bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poppy seed tea and opiate abuse in New Zealand
Authors: BRAYE KLARE , HARWOOD THOMAS , INDER RACHEL , BEASLEY RICHARD , ROBINSON GEOFFREY 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe opium poppy Papaver somniferum contains an array of opiates. There is a variety of methods of preparation that can be used by people with opiate dependence, with patterns of use determined by numerous factors including cost, safety, potency and legal status. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and nature of poppy seed tea (PST) use by opiate‐dependent patients in the form of a written questionnaire. The study took place at the Community Alcohol and Drug Clinic, Wellington, New Zealand, and comprised 24 opiate‐dependent patients attending the clinic. A total of 11 of 24 (46%) patients reported having used PST. In five patients currently using PST it represented the major source of opiates, and two had managed to withdraw from use of other opiates with regular PST use. Patients reported a median onset of action of 15 minures and an effect lasting a median of 24 hours. The major limitation of PST use was the foul taste. PST is used commonly by opiate‐dependent patients attending an alcohol and drug clinic in New Zealand. The use of PST as the major source of opiates could be considered favourably within ‘harm reduction’ philosophies, because of its low cost, legal availability and oral route of administration. Conversely, there is the potential for PST to act as a ‘gateway drug’ by inducing opioid dependence and introducing people to the culture of drug abuse.
Buprenorphine supply by community pharmacists in Victoria, Australia: perceptions, experiences and key issues identified
Authors: NIELSEN SUZANNE , DIETZE PAUL , DUNLOP ADRIAN , MUHLEISEN PETER , LEE NICOLE , TAYLOR DAVID 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBuprenorphine is dispensed primarily in community pharmacies in Victoria, with buprenorphine prescribing expanding nationally. The aim of this paper was to examine issues that affect the delivery of buprenorphine in the community setting. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted of 282 pharmacies participating in the methadone and buprenorphine programme across Victoria. Dispensing pharmacists completed the survey, designed to canvass issues around buprenorphine diversion and other issues related to the programme. Themes from the results indicated that there was concern from the majority of pharmacies with the issue of the supervision of buprenorphine and diversion of dispensed doses. The rate of suspected diversion was 1.5 times per 100 doses per month or 33 times per 100 clients per month. Seventy‐four per cent of pharmacists indicated that this was a negative aspect of buprenorphine treatment. Frequency of suspected and confirmed diversion was associated with the number of pharmacy clients. Pharmacists' perceptions of issues related to buprenorphine appeared to affect opinions of buprenorphine clients and the buprenorphine programme more generally. Pharmacists believe that a significant level of diversion is occurring. This finding warrants serious attention, particularly in light of the increasing use of buprenorphine nationally and internationally.
Socio‐demographic factors associated with methamphetamine treatment contact among dependent methamphetamine users in Sydney, Australia
Authors: McKETIN REBECCA , KELLY ERIN 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAustralia has a sizable population of dependent methamphetamine users, the majority of whom do not receive treatment for their drug use. The aim of the current study was to identify socio‐demographic factors related to not having received treatment for methamphetamine use among dependent users of the drug in Sydney, Australia. A cross‐sectional survey of methamphetamine users in Sydney was used to identify a sample of dependent methamphetamine users (n = 173). Dependence was defined as a score of four or greater on the Severity of Dependence Scale. Dependent methamphetamine users who had received treatment for their methamphetamine use (n = 57) were compared with those who had never received treatment for their methamphetamine use (n = 116) on socio‐demographic characteristics and drug use. After adjusting for severity of methamphetamine dependence, socio‐demographic factors that were predictive of not having received methamphetamine treatment included being female, being born outside Australia and being in full‐time employment. Methamphetamine smokers were less likely to receive treatment than people who took the drug via other routes of administration, while primary heroin users who were concurrently dependent on methamphetamine were unlikely to receive treatment for their methamphetamine use. Further research is needed to understand the barriers to receiving methamphetamine treatment among these subgroups of dependent methamphetamine users.
