bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple and inexpensive way to document simple husbandry in animal care facilities using QR code scanning
Authors: Green Tyler , Smith Terry , Hodges Richard , Fry W Mark
Published: July 2017

Record keeping within research animal care facilities is a key part of the guidelines set forth by national regulatory bodies and mandated by federal laws. Research facilities must maintain records of animal health issues, procedures and usage. Facilities are also required to maintain records regarding regular husbandry such as general animal checks, feeding and watering. The level of record keeping has the potential to generate excessive amounts of paper which must be retained in a fashion as to be accessible. In addition it is preferable not to retain within administrative areas any paper records which may have been in contact with animal rooms. Here, we present a flexible, simple and inexpensive process for the generation and storage of electronic animal husbandry records using smartphone technology over a WiFi or cellular network.
The Hemodynamic Concept of Atherosclerosis—A Product of Scientific Integration
Authors: Texon Meyer
Published: July 2017

Cardio-vascular disease is the commonest cause of death and coronary artery insufficiency provides a serious social problem, for deaths due to this cause are usually unexpected. The victim, who is not uncommonly a business or professional man, may well leave his business and private affairs in a complicated state which would not have been the case had he realised what was likely to occur as, for example, he would with cancer. Dr. Texon contributes a possible explanation for the cause and the site of atheroma (arterial degeneration) and in doing so illustrates how one speciality (medicine) may benefit from the knowledge of another (hydro-dynamics).
Police Admissions to a Mental Observation Ward
Authors: Eilenberg M. D. , Whatmore P. B.
Published: July 2017

The implications of the Mental Health Act, 1959, have yet to be fully realised, but there is little doubt that reorganisation of existing psychiatric services and establishment of new psychiatric units will be required. The intelligent planning ol such services requires a basis of factual data. The purpose of the present study is twofold, first to provide statistical data and secondly to discuss their clinical and administrative relevance. It is thus hoped to provide a base-line relating to psychiatric emergencies upon which some effects of the Mental Health Act, 1959, may be determined.

No paper had previously dealt with police admissions to a mental observation ward and this study attempts to correct this omission. Although police may be involved at a number of points in the chain of events leading up to a patient's admission, only those admitted on a Police Three-day Order (Lunacy Act, 1890) are the subject of the present study.
The Examination of an Unusual Blood Stain
Authors: Morgan B. R. J.
Published: July 2017

When the cell and serum factors of a single blood stain were determined by conventional blood grouping methods it was found that each gave a different blood group reaction. An explanation is given of this apparently anomalous result, confirmed by the examination of a fluid blood sample. This case emphasises the need to check both factors in a blood stain. If serum factors alone were examined a wrong interpretation would be placed on the result. Where such a case is encountered the result is of greater evidential value, considering the relative infrequency of its occurrence.
An Extension of the Method of Selective Oxidation to the Resolution of Mixtures of Barbiturates with Saturated Side-Chains
Authors: Stevens H. M.
Published: July 2017

The use of permanganate oxidation in the resolution of mixtures of barbiturates with unsaturated side-chains, which are encountered in cases of poisoning, was previously reported in this Journal (Stevens, 1962).

This work is here extended to include barbiturates with saturated side-chains which were not amenable to the permanganate method.

A note is also included on the behaviour of Primidone in this scheme, and suggestions made as to the nature of barbiturate oxidations.
Gender: Quaesto Quid Juris?
Authors: Hamilton William , Walker David M.
Published: July 2017

There is legal provision for correcting wrongful gender assignment. However, gender reassignment is not obligatory when and if it is discovered that an error has been made notwithstanding that certain legal and social privileges and responsibilities are attached to individuals of a specified sex. Marriage, for example, is a contract between parties of the opposite sex.

There are several well-defined medical conditions of which ambiguous sexual development is a part and it is patients with these conditions untreated who are likely to come before the courts in disputes involving gender assignment. Genetic, chromosomal and endocrine factors singly or in combination are aetiological. The pathology of the various conditions is outlined, and rational therapy, where available, is indicated. It is recognized that psychosexual identity is not determined once and for all but on the basis of modern research, psychosexual identity may alter without corresponding somatic change. Such change may be endocrine based or it may be of unknown aetiology as in trans-sexualism.

If the cause of a gender deviation (somatic and psychic) is known and treatment available, it is suggested that it would be proper for courts, in passing judgments on the gender of individuals, to recommend treatment as is the practice when dealing with a convicted person who may also require psychiatric treatment.

If the aetiology of the deviation is unknown and no effective treatment available (as in trans-sexualism) it would seem reasonable that if a person has submitted his/her body to surgical transformation so as to conform to a psychosexual identity, then that individual should be accorded the gender status which he/she declares himself/herself to be.

During the past twenty years or so the advancement in medical knowledge in the fields of fetal development, genetics and therapeutics has led to a greater appreciation of the factors leading to normal and abnormal sexual development.

