bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Stability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition among Demographic Subgroups: Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Age
Authors: Canivez Gary L. , Watkins Marley W.
Published: May 2006

Long-term stability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition was investigated separately across gender, race/ethnicity, and age subgroups. Participants were 642 students from 33 states evaluated twice for special education eligibility over a mean test-retest interval of 2.83 years. Gender, race/ethnicity, and age produced few or no differential effects on long-term stability coefficients. Most of the demographic subgroup stability coefficients for VIQ, PIQ FSIQ VCI, and POI scores demonstrated satisfactory long-term stability. However, stability coefficients for FDI, PSI, and VIQ-PIQ discrepancy scores were not adequate. Mean differences from first testing to second testing were either not statistically significant or not clinically meaningful for all groups, except Hispanic/Latino youths. Analysis of individual change scores indicated that only the FSIQ was sufficiently stable for use with individual students. Results extended those of Canivez and Watkins (1998), supporting long-term stability for the WISC-III among most demographic subgroups studied.
An Epidemiological-Cohort Study of DAS Processing Speed Factor: How Well Does it Identify Concurrent Achievement and Behavior Problems?
Authors: Oh Hyeon-Joo , Glutting Joseph J. , McDermott Paul A.
Published: May 2006

This study evaluated the criterion-related validity for the Speed of Processing (SP) factor of the Differential Ability Scales (DAS; Elliott, 1990). The SP factor is comprised of one subtest score (Speed of Information Processing) based on results from factor analyses. Participants were an epidemiological sample (N= 1,400) stratified, within age levels, in proportion to census data on demography (e.g., race, gender, parents' educational levels). From this cohort, groups with unusual SP strengths and SP weaknesses were identified using General Cognitive Ability (GCA) scores from the DAS as contrasts (i.e., SP>GCA and GCA>SP differences at a population prevalence < 5%). The SP>GCA group (n= 60) and the GCASP group (n = 60) were matched to respective controls (where each control n = 60) on the demographic variables listed above and GCAs. Each group and its control were compared across three norm-referenced measures of achievement and six teacher-rated indices of behavioral adjustment. Comparisons failed to show significant differences on any criterion variable. Results are discussed in the context of how well epidemiological samples evaluate the validity of ability profiles and the need for future research to use more representative measures of processing speed (i.e., those with two or more subtests contributing to the factor).
Life stories used as evidence for the diagnosis of addiction in group therapy
Authors: Halonen Mia
Published: May 2006

In this article I study how the life stories of patients are used as evidence in the diagnosis of addiction in Minnesota model group therapy. As part of this therapy, patients have to tell their life story, concentrating on their substance abuse. This story is used by the therapists as a means for getting patients to recognize and accept that they are addicts. For this purpose the therapists use intervening questions. This article concentrates on the placement and the structure of the patients’ responses to these interventions and the kinds of attitudes or standpoints the patients express. I will also discuss ways in which the theory of the Minnesota model informs the therapists’ actions by analysing the places within the patient's story where the therapists choose to intervene and the structure of their intervening turns. The data of the study consist of five 45-minute group therapy sessions and three multi-professional team meetings in a Finnish inpatient clinic. The therapists pose questions when the patient has said something that clearly hints at a symptom of addiction. The questions are designed as (disjunctive) yes/no questions which offer to the patient two alternative formulations of their talk to choose from. The first alternative hints at less problematic use of alcohol, and the latter, often an only implicit alternative, hints at more problematic consumption. This order offers to the patient an opportunity to choose the less problematic version in a preferred manner – if they are to display themselves as not having more problems with consumption than anyone else. The therapists can, then, use the patients’ responses to monitor how they have adopted the treatment and the diagnosis of addiction, that is, whether they are resistant or compliant.
‘The irresistible tug of the tides’: the Danish translations of stylistic shapeshifting in the ‘Proteus’ episode of James Joyce’s Ulysses
Authors: Klitgård Ida
Published: May 2006

This article addresses the ways in which the Danish translator Mogens Boisen manages to translate the shapeshifting nature of the style and content of the ‘Proteus’ episode of James Joyce’s Ulysses (1922) in his three published translations of the novel in 1949, 1970 and 1980. The discussion includes an analysis of the translation of the lyrical blend of seascape and myth, language transformations, pseudo-Homeric compounds, grammatical transfers and the symbolism of a single motif with important bearings on the complex theme of protean change. I argue that the early translation seeks to domesticate and make fluent what is complicated, whereas the later translations have become more sensitive towards stylistic transformation and defamiliarization.
‘Getting rid of that standard third party narrative voice’: the development of James Kelman’s early authorial style
Authors: Murphy Terence Patrick
Published: May 2006

