bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Feedback Provision for Undergraduate Psychology Students
Authors: Hulme Julie , Forshaw Mark
Published: November 2010

Research on feedback for undergraduate students has usually focused on either the tutor or the student perspective. Some tutors perceive that students do not read or learn from feedback, whilst students sometimes claim that feedback can be difficult to understand and unconstructive. We investigated tutor and student perspectives through online questionnaires. Fifty-seven staff and 213 psychology undergraduates responded. The questionnaires were used to determine the extent to which students learn from feedback, and the extent to which tutors employ feedback as a teaching tool. Our preliminary findings suggest that both groups agree that written feedback is not ideal, and that the two-way dialogue intended is not always effective. There may be a lack of understanding of communication on both sides. Staff feel that their feedback is clear, but students sometimes disagree, and students do not value feedback on grammar and referencing, whereas staff believe that this is useful. Further research is now being conducted to develop understanding of staff and student perspectives on feedback, and to use the findings to inform improved accessibility of feedback for students, and efficiency of feedback provision for tutors.
Filling the Gaps of Graduate School Training: Perceived Relevance and Efficacy of the New School Psychology Bulletin
Authors: Brown Adam D. , Antonius Daniel , Hirst William
Published: November 2010

We examined whether the New School Psychology Bulletin (NSPB), a peer reviewed journal operated by graduate students, was perceived as relevant and effective among individuals pursuing clinical, nonclinical (research and academic), and combined clinical and nonclinical careers. Individuals (N = 155) were surveyed for career goals, current research interests, as well as perceived relevance and efficacy of the NSPB. Although research interests differed by career goals, participants perceived the NSPB as effective for providing valuable writing and peer review experiences, cultivating research, and increasing communication between students and faculty, and relevant for training clinical and nonclinical students. The results of this survey suggest that students perceive those skills offered by the NSPB as relevant and effective in their professional development, which in turn, may foster the scientist-practitioner training model.
Clinical Psychology and Diversity: Progress and Continuing Challenges
Authors: Turpin Graham , Coleman Gail
Published: November 2010

The diversity of the clinical psychology workforce is an important contributing factor in ensuring that clients are able to access services that can reflect their own particular culture and personal identities, and also to allow the possibility of choice surrounding diversity across therapists and psychologists. Unfortunately the make up of clinical psychology trainees frequently does not reflect the population demographics of the communities within which training courses are located or serve. This mismatch has been recognised for many years both within clinical psychology and other healthcare professions. Despite various attempts at promoting diversity and equality within the profession, there is a widespread recognition that insufficient progress has been made, and the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP) in particular, promoted a series of projects looking at selection and widening access across professional psychology training courses, culminating in a Professional Practice Board (PPB) Report that was published in 2004. In addition, through initiatives supported by the Group of Trainers in Clinical Psychology, various research and other practical projects were established. The purpose of this paper is to review the PPB Report and associated projects and to informally assess their impact. Finally, there is recognition that not only should the workforce be representative but psychologists and therapists ought to be culturally aware and trained to work with difference despite their own particular identities as individuals and therapists. Accordingly, we will also review initiatives to promote cultural awareness and sensitivity within clinical psychology training.
Advances and Gaps in the Knowledge of Thermodynamics and Crystallography of Acid Mine Drainage Sulfate Minerals
Authors: Majzlan Juraj
Published: November 2010

Acidic and metal-rich waters produced by sulfide decomposition at mining sites are termed acid mine drainage (AMD). They precipitate a number of minerals, very often sulfates. The recent advances in thermodynamic properties and crystallography of these sulfates are reviewed here. There
is a reasonable amount of data for the divalent (Mg, Ni, Co, Fe2+, Cu, Zn) sulfates and these data may be combined with and optimized by temperature-relative humidity brackets available in the literature. For the sulfates with Fe3+, most data exist for jarosite; for other
minerals and phases in this system, a few calorimetric studies were reported. No data whatsoever are available for the Fe2+-Fe3+ sulfates. A significant advance is the development of the Pitzer model for Fe3+-sulfate solutions and its confrontation with the
available thermodynamic and solubility data. In summary, our knowledge about the thermodynamic properties of the AMD sulfates is unsatisfactory and fragmented.
Structural Chemistry of Anhydrous Sodium Silicates – A Review
Authors: Kahlenberg Volker
Published: November 2010

