bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Treating Bacterial Vaginosis on Preterm Labor
Authors: Tebes Christine C. , Lynch Catherine , Sinnott John
Published: September 2005

Objective: Multiple studies suggest that bacterial vaginosis (BV) causes preterm labor; yet its routine treatment
remains controversial. In order to help to elucidate this controversy, we performed a thorough review of studies
with levels of evidence ranging from I to II–II.

Methods: We searched for all of the studies from the years 1994 to 2001 via Medline’s database, including
MD Consult and Ovid Mednet.

Results: Several trials discovered a decrease in the incidence of preterm labor when BV was treated, but most
of those trials were performed on women with a history of preterm labor. However, the majority of trials
reviewed advise against treatment of a general low‐risk obstetric population, as there was no significant decrease
in preterm labor.

Conclusions: Therefore, based on the above studies and the current guidelines of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), treating pregnant women in high‐risk populations who are diagnosed with BV
provides the clinician with an opportunity to possibly prevent preterm labor in this population. In nulliparous
women without a history of preterm birth, treatment is recommended if other risk factors are present (e.g.
gonorrhea or chlamydia). However, in the general low‐risk populations, routine screening is not indicated.
Bacterial Colony Counts During Vaginal Surgery
Authors: Culligan Patrick , Heit Michael , Blackwell Linda , Murphy Miles , Graham Carol A. , Snyder James
Published: September 2005

Objective: To describe the bacterial types and colony counts present before and during vaginal surgery.

Methods: A descriptive study was undertaken of patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with or without
reconstructive pelvic surgery. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were obtained immediately before and
throughout the surgical cases at preselected time intervals. Standard antimicrobial prophylaxis was administered in
all cases. Mean total colony counts and mean anaerobic colony counts were determined by adding all colonies
regardless of bacteria type. ‘Contamination’ was defined as ≥ 5000 colony‐forming units/ml.

Results: A total of 31 patients aged 26 to 82 years (mean age ± SD, 51 ± 15) were included. The highest total and
anaerobic colony counts were found at the first intraoperative time interval. On the first set of cultures (30 minutes
after the surgical scrub), 52% (16/31) of the surgical fields were contaminated, and at 90 minutes, 41% (12/29)
were contaminated. A negligible number of subsequent cultures were contaminated.

Conclusions: Any future interventions designed to minimize bacterial colony counts should focus on the first 30
to 90 minutes of surgery.
Tubo‐Ovarian Abscess Occurring 16 Years AfterSupracervical Hysterectomy
Authors: Tohya Toshimitsu , Yoshimura Toshihiro , Onoda Chikashi
Published: September 2005

Background: Supracervical hysterectomy is seldom performed and there are few reports of tubo‐ovarian
abscess (TOA) after supracervical hysterectomy.

Case: The case of a 49‐year‐old woman with a right TOA is reported. This patient had received a supracervical
hysterectomy 16 years earlier due to rupture of the uterus. At this admission, she presented with complaints of
lower abdominal pain and fever. Bimanual and transvaginal ultrasound examinations demonstrated a tender mass
in the right adnexal region. Laparotomy, pathologic examination and microbiologic study confirmed the diagnosis
of right TOA.

Conclusion: After supracervical hysterectomy, patients may develop endocervicitis, parametritis and/or TOA.
This series may be a subtype of ascending infections in the female genital tract.
Parvovirus B‐19 Infection During Pregnancy
Authors: Al-Khan Anthony , Caligiuri Andrew , Apuzzio Joseph
Published: September 2005

The development of an acute parvovirus B‐19 infection during pregnancy can cause pregnancy complications
ranging from early pregnancy loss to nonimmune hydrops. There is no treatment, but preventive measures can be
used to decrease perinatal mortality. The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical suspicion and serology. If the fetus
exhibits hydrops in the latter part of pregnancy, the main treatment options include either correcting the associated
anemia with intrauterine blood transfusion or birth with extrauterine management. Although the serious problems
associated with this virus during pregnancy are uncommon, they can be fatal. In view of this, a pregnant woman
who is antibody negative should try to avoid contact with large groups of young children in order to decrease
contact with potential vectors.
Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Infection Among Sexually Transmitted Disease‐Infected, Inner City Obstetric Patients
Authors: Choy Youyin , Gittens-Williams Lisa , Apuzzio Joseph , Skurnick Joan , Zollicoffer Carl , McGovern Peter G.
Published: September 2005

Objective: To test the hypothesis that our inner city obstetric patients who have been infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) will have a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection than the general population and to identify specific risk factors and high‐risk groups.

Methods: All patients in our prenatal clinic (July 1997–April 1999) who tested positive for one or more STDs were asked to return for hepatitis C antibody testing. Medical charts of all patients who returned for hepatitis C testing were reviewed.

