bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Antibacterial Activity of Plant Extracts Containing Polyphenols against Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Smullen J. , Koutsou G.A. , Foster H.A. , Zumbé A. , Storey D.M.
Published: August 2007

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of commercially available and 70% aqueous propanone (P70) extracts from plants chosen for polyphenol content on Streptococcus mutans and other bacteria were determined using a standard susceptibility agar dilution technique to investigate their potential use as anticariogenic agents. The effects on adhesion of S. mutans to glass were also studied. The lowest MICs were for the P70 extracts of red grape skin (0.5 mg ml–1) and green tea and sloe berry skin (2 mg ml–1). The commercial extracts generally had a lower activity with a minimum MIC of 2 mg ml–1 for tea extracts, grape seed extracts and Pynogenol® (extract of maritime pine). All other extracts had MICs of ≧4 mg ml–1. Unfermented cocoa had greater antimicrobial activity than fermented cocoa and the activity of the fractionated extract increased with the extent of epicatechin polymerization. Epicatechin polymer had an MIC of 1 mg ml–1 and an MBC of 64 mg ml–1. Selected extracts were tested against other oral bacteria and showed activity against Gram-positive organisms. P70 extracts of unfermented cocoa, epicatechin polymer fraction, green tea and red grape seed were bacteriostatic and prevented acid production when added at the MIC to cultures of S. mutans grown in a chemically defined medium supplemented with either glucose or sucrose. There was a reduction in viability which was greater when added to washed cells, but there were some viable cells after 24 h. The extracts also reduced adherence of S. mutans to glass.
Noninvasive Control of Dental Caries in Children with Active Initial Lesions
Authors: Hausen H. , Seppä L. , Poutanen R. , Niinimaa A. , Lahti S. , Kärkkäinen S. , Pietilä I.
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate whether DMFS increment can be decreased among children with active initial caries by oral hygiene and dietary counseling and by using noninvasive preventive measures. Except for mentally disabled and handicapped children attending special schools, all 11- to 12-year-olds in Pori, Finland, with at least one active initial caries lesion were invited to participate in the study and were then randomized into two groups. Children in the experimental group (n = 250) were offered an individually designed patient-centered preventive program aimed at identifying and eliminating factors that had led to the presence of active caries. The program included counseling sessions with emphasis on enhancing use of the children’s own resources in everyday life. Toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste and fluoride and xylitol lozenges were distributed to the children. They also received applications of fluoride/chlorhexidine varnish. The children in the control group (n = 247) received basic prevention offered as standard in the public dental clinics in Pori. For both groups, the average follow-up period was 3.4 years. A community level program of oral health promotion was run in Pori throughout this period. Mean DMFS increments for the experimental and control groups were 2.56 (95% CI 2.07, 3.05) and 4.60 (3.99, 5.21), respectively (p < 0.0001): prevented fraction 44.3% (30.2%, 56.4%). The results show that by using a regimen that includes multiple measures for preventing dental decay, caries increment can be significantly reduced among caries-active children living in an area where the overall level of caries experience is low.
The Effect of Saliva Derived from Different Individuals on the Erosion of Enamel and Dentine
Authors: Wetton S. , Hughes J. , Newcombe R.G. , Addy M.
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study was to determine if saliva from 14 subjects afforded different levels of protection to human enamel and dentine against erosion in vitro. Test specimens were exposed for 2 h to saliva and control specimens to water for 2 h followed by citric acid for 10 min. This cycle was carried out 12 times. Tissue loss measured by contact profilometry was highly significantly different between subjects. Erosion was significantly reduced by pre-treatment with saliva from 7 subjects (enamel) or 6 subjects (dentine). Saliva from 1 subject resulted in significantly more enamel erosion than control. Conclusion: Saliva from different donors affords different levels of protection against erosion.
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy: A Multicenter Study on Hearing Function
Authors: Trevisan Carlo P. , Pastorello Ebe , Ermani Mario , Angelini Corrado , Tomelleri Giuliano , Tonin Paola , Mongini Tiziana , Palmucci Laura , Galluzzi Giuliana , Tupler Rossella G. , Marioni Gino , Rimini Alessandro
Published: August 2007

