bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scanning dynamic competitive landscapes: a market‐based and resource‐based framework
Authors: Peteraf Margaret A. , Bergen Mark E.
Published: September 2003

Heterogeneity among rivals implies that each firm faces a unique competitive set, despite overlapping market domains. This suggests the utility of a firm‐level approach to competitor identification and analysis, particularly under dynamic environmental conditions. We take such an approach in developing a market‐based and resource‐based framework for scanning complex competitive fields. By facilitating a search for functional similarities among products and resources, the framework reveals relevant commonalities in an otherwise heterogeneous competitive set. Beyond its practical contribution, the paper also advances resource‐based theory as a theory of competitive advantage. Most notably, we show that resource substitution conditions not only the sustainability of a competitive advantage, but the attainment of competitive advantage as well. With equifinality among resources of different types, the rareness condition for even temporary competitive advantage must include resource substitutes. It is not rareness in terms of resource type that matters, but rareness in terms of resource functionality. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dynamic resource‐based view: capability lifecycles
Authors: Helfat Constance E. , Peteraf Margaret A.
Published: September 2003

This article introduces the concept of the capability lifecycle (CLC), which articulates general patterns and paths in the evolution of organizational capabilities over time. The capability lifecycle provides a structure for a more comprehensive approach to dynamic resource‐based theory. The analysis incorporates the founding, development, and maturity of capabilities in a manner that helps to explain the sources of heterogeneity in organizational capabilities. In addition, the analysis includes the ‘branching’ of an original capability into several possible altered forms. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The economics of strategic opportunity
Authors: Denrell Jerker , Fang Christina , Winter Sidney G.
Published: September 2003

As emphasized by Barney (1986), any explanation of superior profitability must account for why the resources supporting such profitability could have been acquired for a price below their rent‐generating capacity. Building upon the literature in economics on coordination failures and incomplete markets, we suggest a framework for analyzing such strategic factor market inefficiencies. Our point of departure is that a strategic opportunity exists whenever prices fail to reflect the value of a resource's best use. This paper examines the challenges of imputing a resource's value in the absence of explicit price guidance and suggests the likely characteristics of strategic opportunities. Our framework also suggests that the discovery of strategic opportunity is often a matter of ‘serendipity’ and access to relevant idiosyncratic resources. This latter observation provides prescriptive advice, although the analysis also explains why more detailed guidance has to be firm specific. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guest editors' introduction to the special issue: why is there a resource‐based view? Toward a theory of competitive heterogeneity
Authors: Hoopes David G. , Madsen Tammy L. , Walker Gordon
Published: September 2003

Although the resource‐based view (RBV) is one of the most popular and fruitful areas of strategy research, it often perplexes scholars from other disciplines. Also, it is unclear whether strategy scholars themselves agree on the RBV's basic issues and premises. To clarify the contribution of the RBV, in this paper we elaborate its basic tenets and relate them to other current research on interfirm performance variance. We suggest a more expansive discussion of sustained differences among firms and thereby develop a broad theory of competitive heterogeneity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twenty‐four‐hour ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate monitoring in combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Muraoka Miles Y. , Carlson John G. , Chemtob Claude M.
Published: September 2003

This study examined the cardiovascular correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Vietnam combat veterans using 24‐hr ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. Veterans with PTSD (n = 11) exhibited significantly higher heart rate and diastolic blood pressure across the 24 hr than veterans without PTSD (n = 7) (80.8 vs. 71.9 bpm, and 80.1 vs. 71.5 mm Hg, respectively). Heart rate during sleep was also significantly higher among veterans with PTSD, compared to veterans without PTSD (71.0 vs. 62.7 bpm). These results, based on a more naturalistic measurement methodology used outside the laboratory, support an association between PTSD and increased chronic cardiovascular arousal.
Brief psychological intervention with traumatized young women: The efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
Authors: Scheck Margaret M. , Schaeffer Judith Ann , Gillette Craig
Published: September 2003

To study the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with traumatized young women, 60 women between the ages of 16 and 25 were randomly assigned to two sessions of either EMDR or an active listening (AL) control. Factorial ANOVA interaction effects and simple main effects for outcome measures (Beck Depression Inventory, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Penn Inventory for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Impact of Event Scale, Tennessee Self‐Concept Scale) indicated significant improvement for both groups and significantly greater pre‐post change for EMDR‐treated participants. Pre‐post effect sizes for the EMDR group averaged 1.56 compared to 0.65 for the AL group. Despite treatment brevity, the posttreatment outcome variable means of EMDR‐treated participants compared favorably with nonpatient or successfully treated norm groups on all measures.
An alternative interpretation of “intensive” PTSD treatment failures
Authors: Rogers Susan
Published: September 2003

An evaluation of program failures in the treatment of combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder has led some reviewers to conclude that the focus of treatment should be shifted away from combat trauma and directed toward other problems. A more detailed examination of these programs reveals that they rarely involve the systematic use of the most soundly‐validated PTSD treatment, trauma‐focused therapy.
Choices for treatment of hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Tonstad S.
Published: September 2003

