bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric bed usage under different systems of care. A comparison of South Verona (Italy) and Canberra (Australia)
Authors: Rosenman Stephen
Published: October 2011

Riassunto

Scopo - Confrontare l'uso dei servizi ospedalieri per le principali malattie psichiatriche in una struttura che offre un «servizio psichiatrico territoriale» (Verona-Sud, Italia) con l'uso di questi servizi in una struttura più «tradizionale», dove l'ospedale è il centro dell'attività (Canberra, Australia). Disegno - Sono stati esaminati i registri dei ricoveri per i malati da psicosi schizofreniche e distimiche negli anni 1986, 1987 e 1988. Sono state comparate le seguenti caratteristiche: la mappa socio-demografica ed i tassi dei ricoveri per i pazienti, la durata del ricovero iniziale ed i tassi di ri-ricovero per questi pazienti nei dodici mesi seguenti. Risultati - Il servizio psichiatrico territoriale (Verona-Sud) ha ricoverato meno pazienti con psicosi schizofreniche e distimiche ma questi risultavano più gravi, restavano degenti più a lungo ed avevano una probabilità maggiore di essere ricoverati nuovamente. Il servizio psichiatrico «tradizionale» (Canberra) ha usato l'ospedale per una gamma più ampia di malattie, incluse le malattie con buona prognosi. La degenza in Canberra è stata più breve ed il ri-ricovero meno frequente. Sembra che il servizio «tradizionale» sia più orientato ad usare l'ospedale per l'inizio o per la stabilizzazione della terapia. Il servizio psichiatrico territoriale non portava ad una degenza più breve o ad un numero minore di ricoveri successivi al primo. Le differenze nella morbilità psichiatrica incontrata nelle popolazioni ha nascosto l'effetto della struttura del servizio sull'uso. Questa differenza nella distribuzione della morbilitù psichiatrica concentrata nel gruppo di più giovane età, rimane senza spiegazione.
Cluster analysis of the community psychiatric services in Lombardy
Authors: Lora Antonio , Cocchi Angelo , Civenti Graziella , Blaco Roberto
Published: October 2011

RIASSUNTO

Scopo - Lo scopo di questo lavoro è la classificazione delle USSL lombarde in gruppi, ognuno dei quali omogeneo, per quanto possibile, rispetto alle modalitá di funzionamento dei servizi psichiatrici territoriali; il fine è valutare il mix di servizi psichiatrici offerti dalla Regione attraverso le USSL. Disegno - Sono stati analizzati i dati raccolti nel 1992 e 1993 dal Sistema Informativo Psichiatrico Regionale lombardo relativi alle strutture, il personale e le attività delle Unitá Operative di Psichiatria ed ai ricoveri nelle strutture private nelle 83 USSL lombarde. Tramite l'analisi delle componenti principali sono state selezionate sette variabili sulle quali basare la classificazione; per formare i gruppi e stata utilizzata la Cluster Analysis secondo il metodo di Ward. Risultati - Sono stati selezionati 5 cluster. Nel primo i servizi sono focalizzati sull'attivitá di ricovero (a cui ricorrono anche in ambito privato), mentre le équipe territoriali sembrano riflettere un certo «grigiore» nella loro composizione e nella varietà di interventi offerti. Il secondo è caratterizzato da un tasso estremamente ridotto di interventi nelle strutture territoriali (svolti prevalentemente in sede) e da una loro scarsa diversificazione; è ridotta anche l'attività di ricovero. Nel terzo le USSL sono in grado di offrire una «ricca» attività territoriale (in termini sia di quantità che di varietà), ma tendono delegare al ricovero in strutture private la risoluzione di una parte rilevante dei loro problemi, forse anche a causa della limitata dotazione di strutture riabilitative. Il quarto cluster è composto da servizi,con una ricca dotazione di strutture e soprattutto di personale,che utilizzano al massimo le risorse disponibili per l'attivita di ricovero (sia in SPDC che in CRT-CP), mentre a livello territoriale offrono un servizio adeguato sia in termini di quantita che di varieta degli interventi offerti. Nelle USSL che compongono il quinto cluster gli elementi caratterizzanti sono la ricca dotazione di strutture riabilitative e la accentuata differenziazione delle équipe territoriali, la cui attività quantitativamente molto rilevante (anche se poco diversificata) viene svolta soprattutto all'esterno della struttura. Conclusioni - L'analisi proposta ha consentito di osservare rilevanti disomogeneità nell'offerta dei servizi psichiatrici lombardi e di individuare 5 differenti modelli sintetizzabili nelle tipologie sopradescritte. Il metodo utilizzato permette di monitorare, nel tempo e nello spazio, lo sviluppo dei diversi modelli, utilizzando dati forniti routinariamente dai servizi, senza la necessità di indagini ad hoc.
The condition of the families of patients with schizophrenia in Italy: burden, social network and professional support
Authors: Magliano Lorenza , Malangone Claudio , Guarneri Manuela , Marasco Cecilia , Fiorillo Andrea , Maj Mario , Di Lavoro Gruppo
Published: October 2011