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant progressive myopathy, characteristically associated with a 4q35 deletion. In the unusual infantile-onset form of this degenerative disease, sensorineural hearing loss is a frequent clinical manifestation, whereas in patients with typical late-onset FSHD, investigations regarding hearing impairment yielded controversial results. We describe the findings of a multicenter investigation on possible auditory impairment in a series of 73 FSHD patients with a genetically confirmed diagnosis. Among them, 49 cases with no risk factors for deafness, aside from the disease, were identified by a clinical questionnaire and otoscopic examination (mean age 37.8 years, 31 males and 18 females). These subjects were evaluated by pure-tone audiometry. None were aware of hearing loss, while 4 had raised unilateral or bilateral pure-tone audiometric thresholds at 4000 and 8000 Hz, when evaluated by standardized tables. However, the mean raw pure-tone audiometric threshold values for these 49 cases were not significantly different from those of 55 controls (mean age 37.1 years, 32 males and 23 females). Moreover, by statistical analysis, age of onset, degree of muscular weakness and 4q35 EcoRI fragment size made no significant difference to auditory thresholds in our FSHD patients. Overall, the results of our multicenter study suggest that hearing loss in typical FSHD is not more prevalent than in the normal population.
The Effects of Electrode Montage on the Amplitude of Wave V in the Auditory Brainstem Response to Maximum Length Sequence Stimuli
Authors: Dzulkarnain Ahmad Aidil , Wilson Wayne J. , Bradley Andrew P. , Petoe Matthew
Published: August 2007

The use of maximum length sequence (MLS) stimuli to elicit an auditory brainstem response (ABR) has been limited, in part, by the observation that these stimuli reduce ABR wave amplitudes. This study recorded ABR waveforms from 14 normally hearing adults using MLS click stimuli (maximum stimulus rate = 250 clicks per second) at stimulus levels of 70, 60, 50, 40, 30 and 20 dB nHL, with a vertical and then an ipsilateral electrode montage. The vertical electrode montage produced significantly larger (p < 0.05) wave V amplitudes, with no change in wave V latencies (p > 0.05), at all stimulus levels. This result suggests a vertical electrode montage could be used to counter some of the loss in wave V amplitude observed when using MLS stimuli.
Vestibular Rehabilitation in Individuals with Inner-Ear Dysfunction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Enticott J.C. , Vitkovic J.J. , Reid B. , O’Neill P. , Paine M.
Published: August 2007

A randomised control prospective study was carried out examining patient outcomes after performing a 10-week vestibular home exercise programme. Thirty-two adults with vestibular dysfunction who reported vestibular symptoms negatively affecting daily life were enrolled. Test subjects were provided with an individualised vestibular rehabilitation programme designed by a physiotherapist. Control subjects received a set of strength and endurance exercises only. All subjects performed their exercises 3 times a day for 10 weeks. Subjective and objective patient measures were collected at 0, 6, 10 and 26 weeks. Results showed that both groups improved after beginning exercise, and that test subjects significantly benefited compared to the controls. These benefits were long term and measurable 6 months later. This study provides evidence that individualised vestibular exercises promote better outcomes for patients with vestibular dysfunction.
Changes in Hemostatic Variables Induced by Estrogen Replacement Therapy: Comparison of Transdermal and Oral Administration in a Crossover-Designed Study
Authors: Fait Tomas , Vrablik Michal , Zizka Zdenek , Kostirova Milada
Published: August 2007

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes of biochemical risk factors for thromboembolisms using different administration routes of early estrogen replacement therapy. Methods: In a 12-week prospective, randomized crossover trial, estradiol was administered orally (2 mg daily) or transdermally (0.05 mg daily). Forty-five healthy early postmenopausal women were included into the study within 12 weeks after hysterectomy and oophorectomy. Forty-one women (age 49 ± 6 years) completed the study, and their data were analyzed. The hemocoagulation parameters were determined prior to beginning of the study and at the end of each treatment period, separated by a 1-week washout period. Results: After oral therapy, the average tissue factor pathway inhibitor levels decreased statistically significantly (p < 0.0001) from 87.5 ± 39.1 to 68 ± 37.49 ng/ml. The plaminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels also decreased statistically significantly (p = 0.001) after the oral estrogen therapy from 11.39 ± 12.02 to 5.0 ± 5.27 IU/l. These changes were also significant when compared with the nonsignificant changes after the transdermal therapy. No significant changes occurred in the levels of D-dimers. After both treatment methods, the antithrombin III and fibrinogen levels decreased, but within their physiological ranges. Conclusions: Oral administration of estrogen statistically significantly reduced the tissue factor pathway inhibitor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels when compared with the transdermal route. These changes cannot be unambiguously considered risky, and the zero change of D-dimers suggests that there was no activation of the coagulation cascade. We consider the neutral effect of the transdermal therapy more beneficial.
Effectiveness and Side Effects of One-Stage Laser-Assisted Uvuloplasty in Primary Rhonchopathy
Authors: Klozar Jan , Plzák Jan , Zábrodský Michal , Betka Jan
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of laser-assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP) in terms of effect on snoring and side effects. The case report study is based on the analysis of questionnaires with a visual analog scale (VAS) describing the severity of snoring before and 6–26 months after operation and questions regarding postoperative course. The group of patients consisted of 73 patients with primary rhonchopathy. The average preoperative VAS score was 8.36; it decreased to an average of 3.98 postoperatively (p = 0.001). No improvement was reported by 12% of patients, improvement of 4 and more of the VAS scale was reported by 67% of patients. The majority (58%) of patients reported postoperative pain for up to 10 days. Bothersome sensations persisted in 15% of patients. No predictive factors for the success of treatment were found. LAUP diminished snoring in 88% of patients. A major drawback was the postoperative pain. Further studies looking for predictive factors are needed.
Synchrony-Induced Switching Behavior of Spike Pattern Attractors Created by Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity
Authors: Aoki Takaaki , Aoyagi Toshio
Published: August 2007

