bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of tumor necrosis factor α polymorphism, but not the shared epitope, with increased radiographic progression in a seropositive rheumatoid arthritis inception cohort
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Wu Hui , Park Grace , Gersuk Vivian , Gold Richard H. , Nepom Gerald T. , Wong Weng Kee , Sharp John T. , Reed Elaine F. , Paulus Harold E. , Tsao Betty P. ,   Western Consortium of Practicing Rheumatologists
Published: March 2006

Objective

To determine whether the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFA) –308 guanine‐to‐adenosine polymorphism and/or the shared epitope (SE) is associated with radiographic damage in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The cohort consisted of 189 patients with early seropositive RA (median 5.6 months since symptom onset) who had active disease, no previous disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug treatment, and ≥2 sets of scored radiographs of the hands/wrists and forefeet. TNFA –308 polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction pyrosequencing. The SE was defined as presence of any 1 of the following HLA–DRB1 alleles: *0101, *0102, *0401, *0404, *0405, *0408, *0410, *1001, *1402, or *1406. Radiographic progression was assessed by the total Sharp score.

Results

Using a weighted least‐squares regression analysis, patients with the –308 TNFA AA plus AG genotypes (n = 49) had significantly higher rates of progression in erosion scores (median 0.84 versus 0.48 units/year), joint space narrowing (JSN) scores (0.42 versus 0.04), and total Sharp scores (1.70 versus 0.61) compared with patients with the TNFA GG genotype (n = 140). Presence of the SE (n = 137) was associated with significantly lower progression rates (per year) for total Sharp scores (median 0.9 versus 1.25 units/year) and JSN scores (0.04 versus 0.41), but not for erosion scores (0.50 versus 0.61) compared with patients without the SE (n = 52). In a least‐squares multiple linear regression model, the presence of the AA plus AG genotypes was associated with a significantly higher progression rate after adjusting for the presence of the SE, interaction between the SE and the AA plus AG genotypes, baseline log C‐reactive protein level, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, total Sharp score, swollen joint count, and presence of osteophytes (osteoarthritis). There was a strong linkage disequilibrium between DRB1*0301 and TNFA polymorphism (D′ = 0.84, r2 = 0.45, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study showed an association between the TNFA –308 polymorphism and progression of radiographic damage in patients with early seropositive RA. This association appeared to be independent of the SE, but might be dependent on other genetic variants in linkage disequilibrium with the –308 TNFA A allele and DRB1*0301. Further studies should be conducted to validate these results in both longitudinal observational cohorts and randomized clinical trials.
Antimuscarinic antibodies in primary Sjögren's syndrome reversibly inhibit the mechanism of fluid secretion by human submandibular salivary acinar cells
Authors: Dawson L. J. , Stanbury J. , Venn N. , Hasdimir B. , Rogers S. N. , Smith P. M.
Published: March 2006

Objective

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune condition affecting salivary glands, for which a clearly defined pathogenic autoantibody has yet to be identified. Autoantibodies that bind to the muscarinic M3 receptors (M3R), which regulate fluid secretion in salivary glands, have been proposed in this context. However, there are no previous data that directly show antisecretory activity. This study was undertaken to investigate and characterize the antisecretory activity of anti‐M3R.

Methods

Microfluorimetric Ca2+ imaging and patch clamp electrophysiologic techniques were used to measure the secretagogue‐evoked increase in [Ca2+]i and consequent activation of Ca2+‐dependent ion channels in individual mouse and human submandibular acinar cells. Together, these techniques form a sensitive bioassay that was used to determine whether IgG isolated from patients with primary SS and from control subjects has antisecretory activity.

Results

IgG (2 mg/ml) from patients with primary SS reduced the carbachol‐evoked increase in [Ca2+]i in both mouse and human acinar cells by ∼50%. IgG from control subjects had no effect on the Ca2+ signal. Furthermore, the inhibitory action of primary SS patient IgG on the Ca2+ signal was acutely reversible. We repeated our observations using rabbit serum containing antibodies raised against the second extracellular loop of M3R and found an identical pattern of acutely reversible inhibition. Anti‐M3R–positive serum had no effect on Ca2+‐dependent ion channel activation evoked by the direct intracellular infusion of inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate.

Conclusion

These observations show for the first time that IgG from patients with primary SS contains autoantibodies capable of damaging saliva production and contributing to xerostomia. The unusual but not unprecedented acute reversibility of the effects of anti‐M3 autoantibodies is the subject of further research.
Intraarticular induction of interleukin‐1β expression in the adult mouse, with resultant temporomandibular joint pathologic changes, dysfunction, and pain
Authors: Lai Yu‐Ching , Shaftel Solomon S. , Miller Jen‐nie H. , Tallents Ross H. , Chang Yoon , Pinkert Carl A. , Olschowka John A. , Dickerson Ian M. , Puzas J. Edward , O'Banion M. Kerry , Kyrkanides Stephanos
Published: March 2006

Objective

To examine the effects of intraarticular induction of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) expression in adult mice.

