bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief Integrated Outpatient Dual‐diagnosis Treatment Reduces Psychiatric Hospitalizations
Authors: Granholm Eric , Anthenelli Robert , Monteiro Rita , Sevcik John , Stoler Marilyn
Published: February 2010

A retrospective pilot study was conducted to determine whether a relatively brief integrated outpatient treatment for patients with dual disorders reduced inpatient hospital service utilization. Outpatients (n = 44) with substance dependence and either comorbid schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder were studied. A multidisciplinary team provided relatively brief (up to 24 weeks), integrated, dual‐diagnosis outpatient treatment. A significant 60% reduction in the number of psychiatric hospitalization days was found for the year after treatment as compared to the year before. Patients with schizophrenia showed the greatest reduction (74%) in hospitalization days. Thus, even brief integrated outpatient dual‐diagnosis treatment can reduce inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations.
Age at Onset Typology in Opioid‐dependent Men: An Exploratory Study from India
Authors: De Biswajit , Mattoo Surendra K. , Basu Debasish
Published: February 2010

This study attempted to apply age at onset typology in ICD‐10‐diagnosed opioid dependence. The sample is comprised of eighty men seeking treatment at an addiction clinic in India. The measures included a sociodemographic and clinical profile, Severity of Opioid Dependence Questionnaire, Sensation Seeking Scale, Multiphasic Personality Questionnaire (MPQ), and Family History Assessment Module. Application of k‐means cluster analysis led to the emergence of two cluster types: early onset (mean age at onset 21 years) and late onset (mean age at onset 27 years). The early onset group was characterized by a significantly younger current age, more urban and unemployed subjects, younger ages at the onset of opioid use and dependence, a higher severity of opioid use, a higher lifetime use of sedatives and tobacco, younger ages at the onset of dependence on alcohol and cannabis, higher sensation seeking, and higher global psychopathology in terms of MPQ. Other less differentiating features were higher family history of psychiatric illness (including substance abuse), longer duration of opioid use and dependence, and higher lifetime use of cannabis. These results show the age at onset typology in opioid dependence to be feasible and to have some similarities to age at onset typology in alcoholism.
When Low Self‐efficacy is Efficacious: Toward an Addicted‐self Model of Cessation of Alcohol‐ and Drug‐dependent Behavior
Authors: Florentine Robert , Hillhouse Maureen P.
Published: February 2010

The relationship between self‐efficacy and the cessation of alcohol‐ and drug‐dependent behavior was examined in this study. Evidence suggests that the Relapse Prevention Approach may incorrectly specify a relationship between self‐efficacy and recovery. Instead of high situational coping self‐efficacy, it may be that the acknowledgment of a loss of control over alcohol and drug use, or low controlled use self‐efficacy, promotes recovery because the addict embraces the need for lifelong abstinence. Findings from a prospective study of 356 drug treatment outpatients indicate that low controlled use self‐efficacy predicted higher levels of abstinence acceptance independent from the possible influences of alcohol and drug use histories and treatment history. A decrease in controlled use self‐efficacy over time was associated with an increase in abstinence acceptance, and high and increasing levels of abstinence acceptance predicted alcohol and drug abstinence. Contrary to the Relapse Prevention Approach, controlled use self‐efficacy does not predict severity or level of use for those who relapse or continue to use alcohol and other drugs. These findings suggest a new social‐cognitive theory of recovery—the Addicted‐Self Model. This model asserts that the cessation of alcohol‐ and drug‐dependent behavior is more likely to occur when the addict attributes the loss of control over drug and alcohol use to a stable, permanent property of the self and embraces the need for life‐long abstinence.
Transferring Methadone‐maintained Outpatients to the Buprenorphine Sublingual Tablet: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Greenwald Mark K. , Schuh Kory J. , Stine Susan M.
Published: February 2010

There is no accepted algorithm to transfer opioid‐dependent patients from methadone (METH) to its new alternative, buprenorphine (BUP). Five outpatients transferred (double blind, double dummy) from METH 60 mg/day (with one day at 45 mg) to BUP 8 mg s.l. tablet. Relative to METH maintenance, BUP decreased opioid agonist symptoms (transfer day 1) and increased withdrawal symptoms (days 1 and 2) and blood pressure (day 2). Self‐reported heroin use did not increase from METH maintenance levels. It may be feasible to transfer outpatients on METH 60 mg/day to BUP 8 mg/day s.l. tablet, although this pilot protocol needs refinements to improve tolerability and clinical efficacy.
Addiction and Pain
Authors: Schnoll Sidney H. , Weaver Michael F.
Published: February 2010

The use of opioid medications for analgesia is associated with concerns about adverse side effects and the potential for development of physical dependence, tolerance, or addiction. Pain often is undertreated, which may provoke drug‐seeking behavior by patients. Physicians must assess requests for more pain medication as stemming from either undertreatment of pain, development of physical tolerance, or addiction. Important tools for addiction screening include the use of questionnaires, patient interviews, and lab tests. In this study, the physiological and behavioral consequences of chronic pain and its treatment with opioids, along with guidelines for prescribing opioid pain medication, are presented.
Research Advances in the Understanding and Treatment of Addiction
Authors: O'Brien Charles P.
Published: February 2010