Although context-dependent spike synchronization among populations of neurons has been experimentally observed, its functional role remains controversial. In this modeling study, we demonstrate that in a network of spiking neurons organized according to spike-timing-dependent plasticity, an increase in the degree of synchrony of a uniform input can cause transitions between memorized activity patterns in the order presented during learning. Furthermore, context-dependent transitions from a single pattern to multiple patterns can be induced under appropriate learning conditions. These findings suggest one possible functional role of neuronal synchrony in controlling the flow of information by altering the dynamics of the network.
Projected Gradient Methods for Nonnegative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Lin Chih-Jen
Published: August 2007

Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) can be formulated as a minimization problem with bound constraints. Although bound-constrained optimization has been studied extensively in both theory and practice, so far no study has formally applied its techniques to NMF. In this letter, we propose two projected gradient methods for NMF, both of which exhibit strong optimization properties. We discuss efficient implementations and demonstrate that one of the proposed methods converges faster than the popular multiplicative update approach. A simple Matlab code is also provided.
Gap-Based Estimation: Choosing the Smoothing Parameters for Probabilistic and General Regression Neural Networks
Authors: Zhong Mingyu , Coggeshall Dave , Ghaneie Ehsan , Pope Thomas , Rivera Mark , Georgiopoulos Michael , Anagnostopoulos Georgios C. , Mollaghasemi Mansooreh , Richie Samuel
Published: August 2007

Probabilistic neural networks (PNN) and general regression neural networks (GRNN) represent knowledge by simple but interpretable models that approximate the optimal classifier or predictor in the sense of expected value of the accuracy. These models require the specification of an important smoothing parameter, which is usually chosen by cross-validation or clustering. In this article, we demonstrate the problems with the cross-validation and clustering approaches to specify the smoothing parameter, discuss the relationship between this parameter and some of the data statistics, and attempt to develop a fast approach to determine the optimal value of this parameter. Finally, through experimentation, we show that our approach, referred to as a gap-based estimation approach, is superior in speed to the compared approaches, including support vector machine, and yields good and stable accuracy.
The Accusing Look: The Abjection of Hagar in Art
Authors: Exum J. Cheryl
Published: August 2007

For all the emotional tension the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael from the household of Abraham suggests, the biblical text is remarkably restrained. This is not the case in art, where the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael is a popular theme, and we find the expulsion depicted with a good deal of attention to the possible feelings of the various characters (not only Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael but often Sarah and Isaac as well, though the text does not mention their presence when Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away). In particular, when artists visualize the scene, they offer viewers what the text withholds, Hagar's and Ishmael's point of view, with the result that the viewer, unlike the reader, is openly invited to feel sympathy for them. The article examines narrative transactions that reveal the biblical writers's unease (guilt?) about the treatment of Hagar and Ishmael by approaching the text in the light of selected paintings in which the apparent problematic textual lack of sympathy for Hagar's and Ishmael's plight is foregrounded, even if the expulsion is accepted as necessary.
Patient-Centered Culturally Sensitive Health Care
Authors: Killion Cheryl M.
Published: August 2007

In this reaction article to the Major Contribution, the merits and challenges of implementing patient-centered culturally sensitive health care, or cultural competence plus, are explicated. Three themes are addressed: separate but equal?, factoring in mental health, and sharing the load. The need to refine the conceptualization of the two distinct, yet converging, components of patient-centered culturally sensitive health care is stressed to assure appropriate implementation, evaluation, and acceptance of this innovative system of care. More focus on mental, rather than physical, health is advocated. Multidisciplinary collaboration is accented, as counseling psychologists contemplate engaging in the implementation of patient-centered culturally sensitive health care. The value of patient-centered culturally sensitive health care for the reduction of health disparities is underscored.
Reducing Health Disparities: The Perfect Fit for Counseling Psychology
Authors: Buki Lydia P.
Published: August 2007

This reaction to the Major Contribution presents a conceptualization of health disparities as another form of oppression of marginalized populations in our society. Consistent with this view, health disparities are then situated within a larger, national context, showing that counseling psychologists' involvement is an integral part of a multidisciplinary national effort. Examples of roles that counseling psychologists can take, beyond those related to patient-provider interactions, are presented in the context of cancer health disparities in Latina women. These roles include acting as staff trainer and consultant, patient and community health empowerment coach, patient advocate, and public policy analyst, as well as the traditional roles of health counselor, psychotherapist, and researcher. Finally, the author issues a call for action for counseling psychologists, for whom the amelioration of disparities is a perfect fit.
Resolving the Paradoxes of and Barriers to Patient-Centered Culturally Sensitive Health Care
Authors: Tucker Carolyn M. , Herman Keith C.
Published: August 2007