Formerly, terms such as male pseudohermaphroditism and female pseudohermaphroditism were used to denote ambiguity of sex in a chromosomal male and female respectively. These terms stopped short of basic aetiological considerations and did not point the way to the avoidance of wrongful gender assignment. In the past, a surgeon might spend time and expertise constructing a urethral passage along the undersurface of an underdeveloped penis so as to facilitate micturition in the erect posture. Considerable distress to patient and parent later arose when at puberty such a ‘male’ experienced lower abdominal pain followed by monthly episodes of haematuria. Today such errors are extremely rare, the true chromosomal sex normally being assigned at birth. However, special cases continue to arise, usually late in childhood or after the patient has attained legal majority and to clarify the medical, psychiatric and legal problems surrounding these patients, the following considerations are relevant.
Alcohol and Accidental Submersion from Watercraft and Surrounds
Authors: Plueckhahn Vernon D.
Published: July 2017

Death by ‘drowning’ is classically considered asphyxiai in nature although there is frequently little evidence to support this concept at post-mortem examination. The results of the use of two simple tests as an aid to the scientific assessment of the cause of death of deceased persons found dead in salt and fresh water are given. The role of prior consumption of alcohol in deaths by immersion is discussed.
The Inner North London Study of Sudden Infant Death and Its Relevance for the Community Services
Authors: Watson Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

An investigation into sudden death in infancy is described, which demonstrates the feasibility and value of using NHS personnel for interviewing bereaved parents in cases of sudden death in infancy both for the support and reassurance it provides for the parents and for the assistance it gives the Community Services in planning future provision of services in the areas concerned. Preliminary data are presented on the comparative pattern of sudden infant death in metropolitan and non-urban areas.
The Objective Comparison of the Particle Size Distributions in Soils with Particular Reference to the Sand Fraction
Authors: Dudley R.J. , Smalldon K. W.
Published: July 2017

An objective method for the comparison of particle size distributions is applied to the sand fractions of a small collection of soils. The method allows a simple graphical comparison of distributions using the Index of Variability between total sand content and the Maximum Difference between their normalized cumulative distributions. A discriminating power of >0·99 has been obtained at both 95 per cent and 99 per cent confidence levels for the sand fractions and these values are compared with those previously determined for the silt fraction. When the comparisons of sand and silt fractions were used in combination complete discrimination was obtained for the collection of soils examined.
Double ‘Suicide’ by Chloroform in a Pair of Twins
Authors: Giusti G. V. , Chiarotti M.
Published: July 2017

A case of double suicide by chloroform in a pair of twins is described. At autopsy a diffuse and severe visceral congestion was noted, together with pulmonary oedema. Microscopically, an initial centrilobular liver steatosis was observed. The results of the toxicological analyses were the following: brain 50.4 ppm and 156 ppm respectively; liver 16.2 and 86.2 ppm; blood 30 ppm and 40 ppm; gastric content: chloroform absent in both cases.
American Defence Legal Systems in Germany
Authors: Bellen E. J.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this paper is to give a brief sketch of the United States military court system and present a working example of it.
Sudden Death in a Nigerian Due to Rupture of an Atherosclerotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Onuigbo Wilson I. B. , Suseelan A. Vijayalakshmi
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

A case is described in which a 55-year-old Nigerian woman of the Igbo ethnic group died suddenly of a rupture of an atherosclerotic infrarenal aortic aneurysm. Necropsy revealed several features usually associated with this condition, but which occur very rarely in the African Negro. The report of its occurrence in this part of the world may facilitate further research in forensic epidemiology.
Accident Neurosis Revisited
Authors: Cohen Robert I. , Pfeffer Jeremy M.
Published: July 2017

It is over a quarter of a century since Henry Miller's classical paper on accident neurosis appeared in which he stressed the importance of compensation proceedings in perpetuating symptoms following accidents or trauma when there was no organic basis for them. Since then, his views have held sway with the medical and legal professions, despite a large body of research which has disputed his findings. In addition to a consideration of the aetiology and diagnosis of this condition, psychiatric management of such cases is critically reviewed, emphasizing the possible influence of iatrogenic factors on outcome and prognosis.
Three Crib Deaths, a Babyminder and Probable Infanticide
Authors: Emery John L. , Gilbert Enid F. , Zugibe Frederick
Published: July 2017

Two children had died diagnosed as S.I.D.S. in charge of one babyminder. When a third occurred the earlier diagnoses were questioned. Exhumation revealed evidence of facial trauma and large haemorrhages in fixed tissues in one child. With statistical and biochemical support the diagnosis of S.I.D.S. was changed at trial to homicide. The need to look at tissues for bleeding late and in fixed tissue is stressed. The diagnosis of S.I.D.S. needs to be treated critically, particularly when more than one death has occurred.