Sodium silicates are of considerable importance for many fields of inorganic chemistry and applied mineralogy, being either raw materials for synthesis or already finished products. In addition to their industrial relevance they have also been studied intensively because of their interesting
physico-chemical properties including high ion-exchange capacity and selectivity or two-dimensional sodium diffusion and conductivity. Furthermore, the structural chemistry of crystalline sodium silicates offers the crystallographer challenging tasks such as polytypism, polymorphism, temperature
and/or pressure-dependent phase transitions, pseudo-symmetry, complex twinning phenomena as well as incommensurately modulated structures. Many of these structural problems have been solved only recently, although in some cases they have been known for several decades. This article will provide
an overview on the structurally characterized sodium silicates and their fascinating crystallochemical characteristics.
Induced abortion: a means of postponing childbirth? Changes in maternal age at induced abortion and child birth in Norway during 1979–2007
Authors: Vlietman Marianne , Sarfraz Aashi Ambareen , Eskild Anne
Published: November 2010

Objective. The maternal age at child birth is increasing. If induced abortion is an important means of postponing childbirth in a population, it is to be expected that in young women the rate of conceived pregnancies is stable over time, but the induced abortion rate is increasing. We studied birth rates, induced abortion rates and the sum of these rates by maternal age during four decades. Design. Register‐based study. Setting and population. All women 15–49 years living in Norway. Methods. We present temporal changes in birth rates and induced abortion rates within age groups during the period 1979–2007. We also estimated the sum rate of births and induced abortions. Data were obtained from national statistics. Main outcome measures. Live births and induced abortions per 1000 women per year. Results. The induced abortion rates have been relatively stable within age groups, except for a decrease in women 15–19 years (from 24.2 in 1979 to 17.0 in 2007) and an increase in women 20–24 years (from 23.2 to 29.5). The birth rates however, have decreased dramatically in women 20–24 years old (from 113.6 to 60.5). Hence, the sum rate of births and induced abortions in women 20–24 years old has decreased from 136.8 to 90.0. In women 30 years old or older, the birth rates have increased. Conclusion. The induced abortion rate has been relatively stable in all age groups over time, suggesting a limited influence of induced abortions on the postponement of childbearing.
Standards for reporting randomized controlled trials in neurosurgery
Authors: Kiehna Erin N. , Starke Robert M. , Pouratian Nader , Dumont Aaron S.
Published: November 2010

Object

The Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) criteria were published in 1996 to standardize the reporting and improve the quality of clinical trials. Despite having been endorsed by major medical journals and shown to improve the quality of reported trials, neurosurgical journals have yet to formally adopt these reporting criteria. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality and reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in neurosurgery and the factors that may affect the quality of reported trials.

Methods

The authors evaluated all neurosurgical RCTs published in 2006 and 2007 in the principal neurosurgical journals (Journal of Neurosurgery; Neurosurgery; Surgical Neurology; Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry; and Acta Neurochirurgica) and in 3 leading general medical journals (Journal of the American Medical Association, Lancet, and the New England Journal of Medicine). Randomized controlled trials that addressed operative decision making or the treatment of neurosurgical patients were included in this analysis. The RCT quality was evaluated using the Jadad score and the CONSORT checklist.

Results

In 2006 and 2007, 27 RCTs relevant to intracranial neurosurgery were reported. Of these trials, only 59% had a Jadad score ≥ 3. The 3 major medical journals all endorsed the CONSORT guidelines, while none of the neurosurgical journals have adopted these guidelines. Randomized controlled trials published in the 3 major medical journals had a significantly higher mean CONSORT score (mean 41, range 39–44) compared with those published in neurosurgical journals (mean 26.4, range 17–38; p < 0.0001). Jadad scores were also significantly higher for the major medical journals (mean 3.42, range 2–5) than neurosurgical journals (mean 2.45, range 1–5; p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Despite the growing volume of RCTs in neurosurgery, the quality of reporting of these trials remains suboptimal, especially in the neurosurgical journals. Improved awareness of the CONSORT guidelines by journal editors, reviewers, and authors of these papers could improve the methodology and reporting of RCTs in neurosurgery.
NF-κB in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Oncogenic Functions in Leukemic and in Microenvironmental Cells
Authors: Dos Santos Nuno R. , Ghezzo Marinella N. , Da Silva Ricardo C. , Fernandes Mónica T.
Published: November 2010

Two main NF-κB signaling pathways, canonical and noncanonical, performing distinct functions in organisms have been characterized. Identification of mutations in genes encoding components of these NF-κB signaling pathways in lymphoid malignancies confirmed their key role in leukemogenesis. T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy of thymocytes that despite significant therapeutic advances can still be fatal. Although mutations in NF-κB genes have not been reported in T-ALL, NF-κB constitutive activation in human T-ALL and in acute T-cell leukemia mouse models has been observed. Although these studies revealed activation of members of both canonical and noncanonical NF-κB pathways in acute T-cell leukemia, only inhibition of canonical NF-κB signaling was shown to impair leukemic T cell growth. Besides playing an important pro-oncogenic role in leukemic T cells, NF-κB signaling also appears to modulate T-cell leukemogenesis through its action in microenvironmental stromal cells. This article reviews recent data on the role of these transcription factors in T-ALL and pinpoints further research crucial to determine the value of NF-κB inhibition as a means to treat T-ALL.
Spatiotemporal Trends in Oral Cancer Mortality and Potential Risks Associated with Heavy Metal Content in Taiwan Soil
Authors: Chiang Chi-Ting , Lian Ie-Bin , Su Che-Chun , Tsai Kuo-Yang , Lin Yu-Pin , Chang Tsun-Kuo
Published: November 2010