Summary: A number of studies have established that lowering of serum cholesterol levels leads to striking reductions in cardiovascular events. Although children almost never experience myocardial infarction, stroke or coronary death, paediatric autopsy studies suggest that atherosclerosis starts in childhood. Moreover, the extent of atherosclerotic change in children can be correlated with the same risk factors, including serum cholesterol level, as identified in adults. As a result of these lines of evidence, the paediatric health care community has produced guidelines for treatment of children with hypercholesterolaemia, but has also debated the pros and cons of treatment. This controversy is unlikely to be resolved completely, because definitive studies would require several decades of follow‐up and would raise serious ethical concerns. The purpose of this review is to summarize current views on the optimal approach to management of hyperlipidaemia in children, given current knowledge. We suggest that the child's sex, serum cholesterol level and family history of premature cardiovascular disease may be used to stratify risk. Children at exceptional high risk may be considered for pharmacological treatment.
Recovered memory of childhood sexual trauma: A documented case from a longitudinal study
Authors: Duggal Sunita , Sroufe L. Alan
Published: September 2003

A case of recovered memory of childhood trauma is reported with documented sexual trauma in early childhood, chronicled evidence of the absence of memory for traumatic experience over a period of time, and substantial evidence of ‘spontaneous’ recovery of memory. This account contains the first available prospective report of memory loss in a case in which there is both documented evidence of trauma and evidence of recovery of memory. The case emerged as part of a broadband, large‐scale study of children followed closely from birth to adulthood which was not focused on memory for trauma. Prospective data gathered in a neutral research context, corroborated and supplemented by retrospective information, circumvent many limitations of previous retrospective accounts of recovered memories.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans with spinal cord injury: Trauma‐related risk factors
Authors: Radnitz Cynthia L. , Hsu Louis , Willard Jeffrey , Perez‐Strumolo Lysandra , Festa Joanne , Lillian Lynn B. , Walczak Stacey , Tirch Dennis D. , Schlein Ilana S. , Binks Martin , Broderick Charles P.
Published: September 2003

Trauma‐related risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were examined in a sample of 125 veterans with spinal cord injury. Category of injury was found to be the most consistent predictor of PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity with paraplegia predicting more PTSD symptoms than quadriplegia. The occurrence of a head injury at the time of the trauma was found to predict PTSD symptom severity measures, but not PTSD diagnosis. Trauma recency consistently predicted Impact of Event score (IES) and was found to be related to current PTSD severity and lifetime PTSD diagnosis in multiple but not simple regression models. Trauma severity was found to be significantly related to self‐reported PTSD symptoms and lifetime PTSD diagnosis in simple but not in multiple regression analyses. Type of trauma, alcohol or other drug (AOD) use during the trauma and loss of consciousness (LOC) during the trauma were not consistently associated with PTSD symptom severity or diagnosis.
The relationship among cognitive schemas, job‐related traumatic exposure, and posttraumatic stress disorder in journalists
Authors: Pyevich Caroline M. , Newman Elana , Daleiden Eric
Published: September 2003

American newspaper journalists (N = 906) participated in a study examining a cognitive mediational model for explaining the relationship between exposure to work‐related traumatic events and work‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results indicated (a) greater exposure to work‐related traumatic events was associated with work‐related PTSD symptoms, as well as negative cognitive schemas; (b) cognitive beliefs partially accounted for PTSD symptoms, but the full cognitive mediational model was not supported. Implications include targeting interventions for journalists who experience traumatic stress and modifying theories about PTSD symptoms in journalists.
X‐linked creatine transporter defect: An overview
Authors: Salomons G. S. , Van Dooren S. J. M. , Verhoeven N. M. , Marsden D. , Schwartz C. , Cecil K. M. , DeGrauw T. J. , Jakobs C.
Published: September 2003

Summary: In 2001 we identified a new inborn error of metabolism caused by a defect in the X‐linked creatine transporter SLC6A8 gene mapped at Xq28 (SLC6A8 deficiency, McKusick 300352). An X‐linked creatine transporter defect was presumed because of (1) the absence of creatine in the brain as indicated by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS); (2) the elevated creatine levels in urine and normal guanidinoacetate levels in plasma, ruling out a creatine biosynthesis defect; (3) the absence of an improvement on creatine supplementation; and (4) the fact that the pedigree suggested an X‐linked disease. Our hypothesis was proved by the presence of a hemizygous nonsense mutation in the male index patient and by the impaired creatine uptake by cultured fibroblasts. Currently, at least 7 unrelated families (13 male patients and 13 carriers) with a SLC6A8 deficiency have been identified. Four families come fromone metropolitan area. This suggests that SLC6A8 deficiency may have a relatively high incidence. The hallmarks of the disorder are X‐linked mental retardation, expressive speech and language delay, epilepsy, developmental delay and autistic behaviour. In approximately 50% of the female carriers, learning disabilities of varying degrees have been noted.
Effects of litigation settlements on posttraumatic stress symptoms in motor vehicle accident victims
Authors: Blanchard Edward B. , Hickling Edward J. , Taylor Ann E. , Buckley Todd C. , Loos Warren R. , Walsh Janine
Published: September 2003

