bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase in the Admission of Stroke Mimics after Change in Emergency Shifts
Authors: Vargas Mariana , Costa Mariana , Pinho e Melo Teresa , Ferro José M. , Fonseca Ana Catarina
Published: May 2017

Background: In 2010, changes were made to the shift pattern of neurology residents for cover in the Emergency Department at a university hospital. This resulted in a decrease in the number of emergency hours worked by neurology specialists and allowed for a natural quasi-experiment. Aim: We aimed to evaluate if changes to the number of emergency hours worked by neurology residents and specialist neurologists, (intervention) altered the number or pattern of admitted stroke mimics (SMs). Methods: Observational retrospective study from January 2007 to December 2013. Time of intervention was set as August 2010. We used a segmented linear regression - ARIMA - to evaluate changes in the temporal pattern of admitted SMs. A statistical correlation between the number of emergency hours worked by neurology residents and the number of admitted SMs was calculated using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Results: Of the 2,552 patients admitted to the stroke unit, 290 were SMs (11.4%). After August 2010, there was an increase in the number of admitted SMs (p = 0.003). After 2010, the most frequent SM diagnosis changed from a psychiatric condition to peripheral vertigo. A positive correlation was found between the number of hours worked primarily by neurology residents and the number of admitted SMs (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.94; p = 0.002). Conclusions: Changes in the pattern of Emergency Department shifts were associated with an increase in the rate of admitted SMs and with a higher number of mimics with a final diagnosis of peripheral vertigo.
Non-Lethal Sonodynamic Therapy Inhibits Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression in ApoE-/- Mice and Attenuates ox-LDL-mediated Macrophage Impairment by Inducing Heme Oxygenase-1
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Wei , Xu Haobo , Sun Yan , Sun Jing , Jiang Yongxing , Yao Jianting , Tian Ye
Published: May 2017

Background: Previous studies from our group showed that low-intensity sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has protective effects on atherosclerosis (AS). However, because the intensity of ultrasound passing through tissue is attenuated, the consequences of very low-intensity SDT, referred to as non-lethal SDT (NL-SDT), on atherosclerotic plaques are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether NL-SDT affects atherosclerotic plaques and to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods: An AS model was established using ApoE-/- mice fed a western diet. En face Oil Red O staining was used to measure atherosclerotic plaque size. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to observe plaque morphology and assess the location of macrophages and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). HO-1 mRNA and protein levels in AS plaques were evaluated by real-time PCR and western blotting. Human THP-1 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages were used in this study. Western blotting was used to investigate the expression of cellular proteins after NL-SDT. Macrophage apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assays and flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI double staining. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured with 2′-7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl benzimidazolyl carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining, respectively. Results: NL-SDT significantly inhibited AS progression and reduced the necrotic core area. NL-SDT induced HO-1 expression in lesional macrophages and in cultured macrophages. NL-SDT activated the protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal-related protein kinase (ERK) pathways and the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2).NL-SDT significantly reduced oxidized LDL (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage MMP collapse, ROS production and cell apoptosis. Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a HO-1-specific inhibitor, reversed the protective effects of NL-SDT. Conclusion: NL-SDT inhibits atherosclerotic plaque progression and increases plaque stability. In vitro, NL-SDT has a protective effect on ox-LDL-induced macrophage impairment via HO-1.
Coronary Artery Calcium and Risk of Dementia in MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)
Authors: Fujiyoshi Akira , Jacobs David R. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Alonso Alvaro , Duprez Daniel A. , Sharrett A. Richey , Seeman Teresa , Blaha Michael J. , Luchsinger José A. , Rapp Stephen R.
Published: May 2017

Background—

Studies suggest a link between vascular injuries and dementia. Only a few studies, however, examined a longitudinal relation of subclinical vascular disease with dementia. We tested whether baseline coronary artery calcium (CAC), a biomarker of subclinical vascular disease, is associated with incident dementia independent of vascular risk factors and APOE-ε4 genotype in a community-based sample.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed 6293 participants of MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), aged 45 to 84 years at baseline (2000–2002), initially free of cardiovascular disease and noticeable cognitive deficit. Dementia cases were identified using hospital and death certificate International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes. Cox models were used to obtain hazard ratios according to CAC category, or per 1 SD log2[CAC+1], adjusted for vascular risk factor, APOE-ε4, with or without exclusion of interim stroke or cardiovascular disease. We observed 271 dementia cases in a median follow-up of 12.2 years. Baseline CAC had a graded positive association with dementia risk. Compared with no CAC, CAC score of 1 to 400, 401 to 1000, and ≥1001 had increased risk of dementia by 23%, 35%, and 71%, respectively, (
P
trend
=0.026) after adjustment. 1 SD higher log2[CAC+1] was associated with 24% (95% confidence interval, 8%–41%;
P
=0.002) increase in dementia risk. Although the association was partially explained by interim stroke/cardiovascular disease, it remained significant even after excluding the interim events, or regardless of baseline age.