RIASSUNTO

Scopo – Questo studio ha inteso documentare: a) gli interventi che i pazienti con schizofrenia ricevono nei Servizi di Salute Mentale (SSM); b) il carico e la rete sociale dei familiari nonché il sostegno professionale che essi ricevono dai servizi. Disegno – Lo studio è stato condotto in 30 CSM selezionati in maniera randomizzata e stratificati per area geografica e densita di popolazione sull'intero territorio nazionale. In ciascun CSM selezionato, sono stati consecutivamente reclutati 25 pazienti con diagnosi DSM-IV di schizofrenia in fase di compenso clinico e altrettanti familiari-chiave. Il carico dei familiari è stato esplorato in relazione alia zona geografica, agli interventi ricevuti dai pazienti e al sostegno professionale e sociale prestato ai loro familiari. Principal misure utilizzate – a) paziente: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) e intervista per 1'Accertamento delta Disabilita (AD); b) familiare-chiave: Questionari auto-compilati sui Problemi Familiari (QPF) e sulla Rete Sociale (QRS); c) interventi: Scheda di Rilevazione degli Interventi (SRI). Risultati – Sono stati raccolti dati relativi a 709 pazienti e altrettanti familiari-chiave. Nei due mesi precedenti la rilevazione dei dati, il 35% dei pazienti aveva partecipato a programmi riabilitativi, l'80% dei familiari era stato in contatto regolare con i CSM e P8% aveva ricevuto un intervento psicoeducativo familiare. I livelli di carico familiare erano maggiori al Sud. Tale differenza veniva meno quando la presa in ca-rico comprendeva interventi psico-riabilitativi e di sostegno familiare. Conclusioni – Questo studio mette in evidenza che la situazione delle famiglie dei pazienti con schizofrenia è attualmente più difficile al Sud, ed è sensibilmente influenzata dai tipo di presa in carico.
Subjective response to neuroleptic medication: a validation study of the Italian version of the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI)
Authors: Rossi Alessandro , Arduini Luca , De Cataldo Stefano , Stratta Paolo
Published: October 2011

RIASSUNTO

Scopo – Verificare se la versione italiana della Drug Attitude Inventory mantiene le proprietà psicometriche del questionario originate attraverso una validazione di costrutto. Setting – Lo studio è stato condotto su 90 pazienti con diagnosi di Disturbo Schizofrenico (n=72) e Disturbo Schizoaffettivo (n=18) ammessi al ricovero volontario per un episodio indice di riesacerbazione psicotica, d'età compresa tra i 18 ed i 50 anni, in trattamento con farmaci antipsicotici tipici e cognitivamente in grado di comprendere e rispondere alle domande del questionario. Disegno – Sono state impiegate analisi fattoriali esplorative con i metodi d'estrazione alfa fattoriale e della massima verosimiglianza; successivamente è stato utilizzato il metodo di Rotazione Varimax. Risultati – I metodi d'estrazione utilizzati trovavano 7 fattori che spiegavano il 62.5% della varianza. I primi 2 fattori possono essere identificati nel costrutto di “risposta soggettiva al trattamento” ed i fattori da 3 a 7 nel costrutto di “atteggiamento nei confronti della terapia”. Conclusioni – Benché lo studio sia preliminare, la traduzione italiana dello strumento sembra mantenere le proprietà psicometriche della versione originale e può essere utilizzata nella pratica clinica per una valida misurazione deH'atteggiamento del paziente nei confronti del trattamento con farmaci antipsicotici.
Event-based categorical sequential analyses of the medical interview: a review
Authors: Mazzi Maria Angela , Piccolo Lidia Del , Zimmermann Christa
Published: October 2011

When the doctor-patient interaction is viewed as a series of utterances, the temporal position of utterances becomes a central information in understanding the nature of interaction. Important concepts are interdependence and serial dependence which account for the fact that two partners influence each other in their talk and that each partner influences him/herself. Lag sequential analysis studies the associations between doctor and patient utterances in a two-way contingency table (lag one sequences) and is used for exploratory purposes. Log-linear modelling, based on multi-way contingency tables, is used as an extension of lag-sequential analysis to study longer sequences.

Markov chains test sequences in terms of processes with the aim to find predictive models and require a theory driven approach. Pattern recognition aims to discover regularities in the temporal evolution of the utterance sequences. Theory driven applications analyse manifest patterns in terms of their conditional probability distribution while empirically driven applications are used to detect “hidden” patterns. These different approaches to sequential data can be regarded as complementary tools to describe the doctor patient consultations at various levels of complexity.

Declaration of Interest: none.
Drug prescription in Italian Residential Facilities
Authors: Tomasi Rodolfo , de Girolamo Giovanni , Santone Giovanni , Picardi Angelo , Micciolo Rocco , Semisa Domenico , Fava Silva , Progres Gruppo
Published: October 2011

Aims— To investigate in a representative national sample (N=2,962) of patients living in Residential Facilities (RFs) patterns of polypharmacy as well as related variables, association between diagnoses and therapeutic patterns, and the rate of adverse events.Methods— Structured interviews focusing on each patient were conducted by trained research assistants with the manager and staff of each RF. Patients were rated with the HoNOS and the SOFAS, and comprehensive information about their sociodemographic and clinical status, and their pharmacological regimes were collected.Results— Conventional antipsychotics and second-generation antipsychotics were prescribed to 65% and 43% of the sample, respectively. Benzodiazepines were prescribed to two-thirds of the sample, while antidepressants were the least-used class of psychotropics. Polypharmacy was common: on average, each treated patient was taking 2.7 drugs (±1.1); antipsychotic polypharmacy was also common. Many prescriptions were loosely related to specific diagnoses. Antiparkinsonianian drugs were prescribed to approximately 1/4 of the sample. Mild or severe adverse events in the previous month were reported for 9.9% and 1.4% of the sample, respectively. About 15% of patients suffered from tardive dyskinesia.Conclusions— Psychotropic drug prescription patterns for severe patients living in RFs are only sometimes satisfactory and offer the opportunity of improvement. Specific actions are required to improve prescription patterns for severe patients in RFs.