James Kelman’s short story ‘An Old Pub near the Angel’ appeared in his first collection of stories, An Old Pub near the Angel, And Other Stories in 1973, and was subsequently revised by the writer for inclusion in Not Not While The Giro, And Other Stories (1983). Through a close examination of these revisions, the article elaborates on Kelman’s efforts to free himself from the constraints of what he terms ‘that standard third party narrative voice’. The article analyses such aspects of the writer’s revision process as typographical and textual re-blocking as well as the reconfiguration of the relations between narrative voice, character zone and dialogic monologue. It is contended that Kelman’s rejection of the orthodox view on narrative voice has been central in his creative exploration of working-class voice.
Corporate Governance and Dividends Payout in India
Authors: Kumar Jayesh
Published: May 2006

This article investigates the association between corporate governance and the dividends payout policy for a panel of Indian corporate firms over the period 1994–2000. We explain the differences in the dividend payout behaviour of the firms with the help of firms' financial structure, investment opportunities, dividend history, earnings trend and the ownership structure. We find a positive association of dividends with earnings and dividends trends. Debt-equity ratio is found to be negatively associated, whereas, past investment opportunities exert a positive impact on the dividends. Ownership by the corporate and directors is positively related with dividends payout in level and corporate ownership is negatively related in square. Institutional ownership has inverse effect on dividends in comparison to corporate ownership in levels as well as in its squares. We find no evidence in favour of an association between foreign ownership and dividend payout growth.
Local Determinants of Exclusion and Inclusion in Rural Public Works Programmes
Authors: Pellissery Sony
Published: May 2006

Rural India is set to experience another wave of rural public works programmes (PWP). The major inspiration in this venture is 25-year-old Employment Guarantee Scheme of the government of Maharashtra (MEGS). Though various evaluations have been done on the MEGS, the principle of self-targeting, the hallmark of the MEGS and being adopted in the proposed all-India PWP, has not been critically evaluated. This article is bridging this gap, and suggesting some cautions in applying the principle of self-selection to the ‘un-free’ rural labour market of India. Based on data of ethnographic fieldwork of eight months in the region of Marathwada, the article identifies political constraints that exclude some villages from being included in the MEGS. Even when public works are in place in the villages, the local elite who have informal ownership of these projects could block the entry of some of the poorest households to these programmes. Such local elite in liaison with some ethnic groups could ‘reward’ works to them, and exclude some other groups. Besides, the poorest households, trapped in the tied-labour markets seasonally migrating to different districts, may easily fall out from the benefits of such self-targeting.
Governance of NGOs
Authors: Mishra Debiprasad , Biswas Saswata N. , Roy Shiladitya
Published: May 2006

In the contemporary reformulations of governance for development, NGOs are both courted and critiqued; while counted upon to replace the state in a variety of arenas and activities, their capacity, credibility and legitimacy to do so is increasingly questioned. Growth has made the sector visible; visibility in turn has attracted critical attention, particularly on questions of governance of NGOs, from policy and research communities. In this paper we briefly review governance literature and suggest that the question of governance of and in NGOs would profit from studying the how and why of governing structures and decisions, the manner of their operation, including processes of mediation and reshaping. We seek to contextualize the issue by reviewing the growth of NGOs in post–independence India, delineating the diversity in the field, examining the organizational characteristics, and reviewing some of the governance challenges as they are negotiated. We then discuss the governing structures of NGOs and stakeholder linkages by taking the vantage point of a ‘median’ NGO. Noting that the debate on NGO governance has oscillated between the two extremes of autonomy and accountability, we conclude by suggesting further scholarship on the construct of ‘accountable autonomy’ that would further both democratic norms and practice, and developmental outcomes.
Rural Marketing in the Development Paradigm
Authors: Vaswani L.K. , Aithal Rajesh , Pradhan Debasis , Sridhar G.
Published: May 2006

The article attempts to bring to focus the role of rural marketing in bridging the widening disparity between rural and urban economies in India. The suggested reconceptualization of rural marketing highlights the need for a dual perspective— ‘producers’ empowerment’ and ‘strategic marketing’, and broad basing its domain to cover variety of market relationships which are part of growing rural-urban linkages. This difficult and complex task can be achieved by helping rural producers to effectively compete in the marketplace based on competitive/comparative advantage through consolidation of agriculture and rural enterprises. More specifically, agriculture and rural enterprises need to be linked to rural and/or urban markets through ‘minimizing market resistance to rural products’ and ‘maximizing market orientation of rural enterprises’.
The ULCCS
Authors: Chaudhary Rajinder
Published: May 2006