Conclusions—

Higher baseline CAC was significantly associated with increased risk of dementia independent of vascular risk factor, APOE-ε4, and incident stroke. This is consistent with a hypothesis that vascular injuries play a role in the development of dementia.
Thirty-Day Readmissions After Endovascular or Surgical Therapy for Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Kolte Dhaval , Kennedy Kevin F. , Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Abbott J. Dawn , Khera Sahil , Soukas Peter , Mamdani Shafiq T. , Hyder Omar N. , Drachman Douglas E. , Aronow Herbert D.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Thirty-day readmission rates have gained increasing importance as a key quality metric. A significant number of patients are hospitalized for the management of critical limb ischemia (CLI), but limited data are available on the incidence, predictors, and causes of 30-day readmission after hospitalization for CLI.

Methods:

Hospitalizations for a primary diagnosis of CLI during which patients underwent endovascular or surgical therapy (revascularization and/or amputation) and were discharged alive were identified in the 2013 to 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Databases. Incidence, reasons, and costs of 30-day unplanned readmissions were determined. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of 30-day readmissions.

Results:

We included 60 998 (national estimate, 135 110) index CLI hospitalizations (mean age, 68.9±11.9 years; 40.8% women; 24.6% for rest pain, 37.2% for ulcer, and 38.2% for gangrene). The 30-day readmission rate was 20.4%. Presentation with ulcer or gangrene, age ≥65 years, female sex, large hospital size, teaching hospital status, known coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, anemia, coagulopathy, obesity, major bleeding, acute myocardial infarction, vascular complications, and sepsis were identified as independent predictors of 30-day readmission. Mode of revascularization was not independently associated with readmissions. Infections (23.5%), persistent or recurrent manifestations of peripheral artery disease (22.2%), cardiac conditions (11.4%), procedural complications (11.0%), and endocrine issues (5.7%) were the most common reasons for readmission. The inflation-adjusted aggregate costs of 30-day readmissions for CLI during the study period were $624 million.

Conclusions:

Approximately 1 in 5 patients hospitalized for CLI and undergoing revascularization is readmitted within 30 days. Risk of readmission is influenced by CLI presentation, patient demographics, comorbidities, and in-hospital complications, but not by the mode of revascularization.
Million Hearts: Description of the National Surveillance and Modeling Methodology Used to Monitor the Number of Cardiovascular Events Prevented During 2012–2016
Authors: Ritchey Matthew D. , Loustalot Fleetwood , Wall Hilary K. , Steiner Claudia A. , Gillespie Cathleen , George Mary G. , Wright Janet S.
Published: May 2017

Background

This study describes the national surveillance and modeling methodology developed to monitor achievement of the Million Hearts initiative's aim of preventing 1 million acute myocardial infarctions, strokes, and other related cardiovascular events during 2012–2016.

Methods and Results

We calculate sex‐ and age‐specific cardiovascular event rates (combination of emergency department, hospitalization, and death events) among
US
adults aged ≥18 from 2006 to 2011 and, based on log‐linear models fitted to the rates, calculate their annual percent change. We describe 2 baseline strategies to be used to compare observed versus expected event totals during 2012–2016: (1)
stable baselines
assume no rate changes, with modeled 2011 rates held constant through 2016; and (2)
trend baselines
assume 2006–2011 rate trends will continue, with the annual percent changes applied to the modeled 2011 rates to calculate expected 2012–2016 rates. Events prevented estimates during 2012–2013 were calculated using available data: 115 210 (95%
CI
, 60 858, 169 562) events were prevented using stable baselines and an excess of 43 934 (95%
CI
, −14 264, 102 132) events occurred using trend baselines. Women aged ≥75 had the most events prevented (stable, 76 242 [42 067, 110 417]; trend, 39 049 [1901, 76 197]). Men aged 45 to 64 had the greatest number of excess events (stable, 22 912 [95%
CI
, 855, 44 969]; trend, 38 810 [95%
CI
, 15 567, 62 053]).