Differentiating death from asphyxia and a S.I.D.S. ‘crib death’ is not easy! Most of the clinical literature relating to crib deaths and S.I.D.S. states that the deaths are not due to suffocation, thus a recent trial where infants previously diagnosed as S.I.D.S. were exhumed and later diagnosed as infanticide by suffocation are of importance to those who deal with unexpected infant deaths.
Psychopathie Disorder — A Useful Clinical Concept?
Authors: Tennent Gavin , Tennent Duncan , Prins Herschel , Bedford Anthony
Published: July 2017

The study reported upon here set out to investigate the degree to which the clinical concept of psychopathic disorder was shared between psychiatrists, psychologists and probation officers. Despite the small sample of respondents, it seems not unreasonable to conclude from the results reported below that the diagnosis of psychopathic disorder is still considered to be a useful one.
Estimation of Gestational Age from Hand and Foot Length
Authors: Kumar G P , Kumar U K
Published: July 2017

Abortion, foeticide and infanticide have been practised from time immemorial by both primitive and civilized societies.

Establishing the precise duration of gestation is an important point in the total medical evidentiary picture of infanticide. In this study, an attempt has been made to establish the gestational age of the foetus using foot and hand length. This study will be of help in establishing the gestational age when the foetus is fragmented. Results obtained were significant in establishing the gestational age.
3. Diatoms and Drowning — A Cautionary Case Note
Authors: Taylor J J
Published: July 2017

A case is described in which, due to long-term repeated exposure to the same body of diatom-containing water, comparable diatom findings in the tissues and environmental samples were not acceptable as proof of drowning. A commonly overlooked pitfall limiting the value of acid-digestion in marine cases is emphasized.
5. Anabolic Steroids — The Drugs That Give and Take Away Manhood. A Case with an Unusual Physical Sign
Authors: Stanley A , Ward M
Published: July 2017

A case is presented in which the abuse of anabolic steroids by a body builder led to an unusual physical sign. The case discusses the effects that anabolic steroid abuse can have upon manhood. The frequency of anabolic steroid misuse is increasing. The implications of this with respect to psychiatric illness and violent crime are discussed.

It is well known that the use of anabolic steroids among young men, body builders in particular, is growing apace (Perry and Littlepage, 1992), and they may be aware of the risks of impurity and contamination. There is a wide range of anabolic steroids in use; they are often used in doses of greater than lmg/kg per day. As well as single use, the misuser may ‘stack’ (use more than one at a time) or ‘pyramid’ (use increasing doses of a given drug) the steroids (Kennedy, 1990). The physical and psychiatric effects of anabolic steroids are well known (Kashkin and Kleber, 1989; Brower, 1992; Pope and Katz, 1988).

However, we describe a case with psychiatric symptoms, a violent outburst and a unique (?) physical sign.
Deaths of Amateur Scuba Divers
Authors: Obafunwa J O , Busuttil A , Purdue B
Published: July 2017

Four scuba diving deaths investigated by the Forensic Medicine Unit, University of Edinburgh Medical School, are reported. The pathological investigation of such deaths requires that a detailed history of the events prior to death is obtained and that the site of the accident is fully examined with underwater photographic recording where possible.

The diving suits, breathing apparatus and other diving accessories also have to be examined carefully by experts and a complete autopsy with toxicological and histological examination is essential. The causes and mechanisms of death are discussed, as are the importance of special autopsy techniques and investigations. Possible interpretative problems are highlighted.
Repetitive and Non-Repetitive Violent Offending Behaviour in Male Patients in a Maximum Security Mental Hospital – Clinical and Neuroimaging Findings
Authors: Wong Michael , Fenwick Peter , Fenton George , Lumsden John , Maisey Michael , Stevens John
Published: July 2017

Objective: To examine if different violent offending behaviours are associated with different clinical and neuroimaging profiles.

Method: Thirty-nine schizophrenic and schizoaffective offenders from a maximum security mental hospital – 20 repetitive violent offenders (RVOs) and 19 non-repetitive violent offenders (NRVOs) – were selected for clinical and neuroimaging assessments.

Results: Both groups had positive family history of mental illness and violence. Age, diagnosis, duration of illness, victim profiles and use of weapons at the time of the index offence were similar. RVOs had a higher prevalence of early parental separation, juvenile conduct problem, previous convictions of crimes not involving violence, impulsive suicide attempts, delusion of their lives being threatened at the time of the index offence and electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities localized to temporal lobes. NRVOs had a higher prevalence of sexual inexperience and command hallucinations to kill at the time of the index offence. Asymmetric gyral patterns at the temporo-parietal region were particularly common in RVOs and absent in NRVOs. Non-specific white matter changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and generalized cortical hypometabolism in positron emission tomography (PET) were present in both groups.