Cooperatives are one of the alternatives to privatization or government control of enterprises. Textbooks on neither economic theory nor public debate between privatization and its critiques have explored the role of cooperatives as an alternate form of enterprise management. In public image, cooperatives are largely either government-run or are private enterprises masquerading as cooperatives. Hence, macro-data on cooperatives is suspect. This study of an 80-year-old construction labour cooperative is part of an endeavour to see if there are other cooperatives, in addition to a few well-known ones, that do not fit this image. Besides checking on its cooperative and self-reliant character, an attempt has also been made to document its structure and processes in sufficient detail to provide initial input for its replication. This process has led to a more critical reading too.
Exploring the Relevance of Interpersonal Dependency as a Treatment Issue in Batterer Intervention
Authors: Carney Michelle Mohr , Buttell Fred
Published: May 2006

Objective: The purpose of the study was to (a) investigate the pretreatment levels of interpersonal dependency and violence among men entering a 16-week, court-mandated, batterer intervention program (BIP) and determine if there were any associations between interpersonal dependency and violence and (b) evaluate the treatment effect of a standard BIP in altering levels of interpersonal dependency among treatment completers. Method: The study employed a secondary analysis of 114 men, 56 treatment completers and 58 dropouts. Results: Analysis indicated that men who assault women and are court ordered into treatment are excessively dependent on their intimate partners prior to beginning treatment, that level of interpersonal dependency is unrelated to a multidimensional conceptualization of domestic violence (i.e., psychological aggression, physical assault, sexual coercion and injury), and that the BIP did not alter the level of interpersonal dependency among treatment completers. Conclusion: Implications of the findings for social workers were explored and discussed.
Evidence-Based Practice and Policy: Choices Ahead
Authors: Gambrill Eileen
Published: May 2006

Choices about how to view evidence-based practice (EBP) are being made by educators, practitioners, agency administrators, and staff in a variety of organizations designed to promote integration of research and practice such as clearinghouses on EBP. Choices range from narrow views of EBP such as use of empirically based guidelines and treatment manuals to the broad philosophy and evolving process of EBP, envisioned by its originators, that addresses evidentiary, ethical, and application issues in a transparent context. Current views of EBP and policy are reviewed, and choices that reflect the adopted vision and related indicators are described. Examples include who will select the questions on which research efforts are focused, what outcomes will be focused on, who will select them and on what basis, how transparent to be regarding the evidentiary status of services, how clients will be involved, and whether to implement needed organizational changes. A key choice is whether to place ethical issues front and center.
Preventing Child Abuse: A Meta-Analysis of Parent Training Programs
Authors: Lundahl Brad W. , Nimer Janelle , Parsons Bruce
Published: May 2006

Objective: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the ability of parent training programs to reduce parents’ risk of abusing a child. Method: A total of 23 studies were submitted to a meta-analysis. Outcomes of interest included parents’ attitudes toward abuse, emotional adjustment, child-rearing skills, and actual abuse. Conclusions: Immediately following treatment and prior to moderator analyses, effect sizes for all outcomes were in the moderate range (d = 0.45-0.60). Moderator analyses suggest inclusion of home visitors and conducting parent training in both a home and office setting significantly enhanced the effectiveness. In addition, inclusion of a behavioral component and delivering some of the parent training in an individual setting, as opposed to group only, enhanced outcomes significantly.
Validating the Level of Stability Index for Children
Authors: McMillan Jacquelyn D. , Abell Neil
Published: May 2006

Objective: The Level of Stability Index for Children (LSIC) is a multidimensional, self-report, rapid assessment instrument for assessing emotional and behavioral tendencies children may exhibit toward self or others. The LSIC describes children’s propensity toward depression, suicidal ideation, anger, and aggression. Method: Self-report survey instruments, including the LSIC and two measures for construct validation, were administered to a purposive sample of 426 children from various school and agency settings. Results: Strong evidence was found for reliability, content, and factorial validity. Alpha coefficients ranged from .74 to .87 for LSIC subscales. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted using the multiple group method and structural equation modeling. Convergent and discriminant analyses produced preliminary evidence for LSIC construct validity. Conclusion: The LSIC showed strong evidence of reliability and validity for younger children (7-12) and adolescents (13-18). Assessment tools can shed light on the complex mental health issues that social workers encounter when working with children in care.
Crime Prevention in a Multinational Open Society
Authors: Knepper Paul
Published: May 2006

The interest in crime prevention on the part of international organizations raises important questions about the usefulness of criminological knowledge in the policy-making context. Two models can be identified: the evidence-based model, advocated by the Campbell Collaboration, and the reflexive model, envisioned by George Soros’s Open Society foundations network. Although both models reference ideas of Karl Popper, neither makes full use of his social philosophy. Popper has more to offer criminology than the idea of falsification. His concepts of social situation, social tinkering, and open society emphasize the important methodological principle of learning from mistakes. If policy makers, and the criminologists who hope to advise them, are interested in pursuing crime prevention within a multinational open society, they should take into account the self-organizing aspect of science, the normality of accidents in social affairs, and the politics of social science research.
Criminal Justice Decisions of Various International Courts of 2004
Authors: Wallace Donald H.
Published: May 2006