Results: A total of 106 patients with STDs were tested for hepatitis C. Positive screening tests for anti‐hepatitis C antibody were found in 6.6% (7/106) of the patients (95% CI = 2.7–13.1%). This frequency is significantly higher than the hepatitis C prevalence (1.8%) in the general United States population (p = 0.006). Multiple logistic
regression analysis confirmed only older age (p = 0.016) and positive HIV status (p = 0.023) to be significant predictors of hepatitis C infection.

Conclusions: Inner city STD‐infected obstetric patients are at high risk for hepatitis C infection compared with the general population. Increasing age and HIV‐positive status are risk factors which are significantly associated with hepatitis C infection.
Screening Protocols for Group B Streptococcus: Are TransportMedia Appropriate?
Authors: Teese Nicolette , Henessey Daneeta , Pearce Christopher , Kelly Nigel , Garland Suzanne
Published: September 2005

Objective: To evaluate group B streptococcus (GBS) detection in an in vitro setting, using a low and controlled
inoculum from swabs directly inoculated into a selective medium, as compared to delayed inoculation following
a period in a commercial Amies transport medium with charcoal (Venturi Transystem ™
Copan, Italy).

Study design: Clinical isolates of GBS (n = 103), were inoculated into the Amies transport medium with charcoal
in a concentration of 100 colony‐forming units (cfu)/ml (10 cfu/swab). Swabs were then transferred to an
enrichment broth (NPC) at time intervals of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours. Broths were then incubated for 18–24 hours
at 35 °C in air, before being transferred to New Granada Medium Modified (NGM) for GBS detection and incubated
for a further 18–24 hours at 35 °Cin air. If the characteristic orange pigmented colonies were observed after
this period, the specimen was recorded as + (1–10 colonies) or ++ (more than 10 colonies).

Results: Overall 92.2% (95/103) of isolates were detected in all tubes and at all times. An additional two isolates
were non‐hemolytic, non‐pigment forming GBS. Of note, 3.9% (4/103) were negative until 2 hours delayed
inoculation and 1.9% (2/103) gave inconsistent results, likely due to the low inoculum used.

Conclusion: Delayed inoculation into selective enrichment broth following a period in transport medium,
even with a low inoculum, gave a similar and acceptable GBS detection rate to direct inoculation. Hence,
Amies transport medium with charcoal is an appropriate transport medium to use, where it is not practical for
clinical specimens to be directly inoculated into selective enrichment broth and as endorsed in the Centers
for Diseases Control (CDC) Guidelines, 2002.
Maternal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) Genital TractColonization at Term in Women who Have AsymptomaticGBS Bacteriuria
Authors: McKenna David S. , Matson Scott , Northern Ike
Published: September 2005

Objective: To determine the rate of positive group B streptococcus (GBS) cultures at 35–37 weeks gestation
in women who have first trimester asymptomatic GBS bacteriuria.

Methods: Pregnant women with asymptomatic first trimester GBS bacteriuria had genital cultures for GBS
performed at 35–37 weeks gestational age. Serotyping was performed by the standard Lancefield capillary
precipitin method.

Results: Fifty‐three women with positive urine cultures had genital cultures performed at 35–37 weeks. Sixteen
of the 53 (30.2%; 95% confidence interval: 18.4–44.3%) third trimester vaginal cultures were positive for GBS.
Five of eight (63%) of the women with typable urine serotypes had the same typable serotype in the third
trimester genital culture.

Conclusion: Genital tract cultures at 35–37 weeks for GBS correlate poorly with first trimester asymptomatic GBS
bacteriuria. Recommendations for GBS prophylaxis in labor in women who have first trimester asymptomatic
GBS bacteriuria should be investigated further and reconsidered.
Improving Appropriate Use of Antifungal Medications: The Roleof an Over‐the‐Counter Vaginal pH Self‐Test Device
Authors: Roy Subir , Caillouette James C. , Faden Joel S. , Roy Tapon , Ramos Diana E.
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To determine whether patients can understand and use the vaginal pH device in the diagnosis of
vaginitis. To compare whether vaginal pH readings determined by patients and healthcare providers are similar.
To determine whether vaginalpHcan reduce inappropriate over‐the‐counter (OTC) antifungal medication use and
improve the correct diagnosis of vaginitis.

Methods: One hundred and fifty‐one women indicated their belief about the cause of their vaginal infection, read
the instructions of the vaginal pH device package insert, used the device and interpreted the findings. The patient
interpretations were compared with results obtained by healthcare providers, blinded to patient findings.

Results: Over 96% of patients stated that they could easily read the instructions, use the vaginal pH device and
interpret the readings. They obtained the same readings as healthcare professionals (Kappa = 0.9). Restricting
the use of OTC antifungal medications to those individuals with vaginitis symptoms and vaginal pH ≤ 4.5
significantly reduced inappropriate use by approximately 50%, Fisher′s exact test,p‐value = 0.018. Conversely,
seeking healthcare provider assessment with vaginal pH > 4.5, leads to correct diagnosis of vaginitis.