Declaration of Interest: in the past two years GdG has received two speaker fees from Janssen-Cilag and from Eli Lilly; GS has received one speaker fee from Solvay. RM, AP, SF and RT have received no fees or other financial support from pharmaceutical companies.
Empathy in general practice consultations: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Wynn Rolf
Published: October 2011

Aims — Empathy is an important basis of all provider-patient interaction, including general practice. Little has been known about the details of how general practitioners express empathy to their patients. In the present study, it was a main aim to carry out a detailed qualitative study of actual sequences through which empathy was achieved, by focusing on the form, function, and categorisation of such sequences. Methods — The study drew on the qualitative method of conversation analysis. Transcriptions of 77 British general-practitioner-patient interactions were analysed in detail in order to identify and characterise sequences in which empathy was achieved. Results — Four types of empathy were identified, described, and analysed: cognitive empathy, affective empathy, sharing empathy, and nurturant empathy. Although sequences involving empathy typically were brief and occurred relatively rarely, the analyses demonstrated that the sequences often concerned matters of great importance to the interactants. Conclusions — The study underlined the need to focus also on phenomena that occur relatively rarely in consultations. For this purpose, the method of conversation analysis was a useful tool.

Declaration of Interest: there was no conflict of interest.
A survey on the prejudice and the stereotypes of mental illness in two communities with or without Psychiatric Residential Facilities
Authors: Veltro Franco , Raimondo Antonella , Porzio Clementina , Nugnes Teresa , Ciampone Vittorina
Published: October 2011

Aims – Description of prejudice and stereotypes of mental illness in two samples with or without psychiatric Residential Facilities in their communities. It has been evaluated if the ongoing naturalistic relationship with the mentally ill was sufficient to modify the stigma of mental illness. Methods – The study has been carried out in 7 small towns with Residential Facilities and in 7 small towns without Residential Facilities on a sample of 560 people. Each respondent was asked to fill the Questionnaire on the Opinions about Mental Illness - General Population's version (QO-GP). Results – Data on 557 respondents (99.5%) were collected. The most frequent opinion in the general sample was to reject the possibility to admit patients to Psychiatric Hospital. The significance (p <.01) between the two samples was found for only 5 items that concern the “treatment-outcome”, while no difference was found about the stereotypes of mental illness. Conclusions – The results outline that the ongoing naturalistic relationship do not modify the stereotypes of mental illness, but only some aspects of prejudice (care and civil rights). As a consequence we need to plan structured, effective and more specific educational campaigns on mental illnesses.

Declaration of Interest: in the last 2 years, none of the five authors has had any interest or he/she has received any form of support, including that from drug companies and “honoraria” for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work.
La misurazione delle aspettative e della soddisfazione dei pazienti e dei loro familiari nei confronti dei servizi psichiatrici territoriali: la validazione della VECS e della VSSS. 1. Accettabilità e riproducibilità
Authors: Ruggeri Mirella , Dall'Agnola Rosa , Bisoffi Giulia
Published: October 2011

Riassunto

Scopo - Studiare l'accettabilità e la riproducibilita (test-retest reliability) di due strumenti recentemente sviluppati dal nostro gruppo per misurare le aspettative e la soddisfazione dei pazienti e dei loro familiari nei confronti dei servizi psichiatrici territoriali: la Verona Expectations for Care Scale (VECS) e la Verona Service Satisfaction Scale (VSSS). Strumenti - La VECS e la VSSS sono costituite da alcune domande a risposta libera e da un questionario di 82 items che indaga in maniera multidimensionale l'interazione degli utenti con i servizi psichiatrici. Setting - Il servizio psichiatrico di Verona-Sud. Soggetti - Sono stati selezionati per la somministrazione della VECS e della VSSS: a) tutti i pazienti che, secondo i dati del Registro Psichiatrico dei Casi, risultavano vivere con i familiari nell'area di Verona-Sud ed aver avuto almeno 18 contatti con il servizio nei tre anni precedenti l'intervista; b) il familiare che, in tale periodo, si è maggiormente occupato di ciascun paziente. Risultati - L'accettabilità della VECS e della VSSS ai soggetti è stata buona: la maggior parte degli items si è dimostrata facilmente comprensibile e la maggioranza dei soggetti si è mostrata accurata nei fornire le valutazioni. Nei retest effettuato dopo 1-2 settimane su di un campione di soggetti, la riproducibilita delle opinioni espresse dai pazienti e dai loro familiari (percentuale di accordo item per item e Kappa pesato di Cohen per ciascuna dimensione) è stata buona, sia per quanto riguarda la VECS che la VSSS. Conclusioni - I dati presentati in questo articolo dimostrano che è possibile misurare parametri soggettivi dell'interazione degli utenti con i servizi psichiatrici, quali le aspettative e la soddisfazione, in maniera accettabile e riproducibile e che la VECS e la VSSS possiedono adeguate proprieta psicometriche nei parametri studiati.
Output standard in the mental health service of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Methodological issues
Authors: Grassi Gaddomaria
Published: October 2011

