bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected Recoveries from Chronic Severe Psychiatric Illness during Treatment by Psychological Modes
Authors: Ironside Wallace
Published: October 2008

Four patients with psychotic illnesses and two with obsessional neuroses made unexpected recoveries attributable to psychological processes. They had been ill for periods ranging from 6 months to 19 years before first seen. All had physical therapies of several kinds including one who had approximately 500 ECT and another who had bimedial lobotomy. Follow-up after recoveries ranged from 6 to 24 years. In two cases psychotherapy (psychoanalytically orientated) was significant. Changed family dynamics, the support of a psychopomp, and the mobilisation of previously unrealized ego-resources were other significant psychological processes. Exhaustive re-evaluation of patients resistant to physical therapies is urged.
Attitudes of Australian Psychiatrists toward Certain Aspects of Psychotherapy
Authors: Schumacher Ray M.
Published: October 2008

An 84-item questionnaire was mailed to all Australian fellows and members of the Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (May, 1973 listing). The questionnaire obtained background data, therapeutic school, and 5-point ratings on therapeutic techniques, goals of psychotherapy, helpfulness of various therapist attributes, and opinions on some theoretical issues from a sample of 275 respondents. Similar studies are underway in Great Britain and the United States, and comparisons among the three samples will be done at a later date. Data from these studies will also be used as a base line for study of changes in subsequent years.
Season of Birth in Schizophrenia: An Australian Study
Authors: Krupinski J. , Stoller A. , King David
Published: October 2008

The authors have studied the season of birth in schizophrenics comparing those born in both southern and northern hemispheres. Their findings do not support the notion of seasonal variations claimed by other authors. The clinical significance of reports published in the literature is questioned.
A Comprehensive Behaviour Modification Programme for the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: Results in Six Cases
Authors: Williams Warwick
Published: October 2008

Behavioural analysis and psychodynamic hypotheses were used to develop a comprehensive behaviour modification programme for the treatment of primary anorexia nervosa This was applied to six female patients and the results obtained are reported.
Moral Behavior, an Invitation to Enquiry
Authors: Fisher Donald
Published: October 2008

The term Moral Behavior is used to designate that behavior which best promotes the cooperation and peaceful coexistance of human beings. The present and future behavior of Executives and Legislators is to a great extent dependent on the moral behavior of those involved with or controlled by authoritative figures.

The subject of Moral Behavior has been written about by many disciplines. However, the subject has not been reviewed on a multidisciplinary basis looking to the possibility of making definite recommendations in areas which might effect positive changes.
Clinical Experience with Samoans in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Gluckman Laurie Kalman
Published: October 2008

Samoans constitute the second largest ethnic Polynesian minority group in New Zealand. Generally, this is a socially and culturally deprived group from a European viewpoint. Causative factors of social and emotional stress and coping mechanisms are described. A number of culturally determined syndromes are encountered clinically. These are categorized. A practical, clinical approach to the Samoan patient is suggested.
Cognitive Function and Length of Survival in Elderly Subjects Living at Home
Authors: Kay D. W. K. , Britton P. G. , Bergmann K. , Foster E. M.
Published: October 2008

177 people aged 65 or over, chosen at random from larger representative samples of elderly people living at home in Newcastle upon Tyne, were given the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) or a shortened form of it, and followed up for 7 years or till death. Discriminant function analysis showed that the power of the test score to predict death occurring within 2 years was not explained away by its correlations with age, sex, social class or physical disability. Exclusion of clinically diagnosed chronic brain syndromes reduced but did not abolish the relationship found to exist between test score and outcome. The ascertainment of impaired cognitive functioning has important applications in the assessment of prognosis and in the planning of care of elderly people.
Attitudes of Young Drug Users towards Significant Life Concepts as Measured by the Semantic Differential
Authors: McLeod W. R. , Priest P. N.
Published: October 2008

Thirty young drug users were matched for age and sex with thirty young orthopaedic outpatients. All completed an Osgood Semantic Differential. Results suggested that drug users see Drug Laws and Present Attitudes to Drug Use as bad. In the user group a poor perception of self is combined with concepts of ideal self which appear unattainable.
Early Psycho-Social Assessment of Overdose Patients in a Casualty Department
Authors: Donnan Alys E. P. , Hetzel Basil S. , Oliver R. Graeme
Published: October 2008

In response to the very large number of patients presenting at the Casualty Department of the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, following suicidal acts, a Psycho-Social Assessment Clinic employing a crisis intervention model was established in 1970. This communication outlines the structure and functions of the Clinic, describes 100 consecutive new patients seen over a four month period in 1974 and emphasises the benefits to both patients and hospital arising from the operation of such a Clinic.
A Scale to Measure the Cause of Life Events
Authors: Tennant Christopher , Andrews Gavin
Published: October 2008

An increase in life event stress has been shown to occur prior to the onset of a number of psychiatric illnesses.

This paper describes the construction of a scale to measure the cause of this increased life event experience. One hundred and five normal adults were asked to judge the extent to which any particular event might have occurred by pure chance, by one's own behaviour or by the behaviour of others. These three perceived causative factors are conceptually distinct and together comprehensive.