In order to investigate the effects of the initiation of litigation and its settlement on victims of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), we followed up 132 MVA victims from an initial assessment 1 to 4 months post‐MVA for 1 year. Of the 67 who had initiated litigation, 18 (27%) settled within the 12 months, while 49 still had litigation pending; 65 never initiated litigation. Those who initiated litigation had more severe injuries and higher initial levels of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. All three groups improved in major role function and had reduced PTS symptoms over the 1 year follow‐up. Those whose suits were still pending, as well as those whose suits had been settled, showed no reduction in measures of anxiety or depression, whereas the nonlitigants did show improvement on these measures.
Relating body image to psychological and sexual functioning in child sexual abuse survivors
Authors: Wenninger Kerstin , Heiman Julia R.
Published: September 2003

Cognitive‐affective body image variables and their relation to long‐term psychological and sexual functioning were investigated in a community sample of 57 female adult child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors and 47 comparison subjects. The Body‐Self Relations Questionnaire and the Body Esteem Scale were administered to assess cognitive‐affective body image. Group comparisons indicated that, after controlling for actual weight status, survivors evaluated their health more negatively and reported less body esteem regarding their sexual attractiveness than comparison subjects. Body image variables related to health and sexual attractiveness significantly explained variance on symptom measures that reflect the diverse CSA long‐term sequelae. Results suggest the need for careful assessment of body image disturbances and the development of effective interventions targeting body image in the treatment of CSA survivors.
Group therapy for incarcerated women who experienced interpersonal violence: A pilot study
Authors: Bradley Rebekah G. , Follingstad Diane R.
Published: September 2003

This study evaluated effectiveness of group therapy for incarcerated women with histories of childhood sexual and/or physical abuse. The intervention was based on a two‐stage model of trauma treatment and included Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and writing assignments. We randomly assigned 24 participants to group treatment (13 completed) and 25 to a no‐contact comparison condition (18 completed). We evaluated treatment effects, using the Beck Depression Inventory, Inventory of Interpersonal Problems, and Trauma Symptom Inventory. The data demonstrate significant reductions in PTSD, mood, and interpersonal symptoms in the treatment group.
Trail making test performance in Vietnam combat veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Beckham Jean C. , Crawford Angela L. , Feldman Michelle E.
Published: September 2003

The present study investigated variables associated with performance on the Trail Making Test from the Halstead‐Reitan neuropsychological test battery in Vietnam combat veterans. There was a significant difference in performance between veterans with and without PTSD on both parts of the Trail Making Test. In subgroup analyses excluding participants on medications (antianxiety, antidepressant, and cardiac), comorbid diagnoses (history of alcohol or substance abuse, history of major depression and comorbid anxiety disorder) and compensation‐seeking status, the group difference on Trails B remained significant. However, subgroup analyses suggested that poorer performance on Trails A was influenced by antianxiety and cardiac medications, as well as heavy combat exposure status.
Mental health, social functioning, and feelings of hatred and revenge of Kosovar Albanians one year after the war in Kosovo
Authors: Cardozo Barbara Lopes , Kaiser Reinhard , Gotway Carol A. , Agani Ferid
Published: September 2003

A cross‐sectional cluster sample survey was conducted in June 2000 in Kosovo to assess the prevalence of mental health problems associated with traumatic experiences, feelings of hatred and revenge, and the level of social functioning among Kosovar Albanians approximately 1 year after the end of the war. Findings of the second cross‐sectional survey were compared with those from our 1999 mental health survey in Kosovo. Included in the survey were 1399 Kosovar Albanians aged 15 years or older living in 593 randomly selected households across Kosovo. Twenty‐five percent of respondents reported PTSD symptoms, compared with 17.1% in 1999. The MOS‐20 social functioning score improved to 69.8 from 29.5 in 1999. In the 2000 survey 54% of men felt hatred toward the Serbs, compared with 88.7% in 1999.
An analysis of calls to a Vietnam veterans' telephone counselling service
Authors: Bryant Richard A.
Published: September 2003

The pattern of calls to an after‐hours crisis telephone service for Vietnam veterans was surveyed over a 9‐week period. Not including prank and administrative calls, 274 calls were made to the service. Domestic conflict, substance abuse, traumatic memories, depression, and anger at government represented the major problems requiring counselling. Crisis intervention was required for 18% of calls because of suicide threats or threatened violence to others. The survey findings indicate that telephone counselling can be an appropriate means to provide support for many veterans who may avoid conventional counselling agencies.
Traumatic events and predictive factors for posttraumatic symptoms in displaced Bosnian women in a war zone
Authors: Dahl Solveig , Mutapcic Atifa , Schei Berit
Published: September 2003

