bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The HLA–DRB1 shared epitope alleles are primarily a risk factor for anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and are not an independent risk factor for development of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: van der Helm‐van Mil Annette H. M. , Verpoort Kirsten N. , Breedveld Ferdinand C. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Toes René E. M. , de Vries René R. P.
Published: March 2006

Objective

The shared epitope (SE)–containing HLA–DRB1 alleles represent the most significant genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies indicate that the SE alleles are associated with only RA that is characterized by the presence of anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibodies, and not with anti‐CCP–negative disease. In this study we investigated whether the SE alleles contribute to the development of anti‐CCP–positive RA, or whether they are associated solely with the presence of anti‐CCP antibodies. We therefore determined the influence of the SE alleles and anti‐CCP antibodies on the progression from recent‐onset undifferentiated arthritis (UA) to RA.

Methods

Patients with recent‐onset UA at the 2‐week visit (n = 570) were selected from the Leiden Early Arthritis Cohort. SE alleles, rheumatoid factor (RF) status, and anti‐CCP antibody levels were determined. Progression to RA or other diagnoses was monitored.

Results

One hundred seventy‐seven patients with UA developed RA during the 1‐year followup, whereas the disease in 393 patients remained unclassified or was given other diagnoses. The SE alleles correlated with the presence of anti‐CCP antibodies, but not with the presence of RF. Both in SE‐positive and in SE‐negative patients with UA, the presence of anti‐CCP antibodies was significantly associated with the development of RA. More intriguingly, however, no apparent contribution of the SE alleles to the progression to RA was found when analyses were stratified according to the presence of anti‐CCP antibodies. In patients with anti‐CCP–positive disease, the presence of SE alleles was associated with significantly higher levels of anti‐CCP antibodies, suggesting that the SE alleles act as classic immune response genes.

Conclusion

The SE alleles do not independently contribute to the progression to RA from UA, but rather contribute to the development of anti‐CCP antibodies.
Additional human β2‐microglobulin curbs HLA–B27 misfolding and promotes arthritis and spondylitis without colitis in male HLA–B27–transgenic rats
Authors: Tran Tri M. , Dorris Martha L. , Satumtira Nimman , Richardson James A. , Hammer Robert E. , Shang Jie , Taurog Joel D.
Published: March 2006

Objective

Ankylosing spondylitis and related spondylarthritides are associated with HLA–B27, and also with intestinal inflammation, by unknown mechanisms. The folded HLA–B27 molecule is a trimer of heavy chain, β2‐microglobulin (β2m), and short peptide. However, B27 heavy chain has an unusual propensity to misfold and trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR). This study was initiated to test the hypothesis that B27 misfolding plays a role in the pathogenesis of spondylarthritis.

Methods

Rats with high transgene copy numbers of HLA–B27 heavy chain together with human β2m (Huβ2m) spontaneously develop colitis, peripheral arthritis, and occasional spondylitis, and those with lower transgene copy numbers remain healthy. We crossed disease‐prone and healthy HLA–B27/Huβ2m–transgenic rat lines with a healthy line, 283‐2, carrying only the Huβ2m transgene. HLA–B27 assembly was assessed by pulse‐chase analysis of B27 molecules, and UPR triggering was assessed by measuring BiP/Grp78 messenger RNA (mRNA) in splenic concanavalin A blasts. Surface expression of B27 and Huβ2m was determined by flow cytometry. Disease manifestations were identified by clinical observation, histology, and measurement of cytokine mRNA.

Results

The extra Huβ2m from the 283‐2 line significantly reduced B27 misfolding and UPR triggering. Unexpectedly, however, F1 male offspring of the healthy 21‐3 line crossed with the 283‐2 line showed a high prevalence, severity, and duration of arthritis and spondylitis, in the absence of colitis. The arthropathy showed many features characteristic of human spondylarthritis.

Conclusion

These results suggest that B27 misfolding is associated with intestinal inflammation, but that neither B27 misfolding nor intestinal inflammation is critical to the development of B27‐associated arthropathy.
Synovial membrane cytokine expression is predictive of joint damage progression in rheumatoid arthritis: A two‐year prospective study (the DAMAGE study cohort)
Authors: Kirkham Bruce W. , Lassere Marissa N. , Edmonds John P. , Juhasz Katherine M. , Bird Paul A. , Lee C. Soon , Shnier Ron , Portek Ian J.
Published: March 2006

Objective

The primary aim of this prospective 2‐year study was to explain the wide variability in joint damage progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from measures of pathologic changes in the synovial membrane.

Methods

Patients underwent clinical measurements and joint damage assessments by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiography at enrollment and at year 2. Synovial membrane was obtained by knee biopsy and assessed histologically by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐10, IL‐16, IL‐17, RANKL, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interferon‐γ (IFNγ) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The relationship of synovial measurements to joint damage progression was determined by multivariate analysis.