Scalings on these three perceived causative factors for each of 67 life events were derived. The utility of such a scale is discussed.
Psychodrama—As Part of an Integrated Therapeutic Programme
Authors: Guile Leslie A.
Published: October 2008

After approximately 180 sessions the author presents a detailed description of the conduct of psychodrama and describes how it is integrated into a comprehensive psycho-therapeutic programme.

With appropriate safeguards it is a safe and useful procedure and has been found to be of value with very chronic “symptom-bound” patients.
Evaluation of Group Processes Using Visual Analogue Scales
Authors: Rampling D. J. , Williams R. A.
Published: October 2008

Patients in a general hospital psychiatric unit completed Visual Analogue Mood Scales before and after group psychotherapy sessions, and at corresponding times on days without group meetings. Changes in the dispersion of scores between “before” and “after” measurements differed between days with group psychotherapy and days without. Cohesiveness attributable to the group process is suggested as likely explanation for this difference. Factors influencing measurements are investigated and discussed.
A Comparative Study of Long-Stay Psychiatric Patients Discharged to Boarding Houses and Satellite Houses
Authors: Flaherty Maree , Flaherty Bruce , Parker Gordon
Published: October 2008

A comparative psychosocial study of two groups of long-stay psychiatric patients discharged from Callan Park Hospital to boarding houses and satellite houses in the Callan Park Hospital region is reported.

It was concluded that the social and vocational functioning of both groups was at a low level but that satellite house residents had more spare money and described a less institutionalized and a more homely environment in satellite houses.
The Significance of Suicide Notes
Authors: Chynoweth Ray
Published: October 2008

Studying the contents of suicide notes might help to improve the understanding of individual cases whilst offering an opportunity to search for possible preventive guidelines.

In a study in an Australian capital city, suicides for one year (1972-73) were investigated including the medical and psychiatric data where possible, and psychosocial circumstances in each case. The total number of suicides in the year was 135. Twenty-seven individuals left suicide notes of which 25 were available for examination. The mood as reflected in the notes was categorised in terms of depression and hopelessness, neutral affect and hostility. The affect was related to age, sex, marital status and method of suicide.

The results are presented with examples of each category and are discussed with respect to their contribution to (i) understanding the cause of death, (ii) understanding the intention of the suicide, (iii) assisting the relatives in coping with the suicide, (iv) drawing attention to those factors where earlier intervention may have averted suicide.
The Development of a Scale for the Assessment of Sexual Behaviour in Australian Women
Authors: Dennerstein Lorraine , Burrows Graham D. , Wood Carl , Poynton Carol
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study was to develop a simple method of assessing female sexual response, suitable for use in clinical investigations. Following a review of interview, physiological and psychological methods, a Scale of Sexual Response was developed. Sexually dysfunctional women and women who stated they had no sexual problems completed the Scale. The results demonstrated that 11 of the 15 subscales had concurrent validity. The 4 subscales relating to auto eroticism did not distinguish between groups. Significant changes were demonstrated in 4 subscales following successful therapy of the sexual dysfunction. The scale was shown to be reliable.
Alcohol and Medical Practice—The Role of the Psychiatrist in Instituting Change
Authors: Drew L. R. H.
Published: October 2008

The low rate of recognition of the causative role of alcohol in much illness, and the failure to respond to the clinical challenge of such an association by many doctors, is discussed. Documentation is provided by a study of computerised hospital records. It is suggested that psychiatrists could demonstrate that a professional stance towards alcohol is possible without compromising personal freedom, and that liaison psychiatry services could accept responsibility to improve management of these problems within general hospitals.
Social Implications of the “Dyscontrol Syndrome”
Authors: Girgis M.
Published: October 2008

The recent literature contains numerous publications which have tried to stimulate a new and biologically oriented approach to the problem of violence. Experimental brain research indicates that biologically important predatory and aggression responses have multiple representations in the nervous system. However, knowledge gained so far concerning emotional brain function in violent persons with brain disease, or from experimental research, can only infrequently be applied to combat the violence-triggering mechanisms in the brains of the non-diseased. In the hope of determining the neurological basis of aggression, the present author studied the brains of forty-two patients whose clinical history indicated definite aggressive behaviour. Results are reported and discussed. It is also the aim of this paper to discuss the social implications of the surgical treatment of patients with a “dyscontrol syndrome” whose investigations do not reveal definite evidence of “hard” signs and symptoms of brain pathology.
Emotional Sequelae of Parents and Sibs following the Drowning or Near-Drowning of a Child
Authors: Nixon James , Pearn John
Published: October 2008

This study reports the findings from an investigation to evaluate the intra-family dynamics that occurred with 111 cases of childhood drowning and near-drowning in the City of Brisbane in 1971-1975. Personal interviews were obtained with 77 of the families.

24 per cent of parent-dyads separated following the drowning of their child, whereas none of the 54 families of surviving children separated. Accident generated stresses within the studied families tended to persist for years after the incident. Parents volunteered the information that they drank more, experienced sleep disorders and nightmares, and reported significant anxiety states. 19 per cent of parents of drowned children received specialist psychiatric treatment following the drowning. Two cases of surviving children received specialist psychiatric therapy (these were both parents who had inflicted non-accidental injury on their child, and had attempted to drown their child in the bath).