Conclusions: Different structural and metabolic changes in the brain were associated with different violent offending behaviours. The complex interaction between violent behaviour, clinical features and neuroimaging findings in schizophrenia requires further studies.
Gender-Based Differences in the Treatment of Young Offenders by the Police and the Children's Court in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Gliksman Michael
Published: July 2017

It has been consistently reported that young males commit crimes with an average frequency five times greater than their female peers. Most data supporting this view are derived from juvenile court and police statistics. Studies using data derived from self-reported behaviour suggest that the true relative frequency may be closer to 2:1.

Police and juvenile justice data for the year 1994–5 in New South Wales, Australia, were analysed in an attempt to determine whether court and police statistics might reflect a form of selection bias, where the likelihood of arrest, trial and/or sentence is a function of gender, rather than frequency and nature of offence.

The results suggest that the 5:1 gender ratio reflects a strong component of gender bias in the workings of the juvenile justice system in New South Wales. If suspected of a given crime, young males are more likely to be denied bail and (if found guilty) to be given a harsher sentence than young females suspected (or found guilty) of the same crime. Overall, if found guilty of an offence, boys were four times more likely than girls to receive a custodial sentence. Therefore, boys are selectively denied access to alternate rehabilitation resources which are made available to girls who are in trouble with the law.

The juvenile justice system in New South Wales requires careful examination and reform if such apparently deeply entrenched biases are to be eliminated.
Studies of Aggressive Behaviour in Schizophrenia: Is There a Response Bias?
Authors: Cheung Peter , Schweitzer Isaac , Yastrubetskaya Olga , Crowley Kathleen , Tuckwell Virginia
Published: July 2017

Of 73 patients who met selection criteria to enter into a study on aggressive behaviour in schizophrenia, 11 patients (15.1%) did not participate. The participants and non-participants were similar in age, gender ratio and proportion who had aggressive behaviour. The participants, however, had a longer duration of illness, a longer duration of current admission, were more likely to suffer from residual schizophrenia, but less likely to suffer from disorganized schizophrenia and were less severely ill than the non-participants. These results indicate the need, in studies of aggressive behaviour in schizophrenia, to consider non-response bias as a confounding variable.
The Limitations of Psychiatric Diagnoses
Authors: Weller Malcolm P.I.
Published: July 2017

Psychiatric disorders are not always easy to incorporate within the medical model, neuropathological changes are seldom demonstrable and, when they are, they are irrelevant to functional illnesses. The meaning of the term illness in this group is not the same as in medicine generally and the validity of each illness category depends on the internal consistency and homegeneity of the category, the lack of overlap with other categories and the inter-rate reliability, but these desiderata are not adequately met for neurotic and personality problems or alchoholism. The major division between schizophrenia and manic depressive psychosis is not as sharply delineated as might be imagined and trans-Atlantic diagnostic practices have swung from one type of divergence to another. Nevertheless an increasing number of physical findings in these disorders suggest that they are frequently underpinned by organic factors. By definition this is certainly the case for organic psychoses, including epileptic psychosis and dementia. On the other hand, alchoholism, drug addiction, psychopathy and neuroses may be better incorporated within a psychological model, although here too weaker, but still apparent, physical and genetic factors remain intriguing features for medical consideration. Nevertheless life expectancy, fertility and socioeconomic circumstances are adversely affected by most psychiatric disorders, making them genuine illnesses by such criteria.
Fabrication and property of auxetic warp-knitted spacer structures with mesh
Authors: Chang Yuping , Ma Pibo
Published: July 2017

For the purpose of reconstructing a three-dimensional auxetic structure adopting spacer warp-knitting techniques, a simple mathematical model based on the structure of auxetic warp-knitted spacer hexagonal meshes was established and several samples were produced using an E22 RD7/2-12EN warp-knitting machine. It is predicted from synthesizing the results of both mathematical modeling and experimental sampling that auxetic performance of this structure mainly depends on the contraction distortion before stretching in three directions, especially in the y-axis. When it comes to knitting parameters, yarn fineness, machine gauge, fabric density, movement of guide bars, and inclination angle of wales all matter for the auxetic performance, which is also affected by the stiffness of materials and the lodging of spacer yarns. It is also concluded that successive inlaying in the same direction of the spacer guide bar favors contraction distortion in the y-axis, which means auxetic performances can be more easily achieved in this way.
Standardization in Causal Analysis
Authors: Kim Jae-On , Ferree G. Donald
Published: July 2017

In comparative study, it is argued that (1) the standardization of variables and scales should be separated from the habitual use of standardized coefficients; (2) the use of standardized coefficients implies standardizing every variable using group specific standards, and, therefore, it is not appropriate even if some variables have group specific metrics or some variables do not possess commonly accepted metrics; and (3) the explicit standardization of some or all variables can be fruitfully combined with the use of unstandardized coefficients.
Emergency Endoscopy in Patients with Portal Hypertension Having Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Misra S P , Dwivedi M
Published: July 2017

