bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current status of experimental therapeutics for head and neck cancer
Authors: Lee Juna , Moon Chulso
Published: April 2011

As with many cancers, early detection of head and neck cancer increases a patient's survival rate. If diagnosed early, its five-year survival nears 90% with standard therapy alone. Unfortunately, the average survival rate for head and neck cancer is low due to the difficulty in early detection and achieving a sustainable response. Conventional treatments are not adequate for the majority of advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer patients because of the remarkable resistance of tumors to chemotherapy and radiation, and the situation is especially devastating for the first time treatment failure. The major limitations of these treatments are the lack of specificity for the tumor cell and unacceptable toxicity to the patient. As a result, current research in therapeutics for advanced, chemotherapy-resistant or recurrent head and neck cancer patients has focused on new treatment modalities that exploit biological differences between tumor and normal cells. These therapies include monoclonal antibodies, molecular inhibitors, gene therapy and photodynamic therapy. This article reviews the current preclinical and clinical evidence of these experimental therapeutics as they relate to head and neck cancer.
Dysfunction of volume-sensitive chloride channels contributes to cisplatin resistance in human lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Min Xian-jun , Li Hui , Hou Sheng-cai , He Wei , Liu Jie , Hu Bin , Wang Jun
Published: April 2011

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the standard therapy used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. However, its efficacy is largely limited due to the development of drug resistance. The exact mechanism in which cancer cells develop resistance to the drug is not yet fully understood. The purpose of the present study is to test the role of volume-sensitive Cl− channels in cisplatin resistance in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549 cells) using patch-clamp recording, cell volume measurement and apoptosis assay. The results showed that cisplatin treatment induced an apoptotic volume decrease (AVD) and activated a Cl− current that showed properties similar to the volume-sensitive outward rectifying (VSOR) Cl− current in wild-type A549 cells. Both the AVD process and VSOR Cl− current were blocked by the chloride channel blocker 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′ disulfonic acid. However, the A549/CDDP cells, a model of acquired cisplatin resistance cells, on the other hand, had almost no AVD process and VSOR Cl− current when treated with cisplatin. Treatment of A549/CDDP cells with trichostatin A (TSA), a drug that inhibits histone deacetylases, partially restored the VSOR Cl− current and increased cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis rate. These results suggest that impaired activity of VSOR Cl− channels contributes to the cisplatin resistance in A549/CDDP cells.
Surgical teams: role perspectives and role dynamics in the operating room
Authors: Leach Linda Searle , Myrtle Robert C , Weaver Fred A
Published: April 2011

Observations of surgical teams in the operating room (OR) and interviews with surgeons, circulating registered nurses (RNs), anaesthesiologists and surgical technicians reveal the importance of leadership, team member competencies and an enacted environment that encourages feelings of competence and cooperation. Surgical teams are more loosely coupled than intact and bounded. Team members tend to rely on expected role behaviours to bridge lack of familiarity. While members of the surgical team identified technical competence and preparation as critical factors affecting team performance, they had differing views over the role behaviours of other members of the surgical team that lead to surgical team performance. Observations revealed that the work climate in the OR can shape interpersonal relations and begins to be established when the room is being set up for the surgical case, and evolves as the surgical procedure progresses. The leadership and supervisory competencies of the circulating RNs establish the initial work environment. Both influenced the degree of cooperation and support that was observed, which had an effect on the interactions and relationships between other members of the surgical team. As the surgery unfolds, the surgeon's behaviours and interpersonal relations modify this environment and ultimately influence the degree of team work, team satisfaction and team performance.
The effect of physician panel size on health care outcomes
Authors: Stefos Theodore , Burgess James F , Mayo-Smith Michael F , Frisbee Kathleen L , Harvey Henry B , Lehner Laura , Lo Sophie , Moran Eileen
Published: April 2011

An inadequate supply of primary care providers is leading to a crisis in access. Pressures are being placed on primary care practices to increase panel sizes. The impact of these pressures on clinical processes, patient satisfaction and waiting times is largely unknown, although evidence from recent literature shows that longer waiting time results in higher mortality rates and other adverse outcomes. FY2004, Department of Veterans Affairs primary care patient data are used. GLIMMIX and other generalized linear model models illustrate how expanded panel sizes are correlated with clinical process indicators, patient satisfaction and waiting times, controlling for practice, provider and patient characteristics. We generally find that larger panel sizes are related to statistically significant increases in waiting time. However, larger panel sizes appear to have generally small effects on patient process indicators and satisfaction. Panels with more support staff have lower waiting times and small, improved outcomes. We find panels with older and clinically riskier patients have, on average, slightly lower waiting times and increased likelihoods of positive outcomes than panels with younger, healthier veterans. Female veterans appear to have reduced likelihoods of positive outcomes. Higher priority and female veterans also have lower satisfaction. Further study is needed to analyse the impact of potential panel size endogeneity in this system.
Vascular manifestations of Behçet's disease: report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Kotsis T , Moulakakis K G , Mylonas S , Andrikopoulos V
Published: April 2011