Conclusions

Around 115 000 events were prevented during the initiative's first 2 years compared with what would have occurred had 2011 rates remained stable. Recent flattening or reversals in some event rate trends were observed supporting intensifying national action to prevent cardiovascular events.
A new species of Rock Gecko genus Cnemaspis (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Western Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: KURITA TAKAKI , NISHIKAWA KANTO , MATSUI MASAFUMI , HIKIDA TSUTOMU
Published: May 2017

A new species of Asian rock gecko, genus Cnemaspis, is described from Padawan, western Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The new species forms a clade with C. paripari and C. nigridia of the C. nigridia group in a mitochondrial DNA phylogeny and is similar to them morphologically in some characters such as caudal scalation. It differs from the other Asian Cnemaspis species in its unique combination of snout–vent length (up to 62.7 mm), 4–9 precloacal pores in males, keeled subcaudals with an enlarged, smooth, median row, presence of ventrolateral caudal tubercles, and coloration (head and upper flanks dark-yellow; anterior portion of tail black; posterior portion of tail white with black, paravertebral blob). Phylogenetic relationships within the C. nigridia group and the distributional ranges of species within the group suggest allopatric speciation by geographic isolation.
A new species of Tropidophorus Duméril & Bibron, 1839 (Squamata: Sauria: Scincidae) from Sarawak, East Malaysia (Borneo)
Authors: PUI YONG MIN , KARIN BENJAMIN R. , BAUER AARON M. , DAS INDRANEIL
Published: May 2017

A new species of the genus Tropidophorus is described from Putai, upper Baleh, Kapit districts, Sarawak, East Malaysia (Borneo). Tropidophorus sebi sp. nov. is diagnosable from congeners from Borneo by the combination of the following characters: head shields present, dorsal and lateral scales smooth; parietal scales in two pairs; supraciliaries eight; supraoculars four; supralabials seven; infralabials four; postmental undivided; longitudinal scale rows 58; ventrals 53; transverse scale rows at midbody 34; subcaudals 98; preanals enlarged, single; and subdigital lamellae of Toe IV 19. In addition, we determine the phylogenetic position of this species within the Tropidophorus group based on mitochondrial markers, and present a key to identification of the known Bornean species in the genus.
Two new species of the genus Sinopodisma Chang, 1940 (Orthoptra, Acridoidea, Catantopidae, Podisminae) from Taiwan, China
Authors: YE BAO-HUA , SHI JIAN-PING , YIN ZHAN
Published: May 2017

Two new species of the genus Sinopodisma Chang, 1940 from Taiwan, China are described in this paper. The new species Sinopodisma orchofemura sp. nov. is similar to Sinopodisma kodamae (Shiraki, 1910), but differs from latter in antennae length of joint 2.9 times width in the middle part, hind femur yellow, length of interspace of mesosternum larger than narrowest, tegmina almost reaching the hind margin of second abdominal tergum. The Sinopodisma hsinchuensis sp. nov. is similar to Sinopodisma orchofemura sp. nov., but differs from latter by vertical diameter of eyes 1.7 times horizontal diameter and 1.8 times subocular furrow; tegmina extending over the hind margin of first abdominal tergite slightly; the length of interspace of mesosternum equal to narrowest and subgenital plate longer than ovipositor valves ventral view. Type specimens are deposited in the National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan, China and the Institute of Entomology, Taiwan University, Taibei, Taiwan, China respectively.
Synonymic notes in the genus Chlaenius Bonelli, 1810 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Chlaeniini)
Authors: KIRSCHENHOFER ERICH
Published: May 2017

In a study by Chanu & Swaminathan (2017) recently published in Zootaxa, two species of Chlaenius from Rajasthan (India) were described, which, however, turned out to be synonyms.
A View of Tropical Cyclones from Above: The Tropical Cyclone Intensity Experiment
Authors: Doyle James D. , Moskaitis Jonathan R. , Feldmeier Joel W. , Ferek Ronald J. , Beaubien Mark , Bell Michael M. , Cecil Daniel L. , Creasey Robert L. , Duran Patrick , Elsberry Russell L. , Komaromi William A. , Molinari John , Ryglicki David R. , Stern Daniel P. , Velden Christopher S. , Wang Xuguang , Allen Todd , Barrett Bradford S. , Black Peter G. , Dunion Jason P. , Emanuel Kerry A. , Harr Patrick A. , Harrison Lee , Hendricks Eric A. , Herndon Derrick , Jeffries William Q. , Majumdar Sharanya J. , Moore James A. , Pu Zhaoxia , Rogers Robert F. , Sanabia Elizabeth R. , Tripoli Gregory J. , Zhang Da-Lin
Published: May 2017