Methods

We used somatic mosaic analysis in a novel transgenic mouse with an inducible IL‐1β transcription unit. Transgene activation was induced by Cre recombinase in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of adult transgenic mice (conditional knockin model). The effects of intraarticular IL‐1β induction were subsequently evaluated at the cellular, histopathologic, and behavioral levels.

Results

We developed transgenic mice capable of germline transmission of a dormant transcription unit consisting of the mature form of human IL‐1β as well as the reporter gene β‐galactosidase driven by the rat procollagen 1A1 promoter. Transgene activation by a feline immunodeficiency virus Cre vector resulted in histopathologic changes, including articular surface fibrillations, cartilage remodeling, and chondrocyte cloning. We also demonstrated up‐regulation of genes implicated in arthritis (cyclooxygenase 2, IL‐6, matrix metalloproteinase 9). There was a lack of inflammatory cells in these joints. Behavioral changes, including increased orofacial grooming and decreased resistance to mouth opening, were used as measures of nociception and joint dysfunction, respectively. The significant increase in expression of the pain‐related neurotransmitter calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in the sensory ganglia as well as the auxiliary protein CGRP receptor component protein of the calcitonin‐like receptor in the brainstem further substantiated the induction of pain.

Conclusion

Induction of IL‐1β expression in the TMJs of adult mice led to pathologic development, dysfunction, and related pain in the joints. The somatic mosaic model presented herein may prove useful in the preclinical evaluation of existing and new treatments for the management of joint pathologic changes and pain, such as in osteoarthritis.
Neural tube defects and maternal biomarkers of folate, homocysteine, and glutathione metabolism
Authors: Zhao Weizhi , Mosley Bridget S. , Cleves Mario A. , Melnyk Stepan , James S. Jill , Hobbs Charlotte A.
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND

Alterations in maternal folate and homocysteine metabolism are associated with neural tube defects (NTDs). The role played by specific micronutrients and metabolites in the causal pathway leading to NTDs is not fully understood.

METHODS

We conducted a case‐control study to investigate the association between NTDs and maternal alterations in plasma micronutrients and metabolites in two metabolic pathways: methionine remethylation and glutathione transsulfuration. Biomarkers were measured in a population‐based sample of women who had NTD‐affected pregnancies (n = 43) and a control group of women who had a pregnancy unaffected by a birth defect (n = 160). We compared plasma concentrations of folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, methionine, S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), s‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), adenosine, homocysteine, cysteine, and reduced and oxidized glutathione between cases and controls after adjusting for lifestyle and sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

Women with NTD‐affected pregnancies had significantly higher plasma concentrations of SAH (29.12 vs. 23.13 nmol/liter, P = .0011), adenosine (0.323 vs. 0.255 μmol/liter; P = .0269), homocysteine (9.40 vs. 7.56 μmol/liter; P < .001), and oxidized glutathione (0.379 vs. 0.262 μmol/liter; P = .0001), but lower plasma SAM concentrations (78.99 vs. 83.16 nmol/liter; P = .0172) than controls. This metabolic profile is consistent with reduced methylation capacity and increased oxidative stress in women with affected pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased maternal oxidative stress and decreased methylation capacity may contribute to the occurrence of NTDs. Further analysis of relevant genetic and environmental factors is required to define the basis for these observed alterations. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
22q11.2 deletion mosaicism in patients with conotruncal heart defects
Authors: Jianrong Li , Yinglong Liu , Xiaodong Lv , Cuntao Yu , Bin Cui , Bo Wei
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND

Some patients with conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) have a chromosome 22q11.2 deletion, but we do not know whether patients with CTDs who are missing the peripheral blood‐cell chromosome 22q11.2 deletion are also missing the 22q11.2 deletion in myocardial cells, and whether patients with the 22q11.2 deletion can show a different 22q11.2 deletion in peripheral blood cells and myocardial cells due to a postzygotic mutation during the embryonic period.

METHODS

A total of 32 Chinese pediatric nonsyndromic CTD patients (21 with tetralogy of fallot [TOF], 9 with double outlet right ventricle [DORV], 1 with pulmonary artery atresia with ventricular septal defect [PAA/VSD], and 1 with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries [CCTGA]), 12 females and 20 males ranging in age from 5 months to 7 years, were included in our study. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to find the chromosome 22q11.2 deletion in peripheral blood cells and compared genotypes of 15 short tandem repeat (STR) markers within 22q11.2 between peripheral blood cells and myocardial cells to search for genetic mosaicism of the chromosome 22q11.2 deletion.