Adamantiades–Behçet's disease (ABD) is a relapsing vasculitis of unknown aetiology and variable clinical manifestations. The syndrome can be presented in a myriad of ways and can involve nearly every organ. Although vascular involvement is not included among the ABD diagnostic criteria, it is a unique clinical manifestation in adults with a potentially devastating outcome. We report an ABD case, presenting with a thrombotic occlusion of the inferior vena cava. The authors review the recent literature, emphasizing the spectrum of vascular manifestations accompanying Behçet's disease.
Deficiencies in venous experience in UK vascular trainees: a survey of Rouleaux Club members
Authors: Scurr J R H , Oshin O A , Hinchliffe R J , Holt P J E , Gohel M
Published: April 2011

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the training experience of current UK vascular trainees in the modern management of venous disease.

Method

A web-based questionnaire of the 145 members of the Rouleaux Club (www.rouleauxclub.com), which represents UK vascular trainees. Members were asked to complete the survey between June and October 2009 with regular email reminders being sent out to non-responders.

Results

One hundred and twenty-three trainees (85% response rate) representing all 17 UK training Deaneries responded. Seventy-eight per cent reported having received no formal venous duplex training either for diagnosis of venous disease or to guide endovenous therapy. Operative experience of great and small saphenous vein surgery improved with years of training. Surgical experience for recurrent varicose veins was poor. Experience with endovenous techniques was limited and variable. No experience of endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation was reported by 39% and 67% of trainees, respectively. Experience and/or training with foam sclerotherapy was limited to <40%. Many of those reporting no experience with endovenous ablation techniques were within the final two years of their training. Less than 25% of trainees reported having had any experience (assisted/performed) of advanced venous interventions such as thrombolysis techniques for deep venous thrombosis, inferior vena cava filter placement/removal, venous stenting or deep venous reconstruction. Less than a quarter of trainees are currently involved in the acute management of deep venous thrombosis. The majority (76%) of current trainees would like a formal approved UK venous training course to be offered.

Conclusion

The current level of training in the management of venous disease will not allow UK vascular trainees to become the competent all round vascular specialists of the future.
Early and long-term results of physical methods in the treatment of venous leg ulcers: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Taradaj J , Franek A , Cierpka L , Brzezinska-Wcislo L , Blaszczak E , Polak A , Chmielewska D , Krol P , Dolibog P , Kucio C
Published: April 2011

Objective

To estimate early and long-term results of physical methods in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

Method

In group A after surgical operation, 40 patients were treated with the high-voltage stimulation (HVS) (100 µs, 100 Hz, 100 V) and drug therapy. In group B after operation, 37 patients were treated with ultrasound (0.5 W/cm2, 1 MHz) and drug therapy. In group C after operation, 33 patients were treated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (810 nm, 65 mW) and drug therapy. In group D after operation, 35 patients were treated with the compression stockings (25–31 mmHg) and drug therapy. In group E after operation, 37 patients were only treated with drug therapy. Group F consisted of 32 patients, conservatively treated with the HVS and drug therapy. Group G consisted of 20 patients, conservatively treated with ultrasound and drug therapy. Group H consisted of 21 patients, conservatively treated with LLLT and drug therapy. Group I consisted of 30 patients, conservatively treated with compression and drug therapy. Group J consisted of 27 patients only treated with drug therapy.

Results

Both short and long term parameters showed that compression therapy is the most efficient in ulcer healing. The electrical and ultrasound methods are less effective. The laser therapy ared useless.

Conclusion

Superficial venous surgery in addition to compression therapy is the most efficient treatment of venous leg ulcers. The compression therapy should be continued both surgically and conservatively treated patients with healed ulcers. In special cases after superficial venous surgery (isolated superficial reflux) compression therapy could be applied only to the time of ulcer closure without continuing it longer. HVS and ultrasound therapy are useful methods in conservative treatment of venous leg ulcers. For surgically-treated patients these physical therapies are efficient only in superficial plus deep reflux cases. HVS and ultrasound can be alternative methods, but are less effective in recurrence risk. LLLT is not an efficient physical method in treatment of venous leg ulcers.
IS Avoidance in Health-Care Groups: A Multilevel Investigation
Authors: Kane Gerald C. , Labianca Giuseppe (Joe)
Published: April 2011

