bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitric Oxide Does Not Significantly Contribute to Changes in Pulse Pressure Amplification During Light Aerobic Exercise
Authors: Sharman James E. , McEniery Carmel M. , Campbell Ross , Pusalkar Pawan , Wilkinson Ian B. , Coombes Jeff S. , Cockcroft John R.
Published: February 2008

NO modulates resting blood pressure and wave reflection. The effect of NO on exercise central hemodynamics is unknown but has important implications relating to cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of NO to pulse pressure (PP) amplification and wave reflection during exercise. Twelve healthy men aged 29±1 years (mean±SEM) undertook cycle exercise at 60% of their maximal heart rate. Noninvasive measures of central blood pressure, estimated aortic pulse wave velocity, and wave reflection (augmentation index) were obtained by pulse wave analysis during intravenous infusion of saline (control),
N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine (a NO-synthase inhibitor), or noradrenaline (control vasoconstrictor). PP amplification was defined as the ratio of peripheral to central PP. Cardiac output and stroke volume were determined by electric bioimpedance. Both
N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine and noradrenaline caused a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (
P
<0.01) and augmentation index (
P
<0.01), as well as reduced ratio of peripheral to central PP (
P
<0.05) at baseline. Exercise caused a significant increase in the ratio of peripheral to central PP (
P
<0.001), whereas augmentation index and estimated aortic pulse wave velocity declined (for both
P
<0.05) during all 3 of the infusion protocols. However, no significant differences were observed in augmentation index, ratio of peripheral to central PP, or estimated aortic pulse wave velocity between infusion procedures (
P
>0.50) during exercise. Also, heart rate, peripheral vascular resistance, and cardiac output did not differ during exercise between saline,
N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine, or noradrenaline. Although we cannot rule out other vasodilator mechanisms having adjusted for NO blockade, our results indicate that NO does not solely contribute to systemic arterial stiffness or altered blood pressure amplification during light exercise.
O-(β-Hydroxyethyl)-Rutosides Systemic and Local Treatment in Chronic Venous Disease and Microangiopathy: An Independent Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Belcaro Gianni , Rosaria Cesarone Maria , Ledda Andrea , Cacchio Marisa , Ruffini Irma , Ricci Andrea , Ippolito Edmondo , Di Renzo Andrea , Dugall Mark , Corsi Marcello , Marino Santarelli Anna Rita , Grossi Maria Giovanna
Published: February 2008

O-(β-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides (HR) is used to treat chronic venous disease and signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), varicose veins, and deep venous disease. This independent prospective controlled trial (a registry study) evaluates how the efficacy of HR at the local level (perimalleolar region) can be increased by the administration of a topical HR gel. The study is based on evaluation of microcirculatory variables in patients with severe CVI (ambulatory venous pressure, >56 mm Hg) and venous microangiopathy. Patients are treated using 1 of the following 3 regimens: oral treatment with 1-g sachets of HR (2 g/d total) plus topical HR 2% gel applied 3 times daily at the internal perimalleolar region; oral treatment only (same dosage), or light elastic compression stockings. Laser Doppler skin flux at rest, skin flux at the perimalleolar region, and transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2 are measured at baseline and at the end of the treatment period. A comparable group of healthy individuals without treatment is observed for 8 weeks. In the treatment groups, flux is increased, PO2 is decreased, and PCO2 is increased compared with normal skin. At 4 and 8 weeks, the improvement in skin flux (which is decreased by all measurements), the increase in PO 2, and the decrease in PCO2 (indicating microcirculatory improvement) are statistically significantly greater in the combined oral plus topical treatment group (P < .05). No adverse effects, tolerability problems, or compliance issues are noted. These results indicate an important role of HR in the treatment and control of CVI and venous microangiopathy.
Textbooks and Sociology: A Franco—British Comparison
Authors: Schrecker Cherry
Published: February 2008

This comparison of British and French textbooks published between 1950 and 2003 sets out to identify differences and similarities in form and content that may be indicative of the ways in which sociology is conceived of and practised in the two countries. Various aspects of the texts are examined such as their definitions of sociology, their construction of the sociological tradition and their use of examples and illustrations. Both common features and differences are found suggesting the existence of distinct national traditions that refer to more universal characteristics inherent in sociology as a discipline.
The Tradition of Norwegian Sociology Textbooks
Authors: Sand Hans Petter
Published: February 2008

The four main Norwegian introductory textbooks are reviewed; their use by a wider Nordic audience made it possible for a small country to support so many books. The texts are described in relation to the characteristics of their authors, and it is shown how they have reflected the general style of Norwegian sociology and have followed its broad trajectory in the postwar period.
Theory Use in Introductory Sociology Textbooks
Authors: Harley Kirsten
Published: February 2008