RESULTS

Three patients, 2 with TOF and 1 with DORV, were determined to have the peripheral blood cell chromosome 22q11.2 deletion. There was no STR genotypic difference observed between peripheral blood cells and myocardial cells in patients with or without the chromosome 22q11.2 deletion.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic mosaicism may not play a major role in the etiology of isolated CTDs. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extremely high prevalence of neural tube defects in a 4‐county area in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Ren Aiguo , Zhang Le , Ye Rongwei , Li Song , Zheng Junchi , Hong Shixin , Wang Taimei , Li Zhu
Published: March 2006

BACKGROUND

In the past, northern China's Shanxi Province has reported the highest incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the world. However, little is known about the epidemiology of NTDs in this area in recent years.

METHODS

Data were collected from a population‐based birth defects surveillance system in 4 counties that captures information on all live births, stillbirths of at least 20 weeks' gestation, and pregnancy terminations at any gestational age resulting from prenatal diagnosis of a birth defect. We also surveyed mothers of NTD case patients to determine their use of folic acid before and during early pregnancy.

RESULTS

During 2003, 160 NTD cases were identified among 11,534 births (NTD birth prevalence = 138.7/10,000 births). The rates of anencephaly, spina bifida and encephalocele were 65.9, 58.1, and 14.7 per 10,000, respectively, and a female predominance was observed among anencephaly cases (male‐to‐female relative risk [RR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30–0.79), but not among spina bifida (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.55–1.45) and encephalocele (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.40–2.69) cases. The percentages of pregnancy termination following prenatal diagnosis of anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele were 50%, 41.8%, and 35.3%, respectively. NTD birth prevalence tended to be higher among mothers aged <20 or ≥30 years (P= .06) and was markedly associated with lower levels of maternal education (P< .001). Among 143 NTD mothers, only 6 (4.2%) used folic acid supplements during the periconceptional period.

CONCLUSIONS

The NTD birth prevalence rate in the study area is among the highest worldwide. Folic acid deficiency may be one important risk factor. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drug–excipient interactions in ketoprofen: A vibrational spectroscopy study
Authors: de Carvalho L. A. E. Batista , Marques M. Paula M. , Tomkinson John
Published: March 2006

Ketoprofen (3‐benzoyl‐α‐methylbenzeneacetic acid) is a widely used nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), always administered in the form of drug–excipient physical mixtures (PMs). The occurrence of possible interactions between ketoprofen and two commonly used excipients—lactose (LAC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)—was evaluated, through vibrational spectroscopy techniques [both Raman and Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS)]. Spectral evidence of drug:excipient close contacts, which were enhanced by aging, was verified for the (1:1) (w:w) (ketoprofen:PVP) and (ketoprofen:LAC) PMs, both by Raman and INS. These interactions were found to involve mainly the central carbonyl and the terminal methyl‐carboxylic moieties of the ketoprofen molecule, this being reflected in particular vibrational modes, such as the methyl torsion, the out‐of‐plane COH bending, and the inter‐ring CO stretching. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 82: 420–424, 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
Homicide and schizophrenia: maybe treatment does have a preventive effect
Authors: Erb Martin , Hodgins Sheilagh , Freese Roland , Müller‐Isberner Rüdiger , Jöckel Dieter
Published: March 2006

Background

Persons with schizophrenia have been found to be at increased risk for homicide as compared with the general population. The increased risk may be associated with the implementation of the policy of deinstitutionalization.

Method

Persons with schizophrenia who had committed or attempted homicide in the German state of Hessen from 1992 to 1996 and in the Federal Republic of Germany from 1955 to 1964 were compared.

Results

Schizophrenia increased the risk of homicide 16.6 times (95% CI

11.2–24.5) in the recent cohort and 12.7 times (95% CI 11.2–14.3) in the older cohort. These odds ratios are not statistically different. The lack of appropriate services for chronic high‐risk patients and the non‐use of mental health services by first episode, acutely psychotic patients were associated with homicide.

Conclusion

There has been no increase in the risk of homicide among persons with schizophrenia since the implementation of the policy of deinstitutionalization. The examination of the recent period suggests that the provision of specialized long‐term care to persons with schizophrenia who are at high risk for violent behaviour and the use of mental health services by acutely psychotic persons may reduce the risk of homicide. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Casenote assessment of psychopathy in a high security hospital
Authors: Reiss David , Leese Morven , Meux Clive , Grubin Don
Published: March 2006

Introduction

There is now a large amount of data demonstrating the internal reliability and construct validity of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL/PCL‐R) when used in the assessment of psychopathy in male forensic populations. It has well‐established psychometric properties when scored following a review of collateral information and a subsequent interview. However, its internal reliability and factor structure, when casenote information alone has been used, have not been examined outside North America.