Tropical cyclone (TC) outflow and its relationship to TC intensity change and structure were investigated in the Office of Naval Research Tropical Cyclone Intensity (TCI) field program during 2015 using dropsondes deployed from the innovative new High-Definition Sounding System (HDSS) and remotely sensed observations from the Hurricane Imaging Radiometer (HIRAD), both on board the NASA WB-57 that flew in the lower stratosphere. Three noteworthy hurricanes were intensively observed with unprecedented horizontal resolution: Joaquin in the Atlantic and Marty and Patricia in the eastern North Pacific. Nearly 800 dropsondes were deployed from the WB-57 flight level of ∼60,000 ft (∼18 km), recording atmospheric conditions from the lower stratosphere to the surface, while HIRAD measured the surface winds in a 50-km-wide swath with a horizontal resolution of 2 km. Dropsonde transects with 4–10-km spacing through the inner cores of Hurricanes Patricia, Joaquin, and Marty depict the large horizontal and vertical gradients in winds and thermodynamic properties. An innovative technique utilizing GPS positions of the HDSS reveals the vortex tilt in detail not possible before. In four TCI flights over Joaquin, systematic measurements of a major hurricane’s outflow layer were made at high spatial resolution for the first time. Dropsondes deployed at 4-km intervals as the WB-57 flew over the center of Hurricane Patricia reveal in unprecedented detail the inner-core structure and upper-tropospheric outflow associated with this historic hurricane. Analyses and numerical modeling studies are in progress to understand and predict the complex factors that influenced Joaquin’s and Patricia’s unusual intensity changes.
Large-Eddy Simulation of a Katabatic Jet along a Convexly Curved Slope. Part I: Statistical Results
Authors: Brun Christophe , Blein Sébastien , Chollet Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2017

Large-eddy simulation is performed to study a katabatic jet along a convexly curved slope with a maximum angle of about 35.5°. The design of this numerical simulation of turbulent shear flow is discussed, and a qualitative assessment of the method is proposed. The katabatic flow is artificially generated by ground surface cooling, and a stable atmospheric boundary layer with constant stratification is considered as a reference state. A quantitative statistical analysis is used to describe the present turbulent flow, with a focus on the outer-layer shear of the katabatic jet, which extends about 50 m above the jet maximum. The Prandtl model for a katabatic jet is applied to the present results, and revisited versions of the model found in the literature are discussed, with an emphasis on specific momentum and turbulent heat diffusion. The vertical and downslope variability of the turbulent kinetic energy budget is also discussed, and it is shown that advection and production contributions in the downslope direction are far from negligible in katabatic flows along curved slopes. A specific effect that the convex curvature has on the katabatic jet is one of centrifugal deceleration and an increase of the flow’s turbulent production and turbulent intensity in the outer-layer shear. A strong thickening of the outer layer is also observed.
Changes in the Systematic Errors of Global Reforecasts due to an Evolving Data Assimilation System
Authors: Hamill Thomas M.
Published: May 2017

A global reforecast dataset was recently created for the National Centers for Environmental Prediction’s Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS). This reforecast dataset consists of retrospective and real-time ensemble forecasts produced for the GEFS from 1985 to present day. An 11-member ensemble was produced once daily to +15-day lead time from 0000 UTC initial conditions. While the forecast model was stable during the production of this dataset, in 2011 and several times thereafter, there were significant changes to the forecast model that was used in the data assimilation system itself, as well as changes to the assimilation system and the observations that were assimilated. These changes resulted in substantial changes in the statistical characteristics of the reforecast dataset. Such changes make it challenging to uncritically use reforecasts for statistical postprocessing, which commonly assume that forecast error and bias are approximately consistent from one year to the next. Ensuring the consistency in the statistical characteristics of past and present initial conditions is desirable but can be in tension with the expectation that prediction centers upgrade their forecast systems rapidly.
Visual Presentation Style 2: Influences on Perceptions of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Based on Visual Presentation Style During the Third 2016 Presidential Debate
Authors: Stewart Patrick A. , Eubanks Austin D. , Dye Reagan G. , Eidelman Scott , Wicks Robert H.
Published: May 2017

A field experiment was conducted to analyze the third and final 2016 presidential debate. Randomly assigned participants watched the debate in the format of mainly solo camera shots that alternate between the candidates (i.e., switched feed), or with both candidates framed side-by-side on screen (i.e., split screen feed). Though viewer feelings of positivity toward the candidates did not differ, visual presentation style had a significant effect on trait judgments for Donald Trump overall. Participants watching Trump on the switched camera feed perceived him as significantly more Sophisticated, Honest, Attractive, Sincere, Strong, Active, Intelligent, Trustworthy, and Generous. There was not an effect for Hillary Clinton’s trait ratings overall, though she was perceived as significantly more Strong, Competent, and Intelligent by those watching the switched feed. This suggests that visual presentation style significantly influenced viewer perceptions. Political ideology was a significant predictor of all but one of the traits for each candidate.
‘In the Colonies, Black Lives Don't Matter.’ Legalism and Rights Claims across the French Empire
Authors: Terretta Meredith
Published: May 2017