Introductory sociology textbooks are one of the disciplinary sites that illustrate both the prominent place, and many uses, of theory in sociology. This article examines the place of theory in a selection of introductory sociology textbooks published in Australia, Britain and the US. It identifies the emergence of theory as a separate topic warranting its own sections or chapters, and considers the historical changes in explicit advice provided about the nature and use of theory in sociology. It also illustrates some of the uses of theory exhibited there that go beyond those directly addressed in textbook advice.
Emory Bogardus and The New Social Research
Authors: Lee Raymond M.
Published: February 2008

This article describes The New Social Research, a methodology textbook published in 1926 by Emory S. Bogardus. This was the product of the methodological developments associated with the Pacific Race Relations Survey, directed by Robert Park. The book is of considerable interest for what it tells us about research methods at the time, in particular the transition from methods based on the life history to the use of depth interviewing, but it is now largely forgotten, for reasons that are discussed.
The Next Generation of Disproportionality Research
Authors: Artiles Alfredo J. , Bal Aydin
Published: February 2008

Minority student disproportionate representation in special education has been debated and (increasingly) studied in the United States for the past 40 years. The purpose of this article is to place this problem in the larger arena of equity studies related to difference in educational practice and propose a comparative model to study it. A first step in the creation of a comparative interdisciplinary paradigm is the publication of this special series. The authors theorize the disproportionality problem and critique U.S. research on the topic before introducing the articles included in this issue, which cover six nations on four continents. The authors conclude with a discussion of key themes to include in the next generation of comparative interdisciplinary research on disproportionality.
Cultural and Social Diversity
Authors: Werning Rolf , Löser Jessica M. , Urban Michael
Published: February 2008

This article focuses on the special situation of children from low socioeconomic backgrounds and children from immigrant backgrounds within the German school system. This analysis presents an overview of research results showing a strong overrepresentation of these two minority groups within the special education system, particularly within special schools for students with learning difficulties. The authors emphasize the exclusionary and inclusionary processes within the German school system, showing that the strong tendency toward homogeneous grouping in German schools leads to disadvantages for minority students.
Relative Bioavailability of Lisdexamfetamine 70‐mg Capsules in Fasted and Fed Healthy Adult Volunteers and in Solution: A Single‐Dose, Crossover Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Krishnan Suma , Zhang Yuxin
Published: February 2008

The relative bioavailability of oral lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a prodrug of d‐amphetamine, and active d‐amphetamine was assessed in an open‐label, single‐dose, 3‐treatment, 3‐period, randomized, crossover study in 18 healthy adult volunteers. Following a fast of at least 10 hours, subjects were administered an intact capsule of 70 mg lisdexamfetamine, a solution containing the capsule contents, or an intact capsule with a high‐fat meal. Standard meals started 4 hours following lisdexamfetamine administration. Blood samples were taken predose (0 hours) and 0.5 to 72 hours postdose, and the concentrations of d‐amphetamine and lisdexamfetamine were measured. AUC and Cmax for d‐amphetamine were similar when lisdexamfetamine 70 mg was administered to healthy adults in the fed or fasted state. The AUC of intact lisdexamfetamine was similar when the latter was taken without food or in solution, but Cmax was lower when lisdexamfetamine was administered with food. The tmax of d‐amphetamine and intact lisdexamfetamine was similar when taken in solution or in the fasted state but was about 1 hour longer when taken with food. Adverse events were typical for amphetamine products. These findings indicate that food does not have a significant effect on d‐amphetamine or lisdexamfetamine bioavailability in healthy adults and that lisdexamfetamine was well tolerated.
Clinical Microdialysis in Skin and Soft Tissues: An Update
Authors: Schmidt Stephan , Banks Rebecca , Kumar Vipul , Rand Kennet H. , Derendorf Hartmut
Published: February 2008

Traditionally, plasma or serum drug concentrations have been used for the assessment of bioavailability and bioequivalence. Since in the majority of cases the site of drug action is in the tissue rather than the blood, the use of corresponding free, unbound concentrations in the tissue is a much more meaningful approach. This can become especially important for topical drug administrations, where locally active drug concentrations can significantly exceed free concentrations in plasma. The ability to measure these free concentrations at the site of drug action over time makes microdialysis a very valuable tool for the assessment of bioavailability and bioequivalence. This has been recognized by industry and regulatory authorities, resulting in a recommendation of the microdialysis technique as a tool for bioequivalence determination of topical dermatologic products. The aim of this article is to provide an updated review of the microdialysis technique, its applications in skin and soft tissues, and the resulting impact on clinical drug development.
Lack of Association Between Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism and Vascular Dementia in Koreans
Authors: Ki Woong Kim  , Youn Jong-Chul , Han Moon-Ku , Nam Jong Paik  , Tae Joo Lee  , Joon Hyuk Park  , Seok Bum Lee  , Il Han Choo  , Dong Young Lee  , Jin Hyeong Jhoo  , Jong Inn Woo
Published: February 2008