During the last 4 years, 147 patients suffering from portal hypertension with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding were subjected to emergency endoscopy soon after they were resuscitated. Seventeen (11.5%) patients were referred to us with a clinical diagnosis other than portal hypertension. The causes of bleeding as seen during endoscopy were: oesophageal varices ( n = 130; 88%), gastric varices ( n =11), gastric ulcer ( n = 2) portal hypertensive gastropathy ( n = 2) and erosive gastritis and duodenal ulcer in one patient each. All patient bleeding from oesophageal varices except one underwent emergency endoscopic sclerotherapy. One hundred and twenty-one (94%) stopped bleeding immediately. Rebleeding was seen in 11% and was effectively controlled by a second session of sclerotherapy in all but one patient. Twenty (14%) patients died. It is concluded that emergency endoscopy has a definite role in the management of patients with portal hypertension complicated by gastrointestinal bleeding.
Zaccaria Lilio and the shape of the earth: A brief response to Allegro’s “Flat earth science”
Authors: Nothaft C. Philipp E.
Published: July 2017

This is a response to James J. Allegro’s article “The Bottom of the Universe: Flat Earth Science in the Age of Encounter,” published in Volume 55, Number 1, of this journal. Against the solid consensus of modern scholars, Allegro contends that the decades around 1500 saw a resurgence of popular and learned doubts about the existence of a southern hemisphere and the concept of a spherical earth more generally. It can be shown that a substantial part of Allegro’s argument rests on an erroneous reading of his main textual witness, Zaccaria Lilio’s Contra Antipodes (1496), and on a failure adequately to place this source in the context of the cosmographical debate of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Once this context is taken into account, the notion that Lilio was a flat-earther falls flat.
Gratification Discrepancies and News Program Choice
Authors: Palmgreen Philip , Wenner Lawrence A. , Rayburn J. D.
Published: July 2017

This study examined gratifications sought and discrepancies in gratifications obtained from network news programs in an attempt to predict news program choice. The results of both 1-test and discriminant analyses indicate that the decision to view a particular television news program is strongly related to the perception of gratifications obtained (or potentially available from) the various programs. A comparison of means indicates that such choice behavior is not a function of overallperceptions of gratifications obtained from oneS favorite program alone. nor is it usually a function of gratifications sought from television news in general. It is only when an audience member makes a comparison between the gratifications perceived to be obtained from his favorite program and competing programs that a functional relationship with viewing choice emerges. While in certain cases more specific perceptions of anchorpersons, program format. and news quality may be more important, the discriminant analyses indicate that the perception of differential gratifications is at least as strongly related to viewing behavior as the more traditionalmeasures of program attributes.
Curricular Alienation
Authors: Weiner Melissa F.
Published: July 2017

The stories found in history textbooks are profound statements about how nations see themselves. Textbooks that exclude certain groups alienate these children, leading to educational disengagement. The Netherlands is known internationally for its tolerance and multiculturalism, particularly toward immigrants, and sees these elements as critical to their national identity. However, historical and contemporary policies and social attitudes toward immigrants reveal levels of racism and xenophobia not unlike their European peers. This article examines how immigrants, multiculturalism, and tolerance are represented in all Dutch primary school history textbooks published between 1980 and 2011. I find textbooks depict immigrant groups as culturally different outsiders from underdeveloped, poor, and violent nations who cause problems for the Dutch society that benevolently allows them entry. Textbooks fail to meaningfully address discrimination in the Netherlands, suggesting that immigrants’ failure to integrate is due to cultural differences, which will alienate immigrant students encountering these texts and white students from immigrant peers. Findings are of relevance to all nations with student immigrant populations, particularly those experiencing increasing anti-immigrant sentiment or the rise of far right politicians.
Psychiatry and Terminal Illness
Authors: Chochinov Harvey Max
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To provide an overview of the palliative care literature salient to the psychiatric aspect of end-of-life care.

Method:

A literature review was conducted, targeting primarily empirical studies that addressed the following topics: 1) psychological issues pertaining to life-threatening conditions; 2) family issues in the context of palliative care; 3) psychological issues and challenges faced by end-of-life health care providers; and 4) psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and organic mental disorders, in people with terminal illness.

Results:

There is a small but emerging literature that can guide psychiatrists in their role of providing care to dying patients.

Conclusions:

While psychiatry has made tremendous inroads toward providing care to patients throughout the life cycle, its presence is only just beginning to be felt in end-of-life care. Within the domain of palliative care, psychiatry has an expanded and important role to play.
The Efficacy of 2 Different Dosages of Methylphenidate in Treating Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Bouffard Rachelle , Hechtman Lily , Minde Klaus , Iaboni-Kassab Fiorella
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of methylphenidate in treating adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), using subjective (self-report) and objective (computerized test) measures.