The information systems (IS) literature has focused considerable research on IS resistance, particularly in the health-care industry. Most of this attention has focused on the impact of IS resistance on systems' initial implementation, but little research has investigated whether and how post-adoption resistance affects performance. We focus on a particular type of post-adoption resistance, which we call IS avoidance, to identify situations in which individuals avoid working with adopted IS despite the need and opportunity to do so. We examine the effects of IS avoidance on patient care delivered by health-care groups across three levels of analysis: the individual level, the shared group level, and the configural group level. We find that IS avoidance is significantly and negatively related to patient care only at the configural group level, which suggests that patient care is not degraded by the number of doctors and/or nurses in a group avoiding a system, but rather by their locations in the group's workflow network configuration. We use qualitative data collected over 16 months at the research site to help explain these results. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Research Note—The Influence of Trade-off Difficulty Caused by Preference Elicitation Methods on User Acceptance of Recommendation Agents Across Loss and Gain Conditions
Authors: Lee Young Eun , Benbasat Izak
Published: April 2011

Prior studies on product recommendation agents (RAs) have been based on the effort-accuracy perspective in which the amount of effort required to make a decision and the accuracy of such decisions are two dominant antecedents of user acceptance of RAs. The current study extends the effort-accuracy perspective by considering trade-off difficulty, a type of negative emotion that arises when attainment of one's goals is blocked by the attainment of other goals; consequently, one must make trade-offs among the conflicting goals. Many product purchase choices for which RAs are used require users to make trade-offs among conflicting product attributes. A key feature of RAs, the preference elicitation method (PEM), often compels users to make explicit trade-offs. We examine whether an RA's PEM generates trade-off difficulty, which, in turn, affects users' evaluations (i.e., perceived amount of effort and perceived accuracy of recommendations) and the resultant acceptance of the RA. Trade-off difficulty influences users' evaluations of an RA via perceived control over execution of the RA PEM. In addition, the decision context in which users employ a PEM moderates the degree to which that PEM generates trade-off difficulty. Specifically, a PEM generates a greater degree of trade-off difficulty in a choice context that leads to a loss than in a choice context that leads to a gain. Consequently, users exert more effort to cope with trade-off difficulty in a loss condition. Because users voluntarily spend more effort, the negative influence of perceived effort on users' acceptance of an RA—which is supported in prior studies—decreases in a loss condition. A laboratory experiment was conducted using two between-subject factors: two RAs, one that employed a trade-off-compelling PEM and the other a trade-off-hiding PEM, and two decision contexts, one of which was a loss condition and the other a gain condition. The results supported all of the hypotheses.
The Digitization of Healthcare: Boundary Risks, Emotion, and Consumer Willingness to Disclose Personal Health Information
Authors: Anderson Catherine L. , Agarwal Ritu
Published: April 2011

As healthcare becomes increasingly digitized, the promise of improved care enabled by technological advances inevitably must be traded off against any unintended negative consequences. There is little else that is as consequential to an individual as his or her health. In this context, the privacy of one's personal health information has escalated as a matter of significant concern for the public. We pose the question: under what circumstances will individuals be willing to disclose identified personal health information and permit it to be digitized? Using privacy boundary theory and recent developments in the literature related to risk-as-feelings as the core conceptual foundation, we propose and test a model explicating the role played by type of information requested (general health, mental health, genetic), the purpose for which it is to be used (patient care, research, marketing), and the requesting stakeholder (doctors/hospitals, the government, pharmaceutical companies) in an individual's willingness to disclose personal health information. Furthermore, we explore the impact of emotion linked to one's health condition on willingness to disclose. Results from a nationally representative sample of over 1,000 adults underscore the complexity of the health information disclosure decision and show that emotion plays a significant role, highlighting the need for re-examining the timing of consent. Theoretically, the study extends the dominant cognitive-consequentialist approach to privacy by incorporating the role of emotion. It further refines the privacy calculus to incorporate the moderating influence of contextual factors salient in the healthcare setting. The practical implications of this study include an improved understanding of consumer concerns and potential impacts regarding the electronic storage of health information that can be used to craft policy.
Research Note—A Multilevel Analysis of the Effect of Group Appropriation on Collaborative Technologies Use and Performance
Authors: Kang Sora , Lim Kai H. , Kim Min Soo , Yang Hee-Dong
Published: April 2011

This study develops a comprehensive model to predict and explain the use of collaborative technologies (CT) and the task performance of individual users as a result of using CT. The integrated model attempts to capture how the individual user's extent of use of CT is a function of both the technical features and the structures embedded within or created by the interactions among the technology, group, and organization. The model developed is tested using data collected from a national bank with 279 members working in 40 different workgroups. A hierarchical linear model (HLM) is used to test the hypotheses generated from the model. Results show that our integrated model provides a more complete explanation of the use of CT and task performance beyond those of the individual-level factors. The study is an early effort to develop an integrated theory to provide comprehensive insight into individual use of CT in a group or organizational context.
Research Note—The Impact of External Word-of-Mouth Sources on Retailer Sales of High-Involvement Products
Authors: Gu Bin , Park Jaehong , Konana Prabhudev
Published: April 2011