The likelihood of developing an addictive disorder is a function of multiple simultaneous, pharmacologic, genetic, and environmental variables, such as the pharmacology of the drug, the route of administration, the personality of the individual, and the availability of the drug. There is increasing evidence that long‐lasting changes in the brain result from the progression of casual user to addict. Moreover, the course of the progression of addiction is similar to that of other chronic diseases. In this paper, strategies for effective treatment of addiction, including long‐term relapse management and new pharmacological therapies such as naltrexone and acamprosate, are discussed.
State Substance Abuse Treatment Gaps
Authors: McAuliffe William E. , LaBrie Richard , Woodworth Ryan , Zhang Caroline , Dunn Ryan P.
Published: February 2010

This study estimated the adequacy of state substance abuse treatment rates relative to treatment needs. The investigators created composite drug and alcohol treatment need indexes from explicit‐mention mortality and substance‐defined arrest rates. The indexes were reliable and had evidence of construct validity, but alternative population‐at‐risk and survey‐based need measures did not fair as well. States varied substantially in per capita alcohol and drug treatment needs, although the two did not correlate with each other. While the need indexes correlated significantly with state treatment rates, the adequacy of state treatment rates varied greatly. States with the largest treatment gaps were in the South, Southwest, and northern plains and mountain regions. The failure of the Block Grant formula to reflect the needs of rural states with high‐risk minority populations may contribute to disparities in access to services.
Factor Analysis of the Attention Deficit Scales for Adults (ADSA) with a Clinical Sample of Outpatient Substance Abusers
Authors: West Steven L. , Mulsow Miriam , Arredondo Rudy
Published: February 2010

Individuals with adult symptoms of A DHD who are in treatment for substance abuse have been identified as being at greater risk of failure to complete treatment and relapse. The identification of such clients must thus become an important part of assessment and treatment planning. The Attention Deficit Scale for Adults (ADSA) is one device designed to assess ADHD symptomology in adults. This study investigated the application of the ADSA in a substance‐abusing population by assessing its psychometric properties with a clinical sample of 268 adult patients (170 males, 92 females, gender missing for 6) in an outpatient substance abuse treatment program. The findings indicate that the ADSA is unidimensional with this population yet possess high reliability (alpha = .93 .93 for entire sample: .89 for males, .94 for females) and correlate consistently with DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria. The data tentatively support the use of the ADSA with substance‐abusing populations as a reliable and valid assessment tool for clinical use and research.
Assessment and Diagnosis of Nicotine Dependence in Mental Health Settings
Authors: Peterson Alan L. , Hryshko‐Mullen Ann S. , Cortez Yvette
Published: February 2010

This study evaluated the frequency of documented assessment of smoking status and the diagnosis of nicotine dependence in a random sample of 153 mental health records and 152 medical records. The results indicated that tobacco use was routinely documented in the mental health records (88%) and medical records (87%). However, a diagnosis of nicotine dependence was given in only 2% of the mental health records (1/49) and 7% of the medical records (2/30) for those patients with documented regular tobacco use. These results suggest that clinicians do not routinely diagnose Nicotine Dependence even when diagnostic criteria are met.
Fiscal Strain and Access to Opiate Substitution Therapy at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers
Authors: Rosenheck Robert , Leslie Douglas , Woody George
Published: February 2010

This study examines the relationship between institutional fiscal strain and the availability of opiate substitution therapy (eg, methadone maintenance), an effective but relatively expensive treatment for heroin addiction. An observational design was used to examine the association of changes in funding and changes in provision for treating opiate addiction at 29 VA Medical Centers (VAMCs). We hypothesized that VAMCs experiencing greater fiscal strain would show reduced avail‐ability of opiate substitution treatment. Administrative records from each of 29 VAMCs that provided opiate substitution therapy in both Fiscal Year (FY) 1995 and FY 1999 were used to measure changes in the availability of this service, ie, the percent change in total patients treated, annual visits per patient, and total services delivered. Institutional fiscal strain was measured by the percent decline in per capita funding at four levels at each VAMC: the entire medical center, all mental health programs, all substance abuse programs (inpatient and out patient), and outpatient substance abuse programs alone. The total number of patients receiving opiate substitution increased from 5,549 in FY 1995 to 6,884 in FY 1999 (24%), annual visits per patient decreased by 16%, and the total number of units of services increased by 4%. There were no significant relationships between changes in the delivery of opiate substitution services and changes in per capita funding at any of the four institutional levels. No new programs were started during these years. Although no new programs were started, the availability of opiate substitution therapy at VA facilities with existing programs was maintained over a five‐year period regardless of local funding changes, although at somewhat reduced intensity.
Effects of Buspirone in Withdrawal from Opiates
Authors: Rose Judith S. , Branchey Marc , Wallach Leah , Buydens‐Branchey Laure
Published: February 2010