In one sense, a child's death is more honourable from society's point of view if the child dies from a chronic medical illness such as leukaemia. In the case of a child's death in the family bath tub or the backyard swimming pool, the extra society sanctions of culpability and accusation further intensified the likelihood of the normal grief process being transformed into a pathological variant.
The Neural Basis of Aggression and its Treatment by Psychosurgery
Authors: Kiloh L. G. , Smith J. S.
Published: October 2008

The limbic system and its connections provide the neural basis for aggressive behaviour. Violent individuals may differ quantitively or qualitively from normal. Many of the latter suffer from epilepsy. In some the epileptiform discharges from the amygdala can only be recorded using depth electrodes.

It can be taken that the control of abnormal degrees of violent behaviour is now possible. Should such operations be used? If so who should have them? What precautions need to be taken that such operations are not abused? How can informed consent be obtained? The development of new surgical techniques make these questions pertinent if not urgent.
Battered Wives: A Controlled Study of Predisposition
Authors: Price John , Armstrong Jean
Published: October 2008

The possibility that women who are battered by their husbands are predisposed to this treatment is examined in a controlled study of 30 such women and 30 control subjects. A number of father-related items distinguished between the two groups: in the battered group fathers had more mental illness, were more violent and tended to be more strict. Battered women more often witnessed violence by their husband to others prior to marriage. All participants were rated for hostility using the Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire (HDHQ). Both groups emerged as significantly and globally more hostile than a group of normal subjects.
A Behavioural Programme for the Management of Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Poole A. Desmond , Sanson-Fisher R. W. , Young Pauline
Published: October 2008

A treatment programme, based on the use of behavioural principles, is described. Important components of the programme include the active participation of the patient in all phases of treatment planning, the use of contingent reinforcement for weight gain rather than eating behaviour, the provision of frequent feedback regarding progress and the lowering of the ‘response cost’ for eating. In addition contracting, and the use of random scheduling of follow-up contacts, along with family therapy, are employed to maintain weight gain following discharge. The results achieved with an initial group of 5 female patients are briefly discussed.
Computer Analyses of Auditory Evoked Cortical Potentials in Schizophrenic Subjects
Authors: Stampfer H. G. , Collins D. W. K. , Black J. L. , German G. A.
Published: October 2008

A veraged cortical evoked potentials from single clicks were recorded from 51 patients and controls. The patient group consisted of 40 subjects with a diagnosis of ‘nuclear’ schizophrenia, and 11 subjects with diagnoses including mania, anxiety neurosis and personality disorder.

Changes in auditory evoked cortical responses (AECR's) were most marked in clinically stable, dysphoric, chronic schizophrenics. These subjects showed reproducible, low amplitude, ‘untidy’ responses in which the amplitude of the primary peak was lower than the amplitude of later peaks. Chronic schizophrenics who were rated as being depressed, showed a more ‘normal’ AECR.

AECR changes during the memorising of nonsense syllables demonstrated a functional separation between early and later peaks of the AECR. It was postulated that the AECR changes in schizophrenia and during memorising result from pathological patterns of cortical desynchronisation produced by altered mid-brain activity different from that of anxious arousal, and that the clinical ‘steady-state’ of chronic schizophrenia is reflected in the ‘steady-state’ desynchronisation changes in the AECR.
A Note on Cluster Analysis and Depression: Disparities in Results Produced by the Application of Different Clustering Methods
Authors: Byrne D. G.
Published: October 2008

Cluster analysis is the most logically suited method for establishing psychiatric classifications. Different mathematical methods of clustering do, however, produce disparate results when applied to the same set of data. This study attempted to quantify the extent of such disparities, and found them to be marked. It was concluded that until cluster analysis has undergone further mathematical and statistical development, it should be used with caution.
A Model of Violence
Authors: Grant Donald A.
Published: October 2008

The assessment of the violent individual presents a challenge to psychiatrists. Many theoretical approaches contribute to the understanding of violence, but none are totally adequate for the clinician's purposes. The assessment of violent behaviour can be undertaken using three separate dimensions—“Dehumanisation”, “Acceptance of Violence” and “Rage and its Control”—which together form a framework for the formulation of clinical data. This framework is described and the relevance of theoretical contributions to the three dimensions is discussed.

It is suggested that this framework assists in the classification of violent individuals and in the prediction of the potential for future violence.
Conversion Reactions Simulating Guillain-Barre Paralysis following Suspension of the Swine Flu Vaccination Program in the U.S.A.
Authors: Reismann Jerald L. , Singh Bruce
Published: October 2008

The association of Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a possible complication of swine flu inoculation created the potential for conversion reactions simulating this syndrome. Upon termination of the swine flu vaccination pragram, a study was initiated in a prepaid health plan to identify and categorize such patients. An estimated 8000 adults were vaccinated and it was hypothesized that a large number of these patients would present to the health plan with conversion symptoms. However, only seven patients met the criteria and they were compared to two control groups (inoculated and uninoculated). The patients with conversion symptoms did show similatities to those previously described in the literature: all were female, of lower educational level, and had great concern with health problems. Other speculations as to why these patients had conversion reactions were made.
The Onset of Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Beumont P. J. V. , Abraham Suzanne F. , Argall W. J. , George G. C. W. , Glaun Daphne E.
Published: October 2008

In a retrospective study of case notes a number of experiential and psychological factors were discerned of possible importance to the psychogenesis of anorexia nervosa. These factors included issues of dependence and independence, sexual challenge, concern about obesity, and a variety of other, less specific stresses.