To investigate an association of vascular dementia (VD) with the apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism, the APOE polymorphism of 100 VD patients, 100 age- and gender-matched Alzheimer disease (AD) patients, and 200 age- and gender-matched nondemented control (NC) subjects was genotyped. The distribution of APOE polymorphism was compared. Neither the APOE ε4 allele nor the APOE ε2 allele was more prevalent in the VD patients compared with the NC subjects ( P > .1 by the χ 2 test), which was the case when both men and women were analyzed separately ( P > .1 by the χ2 test) and when young patients (75 years old or less) and old patients (more than 75 years old) were analyzed separately ( P > .1 by the χ2 test). The estimated statistical power was over 0.80 when the odds ratios (OR) for VD conferred to the APOE ε4 are assumed to be higher than 2.2 and the type I error probability is set at 0.05, which is much higher than the power of the previous studies on the VD/APOE association. In conclusion, the results suggested that APOE ε4 allele does not confer the risk for VD, and even if it does, it does so very modestly.
Retention Rates on RBANS Memory Subtests in Elderly Adults
Authors: Schoenberg Mike R. , Duff Kevin , Beglinger Leigh J. , Moser David J. , Bayless John D. , Mold James , Scott James G. , Adams Russell L.
Published: February 2008

Identification of memory impairment is important for neuropsychological diagnostic and research applications, and retention rates on verbal and visual memory tests can provide useful information when characterizing a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Although the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) is becoming a popular screening battery for cognitive functions, normative data on retention rates are not available. The retention rates of verbal and visual material were evaluated in a sample of clinical patients (n = 109) compared to a healthy control group (n = 718). Individual subtest retention rates were converted to age-corrected scaled scores based on the cumulative distribution of raw scores obtained by an elderly community-dwelling sample. Compared with the healthy normative sample, the percent retention found for the clinical group was significantly lower on all 3 RBANS memory subtests. These preliminary data suggest that retention rates of the RBANS memory subtests may add to the clinical utility of this test as a neuropsychological diagnostic and research tool.
The Relationship of Older Adults' Activities and Body Mass Index
Authors: Kristi Rahrig Jenkins  , Fultz Nancy H.
Published: February 2008

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and older adults' hours of participation in 31 activities. Methods: Descriptive statistics are presented for the relationships between BMI and sociodemographics, health behaviors, and health characteristics. Linear regression was used to model the number of hours of participation in each activity. Results: The hypothesis that being overweight or obese is associated with older adults' activities was supported. For example, compared to those of normal weight, obese older adults spend fewer hours walking, exercising, praying and meditating, house cleaning, and engaging in personal grooming. And, compared to normal weight older adults, obese older adults spend a greater number of hours watching television. Discussion: These results substantiate prior findings of a negative relationship between physical activity and excess weight, and the lack of a relationship between social activity and BMI.
The Evolution of Unintentional Injury Mortality Among Elderly in Europe
Authors: Petridou Eleni Th. , Dikalioti Stavroula K. , Dessypris Nick , Skalkidis Ilias , Barbone Fabio , Fitzpatrick Patricia , Heloma Antero , Segui-Gomez Maria , Sethi Dinesh
Published: February 2008

Objectives: To compare cause-specific unintentional injury mortality trends among elderly (65+) in the European Union over a 10-year period. Method: Overall and cause-specific data for 23 out of the 29 EU and European Free Trade Association countries with population ≥ 1,000,000 were retrieved from the World Health Organization (WHO), and age-standardized mortality rates for the first and last 3 available years of the study period were calculated. Proportional mortality changes were estimated through linear regression. Results: Circa 1993, country-specific rates varied widely (>fourfold), but this gap is closing and a statistically significant downward trend in overall mortality is noted circa 2002, in about half of the countries. Rates from falls were reduced by 4.3%, from motor vehicle traffic by 3.1%, and from smoke, fire, and flames by 3.1%. Discussion: A large proportion of EU countries enjoys steady declining trends by major unintentional injury mortality category. Success factors and barriers underlying these benchmarking patterns should be further explored to accelerate the process of injury reduction.
Cultural Diversity, Relocation, and the Security of International Students at an Internationalised University
Authors: Forbes-Mewett Helen , Nyland Chris
Published: February 2008