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of buspirone in attenuating withdrawal symptoms in heroin addicts and methadone‐maintained patients following cessation of heroin or methadone use. Subjects were twenty hospitalized male chronic opiate users aged 30–55 who did not present any DSM‐IV Axis I disorder with the exception of opioid dependence. For the first five days, patients received doses of methadone that were decreased to 30mg and were maintained on this dose for the following three days. Methadone was then discontinued, and patients were randomly assigned to buspirone or placebo treatment from day nine to seventeen. The buspirone dose was 15mg on day nine and 30mg from day ten to day seventeen. Treatment was double‐blind. Withdrawal symptoms were measured with the Objective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (OOWS) and the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS). Buspirone‐treated patients had significantly lower scores on the OOWS on days thirteen (p = .040), fourteen (p = .025), fifteen (p = .035), and seventeen (p = .035). They also had lower scores on the SOWS on days sixteen (p = .050). It is concluded that buspirone was effective in attenuating the objective and subjective withdrawal symptoms that follow opiate use cessation.
Predicting Completion of Outpatient Opioid Detoxification with Clonidine
Authors: Strobbe Stephen , Brower Kirk J. , Galen Luke W.
Published: February 2010

Completion rates for outpatient opioid detoxification with clonidine generally range from 20–40%, but few studies have examined the correlates of successful completion. Of 29 consecutive patients, we compared those who completed detoxification with clonidine (n = 12) to those who did not (n = 17). Patients who completed treatment were significantly (p < 0.05) more likely to depend on opioids other than heroin, have private health insurance, and report low levels of subjective withdrawal symptoms. Patients with two or three of these characteristics were about seven times more likely to complete treatment than patients with none or one. Although it may not detoxify most opioid‐dependent patients, clonidine will likely play a continued role in selected patients when a non‐narcotic agent is desirable. The study findings may help target patients who could benefit the most from outpatient clonidine detoxification.
Assessing Tribal Youth Physical Activity and Programming Using a Community‐Based Participatory Research Approach
Authors: Perry Cynthia , Hoffman Barbara
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT
Objective: American Indian youth experience a greater prevalence of obesity compared with the general U.S. population. One avenue to reverse the trend toward increasing obesity prevalence is through promoting physical activity. The goal of this project was to understand tribal youths' current patterns of physical activity behavior and their beliefs and preferences about physical activity.

Design and Sample: This assessment used a community‐based participatory research approach. Sample included 35 Native youth aged 8–18.

Measures: A Community Advisory Board was created that specifically developed an exercise survey for this assessment to explore physical activity patterns, preferences, and determinants. Twenty‐six youth completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were analyzed, exploring differences by age group. Nine youth participated in 2 focus groups. Qualitative data were analyzed with thematic analysis.

Results: Youth distinguished between sports and exercise, with each possessing different determinants. Common motivators were friends, coach, and school, and barriers were lack of programs and school or work. None of the youth reported meeting the recommended 60 min of strenuous exercise daily.

Conclusions: This tribal academic partnership responded to a tribal concern by developing an exercise survey and conducting focus groups that addressed tribal‐specific questions. The results are informing program development.
Barriers and Facilitators to the Incorporation of Environmental Health into Public Health Nursing Practice
Authors: Hill Wade G. , Butterfield Patricia , Kuntz Sandra
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To describe the environmental health (EH) demands placed on public health nurses (PHNs) as well as the barriers and facilitators to incorporating EH into PHN practice.

Design and Sample: A cross‐sectional multimode (Web and pencil/paper) survey was used to collect data from PHNs in 1 rural western state. Research participants included 141 PHNs from a total of 228 survey invitations (61% response).

Measures: A 39‐item questionnaire was developed to measure the frequency of EH demands experienced by PHNs as well as the barriers and facilitators to the incorporation of EH into PHN practice and standard demographics.

Results: Significant numbers of PHNs reported less than baccalaureate preparation (29%), suggesting that EH competencies cannot be assumed. PHNs are often asked for basic EH information and cite lack of time and lack of interest on the part of the populations being cared for as barriers to incorporating EH into their practice. Facilitators included free or inexpensive continuing education programs offered via the Internet and additional Internet resources or staff resource people.