This review summarizes the jurisprudence for the calendar year 2004 of international tribunals and courts that are contributing to the development of international legal norms for the accountability of human rights violations involving criminal justice issues. The pertinent jurisprudence for international criminal law is summarized for the two ad hoc international criminal tribunals: the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Also the legal developments from two major sources of legal norms for international human rights are summarized here for the U.N. Human Rights Committee and for the European Court of Human Rights.
Chinese Immigrants’ Perceptions of the Police in New York City
Authors: Chu Doris , Song John Huey-Long , Dombrink John
Published: May 2006

This article examines Chinese immigrants’ perceptions of the police in New York City. It identifies the areas of these immigrants’ concerns related to the interaction with the police. Data are analyzed based on a survey conducted with 151 Chinese immigrants in the boroughs of Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn between July and August 2004. The findings include the following: (a) Individuals who had previous contact with police rated police as less favorable, (b) those who rated police as helpful when they called the police for help expressed greater satisfaction toward police, and (c) a strong majority of respondents stated that more bilingual police were needed in the city. In general, the quality of police contact, rather than the quantity of police contact, mattered the most to respondents. Improving the quality of police services, recruiting more bilingual officers, and deepening understanding of cultural differences should enhance immigrants’ satisfaction with the police.
Juvenile Justice and Due Process Rights of Children in India and the United States
Authors: Kethineni Sesha , Klosky Tricia
Published: May 2006

This article offers a cross-cultural comparison of current and past juvenile court systems in India and the United States. Issues such as juvenile court development, differences and similarities in juvenile court philosophies, and the impact of legislative reforms are explored within political, social, and legal contexts. Specifically, the juvenile justice system in India is examined and analyzed within the context of how changes in philosophy and terminology have affected juvenile court practices and procedures. Our conclusion is that in both countries the juvenile justice system often fails to achieve the rehabilitative agendas set forth by their legislative and child welfare bodies.
Capitalist World-Economy, Globalization, and Violence
Authors: Gillespie Wayne
Published: May 2006

During the past two decades, neoliberal economic policies have been enacted in many peripheral regions of the world. Neoliberalism promotes free trade, deregulation, privatization, and welfare reduction; however, it does not call for state rescission of social control and legal coercion. Global capitalism has asserted itself as the dominant force in modernity. It transcends the nation-state system. For example, the United States was the primary hegemon throughout much of the 20th century. Yet since the appearance of global capitalism, transnational corporations now dominate the world-economy. Wealth is heavily concentrated in the hands of an elite capitalist class. The resultant income inequality, coupled with increased state surveillance and formal control, increases structural violence throughout the periphery. The purpose of this article is to examine the structural inequalities in the Americas, while presenting possible solutions to the neoliberal crisis from a social justice perspective.
The Void of Acceptable Masculinity During Czech State Socialism
Authors: Oates-Indruchová Libora
Published: May 2006

During Czech state socialism, masculinity in cultural representations was bound up with the official sociology, and thus, it was likely to be discredited in popular perception. As the dominant ideology took over the main existing models, the concept of masculinity was devoid of any alternative model. The popular novel published during the last years of state socialism, which this article considers as a case study, fills the void of masculinity with the body as the last resort to which a man seeking an alternative can turn in this situation.
Straight as a Rule
Authors: Jones Adam
Published: May 2006

This article is an extension of the author's research into the vulnerability of noncombatant “battle-age” males in situations of war and genocide. It explores the role of heteronormativity—defined as culturally hegemonic heterosexuality—in shaping the victimization experiences of male noncombatants. An introductory section addresses definitional issues and frames the discussion in terms of the study of gendercide, or gender-selective mass killing. The link among noncombatant status, imputed violations of heteronormativity, and gendercide is then explored. A separate section considers the phenomenonof sexual violence against males in wartime and asks whether feminist theories of “genocidal rape” can usefully be deployed to assist understanding of this littlestudied phenomenon. The conclusion cites some remaining conceptual and conventional obstacles to research on male noncombatants, and suggests avenues for further investigation.
The Making of Men at Kastrup
Authors: Lantz Jenny
Published: May 2006

In this article, I recount the process of making the documentary Men at Kastrup. It is my aim to encourage and inspire other researchers in the field to develop similar film and video projects. In an effort to address more than just the production, I shall proceed by reflecting on our position as filmmakers during the shooting at Copenhagen airport.
Towards a Global Health Contribution for Critical Health Psychology
Authors: MaClachlan Malcolm
Published: May 2006