This article examines convergences and divergences between various expressions of communism, French republicanism, and pan-black solidarity in overseas France and among metropolitan communities of activists from the 1920s to the rise of the Popular Front against fascism in the mid-1930s. From the time of the first administrative reforms arising from France’s official anti-communist colonial policies in 1922, until the formation of the Popular Front in 1936, anticolonial activism and anti-revolutionary policy dialectically produced sites of judicialization, with agitators deliberately harnessing legal processes to contest the policies, practices and politics of imperial France, and French officials variously legislating against protest, including by extra-parliamentary decree. Experiments in anti-revolutionary legislation culminated in 1935, when the French Minister of the Interior collaborated with the Minister of the Colonies and governors of overseas territories to legislate against ‘acts of disorder or demonstrations against French sovereignty’ whether committed by French citizens, subjects, or protected persons, and regardless of their location. By the early to mid-1930s, legalists on the French left – whether Marxist or republican and in large part due to their involvement with anticolonial activist groups in overseas France – viewed extra-parliamentary legislation and judicial irregularity in overseas France as a sign of increasingly authoritarian French governance. Many joined forces to mobilize against what some agitators described as fascist tendencies in French governance.
The PF4/PPBP/CXCL5 Gene Cluster Is Associated with Periodontitis
Authors: Shusterman A. , Munz M. , Richter G. , Jepsen S. , Lieb W. , Krone B. , Hoffman P. , Laudes M. , Wellmann J. , Berger K. , Kocher T. , Offenbacher S. , Divaris K. , Franke A. , Schreiber S. , Dommisch H. , Weiss E. , Schaefer A.S. , Houri-Haddad Y. , Iraqi F.A.
Published: May 2017

Periodontitis is a common dysbiotic inflammatory disease with an estimated heritability of 50%. Due to the limited sample size of available periodontitis cohorts and the underlying trait heterogeneity, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of chronic periodontitis (CP) have been unsuccessful in discovering susceptibility factors. A strategy that combines agnostic GWAS with a well-powered candidate-gene approach has the potential to discover novel loci. We combined RNA-seq data from gingival tissues with quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that were identified in a F2-cross of mice resistant and susceptible to infection with oral bacterial pathogens. Four genes, which were located within the mapped QTLs, showed differential expression. The chromosomal regions across the human orthologous were interrogated for putative periodontitis-associated variants using existing GWAS data from a German case-control sample of aggressive periodontitis (AgP; 651 cases, 4,001 controls), the most severe and early onset form of periodontitis. Two haplotype blocks, one upstream to the coding region of UGT2A1 (rs146712414, P = 9.1 × 10−5; odds ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–1.56) and one downstream of the genes PF4/PPBP/CXCL5 (rs1595009, P = 1.3 × 10−4; OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.15–1.52), were associated with AgP. The association of rs1595009 was validated in an independent cohort of CP of European Americans (1,961 cases and 1,864 controls; P = 0.03; OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.01–1.29). This association was further replicated in another sample of 399 German CP cases (disease onset <60 y of age) and 1,633 controls ( P = 0.03; OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.06–2.90). The combined estimates of association from all samples were P = 2.9 × 10−5 (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.3). This study shows the strength of combining QTL mapping and RNA-Seq data from a mouse model with association studies in human case-control samples to identify genetic risk variants of periodontitis.
Financial Care for Older Adults With Dementia
Authors: Pan Xi , Lee Yeonjung , Dye Cheryl , Roley Laurie Theriot
Published: May 2017

This article describes an examination of the sociodemographic characteristics of adult children, particularly Baby Boomer caregivers, who provide financial care to older parents with dementia. The sample including 1,011adult children dementia caregivers aged 50 to 64 years is selected from a nationally representative sample in the 2010 Health and Retirement Study. Exact logistic regression revealed that race, provision of financial assistance to caregiver children, and the number of their children are significantly associated with financial caregiving of parents. Non-White caregivers are more likely to provide financial care to their parents or parents-in-law with dementia; those who have more children and provide financial assistance to their children are less likely to provide financial care to parents with dementia. The current findings present valuable new information on the sociodemographic characteristics of adult children who provide financial assistance to parents with dementia and inform research, programs, and services on dementia caregiving.
Supporting scholarly identity and practice: Narratives of occupational therapy academics
Authors: Carra Kylie A , Fortune Tracy , Ennals Priscilla , D’Cruz Kate , Kohn Hilarie
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Internationally, an increasing number of occupational therapists are making the transition from clinical practice to academia. Many make this transition with strong practitioner identities, limited academic skills, and inadequate preparation for a competitive academic environment. A group of 13 Australian occupational therapy academics participated in blogs as part of a 12-month action research project, with the aim of being and becoming more scholarly academics.

Method

Throughout an action research project titled Growing Scholarship, co-participants/researchers participated in a closed blog for sharing experiences of being and becoming more scholarly academics. In the present study, qualitative data from the blogs were analysed through an iterative and inductive process and themes generated by the research team.

