bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethics and The Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Green Stephen 
Published: May 2008

Objective: Relationships between the pharmaceutical industry and the medical profession enhance the potential for physicians to become involved in conflicts of interest. Whether or not these rise to a level that violates standards of medical ethics depends on the degree to which they detract from the quality of health care and its cost, the objectivity of research, and the profession's integrity. This paper explores those issues from two perspectives – the micro-level of the medical profession and the macro-level of society. Conclusions: Practices and policies that affect varied aspects of the interaction between the pharmaceutical industry and the medical profession – such as education, research and marketing – are discussed. The reader is asked to reflect on the ethics of issues raised; the author offers suggestions for mitigating conflicts of interest and, in turn, the potential for unethical medical care.
Ko Wai Ahau? (Who am I?) How Cultural Identity Issues are Experienced by Mäori Psychiatrists and Registrars Working with Children and Adolescents
Authors: Elder Hinemoa 
Published: May 2008

Objective: This paper aimed to investigate narratives regarding the experience of Mäori cultural identity of Mäori psychiatrists and registrars who have worked with tamariki (children), taiohi (adolescents) and whänau (families). Method: This was a Kaupapa Maori (Maori-centred) qualitative study where a total of five Mäori psychiatrists and registrars were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire informed by Tikanga Mäori (Mäori custom and protocol). Results: This paper presents one significant theme, that of “doing the work differently”. Within this theme, the perceived ‘mismatch’ between psychiatric training, seeming to value opacity in clinical sessions, compared to Tikanga Mäori aspects of the doctor's identity which values whakawhänaungatanga (connectivity and relationships) was consistently described. Conclusions: This paper has implications for registrar training needs, workforce development, service development and cultural competency.
Can Music Preference Indicate Mental Health Status in Young People?
Authors: Baker Felicity , Bor William 
Published: May 2008

Objective: In the aftermath of the double suicide of two teenage girls in 2007, the media linked the themes of ‘emo’ music and the girls’ mental state. But it is not just emo music that has been the subject of scrutiny by the media. Rap music, country, and heavy metal have also been blamed for antisocial behaviours including violence, theft, promiscuity and drug use. It remains an important research and clinical question as to whether music contributes to the acting out of behaviours described in the music lyrics or whether the preferred music represents the already existing behavioural tendencies in the subject. This paper surveys and discusses the relevant literature on music preference and adolescent music listening behaviours, and their links with adolescent mental health. Conclusion: Studies have found a relationship between various genres of music and antisocial behaviours, vulnerability to suicide, and drug use. However, studies reject that music is a causal factor and suggest that music preference is more indicative of emotional vulnerability. A limited number of studies have found correlations between music preference and mental health status. More research is needed to determine whether music preferences of those with diagnosed mental health issues differ substantially from the general adolescent population.
Side Effects of Second-Generation Antipsychotics: The Experiences, Views and Monitoring Practices of Australian Child Psychiatrists
Authors: Walter Garry , Delaroche Amy , Soh Nerissa , Hunt Glenn , Cleary Michelle , Malhi Gin , Lambert Tim , U. Correll Christoph , Rey Joseph 
Published: May 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to ascertain the experiences, views and monitoring practices of Australian child psychiatrists regarding the metabolic and other side effects of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs). Method: A 19-item questionnaire was posted to all members of the RANZCP Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry living in Australia. Results: Of the 290 eligible members of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 126 (43%) returned a useable survey. SGAs are commonly prescribed for a range of disorders. The majority of respondents expressed a high level of concern regarding weight gain and other metabolic side effects. Weight gain was the most frequently observed and monitored side effect in clinical practice. Other side effects were observed and monitored to a variable extent. Notably, monitoring practices did not parallel psychiatrists’ reported level of concern or knowledge regarding weight gain and metabolic side effects, nor coincide with published recommendations. Conclusions: Further research is required into the use, efficacy, side effects and monitoring of SGAs in children and adolescents, and there is a need to ensure that monitoring guidelines are implemented in clinical practice. This need is heightened by the likelihood that our data on clinicians’ practice, which is based on their perceptions, may overestimate what actually occurs.
Prostacyclin Analogs Stimulate Receptor‐Mediated cAMP Synthesis and ATP Release from Rabbit and Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Sprague Randy S. , Bowles Elizabeth A. , Hanson Madelyn S. , Dufaux Eileen A. , Sridharan Meera , Adderley Shaquria , Ellsworth Mary L. , Stephenson Alan H. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives: The purpose of this study was to establish that the prostacyclin (PGI2) receptor (IP receptor) is present on rabbit and human erythrocytes and that its activation stimulates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) synthesis and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release.Methods: The effect of incubation of erythrocytes with the active PGI2 analogs, iloprost or UT‐15C, on cAMP levels and ATP release was determined in the absence and presence of the IP receptor antagonist, CAY10441. Western analysis was used to determine the presence of the IP receptor on isolated membranes. To establish that effects of PGI2 analogs were not due to prostaglandin E2(PGE2) receptor activation, the effect of PGE2 on cAMP levels and ATP release was determined.Results: Rabbit and human erythrocytes possess IP receptors. Iloprost and UT‐15C stimulated increases in cAMP and ATP release that were prevented by the IP receptor antagonist, CAY10441. PGE2 did not stimulate cAMP accumulation or ATP release and did not inhibit iloprost‐induced increases in cAMP.Conclusions: This study establishes that the IP receptor is present on rabbit and human erythrocytes and that its activation results in increases in cAMP and ATP release. These results suggest a novel mechanism by which PGI2 and its active analogs, when administered pharmacologically, could produce vasodilation.
Basic parameters of spontaneous speech as a sensitive method for measuring change during the course of aphasia
Authors: Grande Marion , Hussmann Katja , Bay Elisabeth , Christoph Swetlana , Piefke Martina , Willmes Klaus , Huber Walter 
Published: May 2008