Conclusion: PHNs represent a significant portion of the public health workforce and have implied and explicit mandates to address EH issues in their practice. Resources should be directed toward helping PHNs become better prepared to address the current and future EH needs of populations.
The Nebraska Experience in Biocontainment Patient Care
Authors: Beam Elizabeth L. , Boulter Kathleen C. , Freihaut Frank , Schwedhelm Shelly , Smith Philip W.
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT
Public health nurses in local health departments may receive the first call regarding a potential case of avian influenza, monkeypox, or viral hemorrhagic fever. One public health approach to containing these dangerous infectious disease outbreaks is the use of specialized isolation units. Early access to a biocontainment patient care unit (BPCU) for isolation during a bioterrorism or public health emergency event along with appropriate use of epidemiological and therapeutic interventions in the community may dramatically impact the size and severity of a disease outbreak (Smith et al., 2006). As emerging infectious agents, pandemics, resistant organisms, and terrorism continue to threaten human life; health care and emergency care providers must be empowered to work with nurses and other professionals in public health to plan for the consequences. This article describes the evolution of Nebraska's BPCU strategy for public health preparedness in the face of a biological threat. Design priorities, unit management, challenges, and lessons learned will be shared to guide others in establishing similar infrastructure.
High‐Fidelity Simulation and Emergency Preparedness
Authors: Morrison Agnes Marie , Catanzaro Ana Maria
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTOngoing threats of bioterrorism and the consequences of natural disasters require nurses entering the workforce to be competent in emergency preparedness. Nurses need to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and use their critical thinking skills to provide safe nursing care during potentially chaotic public health emergencies. Using Institute of Medicine recommendations and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competencies, the authors describe a public health emergency simulation exercise with undergraduate senior nursing students enrolled in a public health clinical course. Students applied chronic disease, mental health, and pharmacology knowledge acquired in previous nursing courses to an unfolding infectious disease outbreak while practicing their assessment, treatment, delegation, organizational, and leadership skills. The students' quantitative evaluation of the experience indicated that 90.36% thought the purpose of the experience was clear, 91.5% thought the importance of delivering safe care during a public health emergency was stressed, and 79.5% thought the presimulation briefing and postsimulation debriefing helped them understand and participate in the drill. Qualitatively, the students' reflections of the exercise indicated that although they initially felt overwhelmed and anxious, they realized the importance of participating in emergency preparedness and recognized their ability to apply nursing skills learned in previous courses.
Developing Health Promotion Interventions: A Multisource Method Applied to Weight Loss Among Low‐Income Postpartum Women
Authors: Walker Lorraine O. , Kim Sunghun , Sterling Bobbie Sue , Latimer Lara
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT
Developing focused and relevant health promotion interventions is critical for behavioral change in a low‐resource or special population. Evidence‐based interventions, however, may not match the specific population or health concern of interest. This article describes the Multisource Method (MSM), which, in combination with a workshop format, may be used by health professionals and researchers in health promotion program development. The MSM draws on positive deviance practices and processes, focus groups, community advisors, behavioral change theory, and evidence‐based strategies. Use of the MSM is illustrated in the development of ethnic‐specific weight loss interventions for low‐income postpartum women. The MSM may be useful in designing future health programs designed for other special populations for whom existing interventions are unavailable or lack relevance.
Hints for the Aspiring Public Health Nurse
Authors: Abrams Sarah E.
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT
The original article from which these excerpts were taken, “Some Hints to the Nurse Who Seeks to Become a Successful Partner in the Community Health Program,” by Mary Margaret Muckley, was published the 1923 volume of the original Public Health Nursing journal. The paper listed practical pointers to nurses wanting to work in the area of public or community health nursing. The author's advice involved personal attributes, professional engagement, skills, effective organization, and community relations. Much of the original article contained sound advice for aspirants to nursing work in community settings, but some advice may be considered too idealistic even for this optimistic time period. While the particular references to organizations and agencies existing in Helena, Montana have been omitted, the nurse reading the paper in 1923 had a general guide to her key stakeholders. The excerpts from this paper may give contemporary readers an appreciation of the endurance of what Muckley terms the public health nurse's “Valuable Assets.”
Discrimination between prion‐infected and normal blood samples by protein misfolding cyclic amplification
Authors: Tattum M. Howard , Jones Samantha , Pal Suvankar , Collinge John , Jackson Graham S.
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of prion disease from blood samples requires the detection of minute quantities of misfolded protein (PrPSc) against a high background of correctly folded material (PrPC). Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) is a technique that can amplify small amounts of seed PrPSc to a level detectable by conventional methods. Application of PMCA to the testing of whole blood samples enhances the ability to detect PrPSc and allows antemortem detection of prion infection and could facilitate blood screening.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The PMCA method was used to detect prion infection in blood samples obtained from mice experimentally infected with prion disease. Mice were culled at various time points throughout the incubation period for disease and subjected to serial PMCA (sPMCA). Amplified samples were then analyzed by Western blotting to confirm the presence or absence of infection.

RESULTS: After sPMCA, blood samples from Rocky Mountain Laboratory–infected mice showed amplification of PrPSc to levels readily detectable by Western blotting. Control samples obtained from mice mock inoculated with sterile phosphate‐buffered saline did not yield any amplification products.