Central and Eastern Taiwan have alarmingly high oral cancer (OC) mortality rates, however, the effect of lifestyle factors such as betel chewing cannot fully explain the observed high-risk. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals in the soil reflect somewhat the levels of exposure to the human body, which may promote cancer development in local residents. This study assesses the space-time distribution of OC mortality in Taiwan, and its association with prime factors leading to soil heavy metal content. The current research obtained OC mortality data from the Atlas of Cancer Mortality in Taiwan, 1972–2001, and derived soil heavy metals content data from a nationwide survey carried out by ROCEPA in 1985. The exploratory data analyses showed that OC mortality rates in both genders had high spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I = 0.6716 and 0.6318 for males and females). Factor analyses revealed three common factors (CFs) representing the major pattern of soil pollution in Taiwan. The results for Spatial Lag Models (SLM) showed that CF1 (Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) was most spatially related to male OC mortality which implicates that some metals in CF1 might play as promoters in OC etiology.
Myocardial perfusion imaging using technetium-99m sestamibi in asymptomatic diabetic patients
Authors: Mohagheghie A. , Ahmadabadi M. N. , Hedayat D. K. , Pourbehi M. R. , Assadi M.
Published: November 2010

Myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has been extensively applied in the clinical assessment of patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate stress technetium- 99m sestamibi SPECT MPI perfusion in silent myocardial ischemia and its association with some clinical and laboratory parameters in an asymptomatic diabetic population. Patients, material, methods: 83 subjects (age: 57.1 ± 6.9 years) with at least five years history of type 2 diabetes, and no suspected or documented coronary artery disease (CAD) accomplished myocardial perfusion imaging; angiography was also performed in patients with abnormal MPI. Results: MPI results showed that 58 patients had normal myocardial perfusion, while 25 patients showed perfusion defects (23 reversible and 2 fixed) on MPI. 12 out of the 25 (48%) with abnormal MPI findings represented abnormal angiography. We observed that pretest likelihood of CAD (odds ratio 2.32; 95%-CI: 1.05–5.13; p = 0.038) and higher HbA1c level (odds ratio 1.70; 95%-CI, 1.07–2.71; p = 0.02) were independently associated with abnormal MPI. Conclusion: Occult CAD was present on MPI in 1/3 patients with DM without abnormal electro cardiographic findings or evidence of peripheral arterial disease.
Newly Licensed Nurses’ Experiences in Rotational Training Programs in Japan
Authors: Gregg Misuzu F. , Shigematsu Toyomi , Hayashi Chifuyu , Kono Masako , Yoshida Kozue
Published: November 2010

This article describes the experiences of newly licensed nurses in rotational training programs that lasted longer than 6 months. A qualitative descriptive design was chosen for this study. Six newly licensed nurses were interviewed individually. Transcripts of interviews were coded for each incident and sorted to identify clusters of codes. Findings indicated that newly licensed nurses experienced both the benefits and the disadvantages of this training system. They benefited from extended learning through various experiences. However, they also experienced stress and lacked a sense of fulfillment because of the short term of each rotation. Nurses who are in charge of staff development should attempt to minimize the negative effects and maximize the positive effects to improve the clinical competency of nurses.
Delirium in Older Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Clarke Sean P. , McRae Marion E. , Del Signore Sandra , Schubert Maria , Styra Rima
Published: November 2010

Delirium affects approximately 20% to 25% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery and is particularly common in older adults. This article reviews the etiology and risk factors for delirium associated with cardiac surgery in older adults. Delirium screening, prevention, and treatment strategies, including both pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies, are presented. Interventions appropriate in both the intensive care unit and ward settings after cardiac surgery are outlined.
Incidence of Radiographic Unicompartmental Arthritis in Patients Undergoing Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Woolson Steven T. , Shu Beatrice , Giori Nicholas J.
Published: November 2010

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is increasing in popularity with the advent of less invasive procedures for knee arthritis. The percentage of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty who could be candidates for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty depends on the surgeon’s evaluation of the radiographs, and this evaluation may depend on the surgeon’s bias regarding partial knee arthroplasty. A retrospective radiographic and chart review was performed on a consecutive series of patients who had undergone tricompartmental knee arthroplasty to determine the percentage of those patients who could have been candidates for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Two hundred eighty-eight patients who underwent 308 tricompartmental knee arthroplasties over a 3-year period at a Veteran’s Administration Hospital comprised the study group. Assessment of preoperative radiographs was done by 2 surgeons, 1 who favored unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and the other who preferred tricompartmental knee arthroplasty, to determine the percentage of these patients, from each surgeon’s viewpoint, who had unicompartmental arthritis. Patients who had radiographic unicompartmental arthritis were then eliminated as candidates for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, if, on chart review, they had a flexion contracture >10°, an arc of motion <100°, or inflammatory arthritis.