The three reviews of the Major Contribution in this issue of The Counseling Psychologist provide thought-provoking critiques of counseling psychology's role in patient-centered culturally sensitive health care. In this rejoinder, the authors situate these critiques within the historical context of enduring paradoxes and barriers confronting counseling psychologists' entry into health care settings. The primary themes of this discussion focus on the imprecision of health care terms, the paradox of empowerment, and the challenges of overcoming the status quo.
Extreme Cultural Discontinuity and Contemporary American Adolescent Behavior: a Relational Analysis
Authors: Milner Esther
Published: August 2007

The magnitude of cultural discontinuities in the individual American male and female life-careers has recently markedly increased for a number of contri butory reasons, chief among them increasing population and urbanization, and the "second industrial revolution." Because adolescence is the period of transition from childhood status and roles to adulthood status and roles, adolescents are most immediately affected by such discontinuities, chiefly by interiorization of them in the form of inner conflicts.

Much of the current behavior of American boys and girls reflects reaction to their respective sex-groups' socially induced conflicts—and may serve as a harbinger for other technologically advanced and advancing countries.
Some Thoughts On Being and Having
Authors: Donovan D.M.
Published: August 2007

A distinction is made between having and possessing, the former former being related to being and the latter to various forms of psychopathology. Within the therapeutic experience a transition from possessing to having is seen as ncessary. The idea of insight is related to a recognition of this transition and, ultimately, to the realisation of one's-own-death. Suicide is briefly considered in this context.
Michael and Christine Confront Their Elders
Authors: Harrison Bernard
Published: August 2007

THIS article is an account of an incident at a special school, involving a pupil, a young teacher, and two senior members of staff. The article offers some reflections and conclusions on the special challenges to be faced when making relationships with the young. Reference is made to Winnicott, Lomas, Bridgeland et al, in suggesting connections between the insights and skills of both therapy and of teaching.
Psychiatric Problems of the 1970's
Authors: Gordon Richard E. , Hamilton Sharon , Webb Susan , Gordon Katherine K. , Plutzky Max
Published: August 2007

This paper describes some of the social trends of the 1970's that may be affecting patterns of psychiatric needs and presents data showing their impact. It suggests possible psychiatric and sociopolitical responses to meet these needs. Patients were studied in the outpatient and inpatient services of the Shands Teaching Hospital and Student Mental Health Services at the University of Florida. The main findings were that single youth, both females and especially males, were requiring less help since the winding down of American participation in the Vietnam War, perhaps indicating that youth are feeling less alienated from the national effort. Black women are seeking help more than ever before, probably because the black liberation movement has offered them hope that psychiatry can help them. Despite the women's liberation movement, white women still remain the largest group of psychiatric outpatients, as they were in the 1950's and 1960's.
A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Aggression in Dreams: Zapotecs and Americans
Authors: O'Nell Carl W. , O'Nell Nancy D.
Published: August 2007

Because it is frequent and variable by sex, age and culture, manifest aggression in dreams appears to be an important research area. A comparison was made between dreamed aggressions for Americans (Hall and Domhoff 1963) and for Zapotecs, collected and analysed by the writers. Similarities and differences revealed in the comparison, suggest the importance of cultural factors in manifest dreamed aggres sion, along with sex and age. Multivariate analyses of carefully collected cross- cultural data will be necessary before adequate assessments can be made of the relative importance of these variables in dreams, more clearly establishing relation ships between wakeful and dreamed experiences.
Research of International Suicide
Authors: Ellner Melvyn
Published: August 2007

Twenty two variables of social, economic, geographic and psychological signi ficance, including suicide rate, were factor analysed for forty world nations. Five factors achieved eigenvalues of 1.00 or more, which were the Modern Tech nological State (France, Germany, Sweden), the Affluent State (the U.S.A.), the City-State (Israel, Singapore), the Horizontal Society (Chile, Guatamala), and the Developing Nation (Guyana, Costa Rica). A high national suicide rate was found to be significantly related to the Modem Technological State (P<.001), and a low national suicide rate was found to be significantly associated with the Horizontal Nation (P<.05). Results were interpreted in view of frustration theory and Dur kheim's theory of suicide.
Naikan Therapy—an Experiential View
Authors: Reynolds David K.
Published: August 2007

Naikan therapy is a form of directed meditation practised in Japan with reported positive effect on some neuroses, psychosomatic disorders and delinquency problems. It aims at reconstructing the client's view of his past in order to reshape his attitudes and behaviours in the present. Experiential research supplements the usual outsider participant observer perspective with personal experience in roles that exist within the setting—in this case the researcher became a patient and then a therapist as well as an outside observer.
Cultural Bases of Images of Causation in Psychological Disorder: a Colombian Survey
Authors: Micklin Michael , Leon Carlos A.
Published: August 2007