Conclusions: The vaginal pH device can be used as an OTC diagnostic tool by consumers when a vaginal infection
is suspected. Vaginal pH readings would direct patients whether to purchase an antifungal medication or seek
professional diagnosis from a healthcare provider. Understanding and use of this vaginal pH device could reduce
inappropriate use of OTC antifungal medications by approximately 50% and improve the correct diagnosis of
vaginitis.
Unilateral Ovarian Abscess Caused by Salmonella
Authors: Tohya Toshimitsu , Yoshimura Toshihiro , Onoda Chikashi
Published: September 2005

Background: Patients with unilateral ovarian abscesses due to Salmonella are rare.

Case report: A 48‐year‐old woman with a left ovarian abscess caused by Salmonella group O7 is reported.

Conclusion: In our patient, the ovary may have been seeded hematogenously by salmonellae and may have
evolved into a local infection.
Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Early‐Onset NeonatalSepsis Patterns
Authors: Edwards Rodney K. , Jamie Whitney E. , Sterner Donald , Gentry Susan , Counts Kathy , Duff Patrick
Published: September 2005

Objective: To compare the relative effects of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis regimens on patterns of
early‐onset neonatal sepsis.

Methods: We performed an historical cohort study of 17 187 infants born at our center from September 1993
to February 2000. A risk‐based strategy was employed prior to July 1996 and a screening‐based strategy was
utilized thereafter. Ampicillin was utilized prior to March 1995 and penicillin was used thereafter.

Results: There were 75 cases of neonatal sepsis, 34 (4.10/1000) in the risk‐based era and 41 (4.63/1000) in the
screening‐based era (p = 0.62). There were fewer ampicillin‐resistant isolates during the risk‐based than
the screening‐based era (32 versus 61%; p = 0.014). The only significant change in organism‐specific sepsis
rates was an increase in the rate of infection caused by coagulase‐negative staphylococci in the screening‐based
era (0.36 versus 1.46/1000; p = 0.018), but 75% of infants infected with these organisms were not exposed to
ß‐lactam antibiotics within 72 h prior to delivery. For the risk‐ and screening‐based eras, respectively, the rates
of Gram‐negative sepsis (1.21 versus 1.46/1000; p = 0.65) and the proportions of Gram‐negative pathogens
that were ampicillin‐resistant (70 versus 77%; p = 1.0) were similar. The drug employed for prophylaxis did
not appear to affect the pattern of sepsis cases.

Conclusion: In our patient population, coagulase‐negative staphylococci have become the most common cause
of early‐onset neonatal sepsis. The cause of this shift in pathogen prevalence is uncertain and seemingly unrelated
to intrapartum antibiotic exposure.
The in vitro Activity of Vaginal Lactobacillus With Probiotic Properties Against Candida
Authors: Strus Magdalena , Kucharska Agnieszka , Kukla Grażyna , Brzychczy-Włoch Monika , Maresz Katarzyna , Heczko Piotr B.
Published: September 2005

Lactobacilli, the predominant vaginal microorganisms in healthy premenopausal women, control other members of the vaginal microflora and thus protect against bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. It has been claimed that some lactobacilli are also protective against Candida vaginitis. Little is known, however, about the mechanisms by which these lactobacilli can control vaginal populations of Candida and prevent vaginitis. To address this question, vaginal Lactobacillus strains with known antagonistic properties against bacteria were tested for their cell surface properties, adhesion to vaginal cell lines in vitro and antagonistic activities against Candida. A small proportion of the lactobacilli tested adhered strongly to cultured vaginal epithelial cells and inhibited growth of Candida albicans but not of C. pseudotropicalis. This anticandidal activity was in some Lactobacillus strains related to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, but catalase treatment did not suppress this activity in other Lactobacillus strains, suggesting alternative mechanism(s). Moreover, tested vaginal Candida strains were resistant to relatively high concentrations of H2O2 that markedly exceeded those produced by even the most active Lactobacillus strains.
Application of Emerging Technologies in Toxicology and Safety Assessment: Regulatory Perspectives
Authors: Leighton John K.
Published: September 2005

Emerging technologies applied in the regulatory field encompass a group of technologies that are used in addition to or in replacement of the standard toxicology studies conducted to support an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) or New Drug Application (NDA). The standard package includes general toxicology studies of various duration, safety pharmacology studies, genetic toxicology studies, and reproductive toxicology studies. New and emerging technologies applied to the regulation of new drugs include the use of novel biomarkers, transfected cells and transgenic animals, and the “omics” technologies (toxicogenomics, proteomics, and metabonomics). These technologies are at various stages of regulatory development and acceptance. For example, the use of transgenic animals have gained acceptance by regulatory authorities to replace a 2-year carcinogenicity assay. Alternatively, the “omics” technologies are not sufficiently advanced to achieve regulatory acceptance as replacements, although these assays have a role early in drug development and they may prove useful as supplements to standard studies. Data from these assays have been used to address specific mechanistic questions in combination with standard toxicology assays.
Determination of Lead inSmilax luzonensisHerbal Preparations in Malaysia
Authors: Ang Hooi-Hoon , Lee Kheng-Leng , Kiyoshi Matsumoto
Published: September 2005