The surgeon who was a proponent of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty found that 26% of these patients had acceptable radiologic and clinical indications for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, whereas the surgeon who had a bias against the procedure felt that only 12% of these patients were unicompartmental knee arthroplasty candidates. A considerable percentage of Veteran’s Administration patients undergoing arthroplasty for knee arthritis may be potential candidates for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, despite the surgeon’s bias for or against the procedure.
Timing of DVT Prophylaxis and Risk of Postoperative Knee Prosthesis Infection
Authors: Asensio Angel , Antolín Francisco J. , Sanchez-García Joseph M. , Hidalgo Olga , Hernández-Navarrete Maria Jesús , Bishopberger Cornelia , Miguel Lucía García-San , Gay-Pobes Andrés , Cabrera-Quintero Alberto , Asensio Paula , Sanz-Sebastián Cristina , Gonzalez-Torga Antonio , Ortiz-Espada Alejandro , Pérez-Serrano Luis , Ramos Antonio
Published: November 2010

This multicenter prospective study was performed to determine risk factors for knee prosthesis infection and the effect of timing doses of prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) related to time of surgery on the risk of knee prosthesis infection. A total of 5496 consecutive patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty from 2005 to 2006 in 13 orthopedic centers were prospectively followed up for 6 months, and the incidence of knee prosthesis infection was recorded. A case control study was nested in the cohort. Case patients were matched to uninfected (control) patients, and the timing of perioperative LMWH was recorded as the main risk factor. Fifty patients developed postoperative knee prosthesis infection during the follow-up period, yielding an incidence of prosthesis infection of 0.91% (95% CI, 0.68%–1.20%). Forty-four patients were matched to 106 controls. Case patients received the first LMWH dose ±12 hours from the start of surgery more frequently than their control counterparts (odds ratio, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.73–3.0). After adjusting by main risk factors, no statistical association was found between close perioperative timing of LMWH and risk of prosthesis infection. Diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.2–8.8) and wound hematoma (adjusted odds ratio, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.1–16.5) were found to be independent risk factors for prosthesis infection.
Evaluation of the Reliability of Classification Systems Used for Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Kural Cemal , Sungur Ibrahim , Kaya Ibrahim , Ugras Akin , Ertürk Ahmet , Cetinus Ercan
Published: November 2010

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the reliability of classification systems by determining inter- and intraobserver agreement in displaced distal radius fractures.

Radiographs of 32 patients (21 men and 11 women with a mean age of 41.6 years) who presented with a displaced distal radius fracture were classified by 9 orthopedic surgeons (5–25 years experience) using 5 different classification systems (Fernandez, AO, Frykman, Melone, and Universal Classification systems) twice with 20-day intervals. The results were processed with kappa statistics and used in assessment of inter- and intraobserver agreement of the classification systems. When classification systems were compared, the highest kappa coefficient in intraobserver agreement was determined in Universal classification (0.621). Fernandez (0.474), AO (0.309), Frykman (0.305), and Melone classification systems (0.262) followed the Universal system respectively. Kappa statistical results were evaluated using the Landis Koch score system for the assessment of interobserver agreement. According to the Landis Koch score system, the results were insufficient in all classification systems. Fernandez classification system had the highest interobserver agreement (0.235) and Melone classification system had the lowest interobserver agreement (0.056).

According to the results of our study, the systems used to classify the displaced distal radial fractures are insufficient. A new classification system that ensures the 3-dimensional assessment of the fracture is more user-friendly and a high inter- and intraobserver agreement is necessary.
Bilateral Gluteal Compartment Syndrome Following Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy
Authors: Keene Roxanne , Froelich John M. , Milbrandt Joseph C. , Idusuyi Osaretin B.
Published: November 2010

