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Preliminary
Kinds of Preliminary Terms modified by Preliminary Selected AbstractsThe Relevance of Coercion: Some Preliminaries*RATIO JURIS, Issue 3 2009NICOS STAVROPOULOS Many philosophers take the view that, while coercion is a prominent and enduring feature of legal practice, its existence does not reflect a deep, constitutive property of law and therefore coercion plays at best a very limited role in the explanation of law's nature. This view has become more or less the orthodoxy in modern jurisprudence. I argue that an interesting and plausible possible role for coercion in the explanation of law is untouched by the arguments in support of the orthodox view. Since my main purpose is to clear the ground for the alternative, I spell out the orthodox view in some detail. I then briefly sketch the alternative. Finally, I turn to Jules Coleman's discussion of the alternative. [source] SEEG-guided RF Thermocoagulation of Epileptic Foci: Feasibility, Safety, and Preliminary ResultsEPILEPSIA, Issue 11 2004Marc Guénot Summary:,Purpose:,Depth electrodes recordings may be required in some cases of epilepsy surgery to delineate the best region for cortical resection. We usually implant depth electrodes according to Talairach's stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) method. By using these permanently implanted depth electrodes, we are able to perform radiofrequency (RF)-thermolesions of the epileptic foci. We report the technical data required to perform such multiple cortical thermolesions, as well as preliminary results in terms of seizure outcome in a group of 20 patients. Methods:,Lesions were performed by using 100- to 110-mA bipolar current (50 V), applied for 10 to 50 s. Each thermocoagulation produced a 5- to 7-mm diameter cortical lesion. In total, two to 16 lesions were performed in each of the 20 patients. Lesions were placed without anesthesia. No general or neurologic complication occurred during the procedures. Two transient postprocedure side effects, consisting of paresthetic sensations in the mouth and mild apraxia of the hand, were observed. Results:,At a follow-up time of 8 to 31 months (mean, 19 months), 15% of the patients became seizure free, 40% experienced a ,80% reduction of their seizure frequency, and 45% were not significantly improved. Conclusions:,SEEG-guided RF thermolesions is a safe technique. Our preliminary results indicate that such lesions can lead to a significant reduction of seizure frequency and could be proposed as a palliative procedure if no resective surgery is possible. A randomized controlled trial is needed to determine which patients are likely to respond to SEEG-guided RF thermolesions. [source] An in vitro evaluation of various Rosa damascena flower extracts as a natural antisolar agentINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 6 2003H. Tabrizi Synopsis The aim of this work was to evaluate ultraviolet (UV) absorption ability of various extracts of Rosa damascena flowers as an antisolar agent. Extracts were prepared using the following solvent mixtures: water:ethanol (50 : 50), ethyl acetate:ethanol (80 : 20) and ether. The hydroalcoholic and ethyl acetate:ethanol extracts were prepared by maceration, and ether extract was prepared by soxhletion. Preliminary studies on the extracts prepared confirmed the presence of flavonoids as the major components of all extracts. Next, the UV absorption spectra (in the range of 200,400 nm) of all extracts were obtained. Results show that all three extracts can effectively absorb UV radiation in the range of 200,400 nm. However, the range giving maximum absorption for the hydroalcoholic, ethyl acetate:ethanol and ether extracts were 200,320, 250,360 and 230,370 nm, respectively. In the next stage, extracts prepared were incorporated into an oil in water cream base (prepared based on preliminary studies), at two concentrations of 5 and 8%. The sun protection factor (SPF) of these creams were determined. Based on the findings, the hydroalcoholic extract seems to give the highest SPF among the three extracts evaluated, when incorporated to the cream base. On the other hand, by performing a few physicochemical tests on the prepared creams, cream containing 5% ether extract showed the most desirable appearance and stability among the creams investigated. The UV absorption ability of these extracts is suggested to be because of the presence of flavonoid compounds within the extracts. However, it should be noted that in order to obtain an effective suncare product with high SPF values, these extracts could be used along with other synthetic antisolar agents. Résumé Le but de ce travail était d'évaluer la capacité d'absorption des Ultraviolets (UV) de différents extraits de fleurs de Rosa damascena en tant qu'agents de protection solaire. Les extraits ont été préparés par utilization des mélanges de solvants suivants: Eau:ethanol (50 : 50), Acetate d'éthyle:ethanol (80 : 20) et l'Ether. Les extraits hydro-alcoolique et d'acétate d'ethyle:ethanol ont été réalisés par macération tandis que l'extrait d'éther était obtenu par l'utilization d'un soxhlet. Les études préliminaires des extraits ainsi préparés confirmaient la présence de flavonoïdes en tant que constituants majeurs de tous les extraits. Les spectres d'absorption UV (échelle 200,400 nm) furent ensuite obtenus. Les résultats montrent que tous les extarits peuvent absorber fortement les radiations UV dans l'échelle de 200 à 400 nm. Cependant, les domaines donnant le maximum d'absorption pour les extraits hydroalcoolique, acétate d'éthyle:ethanol et ether étaient respectivement de 200,320, 250,360 et 230,370 nm. Dans une étape ultérieure, les extraits ont été incorporés dans une base type crème huile dans l'eau (préparée selon des études préliminaires) aux deux concentrations de 5 et 8%. Les facteurs de protection solaire (SPF) de ces crèmes étaient ensuite déterminés. Les résultats ont montré que l'extrait hydroalcoolique semblait, parmi les trois, conduire au plus fort SPF, quand incorporé dans une base type crème. De plus, en conduisant quelques tests physioco chimiques sur les crèmes préparées, la crème contenant 