Results

Sixty patients were enrolled. Histologic features had no relationship to damage progression. Multivariate analysis by several different methods consistently demonstrated that synovial membrane mRNA levels of IL‐1β, TNFα, IL‐17, and IL‐10 were predictive of damage progression. IL‐17 was synergistic with TNFα. TNFα and IL‐17 effects were most pronounced with shorter disease duration, and IL‐1β effects were most pronounced with longer disease duration. IFNγ was protective. These factors explained 57% of the MRI joint damage progression over 2 years.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated for the first time in a prospective study that synovial membrane cytokine mRNA expression is predictive of joint damage progression in RA. The findings for IL‐1β and TNFα are consistent with results of previous clinical research, but the protective role of IFNγ, the differing effects of disease duration, and IL‐17–cytokine interactions had only been demonstrated previously by animal and in vitro research. These findings explain some of the variability of joint damage in RA and identify new targets for therapy.
Mesenchymal multipotency of adult human periosteal cells demonstrated by single‐cell lineage analysis
Authors: De Bari Cosimo , Dell'Accio Francesco , Vanlauwe Johan , Eyckmans Jeroen , Khan Ilyas M. , Archer Charles W. , Jones Elena A. , McGonagle Dennis , Mitsiadis Thimios A. , Pitzalis Costantino , Luyten Frank P.
Published: March 2006

Objective

To investigate whether periosteal cells from adult humans have features of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at the single‐cell level.

Methods

Cell populations were enzymatically released from the periosteum of the proximal tibia obtained from adult human donors and then expanded in monolayer. Single‐cell–derived clonal populations were obtained by limiting dilution. Culture‐expanded periosteal cell populations were tested for their growth potential and for expression of conventional markers of MSCs and were subjected to in vitro assays to investigate their multilineage potential. To assess their multipotency in vivo, periosteal cells were injected into a regenerating mouse tibialis anterior muscle for skeletal myogenesis or were either seeded into an osteoinductive matrix and implanted subcutaneously into nude mice for osteogenesis or implanted in a joint surface defect under a periosteal flap into goats for chondrogenesis. Cell phenotypes were analyzed by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry and by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction for the expression of lineage‐related marker genes.

Results

Regardless of donor age, periosteal cells were clonogenic and could be expanded extensively in monolayer, maintaining linear growth curves over at least 30 population doublings. They displayed long telomeres and expressed markers of MSCs. Under specific conditions, both parental and single‐cell–derived clonal cell populations differentiated to the chondrocyte, osteoblast, adipocyte, and skeletal myocyte lineages in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that, regardless of donor age, the adult human periosteum contains cells that, upon enzymatic release and culture expansion, are multipotent MSCs at the single‐cell level.
Regulatory role of heme oxygenase 1 in inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kobayashi Hideo , Takeno Mitsuhiro , Saito Tomoyuki , Takeda Yukiko , Kirino Yohei , Noyori Koji , Hayashi Takeshi , Ueda Atsuhisa , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki
Published: March 2006

Objective

To examine the expression and pathogenetic roles of heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), an inducible heme‐degrading enzyme with antiinflammatory properties, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

HO‐1 expression in synovial tissue from patients with RA, patients with osteoarthritis, and patients with noninflammatory joint diseases was determined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Effects of various agents, such as hemin (a chemical inducer of HO‐1), small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for HO‐1, HO‐1 expression vector, and antirheumatic agents, on HO‐1 expression in RA synovial cell lines were analyzed by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoblotting. Cytokine synthesis was evaluated by real‐time PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

HO‐1 was expressed more abundantly in the lesions of synovial tissue from patients with RA than in those from the other patient groups. Hemin, auranofin, and HO‐1 expression vector induced HO‐1 and reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) messenger RNA, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced secretion of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8, and expression of cyclooxygenase 2 in the synovial cell lines. Treatment with HO‐1–specific siRNA augmented the synthesis of TNFα, IL‐6, and IL‐8 and canceled the suppressive effects of auranofin on TNFα secretion. When hemoglobin, as a scavenger of carbon monoxide, was added to auranofin‐treated synovial cell lines, LPS‐dependent production of IL‐6 and IL‐8 was increased.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that HO‐1 is expressed in RA synovial tissues and plays a regulatory role in the development of inflammation. The pharmacologic effects of auranofin depend, in part, on the levels of HO‐1, suggesting that HO‐1 induction is a novel therapeutic strategy for RA.
Primary central nervous system vasculitis in children
Authors: Benseler Susanne M. , Silverman Earl , Aviv Richard I. , Schneider Rayfel , Armstrong Derek , Tyrrell Pascal N. , deVeber Gabrielle
Published: March 2006

Objective

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a severe and ill‐defined neurologic disease. The goal of this study was to characterize the presenting features, treatment, and neurologic outcome of PACNS in children (cPACNS) and to define the predictors of disease progression in order to identify high‐risk patients with cPACNS.