This study examines the influence of participation in differing socio-cultural contexts on beliefs about the causes of psychological disorder. Data were obtained through interviews with 794 laymen and 333 health workers, all residing in a single Colombian city. Results indicate an emphasis on organic causes among lay respon dents and nearly equal emphasis on organic and social causes among medical- paramedical personnel. Further variations are evident, between as well as within the two samples, when background characteristics are considered. Differences in these images of causation are explained in terms of the socio-cultural organization of Colombian society as well as that of the medical occupational subculture.
Sociocultural Factors in Hallucinations
Authors: Al-Issa Ihsan
Published: August 2007

Sociocultural factors affect both the definition and the sense organs involved in hallucinations. It is suggested that, in addition to the importance of audition in communication on the human level, other sociocultural factors may affect the choice of sense organs in the expression of hallucinatory experience. As compared with non-Western societies, Western attitudes consider hallucinations more shameful and frightening (symptoms of mental illness) and this tend to be more liable to concealment and chronicity. It is proposed that the psychoanalytical approached to the interpretation of dreams or behavioural techniques could be used to overcome the concomitants of Western attitudes toward hallucinations.

As hallucinations are considered to be the result of the interaction of the sense organs with the physical environment (i.e., misperception) they appear to reflect the biological rather than the social adaptation of the organism. It is thus not surpris ing that sociocultural factors in hallucinations have not been given as much attention as other schizophrenic symptoms such as delusions where social evaluation and interpersonal relationship seem to be clearly implicated (Murphy, 1967; Weinstein, 1962). The present paper aims at delineating the role of sociocultural factors in the definition and the frequency of different kinds of hallucinations. The implications of cultural variations in attitudes toward hallucinations for the development and treatment of hallucinatory experiences will also be discussed.
Factors in the Drug Involvement of Inner City Junior High School Youths: a Discriminant Analysis*
Authors: Dembo Richard , Schmeidler James , Burgos William
Published: August 2007

DATA from a survey of youths attending an inner city junior high school were examined to learn how their demographic characteristics, socio-cultural experiences and the drug use existing among their neighbourhood peers related to their involvement with substances. Discriminant analysis uncovered two important factors that were associated with the youths' drug taking : (1) a street scene, social / recreational drug use factor and (2) a cluster reflecting friends' use of alcohol/ marijuana and other drugs. The implications of these results for drug abuse prevention programming are explored.
Locus of Control and Symptoms of Psychological Distress Among Chinese-Americans
Authors: Kuo Wen H. , Gray Robert , Nan Lin
Published: August 2007

A sample of Chinese-Americans in the District of Columbia was drawn to examine the relationship between the locus of control, the personality factor, and two indices of symptoms of psychological distress. The findings indicated that the externals scored higher on symptomatology than did the internals. A multivariate analysis further compared the predictive utility of locus of control with other determinants of psychiatric symptoms, i.e., sex, marital status, SES, kinship and friendship tie, and amount of life change. The evidence showed that locus of control is an important determinant of Chinese-Americans' symptomatology. It accounted for a greater proportion of the variance in the two indices of psychological distress than did the other independent variables.
Chinese Collective Orientation and Need for Achievement
Authors: Yu Elena S.H.
Published: August 2007

Based on a sample of 401 Chinese male and female teenagers in Taiwan, this study was designed to test the cross-cultural validity of the affective arousal model for n Ach (need for Achievement) employed by McClelland and his associates. An attempt was made to replicate their research procedures while at the same time adding an experimental condition (Collective Failure) which they did not have in their studies. It was found that the (Individual) Failure condition, as employed by McClelland and his associates, was not particularly salient in arousing the need for achievement of the Chinese teenagers sampled in this study. Instead, they responded most favourably when the achievement demands were least overt and when they were impressed with the significance of their performance on a larger collectivity than the self. Implications of this finding for ethnic mental health are suggested.
Structured Group Intervention for Psychiatric Patients With Social Conflicts: a Consideration of Psychiatric and Legal Labeling
Authors: Fineberg Donald E. , Zil John S.
Published: August 2007

A structured programme was organized to address the high rate of legal conflicts among our in-patient population, the personal problems (e.g., denial) and practical problems (e.g. trying to find a job with a criminal record) which complicate their resolution. Active conflicts involved criminal mischief, breach of peace, fraud, burglary, larceny, assault, drug-related offenses, civil suits, etc.