Attempts to confirm the findings by means of a prospective study were impeded by difficulties in defining the onset of the illness. While in some patients the occurrence of anorexic type behaviour led immediately to weight loss, in others there was a significant delay between the onset of behavioural change and consequent emaciation.
Anorexia Nervosa, Sexual Behaviour Modification as an Adjunct to an Integrated Treatment Programme: A Case Report
Authors: Guile Leslie , Horne Michael , Dunston Roger
Published: October 2008

Patients with anorexia nervosa are difficult to treat. In the case to be reported a programme of sex education and desensitisation was added to the treatment regime. When the patient took responsibility for and gained control over her sexuality there was a dramatic improvement in her clinical state.
Suicide Attempts 1973–1977—Urban Hobart. A Further Five Year Follow up Reporting a Decline
Authors: Roller Karl , Slaghuis Walter
Published: October 2008

In urban Hobart 1968-1972 there was a steep climb in the self-poisoning rates, reaching a peak in 1972. This rise was largely attributed to an increase in self-poisonings by young males and an overall increase by females. During this period psychotropic overdoses commenced.

In 1973-1977 self-poisoning and self-injury rates were calculated. Contrary to the previous five year experience rates either declined during 1973 to 1977 or fell from a previous high rate to level off at a lower rate. These changes have particularly affected both sexes under 35 years. The abuse of psychotropic substances continued to soar.

A possible explanation of these changes may lie in local factors.

The results are contrasted with the most recent literature.
Australasian Suicidology
Authors: Lindsay John S. B.
Published: October 2008

A survey has been made of 38 studies of Australasian medical and hospital experiences with attempted and completed suicide in the last decade. The range and depth of the data recorded in the 38 studies have been analysed and reported together with comments on some other multivariate studies from overseas. The implications of these studies for the current medical views about attempted and completed suicide (are they two distinct types or do they lie on a continuum?) are discussed within a framework relating to the views about suicide that are embedded in our culture.
Sodium Valproate in the Treatment of the Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Authors: Lambie D. G. , Johnson R. H. , Vijayasenan M. E. , Whiteside E. A.
Published: October 2008

The value of sodium valproate in the management of patients during withdrawal from alcohol dependence has been assessed. Alcoholic inpatients were randomly allocated to two groups — one treated with sodium valproate and the other acting as a control. All patients received multivitamins and fluid and electrolyte replacement, and some received chlormethiazole or other tranquillisers. Treatment with sodium valproate (1200 mg daily) was continued for one week. The occurence of seizures and other withdrawal symptoms (tremulousness, nausea, sweating, disorientation) were noted daily. Forty-nine episodes of withdrawal have been included in the trial — 22 in the sodium valproate group and 27 in the control group. Five patients, all in the control group, had seizures. Other withdrawal symptoms disappeared more quickly in the sodium valproate group even though fewer patients were receiving chlormethiazole.
‘Problem Children’ and Stimulant Drug Treatment
Authors: Prior Margot
Published: October 2008

Stimulant drugs are commonly prescribed in this country for children presenting with hyperactive, disruptive, excitable and distractible behaviour. Whilst this treatment can be beneficial for a considerable proportion of cases in the short term, it has a number of disadvantages and apparently does not improve the long-term outcome. In this paper a number of significant issues concerning drug treatment for problem children are discussed including diagnosis, drug effect parameters, and psychological factors, and alternative intervention strategies outlined.
More than One Borderline? The Current Status of the Concept of Borderline Personality
Authors: Mayne Keith
Published: October 2008

Borderline Personality has acquired diagnostic respectability with its inclusion in DSM III. Descriptions of the syndrome by the major contributors to the field are reviewed and the criteria developed by Spitzer, Endicott and Gibbon (1979), and adopted for DSM III, are discussed. It is suggested that there may be an identifiable sub-group of patients with Borderline Personality Disorder who are best classified with the affective disorders.
The Treatment of Obsessional Neurosis in a Family Setting
Authors: Hafner R. Julian , Gilchrist Peter , Bowling John , Kalucy Ross
Published: October 2008

The limitations of a patient-centred approach to the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders are underlined by the failure of modern behaviour therapy techniques to help usefully more than 50 per cent of patients. The concept of family homeostasis is discussed in relation to two cases of obsessive-compulsive neurosis which failed to respond to patient-centred treatment over several years. The successful treatment of these cases in a family context is described. It is suggested that the comparative success of behaviour therapy in treating obsessive-compulsive disorders, which were previously regarded as generally intractable, has encouraged the premature use of patient-orientated behavioural techniques in cases where family therapy may be more appropriate. Although there is evidence that helping the families of obsessive-compulsive patients to verbalise feelings facilitates symptomatic improvement, the precise mechanisms whereby improvement occurs require further elucidation.
The Male-Female Balance of Power in the Western Tradition
Authors: Medlicott R. W.
Published: October 2008