A study was conducted among 209 displaced women attending a Women's Center in a war zone in Bosnia‐Herzegovina in 1994. Information on war‐related traumatic events, sociodemographic factors and posttraumatic symptomatology was collected by means of a questionnaire. Post‐traumatic symptoms were registered by using a 10‐item Posttraumatic Symptom Scale (PTSS‐10). Women with six or more symptoms were classified as a “posttraumatic symptom case” (PTS‐case). Among women who had survived the most severe traumas (concentration camps or other kinds of detention) the proportion of PTS‐cases was highest: 71% compared to 47% of the women without this kind of traumatic background. High numbers of traumas, having children, being over 25 years of age, and the reporting of an absent husband, were characteristics associated with being a PTS‐case. In the multivariate analysis, severe trauma and reporting of an absent husband remained significantly associated with PTS‐cases. Clinical implications were discussed.
The relationship between intimate partner violence and PTSD: An application of Cox regression with time‐varying covariates
Authors: Yoshihama Mieko , Horrocks Julie
Published: September 2003

This study uses Cox regression with time‐varying covariates to examine the relationship between intimate partner violence and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a random sample of Japanese American women and immigrant women from Japan (N = 211). Because applications of survival analysis in trauma research are scarce, this paper presents the utility of this analytical approach by contrasting it with other common methods of analysis (chi‐square tests and Cox regression with covariates that do not change over time).
Changes in religious beliefs following trauma
Authors: Falsetti Sherry A. , Resick Patricia A. , Davis Joanne L.
Published: September 2003

Information processing theorists propose that traumatic events can lead to disruptions in the processing of information and to changes in beliefs. This study examined the relationships among trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and religious beliefs. Participants included 120 individuals from community and clinical samples who participated in the DSM‐IV Field Trial Study on PTSD. Results indicated that the PTSD group was more likely to report changes in religious beliefs following the first/only traumatic event, generally becoming less religious. PTSD status was not related to change in religious beliefs following the most recent event. Intrinsic religiosity was related to multiple victimization, but not PTSD. Results are discussed in terms of understanding the function of religiosity in participants' lives and future directions for research.
Diagnosis of inherited disorders of liver metabolism
Authors: Clayton P. T.
Published: September 2003

Summary: Diagnosis of the metabolic disorder responsible for liver disease can sometimes be straightforward but it can also present a major challenge, particularly if the liver is sufficiently damaged to produce secondary biochemical abnormalities such as galactosuria, hypoglycaemia with hypoketonaemia, or excretion of 3‐oxo‐Δ4 bile acids. It is important to consider the age of the patient, the nature of the liver disease, any extrahepatic clinical features, the imaging and the first‐line laboratory tests when prioritizing diagnostic investigations. This article gives some examples of diagnoses made in our unit for patients with liver disease presenting in utero, in the neonatal period, in infancy and the preschool years, and in the school years. The differential diagnoses that should be considered for different clinical presentations are discussed.
Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG): It's all in it!
Authors: Jaeken J.
Published: September 2003

Summary: Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) are due to defects in the synthesis of the glycan moiety of glycoproteins or other glycoconjugates. This review is devoted mainly to the clinical aspects of protein glycosylation defects. There are two main types of protein glycosylation: N‐glycosylation and O‐glycosylation. N‐glycosylation generally consists of an assembly pathway (in cytosol and endoplasmic reticulum) and a processing pathway (in endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi). O‐glycosylation lacks a processing pathway but is otherwise more complex. Sixteen disease‐causing defects are known in protein glycosylation: 12 in N‐glycosylation and four in O‐glycosylation. The N‐glycosylation defects comprise eight assembly defects (CDG‐I) designated CDG‐Ia to CDG‐Ih, and four processing defects (CDG‐II) designated CDG‐IIa to CDG‐IId. By far the most frequent is CDG‐Ia (phosphomannomutase‐2 deficiency). It affects the nervous system and many other organs. Its clinical expression varies from extremely severe to very mild (and thus probably underdiagnosed). The most interesting disease in this group is CDG‐Ib (phosphomannose isomerase deficiency) because it is so far the only efficiently treatable CDG (mannose treatment). It hasahepatic–intestinal presentation. The O‐glycosylation defects comprise two O‐xylosylglycan defects (a progeroid variant of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and the multiple exostoses syndrome) and two O‐mannosylglycan defects (Walker–Warburg syndrome and muscle–eye–brain disease). All known CDGs have a recessive inheritance except for multiple exostoses syndrome, which is dominantly inherited. There is a rapidly growing group of putative CDGs with a large spectrum of clinical presentations (CDG‐x). Serum transferrin isoelectrofocusing remains the cornerstone of the screening for N‐glycosylation defects associated with sialic acid deficiency. Abnormal patterns can be grouped in to type 1 and type 2. However, a normal pattern does not exclude these defects. Screening for the other CDGs is much more difficult, particularly when the defect is organ‐ or system‐restricted. The latter group promises to become an important new chapter in CDG. It is concluded that CDGs will eventually cover the whole clinical spectrum of paediatric and adult disease manifestations.
Cognitive coping: The psychological significance of knowing what happened in the traumatic event
Authors: Winje Dagfinn
Published: September 2003

