bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coping and Resilience in Refugees from the Sudan: A Narrative Account
Authors: Schweitzer Robert , Greenslade Jaimi , Kagee Ashraf 
Published: March 2007

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to identify and explicate coping and resilience themes employed by 13 resettled Sudanese refugees. Method: A sample of 13 Sudanese refugees was asked to describe their experience of coping in the three periods of their migration, namely: pre migration from Sudan, transit, and post migration in their host country. Members of the sample participated in qualitative interviews conducted with the assistance a bilingual community worker. Results: Three themes that characterized the experience of resettled refugees across all periods were: religious beliefs, social support and personal qualities. A fourth less salient, theme, comparison with others, also emerged in the post-migration context. Conclusions: A number of themes associated with coping and resilience in response to trauma were identified. These themes may be translated into strategies to assist in responding constructively to trauma. Such approaches may be used to improve the well-being of resettled refugees in Australia.
Inpatient Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Rural NSW: Assessment of Clinically Significant Change for People with Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Murugesan Ganapathi , Amey Carlene G. , Deane Frank P. , Jeffrey Robyn , Kelly Brian , Stain Helen 
Published: March 2007

Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe an inpatient psychosocial rehabilitation programme in rural New South Wales and to assess the effectiveness of the programme using measures of clinically significant change. Method: The first 88 patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder to enter the Manara Clinic and Turon House, New South Wales, psychosocial rehabilitation programmes were assessed at admission and discharge using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales, and the Kessler-10 self-report measure. Results: Significant improvements in psychiatric symptomatology, psychosocial functioning, and psychological distress were found over the course of the inpatient stay. Clinical significance analyses using patients in the community as the reference group indicated a reliable and clinically significant improvement for 33% of inpatients on psychiatric symptomatology, 39% of inpatients on psychosocial functioning, and 21% of inpatients on psychological distress. Conclusions: The psychosocial rehabilitation programme provides clinically significant initial benefits for patients with severe mental illnesses. More attention needs to be paid to evaluating which components of psychosocial rehabilitation contribute most to these benefits. Follow-up evaluation is required to determine whether the benefits of this programme are sustained in the community.
Eating Disorders Across Two Cultures: Does the Expression of Psychological Control Vary?
Authors: Soh Nerissa , Surgenor Lois J. , Touyz Stephen , Walter Garry 
Published: March 2007

Objective: Because both the expression of eating disorder (ED) symptoms and preferred psychological control styles may be affected by culture, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether the expression of psychological control in women with EDs varies across two cultures. Method: North European Australian and Chinese Singaporean women (n = 117) with anorexia nervosa (n = 36), bulimia nervosa (n = 13) and eating disorders not otherwise specified (n = 3), and without an ED (n = 65) recruited in Australia and Singapore completed a multidimensional inventory assessing sense of control, domains of control, preferred means by which to gain control, and motivation for control. Results: Although the normative control profile for each culture differed slightly, control profiles among those with an ED were very similar across both cultures. However, the directionality and extent of specific aspects of control pathology associated with the presence of an ED differed across cultures. North European Australians with an ED were much more deviant from the cultural norm than their Chinese Singaporean ED counterparts in relation to overall sense of control, methods of gaining control, and control in the domain of body. Chinese Singaporean woman with an ED were much more deviant from the cultural norm than their North European Australian ED counterparts in the domain of control over impulses. Conclusions: Having an ED powerfully distorts psychological control irrespective of culture. However the degree, directionality, and form of the displacement from normal control styles is also culture dependent. This has implications for treatments that attempt to redress or correct control issues in people with an ED in other cultures.
Magnetic resonance elastography of the human brain: a preliminary study
Authors: Xu L. , Lin Y. , Xi Z. N. , Shen H. , Gao P. Y. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To study the application of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in the human brain. Material and Methods: An external force actuator was developed, which produced propagating shear waves in brain tissue. A modified phase-contrast gradient-echo sequence was developed. The propagating shear waves within the brain were directly imaged. The wave images were processed to obtain the elasticity image. Shear waves at 100 Hz, 150 Hz, and 200 Hz were applied. Results: The propagating shear waves in the brain were visualized on wave images. The elasticity image revealed the difference in tissue elasticity between gray and white matter of the brain. Conclusion: MRE could be an imaging technique for assessing the elasticity of brain tissue.
Balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of pathological fractures in the thoracic and lumbar spine caused by metastasis: one-year follow-up
Authors: Pflugmacher R. , Beth P. , Schroeder R.-J. , Schaser K.-D. , Melcher I. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of balloon kyphoplasty in patients with fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine caused by metastatic disease. Material and Methods: 64 balloon kyphoplasty procedures were performed in 31 patients (18 females and 13 males with bone metastasis), 28 of whom were followed up over a period of 1 year. Symptomatic levels were identified by clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiographs, and computed tomography (CT). In the prospective 1-year follow-up, visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Score were documented. Radiographs were performed pre- and postoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Vertebral height and kyphotic deformity were measured to assess restoration of the sagittal alignment. Results: The median pain scores (VAS) decreased significantly ( P<0.05) from pre- to post-treatment, as did the Oswestry Disability Score ( P<0.05). Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cement leakage was detected in eight of 64 vertebral bodies (12.5%), but did not have any clinical relevance. During 1-year follow-up, balloon kyphoplasty stabilized vertebral height and prevented further kyphotic deformity. Conclusion: Balloon kyphoplasty is an effective, minimally invasive procedure for the stabilization of pathological vertebral fractures caused by osteolytic lesions of vertebral bodies due to metastatic disease. It gives a statistically significant reduction of pain and prevents further kyphotic deformity of the spine.
Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy with a simplified gastropexy technique under ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic guidance: experience in 154 patients
Authors: Lorentzen T. , Nolsøe C. P. , Adamsen S. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) under ultrasonographic (US) and fluoroscopic guidance using a simplified gastropexy technique. Material and Methods: One hundred and fifty-four (154) patients (mean age 73, range 22–93 years) were referred for PRG. Indication for PRG was neurologic disease, head/neck cancer, and other disease in 73%, 15%, and 12%, respectively. Initially, the stomach was filled with 300–500 cm3 of tap water via a nasogastric tube. The fluid-filled stomach was punctured under US guidance. A guidewire and a single T-fastener were introduced. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the tract was dilated over the guidewire until a 16F dilator with a peel-away sheath could be introduced. During dilatation, the external suture string to the T-fastener was held tight to fixate the gastric wall. A 14F balloon-retained gastrostomy tube was introduced and inflated. The T-fastener was then released, and the gastrostomy tube was retracted gently to affix the gastric wall to the abdominal wall (tube gastropexy). Technical success was assured by aspiration of gastric fluid and fluoroscopically by injection of a water-soluble contrast medium. Results: The primary technical success rate was 98%. At 30-day follow-up, 3.2% had major complications and 14% minor complications. Three patients (1.9%) died of complications related to the procedure. Thirteen cases (8%) of simple tube displacement without other complications occurred. Conclusion: PRG guided by US and fluoroscopy is a relatively safe technique with a high success rate, provided the stomach can be properly distended with fluid. However, tube gastropexy alone does not seem to protect against early dislodgement.
Reliability of the evaluation of multidetector computed tomography images from the scanner's console in high-energy blunt-trauma patients
Authors: Ahvenjärvi L. , Niinimäki J. , Halonen J. , Tervonen O. , Ojala R. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the reliability of a structured 5-min evaluation of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images from the scanner's console in high-energy trauma patients. Material and Methods: Forty patients were scanned with four-slice MDCT using a standardized trauma protocol. Image evaluation covered the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. The radiologist scrolled axial images on the scanner's console using three different window settings (lung, soft tissue, and bone) and performed a prospective structured evaluation of the traumatic lesions. The findings were compared to the final radiological diagnosis of the MDCT data made on a PACS workstation, the operative findings, and the clinical follow-up. Results: Evaluation from the scanner's console enabled the diagnosis of all potential life-threatening injuries, the sensitivity for all injuries being 60% and specificity 98%. Conclusion: A PACS workstation is needed for the final diagnosis of all injuries, but this rapid screening method can reliably detect all injuries that require instant care.
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: interobserver agreement among radiologists with varied levels of experience
Authors: Ghanima W. , Nielssen B. E. , Holmen L. O. , Witwit A. , Al-Ashtari A. , Sandset P. M. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To assess the interobserver variability of radiologists with varied levels of experience in the interpretation of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) pulmonary angiographies. Material and Methods: Review of CT pulmonary angiographies performed on patients included in a diagnostic study evaluating a decision-based algorithm for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE). Five radiologists, three board-certified general radiologists and two radiology trainees with 2 years' experience, participated in the study. Results: According to the consensus reading, PE was present in 91 (31%) and absent in 194 (67%) patients, while in five patients (1.7%) the interpretations were regarded as equivocal. The per-patient agreement on the diagnosis of PE achieved by each of the four readers compared to the consensus reading was very good (κ range 0.85–0.92), but peripheral emboli were missed in four to six patients by three of four observers. The agreement on the most proximal level of PE (per-proximal level) assessed by mean κ value was 0.83 (κ range 0.68–0.91) for the detection of proximal emboli, 0.61 for segmental emboli (κ range 0.40–0.80), and 0.38 for emboli in the subsegmental vessels (κ range 0.0–0.89). Conclusion: The overall agreement on the diagnosis of PE by MDCT for general radiologists and radiology trainees is very good, and we therefore believe that the initial management of patients with suspected PE could be based on the preliminary assessment performed by on-call radiologists with 2 years of experience.