While the partnership and contractual relationships between the sexes should be foremost we cannot ignore the reality of the power struggle. After defining some of the important concepts involved in this struggle an examination of the Greek and Judaeo-Christian background to our Western tradition reveals the phasic nature of the conflict and important insights applicable to the present. It is suggested that many of the gains in the present rest upon the selfist ‘do your own thing’ ethic and ignore the contractual responsibilities essential for a more mature society.
Stroke in Young Age - Study of 50 Cases
Authors: Miah Md Titu , Hoque AKM Aminul , Tarafder Binoy Krishna , Romel Syed Mohammad Ali , Hassan Md Kamrul
Published: October 2008

Stroke in young age is relatively uncommon but has serious impact on the affected family as well as society. The causes are more diversed and differ as compared to the elderly. Overall prognosis is better than elderly but there is still significant morbidity and mortality. We studied consecutive 50 stroke patients between the age of 15-45 admitted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. The objective of this study was to evaluate the aetiological pattern, associated risk factors and inpatient outcome. Mean age of the patients was 35.8 Â± 7.39 SD ( years ), female male ratio was 1 : 1.27. Infarction was found in 60% cases. Haemorrhage was in 40% cases. Dyslipidaemia was mostly associated risk factor in both infarction (83.3%) and in haemorrhage (75%). In 74% cases aetiology could not be identified. High prevalence of dyslipidemia as associated risk factor may indicate premature atherosclerosis. Overall in-patient mortality was12% .Mortality in haemorrhagic strokes is higher. Â  DOI = 10.3329/jom.v9i1.1419 J MEDICINE 2008; 9 : 10-15
Association Between the Tobacco Cessation Training and Oral Cancer Knowledge Level with Tobacco Use Related Behaviour Among the 4th Year Dental Undergraduates-A Cross Sectional Study in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Tawfique Hossain , Croucher Ray
Published: October 2008

Tobacco use is widespread in Bangladesh. Dental Professionals could act on different levels of tobacco control activities. AIM: to explore prevalence and attitudes towards tobacco and identified the association of tobacco use related behaviour with the level of tobacco cessation training and level of knowledge of oral cancer among 4th year dental undergraduates of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: This was a self reported cross-sectional questionnaire based survey. Global Health Professional Survey (GHPS) questionnaire and Humphris Oral Cancer Knowledge Scale questionnaire were used in this survey. Fourth year dental undergraduates studying in six dental colleges in Dhaka completed the questionnaire in April and May, 2007. Results: Response rate was 93%. Current prevalence of cigarette and chewing tobacco is 24% and 10% respectively. Male respondents were the predominant user of tobacco and had the less positive attitudes towards tobacco cessation than female. This study also shows that knowledge and training did not have any influence over tobacco related behaviour. Conclusions: In this sample of Bangladeshi dental students, high prevalence of tobacco use but strong positive attitudes towards tobacco cessation was reported. Review of policy and dental curriculum is needed as it is identified that training and oral cancer knowledge did not seem to have impact over tobacco use related behaviour. DOI = 10.3329/jom.v9i1.1423 Â  J MEDICINE 2008; 9 : 31-36
Frequency of Metabolic Syndrome among Stroke Patients
Authors: Kabir Ahmedul , Sadeka MM , Ahmed MJ , Kabir E , Kahhar MA
Published: October 2008

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factor and is strongly associated with CVD. This study had been carried out at Mitford Hospital with a view to get a profile of the stroke patients and to obtain the proportion of the patients having metabolic syndrome. Patients & methods: In the observational study a total of fifty patients of stroke (confirmed by CT Scan) were studied at medical unit of Mitford hospital from December, 2005 to April, 2006. Results: Among the fifty stroke patients, about half (48%) were diagnosed as metabolic syndrome and there was slight female preponderance among them. Majority of the patients (79%) were from middle socio-economic class. Investigations regarding hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia revealed the percentages of these risk factors along with gender distributions among the patients with stroke. Conclusion: Stage two hypertension and diabetes were the major risk factors causing stroke. This study would provide baseline line information for the future researcher in the relevant field. Â  DOI = 10.3329/jom.v9i1.1424 J MEDICINE 2008; 9 : 37-41
Artificial Ripening: What We are Eating
Authors: Ur-Rahman Ashraf , Chowdhury Fazle Rabbi , Alam Md Billal
Published: October 2008

Â In recent times there is much concern about artificial ripening of fruits in many parts of the world including Bangladesh. Large amount of tropical fruits are produced in Bangladesh. Though fruits like mango naturally ripen in trees; some chemicals are used to ripen them artificially which hasten the ripening process. Ripe fruits are not suitable to carry & distribute as they get rotten. So fruit traders pick unripe fruits & use certain methods to increase the shelf life of them. For many years Ethylene had been used as a fruit ripening agent. But nowa- days Calcium carbide is getting popular in this regard as it has a faster ripening property. But inappropriate use of Carbide to ripen fruits is associated with many health hazards. In this topic we have tried to reveal the essentials of this burning issue & looked for solutions. Â Â Â  DOI = 10.3329/jom.v9i1.1425 J MEDICINE 2008; 9 : 42-44
Current Diagnosis and Treatment of Kala-azar: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Ahasan HAM Nazmul , Ayaz KFM , Bari Md Shafiqul
Published: October 2008