Methods

The cohort comprised consecutive patients diagnosed as having cPACNS based on clinical and vascular imaging findings, including identification of arterial stenosis on conventional angiography or magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. Disease progression was defined angiographically at >3 months after initial angiography. Clinical data obtained in prospectively collected standardized assessments and results of laboratory tests, including detection of cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities, were noted, and neuroimaging studies were reanalyzed. Predictors of progression were identified and tested in multivariate regression models.

Results

Sixty‐two consecutive patients with cPACNS (38 male, 24 female, median age 7.2 years) were included. Two distinct subgroups were identified, those with progressive disease and those with nonprogressive disease. Progressive cPACNS was found in 20 of 62 children and was predicted by a clinical presentation of neurocognitive dysfunction, multifocal parenchymal lesions on MR imaging, and evidence of distal stenoses on angiography.

Conclusion

The spectrum of PACNS in children includes both progressive and nonprogressive forms. Characteristic features at diagnosis can be used to predict later progression, to identify a distinct high‐risk cPACNS cohort, and to help guide selection of patients for immunosuppressive therapy.
Potent induction of chondrocytic differentiation of human adipose‐derived adult stem cells by bone morphogenetic protein 6
Authors: Estes Bradley T. , Wu Arthur W. , Guilak Farshid
Published: March 2006

Objective

Recent studies have identified an abundant source of multipotent progenitor cells in subcutaneous human adipose tissue, termed human adipose‐derived adult stem cells (ADAS cells). In response to specific media formulations, including transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), these cells exhibit significant ability to differentiate into a chondrocyte‐like phenotype, expressing cartilage‐specific genes and proteins such as aggrecan and type II collagen. However, the influence of other growth factors on the chondrogenic differentiation of ADAS cells is not fully understood. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of TGFβ1, TGFβ3, insulin‐like growth factor 1, bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP‐6), and dexamethasone, in various combinations, on the chondrogenic potential of ADAS cells in alginate beads.

Methods

The chondrogenic response of alginate‐encapsulated ADAS cells was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, 3H‐proline and 35S‐sulfate incorporation, and immunolabeling for specific extracellular matrix components.

Results

Significant differences in chondrogenesis were observed under the different culture conditions for all outcomes measured. Most notably, BMP‐6 up‐regulated AGC1 and COL2A1 expression by an average of 205‐fold and 38‐fold, respectively, over day‐0 controls, while down‐regulating COL10A1 expression by ∼2‐fold.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that BMP‐6 is a potent inducer of chondrogenesis in ADAS cells, in contrast to mesenchymal stem cells, which exhibit increased expression of type X collagen and a hypertrophic phenotype in response to BMP‐6. Combinations of growth factors containing BMP‐6 may provide a novel means of regulating the differentiation of ADAS cells for applications in the tissue‐engineered repair or regeneration of articular cartilage.
Fat intake and the risk of gastroschisis
Authors: Siega‐Riz Anna Maria , Olshan Andy F. , Werler Martha M. , Moore Cynthia
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND

Young age has been associated with an increased risk of gastroschisis. It has been suggested that the pathogenesis of gastroschisis may be related to vascular disruption. Nutrients that may be associated with vasoconstriction include dietary fat and its subtypes. The objective of this study was to examine the association between dietary fats and gastroschisis and whether maternal age modified this association.

METHODS

Data came from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), which included 304 isolated gastroschisis cases and 3313 controls. Dietary intake in the year prior to conception was ascertained using a food frequency questionnaire, and included total, saturated, monosaturated, and polyunsaturated fat and cholesterol. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for confounders. Age and smoking were tested as effect modifiers.

RESULTS

Higher mean intakes of total energy, total fat, and cholesterol as well as the subtypes of fats were found for gastroschisis cases compared to controls. Cases were more likely to be in the middle (adjusted OR [AOR], 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9–1.9) and highest (AOR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.8–1.7) tertile of total fat intake compared to controls. This pattern was also true for saturated fat intake. No association was found for mono or polyunsaturated fat. Cases were less likely to be in the middle (AOR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.9) and highest (AOR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6–1.2) tertiles for cholesterol. There was no evidence of effect modification.