Findings

Constructing and reconstructing identity emerged as a key theme during analysis of the blogs, with the sub-themes striving to reach one’s potential and growing through collaboration and support emphasising the significance of individual and macro factors in shaping academic identity formation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated how the occupation of blogging can be used to support the scholarly identity and practice of occupational therapy academics. Other professionals facing change and uncertainty in the workplace could consider a similar approach to support the process of identity reconstruction.
Clinical Observations with Frenquel in Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Lindan O. , Cahn C. H. , Lehmann H. E.
Published: May 2017

Twenty-four hallucinated patients who had been hospitalized for schizophrenia for over 5 years were treated with Frenquel for 1 to 2 months; none of these showed any distinct improvement neither with regard to hallucinations nor any other symptoms.

Our results are compared and contrasted with those reported in 3 other publications on Frenquel.
Relaxants in Electro-Therapy; Technique and a Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Mason-Browne N. L.
Published: May 2017

1) An attempt is made to clarify and standardize the technique and modification of electro-convulsive therapy.

2) The literature is briefly reviewed.

3) A technique suitable for outpatient, hospital or private practice use is suggested and discussed. Kindly and proper handling of the patient, the time element, nursing requirements, and the training of medical staff were among the factors considered in the description of this technique.

4) A total of 1863 treatments were given to 246 female patients by the author over an arbitrary period and under exactly similar conditions. The limitation of the trial to females is coincidental.

5) For the first time 8 different muscle relaxants are compared and assessed in the same paper. Six of these relaxants were given to 25 of the patients in a partially unsuccessful attempt to give each of these patients a trial with each relaxant on at least one occasion.

6) It is concluded that physical disease or age do not contra-indicate the use of E.C.T. provided this is modified.

7) It is further concluded that suxethonium bromide is at least as satisfactory, and in most cases more satisfactory, than the other relaxant drugs used for the modification of electro-shock therapy. The drugs were assessed for this purpose in terms of occurrence of fracture, degree of apnoea produced, contra-indications, antidotes, effect upon blood pressure and pulse, production of histamine-like effects, excessive secretions, cyanosis, subjective ill effects, extent of muscle fasciculations, degree of relaxation, modification of the convulsion, time required, and finally—ease of handling.
Un Aspect du Traitement Psychiatrique en Hopital General: L'Electroplexie
Authors: Gauthier Drs C. A. , Coulombe Maurice , Et Jacques Turmel René Pion
Published: May 2017

The authors present a review of their seven years experience with electro-shock treatment in a general hospital.

At first they briefly recall their ecletic approach toward the diagnosis. For instance they insist on the difficulty of differentiating a neurotic depression with anxiety from an endogenous depression and stress the usefulness of the Funkenstein and the sodium amytal tests.

Since 1950, 1,974 patients were treated in their service, of this number, 25% only with E.C.T. The average number of treatments by patient was 5.1.

The percentage of improved cases is 82.3%, and of relapses is 8.3%.

They do not segregate their patients in a special section of the hospital, instead they try to treat them, as far as possible like ordinary general hospital cases. Their treatment room is a quiet and seclusive place, and every treatment is given very discreetly, so in the hospital this place has not the reputation of the “shock room”.

They concluded in emphasizing the multidimensional approach in psychiatric treatments.
The Role of the Relative in a Psychotherapeutic Program: Anxiety Problems and Defensive Reactions Encountered
Authors: Lefebvre Paul , Atkins Junius , Duckman Jerome , Gralnick Alexander
Published: May 2017

This paper describes a number of observations made by the medical staff of this hospital in its dealings with the relatives of our patients subjected to an intensive psycho-therapeutic program.

Our frame of reference has been the recognition of mental illness as a totalized process, involving the family as a psycho-social unit. Hospitalization of one family member is observed to provoke in relatives a number of reactions which can be summarized as anxiety, and defensive operations against such anxiety. The latter characteristically create the various problems a therapist encounters and must solve in order to insure that the relatives’ participation in the treatment program will prove beneficial rather than detrimental to the patient.

The importance, particularly with psychotic patients, of having repeated therapist-relative contacts has been stressed. We have found them beneficial to the patient's effective treatment.

We believe that only limited goals may be sought in working with relatives since lasting attitudinal and behavioral changes are not common, although certain limited modifications along these lines may be achieved.

The paper, further, reviews some of the known sources of anxiety in the relatives of hospitalized psychiatric patients.

A number of troublesome defensive operations against anxiety have been illustrated with case material.

While we appreciate that this report constitutes a very modest contribution to an understanding of the relatives of psychiatric patients, we do hope that it will stimulate further investigation of this important topic.
États Hysteroides D'Origine Medicamenteuse
Authors: Delay Jean , Deniker Pierre
Published: May 2017

If it is certainly too early to answer the different questions which we have asked in this presentation, we can at least resume and analyse many points in the analysis of the facts which we have examined.

— The first would be to underline the importance of psycho-pharmacology in modern psychiatry. The example which we have chosen today shows that it constitutes an important approach for the understanding of the neuroses, as well as for those of the psychoses.