Objective – The project Output Standards of the Mental Health Department (MHD) of Reggio Emilia is set out to define outputs and quality standards and to guarantee transparence and to facilitate organizational improvement. Methods – The MHD started an interprofessional working group that defined theMHD outputs as long as process, quality peculiarities, indicators and standards for each output. The MHD Director validated the group results. Results – The MHD defined 9 outputs and its indicators and standardsand consequently modified its data registration system, the way to supply free and partially charged servicesand budget indicators. As a result, a new instrument for management and quality control has been provided. Conclusions – The A. maintains that to define outputs, indicators and standards will allow to compare several services of the Department, get them omogeneous and guarantee and improve quality.
Cognitive-behavioural group treatment of panic attacks disorder: a description of the results obtained in a public mental health service
Authors: Leveni Daniela , Mazzoleni Damiano , Piacentini Daniele
Published: October 2011

RIASSUNTO

Scopo - In questo lavoro vengono presentati i risultati, a breve termine e dopo sei mesi di follow-up, ottenuti con un trattamento intensivo di tipo cognitivo-comportamentale di gruppo in soggetti affetti da Disturbo da Attacchi di Panico con o senza Agorafobia secondo i criteri del DSM IV. Disegno e Setting - I risultati si riferiscono ad un campione di 22 soggetti trattati presso il Centro Psico Sociale di Zogno (BG) e valutati attraverso strumenti obiettivi di autovalutazione, inerenti sia la soddisfazione di vita (SF/36) che l'and amento sintomatologico (PAAAS, MSPS, STAI-X1, STAI-X2). I dati ottenuti sono indicativi di significativi miglioramenti al termine del trattamento. Sono in corso ulteriori follow-up per valutare il mantenimento nel tempo dei risultati raggiunti. Conclusioni -Il risultato più importante appare comunque la dimostrazione che anche in un Servizio pubblico italiano di salute mentale, come in molti paesi esteri, è stato possibile trattare pazienti affetti da Disturbi d'Ansia con tecniche di dimostrata efficacia e relativamente a basso costo e soprattutto che è possibile introdurre nell'attività clinica routinaria indicatori obiettivi di esito.
Pattern of intervention and patients' satisfaction with Community Mental Health Service in Bologna
Authors: Chiappelli Marco , Berardi Sabina
Published: October 2011

RIASSUNTO

Scopo – Verificare se il grado di soddisfazione per i servizi offerti dal CSM sia collegato ad alcune caratteristiche (sociodemografiche, cliniche, assistenziali) dell'utenza, concentrando l'attenzione sulle situazioni più “critiche”, al fine di acquisire elementi per i progetti di miglioramento. Disegno – Studio trasversale con rilevazione delle prestazioni fruite e somministrazione di uno strumento di valutazione ai pazienti con almeno un accesso ogni due mesi nel corso del 1998 e in carico al Centro di Salute Mentale. Setting – Il Centro di Salute Mentale (CSM) del Distretto Saragozza-Porto dell'Azienda USL Città di Bologna. Principali misure utilizzate – Dati del sistema informativo relativi alle caratteristiche sociodemografiche, cliniche, assistenziali di ciascun soggetto e Verona Service Satisfaction Scale (VSSS— 32). Risultati – I risultati relativi a 145 soggetti (24% della popolazione) hanno mostrato come su tre dimensioni principali (soddisfazione globale, professionalità, informazione) e quattro sottodimensioni (colloqui, aiuto economico, aiuto domiciliare, farmacoterapie) oltre il 70% degli intervistati si è dichiarata soddisfatta, giudicando sostanzialmente sufficiente il servizio. L'analisi dei punteggi meno elevati, attraverso il confronto con le variabili sociodemografiche, cliniche ed assistenziali, ha evidenziato quattro aree nelle quali, in modo differenziato, vi sono aspetti suscettibili di miglioramento della qualità del servizio: 1) accessibilità dei servizi: gli assistiti meno soddisfatti lamentano costi assistenziali troppo elevati (spese per i farmaci) e mal tollerano la frequentazione ambulatoriale con persone più gravemente disturbate; 2) coinvolgimento dei familiari: il problema è diffusamente avvertito e la critica sembra vertere sulla scarsa incisività degli interventi presso i familiari; 3) colloqui individuali: l'insoddisfazione sembra derivare dalla scarsa incisività dei trattamenti o dalla “dipendenza” dal CSM che un pattern assistenziale complesso può indurre; 4) contributi economici: gli “insoddisfatti” sono prevalentemente assistiti ai quali il CSM eroga aiuti economici diretti, spesso nell'ambito di programmi che comportano un intenso lavoro di collegamento con altre agenzie sociali e sanitarie. Conclusioni – Il grado di soddisfazione si differenzia significativamente in relazione ad alcune caratteristiche sociodemografiche e cliniche degli assistiti e in funzione a tipo e quantità di assistenza prestata, sebbene emergano aspetti apparentemente incoerenti (ad una maggior assistenza pare corrispondere un diminuzione della soddisfazione) che devono forse far ripensare al tipo di risposta assistenziale fornita a certe categorie di assistiti.
Needs for care in psychiatric patients: a systematic review II. Needs for care on individual level
Authors: Lasalvia Antonio , Stefani Benedetta , Ruggeri Mirella
Published: October 2011