CONCLUSIONS

A possible weak effect of increased risk of gastroschisis associated with higher intakes of total fat or saturated fat was found in the NBDPS; however, this did not help to explain why younger aged women are at greater risk of having an infant with this type of birth defect. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative fluorescence spectra and quantum yield map of synthetic pheomelanin
Authors: Nighswander‐Rempel S. P.
Published: March 2006

Spectroscopic studies of pheomelanin and its constituents have been sparse. These data present what is by far the most complete description of the fluorescence characteristics of synthetic pheomelanin. Emission spectra between 260 and 600 nm were acquired for excitation wavelengths between 250 and 500 nm at 1‐nm intervals. A quantum yield map is also presented, correcting the fluorescence intensities for differences in species concentration and molar absorptivity. These fluorescence features exhibit interesting similarities and differences to eumelanin, and these data are interpreted with respect to possible chemical structures. Overall, these data suggest that pheomelanin oligomers may be more tightly coupled than those of eumelanin. Finally, the quantum yield is shown to be on the order of 10−4 and exhibit a complex dependence on excitation energy, varying by a factor of 4 across the energies employed here. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82: 631–637, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
A survey of female patients in high security psychiatric care in Scotland
Authors: Thomson Lindsay D.G. , Bogue John P. , Humphreys Martin S. , Johnstone Eve C.
Published: March 2006

Background

The State Hospital, Carstairs, is the sole high security psychiatric facility for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Method

This study compares the female (n = 28) and male (n = 213) patients resident there between 1992 and 1993 using data derived from case‐note reviews and interviews with patients and staff.

Results

Nearly three‐quarters of both the male and female populations had a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia, and secondary diagnoses of substance abuse and antisocial personality disorder were common. Female patients were more frequently admitted from other psychiatric hospitals, had less serious index offences and more minor previous convictions, and were less likely to be subject to a restriction order. They had more often experienced depressive symptoms and had significantly greater histories of self‐harm, physical and sexual abuse. At interview, nearly three‐quarters had active delusions and over half had recently behaved in an aggressive manner. Almost 90% were said not to require the security of the State Hospital.

Conclusions

It was concluded that mental illness and adverse social circumstances had combined to create a very disadvantaged group of women in high security psychiatric care in Scotland. As a group these women were inappropriately placed and their requirement was for intensive, rather than high security psychiatric care. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Violence and the prior victim–stalker relationship
Authors: Sheridan Lorraine , Davies Graham M.
Published: March 2006

Introduction

Previous research has suggested that stalkers who are ex‐partners are more likely to be violent towards their victims than acquaintance or stranger stalkers. A survey was conducted in Britain of 95 individuals who had contacted the Suzy Lamplugh Trust because they were being stalked.

Method

Eighty‐seven of the victims were female and seven were male. They were put into three categories: ex‐intimates, former acquaintances and strangers.

Results

Ex‐intimates were the most aggressive of the three groups. Ex‐partners were overall the most intrusive in their behaviour and were also the most likely to threaten and assault third parties as well as their principal victim. Stranger stalkers, however, were significantly more likely than ex‐partners to be convicted of stalking‐related offences.

Conclusion

The experiences of our sample would suggest that being stalked carries a high violence risk. Across relational subtypes, over 40% of respondents had experienced physical assault, including attempted murder, sexual assault, or a combination of these acts. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Psychosis and offending in British Columbia: characteristics of a secure hospital population
Authors: Hodelet Nicola
Published: March 2006

Introduction

There is an increased likelihood of violence in the mentally ill although the risk is small.

Aims

The study aimed to ascertain the features in a secure hospital population that linked offending and mental illness.

Method

A survey of patients in the high security hospital serving the province of British Columbia in Canada was carried out. Information on 175 mentally disordered offenders was extracted and included demographic data and specific characteristics of their offences, diagnoses and psychotic symptoms.

Results

The most prevalent offences were crimes of violence, but 39% of patients were not primarily violent offenders. Almost two‐thirds (61%) had two or more diagnoses. A large majority of the patients were psychotic, schizophrenia being the most common diagnosis. There was a highly significant association between psychosis and violence, but the strength of the association was not increased by the presence of imperative hallucinations or delusions. The sample comprised various ethnic groups, one of which, Native Americans, was over‐represented. However, no association was found between violent offending and ethnicity, or age or years of illness.

Discussion

The study replicates previous findings of the link between violent offending and psychosis, but not a specific link between violent offending and psychotic drive. A surprising finding was a lack of association between violent offences and substance misuse. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Aggressive behaviour and social problem‐solving strategies: a review of the findings of a seven‐year follow‐up from childhood to late adolescence
Authors: Keltikangas‐Järvinen Liisa
Published: March 2006

Objectives

In a seven‐year follow‐up study, the author and colleagues examined the development of social skills from childhood to late adolescence, with a particular focus on aggressive behaviour. This paper presents a review of the most important findings of the project.