Background: Spontaneous speech of aphasic persons is often scored on rating scales assessing aphasic symptoms. Rating scales have the advantage of an easy and fast scoring system, but might lack sensitivity. Quantitative analysis of either aphasic symptoms or basic parameters provides a useful alternative. Basic parameters are essential units of language like word categories or syntactic completeness and can be identified in both impaired and unimpaired adult and child language.Aims: To examine whether basic parameters of spontaneous speech are more sensitive to change during the course of recovery from aphasia than conventional spontaneous speech rating scales.Methods & Procedures: Spontaneous speech samples of 28 aphasic participants were analysed using a quantitative computer‐assisted method as well as conventional spontaneous speech rating scales before and after 7 weeks of intensive language treatment. The analysis focused on the following basic parameters: percentage words, percentage open class words, syntactic completeness, complexity, and mean length of utterances. The participants were also tested with the Aachen Aphasia Test before and after treatment.Outcome & Results: Significant change in at least one basic parameter was observed in 20 participants, while only four participants showed significant change in one of the spontaneous speech rating scales.Conclusions: In comparison with conventional spontaneous speech rating scales, the basic parameters proved to be more sensitive to change. For the time being, however, some limitations remain with regard to the specificity of the basic parameters. Thus, additional data are needed to provide further support of the clinical significance of the measured changes.
Language profiles of monolingual and bilingual Finnish preschool children at risk for language impairment
Authors: Westman Martin , Korkman Marit , Mickos Annika , Byring Roger 
Published: May 2008

Background: A large proportion of children are exposed to more than one language, yet research on simultaneous bilingualism has been relatively sparse. Traditionally, there has been concern that bilingualism may aggravate language difficulties of children with language impairment. However, recent studies have not found specific language impairment (SLI) or language‐related problems to be increased by bilingualism.Aims: The topic of bilingualism and its effects has high actuality in Finland, where increasing numbers of children in the country's 6% Swedish‐speaking minority grow up in bilingual families, where one parent's primary language is Swedish and the other's Finnish. The present study aimed at exploring the influence of such bilingualism on the language profiles of children from this population at risk for language impairment (LI).Methods & Procedures: Participants were recruited from a language screening of 339 children from kindergartens with instruction only in Swedish, from the Swedish‐speaking parts of Finland. Of these children, 33 (9.7%) were defined as a Risk Group for LI, whereas 48 non‐risk children were randomly selected to form a control group. When subdividing the children according to home language, 35 were found to be monolingual, Swedish‐speaking, and 46 were Swedish–Finnish bilingual. The children underwent neuropsychological assessment during their preschool year. Assessment methods included subtests from the Wechsler Primary and Preschool Scale of Intelligence – Revised and the NEPSY Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment.Outcomes & Results: A repeated‐measures multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) showed a significant effect of risk of LI on the NEPSY language scores. The effect of home language was not significant and there was no interaction between home language and risk for LI. Non‐verbal IQ was controlled for. Across groups, bilingual children scored lower than monolingual children only on measures of vocabulary and sentence repetition.Conclusions: Although a slight general cost of bilingualism was found in the language profile of the six‐year olds in this study, a bilingual background was not associated with more severe language problems in the LI Risk Group. Thus, there would seem to be no need to shield language‐impaired children from opportunities for dual language learning.
Increasing prevalence of specific language impairment (SLI) in primary healthcare of a Finnish town, 1989–99
Authors: Hannus Sinikka , Kauppila Timo , Launonen Kaisa 
Published: May 2008