Online word-of-mouth (WOM) such as consumer opinions, user experiences, and product reviews has become a major information source in consumer purchase decisions. Prior research on online WOM effect has focused mostly on low-involvement products such as books or CDs. For these products, retailer-hosted (internal) WOM is shown to influence sales overwhelmingly. Numerous surveys, however, suggest consumers often conduct pre-purchase searches for high-involvement products (e.g., digital cameras) and visit external WOM websites during the search process. In this study, we analyze the relative impact of external and internal WOMs on retailer sales for high-involvement products using a panel of sales and WOM data for 148 digital cameras from Amazon.com and three external WOM websites (Cnet, DpReview, and Epinions) over a four-month period. The results suggest that a retailer's internal WOM has a limited influence on its sales of high-involvement products, while external WOM sources have a significant impact on the retailer's sales. The findings imply that external WOM sources play an important role in the information search process.
Online Exposure for Spider Fear: Treatment Completion and Habituation Outcomes
Authors: Matthews Allison J. , Scanlan Joel D. , Kirkby Ken C.
Published: April 2011

This research aimed to investigate habituation to spider images during an online exposure treatment (www.feardrop.com) among participants with a high fear of spiders. Participants (N= 392) undertook a 10-stage online exposure treatment with a stage length of either 180 or 360 seconds. Four Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) ratings were taken throughout each stage. Treatment completion was found to be a significant challenge, with less than one-third (30%) completing at least one stage of the program. Those in the shorter stage length condition were significantly more likely to complete the first stage relative to those in the longer stage length condition (43% vs. 16%). SUDS ratings decreased significantly across time at Stage 1, suggesting habituation of self-reported anxiety and there was an overall reduction in SUDS ratings at the second relative to the first stage, suggesting generalisation of habituation. The greatest habituation was observed among those with high anticipatory anxiety (pre-exposure SUDS rating), high total exposure time, and younger age. There was preliminary evidence for improvement in symptoms of spider fear at post-treatment. Directions for future research include strategies to facilitate treatment completion, evaluation of treatment outcomes, and expansion to include a range of specific fears.
The Thought Control Questionnaire in an Inpatient Psychiatric Setting: Psychometric Properties and Predictive Capacity
Authors: Ree Melissa J.
Published: April 2011

The current article describes the psychometric properties of the Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ; Wells & Davies, 1994) in 176 psychiatric inpatients at admission and discharge (352 completed TCQs). Factor analysis revealed four factors; Reappraisal/Distraction, Social Control, Punishment, and Worry. Scale descriptive statistics, reliabilities and correlations with psychiatric symptoms, self esteem, and quality of life supported the use of the TCQ in this setting. TCQ factors were then used as predictors of improvement from admission to discharge. The strategy of Punishment appeared to be unhelpful, with smaller reductions in the use of this strategy from admission to discharge predicting less improvement. Worry appeared to be an unhelpful strategy although the results were less consistent. The strategy of Reappraisal/Distraction appeared to be helpful, and greater increases in the use of this strategy from admission to discharge predicted greater improvement. Social Control also tended to be a helpful strategy although the results were less consistent. Overall, the results support the psychometric properties of the TCQ and are consistent with the notion that the use of certain thought control strategies may contribute to the maintenance of psychopathology while the use of others may contribute positively to treatment outcome.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Borderline Personality Disorder: Effects on Service Utilisation and Self-Reported Symptoms
Authors: Williams Sarah E. , Hartstone Margaret D. , Denson Linley A.
Published: April 2011

In a pilot evaluation study, effectiveness of a 20-week dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) skills training group program was explored for adult clients with borderline personality disorder (BPD;N= 140). Subjective ratings of depression, anxiety and BPD symptomatology were obtained pre and post group therapy. Objective measures of service utilisation levels were obtained for the 6 months prior to group therapy, the duration of therapy, and the 6 months following therapy. Group completers (n= 68) showed reductions in depression, anxiety and BPD symptomatology, as well as in the number of emergency department attendances. Completers with previous high service utilisation had decreases in telephone counselling calls and inpatient days during therapy, and fewer emergency department attendances post therapy. Completers had larger decreases in service utilisation than noncompleters (n= 72). Simultaneous engagement in individual DBT was related to higher group completion than was individual therapy as usual, but it did not impact on level of service utilisation or psychological functioning. This quasi-experimental pilot study suggests that DBT groups may improve psychological functioning and decrease service utilisation for BPD clients, particularly those with high service utilisation. The treatment warrants systematic evaluation.
Perceived Safety of Nicotine and the Use of Nicotine Replacement Products Among Current Smokers in Great Britain: Results From Two National Surveys
Authors: Bobak Alex , Shiffman Saul , Gitchell Joseph G. , Bery John , Ferguson Stuart G.
Published: April 2011