Results and conclusions

Social strategies explained aggressive behaviour, and changes of strategies predicted changes of behaviour. Aggressive behaviour was, however, very stable, and spontaneous change from an aggressive child to a sociable adolescent was not observed. This emphasizes an importance of early prevention of aggression. Disagreement between the children's and their parents' problem‐solving strategies was apparent, suggesting that interventions to reduce a child's aggression should be augmented by educating the parents about their children's behaviour. The role of peers was important because the child's concept of his or her strategies was dependent on his or her social acceptance, and this should be taken into account in interventions. Finally, as approval or disapproval of aggression is related to behaviour, moral cognitions should be included in the interventions. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
‘Stop & Think!’: social problem‐solving therapy with personality‐disordered offenders
Authors: McMurran Mary , Fyffe Stephen , McCarthy Lucy , Duggan Conor , Latham Andrew
Published: March 2006

Background

In this paper, the authors describe ‘Stop & Think’ problem‐solving intervention implemented with personality‐disordered males resident on a dedicated personality disorder unit (PDU) within Arnold Lodge, a secure forensic psychiatric unit in Leicester, UK, as part of an integrated, multidisciplinary treatment programme. The problem‐solving approach consists of seven steps: (1) orientation, (2) problem definition, (3) goal setting, (4) generation of alternatives, (5) decision making, (6) action, and (7) evaluation. Efforts to integrate the ‘Stop & Think!’ problem‐solving process with individual and other therapies are described.

Results

Using the Social Problem‐Solving Inventory‐Revised with 14 PDU patients at three and nine months after the commencement of ‘Stop & Think!’, significant improvements were recorded on all scales and subscales apart from Positive Problem Orientation. Change was maintained at 15 months for eight patients, with no significant further improvement. Recommendations for developments in assessment and treatment are made. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Are within‐individual causes of delinquency the same as between‐individual causes?
Authors: Farrington David P. , Loeber Rolf , Yin Yanming , Anderson Stewart J.
Published: March 2006

Background

Previous studies of the causes of delinquency have been based on between‐individual correlations. This paper aims to study the causes of delinquency by comparing within‐individual and between‐individual correlations of risk factors with delinquency.

Method

A total of 506 boys in the oldest sample of the Pittsburgh Youth Study were followed up in seven data waves between ages 13.8 and 17.8 on average.

Results

Poor parental supervision, low parental reinforcement and low involvement of the boy in family activities were the most important causes of delinquency according to forward‐lagged within‐individual correlations. Poor housing was positively related to delinquency for boys living in bad neighbourhoods but not for boys living in good neighbourhoods.

Conclusions

Forward‐lagged within‐individual correlations provide more valid information about the causes of delinquency than do between‐individual correlations. Peer delinquency was the strongest correlate of delinquency according to between‐individual correlations but was not a cause of delinquency according to forward‐lagged within‐individual correlations. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
How many of the offspring born to teenage fathers are produced by repeat serious delinquents?
Authors: Wei Evelyn H. , Loeber Rolf , Stouthamer‐Loeber Magda
Published: March 2006

Introduction

Recent studies have found an association between teenage fatherhood and delinquency. Yet, it is not clear whether there is a dose–response relationship between the severity of delinquency and teenage fatherhood. This paper quantifies the public health impact of serious delinquency on the risk of impregnation and teenage fatherhood among urban, adolescent males.

Methods

Using data up to age 19, rates of sexual activity, impregnation and father‐hood are compared among three groups: minor/non‐delinquents, moderate delinquents and repeat serious delinquents.

Results

The results demonstrate a dose–response relationship between delinquency and age of onset of sexual activity, whereby more serious delinquents began having sex at younger ages. By age 19, almost half of repeat serious delinquents (46.7%) had caused a pregnancy, and nearly a third (31.4%) had fathered children. Rates of impregnation and fatherhood were twice as high among repeat serious delinquents compared with moderate and minor/non‐delinquents. Repeat serious delinquents were also more likely than others to father multiple children; of the children produced by teenage fathers in this study, almost two‐thirds (65%) were fathered by repeat serious delinquents. During late adolescence, repeat serious delinquents continued to be at greater risk for fathering children, as they were continuing to have unsafe sex more frequently and with more partners.

Conclusions

Repeat serious delinquents comprise a crucial but hard‐to‐reach population for family planning services and parenthood education. Programmes and services for teenage pregnancy prevention need extra funding and efforts to address this population, in terms of both the primary prevention of pregnancy and the prevention of repeat pregnancies. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The targets of violence committed by young offenders with alcohol dependence, marijuana dependence and schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders: findings from a birth cohort
Authors: Arseneault Louise , Moffitt Terrie E. , Caspi Avshalom , Taylor Alan
Published: March 2006

Background:

Estimates of who is most at risk from violence by people with mental illness rest mainly on identified patient samples. This study, without such selection bias, examined the targets of violence committed by young adults with as‐yet untreated alcohol dependence, marijuana dependence, or schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders, to determine the extent to which their victims were co‐residents or non‐household members.