Method

A sample of 89 patients from a British high security hospital, with the legal classification of psychopathic disorder, was scored retrospectively on the PCL‐R from their medical files only. The psychometric properties of the PCL‐R were analysed.

Results

The PCL‐R ratings showed a high level of internal reliability. The factor structure was very similar to that found in Hare's North American sample of forensic psychiatric patients.

Discussion

The findings support the application of the PCL‐R, when scored using existing file data alone, to a British high security hospital population. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The use of trial leave for restricted special hospital patients
Authors: Mohan Damian , Jamieson Elizabeth , Taylor Pamela J.
Published: March 2006

Introduction

For England and Wales, Section 17 of the Mental Health Act 1983 allows for compulsorily detained patients to have trial leave (TL) between hospitals or from hospital to community to allow a period of testing readiness for a change in residency and/or legal status. The aim of this study was to document the use of TL for the largest sub‐group of such patients within two discharge cohorts from one high security hospital and to test for correlates.

Method

Data were collected from the special hospitals' case register for two Broadmoor Hospital discharge cohorts, 1984 and 1990–94, of offender patients with hospital orders under Home Office restrictions on discharge (Section 37/41).

Results

In 1984, only two of the 29 people leaving special hospital did so under trial leave arrangements, but by 1990 to 1994, 71% of restricted hospital order departures were under trial leave (92/130), a significant change in practice. Focusing on only the later cohort, women were disproportionately more likely to leave in this way. Trial leave was used more for patients with an index offence of homicide, similarly for violent offences but less so for sex offences. Nature of disorder did not have any bearing on the use of trial leave. Use of trial leave did not significantly shorten length of stay within the special hospital.

Conclusion

Trial leave has become the most usual route out of special hospital, and is the departure route used almost exclusively for women patients, yet there appears to be no obvious advantage for the patient in shortening length of stay in high security. However, there is no way of knowing how long patients would have stayed had the option of trial leave not been available to them. Furthermore, no advantage for the public was found in the preferential use of TL for discharges to the community. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A typology of adolescent delinquency: sex differences and implications for treatment
Authors: Aalsma Matthew C. , Lapsley Daniel K.
Published: March 2006

Background

This paper presents a test of Moffitt's theory (1990, 1993a) regarding offending trajectories as it applies to a population of adolescent offenders. This study is novel since few studies have empirically explored Moffitt's theory (1990, 1993a) with adolescent populations.

Method

Data were collected retrospectively on 174 adolescents (101 males and 73 females), aged 13 to 18. Three groups of offenders were identified based on a two‐step cluster analysis: well adjusted, internalizing and externalizing groups.

Results

Consistent with Moffitt's theory, a sub‐sample of offenders (externalizing group) engaged in more problem behaviours than the other offending groups. Additionally, female offenders in the internalizing group evidenced more psychopathology than males in this offending group as well as females in the other offending groups. Offending rates, in terms of offending frequency and variety of criminal offences, were not distinguished between the groups.

Conclusions

These results provide evidence for Moffitt's theory (1990, 1993) regarding trajectories in adolescent offending. This study also provides support for the theory developed by Silverthorn and Frick (1999) regarding female offending. This was particularly evident in the rates of psychopathology evidenced by a sub‐sample of adolescent females in the internalizing group. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Interpersonal problem‐solving skills training: a comparison of R&R and ETS
Authors: Blud Linda , Travers Rosie
Published: March 2006

Background

In 1996, HM Prison Service introduced a system for accrediting offending behaviour programmes. The two accredited programmes which have been most widely delivered have been the two cognitive skills programmes: Reasoning & Rehabilitation (R&R) and Enhanced Thinking Skills (ETS). Both have been shown to reduce reoffending. The similarities and differences between the two programmes are discussed. As problem‐solving skills are a particular area where the two programmes take a different approach, data for this specific aspect are examined to explore the differential effects of the programmes.

Method

Data from the Problem Solving Inventory (Clark, 2000) are presented on over 8000 participants. Comparisons are made between participants in R&R (n = 1910) and ETS (n = 6636).

Results

Significant differences were observed on all aspects of problem solving, and effect sizes were moderate. While small but significant differences were observed, what is perhaps more noteworthy is that the impact of the two programmes is similar.

Conclusion

The authors conclude that the quality of the implementation of a programme may be as important a factor in programme effectiveness as details of programme content. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Implementation of the Problem Solving Skills Training programme in a medium secure unit
Authors: Fleck Deborah , Thompson Claire L. , Narroway Lee
Published: March 2006

Background

This paper describes the implementation of Problem Solving Skills Training (PSST; McGuire, 1996), a structured, cognitive‐behavioural treatment programme, with mentally disordered offenders in a medium secure unit. PSST was chosen as the most appropriate cognitive‐behavioural groupwork programme to deliver in the secure unit based on a needs assessment. PSST also employs methods that not only teach offenders social problem‐solving skills, but also applies these skills to offence situations and offence‐related cognitions, attitudes and behaviours.