The DCA (Drug Control Authority) of Malaysia implemented the phase 3 registration of traditional medicines on 1 January 1992. As such, a total of 100 products in various pharmaceutical dosage forms of a herbal preparation containing Smilax luzonensis, either single or combined preparations, were analyzed for the presence of lead, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed that 14% of the above products possessed 10.02 to 21.21 ppm of lead, and, therefore, they failed to comply with the quality requirement for traditional medicines in Malaysia (<10 ppm). Although this study showed that 86% of the products complied with the quality requirement for traditional medicines in Malaysia pertaining to lead, they cannot be assumed safe from lead contamination because of batch-to-batch inconsistency.
Efficacy of Chlorine Dioxide as a Gas and in Solution in the Inactivation of Two Trichothecene Mycotoxins
Authors: Wilson S. C. , Brasel T. L. , Martin J. M. , Wu C. , Andriychuk L. , Douglas D. R. , Cobos L. , Straus D. C.
Published: September 2005

The efficacy of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in detoxifying two potential bioterrorism agents, the trichothecene mycotoxins verrucarin A and roridin A, was evaluated. In the first experiment, verrucarin A (1, 5, or 10 μg) and roridin A (5 or 10 μg) were each inoculated onto square-inch sections of glass, paper, and cloth and exposed to 1000 ppm of ClO2 for either 24 or 72 h at room temperature. In the second experiment, verrucarin A and roridin A (1 or 2 ppm in water) were treated with 200, 500, or 1000 ppm ClO2 for up to 116 h at room temperature in light and dark conditions ( N = 9 per treatment for test and control). A yeast assay using Kluyveromyces marxianus was used to quantify the toxicity of verrucarin A and roridin A. Additionally, high-performance liquid chromatography was performed on selected samples. Results for the first experiment showed that ClO2 treatment had no detectable effect on either toxin. For the second experiment, both toxins were completely inactivated at all tested concentrations in as little as 2 h after treatment with 1000 ppm ClO2. For verrucarin A, an effect was seen at the 500 ppm level, but this effect was not as strong as that observed at the 1000 ppm level. Roridin A toxicity was decreased after treatment with 200 and 500 ppm ClO2, but this was not significant until the 24-h exposure time was reached. These data show that ClO2 (in solution) can be effective for detoxification of roridin A or verrucarin A at selected concentrations and exposure times.
Campaigning and Governing: An Analysis of Berlusconi's Rhetorical Leadership
Authors: Roncarolo Franca
Published: September 2005

This article explores the communication strategy of Silvio Berlusconi through the analytical framework of the ‘permanent campaign’ model. Beginning with the distinction between ‘personal popularity’ and ‘political consensus’, the article looks at the different aspects of Berlusconi's political communication strategy since his election victory in May 2001 and assesses the rationale and effectiveness of his permanent campaign. The author concludes that, despite Berlusconi's strong commitment to the communication process, his leadership appears more similar to the rhetorical Presidency model than to the experiences of leaders who have shown that campaigning can also be used to govern. The article identifies two key limits: (1) the link between the drive for personal popularity and the building of support for the government's main policies appears weak; (2) all communication strategies are undermined by deep divisions within the ruling coalition.
The acute anti‐craving effect of acamprosate in alcohol‐preferring rats is associated with modulation of the mesolimbic dopamine system
Authors: Cowen Michael , Adams Cameron , Kraehenbuehl Tracey , Vengeliene Valentina , Lawrence Andrew
Published: September 2005

Acamprosate (Campral ?) is a drug used clinically for the treatment of alcoholism. In order to examine further the time‐course and mechanism of action of acamprosate, the effect of acute and repeated acamprosate administration was examined on (i) operant ethanol self‐administration and (ii) voluntary home cage ethanol consumption by alcohol‐preferring Fawn‐Hooded, iP and Alko Alcohol (AA) rats. Acutely, acamprosate was shown to cause a significant decrease in operant ethanol self‐administration by Fawn‐Hooded and alcohol‐preferring iP rats in part by decreasing the motivational relevance of a specific ethanol cue; however, repeated injection of acamprosate led to tolerance to this effect. Voluntary alcohol consumption in the home cage in Fawn‐Hooded and AA rats was also reduced by an acute acamprosate injection; however, again tolerance developed to repeated injections. In a separate experiment, the effect of acamprosate on markers of the dopaminergic system was examined. Interestingly, acute acamprosate was also shown to cause increased dopamine transporter density and decreased dopamine D2‐like receptor density within the nucleus accumbens but not in the caudate‐putamen, suggesting a link between the decreased motivational salience of the ethanol cue and altered dopaminergic signalling within the nucleus accumbens. With repeated injections of acamprosate, markers of the dopaminergic system returned to steady state levels with a similar temporal profile to the development of tolerance in the behavioural studies. Along with previous studies, our findings indicate that acamprosate modulates the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and may thereby decrease ethanol reinforcement processes; however, these effects undergo tolerance in alcohol‐preferring rats and may in part explain the fact why some subjects are non‐responders to chronic acamprosate treatment.
Allelic association of a dopamine transporter gene polymorphism with antisocial behaviour in heroin‐dependent patients
Authors: Gerra Gilberto , Garofano Luciano , Pellegrini Caterina , Bosari Silvano , Zaimovic Amir , Moi Gabriele , Avanzini Paola , Talarico Enrica , Gardini Federica , Donnini Claudia
Published: September 2005