Methods:

In a total birth cohort of 21‐year‐olds (n = 956), past‐year prevalence of alcohol dependence, marijuana dependence and schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders were diagnosed using standardized DSM‐III‐R interviews. None of the people with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder has been hospitalized in the past year. Past‐year violence and victim targets were measured using self‐reports.

Results:

Compared with controls, cohort members with substance dependence or schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders had higher prevalence and frequency rates of assault against co‐residents, against non‐household members, and also robbery and gang fights. Out of 39, five individuals with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder committed violent street crimes. Persons with substance dependence had similar proportions of violence against co‐resident and non‐household members, but persons with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders tended to victimize co‐residents more than others.

Conclusions:

At the age when they are most likely to contribute to the community's violence burden, young untreated offenders with alcohol or marijuana dependence or with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders assault not only co‐residents, but others as well, and commit violent street crimes. Families, schoolteachers and primary care physicians have an important potentially preventive role in early identification and treatment of the disorders. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Risk assessment as collective clinical judgement
Authors: Murphy Denis
Published: March 2006

Introduction

Risk assessment occupies an increasingly important position in psychiatry. This paper contends that collective judgement is the optimal method of assessing risk.

The meaning of risk

Risk has a dual meaning: emotional and judgemental.

Risks faced by staff

Assaults, threats and survival anxiety.

The effects of danger on the group

Staff wariness and resistance, attribution of blame.

The ambiguous task

For a group to function well it must have a clear task. Custodial roles can lead to ambiguity.

The emotions of larger groups

Externally directed hostility, internal homogenization of views.

Social defences

Rituals can develop in forensic institutions, as well as militarism.

Anti‐therapeutic culture

Sadism may develop where a marked power differential develops.

The role of the leader

Danger intensifies the feelings about leaders, perhaps idealization, perhaps disaffection. Leaders and others need to agree on risk assessment or fragmentation will occur.

The modification of risk

The assessment of risk may modify it. Mutual hostility must be reduced. Dialogue and understanding are needed.

A climate for risk assessment

The environment should be less authoritarian and more democratic, so that patients can join a group and internalize its values. Reflective space is also required.

Conclusions

Risk assessment is best described in terms of human endeavour, not in the language of scientific measurement. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Childhood predictors of adult criminality: are all risk factors reflected in childhood aggressiveness?
Authors: Huesmann L. Rowell , Eron Leonard D. , Dubow Eric F.
Published: March 2006

Background

Early aggressive behaviour is one of the best predictors of adult criminality.

Aim

To assess the degree to which family background variables, parental beliefs and behaviour and child intelligence predict child aggression and adult criminality.

Method

Data were used from the Colombia County Longitudinal Study, a longitudinal study of 856 children in third grade in New York, in 1959–60. Adult measures of criminal behaviour, child measures taken at age eight, child peer‐nominated aggression, child's peer‐nominated popularity, child's IQ and parental measures at eight years were used.

Results

Aggressive children were less intelligent, less popular, rejected more by their parents, had parents who believed in punishment, were less identified with their parents' self‐image and were less likely to express guilt. As adults, more aggressive children with parents who were less well educated, experienced more marital disharmony and who seldom attended church were most at risk for arrest. However, after the effect of early aggression was controlled, most effects disappeared and only parents having a strong belief in punishment added significantly to risk of arrest by age 30; the only fact that then reduced the risk of arrest was having parents who attended church often. Both parental authoritarianism and child IQ reduced the risk of conviction for arrested children.

Discussion

Level of aggression at age eight is the best predictor of criminal events over the next 22 years. A clear implication is that the risk for criminality is affected by much that happens to a boy before he is eight years old. Preventive interventions need to target risk factors that appear to influence the development of early aggression. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Evaluation of a group intervention for convicted arsonists with mild and borderline intellectual disabilities
Authors: Taylor John L. , Thorne Ian , Robertson Alison , Avery Ginny
Published: March 2006

Background

The extent to which people with intellectual disabilities (ID) set fires is difficult to ascertain. However, services working with people with ID and offending or quasi‐offending histories are increasing the amount of attention that they give to this difficult and perplexing issue. This is due to the real and perceived threat that it presents to society and the seriousness with which it viewed by the criminal justice system.

Aim

Against this background there is very little available in the research literature concerning treatment interventions for fire‐setting behaviour in this client group, and even less regarding their effectiveness.