Dysphoric About Dysphoria: Towards a Greater Conceptual Clarity of the Term
Authors: Starcevic Vladan 
Published: March 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to conceptualize dysphoria in a way that is clearer, better delineated and more clinically useful, after reviewing its meanings in a variety of psychopathological contexts and the consequent conceptual confusion. Conclusions: The current semantic status of dysphoria is most unsatisfactory. Its definitions are usually too broad or too simplistic and, therefore, not clinically useful. There is no agreement on what the term means. In this article, dysphoria is conceptualized primarily as a complex emotional state, consisting of intense unhappiness/discontent and irritability. In addition, dysphoria is often, though not invariably, accompanied by certain cognitive and behavioural features. This article reviews relationships between dysphoria and related emotional states and various psychiatric disorders, and proposes differentiations that have implications for clinical practice. The role of dysphoria in mixed states within bipolar disorder is particularly in need of further study.
The Interface Between Religion and Psychosis
Authors: Ng Felicity 
Published: March 2007

Objective: This paper aims to explore the interface between religion and psychosis, and to comment on its relevance in clinical practice. Method: The context of religious psychotic phenomena is briefly discussed, leading to an examination of the biological substrates of religious experiences, the hypothesized process of religious psychotic symptom formation, and the clinical implications when assessing religious delusions. A PubMED search was conducted to identify original research and review articles of relevance to the discussion. Results: Religion is an enduring theme in psychosis, the understanding of which can be assisted by distinguishing between religion as a culture and religiosity as pathology. There are strong arguments for the involvement of temporolimbic instability in the generation of religious psychotic symptoms. Conclusions: Psychosis can be conceptualized as the manifestation of aberrant perceptual and/or integrative processes. The prevalence of religion as a psychotic theme may be explained by its central cultural role, the implication of temporolimbic overactivity in the pathogenesis of some cases of psychosis, and the tendency to interpret intense or discrepant perceptual events as spiritual. In the clinical setting, the determination of religious delusions can be challenging at times. In addition to seeking advice on unfamiliar religions, a thorough assessment of the dimensions of religious beliefs and symptoms of neurocognitive dysfunction can be useful.
Releasing Psychiatry from the Constraints of Categorical Diagnosis
Authors: Mellsop Graham , Menkes David , El-Badri Selim 
Published: March 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to make a case for freeing psychiatry from the limits of categorical diagnosis. Conclusions: From Pinel through to Kraepelin, Bleuler, DSM-IV and ICD-10, clinical and research activities in psychiatry have all depended upon categorical classification. Recent decades have seen increasing argument in favour of dimensional measurement, description and prediction, in part because invalidities in categorical classification are becoming impossible to deny. Some suggestions for developing useful dimensional approaches are made.
Clickety-click: E-Mental Health Train on Track
Authors: Griffiths Kathleen , Farrer Louise , Christensen Helen 
Published: March 2007

Objective: Experts forecast that the Internet will bring about radical change in healthcare. This paper aims to summarise evidence concerning the efficacy of Internet-based programs in the delivery of mental health care and its implications for mental health professionals. It also describes those Internet programs which are both of demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety or depression and available without restriction or cost to the public. Conclusions: There is evidence that Internet-based programs can improve a range of mental health conditions. Some of these programs could be used by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals as an adjunct to clinician-based treatment. However, clinicians need to know which programs work and how they can be accessed.
Gunfire, Humour and Psychotherapy
Authors: Middleton Warwick 
Published: March 2007

Objective: To reflect on the humour associated with one's cultural heritage, the mechanisms of humour in the cultures of many, and its role in the processes of psychotherapy. Conclusions: The practice of psychotherapy is enhanced by the therapist who maintains a sense of humour, who appreciates its development in his/her patients, and who respectfully uses it to assist in building the therapeutic alliance. Therapy is not so serious that laughter need be excluded from it.