5% de l'extrait par éther, comparé aux autres crèmes, offrait l'aspect le plus désirable et le plus stable. Il est suggéré que la capacité d'absorption UV de ces extraits est due à la présence des composés de type flavonoïdes en leur sein. On doit noter, cependant, qu'afin d'obtenir un produit solaire efficace à haut SPF, ces extraits pourraient être adjoints à d'autres filtres solaires synthétiques. [source] Procedural pain of an ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block: a comparison of axillary and infraclavicular approachesACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010B. S. FREDERIKSEN Background: Ultrasound (US)-guided infraclavicular (IC) and axillary (AX) blocks have similar effectiveness. Therefore, limiting procedural pain may help to choose a standard approach. The primary aims of this randomized study were to assess patient's pain during the block and to recognize its cause. Methods: Eighty patients were randomly allocated to the IC or the AX group. A blinded investigator asked the patients to quantify block pain on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS 0,100) and to indicate the most unpleasant component (needle passes, paraesthesie or local anaesthetics injection). Sensory block was assessed every 10 min. After 30 min, the unblocked nerves were supplemented. Patients were ready for surgery when they had analgesia or anaesthesia of the five nerves distal to the elbow. Preliminary scan time, block performance and latency times, readiness for surgery, adverse events and patient's acceptance were recorded. Results: The axillary approach resulted in lower maximum VAS scores (median 12) than the infraclavicular approach (median 21). This difference was not statistically significant (P=0.07). Numbers of patients indicating the most painful component were similar in both groups. Patients in either group were ready for surgery after 25 min. Two patients in the IC group and seven in the AX group needed block supplementation (n.s.). Block performance times and number of needle passes were significantly lower in the IC group. Patients' acceptance was 98% in both groups. Conclusions: We did not find significant differences between the two approaches in procedural pain and patient's acceptance. The choice of approach may depend on the anaesthesiologist's experience and the patient's preferences. [source] Synchronous Ventricular Pacing without Crossing the Tricuspid Valve or Entering the Coronary Sinus,Preliminary ResultsJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 12 2009BENHUR D. HENZ M.D. Background: Right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing promotes tricuspid regurgitation (TR), electromechanical dyssynchrony, and ventricular dysfunction. We tested a novel intramyocardial bipolar lead to assess whether stimulation of the atrioventricular septum (AVS) produces synchronous ventricular activation without crossing the tricuspid valve (TV). Methods: A lead with an active external helix and central pin was placed on the AVS and the RVA in three dogs. High-density electroanatomic (EA) mapping was performed of both ventricles endocardially and epicardially. Intracardiac echocardiography was used to access ventricular synchrony. Results: The lead was successfully deployed into the AVS in all cases with consistent capture of the ventricular myocardium without atrial capture or sensing. The QRS duration was less with AVS compared with RVA pacing (89 ± 4 ms vs. 100 ± 11 ms [P < 0.0001, GEE P = 0.03]). There was decreased delay between color Doppler M-mode visualized peak contraction of the septum and the mid left ventricular free wall with AVS compared with RVA pacing (89 ± 91 ms vs. 250 ± 11 ms [P < 0.0001, GEE P = 0.006]). Activation time between the mid septum and mid free wall was shorter with AVS versus RVA pacing (20.4 ± 7.7 vs. 30.8 ± 11.6 [P = 0.01, GEE P = 0.07]). The interval between QRS onset to earliest free wall activation was shorter with AVS vs. RVA pacing (19.2 ± 6.4 ms vs. 31.1 ± 11.7 ms [P = 0.005, GEE P = 0.02]). Conclusion: The AVS was successfully paced in three dogs resulting in synchronous ventricular activation without crossing the TV. [source] Preparation and biodistribution of [125I]Melphalan: a potential radioligand for diagnostic and therapeutic applicationsJOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 1 2010A. M. Amin Abstract This paper addresses the development of a new radiopharmaceutical for cancer imaging and therapy. The optimization of the labeling conditions of thymidine analogue, melphalan, with125I is described. High radiochemical yield 96.8% was obtained by reacting 0.2,mg melphalan with 125I in the presence of choloramin-T as oxidizing agent in 0.5,M phosphate buffer, pH 7, at 70°C for 15,min. Preliminary in vivo study was done in non-tumor bearing mice. The results revealed that this new tracer,125I-melphalan, has a high affinity to be localized in the tumor site for a long period, which indicates the specificity of this tracer to the tumor cells. The labeled compound was cleared quickly from most of the body organs. These findings suggest that 125I-melphalan allows imaging and treatment of cancer. 125I-melphalan meets most of the requirements necessary to be used as a successful diagnostic and therapeutic agent: it is a low-molecular-weight molecule that diffuses readily in the tissues, and dose not induce an antibody response. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Magnetic resonance brain perfusion imaging with voxel-specific arterial input functionsJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 3 2006Renate Grüner MSc Abstract Purpose To propose an automatic method for estimating voxel-specific arterial input functions (AIFs) in dynamic contrast brain perfusion imaging. Materials and Methods Voxel-specific AIFs were estimated blindly using the theory of homomorphic transformations and complex cepstrum analysis. Wiener filtering was used in the subsequent deconvolution. The method was verified using simulated data and evaluated in 10 healthy adults. Results Computer simulations accurately estimated differently shaped, normalized AIFs. Simple Wiener filtering resulted in underestimation of flow values. Preliminary in vivo results showed comparable cerebral flow value ratios between gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) when using blindly estimated voxel-specific AIFs or a single manually selected AIF. Significant differences (P , 0.0125) in mean transit time (MTT) and time-to-peak (TTP) in GM compared to WM was seen with the new method. Conclusion Initial results suggest that the proposed method can replace the tedious and difficult task of manually selecting an AIF, while simultaneously providing better differentiation between time-dependent hemodynamic parameters. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Review article: acidity and volume of the refluxate in the genesis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptomsALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 9 2007D. SIFRIM Summary Background A number of mechanisms, other than acid reflux, may be responsible for the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Aim To assess the importance of non-acid reflux mechanisms. Methods This review is based on presentations and discussion at a workshop, where specialists in the field analysed data relating to these mechanisms. Results Weakly acidic reflux, pH (4,7), detected with impedance,pHmetry is associated with regurgitation and atypical gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms. It is not clear whether pepsin and trypsin can elicit symptoms, but bile can elicit heartburn. The magnitude of reflux-induced oesophageal distension can be determined by high frequency ultrasonography and is not reduced by proton pump inhibition, suggesting that persisting symptoms ,on' a proton pump inhibitor may still be due to oesophageal distension by non-acidic reflux. Exaggerated longitudinal muscle contraction can induce non-acid-related heartburn. Preliminary studies showed a positive effect of baclofen, surgery or endoscopic procedures to reduce weakly acidic reflux. Conclusion Mechanisms other than acid reflux are involved in some of the symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Controlled outcome studies are needed to clarify their roles and the indications for antireflux procedures in patients with persistent symptoms whilst ,on' a proton pump inhibitor. [source] Evaluating the In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of Nano-Structured Polymers for Bladder Tissue Replacement ApplicationsMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 5 2007Megan Pattison Abstract Bladder cancers requiring radical cystectomy, along with congenital and acquired disorders which result in obstruction of the bladder, necessitate surgical measures (including augmentation); such diagnoses bring a clinical need for effective bladder replacement implant designs. Many recent approaches for the design of soft tissue replacement materials have relied on the use of synthetic polymeric substances; unfortunately, the optimal soft tissue implant material is yet to be found. This may, in part, be because current polymeric formulations fail to sufficiently biomimic the neighboring bladder tissue. This study took a brand new approach in designing the next generation of tissue-engineered bladder constructs through the use of nanotechnology, or materials with nanometer (less than 100 nm) surface features. Results provided evidence that nano-structured polymeric scaffolds (specifically, PLGA and PU) created using chemical etching techniques are capable of enhancing the human bladder smooth muscle cell adhesion, proliferation, and the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Preliminary in vivo results also speak to the usefulness of such nano-structured materials. In combination, these findings suggest that nano-dimensional PLGA and PU scaffolds are promising replacement materials for the human bladder wall. [source] Lack of efficacy of ridogrel, a thromboxane synthase inhibitor, in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-centre clinical trial in active Crohn's diseaseALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 9 2001E. Carty Background: Thromboxanes are produced in excess and platelets are activated in active Crohn's disease. Preliminary reports have suggested that ridogrel, a dual thromboxane synthase inhibitor and receptor antagonist, may have therapeutic benefit in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Aims: To investigate the efficacy of ridogrel in patients with active Crohn's disease. Patients and methods: This was an international, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 5 mg/day oral ridogrel for 12 weeks in 85 patients with moderately active Crohn's disease. Sixty patients were randomized to receive ridogrel, and 25 to placebo. The Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) was used to assess disease activity: remission was defined as a CDAI < 150. Changes in clinical condition, as assessed by the Harvey,Bradshaw index, global evaluation by the investigator and the patient, and blood measures of inflammation, were used as secondary outcomes. Results: The patients' mean (s.d.) CDAI at recruitment was 277 (68) in the ridogrel treated group and 265 (70) in the placebo group. At their final assessment, 20 out of 60 (35%) patients who had been given ridogrel in an intention-to-treat analysis and seven out of 25 (28%) patients given placebo were in remission (no significant difference). No significant differences in Harvey, Bradshaw index or global evaluation were noted between patients given ridogrel and those given placebo. Adverse events were similar in both groups. Conclusion: A 5-mg dose of oral ridogrel was not more effective than placebo in inducing remission in patients with moderately active Crohn's disease. If thromboxane synthesis and platelet function are to be targeted for the treatment of Crohn's disease, more potent agents require development and assessment. [source] Ridogrel, a dual thromboxane synthase inhibitor and receptor antagonist: anti-inflammatory profile in inflammatory bowel diseaseALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2000Carty Background: Thromboxanes, prostaglandins, reactive oxygen metabolites and pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced in excess in inflammatory bowel disease. Preliminary reports suggest that ridogrel, a thromboxane synthesis inhibitor and receptor blocker, may have therapeutic benefits in ulcerative colitis. Aims: To investigate the anti-inflammatory profile of ridogrel. Methods: The effects of ridogrel on the production of eicosanoids, reactive oxygen metabolites and cytokines by cultured inflamed colorectal mucosal biopsies were made using ELISA and chemiluminescence, reactive oxygen metabolite generation in a cell-free system, and platelet activation using flow cytometry. The effects of oral ridogrel on mucosal release of eicosanoids in two patients with active ulcerative colitis were assessed using rectal dialysis. Results: Ridogrel significantly reduced the release of thromboxane B2, but not prostaglandin E2 or tumour necrosis factor-,, from biopsies (P < 0.01 for 10 ,M ridogrel). Ridogrel showed no direct antioxidant activity but significantly reduced reactive oxygen metabolite production from cultured biopsies (P < 0.01 for 10 ,M ridogrel). Platelet activation in vitro was inhibited by ridogrel (P , 0.05 for , 10 ,M ridogrel). Mean rectal mucosal thromboxane B2 release was reduced to 86% of pre-treatment levels in two patients treated with oral ridogrel. Conclusions: Its inhibition of mucosal production of thromboxane B2, reactive oxygen metabolites, and of platelet activation, suggests that ridogrel could have a therapeutic role in inflammatory bowel disease. [source] Recommendations for the use of icodextrin in peritoneal dialysis patientsNEPHROLOGY, Issue 1 2003Review Article SUMMARY: Icodextrin is a starch-derived, high molecular weight glucose polymer, which has been shown to promote sustained ultrafiltration equivalent to that achieved with hypertonic (3.86%/4.25%) glucose exchanges during prolonged intraperitoneal dwells (up to 16 h). Patients with impaired ultrafiltration, particularly in the settings of acute peritonitis, high transporter status and diabetes mellitus, appear to derive the greatest benefit from icodextrin with respect to augmentation of dialytic fluid removal, amelioration of symptomatic fluid retention and possible prolongation of technique survival. Glycaemic control is also improved by substituting icodextrin for hypertonic glucose exchanges in diabetic patients. Preliminary in vitro and ex vivo studies suggest that icodextrin demonstrates greater peritoneal membrane biocompatibility than glucose-based dialysates, but these findings need to be confirmed by long-term clinical studies. This paper reviews the available clinical evidence pertaining to the safety and efficacy of icodextrin and makes recommendations for its use in peritonal dialysis. [source] Activity of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins against cocoa pod borer larvaePEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 8 2004Djoko Santoso Abstract Twelve Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner were tested in bioassays on cacao plantations in Indonesia for activity against the larvae of cocoa pod borer (Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen)), an insect pest of the cacao tree. Through the damage caused by their feeding, the larvae of cocoa pod borer cause the pods of the cocoa tree to ripen prematurely. They are difficult to control with conventional measures. Preliminary assays identified five toxins that were more active than others. In two subsequent bioassays the activity of selected toxins was determined more accurately. Three Cry1 proteins with relatively little homology were all found to be toxic, opening perspectives for controlling cocoa pod borer by expression of Cry proteins in transgenic plants. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Online Light Scattering Measurements as a Means to Assess Influence of Extrusion Parameters on Non-reactive Polymer Blend Morphology: Experimental Procedure and Preliminary ResultsTHE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2002Christophe Serra Abstract The influence of extrusion parameters on the morphology of non-reactive blends has been investigated by means of online light-scattering measurements. A light-scattering device was especially designed to be mounted on a twin screw extruder at different locations along the barrel. The obtained light-scattering patterns were interpreted with respect to the variation of the processing parameters. Preliminary results show that there is little effect of the rotational speed, position along the screw and feed throughput on the morphology but a quite noticeable effect of the blend composition. These results were confirmed by SEM micrographs. On a étudié l'influence des paramètres d'extrusion sur la morphologie de mélanges non réactifs par des mesures de diffusion de la lumière en ligne. Un système de diffusion de la lumière a été spécialement conçu pour être monté sur une extrudeuse bi-vis à différents endroits le long du fourreau. Les modèles de diffusion de la lumière obtenus sont interprétés en tenant compte de la variation des paramètres de procédé. Les résultats préliminaires montrent le peu d'effet de la vitesse rotationnelle, de la position sur la vis et de la capacité d'alimentation sur la morphologie mais un effet assez appréciable de la composition du mélange. Ces résultats sont confirmés par des micrographes en microscopie électronique à balayage. [source] Interferometric Insights into the Cycle of MatterASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue S2 2003Katharina Schreyer C01 A Multiplicity Survey of the , Oph Molecular Cloud , Preliminary Results C02 Bispectrum Speckle Interferometry of Young Jet- and Outflow-sources [source] Winds of time and place: How context has affected a 50,year marriagePERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, Issue 3 2003George Levinger To examine the effects of contexts on a relationship, we consider the case of our own 50,year marriage and its preliminaries. We employ a three,level conception of a couple's environment. The macrocontext refers to the prevailing cultural winds in a society that affect all its residents during any given historical era. The mesocontext pertains to