— A second point concerns particularly those neuroleptic drugs in which we have been interested since their discovery. The observation which we have reported shows that all types of stages intermediary between the truly neurological reaction and those psychomotor manifestations produced by the drug, from Parkinsonism to the hysteroid reactions, from the excito-motor syndromes to catalepsy exist, and it is impossible to establish limits.

— A third point touches on the problem of hysteria, considered not as a disease but as a type of reaction inequally developed in various patients. If it is presently impossible to completely equate in a pure and simple manner the hysteroid states of organic origin, or of pharmacological origin, with the neurotic reaction, it is also difficult to believe that the similarities between these are completely fortuitous. In particular, we have seen that the psycho-motor reactions undergone by the patient, under the influence of the medication, produces a rupture in the unity of volition, alterations in the level of awareness, and in the field of consciousness; increase in suggestibility, and even produces infantilism, which elements have in the past been regarded as the essential components of the hysterical mentality. That which is missing is the mythomania and, in part, the symbolic and verbal expression of the affective disorder.

Or, in other words, there are two aspects of hysteria: One is the utilization of the symptom by the patient for secondary gain; the other is the derangement suffered due to certain nervous disequilibrium. The study of the hysteroid side effects permits a better understanding of this last aspect, which in certain cases seems to be primordial. For if it sometimes seems that the hysteric develops and plays on his symptoms, it must not be forgotten that he is also victimized by them.
Paranoid Behaviour in Addison'S Disease
Authors: Smith Colin M.
Published: May 2017

A brief review of papers dealing with emotional disturbances associated with Addison's disease is presented. It is pointed out that interest in these disturbances is very recent though the disease has been known for over one hundred years. The evidence suggests, however, that minor disturbances such as apathy, depression, seclusiveness, irritability and negativism are common while major psychoses though rare have been described by a number of authors. These psychoses fall into two groups: those in which the state appears to be a confusional one associated with disturbed electrolyte and carbohydrate balance, and those in which there is no such clear cut relationship. In both types, it now seems to be agreed that cortisone gives superior results to DCA and salt therapy; however, in some cases, cortisone may itself induce psychotic disturbances.

A case is then presented of a paranoid reaction in a man of fifty five who had suffered from Addison's disease for ten years and had received DCA and salt therapy during this time. There have been no crises and biochemical changes were not striking. The mental disturbances commenced a year and a half after the onset of the disease and appeared to be running a slowly progressive course. When cortisone treatment was commenced, an interesting change took place and for a time the paranoid reactions alternated with a depressive picture. Finally, after four months of treatment including psychotherapy, the patient made an apparently complete recovery which was maintained over a follow-up period of eight months. Reasons are given for suggesting that the paranoid State represented a total personality reaction, the result of many factors and that psychotherapy and social therapy played an important part in bringing about the satisfactory outcome. The striking benefit received from the cortisone is also emphasized.

Finally, it is suggested that, in a disease such as Addison's, which may have such complex repercussions on the life of an individual, the possibility of using psychotherapy and social therapy in addition to the standard medical treatment should always be kept in mind.
Group Management of Emotionally Ill Adolescents in a Canadian Mental Hospital
Authors: Powles William E.
Published: May 2017

A 3½ year pilot project with group treatment of emotionally ill adolescents in a mental hospital setting is reported. Twice or thrice weekly meetings combined techniques of group. psychotherapy and social groupwork, and required a relatively high expenditure of staff effort of about 25 man-hours weekly. The group incorporated patients of both sexes, an age range of 14 to 24 years, and diagnoses of both neurotic, psychotic and behaviour-disorder types.

In the first half of the group's life, the group therapy represented the only specific treatment most of its members received. Later, individual somatic and psychologic treatment was received by about half the members. About twothirds of the candidates seemed significantly benefitted; least changed were the psychotics, while those with behaviour disorders improved unexpectedly favourably. Perhaps the most beneficial result of the group's life, however, was a change in the whole staff's attitudes and the emotional climate of the hospital in regard to adolescent patients, with a decrease in the number of “troublesome” teenagers on the wards.

The literature and the experience with this group suggest that the filling of a previous deficit in affectional satisfaction comes high in the hierarchy of treatment needs of adolescents. A considerable activity is necessary on the part of therapists, who must reveal themselves in a variety of non-verbal roles differing from standard psychotherapy with adults. In this group, social interaction guided by two co-therapists of opposite sexes appears to have been the most effective treatment method.
The Effect of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (L.S.D.) on Size Constancy
Authors: Weckowicz T. E.
Published: May 2017

1. An experiment of size constancy has been carried out on 18 volunteers who took 35 gamma of L.S.D.

2. The subjects served as their own controls.

3. The effect of L.S.D. was an increase of the variability of performance of each individual.
An Examination of the Concept of Milieu Therapy
Authors: Powles WM. E.
Published: May 2017

In this paper an attempt is made to examine, by a brief review of literature and of diagrams of actual psychiatric wards, some present thinking about the nature of a treatment environment.