The longitudinal relationships between aspects of cognitive coping and psychological symptoms in a group of 36 adults were examined 1, 3, and 5 years after a fatal school bus accident in Norway in 1988. The need for information about what happened in the accident was unrelated to symptoms during the period when the parents' search for facts was dominant, indicating that this is part of a normal adjustment process. However, persistent need for information after factual information had been provided was associated with poorer adjustment. People who felt they were adequately informed and who viewed the accident as a random incident showed better psychological adjustment.
Brief early psychological interventions following trauma: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Rose Suzanna , Bisson Jonathan
Published: September 2003

A systematic literature search/review was undertaken of brief early psychological interventions following trauma. Only six randomized controlled trials were found, and none of these included group interventions. Of the six trials, two studies associated the intervention with a positive outcome, two demonstrated no difference on outcome between intervention and non‐intervention groups, and two showed some negative outcomes in the intervention group. This review suggests that early optimism for brief early psychological interventions including debriefing was misplaced and that there is an urgent need for randomized controlled trials of group debriefing and other early interventions.
Overview of inherited metabolic disorders causing cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wilcken D. E. L.
Published: September 2003

Summary: Inherited metabolic disorders contribute importantly to adverse cardiovascular outcomes and affect all tissue types. This review summarizes some of the more important aspects. In the venous system, heterozygosities for the factor V Leiden and prothrombin 20210G > A mutations are common and occur in 4% and 1%, respectively, of caucasians. They confer a 2‐ to 3‐ fold increase in risk of venous, but not arterial, thrombosis. Marfan syndrome affects the systemic circulation and has a population prevalence of about 1 in 4000. The more than 200 mutations responsible are in the fibrillin‐1 gene (15q21.1) and mediate the characteristic skeletal, lens and aortic changes. There are two potentially lethal inherited disorders of cardiac conduction, the long QT and Brugada syndromes. The prevalence for each is about 1 in 10 000. On the other hand, autosomal dominant hypertrophic cardiomyopathies are relatively common, at 1 in 500, but with variable penetrance. Mutations are in the sarcomere proteins and more than 140 are known. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be confused with Fabry disease, for which effective treatment is now available. Mutations in several genes have been shown to produce dilated cardiomyopathy in the young, but there is as yet no specific treatment. In fatty acid oxidation disorders, arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy occur during acute decompensation. An important recently established cause of cardiomyopathy is carnitine transporter defect; it is treated effectively with oral carnitine. The autosomal dominant arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia occurs with a prevalence of about 1 in 15 000 and presents with arrythmias and a dilated right ventricle. The mutations responsible have been mapped to chromosomes 1, 2, 10 and 14. Lysosomal storage disorders, the Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and other connective‐tissue disorders affect cardiac valves and vessels. In addition to the relatively common inherited lipoprotein disorders familial hypercholesterolaemia and familial combined hyperlipidaemia, an important dominantly inherited lipid variable contributing to coronary risk is lipoprotein(a). The gene is localized tochromosome 6 and there is full expression in childhood. Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels contribute to the occurrence and severity of early‐onsetcoronary disease and add to the already enhanced risk in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia.
Predicting response to exposure treatment in PTSD: The role of mental defeat and alienation
Authors: Ehlers Anke , Clark David M. , Dunmore Emma , Jaycox Lisa , Meadows Elizabeth , Foa Edna B.
Published: September 2003

Not all patients with posttraumatic stress disorder benefit from exposure treatment. The present paper describes two cognitive dimensions that are related to inferior response to exposure in rape victims. First, individuals whose memories during reliving of the trauma reflected mental defeat or the absence of mental planning showed little improvement. Second, inferior outcome was correlated with an overall feeling of alienation or permanent change following the trauma. These results are based on blind ratings of transcripts of exposure treatment sessions from 10 women with good outcome and 10 women with inferior outcome. Patients in the two groups were matched for initial symptom severity and were comparable in many aspects of the assault. Patients who experienced mental defeat, alienation, or permanent change may require cognitive restructuring in addition to exposure.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR) treatment for combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Carlson John G. , Chemtob Claude M. , Rusnak Kristin , Hedlund Nancy L. , Muraoka Miles Y.
Published: September 2003