the settings in which a particular relationship operates, such as its family and other social networks, physical habitats, work settings, or institutional associations, often chosen by the partners themselves. The microcontext is the pair's own intimate environment, constructed over time by the partners' unique interactions. Each of these contexts has affected us. We describe and analyze instances of luck, choice, and dyadic interaction in our 52,year relationship. [source] A systematic review of structured group interventions with mentally disordered offendersCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2006Edward A.S. Duncan Background,Over the last 15 years, rehabilitation of offenders has been rigorously researched, resulting in new knowledge and understanding about factors decreasing recidivism amongst them. Typically, such interventions have been based on cognitive behavioural therapy. However, until recently, little research had been carried out on the rehabilitation of offenders with mental disorder. The authors present the first systematic review of the efficacy of structured group interventions with mentally disordered offenders. Aim,To evaluate structured group interventions with mentally disordered offenders through systematic review of the evidence for their efficacy and effectiveness. Methods,A standardized search strategy, with complementary methods of data retrieval to ensure a high degree of recall, was employed. Meta-analysis was not undertaken due to sample heterogeneity and lack of comparable data. Instead, effect sizes were calculated on all papers with sufficient data. Pooled effect sizes were calculated for groups of interventions with a similar focus. Results,Twenty studies were retrieved that fitted the inclusion criteria. It was possible to categorize these, predominantly British, studies into four main themes: problem-solving; anger/aggression management; self-harm; and other. The mean pooled effect sizes for the first two groups were suggestive of a moderate to high effect, but methodological variation means that these findings should still be treated as preliminary. Discussion and conclusions,Calculated effect sizes give optimism for the efficacy of structured group interventions with mentally disordered offenders. It is important now that more rigorous and consistent research methods be applied, even in secure hospital environments. Some suggestions towards achieving this are offered, drawing from the work to date, inclusive of the need for agreement on common outcome measures and development of networks to improve sample sizes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Efficacy of interpersonal therapy-group format adapted to post-traumatic stress disorder: an open-label add-on trialDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 1 2010Rosaly F.B. Campanini MSc. Abstract Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent condition, yet available treatments demonstrate only modest efficacy. Exposure therapies, considered by many to be the "gold-standard" therapy for PTSD, are poorly tolerated by many patients and show high attrition. We evaluated interpersonal therapy, in a group format, adapted to PTSD (IPT-G PTSD), as an adjunctive treatment for patients who failed to respond to conventional psychopharmacological treatment. Methods: Research participants included 40 patients who sought treatment through a program on violence in the department of psychiatry of Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). They had received conventional psychopharmacological treatment for at least 12 weeks and failed to have an adequate clinical response. After signing an informed consent, approved earlier by the UNIFESP Ethics Review Board, they received a semi-structured diagnostic interview (SCID-I), administered by a trained mental health worker, to confirm the presence of a PTSD diagnosis according to DSM-IV criteria. Other instruments were administered, and patients completed out self-report instruments at baseline, and endpoint to evaluate clinical outcomes. Results: Thirty-three patients completed the trial, but all had at least one second outcome evaluation. There were significant improvements on all measures, with large effect sizes. Conclusions: IPT-G PTSD was effective not only in decreasing symptoms of PTSD, but also in decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It led to significant improvements in social adjustment and quality of life. It was well tolerated and there were few dropouts. Our results are very preliminary; they need further confirmation through randomized controlled clinical trials. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Script-driven imagery of self-injurious behavior in patients with borderline personality disorder: a pilot FMRI studyACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010A. Kraus Objective:, Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is one of the most distinctive features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and related to impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. Method:, Female patients with BPD (n = 11) and healthy controls (n = 10) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while listening to a standardized script describing an act of self-injury. Experimental sections of the script were contrasted to the neutral baseline section and group-specific brain activities were compared. Results:, While imagining the reactions to a situation triggering SIB, patients with BPD showed significantly less activation in the orbitofrontal cortex compared with controls. Furthermore, only patients with BPD showed increased activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during this section and a decrease in the mid-cingulate while imagining the self-injurious act itself. Conclusion:, This pattern of activation preliminary suggests an association with diminished emotion regulation, impulse control as well as with response selection and reappraisal during the imagination of SIB. [source] Atypical antipsychotics and weightgain , a systematic reviewACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2000D. M. Taylor Objective: To review systematically