DOI = 10.3329/jom.v9i1.1426 J MEDICINE 2008; 9 : 45-49
Thirty Two Years Male Patient with Adult Stillâs Disease
Authors: Kabir Ahmedul , Barman Tushar Kanti , Banik Jayanta
Published: October 2008

A rare systemic inflammatory disorder is Adult onset Still's disease (AOSD), characterized by diverse clinical and laboratory findings, which is often difficult to diagnose. It is responsible for a significant proportion of cases of acute febrile illness in young adults. Adult Onset Stills Disease (AOSD) usually affects multiple organs, but it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Here we describe a case of a 32-year old patient with fever of unknown etiology, arthralgia, sore throat and skin rash. The final diagnosis of Still's disease was made by clinical and laboratory criteria and exclusion of other causes of similar presentation. Â  DOI = 10.3329/jom.v9i1.1428 J MEDICINE 2008; 9 : 58-61
Subdiaphragmatic Presentation of Hodgkinâs Lymphoma with Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Parvin Rukhsana , Chowdhury Fazle Rabbi , Shams Md Ziaus , Bari Md Shafiqul , Alam Md Billal
Published: October 2008

A 27 years old, unmarried male day labour, hailing from Jhalkathi presented to us with the complains of anorexia, weight loss and gradual weakness of all limbs for 6 months. On examination, he had features of peripheral neuropathy, but other systemic examinations were unremarkable. He did not have any significant lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly.He was diagnosed as a case of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, lymphocyte predominance, after diagnostic laparotomy followed by excisional biopsy from intraabdominal lymph node.Subdiaphramatic Hodgkin's lymphoma is rarely occurs and may present in several ways. Peripheral neuropathy is one of these. We treated him with Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, Vinblastin and Dacarbazine with successful outcome. Â  DOI = 10.3329/jom.v9i1.1429 Â Â  J MEDICINE 2008; 9 : 62-63
The Impact of Dengue on Liver Function as Evaluated by Aminotransferase Levels
Authors: Kabir Ahmedul , Abdullah AA , Sadeka MM , Ahmed H , Kahhar MA
Published: October 2008

Objective: To evaluate the impact of dengue virus infection on liver function by measuring aminotransferases in blood samples from patients serologically diagnosed as Dengue Fever. Background: Dengue, presenting as classical or haemorrhagic fever, also has some effect on liver function. This evaluation should be done for the management and deterination of prognosis of dengue with altered liver function. This study was done to find out the impact of dengue on liver function by evaluation of aminotransferase levels. Methods: Serologically confirmed 100 cases of dengue were included for the study. The patients were treated in the indoor. Informations were collected in a preformed revised structured questionnaire. Degree of liver involvement was classified in four grades according to Aminotransferase levels. Grades are as follows: Grade A - normal enzyme levels; Grade B - increased levels of at least one of the enzymes; Grade C - increased, with at least one of the enzymes being at levels higher than three times the upper reference values; Grade D - acute hepatitis, with aminotransferase levels at least ten times or more their upper limit of normal values. Results: Out of the confirmed dengue cases, 58% were female and 42% were male. Mean age was 34.5. 70% cases were classified as classic dengue and 30% as Dengue Haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Liver functions involvements were classified as Grade A in 34% cases, Grade B in 44% cases, Grade C in 20% cases and Grade D in 2% cases. High level of aminotransferases was 60% in classic dengue cases while it was 80% in DHF cases. Conclusion: Many of the dengue cases have abnormal liver function which are usually overlooked. This must be taken into account for risk stratification, management and prognosis of dengue cases. Keywords: Dengue, Classic Dengue, Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, Dengue Shock Syndrome, Liver function, Aminotransferase. DOI = 10.3329/jom.v9i2.1432 Â Â  J MEDICINE 2008; 9 : 66-68
Lymphadenopathy - An Unusual Clinical Feature of Kala-azar
Authors: Bari Md Shafiqul , Hoque Mirza Azizul , Ayaz KFM , Begum Afsana , Yasmin Rubina , Alam Md Billal , Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: October 2008

We report a 25-year-old man presenting with fever and weight loss for the six months along with anemia, hepatosplenomegaly and axillary lymphadenopathy. Laboratory investigations showed pancytopenia. Bone marrow and splenic aspiration was inconclusive, lymph node biopsy revealed LD bodies thus confirming visceral leishmaniasis. The case high lights the need of accepting lymph nodes as a site for diagnosing kala-azar and kala-azar lymphadenopathy is not as elusive as we think. Â Â  DOI = 10.3329/jom.v9i2.1441 J MEDICINE 2008; 9 : 108-109
Thinking Multisensory Culture
Authors: MARKS LAURA U.
Published: October 2008