Bilateral gluteal compartment syndrome is a rare condition. Only 6 previous cases have been reported in the literature. Two previous cases involved positioning for urological procedures, while the other cited causes of bilateral gluteal compartment syndrome include exercise-induced, trauma, and prolonged immobilization from substance abuse. The 2 previously published reports of bilateral gluteal compartment syndrome associated with urologic positioning were treated conservatively due to late presentation and onset of rhabdomyolysis. This article presents a case of a 61-year-old man who developed bilateral gluteal compartment syndrome following prolonged urologic surgery in a dorsal lithotomy position. Orthopedic evaluation revealed physical examination findings and intracompartment pressures consistent with bilateral gluteal compartment syndrome. He underwent bilateral gluteal compartment fasciotomies. An expansile-type Kocher Langenbach incision was made, extending from lateral to the posterior superior iliac spine inferior to the level of the greater trochanter. The 3 compartments were decompressed bilaterally. At completion, the compartments showed definite objective softening. He was treated with delayed closure of his fasciotomy wounds. He was discharged home on sixth postoperative day 6. His wounds healed without difficulty and he regained normal strength and sensation in his lower extremities. Gluteal compartment syndrome following surgery is a preventable condition. Prevention should center on intraoperative padding and positioning, intraoperative repositioning, and restricting the length of the procedure. Once it is identified, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long term complications.
Spontaneous Bacterial Seeding of a Biceps Hematoma
Authors: Frye Benjamin , Prud’homme Joseph , Daney Blake
Published: November 2010

A 19-year-old male construction worker presented with an injury to his left upper arm after lifting a heavy pipe. He reported an acute onset of sharp pain followed by swelling, warmth, and weakness with elbow flexion. The diagnosis of a distal biceps tendon rupture was made and elective repair was scheduled.

Seventy-two hours later, the patient presented with a spontaneous draining wound on his anterior distal humerus. The wound was draining thick purulent material. The patient underwent surgery for irrigation and debridement of his abscess. Nearly 500 cc of hematoma and purulent fluid were evacuated. A large tear of both the biceps and brachialis muscle bellies were found. Cultures were obtained that revealed the infecting organism to be
Streptococcus intermedius
. Human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis-C virus testing were negative, and no history, signs, or symptoms of any cause of underlying immunodeficiency were detected. No signs or history of drug use were present. He was discharged home on culture-specific oral antibiotics.

At 4-month postoperative follow-up, the patient reported no pain or limitations. He has returned to full duty at his job. Elbow range of motion was measured from 7° to 150° of flexion. Strength of elbow flexion and extension was symmetric to the uninjured side. Pronation and supination of the forearm was symmetric on both sides. He has been released from scheduled follow-up and will be seen again on an as-needed basis.
Overcoming Challenges to Collaboration: Nurse Educators’ Experiences in Curriculum Change
Authors: Chiang Ching-Kuei , Chapman Helen , Elder Ruth
Published: November 2010

This article describes challenges to effective collaboration encountered by nurse educators as they transformed a unit within a school of nursing in Taiwan. This study introduced collaborative action research as a vehicle for curriculum change. Although the team achieved positive outcomes in transforming a unit, the collaborative process was complex with four major challenges: meaning, time, work culture, and conflicting views. This article provides an overview of the study, and the major challenges posed by working together are expounded and illustrated with excerpts drawn from the study data. Possible reasons for the challenges, how these challenges were overcome, and facilitation of the collaborative process are discussed.
Reverse Case Study: To Think like a Nurse
Authors: Beyer Deborah A.
Published: November 2010

Reverse case study is a collaborative, innovative, active learning strategy that nurse educators can use in the classroom. Groups of students develop a case study and a care plan from a list of medications and a short two- to three-sentence scenario. The students apply the nursing process to thoroughly develop a complete case study written as a concept map. The strategy builds on previous learned information and applies the information to new content, thus promoting critical thinking and problem solving. Reverse case study has been used in both associate and baccalaureate nursing degree theory courses to generate discussion and assist students in thinking like a nurse.
Occupational Adaptation in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Lexell Eva Månsson , Iwarsson Susanne , Lund Maria Larsson
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to gain an enhanced understanding of how people with multiple sclerosis experience their occupational adaptation. Ten people with multiple sclerosis were interviewed and the constant comparative method was used to analyze the data. Their occupational adaptation was experienced as a constant struggle and non-linear, and served as the means of achieving either a desired self or a desired family life. Adaptations of occupations differed according to the evolving goals of the participants. The findings showed that the participants often selected occupational adaptations to meet their family needs over their own. These findings can help professionals to establish where their clients with multiple sclerosis are in the adaptation process and offer appropriate client-centered interventions.
Participation Profile of Adults with Class III Obesity
Authors: Forhan Mary , Law Mary , Vrkljan Brenda H. , Taylor Valerie H.
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to describe the time use and associated perceptions of performance, importance, and enjoyment for adults in treatment for obesity classified as severe. Adults ( n = 128) from obesity treatment programs in Ontario, Canada, completed a survey that included the Occupational Questionnaire, a measure of the distribution and meaning of time use across occupations. Descriptive analysis and differences between groups based on obesity severity, age, and being limited by obesity were completed. Participants spent the most time in daily living activities and less time in work, recreation, and rest activities. Participants reported doing activities that they enjoy and perform well is important. The distribution of time across occupations for participants in this study is similar to that of adults living with chronic health conditions. No significant differences in time use and associated meaning were found between groups based on body mass index or being limited by obesity. More time was spent in work activities for participants aged 25 to 54 years. Obesity interventions that support participation in existing occupations and enable participation in recreation and rest occupations should be considered.
SecondLab: A Remote Laboratory under Second Life
Authors: Garcia-Zubia Javier , Irurzun Jaime , Orduna Pablo , Angulo Ignacio , Hernandez Unai , Ruiz Jonathan , Castro Manuel , San-Cristobal Elio
Published: November 2010