Radiological evaluation of covered self-expandable metallic stents used for palliation in patients with malignant esophageal strictures
Authors: Neyaz Z. , Srivastava Deep N. , Thulkar S. , Bandhu S. , Gamanagatti S. , Julka P. K. , Chattopadhyaya T. K. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To study the role of self-expandable metallic stents in malignant esophageal strictures in terms of patency, improved dysphagia score, and possible associated complications. Material and Methods: Twenty-two patients with inoperable carcinoma of the esophagus underwent stent placement. Four different varieties of covered stents were used. Stenting was performed under fluoroscopic guidance and local pharyngeal anesthesia. During follow-up, patients were examined clinically and radiologically to assess the effectiveness of stents in relieving dysphagia, to check the stent position, patency, and possible complications. Results: Fluoroscopic placement of the stent was successful and well tolerated in all patients without any serious complications. Accurate stent placement was possible in 95% of cases. The mean dysphagia score prior to stenting was 3.5 and poststent 1.2, with an improvement of 2.3 degrees. In two patients with associated fistulas, complete closure was seen after stent insertion. There was poor stent expansion in three patients. Significant tumor overgrowth occurred in two patients, and a second overlapping stent was deployed in one case. Three patients developed food impaction, which needed endoscopic removal of impacted food in two cases. Conclusion: Fluoroscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stents is a safe and effective method of palliating severe dysphagia and fistulas in patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma. However, complications such as tumor overgrowth and food impaction may require reintervention after stent placement.
Investigation of the effect of exhaust particles on ocular blood flow in highway toll collectors using color doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Erdogmus B. , Yazici B. , Onder H. I. , Bilgin C. , Tugay A. , Buyukkaya R. 
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To investigate the effect of exhaust particles on orbital blood flow velocity of the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and posterior ciliary artery by color Doppler ultrasonography in highway toll collectors. Material and Methods: Color Doppler imaging was used to measure the peak-systolic and end-diastolic flow velocities and resistivity indices of the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and posterior ciliary artery in 20 toll collectors and 20 controls. Results: Both the peak-systolic and the end-diastolic flow velocities were decreased in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and posterior ciliary artery, and the resistivity index was increased in the central retinal artery in toll collectors when compared with control groups. Results were considered statistically significant if P<0.05. Conclusion: It was determined that the effect of exhaust particles reduced ocular blood flow velocity in toll collectors as measured by color duplex Doppler ultrasonography.
Explaining Limited Conflicts
Authors: Kilgour D. Marc , Zagare Frank C. 
Published: March 2007

This report uses a generic two-stage escalation model to ask whether and when limited conflicts can occur. There are two players in the model: Challenger and Defender. Challenger can either initiate a conflict or not. If Challenger initiates, Defender can concede, respond-in-kind, or escalate. If Defender does not concede, Challenger can escalate. The process continues until one side concedes or both escalate. Limited conflicts do not occur in our model when information is complete or when Defender's threat to respond-in-kind is seen to be completely noncredible. They are also extremely unlikely when Defender is seen strictly to prefer a response-in-kind to immediate capitulation when challenged. Limited conflicts are most probable under a Constrained Limited-Response Equilibrium (CLRE). Constrained Limited-Response Equilibria only occur when there is uncertainty about Defender's willingness to respond-in-kind to an initiation. The conditions associated with the existence of a CLRE and the other equilibria of the model are illustrated, both graphically and via a numerical example. Typically, under a CLRE, Challenger initiates and Defender concedes. From time to time, however, Challenger misjudges Defender's intentions and is surprised by a limited response. At this point, Defender chooses not to escalate the conflict because it concludes that Defender will counter-escalate and an all-out conflict will occur. Real-life examples of this process include the Gulf War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Fashoda Crisis of 1898, and the Korean crisis of 1950.