Method

In the current study 14 men and women with mild and borderline ID, convictions for arson and detained in a hospital low secure service were offered and completed a broadly cognitive behavioural, approximately 40‐session group‐based intervention. The treatment was aimed primarily at reducing fire interest and attitudes associated with fire‐setting behaviour. Participants were assessed pre‐ and post‐treatment on a number of fire‐specific, anger, self‐esteem and depression measures.

Results

Following treatment, significant improvements were found in all areas assessed, excepting depression. Despite the limitations of the study design, the results provide encouragement and some guidance to practitioners who are required to develop interventions for this challenging, yet much neglected client group. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A comparison of offenders with intellectual disability across three levels of security
Authors: Hogue Todd , Steptoe Lesley , Taylor John L. , Lindsay William R. , Mooney Paul , Pinkney Lisa , Johnston Susan , Smith Anne H.W. , O'Brien Gregory
Published: March 2006

Background A number of authors have described, with disparate results, the prevalence of people with intellectual disability and their characteristics, in a range of offender cohorts defined by service use. These have included high security, a range of criminal justice services and community services. There is a need for research comparing cohorts of offenders with intellectual disabilities across different settings.

Aim and hypothesis To conduct such a comparison and test the hypothesis that severity of characteristics measured will be highest in highest levels of residential security.

Method A clinical‐record‐based comparison a offenders with intellectual disability in high security (n = 73), medium/low security (n = 70), and a community service (n = 69).

Results Groups were similar in age and tested IQ levels. Early psychiatric service contact had been more likely in the lower security groups. In line with the hypothesis, more complex presentations, in particular comorbid personality disorder, was more likely in the highest security group. Both fatal and non‐fatal interpersonal violence convictions were significantly related to group, with more in the high security group sustaining a conviction both at the index offence and prior to that. Over 50% of all groups had at least one conviction for a sexual offence. A regression model accounting for 78% of the variance was made up largely of disposal variables (Mental Health Act status and probation) and indications of antisocial traits (criminal damage, lifetime conviction for murder and ICD‐10 personality disorder classification).

Conclusions and implications for practice The authors show that context of sampling affects most relationships between intellectual disability (ID) and offending when the methods for measuring ID are held constant. The results also present several questions on the relationship between risk, services available in an area and referral to higher security. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A developmental test of the general deviance syndrome with adjudicated girls and boys using hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Blanc Marc Le , Bouthillier Christiane
Published: March 2006

Background

Over the last 40 years, numerous studies have proposed that various deviant behaviours are part of a latent construct now labelled ‘general deviance’ by criminologists or ‘problem behaviour’ by psychologists. During that period, many studies have documented the presence of specific forms of deviance. However, no study has tested these two opposing views simultaneously, particularly with longitudinal data.

Aims

The objectives of this paper are the cross‐cultural replication of the construct of general deviance for a French‐speaking adjudicated sample of girls and boys and, specifically, the developmental replication of the general deviance syndrome.

Method

The age of onset is used as a developmental indicator of deviance instead of measures of participation or frequency.

Results

The results of EQS hierarchical confirmatory factor analyses supported the existence of the construct of general deviance. In addition, there is no gender gap in the structure of the general deviance syndrome. This paper reports a comprehensive test of the general deviance syndrome because of the use of 45 deviant behaviours and nine types of deviance classified into four categories. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The probabilities of sex offender re‐arrest
Authors: Broadhurst Roderic , Loh Nini
Published: March 2006

Background

Estimates of the probabilities of re‐arrest for sex offenders apprehended in Western Australia between April 1984 and December 1994 are reported.

Population and method

Of the 116,151 distinct male persons arrested for the first time from 1984–94, 2785 were identified with at least one sex offence. Subjects on average were followed up for 5.7 years and assessed by criminal record, Aboriginality, bail status, age, occupation and penal intervention. Three criteria, rearrest for any, repeat sex or a violent offence are used to summarize the ‘careers’ of sex offenders.

Results

Overall ultimate probabilities of rearrest for any offence were 0.61, for a repeat sex offence 0.33 and for a violent offence 0.51. Probabilities of re‐arrest for non‐Aboriginal offenders were lower for all definitions. Younger offenders, Aborigines and those with prior arrest for non‐sex offences had higher probabilities for any or violent rearrest but older offenders tended to have higher probabilities of repeat sex offending. Community supervision and imprisonment significantly reduced the ‘rate’ or speed of re‐arrest.

Discussion

Actuarial risk assessments for low‐probability high‐consequence events such as dangerous recidivism are useful for identifying groups with a high probability of rearrest, assisting management of these groups and evaluating penal interventions. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Predictive, concurrent, prospective and retrospective validity of self‐reported delinquency
Authors: Jolliffe Darrick , Farrington David P. , Hawkins J. David , Catalano Richard F. , Hill Karl G. , Kosterman Rick
Published: March 2006

Background

The self‐report method is widely used to measure offending. Previous studies suggest that it is generally valid, but that its validity may be lower for blacks than for whites.