Discussion

Implementation issues are discussed and suggestions are made for how to overcome these problems when implementing future programmes. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Substance misuse in a high security hospital: period prevalence and an evaluation of screening
Authors: Kendrick Caroline , Basson John , Taylor Pamela J.
Published: March 2006

Background

Illicit drug misuse by people with mental disorder in the community has been associated with increased risk of violence but not tested among inpatients.

Aims

To evaluate screening for illicit drugs and determine the period prevalence of use in one high security hospital.

Method

A records study six and 18 months after introduction of random ward urine testing was followed by a true random prospective study. A random sub‐sample of these tests was checked in the laboratory.

Results

In the first period there were few tests and patchy recording; during the second, both improved, but testing was not random. In the third period there were 217 tests (65% of those requested) in 33 days; 116 tests requested were not carried out, of which 42 were due to patient refusals. Correlations between dipstick and laboratory results, and research and central recording of tests were high. The rate of drug detection was no higher with true randomization. The hospital's central record was confirmed as a reliable and valid research tool with respect to illicit substances. In the year 2000 the central record showed 12 definite cases of illicit substance use in 153 887 patient days, but some for test refusals.

Conclusions

Random, reliable urine drug testing can be implemented, with generally good cooperation between patients and staff. Contrary to popular belief, in this setting there was little misuse. Further research might test whether current extensive preventive measures are cost effective. The methodology might be applied in less controlled settings to test inpatient violence and substance misuse associations. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Does self‐control account for the relationship between binge drinking and alcohol‐related behaviours?
Authors: Piquero Alex R. , Gibson Chris L. , Tibbetts Stephen G.
Published: March 2006

Introduction

Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory that there is an underlying factor accounting for all sorts of antisocial behaviour has attracted widespread theoretical and empirical attention. One of their most controversial statements is a ‘generality’ hypothesis, a notion that criminal, deviant and reckless acts are highly correlated because they are caused by individual differences in self‐control. In this paper, we examine the extent to which self‐control accounts for the relationship between two behaviours: binge drinking and involvement in alcohol‐related behaviours, including criminal behaviour.

Method

Questionnaires were given to students at a southern US university. A final sample of 241 students (35% males, 91% whites, aged 17–40). One question concerned binge‐drinking, 11 others related to other alcohol‐related behaviour; a 24‐item scale measured self‐control and sex was recorded. A probit model was used to test the effect of low self‐control on binge drinking and on other alcohol‐related behaviours. It was found that self‐control exhibits a positive effect on both. But binge drinking and other alcohol‐related behaviours are correlated, so a further analysis using a bivariate probit model was undertaken using a naïve model (no covariates), an unconstrained model (allowing self‐control to exert a unique effect on both outcomes), and a constrained model forcing self‐control to be the same for both outcomes.

Results

Our results suggest that while low self‐control is a significant predictor of both binge drinking and alcohol‐related problems, it does not fully account for the relationship between the two outcomes. In addition, separate estimation for each sex reveal a substantively different pattern of results.

Discussion

Further research is needed to disentangle the differences between the sexes. Situational factors, especially in males, may account for adverse alcohol‐related behaviours. Other measures of self‐control are also needed. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Personality disorders in prisoners and their motivation for dangerous and disruptive behaviour
Authors: Coid Jeremy W.
Published: March 2006

Objectives

To examine the associations between DSM‐III, axis II, personality disorder, motivation and disruptive behaviour in prisoners.

Method

Interviews were carried out with 81 prisoners in prison special units in England using research diagnostic instruments and an item sheet measuring disruptive behaviours and their motivations. Independent associations were established using logistic regression.

Results

Specific associations were established between psychopathy and axis II disorders with violent and disruptive behaviour and motivations for these behaviours.

Conclusions

The study supported a cognitive model explaining the functional association between personality disorder and antisocial behaviour. Personality disorders act as predisposing factors influencing the development of motivations and subsequently facilitate the enactment of disordered behaviour, in a linear progression. Assessment of personality disorder should be routine in disruptive and dangerous prisoners. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The role of forensic medical examiners and their attitudes on delivering brief alcohol interventions in police custody
Authors: Best David , Noble Alison , Stark Margaret , Marshall E. Jane
Published: March 2006

Background

Many drunken detainees are not receiving alcohol treatment, so the forensic medical examiner (FME) might be the only healthcare professional they see. This paper explores the possibility of British FMEs delivering brief alcohol interventions in custody suites.

Method

Twenty‐five FMEs and 15 police officers were interviewed, using semi‐structured interviews and a snowball sampling approach.