The present work describes the implementation of a new remote lab, SecondLab, that allows students to control a microbot from Second Life. SecondLab works over WebLab-Deusto, the remote lab of the University of Deusto, giving the students the chance to work with real experiments from a social 3D-based immersive environment. This approach places the remote lab closer to the students, trying this way to increase their motivation to study science and engineering.
Time Scheduling Schemes in Online Laboratory Management Systems
Authors: Maiti Ananda
Published: November 2010

Online remotely-controlled educational laboratories are increasingly being deployed in many universities around the world. As hardware-based remote experiment can only be used by one person or a group of persons at a time, for proper utilization of the resources, an efficient time scheduling scheme is essential. In this work, we discuss some of the possible methods for scheduling of online experiments which may be integrated in online laboratory management systems for optimized resource utilization.
Cloud Instrument Powered by Solar Cell Sends Data to Pachube
Authors: Folea Silviu , Ghercioiu Marius , Ursutiu Doru
Published: November 2010

Despite the economic downturn, there have been quite a few new developments in the world of remote measurements lately. Tag4M (www.tag4m.com) introduced the concept of cloud instrument where sensors connected to WiFi tags send data to off-the-shelf Access Points which are part of the WiFi infrastructure that exists in enterprises, retail outlets, factories, and warehouses. Access Points route the data to the Internet where specialized web applications receive the information for processing and display. One of these specialized web applications is Pachube, (http://www.pachube.com) which bills itself as a â??real-time data brokerage platform
Primordial Spirituality
Authors: Waaijman Kees
Published: November 2010

This article explores the primordial spirituality of the Bible, as expressed in names, narratives and prayers. It looks at the nomadic families of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob, Lea and Rachel, moving around from Mesopotamia via Canaan into Egypt and vice versa (see Gn 11:31–32; 12:4–5; 27:43; 28:10; 29:4; Gn 24 and 29–31). It analyses their experiences, covering the span between birth and death and listens to their parental concerns about education as survival. It also follows their journeys along the margins of the deserts. It shares their community life as it takes shape in mutual solidarity, mercy and compassion.
A holistic approach to pastoral care and poverty
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Johan
Published: November 2010

The previous approaches to pastoral care are no longer adequate or effective for addressing the many issues related to poverty. The church has done wonderful work in terms of Christian charity. However, more needs to be done to improve the worsening situation of the poor significantly. The clear distinction between pastoral care and Christian charity is a luxury that is no longer affordable. Once we have a holistic understanding of pastoral care and counselling, we will find that we cannot possibly restrict our pastoral attention to encouraging the poor, to giving random advice and to praying. A holistic pastoral theology could lead to empowerment and should be a key concept in pastoral care with poor people and societies. The article offers a theological theory for a holistic approach and some implications of the praxis of counselling.
The Role of Pemetrexed in the Pharmacotherapy of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Zucali P.A. , De Vincenzo F. , Simonelli M. , Lorenzi E. , Perrino M. , Santoro A.
Published: November 2010

Among newer cytotoxic agents, pemetrexed gained much interest because of its particular mechanism of action. In fact, pemetrexed is a multi-target agent able to inhibit at least three crucial enzymes involved in the folate pathway: thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyl transferase. The ability to inhibit multiple enzymes, confers to this drug a clinical advantage by increasing the spectrum of tumors with biochemical profiles potentially sensitive to the drug. Due to the good toxicity profile of pemetrexed, the combination with cisplatin resulted feasible and effective. Pemetrexed is currently approved in combination with cisplatin for first line treatment in patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma. Pemetrexed is the first agent approved for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Generally, pemetrexed is considered a well tolerated drug and the addition of folic acid, vitamin B12, and dexamethasone markedly reduced the incidence of grade 3 and 4 hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities. Pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and current and potential roles of pemetrexed in therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma were reviewed.
A Review of the Treatment of Opioid-induced Constipation with Methylnaltrexone Bromide
Authors: Abarca Francisco M. , Saclarides Theodore J. , Brand Marc I.
Published: November 2010

Objectives

Review and summarize the mechanism of action of methylnaltrexone bromide (methylnaltrexone) and its effectiveness in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation.

Data Source

A multi-database search was conducted using PubMed and MEDLINE databases, in addition to electronic links to related articles and references.