CONCLUSION: sPMCA performed on small volumes of whole blood gave amplification of PK‐resistant material to a level detectable by standard methods. Discrimination between infected and control samples was achieved without the need for processing or fractionation of whole blood. The use of whole blood as an analyte circumvents the need to identify the optimal blood compartment for analysis and guarantees the totality of misfolded PrP will be available for detection.
Viral ssRNA Induces First Trimester Trophoblast Apoptosis through an Inflammatory Mechanism
Authors: Aldo Paulomi B. , Mulla Melissa J. , Romero Roberto , Mor Gil , Abrahams Vikki M.
Published: February 2010

Citation Aldo PB, Mulla MJ, Romero R, Mor G, Abrahams VM. Viral ssRNA induces first‐trimester trophoblast apoptosis through an inflammatory mechanism. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 27–37

Problem  Infection during pregnancy represents a significant cause of mobility and mortality. While viruses pose a major threat, little is known about their effect on early pregnancy, or the mechanisms involved. The objective of this study was to characterize the trophoblast response following exposure to viral ssRNA.

Method of study  First trimester trophoblast cells were treated with or without viral ssRNA. Cytokine production was measured using multiplex analysis and ELISA. Apoptosis was determined using Hoechst staining, cell viability, and caspase activity assays.

Results  Treatment of trophoblasts with viral ssRNA increased their secretion of IL‐8, IL‐6, and IFNβ. However, the ssRNA also induced trophoblast apoptosis. To test whether the viral ssRNA‐induced inflammatory response was responsible for this induction of apoptosis, conditioned media (CM) from trophoblasts were added to a fresh culture of cells. The CM from viral ssRNA‐treated induced higher levels of trophoblast apoptosis than the control CM. Moreover, recombinant IFNβ induced trophoblast apoptosis.

Conclusion  We demonstrate that viral ssRNA induces a pro‐inflammatory and type I interferon response in the trophoblast and this inflammatory process may indirectly induce trophoblast apoptosis. These results provide a novel mechanism by which certain viral infections might compromise placental integrity and function, and therefore, pregnancy outcome.
Metabolic differences between male and female adolescents with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, as detected by ultrasound
Authors: Fernandes MTB , Ferraro AA , De Azevedo RA , Fagundes Neto U
Published: February 2010

Background:  Age, developmental stage and gender are risk factors for paediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Aims:  The aim of this study was to identify differences in clinical or laboratory variables between sexes in adolescents with NAFLD.

Methodology:  Ninety obese adolescents including 36 males and 54 females were evaluated. Inclusion criteria for this study were a Body Mass Index above the 95th percentile, as set forth by the National Center for Health Statistics, and an age of 10–19 years. A clinical and laboratory evaluation was conducted for all adolescents.

Results:  The variables that were found to be predictive of NAFLD in adolescence were visceral fat, Aminotransferase, Gamma‐Glutamyl Transferase, triglyderides, cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol. We also observed that cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol variables were influenced by gender, i.e. there was a significant statistical difference in the values of these variables between male and female adolescents. With regard to cholesterol serum concentrations, the risk was 6.99 times greater for females, compared with 1.2 times for males; and for LDL‐cholesterol serum concentrations the risk was 8.15 times greater for females, compared with and 1.26 times for males.

Conclusion:  Female adolescents with NAFLD showed a significantly different metabolic behaviour than males.
Collaborative relationship in preventive home visits to older people
Authors: Yamada Yukari , Vass Mikkel , Hvas Lotte , Igarashi Ayumi , Hendriksen Carsten , Avlund Kirsten
Published: February 2010

yamada y., vass m., hvas l., igarashi a., hendriksen c. & avlund k. (2010) Collaborative relationship in preventive home visits to older people. International Journal of Older People Nursing 6, 33–40 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00213.x

Aim.  To describe what characterizes preventive home visits with collaborative relationships among non‐disabled home‐dwelling older people in Japan.

Background.  Preventive home visits have the potential to result in improved health outcomes among older people. Collaboration, mutual understanding and trust between visitor and the visited person seem to work as a vehicle, but little is known about which part of the encounters contributes to a collaborative relationship.

Methods.  We performed a retrospective qualitative analysis of visiting records written by preventive home visitors immediately after the visits were made. A collaborative relationship was predefined as a favourable change in behaviour seen in the visited person during the study period. Visitor characteristics were analysed from 248 records where 37 cases of collaborative relationships were documented.

Results.  The three most important elements associated with a collaborative relationship were (i) visitor communication skills i.e. mastering ‘enhancing motivation’ and ‘having patience and coping with frustrations’ in difficult and problematic situations, (ii) professionalism, which includes ‘professional instruction and guidance’ based on documented knowledge in health and social domains combined with an overall ‘caring approach’ and (iii) practical actions which imply an ‘immediate concrete response to identified needs or problems’ and ‘individually tailored advice’ to suit the older person’s daily life.