Results

The main concerns expressed by FMEs regarding brief alcohol interventions were around role legitimacy, the suitability of the location and the state of the detainee. Several FMEs suggested that all drinkers would benefit from some intervention, especially young binge drinkers, drink drivers and those detained for domestic violence.

Discussion

These findings suggest that FMEs generally require a clearer understanding of the effectiveness of brief interventions, and the wider public health implications of such ‘low demand’ alcohol interventions. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The treatment and security needs of patients in special hospitals: views of referring and accepting teams
Authors: Sayal Kapil , Maden Anthony
Published: March 2006

Background

Various studies suggest that 20–30% of patients in England and Wales in high security could be safely managed in medium security but there are no objective criteria and little attention has been paid to differences of opinion.

Method

The authors compare the views of the referring and receiving team on the security needs of all special hospital patients from two London health authorities.

Results

Disagreements were found in only 8% of cases, and they were more likely to occur in patients detained under the legal category of psychopathic disorder. Between 21% and 33% of patients were rated as misplaced by one or other team but these figures include patients who were either already on trial leave in another hospital or on the waiting list for an identified placement. Patients for whom there was agreement on misplacement, with no identified route out of high security, account for 9% of the total. Most patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia were not receiving atypical anti‐psychotic medication.

Discussion

It may be more realistic to plan future services on the basis that only 9% of patients are misplaced, rather than the previous estimates that appear to have guided current policy. Patients detained under the legal category of psychopathic disorder present particular problems and there is a need to develop appropriate facilities at medium secure level. In the meantime, no patients should be admitted to high security without consultation with the catchment area service and a jointly agreed plan for future rehabilitation. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Name change among offender patients: an English high security hospital sample
Authors: Völlm Birgit , Jamieson Liz , Gordon Harvey , Taylor Pamela J.
Published: March 2006

Background

There is scant literature on change of name among psychiatric patients but a more substantial amount on the use of aliases among offenders. No one to our knowledge has explored name changes among offender patients.

Aim

This study was undertaken to establish the prevalence of name change among high security hospital patients and to compare those who changed name with those who did not.

Hypothesis

It was hypothesized that name change would be associated with male gender, repeated offending and a diagnosis of personality disorder.

Method

The clinical records of all patients resident in one high security hospital on 31 January 2000 were searched. As all such patients are compulsorily detained, all name changes must be recorded. Any change prior to that date was also noted, together with basic demographic and diagnostic information; supplementary data were obtained from the special hospitals' case register.

Results

Seventy‐one patients (17%) of the resident population changed names (exclusive of a woman changing her surname on marriage). Name changing was associated with disrupted upbringing. Patients with personality disorder were more likely to change names than those with psychosis, regardless of sex, age or ethnic group. Those with psychosis were more likely to select unusual or symbolic names.

Conclusions

On the evidence of previous literature, people from this serious offender patient population were more likely to change names than other psychiatric patients but less likely than non‐mentally‐disordered offenders. Changes by people with psychosis seemed related to their illness, whereas changes by those with personality disorder might reflect childhood disruptions in rearing patterns. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Young adults, alcohol, crime and disorder
Authors: Richardson Anna , Budd Tracey
Published: March 2006

Background

Alcohol‐related crime is increasingly being recognized as a problem in cities and towns with popular entertainment districts. Crime and disorder linked to alcohol has been particularly connected with binge drinking or heavy sessional drinking. Research evidence indicates that it is the young adult age group who are most likely to be involved in crime and disorder and the most likely to binge drink. This paper examines the relationship between binge drinking and criminal and disorderly behaviour among 18‐ to 24‐year‐olds.

Method

Secondary analysis was undertaken of the 1998/1999 Youth Lifestyles Survey, a large‐scale, representative, household survey of 12‐ to 30‐year‐olds living in England and Wales.

Results

Binge drinking, and especially male binge drinking, among 18‐ to 24‐year‐olds is statistically related to offending behaviour. In the 12 months prior to interview 39% of binge drinkers admitted to committing an offence and 60% admitted criminal and/or disorderly behaviour during or after drinking alcohol. Multivariate analysis found that binge drinking remains strongly associated with criminal and disorderly behaviour even after taking other relevant factors into account. Individuals who got drunk at least once a week had more than five times the odds of being involved in fighting or violent crime. For offences or disorderly behaviour that took place during or after drinking alcohol an individual had a seven times greater chance of breaking or damaging something and a five times greater chance of being involved in a fight if he/she got drunk at least once a week.

