erythropoietin,N‐acetylcysteine, COX‐2 inhibitors or antioxidants have neuroprotective (anti‐apoptotic) properties and may therefore be able to protect brain maturational processes disturbed in emerging psychotic disorders. Clinical trials suggest that atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, omega‐3 fatty acids and low‐dose lithium as sole treatments were able to improve symptoms and functioning, and delay or in some cases even prevent the onset of frank psychosis. Initially these substances have been chosen because they have been used either as sole or augmentation treatments in established psychotic disorders. However, chronicity and already effective treatments may overshadow their potential clinical use in emerging (prodromal) psychosis.

Conclusion: Neuroprotection as a new treatment paradigm for at‐risk mental states seems to be promising and pilot data are suggestive that more benign interventions may already be sufficient to delay or even prevent the onset of frank psychosis. A coordinated research effort will be necessary to address the question which agents should be used under which circumstances.
Facial affect recognition and schizotypy
Authors: Williams Beth T. , Henry Julie D. , Green Melissa J.
Published: August 2007

Aim:  Deficits in facial affect recognition are well documented in schizophrenia, and have been associated with reduced social functioning and interpersonal difficulties. The aim of the present study was to test the possibility that facial affect recognition deficits represent an endophenotypic marker of schizophrenia liability by testing this capacity in individuals with the predisposition to symptoms of schizophrenia.

Methods:  Eight hundred and forty‐three psychologically healthy participants completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire of which 28 scoring in the upper 15% (high‐schizotypy group) and 28 scoring in the lower 15% (low‐schizotypy group) completed measures of facial affect identification, facial affect discrimination, facial identity recognition, and a measure of negative affect.

Results:  After controlling for group differences in negative affect and facial identity recognition, negative (but not positive or disorganized) aspects of schizotypy were found to be significantly associated with reduced facial affect discrimination and facial affect recognition accuracy, and in particular, difficulties with the identification of negative emotions.

Conclusions:  These results provide limited support for the potential trait status of facial affect recognition deficits in schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and suggest that these deficits may be particularly associated with the predisposition to negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Evaluation of Ground‐Water and Surface‐Water Exchanges Using Streamflow Difference Analyses1
Authors: Opsahl Stephen P. , Chapal Scott E. , Hicks David W. , Wheeler Christopher K.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  In the karstic lower Flint River Basin, limestone fracturing, jointing, and subsequent dissolution have resulted in the development of extensive secondary permeability and created a system of major conduits that facilitate the exchange of water between the Upper Floridan aquifer and Flint River. Historical streamflow data from U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations located in Albany and Newton, Georgia, were used to quantify ground‐water and surface‐water exchanges within a 55.3 km section of the Flint River. Using data from 2001, we compared estimates of ground‐water flux using a time adjustment method to a water balance equation and found that these independent approaches yielded similar results. The associated error was relatively large during high streamflow when unsteady conditions prevail, but much lower during droughts. Flow reversals were identified by negative streamflow differences and verified with in situ data from temperature sensors placed inside large spring conduits. Long‐term (13 years) analysis showed negative streamflow differentials (i.e., a losing stream condition) coincided with high river stages and indicated that streamflow intrusion into the aquifer could potentially exceed 150 m3/s. Although frequent negative flow differentials were evident, the Flint River was typically a gaining stream and showed a large net increase in flow between the two gages when examined over the period 1989‐2003. Ground‐water contributions to this stream section averaged 2‐42 m3/s with a mean of 13 m3/s. The highest rate of ground‐water discharge to the Flint River occurred during the spring when regional ground‐water levels peaked following heavy winter and spring rains and corresponding rates of evapotranspiration were low. During periods of extreme drought, ground‐water contributions to the Flint River declined.
Molecular epidemiological study of hepatitis B virus in Thailand based on the analysis of pre‐S and S genes
Authors: Suwannakarn Kamol , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Thawornsuk Nutchanart , Theamboonlers Apiradee , Tharmaphornpilas Piyanit , Yoocharoen Pornsak , Chongsrisawat Voranush , Poovorawan Yong
Published: August 2007

Aims:  This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes, antigen subtypes, “a” determinant variants and pre‐S gene mutations circulating on a large scale in Thailand.