Polymorphism of a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the 3′ untranslated region of exon 15 of the SLC6A3 gene, coding for the dopamine transporter (DAT), was analysed to test whether length variation contributes to differences in the individual susceptibility to aggressive – criminal behaviour and liability to heroin dependence. The repeat number of the DAT polymorphism was assessed in 125 healthy subjects and 104 heroin‐dependent subjects (including 52 addicted individuals with violent behaviour and criminal records). There was no significant difference in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles between heroin‐dependent subjects and control subjects. On the contrary, there was a significant difference between offenders and non‐offenders, p  = 0.004 and p  = 0.002, respectively, among heroin‐dependent subjects. No association was found between DAT polymorphism and history of suicide. Buss – Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) mean total scores were significantly higher in heroin addicts than in controls (p  < 0.001) and in antisocial – violent heroin addicts in comparison with addicted individuals without antisocial behaviour (p  < 0.005). The regression analysis of BDHI subscales, performed to provide an estimate of the magnitude of any potential effect on the risk of aggressiveness associated with the variants in DAT VNTR, showed that the presence of the 9 – 9 genotype significantly increases the risk of irritability and direct aggressiveness more than six and 10 times with respect to the 9 – 10 genotype. Our findings suggest that the 9‐repeat allele of the DAT polymorphism confers increased susceptibility to antisocial – violent behaviour and aggressiveness, rather than drug dependence per se in heroin‐dependent males.
Exposure to chronic stress increases the locomotor response to cocaine and the basal levels of corticosterone in adolescent rats
Authors: Lepsch LB , Gonzalo LA , Magro FJB , Delucia R , Scavone C , Planeta CS
Published: September 2005

Repeated exposure to stress results in augmentation in the locomotor response to psychostimulant drugs. We investigated the locomotor response to a novel environment or cocaine [10 ? mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)] and basal corticosterone levels in male adolescent rats exposed to chronic restraint or variable stress. Animals in the chronic restraint group were restrained for 1 hour daily. The chronic variable stress protocol consisted of exposure to different stressors twice a day in random order. Chronic restraint and variable stress regimens began simultaneously on postnatal day (P) 25 and were applied for 10 days. During this period the control group was left undisturbed except for cleaning the cages. Three days after the last exposure to stress, cocaine‐ and novelty‐induced locomotion were recorded in an activity cage. Plasma corticosterone levels were determined in a subset of stress and control animals. Exposure to both chronic restraint and variable stress increased cocaine‐induced locomotion and basal corticosterone plasma levels, while no change was observed in the response to a novel environment. Moreover, rats exposed to variable stress displayed the greatest locomotor response following a challenge dose with cocaine when compared to control and chronic restraint stress groups. This observation indicates that the stress regimen is relevant to the degree of stress‐induced sensitization to cocaine.
The Decline of Smoking in Northern Sweden
Authors: Stegmayr Birgitta , Eliasson Mats , Rodu Brad
Published: September 2005

For decades men in Sweden have smoked at far lower rates than those in comparable countries. Previous studies showed that snus use played a major role in low smoking rates among men in northern Sweden; daily smoking declined from 19% (95% CI 16—22%) in 1986 to 11% (CI 8.9—14%) in 1999. The prevalence of smoking among all men is now 9% (CI 7.0— 11%) and only 3% (CI 0.1—5.4%) among men age 25—34 years; the prevalence of exclusive snus use is 27% (CI 24—30%) and 34% (CI 27—42%) respectively. Combined smoking and snus use, an unstable and transient category, was under 5% in all surveys and was 2.2% (CI 1.4—3.4%) by 2004. For the first time snus use is also associated with a decrease in smoking prevalence among women. These patterns of tobacco use have implications for all smoking-dominated societies.
BETWEEN STATE SOCIALISM AND MARKETS
Authors: Domański Henryk
Published: September 2005