Background

Opioids are effective medications for the management of moderate to severe pain, but they are associated with a number of side effects, especially within the gastrointestinal system. Constipation is a very common adverse reaction in patients with late-stage, adverse illness, who require long term administration of opioids on a chronic basis to help alleviate pain. In April 2008, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of methylnaltrexone, a quaternary derivative of naltrexone which does not cross the blood brain barrier, for the management of patients with opioid-induced constipation. Methylnaltrexone acts as a selective peripheral Mu-receptor antagonist, without affecting the effects of opioids on central analgesia.

Conclusions

Studies have been shown that methylnaltrexone can be used safely in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation without either interfering with opioid effects on central anesthesia or precipitating opioid withdrawal.
Dalbavancin: A Review of Its Use in the Treatment of Gram-positive Infections
Authors: Busse Kristin H. , Oltrogge Kate M. , Oxencis Carolyn J. , Peppard William J.
Published: November 2010

Dalbavancin is an intravenous semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide which has demonstrated potent in vitro activity again most clinically significant Gram-positive pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus, and some vancomycin-resistant Enterococci. The long half-life of dalbavancin allows for once weekly dosing. In published clinical trials, a dose on day 1 and 8 of treatment provided 14 days of antimicrobial activity. In clinical trials, dalbavancin has demonstrated non-inferiority as measured by safety and efficacy for the treatment of uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (Phase II as compared to cefazolin), catheter-related bloodstream infections (Phase II as compared to vancomycin), and complicated skin and skin structure infections (Phase III as compared to linezolid). Due to feedback from the Food and Drug Administration, all marketing has been withdrawn and an additional phase III trial is currently underway; therefore the future for dalbavancin is unclear. An acquisition cost has not yet been projected; consequently pharmacoeconomic analyses are not yet underway.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Focus on the Fluoroquinolones
Authors: Goldberg Stefan , LoBue Philip
Published: November 2010

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are relatively new drugs in anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment, with the potential to become the first new class of drugs to be recommended for routine treatment since rifamycins in the 1960s. Later generation fluoroquinolones, including levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin have been found to be safe and well-tolerated in observational studies and phase 2 clinical trials, except for a risk of severe dysglycemias with gatifloxacin. These drugs currently are used as second-line agents in treatment of TB cases with drug resistance and drug intolerance, and empirically in treatment of infected contacts of patients with multi-drug resistant TB. Widespread use of fluoroquinolones for treatment of community acquired pneumonia and other bacterial infections is leading to the emergence and spread of strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that are fluoroquinolone-resistant, putting at risk the potential effectiveness of these drugs against TB. Clinical trials are under way to determine whether fluoroquinolone-based treatment regimens can shorten the duration of TB therapy. The ultimate contributions of fluoroquinolones to TB control remain to be determined.
Safety and Efficacy of Fixed Combination Travoprost-Timolol in the Lowering of Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Noecker Robert J. , Pokabla Michael J.
Published: November 2010

The fixed combination eye drop Duotrav is a combination of travoprost 0.004% and timolol maleate 0.5%. Both travoprost and timolol have been used separately for the treatment of glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure. Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the fixed combination travoprost/timolol for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The once daily dosing of this combination offers multiple potential advantages such as patient adherence, potential cost advantages, and reduction in exposure to preservatives. This article discusses the benefits of fixed combination medications and summarizes past and recent studies listed on the online resource PubMed of the fixed combination travoprost/timolol with comparison to both monotherapy and other similar fixed combination ocular hypotensive preparations.
Comparative Review of Ranibizumab versus Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Heroman J. Wesley , Kaplan Henry J.
Published: November 2010

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual loss in the developed World in patients over age 55. Therapeutic advances in the dry (non-exudative) form of AMD have been very modest with a protective role demonstrated for supplemental anti-oxidant vitamin therapy in patients showing high risk characteristics for future progression. In contrast, a major advance in the treatment of the wet (exudative) form of AMD occurred with the introduction of anti-angiogenic molecules targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)–-specifically, ranibizumab (Lucentis) and bevacizumab (Avastin). A review of the therapeutic effect of these drugs in wet AMD is presented with a comparison of their results.
Transdermal Oxybutynin: What Role in the Management of Overactive Bladder?
Authors: Davila G. Willy
Published: November 2010