Australian Framework for the Commercialisation of University Scientific Research
Authors: Collier Alan 
Published: March 2007

Abstract
Australia spends proportionally more on university R&D, particularly when compared with business expenditure on R&D, than almost any other advanced economy, which suggests that creating the right environment to encourage the commercialisation of Australian university research results is vital if Australia is to obtain the best economic results from its investment. In this paper a meta‐analysis is used to review literature from various sources available on the broad environment in which university research commercialisation is conducted in Australia in order to identify the key components of the environment and where change may encourage or promote better commercialisation outcomes.
Imaging stress‐ and cue‐induced drug and alcohol craving: association with relapse and clinical implications
Authors: SINHA RAJITA , LI C.‐S. R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractStress‐ and drug‐related cues are major factors contributing to high rates of relapse in addictive disorders. Brain imaging studies have begun to identify neural correlates of stress and drug cue‐induced craving states. Findings indicate considerable overlap in neural circuits involved in processing stress and drug cues with activity in the corticostriatal limbic circuitry underlying both affective and reward processing. More recent efforts have begun to identify the relationships between neural activity during stress and drug cue exposure and drug relapse outcomes. Findings suggest medial prefrontal, anterior and posterior cingulate, striatal and posterior insula regions to be associated with relapse outcomes. Altered function in these brain regions is associated with stress‐induced and drug cue‐induced craving states and an increased susceptibility to relapse. Such alterations can serve as markers to identify relapse propensity and a more severe course of addiction. Efficacy of pharmacological and behavioral treatments that specifically target stress and cue‐induced craving and arousal responses may also be assessed via alterations in these brain correlates.
Neurocognitive and neuroimaging evidence of behavioural dysregulation in human drug addiction: implications for diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Authors: YÜCEL MURAT , LUBMAN DAN I. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractNeuropsychological and neuroimaging studies have generated a wealth of data demonstrating structural and functional brain changes, as well as cognitive deficits in drug addicted populations. Despite this, it is often difficult to make generalisations or conclusive statements about the neuropsychological and neurobiological correlates of chronic drug use given variations in the nature or extent of deficits observed within or across different classes of drugs. In this review, we focus specifically on the evidence for impairments in prefrontally‐mediated cognitive functions that underlie behavioural regulation, namely decision making and inhibitory control. We argue that impairments in these specific domains, which are often compounded by an earlier initiation of drug use, polydrug abuse, comorbid psychiatric conditions, previous head injury, and acute withdrawal effects can serve to increase the risk for making decisions that are impulsive, focussed on short‐terms gains and lack inhibitory control. We further argue that these impairments of prefrontal functioning may underpin the compulsive and ‘loss‐of‐control’ pattern of drug‐seeking and drug‐taking that is characteristic of drug addiction. Finally, we consider the implications of these findings for diagnosis, treatment and prevention, suggesting that a comprehensive understanding of the nature and extent of these cognitive deficits should form a core part of the conceptualization and focus of effective treatment.
Pre‐operative screening for excessive alcohol consumption among patients scheduled for elective surgery
Authors: SHOURIE SWATI , CONIGRAVE KATHERINE M. , PROUDE ELIZABETH M. , WARD JEANETTE E. , WUTZKE SONIA E. , HABER PAUL S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPre‐operative intervention for excessive alcohol consumption among patients scheduled for elective surgery has been shown to reduce complications of surgery. However, successful intervention depends upon an effective and practical screening procedure. This study examines current screening practices for excessive alcohol consumption amongst patients scheduled for elective surgery in general hospitals. It also examines the appropriateness of potential sites and staff for pre‐operative screening. Forms used routinely to assess alcohol consumption in the pre‐admission clinics (PAC) of eight Sydney hospitals were examined. In addition, the appropriateness of six staff categories (surgeons, surgeons' secretaries, junior medical officer, anaesthetists, nurses and a research assistant) and of two sites (surgeons' office and PAC) in conducting additional screening was assessed at two hospitals. Outcomes included observed advantages and disadvantages of sites and personnel, and number of cases with excessive drinking identified. There was duplication in information collected routinely on alcohol use in the PACs in eight Sydney Hospitals. Questions on alcohol consumption in patient self‐completion forms were not validated. The PAC provided for efficient screening but time to surgery was typically too short for successful intervention in many cases. A validated tool and efficient screening procedure is required to detect excessive drinking before elective surgery. Patients often present to the PAC too close to the time of surgery for any change in drinking to reverse alcohol's effects. The role of the referring general practitioner and of printed advice from the surgeon in preparing patients for surgery needs further investigation.