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First Assessment (first + assessment)
Selected AbstractsFirst assessment of methane and carbon dioxide emissions from shallow and deep zones of boreal reservoirs upon ice break-upLAKES & RESERVOIRS: RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2006Éric Duchemin Abstract Most studies dealing with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large boreal reservoirs were conducted during the ice-free period. In this paper, the potential methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide emissions are estimated for two hydroelectric reservoirs, as well as for a small experimental reservoir from boreal latitudes (northern Quebec, Canada) at the ice break-up event through diffusion (diffusive fluxes) and release of bubbles (bubbling fluxes). The results of this preliminary study suggest that the winter diffusive fluxes at the air,water interface of the sampled reservoirs represent < 7% of their cumulative carbon emissions during the ice-free period. Furthermore, the release upon ice-break of CH4 bubbles accumulated under the ice cover during the winter could represent 2% of the summer carbon emissions from hydroelectric reservoirs in northern Quebec. The results presented herein suggest that the GHG emissions upon ice break-up from the boreal reservoirs investigated are a small, but non-negligible, component of their annual GHG emissions. [source] Immediate effects of methylphenidate on cognitive attention skills of children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorderDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 6 2005Jane Hood MSc This study investigated the immediate effects of stimulant medication (methylphenidate) on cognitive attention processes in children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thirteen males and two females (mean age 9y 5mo, SD 18.3mo) with a diagnosis of ADHD and who were to be prescribed methylphenidate were assessed twice on one day with the Test of Everyday Attention for Children, a neuropsychological battery designed to tap different aspects of cognitive attention. Between assessments, the children were administered methylphenidate (10mg). Each child had at least average intelligence (IQ 80 or over, as measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - III UK) and was on no other medication. A group of 16 children, who were matched for age, sex, and intelligence, also performed the cognitive tests twice on the same day to control for practice effects of testing. At the first assessment, children with ADHD demonstrated significant impairments in several aspects of cognitive attention in comparison with the control group, particularly sustained attention. After administration of methylphenidate for the children with ADHD, they showed significant improvements in their performance on measures of cognitive attention compared to controls. The immediate effects of methylphenidate and the significance of measuring cognitive aspects of attention as well as behavioural measures are discussed. [source] Mental health improvements of substance-dependent clients after 4 months in a Therapeutic CommunityDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 5 2010ANNE-MAREE POLIMENI Abstract Introduction and Aims. Odyssey House Victoria's Therapeutic Community (TC) accepts substance-dependent clients, including those with co-occurring mental health issues. American data suggest that TCs are effective in rehabilitating such clients; however, Australian research is limited. The aim of the study was to examine Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) profiles of Odyssey House TC residents early in their residency and again after 4 months, to chart changes in MMPI-2 profiles and compare them with norms for psychological health. Design and Methods. The sample comprised 351 clients who were part of the residential program between 1997 and 2007, and who remained in treatment at the TC for at least 4 months. They were administered the MMPI-2 after 5 weeks in treatment and again after 4 months. Results. At the first assessment, the validity scales of the MMPI-2 plus the clinical scales Depression, Psychopathic Deviate, Paranoia, Psychasthenia and Schizophrenia were in the clinical range. At the second assessment, mean scores on all clinical scales except Mania were significantly or near significantly lower and, except for Psychopathic Deviate, within the normal range. The validity scales also demonstrated improvement, although two of the three remained in the clinical range. Discussion and Conclusions. Results indicated that treatment within the TC over this time span was associated with improved mental health. The present study suggests that residential rehabilitation's holistic approach provides a suitable treatment model for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.[Polimeni A-M, Moore SM, Gruenert S. Mental health improvements of substance-dependent clients after 4 months in a Therapeutic Community. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010] [source] The role of personality dispositions to risky behavior in predicting first-year college drinkingADDICTION, Issue 2 2009Melissa A. Cyders ABSTRACT Aims US college student drinking is associated with enormous risks to health, safety and productivity. Recent advances in personality research that have delineated multiple, separate dispositions to engage in risky behaviors may help to clarify the personality contribution to risk for this problem. Design The authors compared the prospective roles of sensation seeking, lack of planning, lack of perseverance, negative urgency and positive urgency (dispositions to engage in rash action when in an unusually negative or positive mood, respectively) in predicting increases in drinking frequency, drinking quantity and negative outcomes from consumption across the first year of college. Setting University of Kentucky campus. Participants A total of 418 first-year US college students enrolled in an Introduction to Psychology course during the first assessment; 293 participants completed both phases of the study. Measurements Participants completed self-report measures of personality and drinking behavior twice during the first year of college [the UPPS-R Impulsive Behavior Scale, positive urgency measure (PUM) and Drinking Styles Questionnaire (DSQ)]. Findings Whereas sensation seeking related to increases in the frequency with which college students drank alcohol, positive urgency predicted increases in (i) the quantity of alcohol students consumed at any given drinking episode and (ii) negative outcomes experienced from drinking. Conclusions It appears that although sensation seeking is a risk factor for participation in drinking behaviors, risk for increased quantity of consumption