Common aspects of conflicts which were identified for discussion by members included authority issues, family reactions, employment, guilt, social rejection, etc. Well-described dynamics of deviant ("psychiatric") behaviour were seen applicable to legally-conflicted behaviour: blaming the victim; stereotyping; issues of accepting and escaping a label. Observation of interpersonal relationships in groups have potential application to forensic situations.
School Performance, IQ and Female Delinquency
Authors: Offord David R. , Poushinsky Mary F.
Published: August 2007

The present study explores the extent to which early school failure may be related causally to female delinquency. Parental interview and school record data were collected on 59 girls (and their families) placed on probation. The results suggest that in a relatively poor urban environment school failure does not play an important etiologic role in female delinquency but rather both the school failure and the delinquency arise from common or co-existing adverse family influences.
A Structured Environment for Heroin Addicts: the Experiences of a Community-Based American Methadone Clinic and a Residential Dutch Therapeutic Community
Authors: Bratter Thomas Edward , Kooyman Martien
Published: August 2007

The experiences of a community-based American methadone clinic and a Dutch residential Therapeutic Community are described. Both programs, which provided comprehensive psychotherapeutic services for a diverse subpopulation of heroin addicts who lived in different cultures independently, discovered that character disordered individuals respond positively to the structured environment and confrontation group psychotherapy orientation which are characteristic of the Therapeutic Community. Both programs modified the initial non-directive model into a structured one adopting the treatment technology of the American Self-Help Therapeutic Communities.
The Treatment of Primary Nocturnal Enuresis in School-Age Brazilian Children
Authors: Paine Patricia Ann
Published: August 2007

Marshall's responsibility-reinforcement therapy with sensation awareness training was used in the treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis in 27 school-age Brazilian children. Significant improvement occurred in 22 children. The most improvement was shown by older children and children in whom a specific developmental delay was suspected as the cause of the enuresis.
Family Care Versus Hospital Stay for Chronic Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Pierloot R.A. , Demarsin M.
Published: August 2007

Despite some resistances from the nursing personnel, the patients and their relatives, we have realized in the period from 1968 to 1977 the transferral of 78 patients into the family care at Geel. A brief survey of the selection criteria and the composition of this group is presented.

The outcome is analysed with regard to a number of parameters: stability of the family placing, symptoms or behaviour abnormalities, subjective attitude of the patient, interactions with foster family and other persons, occupational activities, distraction, contacts with the own family.

Of the total group, 56 patients are considered as relatively well integrated in the foster family setting. For a large majority of those patients, their social functioning seems enriched and more differentiated.
Socialisation Scheme With a High Staff-Patient Ratio
Authors: Hollander D. , Bapuji Rao V. , McManoman E. , Harrington N. , Weeks A. , Mann A.
Published: August 2007

Six months after a comprehensive socialisation scheme began, a prospective controlled study was carried out. The patients were tested in three practical sections — Cooking; Maintenance of Home and Clothing; Other Skills (eg. form-filling); and with a Questionnaire. Forty-eight members of an experimental group received socialisation training after initial testing. They and the 20 controls who did not undergo training were re-evaluated three months later. There was no significant difference between the groups in their initial scores. On retesting, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in Cooking (p < 0.001), Home Maintenance (p < 0.001) and the Questionnaire (p < 0.05). Analysis of the inter-group differences showed significant superiority of the experimental group in Cooking (p < 0.05) and Home Maintenance (p < 0.05). It is suggested that such a socialisation scheme be considered for inclusion alongside other rehabilitation services in psychiatric hospitals. The emphasis on a high staff-to-patient ratio and the breakdown of each task into smaller steps emerged as essential elements in the training programme.
Cultural Relativety of First Rank Symptoms in Schizophrenia
Authors: Ona Pela
Published: August 2007

This study aimed at assessing the extent and usefulness of Schneider's first rank symptoms in the diagnosis of schizophrenia from a cross-cultural point of view. Case notes of patients admitted to the mental health ward of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria were analysed. Seventy eight schizophrenic patients form the basis of this study; 47 (60.3%) of them had first rank symptoms. Similarity was found with the results of Zarrouk, in that somatic passivity and 'made' phenomena predominated.

First rank symptoms are becoming increasingly important in psychiatry. Psychiatrists in Nigeria frequently ask their patients during intake interviews about voices commenting, audible thoughts and thought insertion, in addition to the symptoms of somatic passivity and 'made' feelings reported by patients (Ayorinde, 1977; Okhomina and Ebie, 1973; Prince, 1960). The presence or absence of delusions are also frequently utilised as a basis for psychiatric diagnosis (Binitie, 1977). Thus, psychiatrists in Nigeria, perhaps inadvertently, make us of the first rank symptoms enumerated by Schneider.

Mellor (1970) has given definitions and clinical illustrations of Kurt Schneider's first rank symptoms and carried out a comprehensive study of the subject. Zarrouk (1978) undertook a prospective study in which he attempted to replicate the findings of Mellor in a different culture. He found that somatised symptoms and 'made' feelings were prominent in his patient population. Zarrouk felt that this finding was not unexpected, 'since in that traditional Islamic and nomadic society beliefs in the devil and the supernatural are considered to be normal and are widely held by many intellectuual and highly educated people' - a situation not far removed from the Nigerian experience.