The notion of security is an elusive concept that attracts varying interpretations. In this article, the authors adopt a definition that views security as a broadly applicable term that encompasses physical, social, and economic dimensions that relate to human rights, cultural difference, and relocation. The approach embraces the complexities of the security needs of international students in the context of a competitive and volatile education market. As Australia's largest international education provider, Monash University is an ideal setting within which to explore the security issues that arise for international students. Fifty-five interviewees including student representatives, frontline staff, and senior management share their experiences of working closely with Monash international students. The data is used to show that there are complex cultural differences in the notion of security and that being in an unfamiliar culture affects students' sense and level of security. Understanding these influences usefully translates into reflections on how well and by whom students' security needs are met.
Internet chat in simulations: Taking BULLYING online
Authors: Hull Emily Blackshear
Published: February 2008

This article discusses the pedagogical implications of using Internet chat in simulations for second-language learners. The author reviews several published simulations and explains how to use Internet chat effectively in the classroom. The author also relays her experience with using Internet chat with the BULLYING simulation.
Walking out of two-level social traps (with a little help from my friends)
Authors: Urlacher Brian R.
Published: February 2008

Studies of iterated prisoner's dilemmas (IPD) have shown that agents can escape the social trap of mutual defection by focusing on future gains or by learning from prior experiences. This terrain has been well charted. Yet only recently has attention turned to how groups of agents engage in an IPD scenario against other groups, a scenario that the author dubs “two-level social traps.” This article investigates the impact of group size on the performance of groups in a two-group IPD based on Michael W. Macy's STOCHASTIC LEARNING MODEL OF SOCIAL EXCHANGE. The findings of the study suggest that when a democratic (majoritarian) decision rule is used, larger groups perform better in moving from an uncooperative equilibrium to a cooperative equilibrium. The proposed explanation for this is that larger groups reduce uncertainty in the random processes of strategy selection.
Combining role-playing games and policy simulation exercises: An experience with Moroccan smallholder farmers
Authors: Dionnet Mathieu , Kuper Marcel , Hammani Ali , Garin Patrice
Published: February 2008

Moroccan agriculture is currently undergoing major political, socioeconomic, and environmental transitions. Smallholder farmers involved in large-scale irrigation schemes need to modernize their systems to face these challenges. In this study, a participatory process incorporating different simulation and gaming tools was designed and applied to accompany farmer groups in designing joint irrigation projects, generally drip irrigation systems. A role-playing game was used in the first phase of the process to raise awareness among farmers about the scope and contents of a joint irrigation project and list the different knowledge gaps. During the second phase, a policy simulation exercise based on the actual field situation enabled farmer groups to design their own joint drip irrigation project. As a result, several farmer groups produced a feasibility study for their joint drip irrigation system. Our experience highlighted the complementarity of these tools in a process of change. The abstract role-playing game provided valid learning experience while the realistic simulation supported concrete decision making.
Use and Predictors of Out-of-Home Placements Within Systems of Care
Authors: Farmer Elizabeth M. Z. , Mustillo Sarah , Burns Barbara J. , Holden E. Wayne
Published: February 2008

This article examines out-of-home placements for youth with mental health problems in community-based systems of care. Longitudinal data come from the national evaluation of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program. One third of youth residing at home when they enrolled in the system of care were placed out of home during the 2-year follow-up period. As expected, youth who were placed out of home displayed more problems, fewer strengths, and more risk factors than youth who remained at home. However, results suggested few differences between youth placed in foster care and those placed in more restrictive settings. In addition, there was increased placement instability for Hispanic and older youth. Findings suggest that out-of-home placements remain a common component in systems of care. This suggests the immediate need for additional work on effectiveness of these settings for youth within systems of care.
The Relationship Between PTSD Symptoms and Attention Problems in Children Exposed to the Bosnian War
Authors: Syed Arshad Husain  , Allwood Maureen A. , Bell Debora J.
Published: February 2008

The authors examined the mediating role of posttraumatic stress symptoms in the relationship between traumatic event exposure and attention problems in a sample of 791 Sarajevan children exposed to the Bosnian war. They hypothesized that because of similarities in the arousal symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the hyperactive—inattentive symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), PTSD symptoms would mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and attention problems. The findings support the hypothesis. The findings also show evidence of a reporter effect, whereby the relationship between trauma symptoms and attention problems was strongest when both types of symptoms were reported by school officials. Given the potentially spurious relationship between trauma exposure and attention problems, careful consideration must be given to the diagnosis of traumatized youth who present with ADHD symptoms. In accordance with practice guidelines, a multi-informant, multi-measure approach in the assessment of attention problems is strongly recommended.
Using participant observation in pediatric health care settings: ethical challenges and solutions
Authors: Carnevale Franco A. , Macdonald Mary Ellen , Bluebond-Langner Myra , McKeever Patricia
Published: February 2008