The main question raised here is whether new rules of income distribution in Eastern Europe resemble opportunity structures in developed market economies. Implicit in theory of modernisation is hypothesis that returns to education stood at the highest in most developed capitalist societies. In the long-standing debate on the transition of post-communist societies to the market economy nobody compared Eastern European countries with Western nations in the first decade of transition to capitalist system. In what follows I attempt to fill this gap. I focused on direct comparison of effect of education on incomes in a number of countries representing both capitalist and post communist societies. Data come from International Social Survey Program 1996 and 1999. The analysis provides evidence that in the end of the 1990s economic benefits to education were still less in countries undergoing transition than in capitalist societies. However such knowledge provides only guidelines for understanding the most interesting question: to what extent post communist societies approached market-based patterns distribution of incomes. Although the analysis went beyond former studies, it displays only static picture. Due to lack of comparative cross-systemic data, on education returns, going back to 1980s, one has to concede that we will never find unequivocal empirical arguments which prove that effect of education under the planned economy was really lower. Contrary to most theories, one cannot exclude that this association might have been higher or the same as in the Western societies at the time.
THE ‘EUROPEANIZATION’ OF ELITE FOOTBALL
Authors: Martin Paul
Published: September 2005

This paper seeks to make use of Appadurai's characterization of the contemporary global condition in terms of the disjunctive flows of a series of related'social scapes'. This categorization is applied to an analysis of key recent developments within elite professional football, together taken to represent the'Europeanizaton' of the'soccerscape'. The paper then goes on to consider possible meanings and significance of such developments, in particular whether it is possible to argue that they may contribute, or have the potential to contribute to the emergence of a sense of 'Europeanness' among followers of football, especially the young.
Debriefing and research
Authors: Parkinson Frank
Published: September 2005

This paper argues that some recent research, which claims to have shown that psychological or critical incident debriefing (CID) is ineffective or can make people worse, does not provide an adequate evaluation of the effectiveness of this type of intervention. Despite the limitations of this research, it appears to have influenced some authorities and organisations to such an extent that many have now abandoned, or been advised to abandon, CID as a response to traumatic events. This paper also argues that there are certain criteria vital to the context, content and conduct of the use of CID which must be reflected in research into its effectiveness. Unless we get these criteria right, CID will continue to be misunderstood, misrepresented and misused. CID is not a panacea for all traumatic ills and it might not prevent the development of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as was perhaps once believed, but it is one response, amongst many, which could be used and offered when traumatic incidents occur.
Culture: The song beyond words
Authors: Cornforth Sue
Published: September 2005

The paperarises from Pakeha attem pts to dealwith bicultural responsiveness in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and represents the application of a social constructionist conceptual framework to practical issues faced by counsel brsworking around cultural difference. It seeks to de‐construct some of the assumptions made in discourses around difference through expbration of the language through, and by which, we make cross‐cultural connections. Readers are invited to consider the relationship of text to ethos, and the relationship of the words we use to the space between the words. It is suggested that the power of this in‐between space, this chora (Kristeva, 1980), is related to the expression of culture. The paper aims to present a challenge to those who at times wonder about the ethics and efficacy of their counselling profession in relation to their desire to create a betterworld — in particular in redressing the inequities which invariably exist between different cultures. It is proposed that counselling as a discourse technology is a powerful tool for change. However, as a marketable technology, forms of discourse need constant monitoring since certain forms of language can be both colonised and colonising. Colonisation, with its implications of dominance and exploitation, is seen as incompatible with counselling values. Consideration is given to three aspects of discourse worthy of consideration for those working for change: ethos, individual ownership and nominalisation.
The rhetorical organisation of dream‐telling
Authors: Boothe Brigitte
Published: September 2005

An appreciation of the ways in which clients and patients tell stories in psychotherapy is essential to an understanding of the therapeutic process. This paper reports findings arising from a programme of research into the analysis of patient narratives in psychotherapy sessions and diagnostic interviews. The focus of the current paper is on the analysis of the use of language in patient‐therapist interaction during the recounting in therapy of dream narratives. Dream‐telling follows certain rules of presentation that can be described as a set of specific rhetorical practices. The rhetoric of the dream‐teller reporting a dream is one of emotional distance, reflecting a narrative sequence which lacks a motivational framework. The report needs to be put into context by establishing a dialogue with the listener. The sharing of the dream with another, especially in the psychotherapeutic context, represents the dream‐teller's attempt to reproduce the dream experience. This attempt is made with reference to a responding and commenting other. The function — or dysfunction — of the assumption of hidden, non‐obvious, non‐recognisable wish‐fulfillment scenarios in patients' dreams is discussed. A method of working with dream material derived from narrative research is briefly described: the dramaturgical approach. This approach emphasises collaborative negotiation between client/patient and therapist, and combines the idea of free association with dream reconstruction and embedding the dream in current concerns, desires, and challenges.
Writing qualitative research — A gathering of selves
Authors: Etherington Kim
Published: September 2005