Three “dimensions” are abstracted from published material, two of them American and one English in origin. These are: 1. The idea that a “therapeutic” milieu can be distinguished from an “institutional” one, by its emphasis on making of the staff and patients real people (a personalistic dimension) 2. The idea that the hospital is a society or community, with staff and patients playing integrated parts (an organismic dimension) 3. The idea that traditional staff and patient roles are not helpful in psychiatric treatment, and that more active sharing of responsibility, and more active communication and interaction, between staff and patients, will more effectively combat the regression of psychiatric illness (a communal dimension).

Three examples of wards are given: 1. A large chronic ward, where anti-therapeutic size and tradition pose serious obstacles to community 2. A small day hospital, where a degree of community has been achieved 3. A high turnover admitting ward where experiments are needed to draw the group together.

It would seem that the crucial element in any ward milieu is a good staff, plus an adequate recognition of the humanity of staff. An attempt is made to assess the relative importance of various staff echelons in the daily living of the ward, nurses evidently having the greatest influence and doctors probably very little, at least directly.

Attention is drawn briefly to a probable heightening of conflict regarding change in staff and patient roles, as psychiatry moves more and more into the general hospital, where traditional ideas about staff and patients are clearly established.
Article
Authors: Statten Taylor
Published: May 2017

In this paper the author describes his findings in cases of homesickness which were studied in children's camp settings. The signs, symptoms, incidence and current theoretical concepts of depression and their defences in children are examined in considerable detail. A case illustration rounds out the presentation.

The author concludes by saying that in the light of these observations on childhood behavior and the hypothesis on the infant's development of object relations and emotions he has attempted to describe a concept of depressive anxieties in the child and some of the child's defences against these anxieties. He suspects that these anxieties are closely related to some of the adult depressive states, but states that his paper does not contribute to the proof of this suspicion. He hopes that it has made a contribution to increasing our understanding of some of the implications and complexities of the development of depressive states in both children and adults. He suggests that children, adults and families be examined with these concepts in mind in the hope that we may better our understanding of depressive states.
“Syndromes Hypermoteurs Et Trifluoropérazine”
Authors: Gratton L. , Houde L. , Lafontaine R. , Fournier G.
Published: May 2017

In a long term research project we are investigating the effects of Trifluoroperazine on Ego functions and Ego structuration in children with character disorders. Enough data has been collected on a specific aspect: motor activity, to be reported here. Thirty-three children, all boarding in a residential school were chosen. All of them were investigated by a psychiatrist, a neurologist and a psychologist at the start of the experiment. The psychological tests used were the Bender-Gestalt, Goodenough and Draw-A-Tree Test. These examinations were repeated after two months.

The children were then divided in three comparable groups, as regard the psychiatric, neurological and psychological pathology. Only some aspects of behaviour were not equally divided among the three groups. For instance, hypermotility was equally distributed in two groups, but nearly absent in the third group, which is then used as a control for the level of collective motor activity in the institution.

One group was put on Trifluoroperazine, the second group on a placebo, (identical to the active tablet) and the third group was without medication. These groups did not correspond to natural groups inside the institution, and only one of us knew the code. Trifluoroperazine and placebo were prescribed at a dose of 0.50 mg./per 10 lbs of body weight/per day. The doses were increased when needed after two weeks, at a ration of 0.25 mg./per 10 lbs. The children were seen regularly for 5–10 minutes once a week, and a complete observation form filled every two weeks by the nursing and teaching staff. We have devised a method to obtain a score from these observations and plot them in a graph. Figure 1 shows our results with Trifluoroperazine. The poor results on the collective activity of group I is explained by its opposite effects on two types of hyperkinetic children. The qualitative and quantitative study of the individual motricity curves allows us to distinguish two main types of hyperactivity.

Type 1 (Figure 2): A curve with wide oscillations, the incursions of which travel at any point of the ordinate. These curves are obviously given by children whose motor activity is capable of variations. These children so grouped according to their curves, show a normal neurological examination and no sign of anaclitic depression. They respond well to Trifluoroperazine, with a mild akinesia, handwriting changes and a decrease in their motor activity. Small doses are sufficient. This type of hyperactivity is a good indication for the drug.

Type 2 (Figure 3): The characteristic of this curve is relative flatness. Clinically these patients exhibit flatness of affect, depression, and all have an Extra-Pyramidal Syndrome (not associated with medication). This association, flatness of motor activity and flatness of affect with depression seem interesting. We discuss at length the possibilities for research in this group. Trifluoroperazine would seem to be contra-indicated in these children, since it has a tendency to exacerbate their hyperactivity.