Participant observation strategies may be particularly effective for research involving children and their families in health care settings. These techniques, commonly used in ethnography and grounded theory, can elicit data and foster insights more readily than other research approaches, such as structured interviews or quantitative methods. This article outlines recommendations for the ethical conduct of participant observation in pediatric health care settings. This involves a brief overview of the significant contributions that participant observation can bring to our understanding of children and families in health care settings; an examination of the elements of participant observation that are necessary conditions for its effective conduct; an outline of contemporary ethical norms in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States for research in pediatric health care settings; and a discussion of how participant observation research should be operationalized in order to comply with these norms.
Children and young people's preference of thematic design and colour for their hospital environment
Authors: Coad Jane , Coad Nigel
Published: February 2008

In this innovative project, the views of children and young people were explored regarding their preference of thematic design and colour for their hospital environment in a new children's unit. The novelty of the approach was that it was driven by the preferred choices of children and young people through the use of `child-friendly' interviews and questionnaires. Informing the study was the development of a group of children and young people who underwent research training, and with support, developed all data collection tools and helped to verify data analysis. A two-phased sequential study was undertaken. During phase 1, 40 interviews were performed with children and young people, including 10 with additional learning needs and physical disabilities while 140 questionnaires were analysed for phase 2 of the study. Notable issues emerged about preferred thematic designs of walls, doors and floors, while new findings were revealed regarding colour preferences for wards, entrances and outpatient areas.
Gender assignment surgery on children with disorders of sex development: a case report and discussion from South Africa
Authors: Rebelo Ethelwyn , Szabo Christopher P. , Pitcher Graeme
Published: February 2008

This case report highlights the dilemma faced by staff with regard to the timing of surgery on a child with a disorder of sex development living in a large, lower socio-economic class, South African, urban township. In this community, children with disorders of sex development can sometimes become an object of interest and ridicule or are thought to be bewitched. Many parents of children with such disorders find it difficult to protect their offspring from the marginalization and rejection that is the consequence of such curiosity and transparency. Current research and theory pertaining to the biological and social bases of gender identity and behaviour are reviewed and their capacity to guide decisions is explored. The absence of a support group to assist these children and their parents, and the paucity of information available in the public domain, compounds an already challenging problem.
Prospective study of peer victimization and social-psychological adjustment in children with endocrine disorders
Authors: Devine Katie A. , Storch Eric A. , Geffken Gary R. , Freddo Marianna , Humphrey Jamie L. , Silverstein Janet H.
Published: February 2008

This article evaluates the relations between peer victimization and child and parent reports of social-psychological variables 1.5 years later. Thirty-six children diagnosed with endocrine disorders and their parents completed questionnaires regarding social-psychological functioning. Peer victimization at time 2 was significantly related to concurrent depression, loneliness, externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Hierarchical linear regression equations indicated that peer victimization at baseline was not a significant predictor of time 2 social-psychological functioning when baseline levels of each variable were controlled. Significant correlations were found between baseline and time 2 levels of social anxiety, loneliness, externalizing and internalizing symptoms, with medium to large effect sizes. Peer victimization, social anxiety, loneliness, internalizing and externalizing behavior problems are relatively stable across time. Peer victimization is related to concurrent adjustment problems but may not contribute to the development of new problems. Early identification and intervention is imperative. Medical visits are an opportunity to assess and refer for treatment.
Challenging stigma around mental illness and promoting social inclusion using the performing arts
Authors: Twardzicki Maya
Published: February 2008

This article outlines the rationale, evidence base, method and qualitative evaluation of a project that uses the performing arts to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote social inclusion of people with mental health problems. The partnership project has run for three years with students of Reigate Sixth Form College and staff and users of voluntary and statutory mental health services in East Surrey. Collation of three years of evaluation data showed it as a successful approach to: positively influence students' attitudes, knowledge and empathy around mental health issues; and positively affect mental health service clients' mood and their feelings of achievement, confidence and inclusion. Key elements of the project's success and sustainability are summarised.
Does partnered dance promote health? The case of tango Argentino
Authors: Kreutz Gunter
Published: February 2008

Aims: Cultural activities, including music, singing and dance, have often been conceptualised as enhancing well-being as well as promoting mental and physical health. This paper focuses on partnered dance in the context of `cultures of fitness'.1 Its purpose was to investigate the dancers of tango Argentino, and to explore potential health benefits in this group.

Methods: Participants (N = 110) completed a self-developed inventory, which was, in part, based on interviews and observations as a participant observer. The inventory addresses educational, musical, and socio-economic background, motivation for and investment in dancing tango, and other leisure activities.