This paper is a reflection and discussion on the integration and personal development that may occur when we use ourselves in heuristic research, particularly in the process of writing. It focuses on my writing about a study I undertook with two of my ex‐clients who are brothers, and their journey towards healing, and on their experience of our counselling relationship as part of that journey. As their counsellor, and the main researcher, my story inevitably intermingles and overlaps with theirs. My ‘selves’ as woman, survivor, client, counsellor, researcher (and numerous other selves) and their selves as survivor, man, client and researcher (and many others) are impacted by the collaborative, experiential nature of the work. Issues faced in the writing of a book about the research (Etherington, 2000), such as self‐disclosure and reclaiming my voice, parallel many of my own issues as a client and my clients' issues.
Beyond grounded theory: The use of a heuristic approach to qualitative research
Authors: West William
Published: September 2005

The grounded theory approach has become established as the qualitative methodology of choice for many counselling and psychotherapy researchers. It is now becoming apparent to many researchers that there are significant difficulties associated with defining what the grounded theory method actually is, and how is should be implemented. In addition, its popularity has tended to keep other qualitative approaches under‐explored and under‐utilised. This paper explores some of the methodological issues raised by the grounded theory approach, before presenting and then contrasting heuristic inquiry as a very different but equally useful form of qualitative methodology. Finally, the notion of researcher as bricoleur will be considered in the light of the need to develop pluralistic approaches to qualitative research in counselling and psychotherapy.
Reflexive action research: Developing knowledge through practice
Authors: Lees John
Published: September 2005

This paper gives an overview of different ways of conducting counselling and psychotherapy research. An approach to research is described which overcomes the research‐practice gap: reflexive action research. It is argued that this approach to research is particularly appropriate and relevant for practitioners since it draws upon skills and awareness necessary for clinical work, and can complement positivist methods of research which are already well established in the profession. The wider use of systematic clinical case studies is suggested as a means of promoting the reflexive action research approach. Further consideration of issues of validity and reliability is required on the part of those intending to apply this approach within the field of therapy research.
Let's stay and hate: The role of community meetings on counsellor training courses
Authors: Hill Andrew
Published: September 2005

This study explores the role of community meetings within BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) accredited counsellor training courses. A postal survey was carried out with trainers on 56 BACP accredited training courses in January 2000. A questionnaire was used to elicit information about trainers, courses and the organisation of community time, along with perceptions relating to the meaning and purpose of community meetings. Possible links between course attributes (course length, cohort size and core theoretical model) and the implementation of community time are explored, as are links between core theoretical model and explanations of community group process. Findings indicate a diversity of definitions and assumptions concerning the role of community groups within counsellor training courses in Britain. It is suggested that there is a need to establish a much clearer definition of the nature of community groups on counselling courses. A tentative, trans‐theoretical description of community group process is offered, and further research on this topic is recommended.
Cybervision: Virtual peer group counselling supervision — Hindrance or help?
Authors: Cummings Paul
Published: September 2005

This study explored the use of text‐based computer‐mediated communication in counsellor supervision. ‘Cybervision’ is an innovative collaboration between counsellors and computer technology. The study reports on the use of clinical case presentation by e‐mail and the discussion of cases in text‐based chat rooms. The inquiry, conducted from a qualitative research perspective, seeks to explore the potential effectiveness of Cybervision along with its advantages and disadvantages. Prior to each supervision session, the supervisee presented case concerns by e‐mail and later received 60 minutes supervision from the remaining three group members adopting the role of supervisor. As a form of co‐operative inquiry, the personal experience of research participants was investigated and reported, highlighting key themes and issues relating to the absence of face‐to‐face contact. In all cases, participants reported that Cybervision effectively influenced and informed the clinical practice of the counsellor. Participants quickly and successfully formed a meaningful group where support, challenge and feedback were expressed and valued. The ‘disinhibition’ effect of on‐line contact was found to support open and honest communication. Feelings were communicated in this environment with surprising ease. The consistent emergence of useful parallel processes was another significant finding.
Professional and ethical dilemmas experienced by counselling supervisors: The impact of organisational context
Authors: Copeland Sue
Published: September 2005

This paper examines the ethical and professional dilemmas faced by counselling supervisors working in a range of diverse organisational contexts. Questionnaires and interviews were used to explore supervisor experiences of working in counselling agencies, industry, education and health service settings. Ethical and professional dilemmas outlined by supervisors were examined in connection with their role within the organisation. It was found that both external and ‘in‐house’ supervisors were exposed to dilemmas focused around issues of responsibility, confidentiality, boundaries, professionalism, relationships, contracts and ethical practice. Supervisors were divided in their opinions about playing a more active, educative role within organisational systems. There was considerable support for the construction of more explicit relationships between supervisors and their employing organisation.
Narrative in psychotherapy theory, practice, and research: A critical review
Authors: Meier Augustine
Published: September 2005

This paper offers a critical review of narrative approaches to therapy, in terms of theory, practice and research. It proposes that narrative approaches currently lack a theory that explains adequately how the reworking of narratives brings about changes and how a client's various narratives are integrated. Research approaches to the study of narrative in therapy are at an early stage. A review of current research into narrative approaches to therapy is presented, and suggestions are offered for further research.
Hearing what research participants are really saying: The influence of researcher cultural identity
Authors: West William , Talib Mansor Abu
Published: September 2005