Aim

To assess the validity of self‐reported offending in relation to court referrals, and to investigate how it varies with types of offences, sex and race.

Method

Annual court and self‐report data were collected between ages 11 and 17 for eight offences in the Seattle Social Development Project, which is a prospective longitudinal survey of 808 youths.

Results

Self‐reports predicted future court referrals. Predictive validity was highest for drug offences, for males and for whites, and lowest for females and Asians. The probability of youths with a court referral reporting offences and arrests was highest for drug offences, for males, for whites and for blacks. Retrospective ages of onset agreed best with prospective ages for drug offences, Asians and whites. More Asians than blacks or whites failed retrospectively to report offences that had been reported prospectively.

Conclusions

The validity of self‐reports of offending was high, especially for drug offences, for males and for whites. Contrary to prior research, validity was high for black males. It was lowest for Asian females. Sex and race differences in validity held up after controlling for socioeconomic status. Differential validity probability did not reflect police bias. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Children admitted to high security (special) hospital
Authors: Dimond Claire , Butwell Martin
Published: March 2006

Introduction

The Special Hospitals in England provide psychiatric treatment in high security. The aim of this study was to examine the demographics and background characteristics of children admitted to high security hospitals in England, using the special hospital case register.

Method

Forty‐six children (the subject group) were admitted to a high security hospital under the MHA (1983) classification of disorder of mental illness and/or psychopathic disorder between 1983 and 1999, 33 (72%) of whom were male. A comparison group of adults was matched on sex, legal classification of detention and MHA 1983 classification of disorder.

Results

The children were admitted for a similar range of offences to those of the comparison group. However, the children had received convictions for criminal damage and violence at a significantly earlier age, they were more likely to have experienced a change in carer during their childhood, been placed in a children's home and were less likely to be living with a family member on their 16th birthday. Children admitted to special hospital experience a lot of disruption in their childhood and are extremely high users of multi‐agency services as they grow up.

Discussion

Issues are raised regarding how to provide a developmentally sensitive service for children who require high security care. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Referred to high secure care: determinants of a bed offer/admission and placement after one year
Authors: Berry Adrian , Larkin Emmet , Taylor Pamela , Leese Morven , Watson Neil , Duggan Conor
Published: March 2006

Background

The admission process to high secure care ought to ensure that those admitted (a) receive mental health care that meets their needs and (b) that this is provided at an appropriate level of security.

Aims

A study was undertaken to test the effectiveness of the gate keeping process according to these two criteria.

Method

All referrals for admission to Rampton high security hospital over one year were examined and, in addition, all women, all Anglo‐Caribbeans and a random 50% sample of the Caucasian male majority were selected for interview. Each case was followed up for 12 months following the panel decision to determine his/her placement at that time.

Results

Of 138 referred, 56 (41%) were initially offered a bed although nearly half (66) had been subsequently admitted by the end of the study period. Seriousness of mental disorder and offence were independently associated with admission. After one year, one third of those admitted were no longer in high secure care.

Conclusions

The variables predictive of admission (i.e. seriousness of both mental disorder and offence) suggest that the decision‐making process was valid. Placement at 12 months tended to endorse the decision not to offer a bed, but it is more difficult to interpret the reverse as short admissions to high security for those who left within 12 months may have been appropriate. There was no apparent advantage in having a panel reviewing the decision of the assessing clinician. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Motivating factors for male forensic patients with personality disorder
Authors: Sainsbury Louise , Krishnan Gopi , Evans Chris
Published: March 2006

Introduction

Treatability is currently a crucial component for detention under the Mental Health Act (England and Wales) for the Psychopathic Disorder (personality disorder) classification and there is continuing debate about the nature and assessment of treatability of individuals with personality disorder. Previous research has identified motivation to engage in treatment as a significant factor in the assessment of treatability; however, motivation is not a static predictor but a state of readiness or eagerness to change, which may fluctuate from one time or situation to another. While previous studies have explored factors within the individual that are used to assess treatability, this study aims to explore what, if any, aspects of an inpatient forensic setting influence patients' motivation to engage in treatment.

Method

The study examines patients' experiences of engaging in treatment in an inpatient forensic Personality Disorder Directorate using a qualitative approach to identify possible service‐, ward‐ and therapist‐level influences on patients' motivation to engage.

Results

Preliminary categories were identified across the data, including: support, treatment, safety, external belief, belonging, internal motivation and therapeutic relationship.

Conclusions

Implications for the service are identified and areas for further qualitative exploration are highlighted. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.