The ability of critical health psychology to deliver on its implicit promise to link social and biological processes is compromised by: (1) a morally superior stance of being critical of rather than being critical for other disciplines; (2) insufficient pluralism in its concepts and methods; and (3) unwillingness to engage with more ‘distant’ disciplines that are salient to its goals; particularly economics, management and law. The global health movement offers critical health psychology an avenue to develop its project, especially in low-income countries, where a pragmatic approach to the interconnectedness of poor health and inequality is needed.
Critical Health Psychology, Pluralism and Dilemmas
Authors: McVittie Chris
Published: May 2006

Hepworth (this issue) argues for critical health psychology (CHP) to move on from binary opposition to mainstream health psychology (MHP) and to engage with other researchers in projects of common interest. In doing so, CHP can take up Murray and Campbell’s earlier ‘call to action’ and avoid the risk of isolation. However neither action nor cross-subject collaboration are necessarily appropriate strategies for all elements of a pluralistic CHP that encompasses a diversity of epistemological positions. Conducting research on others’ terms also holds risks for the development of work that remains critical. The potential contributions of a pluralistic CHP, by way of action or otherwise, might usefully be judged in relation to both the distal and proximate contexts of health issues.
Health Psychology and Social Action
Authors: Murray Michael , Poland Blake
Published: May 2006

This article reviews the main epistemological approaches within health psychology. It considers the approach based on critical realism and various strategies for linking health psychology with social action. It argues that critical health psychology has a distinct contribution to make in promoting public health as part of the broader movement for social justice and health.
Physician, Heal Thyself
Authors: Stam Henderikus J.
Published: May 2006

Reminding us of the crucial tasks that require our urgent ministrations, Hepworth (this issue) rightly notes that critique has its limits. I agree and note that our fates as critics are bound to a professionalism we may not be able to escape.
Strengthening Critical Health Psychology
Authors: Hepworth Julie
Published: May 2006

The commentaries on my original article ‘The Emergence of Critical Health Psychology: Can it Contribute to Promoting Public Health?’ provided engaging views on what critical health psychology (CHP) actually is and does. Consideration of each commentary gave rise to numerous themes and generated my own further thoughts on CHP which I frame as five key areas of a continuing dialogue: (1) reflexivity and CHP; (2) health psychology: pluralist or not? (3) CHP as a moral project; (4) social action and change; and (5) strengthening critical approaches to health. Throughout I highlight concepts and issues that are integral to the capacity of CHP to create a shift towards a reinvigorated action-orientated agenda.
Why Do Women with Alcohol Problems Binge Eat?
Authors: Stewart Sherry H. , Brown Catrina G. , Devoulyte Kristina , Theakston Jennifer , Larsen Sarah E.
Published: May 2006

Questionnaires assessing heavy drinking and binge eating were administered to 58 women with alcohol problems. A sub-sample of the binge-eaters then participated in qualitative interviews about their perceptions of the connections between their two problems. Seventy-one percent self-identified as binge-eaters with most reporting ‘severe’ binge eating. Binge-eaters were younger, more frequent drinkers and drank more often for emotional relief than non-binge-eaters. Binge eating and heavy drinking appeared to serve similar functions in a given client (i.e. emotional relief or reward functions). We discuss implications of the findings for the development of better treatments for women struggling with both health issues.
Freedom in the market
Authors: Pettit Philip
Published: May 2006

The market is traditionally hailed as the very exemplar of a system under which people enjoy freedom, in particular the negative sort of freedom associated with liberal and libertarian thought: freedom as noninterference. But how does the market appear from the perspective of a rival conception of freedom (freedom as non-domination) that is linked with the Roman and neo-Roman tradition of republicanism? The republican conception of freedom argues for important normative constraints on property, exchange, and regulation, without supporting extremes to the effect that ‘property is theft’ or ‘taxation is theft’ or anything of that kind. It does not cast a cold eye on commerce; it merely provides an alternative view of the attractions.
Neo-republicanism and the civic economy
Authors: Dagger Richard
Published: May 2006

It is clear that a revival of republicanism is under way, but it is not clear that the republican tradition truly speaks to contemporary concerns. In particular, it is not clear that republicanism has anything of value to say about economic matters in the early 21st century. I respond to this worry by delineating the main features of a neo-republican civic economy that is, I argue, reasonably coherent and attractive. Such an economy will preserve the market, while constraining it to serve public purposes, and promote what John Rawls calls a ‘property-owning democracy’. To accomplish these ends, a civic economy is likely to concern itself with the character of work and the workplace, to take steps to preserve and protect the sense of community or publicity, to levy an inheritance tax and a progressive consumption tax, and to provide some kind of ‘social’ or ‘civic’ minimum of support to all citizens.
Republicanism and democratic injustice
Authors: Richardson Henry S.
Published: May 2006