The hypotheses that smokers hold misconceptions around nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) safety, and that these concerns limit the use of NRT, was tested with two large face-to-face surveys of current smokers in Great Britain in 2004 (N= 605) and 2006 (N= 1,434). In both studies, participants were questioned regarding the safety of nicotine and NRT products, their past experience with NRT and anticipated future use. Across both surveys, approximately two thirds of smokers believed that, or were unsure whether, NRT was as harmful as cigarette smoking. Combining information across surveys, smokers with safety misconceptions reported being less likely to want to quit in the future (63% vs. 73%;p< .001), and, among those who were interested in quitting, were less likely to report an intention to use NRT during their next quit attempt. The majority of smokers were misinformed about the safety of NRT products, and smokers with safety misconceptions were less likely to report that they plan to use NRT during future quit attempts, suggesting that safety concerns are a barrier to NRT utilisation.
Potential Costs and Benefits of Statewide Smoking Cessation in Pennsylvania
Authors: Rumberger Jill S. , Hollenbeak Christopher S.
Published: April 2011

Objectives:To determine whether the cost of a statewide smoking cessation program in Pennsylvania could be justified by the benefits.Methods:A cost-benefit analysis of statewide access to smoking cessation programs. We compared three treatment alternatives, with and without counselling: nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion and varenicline.Results:While the retail price of a pack of cigarettes in Pennsylvania is on average US$4.72, the combined medical costs and productivity losses in Pennsylvania attributable to each pack of cigarettes sold are approximately US$23.78 per pack of cigarettes. The ratio of benefits to cost varied from US$0.97 to US$2.76 saved per dollar spent on smoking cessation programs, depending upon the type of intervention.Conclusions:For most smoking cessation treatments, the benefits of a statewide smoking cessation program in Pennsylvania would greatly outweigh its costs.
Local Determinants of Tobacco Use in Pakistan and the Importance of Context
Authors: Lee Andrew Chee Keng , Siddiqi Kamran , Khan Muhammad Amir , Ahmed Maqsood , Shafiq-Ur-Rehman  , Shams Nazia , Nazir Athar
Published: April 2011

Introduction:The tobacco epidemic is surging in developing countries. While the determinants of tobacco use are well known, it is less certain whether they are similar in developed and developing countries. This has important ramifications for the implementation of interventions locally. This qualitative study explored the determinants and importance of context on tobacco use in Pakistan.Methods:Focus group discussions were conducted in two districts with doctors, nurses and patients from local tuberculosis clinics.Results:Peer influence, social acceptability, affordability and visibility of tobacco, public understanding and personal perception of risks influence tobacco use. Individual factors, such as personal curiosity, adversity and stress, also affected tobacco uptake and use. Patients were willing to pay for effective cessation treatment provided the costs were comparable to their expenditure on tobacco.Discussion:Factors such as peer and social influences are similar to those reported elsewhere. However, local variations exist in the degree of sociocultural acceptability, visibility of tobacco use, public understanding of risks and individual situational factors that influence tobacco use. Patients are prepared to pay for treatment, but there are gender differences in what can be afforded. For tobacco cessation interventions to be effective, local adaptations are essential to ensure cultural and contextual appropriateness.
Culture and the Theory of Planned Behaviour: Organ Donation Intentions in Americans and Koreans
Authors: Yun Doshik , Park Hee Sun
Published: April 2011

Cultural influence on the effects of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control (PBC) on behavioural intentions can vary with types of behaviours. The current study compared American and Korean undergraduates for the effects of each of the Theory of Planned Behaviour components on intentions to sign an organ donor registry and to have family discussion about organ donation. For intentions to sign, results showed that attitudes were a stronger predictor among Americans than Koreans and that PBC was a significant predictor only among Koreans. While attitudes and subjective norms were similarly related to Americans' intentions to sign, subjective norms were more strongly related to Koreans' intentions to sign than attitudes and PBC. For intentions to have family discussion, Americans considered subjective norms to a greater extent than Koreans did. While subjective norms and PBC were more important than attitudes were among Americans, PBC was more important than subjective norms and attitudes among Koreans. Theoretical and practical implications of these and other findings are discussed.
Toward a Comprehensive Developmental Model for Alcohol Use Disorders in Men
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , Gardner Charles O. , Prescott Carol A.
Published: April 2011

The multiple risk factors for alcohol use (AU) and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are interrelated through poorly understood pathways, many of which begin in childhood. In this report, the authors seek to develop an empirical, broad-based developmental model for the etiology of AU and AUDs in men. We assessed 15 risk factors in four developmental tiers in 1,794 adult male twins from the Virginia population based twin registry. The best fitting model explained 39% of the variance in late adolescent AU, and 30% of the liability to lifetime symptoms of AUD. AU and AUDs can be best understood as arising from the action and interaction of two pathways reflecting externalizing genetic/temperamental and familial/social factors. Peer group deviance was important in each pathway. Internalizing symptoms played a more minor role. Familial/social factors were especially important influences on AU, while genetic/temperamental factors were more critical for AUDs. We conclude that AU and AUDs in men are complex traits influenced by genetic, family, temperamental, and social factors, acting and interacting over developmental time.
Evidence of Overlapping Genetic Diathesis of Panic Attacks and Gastrointestinal Disorders in a Sample of Male Twin Pairs
Authors: Logue Mark W. , Bauver Sarah R. , Kremen William S. , Franz Carol E. , Eisen Seth A. , Tsuang Ming T. , Grant Michael D. , Lyons Michael J.
Published: April 2011