Despite the clinical and social impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are few controlled studies investigating its treatment. In this investigation, the effectiveness of two psychotherapeutic interventions for PTSD were compared using a randomized controlled outcome group design. Thirty five combat veterans diagnosed with combat‐related PTSD were treated with either (a) 12 sessions of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, EMDR (n = 10), (b) 12 sessions of biofeedback‐assisted relaxation (n = 13), or (c) routine clinical care, serving as a control (n = 12). Compared with the other conditions, significant treatment effects in the EMDR condition were obtained at posttreatment on a number of self‐report, psychometric, and standardized interview measures. Relative to the other treatment group, these effects were generally maintained at 3‐month follow‐up. Psychophysiological measures reflected an apparent habituation effect from pretreatment to posttreatment but were not differentially affected by treatment condition.
Persistence of combat‐related posttraumatic stress symptoms for 75 years
Authors: Hamilton Joseph D. , Workman Richard H.
Published: September 2003

Investigations of the duration of combat‐related posttraumatic stress symptoms have focused mainly on survivors of World War II and the Vietnam War, with little attention to surviving veterans of World War I. The authors describe a case in which posttraumatic stress symptoms persisted for 75 years in a World War I combat veteran and increased in frequency toward the end of his life accompanied by advancing dementia and hospitalization. The case illustrates that posttraumatic stress symptoms may be lifelong and exacerbated by various consequences of aging, even if they are not disabling.
Lipoprotein disorders and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Genest J.
Published: September 2003

Summary: Disorders of lipoproteins often lead to disease in humans. Most often the sequelae of long‐term dyslipoproteinaemia lead to atherosclerotic vascular disease in all arterial beds. Plasma elevation of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), very low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL) and lipoprotein(a), and reduced levels of high‐density lipoproteins (HDL‐C) are risk factors for coronary artery disease. Severe elevations of plasma triglycerides may lead to acute pancreatitis. In Western societies and in emerging economies, lifestyle contributes to the expression of lipoprotein disorders. Many dyslipoproteinaemias have a genetic aetiology. This review will examine the contribution of genetic lipoprotein disorders in human disease. Emphasis will be placed on monogenic disorders that are associated with coronary artery disease and novel causes of disorders of high‐density lipoproteins. The consideration of screening and treatment of affected individuals, especially children, must take into account the severity of the phenotype, the long‐term risk of developing vascular disease and available evidence of clinical benefit in a group of diseases that are mostly asymptomatic until manifestations of organ ischaemia in the heart, limbs or brain.
Dysfunctional cognitions and adult psychological functioning in child sexual abuse survivors
Authors: Wenninger Kerstin , Ehlers Anke
Published: September 2003

Two studies explored the relationship between cognitions and long‐term symptoms in adult child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors. In Study 1, an American sample of 43 survivors completed questionnaires assessing attributional style and dysfunctional beliefs in cognitive themes affected by victimization, as well as measures of posttraumatic symptoms. Survivors' attributions of negative events were more internal, stable, and global than those of 29 comparison subjects without a history of CSA. However, only the globality scale was significantly related with severity of long‐term symptoms. High correlations between dysfunctional beliefs concerning safety, trust, esteem, or intimacy, and posttrauma symptoms were found. The latter finding was replicated in Study 2 with a German sample of 35 CSA survivors, even when controlling for frequency of abuse.
Psychological benefits and liabilities of traumatic exposure in the war zone
Authors: Fontana Alan , Rosenheck Robert
Published: September 2003

Data from the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study on 1,198 Vietnam theater veterans were used to examine the psychological benefits and liabilities of traumatic exposure in the war zone. Psychological benefits and liabilities were found to be largely independent of one another and to be related positively to the dose of traumatic exposure. Additionally, there was a curvilinear trend in the form of an inverted U, such that psychological benefits, most notably solidarity with others, were stronger at intermediate compared to high and low levels of exposure. Psychological benefits counteracted and psychological liabilities passed through the effects of traumatic exposure on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychological benefit of self‐improvement moderated the effects of the psychological liability of self‐impoverishment on PTSD.
The Gulf crisis experience of Kuwaiti children: Psychological and cognitive factors
Authors: Hadi Foaziah A. , Llabre Maria M.
Published: September 2003

This study examined a stratified random sample of 233 Kuwaiti 8‐ to 12‐year‐old boys and girls, in order to assess their level of exposure to violence during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait and its relation to psychological and cognitive performance 1 year after the crisis. Children were assessed on intelligence, posttraumatic stress, and depression, and were interviewed about their crisis experience. No significant decline in intelligence scores was detected after the crisis. A difference in level of parental depression was found between those who stayed in Kuwait as compared to those who were out for all or part of the crisis. Depression in children was low but associated with the level of exposure to violence as reported in the interview, and greater levels of posttraumatic stress. The results support the hypothesis that acute trauma resulting from exposure to violence is related to posttraumatic stress in children.
Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal activity among Armenian adolescents with PTSD symptoms
Authors: Goenjian Armen K. , Pynoos Robert S. , Steinberg Alan M. , Endres David , Abraham Khachik , Geffner Mitchell E. , Fairbanks Lynn A.
Published: September 2003