Conclusions.  Preventive home visitor communication skills and professionalism, and practical actions after the visits characterized cases, where favourable changes in behaviour were obtained in non‐disabled home‐dwelling older people in Japan.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Education should be emphasized, because preventive home visitor competence may be the most important element of proactive assessment schemes to obtain beneficial outcomes.
Genetics and Neuroscience in Dyslexia: Perspectives for Education and Remediation
Authors: Schulte‐Körne Gerd , Ludwig Kerstin U. , El Sharkawy Jennifer , Nöthen Markus M. , Müller‐Myhsok Bertram , Hoffmann Per
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT — Our understanding of the causes of a developmental disorder like dyslexia has received recent input from both neuroscience and genetics. The discovery of 4 candidate genes for dyslexia and the identification of neuronal networks engaged when children read and spell are the basis for introducing this knowledge into education. However, the input from educational practitioners as well as empirical knowledge from research on learning also contribute significantly to our understanding of how children acquire the basic skills for learning to read and spell. It is imperative to merge the knowledge acquired from research in the fields of neuroscience, genetics, and empirical education, as well as to understand how the learning brain and instruction interact. Doing so can be seen as a major step in attaining an optimal approach for teaching, reading, and spelling and for finding the best suited and most effective treatment concepts for dyslexic children and adolescents.
Reading and Generalist Genes
Authors: Haworth Claire M. A. , Meaburn Emma L. , Harlaar Nicole , Plomin Robert
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT— Twin‐study research suggests that many (but not all) of the same genes contribute to genetic influence on diverse learning abilities and disabilities, a hypothesis called generalist genes. This generalist genes hypothesis was tested using a set of 10 DNA markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) found to be associated with early reading ability in a study of 4,258 7‐year‐old children that screened 100,000 SNPs. Using the same sample, we show that this early reading SNP set also correlates with other aspects of literacy, components of mathematics, and more general cognitive abilities. These results provide support for the generalist genes hypothesis. Although the effect size of the current SNP set is small, such SNP sets could eventually be used to predict genetic risk for learning disabilities as well as to prescribe genetically tailored intervention and prevention programs.
Understanding the Etiology of Complex Traits: Symbiotic Relationships Between Psychology and Genetics
Authors: Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT— The present article offers comments on the infusion of methodologies, approaches, reasoning strategies, and findings from the fields of genetics and genomics into studies of complex human behaviors (hereafter, complex phenotypes). Specifically, I discuss issues of generality and specificity, causality, and replicability as they pertain to molecular genetic studies of human phenotypes. These issues are illustrated with findings from genetic linkage and association studies investigating the etiology of disorders of spoken and written language—an area of inquiry that has been consistently referenced as one of the most successful in terms of its progress in understanding the genetic bases of human behaviors. I complete this discussion with comments on how the stronger presence of genetics and genomics in psychology is changing the conceptualization and investigation of research questions and affecting the next generation of interdisciplinary research.
NIH Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Gamete Donors
Authors: Lo Bernard , Parham Lindsay , Cedars Marcelle , Fisher Susan , Gates Elena , Giudice Linda , Halme Dina Gould , Hershon William , Kriegstein Arnold , Rao Radhika , Roberts Clifford , Wagner Richard
Published: February 2010

Rather than informed consent, dispositional authorization may be the preferred strategy in obtaining gamete donations for embryonic stem cell research.
Peptidomimetic Antibiotics Target Outer-Membrane Biogenesis in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Srinivas Nityakalyani , Jetter Peter , Ueberbacher Bernhard J. , Werneburg Martina , Zerbe Katja , Steinmann Jessica , Van der Meijden Benjamin , Bernardini Francesca , Lederer Alexander , Dias Ricardo L. A. , Misson Pauline E. , Henze Heiko , Zumbrunn Jürg , Gombert Frank O. , Obrecht Daniel , Hunziker Peter , Schauer Stefan , Ziegler Urs , Käch Andres , Eberl Leo , Riedel Kathrin , DeMarco Steven J. , Robinson John A.
Published: February 2010

Killing
Pseudomonas

Gram-negative
Pseudomonas
bacteria are opportunistic pathogens, and drug-resistant strains present a serious health problem.

Srinivas
et al.

(p.
1010
) synthesized a family of peptidomimetic antibiotics that is active only against
Pseudomonas
. These antibiotics do not lyse the cell membrane, but instead target an essential outer membrane protein, LptD, which plays a role in the assembly of lipopolysaccharide in the outer cell membrane. Activity in a mouse infection model suggests that the antibiotics might have therapeutic potential. In addition, LptD is widely distributed in gram-negative bacteria and so its validation as a target has the potential to drive development of antibiotics with a broader spectrum of activity against gram-negative pathogens.
Asymmetric Cooperative Catalysis of Strong Brønsted Acid–Promoted Reactions Using Chiral Ureas
Authors: Xu Hao , Zuend Stephan J. , Woll Matthew G. , Tao Ye , Jacobsen Eric N.
Published: February 2010

Acid Assistance

Protons are quite versatile catalysts of organic reactions, but because they are achiral, they cannot induce stereoselectivity on their own. One productive way around this problem has been to use chiral conjugate bases and perform reactions in media where the bases remain tightly attracted to protonated substrates.

Xu
et al.