RIASSUNTO

Scopo - Il presente articolo costituisce la seconda parte di un più ampio lavoro di revisione degli studi sui bisogni di cura in ambito psichiatrico. Nella prima parte sono stati analizzati i risultati degli studi sui bisogni di servizi nella popolazione generate. In questa seconda parte viene passata in rassegna la letteratura sui bisogni individuali e discusso il ruolo giocato dalla valutazione di tali bisogni nella pianificazione dell'assistenza psichiatrica. Metodo - Mediante ricerca computerizzata (effettuata con i database MEDLINE e PsycLit) integrata da una ricerca manuale (realizzata consultando gli indici analitici delle principali riviste psichiatriche internazionali) sono stati selezionati i lavori pubblicati sull'argomento da Gennaio 1980 a Giugno 1999. La revisione della letteratura è stata realizzata suddividendo gli studi condotti nella popolazione generale e quelli condotti su gruppi di pazienti psichiatrici. Questi ultimi studi, a loro volta, sono stati ulteriormente suddivisi in base alla categoria diagnostica (pazienti con disturbi psicotici e pazienti con disturbi non psicotici) e al setting (servizi territoriali e strutture di ricovero). Sono stati, inoltre, considerati gli studi condotti su particolari categorie di pazienti (senzatetto, bambini ed adolescenti, anziani e soggetti con comportamento violento). Risultati - I pazienti con disturbi di tipo psicotico presentano una vasta gamma di bisogni sia di tipo clinico che sociale. In quelli seguiti a livello territoriale, i bisogni clinici e sociali tendono ad equivalersi, mentre in quelli ricoverati (ad eccezione dei pazienti acuti) prevalgono i bisogni sociali. Sia a livello territoriale che di strutture di ricovero i bisogni di tipo sociale sono quelli in genere più di frequente insoddisfatti; le terapie psicofarmacologiche sono fornite con maggior frequenza rispetto agli interventi psicoterapeutici e riabilitativi. I pazienti non psicotici presentano un numero minore di bisogni rispetto ai pazienti psicotici; tali bisogni sono di tipo sia clinico che sociale, con una prevalenza dei primi, anche se i bisogni più frequentemente insoddisfatti sono quelli sociali. Conclusioni - Tali studi forniscono preziose informazioni sulle principali esigenze dei soggetti affetti da disturbi psichici attraverso una prospettiva nuova e spesso inesplorata. Nella pratica clinica l'identificazione dei bisogni di cura può costituire un ausilio indispensabile al fine di impostare strategie terapeutiche specifiche, individualizzate ed efficaci.
The contribution of epidemiology to psychosomatic medicine
Authors: Lobo Antonio , Campos Ricardo
Published: October 2011

Objective— To discuss the contribution of epidemiology and epidemiological methods to psychosomatic medicine.Method— Critical review of the literature, including both philosophical concepts and empirical data.Results— The adjective «psychosomatic» has been used in two different ways: in the so called «psychosomatic» or holistic approach to medicine; and in a narrower approach, referring to particular disorders in which psychological factors were considered to have a fundamental aetiological role. While the ideal of the holistic, «humanistic» or «anthropological» approach should probably be never abandoned, the practical limitations of encompassing models, including Engel's bio-psycho-social model are also obvious: they may be heuristically sterile. On the other side, in relation to the narrow psychosomatic approach, psychogenetic views in the so called «psychosomatic illnesses» have been strongly criticized on empirical grounds. The potential of epidemiological methods to study these illnesses, but also «somatopsychic» disorders is shown in a number of papers in the empirical literature. We have grouped such contributions, including our own experience, in the five categories suggested by M. Shepherd for epidemiological methods in general: 1) the completion of the spectrum of disease; 2) the establishment of outcome; 3) the actuarial assessment of morbid risk; 4) the evaluation of the efficacy of treatment; and 5) the conceptual construction of diagnosis and classification.Conclusions— The contribution of epidemiological data to areas of interest in psychosomatic medicine has been relevant in recent years. The potential of epidemiological methods in this area is very important both to increase knowledge and to improve the quality of clinical practice.
Physical Activity Associated with Increased Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Prakash Ruchika Shaurya , Patterson Beth , Janssen Alisha , Abduljalil Amir , Boster Aaron
Published: October 2011

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, resulting in physical, cognitive and affective disturbances, with notable declines in the ability to learn and retain new information. In this study, we examined if higher levels of physical activity in MS individuals were associated with an increased resting-state connectivity of the hippocampus and cortex, resulting in better performance on a task of episodic memory. Forty-five individuals with a clinically definite diagnosis of MS were recruited for the study. Consistent with previous reports, hippocampus was functionally connected to the posteromedial cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and the medial frontal cortex. Higher levels of physical activity in MS patients were associated with an increased coherence between the hippocampus and the posteromedial cortex (PMC). The increased connectivity between these two regions, in turn, was predictive of better relational memory, such that MS patients who showed an increased coherence between the left (not right) hippocampus and the PMC also showed better relational memory. Results of the study are interpreted in light of the challenge of disentangling effects of physical activity from effects of disease severity and its neuropathological correlates. (JINS, 2011, 17, 986–997)
Complementary feeding indicators and determinants of poor feeding practices in Indonesia: a secondary analysis of 2007 Demographic and Health Survey data
Authors: Ng Charmaine S , Dibley Michael J , Agho Kingsley E
Published: October 2011

Objective

The present study aimed to assess complementary feeding practices and identify the potential risk factors associated with inappropriate complementary feeding in Indonesia for a nationally representative sample of births from 2004 to 2007.