The attempt in this retrospective study is to replicate the studies of Mellor and Zarrouk with the following questions and predictions in mind.

1. To what extent are first rank symptoms manifested by schizophrenic patients in Nigeria?

2. It was predicted that first rank symptoms are not of common occurrence in a Nigerian population.

3. It was also predicted that there would be a difference in occurrence of symptoms in the Nigerian population, compared with that examined by Mellor in Europe, there would be no difference from that studied by Zarrouk.

4. What is the cross-cultural validity of Schneider's first rank symptoms in the diagnosis of schizophrenia?
Ratings of Parent Behaviours for Delinquents From Two-Parent and Single-Parent Homes
Authors: Wilgosh L. , Paitich D.
Published: August 2007

Mother and son ratings of parent behaviours on the dimensions of loving, demanding and punishing, using the Bronfenbrenner Parent Behaviour Questionnaire, were compared for juvenile delinquents from two-parent and single-parent homes respectively. Mean rating for all variables were in the average range, and little difference in ratings of mothers' behaviours was found, for either boys or mothers, between the single-parent and two-parent groups. These findings are in contrast to the frequently suggested link between delinquency and disturbed family interactions.
Do the Studies On Identical Twins Prove That Schizophrenia Is Genetically Inherited?
Authors: Ratner Carl
Published: August 2007

Ten studies on identical twins reared apart are reviewed to determine if they substantiate a genetic component of schizophrenia. These studies have not eliminated likely social causes of schizophrenia in the twins, and therefore the origins of schizophrenia remain unsolved.

Adherents of the theory that schizophrenia is genetically inherited, point to studies on iden tical twins reared apart as verifying their position. These studies have found several pairs of wins concordant for schizophrenia in which the two individuals were brought up apart from each other. Given this social separation, the explanation that is offered for the concordance is that genetic similarities caused the twins both to become schizophrenic. It is proposed here that none of the studies on identical twins rule out social causes of schizophrenia, and that social causes may very well have been operative.

Ten studies have been reported on identical twins reared apart in which at least one twin was schizophrenic. Of the 27 pairs of twins studied, 14 have been concordant for schizophrenia and 13 have been discordant. The following table summarises the findings (from Rosenthal, 1970; Gottesman and Shields, 1972 and Inouye, 1972).
Walk-in Clinic Drop-Outs
Authors: Ray R. , Beig M.A. , Gopinath P.S.
Published: August 2007

Data were collected among 159 consecutive new patients in a walk-in clinic. Patients were given an appointment for a subsequent visit after the initial clinical diagnostic interview, and 61% completed their referral. A long waiting list and a diagnosis of depressive neurosis were significantly associated with drop-out. Possible forms of follow-up are suggested.

The demand for readily available psychiatric services is increasing, and psychiatric walk- in clinics are a major step in that direction; they are a fairly recent phenomenon in India, however, in contrast to the West. These clinics have encouraged early therapeutic interven tion, by abolishing the waiting list and providing easy accessibility of treatment.

A patient, in our set-up, after immediate consultation and treatment advice, is called back for detailed evaluation on an appointed day. But the acceptance of this subsequent visit varies, and many do not turn up. Previous researchers have made several attempts to look into the problem of drop-out from psychiatric clinics; the percentage has varied between 64%2, 26%4, 58%5, 63%6, 30%7, 30%-45%10, 57%11 and 42%12. Among educated and upper social class patients, the rate was only 6% in one psychotherapeutic clinic.8

Patients who drop out probably have different expectations from those of the clinic, and gained little from their first visit. Previous studies have identified some of the factors associated with drop-out, such as long waiting lists,3,7 elaborate intake procedures,9 and par ticular characteristics of the patients themselves. 1,5,8,9,10,12 The present paper reports a prospec tive study which looked into some of these problems.
Delusion Across Cultures
Authors: Kala A.K. , Wig N.N.
Published: August 2007

The delusions of 200 patients attending a general hospital psychiatric clinic in India were studied; the frequencies of the various types were then compared with results reported from other countries. Delusions of bodily control and of poisoning of food occured more frequently in the present sample. Grandiose delusions were more commonly seen in the first-born, while in the last-born, delusions of persecution and of reference were more frequent. Females were more likely to develop delusions of infidelity. Possible causes of the relationship between types of delusions and socio-demographic factors are discussed.
Veterans and Aggression: an Empirical Test of Two Rival Theoretical Models
Authors: Pardeck John T.
Published: August 2007

This article investigates two rival theories for explaining aggression in humans — the model which claims that exposure to aggression increases aggression in humans, versus that which maintains that exposure to aggression drains aggression in humans. The findings appear to support the first model, suggesting that exposure to aggression increases aggression levels in humans.