Background: The increasing prevalence of specific language impairment (SLI) is a matter of current debate.Aims: Speech and language therapists and other authorities in Finland have discussed the prevalence of SLI since the 1990s. This discussion has been based on international studies because of the lack of national studies. This paper presents the first Finnish prevalence study of SLI in primary healthcare and, thus, participates in the international discussion on the prevalence of SLI. Furthermore, two samples of delayed language development (DLD) were studied.Methods & Procedures: This is a retrospective study from 1989–1999. It was conducted on the population of one of the biggest towns in Finland, and was collected from the statistical records of speech and language therapists.Outcomes & Results: The prevalence of SLI increased, and this increase was statistically significant. The prevalence of SLI was less than 1% in age group 0–6 years and, thus, presents a much lower prevalence than international discussion has suggested. SLI seems to be present particularly in boys though it was also increasing in girls. Furthermore, children with SLI seem to be more affected by receptive difficulties over the period studied. Particularly important is the observation that the prevalence of DLD was also increasing, and together with SLI they suggest a prevalence rate of 2.5% in Finland.Conclusions: The low prevalence of SLI in this study might be a consequence of the path of intervention that effectively separates SLI from delayed language development. Furthermore, the questions of language specific features needs to be emphasized. The findings of this study suggest that the prevalence of SLI increased as did the prevalence of DLD. The range of prevalence estimates of SLI in different studies raises the need for national and international epidemiological studies of SLI with equal criteria of assessment in each language.
Specific language impairment and school outcomes. I: Identifying and explaining variability at the end of compulsory education
Authors: Conti‐Ramsden Gina , Durkin Kevin , Simkin Zoë , Knox Emma 
Published: May 2008

Background: This investigation reports the results of national educational examinations in secondary schooling for young people who have been participating in the Manchester Language Study.Aims: The emphasis of the study is on furthering understanding of educational outcomes at the end of compulsory education.Methods & Procedures: A total of 120 adolescents with a history of specific language impairment (SLI) and 121 adolescents with typical development (TD) who were in their final year of compulsory secondary schooling (mean age = 17;4 years) participated. National educational examination results throughout secondary schooling were collected along with a range of psycholinguistic skills from 11 to 16/17 years.Outcomes & Results: Forty‐four per cent of young people with SLI obtained at least one of the expected qualifications at the end of secondary education, indicating some improvements compared with reports on earlier cohorts. Regression analyses revealed that literacy and language skills were predictive of educational attainment after controlling for IQ and maternal education. Nearly one‐quarter of the sample of adolescents with SLI was not entered for any examinations at the end of compulsory education. A very strong association between earlier patterns of entry for examinations and patterns of examination entry at school leaving age was found.Conclusions: In addition to performance IQ, concurrent and early literacy and language skills have significant effects on the academic attainments of young people with a history of SLI. The transition from primary to secondary schooling is a crucial time for assessment and evaluation of individual children's needs and levels of support required.
Quality of phonological representations: a window into the lexicon?
Authors: Claessen Mary , Heath Steve , Fletcher Janet , Hogben John , Leitão Suze 
Published: May 2008

Background: There is a great deal of evidence to support the robust relationship between phonological awareness and literacy development. Researchers are beginning to understand the relationship between the accuracy and distinctiveness of stored phonological representations and performance on phonological awareness tasks. However, many of the tasks currently used to assess the integrity of underlying representations are confounded by requiring spoken output.Aims: This paper describes the development of the Quality of Phonological Representations (QPR) task, a task that does not require speech output, and its evaluation in the context of a larger study examining predictors of literacy outcomes in Western Australia.Methods & Procedures: The QPR task was given as part of a larger task battery to a cohort of 235 mainstream children in the last term of their Preprimary year (average age = 5;5) and to 179 children at follow‐up at the end of Year 2 (average age = 7;9).Outcomes & Results: Normative data for both accuracy and reaction time are presented in percentile tables (appendix B). In their Preprimary year, children were able to identify correct productions of multi‐syllabic words (hits) on average 87.5% of the time, rising to an average of 93.8% in Year 2. As expected, children became quicker at making these judgements, reaction time shifting from an average of 1.1 s in Preprimary to 0.83 s in Year 2. A similar pattern was observed with the data for correct rejections. To make these judgements, the children had to identify a pseudo‐word as an incorrect pronunciation by ‘Katie the computer’. In the Preprimary year, children were able to reject correctly the pseudo‐words on average 68.5% of the time, rising to an average of 81.7% in Year 2. As expected, children became quicker at making these judgements, reaction time shortening from an average of 1.4 s in Preprimary to 0.81 s in Year 2. The QPR task was shown to have moderate reliability and concurrent validity.Conclusions: The QPR task appears to be a useful and cost‐effective addition to task batteries aiming to identify at‐risk children in the early stages of schooling. The ability to profile children's phonological awareness skills and gain insight into their underlying phonological representation skills allows more informed goal setting and intervention planning.
Health‐related quality of life in people with severe aphasia
Authors: Hilari Katerina , Byng Sally 
Published: May 2008