Outcome in a Specialist Referral Clinic for Mood Disorders: A Qualitative and Quantitative Review
Authors: Parker Gordon , Brotchie Heather , Fletcher Kathryn , Hyett Matthew , Barrett Melissa 
Published: March 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether short-term outcome for those referred with a depressive disorder could be predicted from baseline clinical assessment and identify factors contributing to outcome in a clinic operating to a subtyping diagnostic and aetiologically weighted management model. Method: This pilot study involved a consecutive series of 85 patients referred to the Depression Clinic at the Black Dog Institute. Results: Globally assessed baseline prediction was associated with short-term outcome. Comparably high rates of improvement were evident in those with bipolar, melancholic and non-melancholic subtypes, and somewhat lower in those diagnosed with a ‘secondary depression’. Qualitative and quantitative analyses established that outcome was most clearly associated with referral source, degree of take up of recommendations and implementation of psychotropic drug strategies. Conclusions: Study results encourage more definitive and comparative study designs to be derived.
Influence of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms on Methadone Treatment Outcome
Authors: Kolpe Manasi , Carlson Gregory A. 
Published: March 2007

A review of 687 consecutive admissions to a Midwestern methadone maintenance program was undertaken to establish the prevalence of ADHD symptoms and their association with treatment outcome. Of the 687 admissions, 396 (58%) patients self‐reported experiencing one or more ADHD symptoms during the two weeks prior to admission, and 131 (19%) patients reported ADHD symptoms that significantly interfered with functioning in daily activities. At nine months post‐admission, the patients who reported significant symptoms of ADHD were able to reduce their drug use but were less likely to have achieved abstinence than those who did not report significant symptoms (p ≤ 0.001). The authors discuss the importance of screening for ADHD symptoms in methadone treatment programs and propose interventions believed helpful in improving management of ADHD symptoms and improving outcome.
Cellular Physiology of Retinal and Choroidal Arteriolar Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: SCHOLFIELD C. N. , MCGEOWN J. G. , CURTIS T. M. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTControl of ocular blood flow occurs predominantly at the level of the retinal and choroidal arterioles. The present article provides an overview of the Ca2 + handling mechanisms and plasmalemmal ion channels involved in the regulation of retinal and choroidal arteriolar smooth muscle tone. Increases in global intracellular free Ca2 + ([Ca2 +]i) involve multiple mechanisms, including agonist‐dependent release of Ca2 + from intracellular stores through activation of the inositol trisphosphate (IP3) pathway. Ca2 + enters by voltage‐dependent L‐type Ca2 + channels and novel dihydropyridine‐sensitive store‐operated nonselective cation channels. Ca2 + extrusion is mediated by plasmalemmal Ca2 +‐ATPases and through Na+/Ca2+ exchange. Local Ca2 + transients (Ca2 + sparks) play an important excitatory role, acting as the building blocks for more global Ca2 + signals that can initiate vasoconstriction. K+ and Cl− channels may also affect cell function by modulating membrane potential. The precise contribution of each of these mechanisms to the regulation of retinal and choroidal perfusion in vivo warrants future investigation.