Method:

This double-blind crossover trial of placebo vs methylphenidate included subjects with childhood and current ADHD symptoms, IQs above 80, no other psychiatric condition explaining their difficulties or requiring other treatment, and no substance abuse in the previous 6 months. We administered 10 mg 3 times daily of medication (that is, placebo or methylphenidate) for 2 weeks. On the final day, subjects completed self-report measures and were tested on computerized tests. We then increased dosage to 15 mg 3 times daily for 2 weeks and administered a complete reassessment on the final day. Following a 1-week washout, we repeated this process on the second medication (that is, placebo or methylphenidate).

Results:

Thirty adults with ADHD participated. Self-report measures and computerized tests showed significant improvements in ADHD symptoms on methylphenidate, compared with placebo. Other psychiatric symptoms (notably, anxiety and depression) were alleviated with methylphenidate. There was no significant difference between the 2 dosages of methylphenidate.

Conclusion:

Methylphenidate is effective in improving ADHD symptoms in adults with ADHD, is well tolerated, and has minimal side effects.
Removing Barriers to Treatment of First-Episode Psychotic Disorders
Authors: Scholten Derek J , Malla Ashok K , Norman Ross MG , McLean Terry S , McIntosh Elizabeth M , McDonald Chris L , Eliasziw Michael , Speechley Kathy N
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To describe changes aimed at removing barriers to appropriate and timely assessment and treatment of first-episode psychosis (FEP) and to present descriptive data regarding the potential impact of such changes on treated incidence, referral patterns, and treatment delay.

Method:

We collected demographic and clinical information, including duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), on 196 persons referred for an initial assessment over a 3-year period.

Results:

The number of identified FEP cases increased and DUP decreased over the 3-year period. The data suggest a differentially greater reduction in DUP in cases referred from sources other than health care.

Conclusion:

These preliminary results suggest that, when setting up programs for FEP, relatively simple changes designed to improve access may improve treated incidence and reduce treatment delays.
Prevalence and Correlates of Chronic Depression in the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being
Authors: Satyanarayana Satyendra , Enns Murray W , Cox Brian J , Sareen Jitender
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To determine the prevalence and correlates of chronic depression in comparison with nonchronic depression using a population-representative national database.

Methods:

Our study used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being (CCHS 1.2) to determine the lifetime prevalence and correlates of major depression with chronic symptoms in the population. The CCHS 1.2 is a large, cross-sectional mental health survey conducted by Statistics Canada ( n = 36 984, aged 15 years and older).

Results:

The observed lifetime prevalence of major depression with chronic symptoms was 2.7%, representing 26.8% of all people with major depressive disorder (MDD). In comparison to nonchronic major depression, chronic depression was associated with more frequent psychiatric and medical comorbidity, greater disability, increased health service use, and higher likelihood of suicidal ideation and attempts.

Conclusions:

Major depression with chronic symptoms is common in the general population, and is associated with more severe health consequences than nonchronic depression. These observations indicate that chronic major depression is a very important subtype of MDD from a public health perspective.
Should Psychological Distress Screening in the Community Account for Self-Perceived Health Status?
Authors: Schmitz Norbert , Lesage Alain , Wang JianLi
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Psychological distress questionnaires are often used as screening instruments for mental disorders in clinical and epidemiologic settings. Poor physical health may affect the screening properties of a questionnaire. We evaluate the effect of self-perceived health status on the screening performance of the Kessler K10 and K6 scales in a community sample.

Methods:

We used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being (CCHS 1.2). Psychological distress was measured by the 6–item (K6) and the 10–item (K10) Kessler instrument. Depression and anxiety disorders were assessed using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (1–month estimates). Optimal cut-off points regarding health status were determined by finding the K6 and K10 values that allowed for the best balance between sensitivity and specificity. Stratum-specific likelihood ratios (SSLRs) were computed to define strata with discriminating power.

Results:

There was a strong association between the screening performance of the K6 and K10 scales and self-perceived health status: for the K10 scale, a cut-off point of 5/6 yielded the best balance between sensitivity and specificity for subjects with excellent or very good health status, while a cut-off point of 14/15 yielded the best balance between sensitivity and specificity for subjects with poor health status.

Conclusions:

The combination of the K6 and K10 scales, with a self-rated health status item, may improve screening properties of the 2 scales.
The National Trajectory Project of Individuals Found Not Criminally Responsible on Account of Mental Disorder. Part 5: How Essential are Gender-Specific Forensic Psychiatric Services?
Authors: Nicholls Tonia L , Crocker Anne G , Seto Michael C , Wilson Catherine M , Charette Yanick , Côté Gilles
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To state the sociodemographic characteristics, mental health histories, index offence characteristics, and criminal histories of male and female forensic psychiatric patients. Clinicians and researchers advocate that mental health and criminal justice organizations implement gender-specific services; however, few studies have sampled forensic patients to evaluate the extent to which men's and women's treatment and management needs are different.