Background: Health‐related quality of life (HRQL) measures are increasingly used to help us understand the impact of disease or disability on a person's life and to measure the effectiveness of interventions. A small number of studies have looked at perceived HRQL in people with mild or moderate aphasia. They report that reduced HRQL is associated with low psychological well‐being and depression, reduced activity levels and high levels of communication disability. Still, very little is known about the quality of life of people with severe aphasia.Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the HRQL of people with severe aphasia as rated by their proxy respondents. To increase our understanding of these proxy evaluations, the findings were compared with those of two other studies of HRQL in people with moderate or mild aphasia, using proxy and self‐report respondents.Methods & Procedures: A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional survey was carried out where proxies of people with severe aphasia reported on their HRQL. The people with severe aphasia who took part in this study were part of a larger cohort of people with aphasia who were able to self‐report on their HRQL. Aphasia was assessed with the American Speech and Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA‐FACS) and the Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test (FAST) and HRQL with the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life (SAQOL) scale (proxy‐reported). SAQOL‐39 scores were derived from the SAQOL.Results & Results: People with severe aphasia's quality of life, as measured by their proxies (n = 12), was low and more than one standard deviation below that of the standardization sample of the SAQOL. The overall mean score for the SAQOL‐39 and the means for its physical and communication domains were below the 20th centile. They were also significantly lower that those of the comparison studies of self‐reports (n = 83) and proxy ratings (n = 50) of people with mild or moderate aphasia (p0.003). In the comparison studies there were no significant differences between the self‐report and proxy ratings of people with mild or moderate aphasia.Conclusions & Implications: This small study suggests that the HRQL of people with severe aphasia, as reported by their proxies, is severely compromised. Further research, using a wide range of methodologies, is needed in order to address the challenge of understanding better the quality of life of people with severe aphasia.
Robotically Assisted Beating Heart Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB). is There a Future?
Authors: Srivastava Sudhir , Gadasalli Suresh , Agusala Madhava , Kolluru Ram , Barrera Reyna , Quismundo Shaune , Srivastava Vishwa , Seshadri-Kreaden Usha 
Published: May 2008

Objective Since the introduction of beating heart totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB), approximately 400 patients have undergone the procedure worldwide. Despite satisfactory results and reduced morbidity, the procedure has not gained wide acceptance. This report describes the authors’ experience of beating heart TECAB with robotic assistance and the potential adoption of this technique for the future. Methods Between July 2004 and December 2005, 93 patients underwent successful for beating heart TECAB (47 males and 46 females). Mean age was 67.4 + 12.3 years. Fifteen (13.8%) were excluded or converted intraoperatively to thoracotomy for completion of procedure. The procedure was performed through port incisions for the robotic arms and the endostabilizer. Single or bilateral internal thoracic arteries were used as conduits. Anastomoses were done using surgical U-clips. Eighteen (19.4%) patients underwent planned hybrid revascularization. Eighty-four (90.3%) patients underwent computed tomography or conventional angiography. Results Details of 93 completed revascularization cases are summarized in the tables. No in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction, or CVA was noted. Mean operative time was 272.6 + 128.9 minutes (median, 270 minutes). Mean anastomotic time was 13.8 + 3.7 minutes. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 + 2.0 days (median, 3 days). At the time of study, 122 of 122 (100%) grafts were found to be patent. Conclusions Single- and multivessel beating heart TECAB with or without hybrid revascularization may offer a less invasive approach in a selected group of patients.
Low‐dose and short‐term cyclosporine treatment in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria: A clinical and immunological evaluation
Authors: SERHAT INALOZ H. , OZTURK Savas , AKCALI Cenk , KIRTAK Necmettin , TARAKCIOGLU Mehmet 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTThe present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 2.5 mg/kg/day cyclosporin (CsA) treatment in patients with severe chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) and the impact of CsA treatment on several cytokines involved in the etiopathogenesis of CIU. Twenty‐seven CIU patients and 24 healthy control subjects were included in the study. The autologous serum skin test (ASST) for autoantibodies and urticaria activity scoring (UAS) were measured for the evaluation of the clinical severity and the response to therapy, and the serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, IL‐2 receptor, IL‐1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐5 were measured. The mean UAS score was 32.07 ± 7.05 and 6.22 ± 3.84 before and after CsA treatment, respectively. The serum IL‐2 receptor, TNF‐α and IL‐5 levels of patients before CsA treatment were statistically higher than those of the control group (P = 0.001), and after 4 weeks of CsA therapy the mean IL‐2R, TNF‐α and IL‐5 levels were significantly decreased. The data from this study demonstrate that CsA therapy is efficient and safe for CIU patients. Increase in clinical efficacy and marked decreases in serum cytokine levels suggest that inhibition of cytokine generation is involved in the action of the drug in this clinical setting.