data relating to weight changes with atypical antipsychotics. Method: We conducted a Medline search on October 29 1999 and covered the period 1980,99. All recovered papers were examined for further relevant reports. In addition, we wrote to pharmaceutical manufacturers and 10 practising clinicians to ask them to provide other relevant reports known to them. Results: Eighty reports mentioning change in body weight were retrieved. Data relating to weight changes were of variable quality. Weight changes were indicated by a variety of measures. The majority of reports related to short-term changes. Conclusion: All atypical drugs, with the exception of ziprasidone, have been associated with weight increases. Clozapine seems to have the highest risk of weight gain, followed by olanzapine and quetiapine. There is probably a lower risk with risperidone, sertindole and zotepine and a still lower risk with amisulpride. Ziprasidone appears not to be associated with weight gain. In the absence of more compelling data, these rankings must be considered approximate and preliminary. Longer, more robust trials are needed. [source] Correlation between attenuated psychotic experiences and depressive symptoms among Japanese studentsEARLY INTERVENTION IN PSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2010Hiroyuki Kobayashi Abstract Aims: To examine the emergence of attenuated psychotic experiences, self-disturbance or affective symptoms among younger subjects in the general population and to investigate the intergroup differences on each symptom between adolescents and post-adolescents. Methods: A total of 781 participants, 496 university students (mean age: 19.3 ± 1.1 years) and 285 high school students (mean age: 16.0 ± 0.3 years), were administered self-reported questionnaires. Psychotic prodromal symptoms were evaluated using the PRIME Screen-Revised (PS-R), a 12-item self-reported questionnaire. To measure the cognitive, emotional and physical symptoms associated with depression, the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (ZSDS), a 20-item self-reported questionnaire, was administered. Results: There were no intergroup differences on the factor score of the PS-R, except the self-demarcation factor (post-adolescents > adolescents), whereas there were significant differences in the factor score of the ZSDS, except for the anxiety factor. Among the post-adolescents, the factors of the PS-R showed a moderate correlation to the cognitive factor on the ZSDS; among the adolescents, the PS-R factors showed a greater correlation to the anxiety factor on the ZSDS than other factors. There were no differences in the distribution of each item of the PS-R between the two groups. Conclusions: The disturbance of self results in difficulty to precisely objectify, especially among adolescents, which would induce more primitive reactions such as agitation, irritability or anxiety; probably, the self disturbance would become an explicit symptom from an implicit experience with advancing age of the subject. Although these data are only preliminary, they could explain the pathway of progression prior to the onset of psychosis, from disturbance within the self to exaggerated self-absorption. [source] Seismic performance of a 3D full-scale high-ductility steel,concrete composite moment-resisting structure,Part I: Design and testing procedureEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 14 2008A. Braconi Abstract A multi-level pseudo-dynamic (PSD) seismic test programme was performed on a full-scale three-bay two-storey steel,concrete composite moment-resisting frame built with partially encased composite columns and partial-strength connections. The system was designed to provide strength and ductility for earthquake resistance with energy dissipation located in ductile components of beam-to-column joints including flexural yielding of beam end-plates and shear yielding of the column web panel zone. In addition, the response of the frame depending on the column base yielding was analysed. Firstly, the design of the test structure is presented in the paper, with particular emphasis on the ductile detailing of beam-to-column joints. Details of the construction of the test structure and the test set-up are also given. The paper then provides a description of the non-linear static and dynamic analytical studies that were carried out to preliminary assess the seismic performance of the test structure and establish a comprehensive multi-level PSD seismic test programme. The resulting test protocol included the application of a spectrum-compatible earthquake ground motion scaled to four different peak ground acceleration levels to reproduce an elastic response as well as serviceability, ultimate, and collapse limit state conditions, respectively. Severe damage to the building was finally induced by a cyclic test with stepwise increasing displacement amplitudes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Treatment of opioid dependence in adolescents and young adults with extended release naltrexone: preliminary case-series and feasibilityADDICTION, Issue 9 2010Marc J. Fishman ABSTRACT Background Opioid dependence is an increasing problem among adolescents and young adults, but in contrast to the standard in the adult population, adoption of pharmacotherapies has been slow. Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) is a promising treatment that has been receiving increasing interest for adult opioid dependence. Clinical chart abstractions were performed on a convenience sample of 16 serial adolescent and young adult cases (mean age 18.5 years) treated for opioid dependence with XR-NTX who attended at least one out-patient clinical follow-up visit. Case descriptions Of these 16 cases, 10 of 16 (63%) were retained in treatment for at least 4 months and nine of 16 (56%) had a ,good' outcome defined as having substantially decreased opioid use, improvement in at least one psychosocial domain and no new problems due to substance use. Conclusions These descriptive results suggest that XR-NTX in the treatment of adolescents and young adults with opioid dependence is well tolerated over a period of 4 months and feasible in a community-based treatment setting, and associated with good outcomes in a preliminary, small non-controlled case-series. This probably reflects an overall trend towards greater adoption of medication treatments for this population. [source] Scale dependence of diversity measures in a leaf-litter ant assemblageECOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2004Maurice Leponce A reliable characterization of community diversity and composition, necessary to allow inter-site comparisons and to monitor changes, is especially difficult to reach in speciose invertebrate communities. Spatial components of the sampling design (sampling interval, extent and grain) as well as temporal variations of species density affect the measures of diversity (species richness S, Buzas and Gibson's evenness E and Shannon's heterogeneity H). Our aim was to document the small-scale spatial distribution of leaf litter ants in a subtropical dry forest of the Argentinian Chaco and analyze how the community characterization was best achieved with a minimal sampling effort. The work was based on the recent standardized protocol for collecting ants of the leaf litter ("A.L.L.": 20 samples at intervals of 10 m). To evaluate the consistency of the sampling method in time and space, the selected site was first subject to a preliminary transect, then submitted after a 9-month interval to an 8-fold oversampling campaign (160 samples at interval of 1.25 m). Leaf litter ants were extracted from elementary 1 m2 quadrats with Winkler apparatus. An increase in the number of samples collected increased S and decreased E but did not affect much H. The sampling interval and extent did not affect S and H beyond a distance of 10 m between samples. An increase of the sampling grain had a similar effect on S than a corresponding increase of the number of samples collected, but caused a proportionaly greater increase of H. The density of species m,2 varied twofold after a 9-month interval; the effect on S could only be partially corrected by rarefaction. The measure of species numerical dominance was little affected by the season. A single standardized A.L.L. transect with Winkler samples collected <45% of the species present in the assemblage. All frequent species were included but their relative frequency was not always representative. A log series distribution of species occurrences was oberved. Fisher's , and Shannon's H were the most appropriate diversity indexes. The former was useful to rarefy or abundify S and the latter was robust against sample size effects. Both parametric and Soberón and Llorente extrapolation methods outperformed non-parametric methods and yielded a fair estimate of total species richness along the transect, a minimum value of S for the habitat sampled. [source] Developing limits for driving under cannabisADDICTION, Issue 12 2007Franjo Grotenhermen ABSTRACT Objective Development of a rational and enforceable basis for controlling the impact of cannabis use on traffic safety. Methods An international working group of experts on issues related to drug use and traffic safety evaluated evidence from experimental and epidemiological research and discussed potential approaches to developing per se limits for cannabis. Results In analogy to alcohol, finite (non-zero) per se limits for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in blood appear to be the most effective approach to separating drivers who are impaired by cannabis use from those who are no longer under the influence. Limited epidemiological studies indicate that serum concentrations of THC below 10 ng/ml are not associated with an elevated accident risk. A comparison of meta-analyses of experimental studies on the impairment of driving-relevant skills by alcohol or cannabis suggests that a THC concentration in the serum of 7,10 ng/ml is correlated with an impairment comparable to that caused by a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. Thus, a suitable numerical limit for THC in serum may fall in that range. Conclusions This analysis offers an empirical basis for a per se limit for THC that allows identification of drivers impaired by cannabis. The limited epidemiological data render this limit preliminary. [source] A strategy to reduce the numbers of fish used in acute ecotoxicity testing of pharmaceuticalsENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2003Thomas H. Hutchinson Abstract The pharmaceutical industry gives high priority to animal welfare in the process of drug discovery and safety assessment. In the context of environmental assessments of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), existing U.S. Food and Drug Administration and draft European regulations may require testing of APIs for acute ecotoxicity to algae, daphnids, and fish (base-set ecotoxicity data used to derive the predicted no-effect concentration [PNECwater] from the most sensitive of three species). Subject to regulatory approval, it is proposed that testing can be moved from fish median lethal concentration (LC50) testing (typically using ,42 fish/API) to acute threshold tests using fewer fish (typically 10 fish/API). To support this strategy, we have collated base-set ecotoxicity data from regulatory studies of 91 APIs (names coded for commercial reasons). For 73 of the 91 APIs, the algal median effect concentration (EC50) and daphnid EC50 values were lower than or equal to the fish LC50 data. Thus, for approximately 80% of these APIs, algal and daphnid acute EC50 data could have been used in the absence offish LC50 data to derive PNECwater values. For the other 18 APIs, use of an acute threshold test with a step-down factor of 3.2 is predicted to give comparable PNECwater outcomes. Based on this preliminary scenario of 91 APIs, this approach is predicted to reduce the total number offish used from 3,822 to 1,025 (,73%). The present study, although preliminary, suggests that the current regulatory requirement for fish LC50 data regarding APIs should be succeeded by fish acute threshold (step-down) test data, thereby achieving significant animal welfare benefits with no loss of data for PNECwater estimates. [source] Quantitative tools for perfecting species