Philip Pettit’s Republicanism: A Theory of Freedom and Government has provided a systematic basis for republican theory in the idea of freedom as non-domination. Can a pure republican view, which confines itself to the normative resources thus afforded, adequately address the full range of issues of social justice? This article argues that while there are many sorts of structural injustice with which a pure republican view can well cope, unfair disparities in political influence, of the kind that Rawls labeled failures of the ‘fair value’ of the equal political liberties, cannot be well addressed by a pure republican view. In arguing the point, the article assesses the reach not only of the core ideal of freedom as non-domination itself, but also of three further layers in Pettit’s republican theory: its suggestion that domination is to be minimized, its account of a set of institutions needed to restrict domination, and its requirement that, to prevent governments from having the power to act arbitrarily and so to dominate, they be made responsive to the common good. Some of these further conceptual resources are shown to be of no help in addressing unfair disparities in political influence, while the ones that are promising are so only because they rely on distinctively liberal ideals, and so depart from a pure republican basis.
Who Decides Where Jerry Goes to School?
Authors: Steffen John J. , Marshall Joanne M.
Published: May 2006

This case highlights family and educator conflict about special education placement using the case of Jerry, a student with behavior disorders. Aspiring administrators are invited to consider Jerry's needs, the desires of his family, the concerns of local and alternative school faculty, the safety of students and staff, and the provisions of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. They are then asked to determine a suitable course of action and provide a rationale.
Writing the Undisguised Case
Authors: Fossey Richard , Glover Sarah
Published: May 2006

Case study teaching provides a bridge between the world of theory and the world of practice. In addition, case teaching enhances students' analytical and problem-solving skills and gives students the opportunity to engage in shared problem solving. Undisguised cases have certain advantages as teaching tools. First, undisguised cases give case writers credibility with their learners. Second, undisguised cases are often intrinsically more interesting than disguised cases. Third, undisguised cases are much more useful than disguised cases in producing research data for policy analysis. This article sets out some practical advice for case writers who write undisguised cases. The World Wide Web is a key resource for writers of undisguised cases, particularly the newspaper archives that are accessible on the Web. The undisguised case must be accurate in every detail, and the case author should cite all the sources on which the author relied when constructing the undisguised case narrative.
Optimizing search strategies to identify randomized controlled trials in MEDLINE
Authors: Zhang Li , Ajiferuke Isola , Sampson Margaret
Published: May 2006

Background

The Cochrane Highly Sensitive Search Strategy (HSSS), which contains three phases, is widely used to identify Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in MEDLINE. Lefebvre and Clarke suggest that reviewers might consider using four revisions of the HSSS. The objective of this study is to validate these four revisions: combining the free text terms volunteer, crossover, versus, and the Medical Subject Heading CROSS-OVER STUDIES with the top two phases of the HSSS, respectively.

Methods

We replicated the subject search for 61 Cochrane reviews. The included studies of each review that were indexed in MEDLINE were pooled together by review and then combined with the subject search and each of the four proposed search strategies, the top two phases of the HSSS, and all three phases of the HSSS. These retrievals were used to calculate the sensitivity and precision of each of the six search strategies for each review.

Results

Across the 61 reviews, the search term versus combined with the top two phases of the HSSS was able to find 3 more included studies than the top two phases of the HSSS alone, or in combination with any of the other proposed search terms, but at the expense of missing 56 relevant articles that would be found if all three phases of the HSSS were used. The estimated time needed to finish a review is 1086 hours for all three phases of the HSSS, 823 hours for the strategy versus, 818 hours for the first two phases of the HSSS or any of the other three proposed strategies.

Conclusion

This study shows that compared to the first two phases of the HSSS, adding the term versus to the top two phases of the HSSS balances the sensitivity and precision in the reviews studied here to some extent but the differences are very small. It is well known that missing relevant studies may result in bias in systematic reviews. Reviewers need to weigh the trade-offs when selecting the search strategies for identifying RCTs in MEDLINE.
The incidence of smoking and risk factors for smoking initiation in medical faculty students: cohort study
Authors: Senol Yesim , Donmez Levent , Turkay Mehtap , Aktekin Mehmet
Published: May 2006

Background

Medical education requires detailed investigation because it is a period during which the attitudes and behaviors of physicians develop. The purpose of this study was to calculate the yearly smoking prevalence and incidence rates of medical faculty students and to identify the risk factors for adopting smoking behaviour.

Methods

This is a cohort study in which every student was asked about their smoking habits at the time of first registration to the medical faculty, and was monitored every year. Smoking prevalence, yearly incidence of initiation of smoking and average years of smoking were calculated in analysis.

Results

At the time of registration, 21.8% of the students smoked. At the end of six years, males had smoked for an average of 2.6 ± 3.0 years and females for 1.0 ± 1.8 years (p < 0.05). Of the 93 medical students who were not smokers at the time of registration, 30 (32.3%) were smokers at the end of the 6 years of the course.