Method:

Data were collected from Review Board files from May 2000 to April 2005 in the 3 largest Canadian provinces. Using official criminal records, participants were followed for 3 to 8 years, until December 2008. The final sample comprised 1800 individuals: 15.6% were women and 84.4% were men.

Results:

There were few demographic differences, but women had higher psychosocial functioning than men. Both men and women had extensive mental health histories; women were more likely diagnosed with mood disorders and PDs and men were more likely diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and SUDs. The nature of the index offence did not differ by gender, except women were more likely to have perpetrated murders and attempted murders. For offences against a person, women were more likely to offend against offspring and partners and less likely to offend against strangers, compared with men. Women had significantly less extensive criminal histories than men.

Conclusions:

Not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder-accused women have a distinct psychosocial, clinical, and criminological profile from their male counterparts, which may suggest gender-specific assessment, risk management, and treatment in forensic services could benefit patients. The findings are also consistent with traditional models (Risk-Need-Responsivity) and ultimately demonstrate the importance of individual assessment and client-centred services.
Prevalence of Bipolar I and II Disorder in Canada
Authors: McDonald Keltie C , Bulloch Andrew G M , Duffy Anne , Bresee Lauren , Williams Jeanne V A , Lavorato Dina H , Patten Scott B
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Current epidemiologic knowledge about bipolar disorder (BD) in Canada is inadequate. To date, only 3 prevalence studies have been conducted: only 1 was based on a national sample, and none distinguished between BD I and II. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of BD I and II in Canada in 2012.

Method:

Data were obtained from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-being, a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of household residents ages 15 years and older ( n = 25 113). The survey response rate was 68.9%. Interviews were based on the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Prevalence was estimated using generalized linear modelling. Prevalence of self-reported diagnosis of BD and use of lithium were also estimated.

Results:

The estimated lifetime prevalence of BD I and II (based on the CIDI) in Canada in 2012 was 0.87% (95% CI 0.67% to 1.07%) and 0.57% (95% CI 0.44% to 0.71%), respectively. Prevalence did not differ by sex. The estimated prevalence of self-reported BD was 0.87% (95% CI 0.65% to 1.07%). There was a lack of congruence between CIDI-defined and self-reported BD, and few people taking lithium were positive for BD on the CIDI, which raises some concerns about the validity of the CIDI's assessment of BD.

Conclusions:

These prevalence estimates align with those reported in prior literature. However, caution should be exercised when interpreting general population studies that use CIDI-defined BD owing to the possibility of misclassification.
Unmarried Pregnant Women's Accounts of Their Contraceptive Practices: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Hyde Abbie
Published: July 2017

This article presents qualitative data on the contraceptive practices of fifty-one unmarried pregnant women selected at a Dublin maternity hospital. Seven categories have been constructed from data to capture the ways in which the women became pregnant, namely ‘fertility denial’, ‘destiny dependence’, ‘progressive remissness’, ‘occasional or intermittent risk-taking’, ‘calculated risk-taking’, ‘pro-active fertility management’, and ‘contraceptive failure or misuse’. It is argued that the variations noted in women's experiences in approaching pregnancy occurred against a background of patriarchal discourses that sometimes intersected to produce contradictory effects.
Trends in Biometric Health Indices Within an Employer-Sponsored Wellness Program With Outcome-Based Incentives
Authors: Fu Patricia Lin , Bradley Kent L. , Viswanathan Sheila , Chan June M. , Stampfer Meir
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate changes in employees’ biometrics over time relative to outcome-based incentive thresholds.

Design:

Retrospective cohort analysis of biometric screening participants (n = 26 388).

Setting:

Large employer primarily in Western United States.

Participants:

Office, retail, and distribution workforce.

Intervention:

A voluntary outcome-based biometric screening program, incentivized with health insurance premium discounts.

Measures:

Body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, and nicotine.

Analysis:

Followed were participants from their first year of participation, evaluating changes in measures.

Results:

On average, participants who did not meet the incentive threshold at baseline decreased their BMI (1%), glucose (8%), blood pressure (systolic 9%, diastolic 8%), and total cholesterol (8%) by year 2 with improvements generally sustained or continued during each additional year of participation.