listsENVIRONMETRICS, Issue 2 2002Michael W. Palmer Abstract A substantial body of literature has accumulated on the topic of the estimation of species richness by extrapolation. However, most of these methods rely on an objective sampling of nature. This condition is difficult to meet and seldom achieved for large regions. Furthermore, scientists conducting biological surveys often already have preliminary but subjectively gathered species lists, and would like to assess the completeness of such lists, and/or to find a way to perfect them. We propose several strategies for utilizing external data (such as might be obtained using GIS) to aid in the completion of species lists. These include: (i) using existing species lists to develop predictive models; (ii) using the uniqueness of the environment as a guide to find underrepresented species; (iii) using spectral heterogeneity to locate environmentally heterogeneous regions; (iv) combining surveys with statistical model-building in an iterative manner. We demonstrate the potential of these approaches using simulation and case studies from Oklahoma. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A case series investigating acceptance and commitment therapy as a treatment for previously treated, unremitted patients with anorexia nervosaEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 6 2009M. I. Berman Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) using a case series methodology among participants with a history of prior treatment for AN. Three participants enrolled; all completed the study. All participants had a history of 1,20 years of intensive eating disorder treatment prior to enrollment. Participants were seen for 17,19 twice-weekly sessions of manualized ACT. Symptoms were assessed at baseline, post-treatment and 1-year follow-up. All participants experienced clinically significant improvement on at least some measures; no participants worsened or lost weight even at 1-year follow-up. Simulation modelling analysis (SMA) revealed for some participants an increase in weight gain and a decrease in eating disorder symptoms during the treatment phase as compared to a baseline assessment phase. These data, although preliminary, suggest that ACT could be a promising treatment for subthreshold or clinical cases of AN, even with chronic participants or those with medical complications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Studies of p -Methoxybenzyl-Substituted and Benzyl-Substituted N-Heterocyclic Carbene,Silver ComplexesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2010Siddappa Patil Abstract p -Methoxybenzyl-substituted and benzyl-substituted N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) [(3a,c) and (6a,c)] precursors were synthesised from the reaction of 1H -imidazole (1a), 4,5-dichloro-1H -imidazole (1b), and 1H -benzimidazole (1c) with p -methoxybenzyl bromide (2) and benzyl bromide (5). These NHC precursors were then treated with silver(I) acetate to yield the NHC,silver complexes [1,3-bis(4-methoxybenzyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]silver(I) acetate (4a), [4,5-dichloro-1,3-bis(4-methoxybenzyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]silver(I) acetate (4b), [1,3-bis(4-methoxybenzyl)benzimidazol-2-ylidene]silver(I) acetate (4c), (1,3-dibenzylimidazol-2-ylidene)silver(I) acetate (7a), (1,3-dibenzyl-4,5-dichloroimidazol-2-ylidene)silver(I) acetate (7b), and (1,3-dibenzylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene)silver(I) acetate (7c), respectively. The NHC precursor 3c, four NHC,silver complexes 4c and 7a,c were characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The preliminary antibacterial activity of all the compounds was studied against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, and Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus using the Kirby,Bauer disk-diffusion method. Almost all the NHC,silver complexes have shown high antibacterial activity compared to the NHC precursors. In addition, the NHC,silver complexes had their cytotoxicity investigated through MTT-based preliminary in vitro testing on the Caki-1 cell lines in order to determine their IC50 values. NHC,silver complexes 4a,c and 7a,c were found to have IC50 values of 7.3 (+/,6), 12.7(+/,3), 25.2 (+/,5), 2.5 (+/,3), 10.8 (+/,4) and 12.5 (+/,4) ,M respectively on the Caki-1 cell line. [source] EFNS guidelines on neurostimulation therapy for neuropathic painEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 9 2007G. Cruccu Pharmacological relief of neuropathic pain is often insufficient. Electrical neurostimulation is efficacious in chronic neuropathic pain and other neurological diseases. European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) launched a Task Force to evaluate the evidence for these techniques and to produce relevant recommendations. We searched the literature from 1968 to 2006, looking for neurostimulation in neuropathic pain conditions, and classified the trials according to the EFNS scheme of evidence for therapeutic interventions. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is efficacious in failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I (level B recommendation). High-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be better than placebo (level C) although worse than electro-acupuncture (level B). One kind of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has transient efficacy in central and peripheral neuropathic pains (level B). Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is efficacious in central post-stroke and facial pain (level C). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) should only be performed in experienced centres. Evidence for implanted peripheral stimulations is inadequate. TENS and r-TMS are non-invasive and suitable as preliminary or add-on therapies. Further controlled trials are warranted for SCS in conditions other than failed back surgery syndrome and CRPS and for MCS and DBS in general. These chronically implanted techniques provide satisfactory pain relief in many patients, including those resistant to medication or other means. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||