Results: Dancers are characterized by high-level education and socio-economic status. Motivation appears to be predominantly driven by both hedonistic and social factors, accounting altogether for nearly 60% of the variance. The majority of individuals started dancing tango only in their 30s. Physical investment in terms of time and money indicate tango dancing as a highly important activity that seems to involve substantial opportunity of moderate physical exercise, social interaction and emotional reward. In consequence, tango dance was identified as the primary leisure activity.

Conclusions: Tango dancers were identified as highly educated individuals, who are dedicated to the practice in many respects, including physical and emotional. They draw from similar motivations as compared to participants of other musical activities such as singing and listening to music. Notably, aspects of physical fitness are more prominent in this group. The intensity with which tango is practised seems to depend to some degree on individual lifestyles. Taken together, the results suggest a high degree of personal involvement in tango dance as a primary leisure activity. Implications of partnered dance for social, emotional, and physical well-being and health promotion demand further research.
Review: The impact of art, design and environment in mental healthcare: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Daykin Norma , Byrne Ellie , Soteriou Tony , O'Connor Susan
Published: February 2008

Aims: There has been a burgeoning interest in arts and the environment in healthcare. While research has been undertaken on the clinical impact of disciplines, relatively little research has studied the impact of broader arts for health interventions. This paper reports findings from a systematic review of the arts for health literature, encompassing research on the impact of visual art, design and the environment on the well-being of patients and staff in mental healthcare settings.

Methods: A systematic review of over 600 papers published between 1985 and 2005 on the impact of arts, design and environments in mental healthcare was undertaken. The review includes a discussion of contextual and policy literature, as well as 19 reports of quantitative and qualitative studies that met our inclusion criteria.

Results: The largest number of studies focused on the aspects of art, design and environment that were relevant to mental healthcare. These studies suggest that this can affect health, including physiological, psychological, clinical and behavioural effects. Exposure to stressful visual and aural environments may reduce levels of stress and enhance recovery. Architectural design consideration is important in mental health settings, especially for patients with conditions such as dementia that can make wayfinding difficult. Exposure to art in healthcare environments has been found to reduce anxiety and depression. Environment features have also been found to affect staff, and improvements in visual and acoustic conditions may reduce risks of errors in some care settings. Qualitative studies provide insights into factors affecting the impact of arts, including issues of power and control, perceptions and influence of key stakeholders, and user participation. A key issue to emerge from this study is that arts interventions do not necessarily address the lack of control exercised by patients in healthcare environments.

Conclusions: While there is extensive literature on the impact of design, environment and the arts on health, there is still a need for further research that addresses methodological challenges of evaluating complex interventions. Our review found evidence that environmental enhancements can have a positive impact on health and well-being of staff and patients in mental healthcare. Arts, when considered within this framework of evidence-based design, can also contribute to well-being, offering reassurance and creating identity in healthcare settings. Further research is needed in this area, as well as research that explores the contribution of other models of art that do not fit within the framework of `evidence-based design'. Finally, responses to the arts are contingent on a number of complex social and political factors; further understanding of these is needed in order to inform future research and evaluation of the arts in healthcare.
`Singing for the Brain': reflections on the human capacity for music arising from a pilot study of group singing with Alzheimer's patients
Authors: Bannan Nicholas , Montgomery-Smith Chreanne
Published: February 2008

The paper reports the activities of a pilot study of group singing for people with Alzheimer's and their carers, and presents data arising from the study.

Aims: The project aimed to answer the following questions: Would people with Alzheimer's be able to participate in group singing? Would progress be identifiable in participants' singing? Would responses to the activity be positive? Would participating carers find the activity worthwhile? Additionally, the following question was posed: Within the supportive environment of group singing, might people with Alzheimer's be able to participate in a song that they had to learn?

Methods: Songs were selected that would be familiar to participants aged over 40 years, and one original song was introduced by the group leader following a successful session. The group leader did not know which of the participants were patients with Alzheimer's and which were carers. Participants sat in a circle in a resonant hall. Sessions were filmed and a separate audio recording made and subsequently analysed, and questionnaires were completed by carers after sessions.

Results: Nine hours of video recording, three hours of audio recording and three collated questionnaires (one for each session) were collected. Confidence grew over the three sessions, with a traceable development in the alertness of many of the people with Alzheimer's. It proved possible to divide the group so as to sing two songs simultaneously, and also so as to perform three- and four-part rounds. It proved possible to teach an unknown song. Carers generally felt that the sessions were of value.