Conclusion:

On average, individuals at high health risk who participated in a financially incentivized biometric assessment program improved their health indices over time. Further research is needed to understand key determinants that drive health improvement indicated here.
Nutrition Support of the Diabetic Patient
Authors: Sunyecz Lisa A. , Cicci Anita J. , Mirtallo Jay M.
Published: July 2017

Diabetes, as the component of the past medical history of individuals requiring nutrition support, poses specific problems to the clinician managing the patient. Besides an exaggerated glucose response to nutritional intervention, diabetics may have conditions or treatments that increase the morbidity and mortality associated with nutrition support therapy. As such, nutritional intervention should only be considered in patients for whom therapy is appropriately indicated. Then, the caloric dose, rate, and route of enteral and parenteral nutrition needs to be determined precisely. Glucose homeostasis along with etiologies and clinical manifestations of hyper- and hypoglycemia are to be clearly understood before initiating any nutritional support therapy in the diabetic. Without such, confusion may arise in determining the etiology of glucose problems occurring in patients from all the possible variables that influence the final serum glucose concentration in the patient. A cautious approach to initiating nutrition support is recommended, starting with low flow rates (10 to 20 mL/h for enteral nutrition and 40 mL/h for parenteral nutrition) and gradual incremental increases (in the 10- to 20-mL/h/d range) based on careful observation of blood glucose concentrations. A goal for tolerance should be established for each patient at the beginning of therapy, specifically, acceptable peak and trough glucose concentrations. This provides an extremely good template for adjusting the route (subcutaneous or intravenous) or type (intermittent vs continuous infusion) of insulin therapy. When the nutrient dose is stabilized at the optimal rate and insulin requires no further adjustment, transition of the patient to more appropriate, chronic therapy such as long-acting insulin or oral hypoglycemics is desired. The management of the diabetic patient on nutrition support is a challenge for even the most experienced individual. The potential for complications is abundant. A cautious, conservative approach is recommended with particular attention to minimizing the sources of both glucose and insulin administration.
Streamlining cross-organisation product design in aeronautics
Authors: Baalbergen Erik , Kos Johan , Louriou Clément , Campguilhem Cédric , Barron James
Published: July 2017

Aircraft development programmes generally involve collaboration in engineering between different organisations, in order to develop innovative products efficiently, to involve necessary skills from the supply chain, and to spread risks and costs among the partners. The size and complexity of the programmes, the market demands and the contexts of competition all require the collaboration to be effective and efficient. Advances in information technology provide new capabilities to support collaborative design but a step change is needed to harness and coordinate this support to be effective and efficient. The extended enterprises in which the collaborative engineering activities take place span the partner organisations. Engineers wishing to cooperate are however facing security constraints. For example, technical security measures such as firewalls and proxy servers hamper smooth exchange of engineering data and seamless execution of collaborative workflows. The restrictions assist organisations in protecting their assets and in remaining compliant with legislation and regulations. From a programme technical point of view, effective and efficient collaboration in this world full of security and the resulting connectivity constraints is a major challenge. This paper describes the usefulness, necessity and challenges of collaboration between multi-disciplinary specialists in aerospace engineering. It presents the ‘Brics’ technology that supports the realisation of cross-organisation collaborative workflows. The technology supports aircraft manufacturers and their supply chains in facing the challenges and in performing analyses of innovative aircraft designs collaboratively. This technology has emerged from past research projects, and has been further developed and successfully demonstrated in the Thermal Overall Integrated Conception of Aircraft project, a research and technology development project carried out in the Seventh Framework Programme funded by the European Union. The developed technology is illustrated in the context of a multi-partner analysis and optimisation study, which has been conducted as part of a pylon design that is subject to thermal constraints.
The aerodynamic optimization design of turbine cascade nonaxisymmetric endwall and the midgap influence assessment
Authors: Liu Hao , Hu Chenxing , Shen Xin , Zhu Xiaocheng , Yang Hong , Du Zhaohui
Published: July 2017

The nonaxisymmetric endwall profiling has been proven to be an effective tool to reduce the secondary flow loss in turbomachinery. In the present work, first, without considering the endwall midgap in the real machine, an endwall optimization design procedure for reducing secondary flow losses has been developed, which allowed complete three-dimensional parameterization turbine endwall design. The profile of the endwall has been designed using automatic numerical optimization by means of an improved efficient global optimization algorithm based on kriging surrogate model. Next, a large-scale linear cascade with a low-speed wind tunnel has been chosen for the experimental validation of the optimization results. The experimental measurements and numerical simulations both demonstrated that the total pressure loss and secondary flow intensity were reduced with the nonaxisymmetric endwall used in the cascade passage. Then, in order to evaluate the ability of the optimized nonaxisymmetric endwall with the midgap, the midgap was added in for both the baseline flat endwall and the optimized nonaxisymmetric endwall in the numerical simulations analysis. The entropy generation rates analysis were used for the investigation of loss distribution in the passage. For the cascade in the present work, with the midgap added in, the optimized nonaxisymmetric endwall did not perform as well as the situation without the midgap in the loss reduction. In addition, comparing to the baseline flat endwall, the optimized nonaxisymmetric endwall needed more net leakage flow to avoid the ingress of passage flow into the midgap.