We explored the comorbidity between panic attacks (PA), whose symptoms can include gastrointestinal discomfort, and gastrointestinal disorders (GD). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data from 1,874 MZ and 1,498 DZ male–male twin pairs from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry. PA and GD were associated (relative risk for GD = 2). The percentage of liability due to genetic factors was estimated to be 37% for PA and 31% for GD. There was significant correlation between the genetic risk factors for PA and GD (estimated r = .55, 95% CI of 34% to 82%) and no evidence of correlation between the environmental causes of PA and GD. Therefore, PA and GD comorbidity can be explained by overlapping genetic factors and not overlapping environmental factors. Although these data cannot identify a biological pathway for such a shared liability, it suggests the presence of GD may be informative for genetic studies of panic.
Strong Genetic Correlation Between Interview-Assessed Internalizing Disorders and a Brief Self-Report Symptom Scale
Authors: Gjerde Line C. , Røysamb Espen , Czajkowski Nikolai , Reichborn-Kjennerud Ted , Ørstavik Ragnhild E. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Tambs Kristian
Published: April 2011

Self-report scales for symptoms of anxiety and depression are frequently used for screening and research purposes. A moderate phenotypic association between disorders measured by diagnostic interviews and symptoms of anxiety and depression measured by self-report scales has been shown, but little is known about the overlap in these phenotypes' genetic and environmental variance. In the present study, we used twin modeling to identify common genetic and environmental liabilities underlying the phenotypic association between the self-report Symptom Checklist-5 (SCL-5) and lifetime internalizing disorders derived from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). The sample consisted of 7,992 young adult twins from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Twin Panel (NIPHT), who all responded to a questionnaire. A subset of 2,793 individuals later underwent structured interviews. The best fitting model showed a strong genetic correlation of 0.82 (95% confidence interval; 0.61–1.0) between current self-report symptoms of anxiety and depression, and lifetime internalizing disorders, which suggests an almost complete overlap in genetic liability. The correlation between environmental factors was much lower: 0.16 (0.00–0.34, 95% CI). This implies that brief self-report scales capture genetic variance that is highly overlapping with the genetic variance common to internalizing disorder diagnoses. It thus follows that SCL-5 and similar instruments may be used as screening instruments for genetic risk factors that influence liability to internalizing disorders. In addition, existing data on self-report symptoms of anxiety and depression can be used with increased confidence to specify models including effects from genes coding for internalizing disorders.
Relationships Between State and Trait Anxiety Inventory and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test Scores Among Korean Twins and Families: The Healthy Twin Study
Authors: Sung Joohon , Lee Kayoung , Song Yun-Mi , Kim Ji-Hae
Published: April 2011

We explored heritabilities of the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and associations including genetic and environmental correlations between the phenotypes among Korean twins and their families. We analyzed the data of 1,748 participants (835 men, 913 women, 656 individuals of monozygotic twins, 173 individuals of same-sexed dizygotic twins, 919 non-twin family members, age 30–79 years) from the Healthy Twin study. Heritabilities and bivariate analyses were assessed using the SOLAR package software. In the methods of generalized estimation equations, women in the 4th quartile of state and trait scores were 17% and 15%, respectively more likely to be hazardous alcohol users compared to women in the lower three quartiles (P< .05). However, there were no significant associations between these phenotypes in men. After adjusting for age and squared age, the heritability estimates were 0.26 in men and 0.34 in women for the state score; for the trait score, 0.35 in men and 0.31 in women; for the AUDIT score, 0.32 in men and 0.37 in women (P< .001). After adjusting for age and squared age, there was a significant genetic correlation between the trait score and the AUDIT score, and a significant non-genetic correlation between the state score and the AUDIT score in women, while there were no significant genetic or non-genetic correlations between these phenotypes in men. The STAI and AUDIT scores are heritable in Koreans and the relationships between these phenotypes may be inconsistent by sex.
Monozygotic Twins Concordant and Discordant for DCD: Two Sides to the Story
Authors: Pearsall-Jones Jillian G. , Piek Jan P. , Steed Lyndall , McDougall Megan R. , Levy Florence
Published: April 2011