Over the past three decades, a number of researchers have attempted to discover whether exposure to aggression increases or decreases aggression in human beings. Their research was prompted by a long standing dispute concerning these two models as explanations for aggres sion in humans.

The first model, which claims that exposure to aggression increases it in the subject is built on the premise that most behaviour, including aggression, is learned. This perspective can be traced back to John Locke who, in 1690, postulated that the human mind was a 'white paper' at birth, waiting to absorb the environment around it (Harris, 1968). Many of the researchers who have argued for the first model have been part of the movement which refutes the long held belief that man is born with an aggressive nature and that this aggression drains when he is exposed to aggressive situations (Berkowitz, 1962).

Freud's writings have been the main basis for the second model, which maintains that ex posure to aggression drains it in humans. Freud felt that man is instinctively aggressive by nature, and that certain types of social encounters allow him to displace or drain this aggres sion. This phenomenon has been described as the catharsis hypothesis (Buss, 1961; Berkowitz, 1962). An essentially identical 'ergic tension' model has been developed by Cattell ( 1965).

Several theorists suggest that this drainage model of aggression can be applied to large groups of people, as well as to whole societies (Berkowitz, 1962; Ritzer, Kammeyer, and Yet man, 1979). The basic theory is that both large groups and entire societies can drain aggres sion, just as individuals theoretically do, if exposed to aggressive social situations.
A Suicide By Self-Immolation — Psychosocial Perspectives
Authors: Inamdar Subhash C. , Oberfield Richard A. , Darrell Evelyn B.
Published: August 2007

This paper reports on a case of suicide by self-immolation on the funeral pyre of the husband. The custom of Sati or widow-burning is reviewed historically and its meaning explored within the psycho-social setting of Hinduism. The contribution of developmental events and psychiatric illness is considered.
Strategies for Sustainable Business and the Handling of Workers’ Interests: Integrated Management Systems and Worker Participation
Authors: Lund Henrik Lambrecht
Published: August 2007

This article examines the challenges to trade unions related to workers’ participation in organizational renewal known as ‘sustainable business’. It analyses how integrated management systems involving occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental issues affect employee participation. The analysis involves two case studies of enterprises that have recently been modernized in terms of employing integrated management systems. Under the general title of ‘Developing Workplaces’, the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions has increased its commitment to sustainability, which is used as the point of departure for conceptdriven organizational change. However, the article concludes that the so-called ‘prime mover’ and high-pro.le environmental and OHS enterprises do not suf.ciently take the interests of employees into consideration.
Agreements between Labour Unions and Employers’ Associations as a Strategy for the Prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury
Authors: Hasle Peter , Hansen Nanette Juhler , Møller Niels
Published: August 2007

In 1992 the Danish labour unions and employers’ associations entered into an agreement on an action plan against hazardous repetitive work. The ambitious goal of this government-supported plan was to reduce hazardous repetitive work by 50 percent by the year 2000. An assessment of the effect of the plan reveals that in spite of certain shortcomings the plan did bring about a reduction of repetitive work, though the goal of a 50 percent reduction was not accomplished. One may draw the important lesson that agreements between the labour market parties need substantial backing from the authorities in order to be effective; otherwise, both the labour unions and employers’ associations will have dif.culties in enforcing obligations on their members. This is especially the case if companies that are either passive or outright negatively disposed are to be covered as well. But if the three parties cooperate, a strategy based on agreements seems to be a valuable approach to the solution of those working environment problems that are dif.cult to regulate by clear and measurable standards.
Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing as Positive Factors in the Reform of Chinese State-Owned Enterprises
Authors: Tseo George K.Y. , Sheng Hou Gui , Peng-zhu Zhang , Lihai Zhang
Published: August 2007

The situation for China’s urban state workers has eroded in recent years as failing state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have closed in large numbers and those that remain solvent are cutting employee benefits. In this context, employee stock ownership and profit sharing should serve both firm and worker by providing capital for the former and greater job security and financial compensation for the latter. This theory was tested using data from traditional SOEs and SOEs that had undergone employee ownership (EO) reform in Shangdong province. Econometric modeling revealed a performance advantage due to EO reform. Employee participation in governance exhibited a negative relationship to performance but participation in management at the shop-.floor level was significantly positive.
Producing Knowledge: The Use of the Project Team as a Vehicle for Knowledge and Skill Acquisition for Software Employees
Authors: Marks Abigail , Lockyer Cliff
Published: August 2007

This article ands that a considerable proportion of learning and skills development for software workers occurs through learning from colleagues and other software professionals. Although the authors observed that employees were generally satis.ed with the formal training they received, very little knowledge acquisition actually takes place as part of a recognized training programme. Knowledge is frequently gained through project-based work both from other team members and the team or project work necessitating individuals to update their skills set. The data used within this article were collected using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques within ve software organizations in Scotland.