Discussion

These findings suggest that frequency of drunkenness is a better predictor of offending behaviour than frequency of drinking per se. Using frequency of drunkenness as the basis for defining binge drinking reveals that a large minority of young adults who binge drink also become involved in offending or disorderly behaviour. Binge drinking is particularly associated with crimes of violence. The relationship between binge drinking and crime and disorder is stronger among young males than females. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Changes in patterns of excessive alcohol consumption in 25 years of high security hospital admissions from England and Wales
Authors: McMahon Celia , Butwell Martin , Taylor Pamela J
Published: March 2006

Background

It is now generally acknowledged that alcohol abuse increases the risk of violence among people with major mental disorder. Studies in the 1980s and earlier, however, tended to report an inverse relationship between their alcohol use and violence.

Aims

A study was undertaken to test a hypothesis that among people with major mental disorder considered to pose a serious risk to others the likelihood of excessive alcohol consumption in a period leading up to a violent or dangerous act has increased over time.

Methods

Analysis was made of annual high security hospital admission cohort case register data of 1 January 1975 to 31 December 1999; alcohol use data were taken from interview and records, and problem drinking defined as consumption of alcohol in excess of 21 units per week during the 12 months prior to the index offence or act.

Results

There was a linear increase in the proportion of patients in five‐year admission cohorts who had engaged in excessive alcohol consumption during the year prior to their index offence or act. The increase was steeper among women than men, but cut across all diagnosis and offending groups. It was strongly associated with increasing tendency to abuse illicit drugs.

Conclusions

The greater proportion of patients affected by excessive alcohol consumption occurred in spite of a reduction over the same period in admission of people in the diagnostic groups most likely to be implicated in substance misuse (personality disorder). This increased trend may simply reflect similar trends in the general population, but may also be associated with a lack of services or current consensus on appropriate treatment for patients whose mental illness is complicated by excessive alcohol use. Regardless, the trend suggests a growing need for ‘dual diagnosis’ services within and outside high security hospital. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Alcohol and violence and the possible role of serotonin
Authors: Badawy Abdulla A.‐B.
Published: March 2006

Background

There is undisputed evidence linking alcohol consumption and violence and other forms of aggressive behaviour, and also linking aggression with dysfunction of the brain indolylamine serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine or 5‐HT). Alcohol consumption also causes major disturbances in the metabolism of brain serotonin. In particular, acute alcohol intake depletes brain serotonin levels in normal (non‐alcohol‐dependent) subjects. On the basis of the above statements, it is suggested that, at the biological level, alcohol may induce aggressive behaviour in susceptible individuals, at least in part, by inducing a strong depletion of brain serotonin levels.

Aims

In this article, evidence supporting these interrelationships and interactions will be summarized and discussed, the alcohol–serotonin–aggression hypothesis will be reiterated, and potential intervention strategies will be proposed. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Alcohol use and negative affect in the offence cycle
Authors: Day Andrew , Howells Kevin , Heseltine Karen , Casey Sharon
Published: March 2006

Introduction

It is commonly acknowledged that, for many offenders, alcohol use is strongly associated with criminal behaviour. The belief held by many professionals that the two phenomena are associated, probably in a causal way, has led to the inclusion of alcohol use as a ‘criminogenic need’ in many settings where rehabilitation programmes are used to reduce recidivism. However, the mechanisms and pathways involved in the alcohol–crime link remain poorly understood.

Argument and conclusion

This paper reviews the literature relating to alcohol–offending links and draws some inferences about the role of alcohol use as a criminogenic need in offender rehabilitation. It is proposed that the bi‐directional relationship between alcohol use and negative affective states is important in understanding the offence cycle, and that deficits in self‐regulation not only characterize both alcohol misuse and negative affect but are also implicated in the offending behaviour itself. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Predictive validity despite social desirability: evidence for the robustness of self‐report among offenders
Authors: Mills Jeremy F. , Loza Wagdy , Kroner Daryl G.
Published: March 2006

Introduction

Many professionals believe that self‐report questionnaires used to predict recidivism have a low validity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the assumption that the validity of self‐report is vulnerable to self‐presentation biases in offender samples.

Method

The participants consisted of 124 male offenders who volunteered to complete the Self‐Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ).

Results

Lower scores on measures of social desirability were significantly associated with higher levels of risk (as measured by self‐report and a rated actuarial instrument) and a higher likelihood to re‐offend. Further, stepwise regression analysis revealed that social desirability added significantly unique variance in the prediction of violent recidivism.