Being an identical twin does not necessarily mean having identical perceptions of family functioning, nor of the twin relationship. Using the co-twin control design, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions of family dynamics and the twin relationship in monozygotic (MZ) twins discordant and concordant for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). It was hypothesized that, as has been found in twins discordant for cerebral palsy, twins without DCD would perceive family functioning as less healthy than would their co-twins with DCD. It was also hypothesized that the twin relationship would be regarded generally as mutually supportive. Questionnaire data on 866 sets of MZ twins aged 6 to 17 years were used to identify seven sets discordant, and two sets concordant for DCD. Quantitative (General Functioning Scale of the Family Assessment Device — FAD), and qualitative (semi-structured interview) measures were used to assess family dynamics and the twin relationship. In discordant sets, six of seven twins without DCD rated family functioning at a less healthy level than did their co-twins with DCD. All twins in the DCD concordant sets rated their family functioning at a healthy level. From the semi-structured interviews, emergent themes included friendship, support, minimal sibling rivalry, and minor difficulties. It was concluded that, overall, the twin relationship was regarded as close and mutually supportive, with an ambivalent polarity between the best and most difficult aspects of being an identical twin. Implications for research, policy and clinical practice are discussed.
Report of Endometrial Cancer in AustralianBRCA1andBRCA2Mutation-Positive Families
Authors: Duffy David L. , Antill Yoland C. , Stewart Colin J. , Young Joanne P. ,   kConFab, Spurdle Amanda B.
Published: April 2011

There is evidence that tamoxifen treatment ofBRCA1andBRCA2carriers for prior breast cancer increases risk of endometrioid subtype endometrial cancer (EC), and suggestive evidence thatBRCA1andBRCA2mutation carriers may be predisposed to EC in the absence of tamoxifen exposure. We assessed the association of EC withBRCA1orBRCA2mutation status in Australasian breast-ovarian families. Report of at least one case of EC was significantly greater inBRCA1-positive families (35/218 (16%); p = .03) and non-significantly greater inBRCA2-positive families (23/189 (12%); p = .6), compared to high-risk breast cancer families without aBRCA1/2mutation (86/796 (11%)). EC was the first/concurrent cancer for 41% of EC cases with multiple cancer diagnoses fromBRCA1/2families, and early onset for most of these diagnoses. Mutation status was imputed for ungeno-typed individuals from 57BRCA1/2pedigrees reporting EC using BRCAPRO. Effects of genotype on EC diagnosis age, and interaction with tamoxifen therapy, were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. EC risk was non-significantly marginally greater forBRCA1carriers (hazard ratio = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.65–2.41), andBRCA2carriers (HR = 1.12, 95%CI = 0.51–2.45), compared to non-carrier family members. Tamoxifen therapy was highly significantly associated with EC (HR = 6.68, 95%CI = 3.12–15.15; p = 1.7 x 10-6) inBRCA1/2families, with no evidence for interaction between tamoxifen therapy andBRCA1/2genotype. Our family-based study supports a 7-fold increase in EC risk with tamoxifen exposure for female family members fromBRCA1/2families. Early onset EC in carriers without tamoxifen use suggests that further study is required to assess association of modest EC risk withBRCA1/2mutation status alone.
Utilizing Twins Concordance Rates to Infer the Predisposition to Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Ramanujam Ryan , Pirskanen Ritva , Ramanujam S. , Hammarström Lennart
Published: April 2011

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder in which patients experience muscular fatigability due to the presence of anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies which inhibit signal transduction across the neuro-muscular junction. Like all complex disorders, disease is caused by an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Although several genes have been identified which appear to be associated with MG, both classic twin studies and current multi-gene models are insufficient to explain either disease pathogenesis or inheritance. We examined the literature on MG to determine both mono- and dizygotic twin concordance rates, and used this data to (1) estimate the proportion of the population with underlying genetic predisposition to MG and the frequency of the environmental component and (2) derive the number of inherited genetic regions that are required to confer predisposition to MG. Using a MZ twin concordance rate of 35.5%, and a dizygotic rate of approximately 4–5% (based on family data), the probability of encountering environmental components necessary to develop MG in an individual with genetic predisposition is approximately 52.4%, making the frequency of predisposition (1:5240) roughly twice the rate of incidence. Furthermore, the number of genetic regions co-inherited between affected individuals is between two and four, which may be large haplotypes with interacting activity. Determining these haplotypes, by fully sequencing associated regions in cases and controls to identify mutations present, may therefore be a practically step toward the understanding of complex disease.
Delayed Delivery of a Twin Pregnancy and Uterine Atony: Morphological and Clinical Evidence
Authors: Palmara Vittorio , Re Lo Carmela , Priola Valentina , Sturlese Emanuele , Villari Daniela , Retto Annalisa , Santoro Giuseppe
Published: April 2011

This report presents the uncommon case of a 154-day delayed delivery in a spontaneous twin pregnancy associated with uterine atony. After abortion of the first fetus at 16 weeks, a healthy male was born at 38 weeks. Postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony, which was successfully treated with prostaglandins, occurred.
Perinatal and Neonatal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancies in Turkey
Authors: Sezer Selda Demircan , Küçük Mert , Yüksel Hasan , Odabaşi Ali Riza , Türkmen Münevver , Çakmak Bilin Çetinkaya , Döger Firuzan Kaçar
Published: April 2011