Abrupt Reoxygenation of Microvascular Endothelial Cells After Hypoxia Activates ERK1/2 and JNK1, Leading to NADPH Oxidase‐Dependent Oxidant Production
Authors: YU GUO , PENG TIANQING , FENG QINGPING , TYML KAREL 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTObjective: Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) in microvascular endothelial cells (EC) may participate in organ pathophysiology following hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). The authors aimed to determine the role of MAPK in H/R‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in mouse microvascular EC.Methods: Cultured EC derived from skeletal muscle of male wild‐type (WT), gp91phox−/− or p47phox−/− mice were subjected to hypoxia (0.1% O2, 1 h) followed by abrupt reoxygenation, H/RA (hypoxic medium quickly replaced by normoxic medium), or slow reoxygenation, H/RS (O2 diffused to cells through hypoxic medium). Cells were analyzed for ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, NADPH oxidase activation, and ROS generation.Results: In WT cells, H/RA but not H/RS rapidly phosphorylated ERK1/2 and JNK1 and subsequently increased ROS production. H/RA did not affect p38. MAPK phosphorylation persisted despite inhibition of NADPH oxidase, mitochondrial respiration, protein tyrosine kinase, or PKC. ROS increase during H/RA was prevented by deletion of gp91phox or p47phox, or MAPK inhibition.Conclusions: Abrupt reoxygenation after hypoxia activates ERK1/2 and JNK1 in mouse microvascular endothelial cells via a tyrosine kinase‐, PKC‐, and NADPH oxidase‐insensitive mechanism, leading to increased NADPH oxidase‐dependent ROS production. The results suggest that MAPK activation in the microvascular endothelium is O2‐sensitive, contributing critically to tissue pathophysiology after H/R.
Modal verbs with and without tense: a study of English‐ and Cantonese‐speaking children with specific language impairment
Authors: Leonard Laurence B. , Deevy Patricia , Wong Anita M.‐Y. , Stokes Stephanie F. , Fletcher Paul 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground: Surprizingly little is known about the use of modal auxiliaries by children with specific language impairment (SLI). These forms fall within the category of grammatical morphology, an area of morphosyntax that is purportedly very weak in children with SLI.Aims: Three studies were conducted to examine the use of modal auxiliaries by preschool‐aged children with SLI.Methods & Procedures: In each study, probe tasks were designed to create contexts that encouraged the use of modals to express the modality functions of ability and permission. In Studies 1 and 3, English‐speaking children participated. In Study 2, the participants were Cantonese‐speaking children. In each study, three groups of children participated: A group exhibiting SLI, a group of younger typically developing children (YTD), and a group of (older) typically developing children (OTD) matched with the SLI group according to age.Outcome & Results: In Study 1, English‐speaking children with SLI were as proficient as YTD children, though less proficient than OTD children in the use of the modal can to express the modality functions of ability and permission. In Study 2, the same modality functions were studied in the speech of SLI, YTD and OTD groups who were speakers of Cantonese. In this language, tense is not employed, and therefore the modality function could be examined independent of formal tense. Results similar to those of Study 1 were obtained. Study 3 again studied SLI, YTD and OTD groups in English to determine whether the children's expression of ability differed across past (could) and non‐past (can) contexts. The results for can replicated the findings from Study 1. However, the children with SLI were significantly more limited than both the YTD and OTD groups in their use of could.Conclusions: The results suggest that most children with SLI have access to modality functions such as ability and permission. However, the findings of Study 3 suggest that they may have a reduced inventory of modal forms or difficulty expressing the same function in both past and non‐past contexts. These potential areas of difficulty suggest possible directions for intervention.