This study evaluated basal levels and responsiveness to exercise of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone (GH) and cortisol among adolescents from two differentially exposed groups 6 1/2 years after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. Severity of total PTSD and Category C and D symptoms were negatively correlated with baseline cortisol. Preexercise ACTH was significantly lower, and preexercise TSH higher, among adolescents with more exposure. Depressive symptoms were negatively correlated with baseline cortisol and positively with TSH. Mean GH, TSH, and cortisol levels in both groups fell within normal limits. The pre‐ to postexercise increase in GH, TSH, and cortisol suggests that exercise challenge may be useful in the field investigation of neurohormonal activity among traumatized individuals.
Clinical characteristics and diagnostic clues in inborn errors of creatine metabolism
Authors: Stromberger C. , Bodamer O. A. , Stöckler‐Ipsiroglu S.
Published: September 2003

Summary: Creatine deficiency syndromes are a newly described group of inborn errors of creatine synthesis (arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) deficiency and guanidinoaceteate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency) and creatine transport (creatine transporter (CRTR) deficiency). The common clinical denominator of creatine deficiency syndromes is mental retardation and epilepsy, suggesting the main involvement of cerebral grey matter (grey matter disease). Patients with GAMT deficiency exhibit a more complex clinical phenotype with dystonic hyperkinetic movement disorder and epilepsy that in some cases is unresponsive to pharmacological treatment. The common biochemical denominator of creatine deficiency syndromes is cerebral creatine deficiency which is demonstrated by in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Measurement of guanidinoacetate in body fluids may discriminate GAMT (high concentration), AGAT (low concentration) and CRTR (normal concentration). Further biochemical characteristics include changes in creatine and creatinine concentrations in body fluids. GAMT and AGAT deficiency are treatable by oral creatine supplementation, while patients with CRTR deficiency do not respond to this type of treatment. Further recognition of patients will be of major importance for the estimation of the frequency, for the understanding of phenotypic variations and for treatment strategies.
Assessing traumatic event exposure: General issues and preliminary findings for the Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire
Authors: Goodman Lisa A. , Corcoran Carole , Turner Kiban , Yuan Nicole , Green Bonnie L.
Published: September 2003

This article reviews the psychometric properties of the Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire (SLESQ), a recently developed trauma history screening measure, and discusses the complexities involved in assessing trauma exposure. There are relatively few general measures of exposure to a variety of types of traumatic events, and most of those that exist have not been subjected to rigorous psychometric evaluation. The SLESQ showed good test‐retest reliability, with a median kappa of .73, adequate convergent validity (with a lengthier interview) with a median kappa of .64, and good discrimination between Criterion A and non‐Criterion A events. The discussion addresses some of the challenges of assessing traumatic event exposure along the dimensions of defining traumatic events, assessment methodologies, reporting consistency, and incident validation.
Posttraumatic stress disorder among incarcerated battered women: A comparison of battered women who killed their abusers and those incarcerated for other offenses
Authors: O'Keefe Maura
Published: September 2003

The present study examined differences in the amount and severity of spousal violence and posttraumatic stress symptoms between incarcerated battered women who killed/seriously assaulted their abusers and battered women incarcerated for other offenses. Additionally, several risk and buffering variables suggested by trauma research were tested to determine their ability to predict present posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology. Findings revealed that battered women who killed/seriously assaulted their batterers experienced more frequent and severe spousal abuse than those in the comparison group. No significant group differences were found for present PTSD symptom levels. Predictors of present PTSD symptomatology included: childhood sexual abuse, childhood physical abuse, past PTSD symptomatology, length of time elapsed since living with partner and receiving counseling in prison. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Ambulatory monitoring and physical health report in Vietnam veterans with and without chronic posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Beckham Jean C. , Taft Casey T. , Vrana Scott R. , Feldman Michelle E. , Barefoot John C. , Moore Scott D. , Mozley Susannah L. , Butterfield Marian I. , Calhoun Patrick S.
Published: September 2003

This study investigated the associations among PTSD, ambulatory cardiovascular monitoring, and physical health self‐reports in 117 male Vietnam combat veterans (61 with PTSD and 56 without PTSD). PTSD was associated with health symptoms and number of current health conditions beyond the influence of several covariates. PTSD was associated with greater systolic blood pressure variability, and an elevated percentage of heart rate and systolic blood pressure readings above baseline. Higher mean heart rate and an elevated percentage of heart rate above baseline were associated with physical health symptoms. None of the ambulatory monitoring variables mediated the association between PTSD and physical health outcomes. Findings suggest that the interrelationships among ambulatory autonomic responses, PTSD, and physical health deserve more research attention.
MMPI scales for diagnosing acute and chronic PTSD in civilians
Authors: Gaston Louise , Brunet Alain , Koszycki Diane , Bradwejn Jacques
Published: September 2003