Design

The data source for the analysis was the 2007 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey. Multiple logistic regression was performed to analyse the factors associated with complementary feeding, using individual-, household- and community-level determinants.

Setting

Indonesia.

Subjects

Children (n 4604) aged 6–23 months.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that infants from poor households were significantly less likely to be introduced to complementary feeding (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 4·32; 95 % CI 1·46, 12·80) and meet the minimum dietary diversity (AOR = 1·76; 95 % CI 1·16, 2·68). Mother's education (AOR for no education in dietary diversity = 1·92; 95 % CI 1·09, 3·38; AOR for no education in meal frequency = 2·03; 95 % CI 1·13, 3·64; AOR for no education in acceptable diet = 3·84; 95 % CI 2·07, 7·12), residence and decreased age of the infant were negatively associated with minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency and an acceptable diet. Infants aged 6–11 months were also significantly less likely to meet minimum dietary diversity (AOR = 6·36; 95 % CI 4·73, 8·56), minimum meal frequency (AOR = 2·30; 95 % CI 1·79, 2·96) and minimum acceptable diet (AOR = 2·27; 95 % CI 1·67, 3·09). All geographical regions compared with Sumatra were more likely to give the recommended meal frequency and an acceptable diet to breast-fed children.

Conclusions

Public health interventions to improve complementary feeding should address individual-, household- and community-level factors which significantly influence the introduction of complementary feeding. Complementary feeding intervention programmes in Indonesia should ensure that restraints on families with low socio-economic status are addressed. Infants aged 6–11 months and mothers with low education levels may also need special focus. Promotion strategies should also target the health-care delivery system and the media.
Bill for hydrogeological mapping of U.S. High Plains Aquifer gains initial approval
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2011

Bipartisan legislation to characterize, map, and model the 450,000‐sq‐km High Plains Aquifer passed the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on 12 March, but not without amendments that some scientists said weaken important aspects of the bill.

The bill (S. 212), which now awaits full Senate approval, and the introduction of companion legislation in the House of Representatives, calls for a High Plains Aquifer comprehensive hydrogeologic program, which would be a cooperative partnership effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and state and local agencies. Among the goals are gaining a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface configuration and hydrogeology of the aquifer, including a better understanding of how the aquifer functions, recharges, and loses water.
Discovering the Solar System, Second Edition
Authors: Li Bo
Published: October 2011

The solar system, notably its origin and evolution, has intrigued astronomers for centuries. Since the advent of the space age, much more has become known about the bodies that constitute the solar system. Space‐based telescopes have become available, and orbiting spacecraft and landers have enabled an examination of these bodies at close range and at previously inaccessible wavelengths. This accumulation of observational data continues, and we expect to see a surge, given the recent interest in planetary exploration from space agencies around the world.
Balloons help beach studies
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

A camera‐carrying balloon that photographed a Florida beach last summer is regarded as a significant new development in coastal investigation by Louisiana State University's Coastal Studies Institute. Choule J. Sonu, professor in the Department of Marine Sciences, experimented with a homemade balloon that reached an altitude of 350 feet and was controlled from the ground by one offshore‐based tether, and two shore‐based lines.
New IGRF computer program
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

A Fortran II Computer program has been developed by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey to compute the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) for any geographic position. To facilitate the portrayal and comparison of magnetic anomalies, the IGRF is used as a common datum for removal of regional gradients from magnetic survey measurements. This reference field, adopted by the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy‐International Association of Geodesy and Geophysics (IAGA‐IUGG) in October 1968, is described by a spherical harmonic analysis of degree and order 8 and includes coefficients of annual change.
Forum
Authors: Church Michael
Published: October 2011

‘Forum’ has seen a procession of discussions on the subject of professional communication, the chief burden of which has been the need to establish a level of scientific reporting within the Union that can be properly appraised and readily assimilated by the members. This seems to imply increasing efforts to maintain high quality in presentations, and to reduce repetition of reports to a minimum. Some discussants (such as Zurflueh and Roederer in the May ‘Forum’) have suggested that an increased use of preprints and other ‘semi‐publications’ should be considered in order to lessen the flood of presentations in meetings and journals. I should like to pursue this suggestion further.
Gravity investigations of selected batholiths and basins of southwestern Montana
Authors: Burfeind Walter J.
Published: October 2011

During the period 1960–1964 a gravity survey covering 25,000 km2 in southwestern Montana was made to determine (1) the source, subsurface shapes and extents of the Boulder and Tobacco Root batholiths, and (2) the pre‐fill configurations and possible origin of several Cenozoic basins.