Overactive bladder (OAB), a bothersome condition that is frequently associated with incontinence, commonly affects middle-aged and elderly people. OAB not only has a negative effect on physical and mental well-being but also accounts for billions of dollars in health care costs and lost productivity. Although OAB can be treated effectively with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists, these agents often cause anticholinergic adverse effects, such as dry mouth and constipation, which are believed to be a major reason for low treatment persistence. Oxybutynin is an established OAB treatment that is available in oral and transdermal formulations. Oxybutynin chloride topical gel (OTG) (Gelnique®, Watson Pharmaceuticals, Corona, CA, USA.) is a new formulation that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in January 2009. Results of a 12-week, placebo-controlled US phase 3 study demonstrated that OTG is efficacious in patients with OAB and rarely causes anticholinergic adverse events. Only dry mouth occurred significantly more often with OTG than placebo (6.9% vs. 2.8% of patients). Furthermore, OTG showed very little propensity to cause application site skin reactions. In conclusion, the efficacy and good tolerability of OTG make it a valuable treatment option for patients with OAB.
Sapropterin in the Treatment of Phenylketonuria
Authors: Feillet François , Battaglia-Hsu Shyue-Fang
Published: November 2010

Sapropterin has recently been approved to treat hyperphenylalaninaemia in patients over 4 year-old with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-responsive phenylketonuria (PKU) and in children and adults with BH4 deficiency. 1 The effectiveness of this treatment in BH4-responsive PKU patients has already been demonstrated in randomized, double-blind trials; 2 moreover, Sapropterin appears well tolerated in PKU patients. It is thus the first non-dietary treatment for patients with PKU demonstrated capable of lowering blood phenylalanine levels, and as a result, it is a promising treatment option for BH4 responsive PKU patients. Yet there are still many open questions related to this treatment. One such question concerns how a positive responsiveness to BH4 is defined. Generally, a positive response is established when the baseline level of blood phenylalanine (Phe) decreases at least 30% after a BH4 load, but the practice of this particular loading test differs widely among different countries. The second question concerns the long-term usage, i.e. no long term tolerability data was available before. Finally, the issue regarding its usage in children less than 4 year-old and in maternal PKU patients remained to be addressed.
Doxycycline in clinical Medicine
Authors: Sagar J.
Published: November 2010

Doxycycline is one of the most commonly used antibiotics in clinical medicine. Its broad spectrum of activity along with tolerable adverse effects makes it more palatable and compliant to patients. Improved understanding of mechanisms of actions of doxycycline has provided additional potential novel uses in clinical medicine apart from just a bacteriostatic drug. Although developed drug resistance over last few decades, doxycycline is still an essential chemical agent in the present microbiological era. This short commentary outlines safety, clinical applications and efficacy of doxycycline in clinical and microbiological fields.
“Old” and emerging Therapies of Human Tremor
Authors: Grimaldi G. , Manto M.
Published: November 2010

Tremor is the most common movement disorder encountered during daily practice. Most forms of tremor are currently managed with drugs. However, the response of tremor to pharmacotherapy is variable and a combination of agents is often required. Surgery is considered when the response is not sufficient. In particular deep brain stimulation (DBS) is now playing a key-role, especially for refractory Parkinson's disease. DBS is also a well established therapy for essential tremor resistant to pharmacological therapy. New therapies are emerging, not only in the field of pharmacological agents, but also in the domain of bioengineering. They are presented in this review article.
Risperidone for Individuals with Refractory Schizophrenia
Authors: Subramanian Priya , Rudnick Abraham
Published: November 2010

Background

Risperidone has been shown to be as effective as other atypical antipsychotic medications in the treatment of psychotic symptoms, but its effectiveness in refractory psychotic symptoms is unclear.

Objective

In this paper, we aim to review the available evidence related to the use of risperidone in refractory schizophrenia.

Methods

English language articles ranging from 1985 to 2009 (inclusive) were retrieved from Pubmed in December 2009 using the search terms ‘schizophrenia’, ‘refractory’, ‘resistant’, ‘risperidone’, ‘atypical’, ‘combination’ and ‘antipsychotic’.

Results

The available literature is conflicting on the use of risperidone as an augmentation of clozapine or of other antipsychotics and methodological problems make drawing firm conclusions difficult. Studies using Risperidone Long Acting Injection have included both individuals with recent-onset schizophrenia and those with refractory schizophrenia, whch makes it difficult to interpret its effectiveness specifically for those with refractory schizophrenia. Risperidone may reduce potentially disabling cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, but these effects do not differ significantly from that of other typical and atypical antipsychotic medications.

Conclusion

Further and more rigorous research is required on risperidone for refractory schizophrenia.
Use of Oral Methadone as an Analgesic: Review of the Cardiotoxic Side Effects
Authors: Kumar Pramod
Published: November 2010

Methadone is a synthetic opiate primarily used in the detoxification and maintenance of patients who are dependent on opiates particularly heroin. Though within last 10–15 years methadone is increasingly used to manage neuropathic and cancer pains. Unfortunately, with increased methadone use for pain is coincided with significant increase in adverse events and fatalities. Cardiotoxicity is one of the major adverse effects reported with the use of oral methadone. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the cardiotoxicity of methadone, when used as an oral analgesic and protocols for safe prescribing of methadone to help physicians recognize situations where this drug offers the greatest advantage as an analgesic.