This paper explores how the culture of the researcher can influence the interpretation of data collected in a qualitative study into counselling and spirituality. Counsellors or psychotherapists who were also members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) were interviewed about how their faith impacts on their therapeutic practice. The findings of this qualitative heuristic study were published (West, 1998). The researcher was white, British, male, a counsellor and a Quaker. Subsequently, five of the interview transcripts were randomly selected and given to a second researcher, who was Malaysian, male, a counsellor, and Muslim. These interviews were analysed thematically by the second researcher, without accessing the original analysis and published paper. The two analyses are presented and compared. Although there were many points of convergence, significant differences also emerged in the way the way the material was understood. A commentary on this process is offered by both researchers, and the implications of the insider/outsider distinction for research in counselling are discussed.
Integrating traditional and non‐traditional approaches to treat a client with a co‐occurring addictive and mental disorder: A case study
Authors: Harrison Linda , Curtis Russ
Published: September 2005

This paper presents a case study of a male client with co‐occurring addictive and psychological problems. The aim is to describe this client's treatment within an inpatient facility that provided integrated care for those diagnosed with both mental illness and substance abuse. The course of treatment from admission to discharge and follow‐up are discussed in an effort to provide a detailed account of the treatment modalities used to best help this client. Implications for counselling clients with similar issues and concerns are discussed.
Working together: Editing a book as narrative research methodology
Authors: Etherington Kim
Published: September 2005

This paper is a multi‐layered account that begins with an overview of narrative inquiry and narrative analysis methodologies, and then leads into an examination of how the process of editing a book can represent an example of narrative research. The author describes how she came to create two books that provide an insider's view of counsellors' role development within the fields of health and rehabilitation. Taking the task of editor a step further, she gathered additional reflexive data from chapter authors once the books were published: these data provide insight into the challenges created by undertaking a project of this kind, in particular the adoption of a reflexive voice. The paper concludes with a discussion of how both projects meet the criteria for narrative inquiry.
Collaboration, meaning‐making and therapy: What practitioners can learn from recent developments in qualitative research
Authors: Strong Tom
Published: September 2005

Recent developments in qualitative research provide a rich resource of ideas and insights for counsellors and psychotherapists interested in postmodern approaches to theory and practice. The second edition of the landmark Handbook of Qualitative Research (Denzin and Lincoln, 2000) is discussed in terms of its potential value for therapists.
Is how it is said important? The association between quality of therapist interventions and client processing
Authors: Gordon Kimberley M. , Toukmanian Shaké G.
Published: September 2005

This study examined the association between the quality of therapist interventions and client in‐session processing using the York Therapist Process Measure (YTPM; Toukmanian and Armstrong, 1998). The instrument's three dimensions — attunement, tentativeness and meaning exploration — were tested separately for their impact on clients' manner of processing and depth of experiencing. For each of the 20 mild‐moderately depressed clients, treated in short‐term experiential therapy, a high and a low client‐process segment was isolated from a session that was judged by an experienced therapist to manifest the greatest amount of “good therapy moments”. Therapist interventions within these segments were then rated on the YTPM. Results revealed significant differences in the quality of therapist interventions between high and low segments. Attunement and tentativeness were associated significantly with greater complexity in manner of processing, and meaning exploration with greater depth in experiencing. The implications of these findings for psychotherapy research and practice are discussed.
The experience of counselling for female clients with anorexia nervosa: A person‐centred perspective
Authors: Marchant Lorna , Payne Helen
Published: September 2005

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially life‐threatening condition, which has been studied from a range of theoretical perspectives. However, the relevance of person‐centred theory and practice in relation to anorexia nervosa has not previously been explored in the literature. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of clients who had received counselling for anorexia nervosa, and to set these experiences against the backdrop of person‐centred theory. The study is based on intensive heuristic analysis of interviews with five clients who had completed counselling for anorexia nervosa within the previous three months. Collaboration between the researcher and the participants led to an identification of two of the six ‘core’ conditions identified by Rogers as being of real importance to clients with anorexia: unconditional positive regard and congruence. The context in which counselling is offered was also of crucial significance to these clients. Implications for practice are discussed.
Naked narrative: Real research?
Authors: Bond Tim
Published: September 2005

A multi‐layered narrative is presented as a way of inviting discussion about narrative as research in the talking therapies and social sciences. The core issue under consideration is the challenge of researching lived experience and how this is distorted or eliminated by many traditional approaches to research. The paper contains an account of a first experience of presenting a narrative about ethical decision‐making to a national research conference by someone more accustomed to writing and researching in traditional propositional discourses. The aim of this narrative is to focus attention on the lived experience of generating new understanding and practice and to raise questions for discussion about the role of narrative in research, especially research directed towards developing insight into lived experience.