Conclusions: People with Alzheimer's are able to participate in group singing and some longer-term benefits are perceived by their carers. In a group activity such as Singing for the Brain it is difficult to be certain how the overall effect arises from the interaction of individuals. The data assembled is difficult to submit to clinical testing, relying as it does on the judgement of participants regarding reported recall of the content of sessions on the part of people with Alzheimer's. Further research questions are raised by the success of this project.
Understanding the Construct of Self-Determination
Authors: Shogren Karrie A. , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Palmer Susan B. , Soukup Jane Helen , Little Todd D. , Garner Nancy , Lawrence Margaret
Published: February 2008

Since the early 1990s, attention has been focused on the importance of self-determination in the education of students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to further our understanding of the construct of self-determination by examining the relationship between the Arc's Self-Determination Scale and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) Self-Determination Scale student and educator versions. Using structural equation modeling, we found that the theoretical structure of the Arc's Self-Determination Scale and the AIR Self-Determination–Student Scale was supported by the data, while the proposed theoretical structure of the AIR Self-Determination–Educator Scale was not. The analyses suggested that each of the measures of self-determination was measuring a different aspect of the self-determination construct (i.e., it was not possible to create a higher order factor comprising each of the assessments); thus issues related to the goals of the research and the underlying theoretical perspective of each measure must be considered when determining the most appropriate measure of self-determination in research and practice. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Analysis of Student Revisions on a State Writing Test
Authors: Crawford Lindy , Lloyd Susan , Knoth Kelly
Published: February 2008

Type and quality of revisions made by students between first and final drafts of a state writing test were scored using a revision taxonomy. Scorers categorized revisions first by unit (e.g., word, phrase, sentence), and then by type (e.g., addition, substitution, spelling). They then evaluated the impact of each revision on the readability of the final draft as “improved,” “decreased,” or “neutral.” Descriptive analyses revealed three major findings. First, in terms of unit changes, word revisions were the most prevalent (approximately 40%) across students in Grades 5 and 8. Second, when coding for type of revision, substitutions accounted for approximately 45% of all revisions, while revisions classified as “additions” had the most positive impact on students' final drafts (i.e., positively impacting readability 66% to 76% of the time). An interesting third finding was the relationship between rate of writing and score on the writing test: Students in special education with Individualized Education Programs goals in writing made approximately the same number of revisions per 100 words as students in the general population but wrote 100 words less, on average.
Conducting Assessments in Technology Needs
Authors: Wissick Cheryl A. , Gardner J. Emmett
Published: February 2008

Practitioners with an expertise in assistive technology and technology assessments are in demand to be full participants in the selection, planning, and implementation of instruction for students with mild disabilities. Frequently, practitioners with knowledge of assistive technology are assigned to evaluate students with sensory, physical, language, or severe disabilities. Our article highlights aspects of technology assessments and progress monitoring that can be used for students with mild disabilities. Given the impact that technology integration can have on the access that students with mild disabilities have to the general education classroom, we argue that all practitioners should be cognizant of protocols for assistive technology assessment and evaluation and that all evaluation teams should include an assistive technology specialist.
Association Between Quality of Life of Demented Patients and Professional Knowledge of Care Workers
Authors: Kazui Hiroaki , Harada Kazuyoshi , Eguchi Yoko S. , Tokunaga Hiromasa , Endo Hidetoshi , Takeda Masatoshi
Published: February 2008

Professional knowledge about dementia and care methods is necessary for the appropriate care of demented people. In this study, the quality of life of 91 demented people staying at 12 care institutions was evaluated with the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Dementia (QOL-D). The amount of professional knowledge was evaluated in 140 staff members who took care of the patients using the professional knowledge test (PKT), and the mean PKT score was cal culated for each institution (professional knowledge of institution). A positive significant correlation was observed between the QOL-D score and the pro fessional knowledge of institution. The correlation remained significant when age, sex, and severity of dementia of demented patients were partialled out. This result indicated that the quality of life of demented people was better at institutions with staff members having more professional knowledge, indicating the importance of education of staff members and the possibility that such education improves the quality of life of the demented people.
Risk-adjusted therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia can decrease treatment burden and improve survival: treatment results of 2169 unselected pediatric and adolescent patients enrolled in the trial ALL-BFM 95
Authors: Möricke Anja , Reiter Alfred , Zimmermann Martin , Gadner Helmut , Stanulla Martin , Dördelmann Michael , Löning Lutz , Beier Rita , Ludwig Wolf-Dieter , Ratei Richard , Harbott Jochen , Boos Joachim , Mann Georg , Niggli Felix , Feldges Andreas , Henze Günter , Welte Karl , Beck Jörn-Dirk , Klingebiel Thomas , Niemeyer Charlotte , Zintl Felix , Bode Udo , Urban Christian , Wehinger Helmut , Niethammer Dietrich , Riehm Hansjörg , Schrappe Martin
Published: February 2008