(p.
986
; see the Perspective by

Schreiner

) thoroughly explored the mechanism of an alternative approach, in which an achiral acid was used in conjunction with a second, chiral molecule (a urea derivative) for catalysis. High selectivity was attained with this method in the coupling of aryl imines with olefins. Extensive kinetic and computational studies showed that the acid and its chiral partner acted cooperatively in binding the substrates, optimizing the tradeoff between speed and selectivity.
Climate, Critters, and Cetaceans: Cenozoic Drivers of the Evolution of Modern Whales
Authors: Marx Felix G. , Uhen Mark D.
Published: February 2010

From Big Fish to Big Whales

Whales are the largest animals today, and many feed on the abundant plankton, particularly diatoms, in the oceans. Whales arose and diversified in the Cenozoic, about 30 to 40 million years ago (see the Perspective by

Cavin

).
Marx and Uhen
(p.
993
) show that their diversity parallels the diversity of diatoms and changes in ocean temperature. Whether there were large predators of plankton before whales has been enigmatic, because the fossil record during the Mesozoic (245 to 65 million years ago) is sparse.

Friedman
et al.

(p.
990
) now show that a group of large fish filled this role for nearly 100 million years in the Mesozoic. Although not as large as whales, these globally distributed fish were still several meters long. Their extinction at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary 65.5 million years ago may have cleared the seas for the evolution of whales.
The Lowdown on Heavy Fermions
Authors: Coleman Piers
Published: February 2010

Layer-by-layer growth provides a route to control the properties of complex interacting electron systems.
Cooperativity Tames Reactive Catalysts
Authors: Schreiner Peter R.
Published: February 2010

A fast catalyst that forms undesired side products is made more selective through its strong interactions with a second catalyst.
On Giant Filter Feeders
Authors: Cavin Lionel
Published: February 2010

Massive filter-feeding vertebrates have roamed the world's oceans for the past 170 million years.
Rise of the Rival
Authors: Norvell Amanda , McMahon Steven B.
Published: February 2010

Widespread acetylation of metabolic enzymes suggests a modification that is as important as protein phosphorylation in controlling cell function.
When the Beginning Marks the End
Authors: Mogk Axel , Bukau Bernd
Published: February 2010

An acetylated amino terminus represents a degradation signal for eukaryotic proteins.
Marshall Warren Nirenberg (1927–2010)
Authors: Leder Philip
Published: February 2010

Passion and curiosity spurred a soft-spoken biologist to lead the fierce race to crack the code of life.
Brawling Over Mammography
Authors: Marshall Eliot
Published: February 2010

A scientific study of the benefits and harms of screening women in their 40s got buried by the politics of health-care reform.
Improbable Partners Aim to Bring Biotechnology to a Himalayan Kingdom
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: February 2010

A British mycologist and a local businessperson have launched a pharmaceutical venture grounded in a Buddhist reverence for the environment.
What Comes Next?
Authors: Cipra Barry
Published: February 2010

One of mathematicians' most beloved Web sites is getting ready for a makeover, it was reported at the Joint Mathematics Meetings. The Online Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences, established by Neil Sloane at AT&T Labs Research in 1996 and run largely as a one-man shop, is poised to go "wiki," with 50 associate editors taking over much of the workload.
Medical Education Research As Translational Science
Authors: McGaghie William C.
Published: February 2010

Rigorous application of basic behavioral science principles in educational settings produces significant improvements in patient care practices and patient outcomes.
HELP Is On the Way!
Authors: Alumkal Joshi
Published: February 2010

HELP, a high-throughput platform for assessing DNA methylation changes, provides new insights into the molecular biology and clinical behavior of acute myeloid leukemia.
Carrier of Choice
Authors: Cheng Elaine
Published: February 2010

A new system for the efficient delivery of siRNAs in vivo facilitates gene silencing.
Seroprevalence of Aichi Virus in a Spanish Population from 2007 to 2008
Authors: Ribes Juan Manuel , Montava Rebeca , Téllez-Castillo Carlos J. , Fernández-Jiménez Manuel , Buesa Javier
Published: February 2010

Viruses are among the most common causes of acute gastroenteritis. In recent years, new viruses causing outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis have been described. Among these, Aichi virus was identified in Japan in 1989. Aichi virus belongs to the
Kobuvirus
genus in the family
Picornaviridae
. This virus has been detected in outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with oyster consumption and in pediatric stool samples, but little is known about its epidemiology or pathogenesis. In the present study, the prevalence of antibodies to Aichi virus in a Spanish population was determined between 2007 and 2008 by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As in previous studies, a high seroprevalence of antibodies to Aichi virus (70%) was observed, with levels differing according to age. We observed significant differences in titers of antibody to Aichi virus among different age groups, grouped by decades. We report high ELISA and neutralizing antibody titers, and both titers fitted a sigmoid curve significantly. However, this virus is seldom detected; therefore, further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of its importance as a pathogenic agent.
Improved Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection by Multiplex PCR of Sonication Fluid from Removed Implants
Authors: Achermann Yvonne , Vogt Markus , Leunig Michael , Wüst Jürg , Trampuz Andrej
Published: February 2010