Conclusion

The first 3 years of medical education are the most risky period for initiation of smoking. We found that factors such as being male, having a smoking friend in the same environment and having a high trait anxiety score were related to the initiation of smoking. Targeted smoking training should be mandatory for students in the Medical Faculty.
Absinthism: a fictitious 19th century syndrome with present impact
Authors: Padosch Stephan A , Lachenmeier Dirk W , Kröner Lars U
Published: May 2006

Absinthe, a bitter spirit containing wormwood (Artemisia absinthiumL.), was banned at the beginning of the 20thcentury as consequence of its supposed unique adverse effects. After nearly century-long prohibition, absinthe has seen a resurgence after recent de-restriction in many European countries. This review provides information on the history of absinthe and one of its constituent, thujone. Medical and toxicological aspects experienced and discovered before the prohibition of absinthe are discussed in detail, along with their impact on the current situation. The only consistent conclusion that can be drawn from those 19thcentury studies about absinthism is that wormwood oil but not absinthe is a potent agent to cause seizures. Neither can it be concluded that the beverage itself was epileptogenic nor that the so-called absinthism can exactly be distinguished as a distinct syndrome from chronic alcoholism.

The theory of a previous gross overestimation of the thujone content of absinthe may have been verified by a number of independent studies. Based on the current available evidence, thujone concentrations of both pre-ban and modern absinthes may not have been able to cause detrimental health effects other than those encountered in common alcoholism. Today, a questionable tendency of absinthe manufacturers can be ascertained that use the ancient theories of absinthism as a targeted marketing strategy to bring absinthe into the spheres of a legal drug-of-abuse. Misleading advertisements of aphrodisiac or psychotropic effects of absinthe try to re-establish absinthe's former reputation. In distinction from commercially manufactured absinthes with limited thujone content, a health risk to consumers is the uncontrolled trade of potentially unsafe herbal products such as absinthe essences that are readily available over the internet.
Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy
Authors: Perheentupa Jaakko
Published: May 2006

Context: Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy is known as a rare hereditary disease with classic triad of mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and adrenocortical failure, two of which, diagnostic dyad, are required for the diagnosis. Evidently many patients suffer unrecognized because the condition is more variable and complex.

Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the variability of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy for promoting recognition and adequate follow-up of patients.

Setting: The Finnish series of patients is the largest internationally.

Patients: The study population was all 91 known Finnish patients.

Results: Besides the classical triad, a dozen autoimmune endocrine and other components occurred variably, several of them dangerous. The initial manifestation appeared within the age range of 0.2–18 yr, mucocutaneous candidiasis being part of it in 60% of the patients, hypoparathyroidism in 32%, and adrenocortical failure in 5%. But 23% of the patients had one to six other components before the diagnostic dyad: hepatitis, keratoconjunctivitis, chronic diarrhea, periodic rash with fever. The dyad appeared 0.2–20 yr later. Prevalence of most components increased with age, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and testicular failure becoming common toward middle age. Tubulointerstitial nephritis occurred in 9% of the patients, apparent mineralocorticoid excess in 9%, asplenia in 19% of adults, and oral or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in 10% of patients older than 25 yr.

Conclusions: Any child or young adult with one of the many disease components should be examined for others and consideration of AIRE mutation assay.
Goitrous Congenital Hypothyroidism and Hearing Impairment Associated with Mutations in the TPO and SLC26A4/PDS Genes
Authors: Pfarr Nicole , Borck Guntram , Turk Andrew , Napiontek Ulrike , Keilmann Annerose , Müller-Forell Wibke , Kopp Peter , Pohlenz Joachim
Published: May 2006

Context: Pendred syndrome (PS) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) deficiency are autosomal-recessive disorders that result in thyroid dyshormonogenesis. They share congenital hypothyroidism, goiter, and an iodide organification defect as common features. Whereas the hallmark of PS is sensorineural deafness, other forms of congenital hypothyroidism may also lead to hearing impairment. Therefore, a definite diagnosis may be difficult and require molecular genetic analyses.

Case Report: The propositus presented at birth with primary hypothyroidism and goiter. He also had congenital bilateral moderate hearing loss, and PS was suspected.

Methods: We sequenced the SLC26A4/PDS and TPO genes in the propositus and tested familial segregation of mutations in all available family members who were phenotypically normal. The functional consequences of the identified pendrin mutation (p.R776C) were studied in vitro.

Results: Sequencing of the SLC26A4/PDS gene revealed a single monoallelic missense mutation in the propositus (p.R776C). This mutation, which was inherited from his unaffected mother, has previously been identified in an individual with deafness and an enlarged vestibular aqueduct. Sequencing of the TPO gene revealed compound heterozygosity for a novel nonsense mutation (p.Q235X) and a known missense mutation (p.Y453D). The mutant pendrin (p.R776C) retained its ability to transport iodide in vitro.