Methods:  The sequences of the Pre‐S1, Pre‐S2 and S regions were determined in serum samples of 147 HBsAg and HBV DNA‐positive subjects who had been enrolled from the nationwide seroepidemiological survey conducted on 6213 individuals in 2004.

Results:  The results showed that genotypes C, B and A accounted for 87.1%, 11.6% and 1.3%, respectively. The distribution of the HBV antigen subtypes was: adr (84.4%), adw (14.2%) and ayw (1.4%). Regarding the “a” determinant, 2/43 (4.65%) and 2/104 (1.92%) samples of vaccinated and non‐vaccinated subjects, respectively, displayed mutations, all ofwhich were Thr126Asn. Sequencing analysis showed the pre‐S mutations in 14 (9.5%) samples, with pre‐S2 deletion as the most common mutant (4.1%) followed by pre‐S2 start codon mutation (2.9%), both pre‐S2 deletion and start codon mutation (2.0%), and pre‐S1 deletion (0.7%). The pre‐S mutations were associated with older age and higher mean serum HBsAg level.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated that HBV genotype/subtype C/adr and B/adw were the predominant strains circulating in Thailand. The “a” determinant variants seemed to be uncommon, and might not be attributed to vaccine‐induced mutation.
Increased secretory capacity of mouse adrenal chromaffin cells by chronic intermittent hypoxia: involvement of protein kinase C
Authors: Kuri Barbara A. , Khan Shakil A. , Chan Shyue‐An , Prabhakar Nanduri R. , Smith Corey B.
Published: August 2007

Previous studies have shown that catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla plays a critical role in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)‐induced alterations in cardiovascular function. In the present study we examined the cellular mechanisms associated with the effects of CIH on adrenal chromaffin cell catecholamine secretion. Experiments were performed on adult male mice (C57/BL6) that were exposed to 1–4 days of CIH or to normoxia. Perforated patch electrical capacitance recordings were performed on freshly prepared adrenal medullary slices that permit separating the chromaffin cell secretion from sympathetic input. CIH resulted in a significant increase in the readily releasable pool (RRP) of secretory granules, and decreased stimulus‐evoked Ca2+ influx. Continuous hypoxia (CH) either for 2.5 h (equivalent to hypoxic duration accumulated over 4 days of CIH) or for 4 days were ineffective in evoking changes in the RRP and Ca2+ influx. CIH activated PKC in adrenal medullae as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of PKC at Thr514 and PKC inhibitors prevented CIH‐induced increases in the RRP and restored stimulus‐evoked attenuation of Ca2+ influx. CIH resulted in elevated thio‐barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs, an index of oxidized proteins) and an antioxidant prevented CIH‐induced changes in the RRP, suggesting the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results demonstrate that CIH increases the RRP in adrenal chromaffin cells via ROS‐mediated activation of PKC and suggest that CIH can directly affect the secretory capacity of chromaffin cells and contribute, in part, to elevated catecholamine levels.
Finite Element Analysis of Solidification in Rapid Freeze Prototyping
Authors: Liu Qingbin , Leu Ming C.
Published: August 2007

Rapid freeze prototyping (RFP) can generate three-dimensional ice patterns from computer-aided design (CAD) models by depositing and solidifying water droplets layer by layer. One important issue of the RFP process is how to fabricate the ice pattern to desired accuracy in an acceptable short time. The waiting time between two successive layers is a critical factor. A waiting time that is too short will lead to unacceptable part accuracy, while a waiting time that is too long will lead to an excessive build time. Finite element analysis is employed in this study to predict the solidification time of a newly deposited water layer and to develop a better understanding of heat transfer during the RFP process. ANSYS Parametric Development Language (APDL) is utilized to develop software for the prediction of solidification time. The result is used to investigate the effect of various process parameters on the solidification time of an ice column and a vertical ice wall. These parameters include environment temperature, heat convection coefficient, initial water droplet temperature, layer thickness, and waiting time between two successive layers. Experiments are conducted and the measured results are shown to agree well with simulation results.