To develop new Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales for diagnosing acute and chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 237 civilians with PTSD or panic disorder (controls) completed the MMPI‐R. All 399 items were submitted to chi‐square analysis to select those differentiating acute or chronic PTSD from controls. The analyses yielded an MMPI Acute PTSD scale (32 items) and a MMPI Chronic PTSD scale (41 items). Discriminating between acute PTSD and controls, the MMPI Acute PTSD scale had a hit rate of 83% and the MMPI Chronic PTSD scale produced a hit rate of 75% to 80%. Cross‐validation produced similar hit rates. These scales scores were not substantially influenced by gender or types of traumatic events, and only the MMPI Acute PTSD scale seemed to not be sensitive to co‐morbidity.
Suicidal behavior after severe trauma. Part 1: PTSD diagnoses, psychiatric comorbidity, and assessments of suicidal behavior
Authors: Ferrada‐Noli Marcello , Asberg Marie , Ormstad Kari , Lundin Tom , Sundbom Elisabet
Published: September 2003

The study comprises 149 refugees from various countries, reporting exposure to severe traumata, who were referred for psychiatric diagnosis and assessment of suicide risk. The stressors reported comprised both personal experience of and/or forced witnessing of combat atrocities (including explosions or missile impacts in urban areas), imprisonment (including isolation), torture and inflicted pain, sexual violence, witnessing others' suicide, and of summary and/or mock executions. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was diagnosed in 79% of all cases, other psychiatric illness in 16% and no mental pathology in 5%. The prevalence of suicidal behavior was significantly greater among refugees with principal PTSD diagnoses than among the remainder. PTSD patients with depression comorbidity reported higher frequency of suicidal thoughts; PTSD nondepressive patients manifested increased frequency of suicide attempts.
Are the dissociative criteria in ASD useful?
Authors: Zoellner Lori A. , Jaycox Lisa H. , Watlington Christina G. , Foa Edna B.
Published: September 2003

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a new DSM‐IV diagnostic category, characterized by dissociative, intrusive, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms in the first month after a traumatic experience. The goal of the present study was to examine the utility of this diagnosis. In a prospective study, 79 mixed trauma victims who met DSM‐IV symptom criteria for PTSD within 1 month following a traumatic event were followed through three months post‐event. Dissociative symptoms in ASD only partially captured distress and dysfunction during the first month. Participants with and without ASD showed similar patterns of recovery, with only small differences that disappeared at three months post‐event. Interestingly, initial PTSD avoidance but not ASD dissociative symptoms predicted PTSD severity at 3 months.
Exposure to duty‐related incident stressors in urban firefighters and paramedics
Authors: Beaton Randal , Murphy Shirley , Johnson Clark , Pike Ken , Corneil Wayne
Published: September 2003

Little is known about the variables that might be associated with posttraumatic stress symptomatology in high‐risk occupational groups such as professional firefighters and paramedics. A sample of 173 urban professional firefighter/EMT's and firefighter/paramedics rated and ranked the stressfulness of 33 actual and/or potential duty‐related incident stressors. They also reported whether they had experienced each of these incident stressors within the past 6 months and, if they had, to recall on how many occasions within the past 6 months. A principal components analysis of their rescaled incident stressor ratings yielded five components: Catastrophic Injury to Self or Co‐worker, Gruesome victim Incidents, Render Aid to Seriously Injured, Vulnerable Victims, Minor Injury to Self and Death & Dying Exposure.
Posttraumatic stress symptoms in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer and their mothers
Authors: Brown Ronald T. , Madan‐Swain Avi , Lambert Richard
Published: September 2003

We examined symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer and their mothers and the contribution of family functioning, including perceived emotional support and familial conflict, and individual factors including life stress and severity of disease to PTSD symptoms. Participants were 52 adolescent cancer survivors and their mothers and 42 healthy adolescent counterparts and their mothers. Findings revealed that mothers of cancer survivors endorsed more PTSD symptoms than did their healthy counterparts and that survivors and mothers also reported greater recent and past stressful life events. Although no survivors met clinical criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, over 36% endorsed mild subthreshold symptomatology. Findings are discussed in the context of understanding PTSD symptoms within a family systems framework.
Predictors of chronic posttraumatic stress symptoms following burn injury: Results of a longitudinal study
Authors: van Loey N. E. E. , Maas C. J. M. , Faber A. W. , Taal L. A.
Published: September 2003

The authors' goal was to examine the course and predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms among persons hospitalized for burns. A total of 301 participants completed self‐report measures assessing peritraumatic mental state, anxiety related to pain, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Twenty‐six percent of the participants were suffering from posttraumatic stress symptoms at 2–3 weeks postburn and 15% of them at 12 months postburns. In general, a decrease in symptoms was observed over time, although a substantial part of the participants with acute stress symptoms suffers from chronic posttraumatic stress symptoms 1‐year postburn. Symptoms were predicted by anxiety measures and objective factors, such as female gender, locus, and severity of injury.