The scholarly turn toward visual culture has left in place the sensory hierarchy that subtends Western philosophy. Yet given the commodification of sense experience, an inversion of the sensory hierarchy with the proximal senses of touch, taste, and smell at the top is not necessarily any more conducive to knowledge or justice. I argue that proximal sense experience may be a vehicle of knowledge, beauty and even ethics. Operating at a membrane between the sensible and the thinkable, the proximal senses have an affective dimension that permits an immanent epistemology. My examples and olfactory ‘illustrations’ emphasize the sense of smell, which, I posit, given its intimacy with emotion and memory, gives rise to an ‘olfactory unconscious’.
Lynne Ramsay's Ratcatcher: Towards a Theory of Haptic Narrative
Authors: TROTTER DAVID
Published: October 2008

The aim of this essay is to extend and refine the concept of ‘haptic visuality’ which has taken decisive shape in film studies so that it can be used to describe narrative form. In recent theory, the haptic has on the whole been set in opposition to narrative. Should narrative cinema then be understood in and through its neglect or disavowal of haptic visuality? Or might certain feature films in fact incorporate haptic imagery, without thereby ceasing to narrate? These are questions urgently provoked by Lynne Ramsay's brilliant first feature film, Ratcatcher (1999). The answer proposed here takes its bearings from the history of literary and filmic Naturalism, and from the understanding of narrative process Siegfried Kracauer develops in his Theory of Film.
The Haptic Moment: Sparring with Paolo Conte in Ozon's 5x2
Authors: POWRIE PHIL
Published: October 2008

This article is a close analysis of a popular song by the Italian singer-songwriter Paolo Conte, ‘Sparring Partner’, in Ozon's film [Formula: see text] (2004). With particular reference to what Barthes called the ‘grain’ of the voice, the article shows how the song does not work anempathetically, cutting across characters and narrative and undermining them; nor does it work empathetically to support the characters or reflect their emotions in a straightforward way. Rather, the song creates a complex haptic moment, where affect and gender fluidity combine to form a ‘haptic metaspace’; this acts as a frame for productively unstable embodiments, marked by nomadic transitions and volatilities, focused on the male of the couple.
The Senses and Substitution: A Conversation with Atom Egoyan
Authors: WILSON EMMA
Published: October 2008

In conversation, Atom Egoyan discusses issues relating to the five senses in his cinema. Looking across the range of his films, from Next of Kin (1984) to Citadel (2006), he explores questions about the senses, loss and substitution.
DNA Mimics for the Rapid Identification of Microorganisms by Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH)
Authors: Cerqueira Laura , Azevedo Nuno F. , Almeida Carina , Jardim Tatiana , Keevil Charles William , Vieira Maria J.
Published: October 2008

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a well-established technique that is used for a variety of purposes, ranging from pathogen detection in clinical diagnostics to the determination of chromosomal stability in stem cell research. The key step of FISH involves the detection of a nucleic acid region and as such, DNA molecules have typically been used to probe for the sequences of interest. However, since the turn of the century, an increasing number of laboratories have started to move on to the more robust DNA mimics methods, most notably peptide and locked nucleic acids (PNA and LNA). In this review, we will cover the state-of-the-art of the different DNA mimics in regard to their application as efficient markers for the presence of individual microbial cells, and consider their potential advantages and pitfalls. Available PNA probes are then reassessed in terms of sensitivity and specificity using rRNA databases. In addition, we also attempt to predict the applicability of DNA mimics in well-known techniques attempting to detect in situ low number of copies of specific nucleic acid sequences such as catalyzed reporter deposition (CARD) and recognition of individual genes (RING) FISH.
The Synthesis of 1-(4-Triethoxysilyl)phenyl)-4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-butanedione, a Novel Trialkoxysilane Monomer for the Preparation of Functionalized Sol-gel Matrix Materials
Authors: Peeples Christopher J. , Earni Raghu Ram , DiCesare John C.
Published: October 2008

The title compound, 1-(4-triethoxysilyl)phenyl)-4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-butanedione, was synthesized in a three-step sequence starting from 2-(4-bromophenyl)propene. Containing both a trialkoxysilyl and a substituted 1,3-butanedione functional grouping within its structure, this new silane is a viable starting material for the preparation of functionalized sol-gel materials.
Extreme Silica Optical Fibre Gratings
Authors: Canning John , Stevenson Michael , Bandyopadhyay Somnath , Cook Kevin
Published: October 2008

A regenerated optical fibre Bragg grating that survives temperature cycling up to 1,295°C is demonstrated. A model based on seeded crystallisation or amorphisation is proposed.
Detection of Staphylococcus epidermidis by a Quartz Crystal Microbalance Nucleic Acid Biosensor Array Using Au Nanoparticle Signal Amplification
Authors: Xia Han , Wang Feng , Huang Qing , Huang Junfu , Chen Ming , Wang Jue , Yao Chunyan , Chen Qinghai , Cai Guoru , Fu Weiling
Published: October 2008