The microbiological diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is crucial for successful antimicrobial treatment. Cultures have limited sensitivity, especially in patients receiving antibiotics. We evaluated the value of multiplex PCR for detection of microbial DNA in sonication fluid from removed orthopedic prostheses. Cases of PJI in which the prosthesis (or part of it) was removed were prospectively included. The removed implant was sonicated, and the resulting sonication fluid was cultured and subjected to multiplex PCR. Of 37 PJI cases (17 hip prostheses, 14 knee prostheses, 4 shoulder prostheses, 1 elbow prosthesis, and 1 ankle prosthesis), pathogens were identified in periprosthetic tissue in 24 (65%) cases, in sonication fluid in 23 (62%) cases, and by multiplex PCR in 29 (78%) cases. The pathogen was detected in 5 cases in sonication fluid only (
Propionibacterium acnes
in all cases; none of these patients had previously received antibiotics) and in 11 cases by multiplex PCR only (all of these patients had previously received antibiotics). After exclusion of 8 cases caused by
P. acnes
or
Corynebacterium
species, which cannot be detected due to the absence of specific primers in the PCR kit, sonication cultures were positive in 17 cases and multiplex PCR sonication cultures were positive in 29 cases (59% versus 100%, respectively;
P
< 0.01). Among 19 cases (51%) receiving antibiotics, multiplex PCR was positive in all 19 (100%), whereas sonication cultures grew the organism in 8 (42%) (
P
< 0.01). Multiplex PCR of sonication fluid is a promising test for diagnosis of PJI, particularly in patients who previously received antibiotics. With modified primer sets, multiplex PCR has the potential for further improvement of the diagnosis of PJI.
Comparison of Traditional Phenotypic Identification Methods with Partial 5′ 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing for Species-Level Identification of Nonfermenting Gram-Negative Bacilli
Authors: Cloud Joann L. , Harmsen Dag , Iwen Peter C. , Dunn James J. , Hall Gerri , LaSala Paul Rocco , Hoggan Karen , Wilson Deborah , Woods Gail L. , Mellmann Alexander
Published: February 2010

Correct identification of nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFB) is crucial for patient management. We compared phenotypic identifications of 96 clinical NFB isolates with identifications obtained by 5′ 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Sequencing identified 88 isolates (91.7%) with >99% similarity to a sequence from the assigned species; 61.5% of sequencing results were concordant with phenotypic results, indicating the usability of sequencing to identify NFB.
Performance of an Agar Dilution Method and a Vitek 2 Card for Detection of Inducible Clindamycin Resistance in
Staphylococcus
spp
Authors: Lavallée Christian , Rouleau Danielle , Gaudreau Christiane , Roger Michel , Tsimiklis Catherine , Locas Marie-Claude , Gagnon Simon , Delorme Jocelyn , Labbé Annie-Claude
Published: February 2010

The D-zone test detects inducible clindamycin resistance in
Staphylococcus
spp. Two other methods not described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) are available to test for this resistance mechanism: an agar dilution method and new Vitek 2 cards. This study evaluated the performance of both methods in detecting inducible clindamycin resistance. Nonduplicate clinical strains of
Staphylococcus
spp. (111
Staphylococcus aureus
and 52 coagulase-negative staphylococcus strains), intermediate or resistant to erythromycin but susceptible to clindamycin, were obtained from three hospitals in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Molecular analysis to detect resistance genes was conducted on all strains. A Mueller-Hinton agar containing 1 mg of erythromycin and 0.5 mg of clindamycin/liter was used for the dilution method, and two inocula were tested: 10
4
and 10
5
CFU per spot. Plates were read at 24 and 48 h. The Vitek 2 AST-P580 card was used according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The results were compared to those of the D-zone test. The D-zone test was positive in 134 of 163 (82%) strains. With the 10
4
CFU inoculum, the sensitivities were 84 and 99% at 24 and 48 h, respectively. The 10
5
CFU inoculum increased the sensitivities at 24 and 48 h to 91 and 100%, respectively. The specificity was 100% for the 10
4
CFU inoculum at 24 h and 97% for the other combinations. The sensitivity and specificity for the Vitek 2 card were 93 and 100%, respectively. The performance of both the agar dilution method and the Vitek 2 card was good, but these methods were not as sensitive as the D-zone test at 24 h.
Molecular Typing of Pneumococci for Investigation of Linked Cases of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
Authors: Pichon Bruno , Moyce Laura , Sheppard Carmen , Slack Mary , Turbitt Deborah , Pebody Richard , Spencer David A. , Edwards Justin , Krahé Daniel , George Robert
Published: February 2010

In winter 2007-2008, an outbreak of pediatric pneumonia caused by serotype 5 pneumococci was identified in a northeast London suburb. Variable number of tandem repeat analyses clustered these pneumococci from the other serotype 5 pneumococci in the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of this discriminative typing method in supporting epidemiological investigations.