Conclusions: These results show that the propositus carries three sequence variants in two genes: a monoallelic SLC26A4/PDS sequence variant and compound heterozygous TPO mutations. Our study illustrates that if only a single heterozygous SLC26A4/PDS mutation is found in a patient with goiter and deafness, other genetic explanations should be considered.
Mesenchymal stem cells reside in virtually all post-natal organs and tissues
Authors: Meirelles Lindolfo da Silva , Chagastelles Pedro Cesar , Nardi Nance Beyer
Published: May 2006

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells which can give rise to mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal tissues in vitro and in vivo. Whereas in vitro properties such as (trans)differentiation capabilities are well known, there is little information regarding natural distribution and biology in the living organism. To investigate the subject further, we generated long-term cultures of cells with mesenchymal stem cell characteristics from different organs and tissues from adult mice. These populations have morphology, immunophenotype and growth properties similar to bone marrow-derived MSCs. The differentiation potential was related to the tissue of origin. The results indicate that (1) cells with mesenchymal stem characteristics can be derived and propagated in vitro from different organs and tissues (brain, spleen, liver, kidney, lung, bone marrow, muscle, thymus, pancreas); (2) MSC long-term cultures can be generated from large blood vessels such as the aorta artery and the vena cava, as well as from small vessels such as those from kidney glomeruli; (3) MSCs are not detected in peripheral blood. Taken together, these results suggest that the distribution of MSCs throughout the post-natal organism is related to their existence in a perivascular niche. These findings have implications for understanding MSC biology, and for clinical and pharmacological purposes.
Social regulation of healthcare organizations in the United States: developing a framework for evaluation
Authors: Walshe Kieran , Shortell Stephen M.
Published: May 2006

Social regulation is ubiquitous in the US healthcare system, and American healthcare organizations claim to be among the most regulated institutions in the world. Yet relatively little is known about the impact of social regulation on these organizations' performance, or about the characteristics or determinants of effective regulatory strategies and approaches. This paper explores the use of social regulation in US healthcare, drawing on the wider literature on regulation in other countries and settings and on the growing body of general regulatory theory. It offers a framework for analysing and comparing regulatory arrangements, presents the findings from an exploratory qualitative study of regulators and regulated organizations, and concludes by developing a framework of the emergent characteristics of effective regulation which might be used in future evaluations of healthcare regulation.
Haemangioma of the uterine cervix
Authors: Shann SM , Dunham RJC , Wilson JD
Published: May 2006

We describe a rare cause of irregular vaginal bleeding due to a haemangioma of the uterine cervix. Clinical, ultrasound and MRI appearances are shown and options for management discussed.
Does selected ecological evidence give a true picture of HIV transmission in Africa?
Authors: Gisselquist David , Potterat John J , Brody Stuart , Minkin Stephen F
Published: May 2006

Current reconsideration of the contributions of various modes of transmission to HIV epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa has important implications for HIV prevention. In recent reviews, we argue that accumulated evidence supports the hypothesis that unsafe health care fuels Africa's HIV epidemics. In response, critics have presented selected ecological evidence — age and sex distribution of HIV infections and geographic distribution of hepatitis C virus infections — to support the conventional hypothesis that sexual contact accounts for most HIV infections. In this communication, we examine critics' evidence and arguments. Critics ignore or reject important evidence including, for example, large numbers of unexplained HIV infections in children, strong associations between incident HIV and injections, and genetically-linked infections in persons with no known sexual contact. We urge that research projects in Africa disclose unpublished relevant evidence on risks for incident HIV. In any case, because each iatrogenic infection causes subsequent linked infections, the impact of HIV transmission through health care has been underestimated. We commend the emerging consensus to improve the safety of health care delivery. In countries with generalized HIV epidemics, we urge public education about the risks for HIV acquisition from unsterile health care.
Patterns of treatment and resource utilization in the treatment of external genital warts in England and Wales
Authors: Langley Paul C , White David J , Drake Susan M
Published: May 2006

Our objective was to identify patterns of treatment and resources used in achieving complete clearance of external genital warts (EGWs)

A retrospective case note review was carried out at six genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in the UK. Case notes from 2366 patients presenting with EGWs were reviewed and 1200 patients with complete episodes of care were identified. Analysis showed that staff-applied therapy dominated treatment practice but there was considerable diversity in treatment modalities across study sites. The average number of visits was 5.71 visits for males: 6.25 visits for females but a substantial minority of patients attended significantly in excess of these averages. Approximately two-thirds of patients failed to achieve complete clearance of warts with their initial therapy.

There is little consistency in treatment patterns of care for EGWs across the sites studied. Initial therapy choices are largely ineffective, requiring changes in treatment modality and multiple clinic visits. Increased utilization of patient-applied therapies might result in increased cost effectiveness.