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a critical pathogen of nosocomial blood infections, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. A piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) nucleic acid biosensor array using Au nanoparticle signal amplification was developed to rapidly detect S. epidermidis in clinical samples. The synthesized thiolated probes specific targeting S. epidermidis 16S rRNA gene were immobilized on the surface of QCM nucleic acid biosensor arrays. Hybridization was induced by exposing the immobilized probes to the PCR amplified fragments of S. epidermidis, resulting in a mass change and a consequent frequency shift of the QCM biosensor. To further enhance frequency shift results from above described hybridizations, streptavidin coated Au nanoparticles were conjugated to the PCR amplified fragments. The results showed that the lowest detection limit of current QCM system was 1.3×103 CFU/mL. A linear correlation was found when the concentration of S. epidermidis varied from 1.3×103 to 1.3×107 CFU/mL. In addition, 55 clinical samples were detected with both current QCM biosensor system and conventional clinical microbiological method, and the sensitivity and specificity of current QCM biosensor system were 97.14% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, the current QCM system is a rapid, low-cost and sensitive method that can be used to identify infection of S. epidermidis in clinical samples.
Pre-Launch Absolute Calibration of CCD/CBERS-2B Sensor
Authors: Ponzoni Flávio Jorge , Albuquerque Bráulio Fonseca Carneiro
Published: October 2008

Pre-launch absolute calibration coefficients for the CCD/CBERS-2B sensor have been calculated from radiometric measurements performed in a satellite integration and test hall in the Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST) headquarters, located in Beijing, China. An illuminated integrating sphere was positioned in the test hall facilities to allow the CCD/CBERS-2B imagery of the entire sphere aperture. Calibration images were recorded and a relative calibration procedure adopted exclusively in Brazil was applied to equalize the detectors responses. Averages of digital numbers (DN) from these images were determined and correlated to their respective radiance levels in order to calculate the absolute calibration coefficients. It has been the first time these pre-launch absolute calibration coefficients have been calculated considering the Brazilian image processing criteria. Now it will be possible to compare them to those that will be calculated from vicarious calibration campaigns. This comparison will permit the CCD/CBERS-2B monitoring and the frequently data updating to the user community.
Oil Spill Detection by SAR Images: Dark Formation Detection, Feature Extraction and Classification Algorithms
Authors: Topouzelis Konstantinos  N.
Published: October 2008

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar images (SAR) for detection of illegal discharges from ships. It summarizes the current state of the art, covering operational and research aspects of the application. Oil spills are seriously affecting the marine ecosystem and cause political and scientific concern since they seriously effect fragile marine and coastal ecosystem. The amount of pollutant discharges and associated effects on the marine environment are important parameters in evaluating sea water quality. Satellite images can improve the possibilities for the detection of oil spills as they cover large areas and offer an economical and easier way of continuous coast areas patrolling. SAR images have been widely used for oil spill detection. The present paper gives an overview of the methodologies used to detect oil spills on the radar images. In particular we concentrate on the use of the manual and automatic approaches to distinguish oil spills from other natural phenomena. We discuss the most common techniques to detect dark formations on the SAR images, the features which are extracted from the detected dark formations and the most used classifiers. Finally we conclude with discussion of suggestions for further research. The references throughout the review can serve as starting point for more intensive studies on the subject.
Néo-capitalisme et mission des juifs : l'idéologie émancipatrice d'Ellis Rivkin
Authors: Kriegel Maurice
Published: October 2008

Il existe bien des raisons pour ne pas lire les nombreuses « Histoires des juifs » d'Abraham à nos jours en trois cents pages. Comme leurs auteurs ne sauraient, en un espace aussi restreint, faire participer le lecteur aux débats qui agitent les spécialistes de chaque période, ils adoptent obligatoirement le plus petit dénominateur commun des diverses interprétations proposées par les chercheurs, se rabattent sur l'inattaquable et le confirmé, et impriment fatalement à leur narration ce ton lisse et sans saveur qui secrète, à coup sûr, l'ennui. S'ils présentent des opinions inédites pour éviter recueil de la monotonie, ils ne peuvent fournir le faisceau de preuves qui devrait les appuyer, et doivent dès lors inviter ou condamner leur public à les croire sur parole.
Jacqueries en pays croquant. Les révoltes paysannes en Aquitaine (décembre 1789-mars 1790)
Authors: Boutier Jean
Published: October 2008

Depuis une vingtaine d'années, l'exhumation des révoltes paysannes à l'époque moderne s'est essentiellement concentrée sur les xvieet xvIIesiècles, laissant volontairement de côté — l'enquête du Centre d'histoire de la civilisation de l'Europe moderne ne dépasse pas 1787 — la fin du xvIIesiècle. La grande vague des années 1789-1793 n'est pourtant pas une « terra incognita » historiographique ‘, mais l'apport considérable, tant par les méthodes que par les résultats, des recherches sur les soulèvements populaires des siècles précédents a plongé dans l'oubli un modèle différent de celui dès révoltes communautaires et anti-étatiques qui, lui, tend à s'ériger en théorie de la société d'Ancien Régime. Il est donc important de rouvrir le dossier des révoltes de la décennie 1790, grâce à des archives en partie inédites, mais surtout avec des méthodes renouvelées, pour retrouver les diverses orientations du mouvement paysan.