The trial ALL-BFM 95 for treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia was designed to reduce acute and long-term toxicity in selected patient groups with favorable prognosis and to improve outcome in poor-risk groups by treatment intensification. These aims were pursued through a stratification strategy using white blood cell count, age, immunophenotype, treatment response, and unfavorable genetic aberrations providing an excellent discrimination of risk groups. Estimated 6-year event-free survival (6y-pEFS) for all 2169 patients was 79.6% (± 0.9%). The large standard-risk (SR) group (35% of patients) achieved an excellent 6y-EFS of 89.5% (± 1.1%) despite significant reduction of anthracyclines. In the medium-risk (MR) group (53% of patients), 6y-pEFS was 79.7% (± 1.2%); no improvement was accomplished by the randomized use of additional intermediate-dose cytarabine after consolidation. Omission of preventive cranial irradiation in non–T-ALL MR patients was possible without significant reduction of EFS, although the incidence of central nervous system relapses increased. In the high-risk (HR) group (12% of patients), intensification of consolidation/reinduction treatment led to considerable improvement over the previous ALL-BFM trials yielding a 6y-pEFS of 49.2% (± 3.2%). Compared without previous trial ALL-BFM 90, consistently favorable results in non-HR patients were achieved with significant treatment reduction in the majority of these patients.
Identification of biomarkers for genotyping Aspergilli using non-linear methods for clustering and classification
Authors: Kouskoumvekaki Irene , Yang Zhiyong , Jónsdóttir Svava Ó , Olsson Lisbeth , Panagiotou Gianni
Published: February 2008

Background

In the present investigation, we have used an exhaustive metabolite profiling approach to search for biomarkers in recombinant Aspergillus nidulans (mutants that produce the 6- methyl salicylic acid polyketide molecule) for application in metabolic engineering.

Results

More than 450 metabolites were detected and subsequently used in the analysis. Our approach consists of two analytical steps of the metabolic profiling data, an initial non-linear unsupervised analysis with Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) to identify similarities and differences among the metabolic profiles of the studied strains, followed by a second, supervised analysis for training a classifier based on the selected biomarkers. Our analysis identified seven putative biomarkers that were able to cluster the samples according to their genotype. A Support Vector Machine was subsequently employed to construct a predictive model based on the seven biomarkers, capable of distinguishing correctly 14 out of the 16 samples of the different A. nidulans strains.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that it is possible to use metabolite profiling for the classification of filamentous fungi as well as for the identification of metabolic engineering targets and draws the attention towards the development of a common database for storage of metabolomics data.
Characterization of paralogous protein families in rice
Authors: Lin Haining , Ouyang Shu , Simons Rain , Nobuta Kan , Haas Brian J , Zhu Wei , Gu Xun , Silva Joana C , Meyers Blake C , Buell C Robin
Published: February 2008

Background

High gene numbers in plant genomes reflect polyploidy and major gene duplication events.Oryza sativa, cultivated rice, is a diploid monocotyledonous species with a ~390 Mb genome that has undergone segmental duplication of a substantial portion of its genome. This, coupled with other genetic events such as tandem duplications, has resulted in a substantial number of its genes, and resulting proteins, occurring in paralogous families.

Results

Using a computational pipeline that utilizes Pfam and novel protein domains, we characterized paralogous families in rice and compared these with paralogous families in the model dicotyledonous diploid species,Arabidopsis thaliana. Arabidopsis, which has undergone genome duplication as well, has a substantially smaller genome (~120 Mb) and gene complement compared to rice. Overall, 53% and 68% of the non-transposable element-related rice and Arabidopsis proteins could be classified into paralogous protein families, respectively. Singleton and paralogous family genes differed substantially in their likelihood of encoding a protein of known or putative function; 26% and 66% of singleton genes compared to 73% and 96% of the paralogous family genes encode a known or putative protein in rice and Arabidopsis, respectively. Furthermore, a major skew in the distribution of specific gene function was observed; a total of 17 Gene Ontology categories in both rice and Arabidopsis were statistically significant in their differential distribution between paralogous family and singleton proteins. In contrast to mammalian organisms, we found that duplicated genes in rice and Arabidopsis tend to have more alternative splice forms. Using data from Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing, we show that a significant portion of the duplicated genes in rice show divergent expression although a correlation between sequence divergence and correlation of expression could be seen in very young genes.

Conclusion

Collectively, these data suggest that while co-regulation and conserved function are present in some paralogous protein family members, evolutionary pressures have resulted in functional divergence with differential expression patterns.