This study was conducted for the purpose of assessing, in the light of results of other research carried out in the present researchers' clinic and in Turkey, the status of twin pregnancies in Turkey, the incidence of twin births, perinatal and mortality rates associated with twin pregnancies, and the problems experienced in Turkey in cases of multiple and twin pregnancies.Materials and Methodology:The outcomes of twin births that occurred at the researchers' clinic during the period 2001–2009 were studied retrospectively. Seventeen studies conducted in Turkey on multiple and twin pregnancies during the years 1991–2010 were included in the study.Findings:It was observed that the mean multiple pregnancy rate in Turkey is 1.9% and the mean twin birth rate is 1.7%. It was also observed that a large majority (80–97.3%) of multiple pregnancies in Turkey are twin pregnancies. It was noted from Turkish literature that the mean gestational age of twins at birth varies between 33–36.2 weeks and that mean birthweights are 2065–2327 grams for the first-born twin and 1887–2262 grams for the second-born. These findings were observed to be lower than what is indicated in the literature. Perinatal and neonatal mortality, at 58–156/1000 and 40–98/1000 respectively, were seen to be higher than in the literature.Conclusion:It can be seen that preterm birth rates for twin pregnancies in Turkey are higher than what is indicated in the literature and that prenatal and neonatal mortality rates are also similarly higher.
Articulating choreographic practices, locating the field: An introduction
Authors: Bacon Jane M , Midgelow Vida L
Published: April 2011

Framing and locating the aims and scope of Choreographic Practices and The Choreographic Lab this article provides readers with an overview of recent debates around dance practices as modes of research. The lineage and discourses of practice as research are briefly introduced,
with a particular focus upon notions of embodied knowing and the processes of speaking from rather than about movement. Such issues are identified and developed through references to the articles that appear in this first issue of this journal.
She's Unfaithful: A script for performance
Authors: D'Amato Alison
Published: April 2011

The article is a performance score for She's Unfaithful, a piece that was originally performed in September, 2006 at Laban (London, UK). It was conceived, directed, and choreographed by Alison D'Amato, and the original cast was Liz Atkin, Katharin Cooper, Alison D'Amato, Marc
Dodi, Struan Leslie, and Amanda Punsoda-Rodriguez. The work explores the relationship between dance and textuality, performance and obedience. It complicates the role of the choreographer as author by layering text, movement ideas, and ludic structures.
My name is Colin, and this is Simon
Authors: Boyce Elizabeth , Ellis Simon , Poole Colin
Published: April 2011

In fragments of conversation, and in excerpts from their blog, choreographers Simon Ellis and Colin Poole talk about how their first collaborative process grappled with identity, responsibility and uncertainty in performance. This article, My name is Colin, and this is Simon, written
in collaboration with writer Elizabeth Boyce, draws these fragmentary texts together, but does not attempt to definitively sum up Simon and Colin's work together. Instead, it gives just a glimpse into their time in the studio itself an open-ended dialogue.
Butoh Rhizome: Choreography of a moving writing self
Authors: Kuppers Petra
Published: April 2011

This article enacts the multiplicity of sensations and ways of thinking through movement in a particular butoh dance. Narratives of independent selves become disrupted by meditations on disability and language, translation and representation, and the unfolding of somatic consciousness.
It's my house, isn't it?: Memory, haunting and liminality in Stephen King's Bag of Bones
Authors: Janicker Rebecca
Published: April 2011

Rich in its references to history and regionalism, Stephen King's Bag of Bones (1998) provides an in-depth study of how the personal and communal intertwine within the context of small-town Maine life. King uses the device of a haunted house, here in the form of a rural log cabin, to
consider how the past lingers to inform and shape the present. This article argues that the house functions specifically as a liminal space; caught between past and present, the living and the dead, it provides a transitional area in which traumatic memories of racially motivated violence
are relived and continually thrust back upon the community responsible. These ideas can be linked to gothic themes of past horror and the return of the repressed. My article thus considers how the classic gothic motif of haunting permits an exploration of the nature of memory and identity
in the special kind of arena that liminality provides.
Considering the framework of art appreciation repertoires
Authors: Ishizaki Kazuhiro , Wang Wenchun
Published: April 2011

We consider a framework of repertoires in art appreciation and suggest its relationship with learning in art appreciation of youth. An art writing programme was administered to 31 students ranging from junior high school to graduate school. Their art writings were analysed according
to two themes: (1) the diverse elements of repertoires and their acquisition; (2) the relation of complex repertoires to proficiency in art appreciation. First, the framework of repertoires is presented, and analytical standards for art writings are established. Undergraduate/graduate students
showed greater diversity and accumulation of appreciation skills in their repertoires than did junior and senior high school students. In addition, case analyses demonstrate that the properties of accumulation and diversity in repertoires are essential to forming complex repertoires. Further,
the formation of complex repertoires can be said to be an important step for attaining sophisticated art appreciation.