Behavioural intervention effects in dysarthria following stroke: communication effectiveness, intelligibility and dysarthria impact
Authors: Mackenzie Catherine , Lowit Anja 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground: Dysarthria is a common post‐stroke presentation. Its management falls within the remit of the speech and language therapy profession. Little controlled evaluation of the effects of intervention for dysarthria in stroke has been reported.Aims: The study aimed to determine the effects of a period of behavioural communication intervention on communication effectiveness and intelligibility, and of the speech disorder's impact on the person with dysarthria.Methods & Procedures: Eight people with dysarthria following stroke received individually tailored intervention programmes of 16 sessions during an 8‐week period. Conversation, and reading aloud of connected speech and of single words were sampled at four points, at intervals of around 2 months: two before intervention and two after intervention. The data were perceptually evaluated by ten listeners, blind to assessment point, for the overall effectiveness of communication (conversation) and for single‐word and reading intelligibility. The impact of dysarthria was assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention period.Outcome & Results: The level of reliability of listener ratings was high. There was no evidence of group change between assessment points for measures of communication effectiveness during conversation, or for reading and word intelligibility. Individual participant analysis indicated that five speakers improved in at least one of these three measures. In all cases this followed either stability or deterioration during the 2‐month pre‐intervention period. There was very little evidence of deterioration during the 2 months after withdrawal of treatment. For three participants no intervention‐related speech benefit was demonstrated. Age, dysarthria severity or lesion information did not appear to differentiate those who improved from those who did not. Improvement occurred in all who began the intervention phase between 5 and 8 months following stroke onset. Group data indicated no change in the Dysarthria Impact Profile in respect of three sections (The effect of dysarthria on me as a person; How I feel others react to my speech; and How dysarthria affects my communication with others). There was a significant difference between the start and end of intervention for Accepting my dysarthria, suggesting a reduction in the negative impact of dysarthria.Conclusions: The results demonstrate that some individuals with dysarthria have a capacity to respond positively to intervention, some months after stroke, and to maintain this improvement following 2 months of no intervention. Consideration is given to how the results of the present study may inform subsequent phases of dysarthria stroke research.
GENDER BUDGETING IN BELGIUM: FINDINGS FROM A PILOT PROJECT
Authors: Holvoet Nathalie 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT
The article highlights activities and findings of the Belgian initiative regarding gender budgeting, which are put against the background of theory and practice developed so far elsewhere. Attention is drawn upon the opportunities of gender budgeting to push further forward the policy goals of gender equality, thereby overcoming a number of problems commonly associated with the currently widely propagated strategy of gender mainstreaming. The article provides first-hand information on the origin of the Belgian initiative, its political location, the activities performed and the methodology used. Analysis of findings addresses a number of key dimensions in gender budgeting, including (i) the overarching importance of the political location, (ii) the internal management and monitoring function of gender budgeting and the importance of prevailing budgetary systems, and (iii) the external accountability function of gender budgeting and the need to link up with outside-government initiatives.
‘ON PAR’? THE ROLE OF THE AU PAIR IN SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE
Authors: Mellini Laura , Yodanis Carrie , Godenzi Alberto 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT
The role of the au pair as outlined in the 1969 Council of Europe's European Agreement on ‘Au Pair’ Placement is ambiguous. Although they provide child care for pay, au pairs are supposed to be treated as members of the host family. Based on in-depth interviews with au pairs in Switzerland and France, this paper examines how au pairs define their role. Results show how au pairs’ definitions of their roles vary and are constructed through interactions within the host family. The au pair's definition of her role is constructed through work and non-work dyadic interactions with the host mother. The relationship between mother and the au pair does not happen in isolation, however but is shaped by the intimate relationship between the host mother and host father. The triadic relationship between the au pair, host mother, and host father further shapes how the au pair defines and experiences her role.
SOCIAL CHANGE AS A SOURCE OF MACROSOCIAL STRESS: DOES IT ENHANCE NATIONALISTIC ATTITUDES?
Authors: Boehnke Klaus , Kindervater Angela , Baier Dirk , Rippl Susanne 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT
The paper reports a representative study of inhabitants (age &gt; 13) of the common border regions of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Based on Stephan and Stephan's integrated threat theory three hypotheses are tested, namely that (1) the experience of threat due to the EU enlargement leads to a higher prevalence of nationalist attitudes, that (2) positive intercultural attitudes lower the impact of enlargement-related threat on nationalism, and that (3) the impact of a threat experience on nationalism will be most pronounced in a border region where status differences and repercussions of historic conflicts are most salient, namely the region where the Czech Republic borders on West Germany (Bavaria). Findings support the first hypothesis. Hypothesis 2 finds little support, while Hypothesis 3 is largely supported. In the Western Czech/Bavarian border region the most imminent conflict potential exists; only there the hypothesis of a mediation effect of positive interpersonal attitudes finds partial support.