Discussion

The authors propose that impression management may be an enduring person‐based characteristic within an offender sample rather than a situationally determined response style. The variance associated with this characterological information is proposed to be the source of the unique predictive variance. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Psychology brings justice: the science of forensic psychology
Authors: Gudjonsson Gisli H.
Published: March 2006

In this paper the focus is on one aspect of forensic psychology: the development of psychological instruments, a social psychological model and assessment procedures for evaluating the credibility of witnesses and police detainees during interviewing. Clinically grounded case work and research has impacted on police interviewing and practice, the admissibility of expert psychological testimony and the outcome of cases of miscarriage of justice. After describing the research that laid the foundations for advancement of scientific knowledge in this area, a brief review is presented of 22 high‐profile murder cases where convictions based on confession evidence have been quashed on appeal between 1989 and 2001, often primarily on the basis of psychological evidence. The review of the cases demonstrates that psychological research and expert testimony in cases of disputed confessions have had a profound influence on the practice and ruling of the Court of Appeal for England and Wales and the British House of Lords. The cases presented in this paper show that it is wrong to assume that only persons with learning disability or those who are mentally ill make unreliable or false confessions. Personality factors, such as suggestibility, compliance, high trait anxiety and antisocial personality traits, are often important in rendering a confession unreliable. Future research needs to focus more on the role of personality factors in rendering the evidence of witnesses and suspects potentially unreliable. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Social‐cognitive determinants of help‐seeking for mental health problems among prison inmates
Authors: Skogstad Philip , Deane Frank P. , Spicer John
Published: March 2006

Background Prisoners experience high rates of mental health problems and suicidal behaviours. Failure to seek help may exacerbate these problems and limit opportunities to participate in offending‐related programmes.

Aims To assess whether prisoners'; intentions to seek help for a personal‐emotional problem, including suicidal feelings, can be predicted using variables from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). These TPB variables were supplemented by measures of emotional distress, prior contact with a psychologist and demographic variables.

Methods Male inmates from six New Zealand prisons were asked to participate, with approximately 50% (n = 527) of those who initially expressed an interest in the study completing the self‐report questionnaire. Most participants completed the questionnaire in small‐group meetings in the prison units and returned them to the researchers immediately after completion.

Results On average, participants reported higher levels of current emotional distress than comparison student samples. TPB variables predicted help‐seeking intentions for suicidality and personal‐emotional problems. Those with prior contact with prison psychologists had lower intentions to seek help for suicidal feelings than prisoners without such contact. Older prisoners, those with more years of education, and those who had previous contact with a psychologist outside prison tended to have higher intentions to seek psychological help.

Conclusions Social‐cognitive factors predicted intentions to seek help among New Zealand prisoners but prison‐specific issues, such as relative reluctance to seek help when suicidal and reluctance to seek help from prison psychologists, were also identified.

Implications for practice Prisoners'; access to services could be improved, for example, through directly working on attitudinal barriers. Strategies to ensure access to specialized forensic mental health in‐reach services could also be an alternative or additional route to ensure that this disadvantaged group seeks appropriate help. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental health patients in criminal justice populations: needs, treatment and criminal behaviour
Authors: Keene J. , Janacek J. , Howell D.
Published: March 2006

Background

Government policy requires that health and social care agencies work more closely together and in partnership with the criminal justice system. There is a well‐established relationship between crime and mental disorder.

Method

The Tracking Project provides for the first time in England the means of collating and analysing data on mental disorder (defined as receiving secondary care as patients of a Mental Health Trust) and crime (defined as all those charged with an offence). Data were collected over a three‐year period for all individuals who had contact with the criminal justice system and mental health services in an English county.

Results

In a county population of 800,400, some 30,329 were offenders. More than a third had used a health or social care service during the three‐year period; 8.0% were mentally disordered. Those offenders aged 25–64 and who contacted the police more than once were significantly more likely to be mentally disordered. Type of offence was also a relevant variable. The probation service showed broadly similar results.

Discussion

The research has provided for the first time substantive quantitative evidence of the relationship between crime and mental disorder. The results can be used as the basis for further work to target assessment and risk reduction measures at those most at risk. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Searching for a developmental typology of personality and its relations to antisocial behaviour: a longitudinal study of an adjudicated men sample
Authors: Morizot Julien , Blanc Marc Le
Published: March 2006

The search for an empirically based personality typology has regained the interest of researchers. To date, however, empirical inquiries have mainly been cross‐sectional. In this study, an empirically based developmental typology of personality was identified using data from a prospective longitudinal study of a sample of men adjudicated during their adolescence and assessed on four occasions until midlife. Cluster analyses were performed on measures of disinhibition, negative emotionality, and extraversion. Four developmental types of personality were identified. The first was characterized by average scores in the three traits in adolescence that decreased linearly until midlife (39%). The second type displayed very high scores in disinhibition and negative emotionality in adolescence that decreased rapidly during early adulthood (24%). The third type was characterized by very high scores in disinhibition and negative emotionality that remained stable until midlife, while extraversion was average during adolescence and then decreased rapidly until midlife (17%). The fourth type was characterized by high scores in disinhibition and negative emotionality in adolescence that was followed by cycles of decreases and increases until midlife (20%). These four developmental types of personality seemed to be related to known antisocial behaviour trajectories. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.