Approximately 6250 gravity stations were occupied using two gravity meters: a C. H. Frost with a scale constant of 0.754 mgal per scale division and a Pioneer model Worden meter with scale constant of 0.0934 mgal per scale division. Most elevations were determined using Paulin altimeters controlled by bench mark and map elevations; some vertical control was established with a Dumpy level. The final Bouguer gravity values are referenced to Pendulum Station 110 [Duerksen, 1949] in Boulder, Montana, and the resultant contour map (Figure 1) has been tied to maps published by Davis et al. [1963; 1965a, b] and Kinoshita et al. [1964 a, b].
Gravity measurements in Wyoming and central Colorado
Authors: Smithson Scott B.
Published: October 2011

Gravity surveys made by personnel from the University of Wyoming include the Laramie Mountains, the Medicine Bow Mountains, the Hanna Basin, and the South Pass area in Wyoming and the mountainous area west of Aspen in Colorado. These surveys are made with a Worden Master model gravimeter and are tied into gravity base stations established by the U.S. Air Force; almost all the stations are established on surveyed elevations. The purpose of these surveys is largely to study relationships in crystalline rocks.

Detailed gravity surveys on spacing as close as ½ to 1 km have been conducted in the Precambrian core of the Laramie Mountains between 41°00′ to 42°00′N and 105°00′ to 105°4O′W. Rock types covered include Sherman granite, Laramie anorthosite, and related rocks and gneisses. Bouguer anomalies within Precambrian rocks range from −110 mgal over mafic gneisses in the north to −185 mgal over Sherman granite in the south [Hodge, 1966; Woodfill and Smithson, 1968]. Interpretation of these anomalies is being used to study petrogenesis of the anorthosite and structure of the geneisses. Gravity measurements extend out from the Laramie Mountains across a flanking fault into the Denver‐Julesberg Basin on the east and west into the Laramie Basin.
Mapping urban areas
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

The Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, has reported that the Federal Government is placing new emphasis on mapping the Nation's sprawling urban areas which are expected to occupy 10% of the total U.S. domain by the year 2000. Robert H. Lyddan, Chief Topographic Engineer of the Geological Survey, said that targets for the program are the fast‐growing metropolitan areas ‘where city planners, administrators, and engineers are in need of standard quadrangle maps that show drainage features, streets, and built‐up areas, wooded areas, locations of control markers, and elevations.’ The program calls for: completion of 1:24,000 scale (1inch = 2,000 feet) coverage in urban and urbanizing areas, updating of all urban maps on at least a 5‐year cycle, making use of ‘interim’ revision techniques, investigation of needs for new map products to meet urban requirements, and the exploration of orthophotomapping for urban areas.
Expanded program of remote sensing of environment
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

The College of Forestry and Natural Resources of Colorado State University, Fort Collins, has announced an expanded program in remote sensing of the environment: Principles of Remote Sensing of Environment will discuss remote sensing equipment currently in use and the energy regimes measured. Emphasis will be placed on a review of the application of remote sensors in detecting, identifying and monitoring the activities of man and nature; Remote Sensing of Natural Resources will emphasize the application of the techniques to natural resource problems. The potential and limitations of remote sensing systems will be discussed on the basis of the energy exchanges that take place in the environment; a Seminar in Remote Sensing will explore the concept of remote sensing as a management and as a research technique. All aspects of current ground or aerial remote sensing projects will be considered from mission planning to image processing and display.
UCOWR/IUD assistantships and fellowships in hydrology status report for academic year 1968–1969
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

Twenty‐three graduate students from fourteen countries participated in the UCOWR/IHD program of assistantships and fellowships in hydrology and related fields during the academic year 1968–69. The participants attended fifteen institutions from California to the Carolinas and from Wisconsin to Oklahoma. Participants, home countries, and institutions attended are listed below:

This UCOWR/IHD program is sponsored by the Universities Council on Water Resources and the U.S. National Committee for the IHD in cooperation with individual universities. The individual assistantships and fellowships are provided through the regular facilities of the universities.
Glaciological Training Course (Sweden)
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

The University of Stockholm announces a Glaciological Training Course, scheduled for August 1970, at Kebnekaise, Swedish Lapland. The course is planned as a part of the training program of the International Hydrological Decade and its purpose is to train the participants for glaciological and hydrological research in high mountains. The main object is to familiarize the participants with the various methods used in the study of glacier budgets.
Symposium on manmade lakes
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

An Environmental Symposium on Manmade Lakes, Their Problems and Environmental Effects will be held at Knoxville, Tennessee, on May 3–7,1971, The conference is being organized by the Scientific Committee on Water Research (COWAR) on behalf of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU). Numerous Unions and Committees of ICSU are cooperating, and agencies of the United Nations are providing support. The National Academy of Sciences and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will handle arrangements in the United States.
Symposium on hydrogeochemistry and biogeochemistry
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

The 1970 International Symposium on Hydrogeochemistry and Biogeochemistry will be held in Tokyo, Japan, September 7–12. The symposium, held under the auspices of the International Association of Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry (IAGC), will be co‐sponsored by IAPSO, IAVCEI, IASH, IMA, IAGOD, SCOR, and SCAR. Subjects of the symposium will be divided into two groups, Hydrogeochemistry and Biogeochemistry. There will also be a symposium held jointly with ‘The Ocean World’ September 14–15 (see August NEWS section).
SCAS becomes unit of the University of Texas system
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

On September 1 the Southwest Center for Advanced Studies became a primary degree‐granting unit of The University of Texas System. Joining the state University System after some seven years of operation on a private‐support base, the basic research and graduate education center was designated The University of Texas at Dallas.

Acting President of UTD is Francis S. Johnson, who headed the SCAS' Atmospheric and Space Sciences Division from 1962 until the past summer. (Johnson is Vice‐President of AGU's Section on Solar‐Planetary Relationships.)
Formation of new scientific organization
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

On June 16, 1969, a new scientific international body, the ‘Comision de Ciencias Geofisicas’ was formed within the Pan American Institute of Geography and History (PAIGH). The Commission, whose main purpose will be to develop science and technology within the westem hemisphere, will be divided into six committees: Seismology, Geomagnetism and Aeronomy, Gravity, Tectonophysics, Volcanology and Oceanography, and Atmospheric Physics and Meteorology.
NATO Advanced Study Institute
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

A NATO Advanced Study Institute on The Moon and The Planets will be held in the School of Physics, The University of Newcastle upon Tyne, April 9–16,1970. Sponsored by the Schools of Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and the Department of Geology, the meeting's aim is to contribute to the necessary task of reviewing the vast amount of new data on the moon, Mars, and Venus, which has been obtained through the great advances in space technology. The importance of relating this new knowledge to classical studies of the solar system and to geology and geophysics will be emphasized. Invitations to participate are extended to geophysicists, geologists, astronomers, mathematicians, chemists, and physicists interested in these fields.
Global effects of environmental pollution
Authors: Singer S. Fred
Published: October 2011

An increased scale of human activity has brought with it pollution, defined as ‘an undesirable change in the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of our air, land, and water that may or will harmfully affect human life or that of any other desirable species, or industrial processes, living conditions, or cultural assests; or that may or will waste or deteriorate our raw material resources.’* Under certain circumstances, natural processes are unable to keep pace with the increase of pollutants, and then serious problems arise—usually on a local scale. On occasion, however, pollution effects may persist long enough so that the atmosphere or the ocean circulation may spread them over the whole earth.

It is therefore important to examine the situation at frequent intervals to determine whether a pollutant released in our environment could have far‐ranging geophysical effects or far‐ranging effects in the biosphere, and to probe particularly all interconnections in order to expose any weak link in the ecological chain. Such an examination should involve scientists from different specialties, including geophysics, geology, biochemistry, biology, medicine, and ecology. The subject matter has obvious interest to the general public, to policymakers in the government and in the Congress, and to all who are concerned about the effects of man's activities on the environment.
An endorsement
Authors: Carr Roderick A.
Published: October 2011

I agree wholeheartedly with P. H. McTaggart‐Cowan's suggestion in the February ‘Forum’.

The log jam produced by the present referee‐publishing system must be broken. The idea of Church and McTaggart‐Cowan to print only abstracts for general distribution is good. It will speed up information flow and reduce the amount of superfluous printed matter that the individual scientist must file and store.
Some long‐term trends in water quality of rivers and lakes
Authors: Ackermann William C. , Harmeson Robert H. , Sinclair Robert A.
Published: October 2011

In these times when we are trying to determine our environmental position and the course we are taking, it is desirable to employ every means for assessment available.

One such means is to consider measurements of environmental quality that have been maintained over a period of many years. The opportunities for doing this, however, are limited since we have only recently begun to realize fully the importance of monitoring our environment. Thus few environmental records are available for more than a decade.
Water Quality Management Symposium
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2011

The National Symposium on Data and Instrumentation for Water Quality Management will be held July 21–23, 1970, at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. The Conference of State Sanitary Engineers is sponsoring the symposium, with sixteen other professional societies, including AGU, serving as co‐sponsors. The symposium will concern the contribution that collection and use of data can make to bettering the earth's environment.
The President's Page: Waldo E. Smith: A quarter century of service
Authors: Newell Homer E.
Published: October 2011

Waldo E. Smith, the Union's first Executive Director, will retire after almost 26 years of service on August 31, 1970. During that period he has guided the AGU with caution, firmness, gentleness, and obvious pride. As President of the Union and speaking for all the other Presidents with whom Waldo has served, I want to take this opportunity to express our respect and admiration for his tremendous contribution to AGU and to the unity of geophysics nationally and internationally.

Waldo joined AGU in 1936 and affiliated with the Section of Hydrology. He has been an active member, attending Annual Meetings and participating in the affairs of the Section of Hydrology. In 1944, with the title of Executive Secretary, he became AGU's first full‐time staff member, and as Executive Secretary and subsequently Executive Director, he has presided over a period during which the Union has grown in all directions by amounts that can only be measured in orders of magnitude. AGU owes its present sound financial status in large part to Waldo's careful management. Its journals and books are generally well received and reasonably priced, which attests to his capabilities as a purchaser of printing and handler of editors. For many years he edited the Transactions himself while operating the business affairs of the office with the occasional aid of his wife Martha; for especially large jobs like mailing, his two children, David and Carol, were pressed into service.