and its negative outcomes may be more a function of dyscontrol stemming from high positive mood for college students. [source] The distributional effects of carbon and energy taxes: the cases of France, Spain, Italy, Germany and UKENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE, Issue 4 2002Dr. E. J. Symons This paper examines the likely immediate impact effect of some pollution taxes on the tax burden of households in a number of European countries. The total effect on households of such taxes is assessed using input,output analysis. Thus both the direct effect of taxes, through increased fuel prices, and the indirect effect, through increased prices of other goods, can be assessed simultaneously. This input,output approach allows the generation of direct plus indirect pollution intensities for all household consumption categories, for, in principle, a number of pollutants (CO2, SO2, NOx, particulates). These intensities could then be used to assess the impact on households of pollution taxes. This paper concentrates on CO2 and energy, performing a static analysis of the effect of a tax on the carbon or energy content of goods using the known consumption patterns for the various countries, both in aggregate and for different income groups. This allows a first assessment of the regressive/progressive effects of such taxes and an indication of consumer welfare loss. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Comparative efficacy of rapid-release nicotine gum versus nicotine polacrilex gum in relieving smoking cue-provoked cravingADDICTION, Issue 11 2005Raymond Niaura ABSTRACT Aims Most relapse episodes occur when smokers are confronted with craving provoked by situational cues. Current nicotine gum can help relieve cue-provoked cravings, but faster effects may result in more rapid relief. We tested a prototype formulation of a new rapid-release nicotine gum (RRNG) that provides more rapid release and absorption of nicotine, for its ability to provide faster and better craving relief compared to current nicotine polacrilex gum (NPG). Design Random assignment to RRNG or NPG, used during a smoking cue provocation procedure. Participants and setting A total of 319 smokers were exposed to a smoking cue in the laboratory by being asked to light but not smoke a cigarette of their preferred brand. Subjects then chewed a piece of 2 mg RRNG (n = 159) or 2 mg NPG (n = 160) according to randomized assignment. Measurements Craving assessments were completed at regular intervals before and after cue exposure (baseline, pre-cue, and 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 35 minutes after the cue). Findings Smokers chewing RRNG showed significantly lower craving than NPG subjects starting with the first assessment at 3 minutes (P < 0.025). Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant treatment × time interaction (P < 0.05),craving scores dropped more rapidly in RRNG subjects compared to NPG subjects. Survival analyses also indicated superiority of RRNG in achieving more rapid self-reported meaningful relief (P < 0.05) and complete relief (P < 0.05) of craving. Conclusions Rapid-release nicotine gum reduced cue-provoked craving more rapidly compared to NPG, and thus merits further study in cessation efficacy trials. [source] Extrapolation of metabolic pathways as an aid to modelling completely sequenced nonSaccharomyces yeastsFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008Florian Iragne Abstract Mathematical models of biological processes for the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are the subject of intensive effort and are available in increasing numbers. An open question is whether such models are informative for related yeasts of biotechnological and medical interest that will not themselves benefit from an equivalent effort. In this study, we assess a method for extrapolating reference models to other completely sequenced yeasts, using a combination of graph-theoretic analysis and reliable identification of homologous genes using Génolevures protein families. In this first assessment, we focus on subtractive modeling, identified through the correlated loss of input and output ports in metabolic pathways. We confirm that the major, highly connected, pathways of central metabolism are conserved and might be universal. In 60,80% of our results, further analysis is not required to determine whether the pathway is lost or conserved, so that our method can be systematically applied as a first step in developing species-specific models. [source] Early infection of Fagus sylvatica by Heterobasidion annosum sensu strictoFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Akomy Summary Heterobasidion annosum sensu stricto is the most important damaging agent in Scots pine stands planted on the former agricultural lands in Poland. The routine action in pine stands which have lost stability because of H. annosum root rot is to change stand management, including species conversion. In many cases, the Fagus sylvatica is used for this purpose. This study was the first assessment of widespread infection by H. annosum in young F. sylvatica plantations. Disease symptoms included atrophy and yellowing of leaves, wilting and the presence of pathogen sporocarps around the root collars of young trees. Heterobasidion annosum s. s. was observed on both 4- and 17-year-old beech. Based on annual increments, the disease could be present for 3,4 years before tree death. A high incidence of H. annosum in pine stumps of previous stands (80,100%) and dry periods in recent years may be the main reasons for such common infection of F. sylvatica. This work also showed that mice and frost were not the main killing factors F. sylvatica in plantations. [source] Endemic species and ecosystem sensitivity to climate change in NamibiaGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2006WILFRIED THUILLER Abstract We present a first assessment of the potential impacts of anthropogenic climate change on the endemic flora of Namibia, and on its vegetation structure and function, for a projected climate in ,2050 and ,2080. We used both niche-based models (NBM) to evaluate the sensitivity of 159 endemic species to climate change (of an original 1020 plant species modeled) and a dynamic global vegetation model (DGVM) to assess the impacts of climate change on vegetation structure and ecosystem functioning. Endemic species modeled by NBM are moderately sensitive to projected climate change. Fewer than 5% are predicted to experience complete range loss by 2080, although more than 47% of the species are expected to be vulnerable (range reduction >30%) by 2080 if they are assumed unable to migrate. Disaggregation of results by life-form showed distinct patterns. Endemic species of perennial herb, geophyte and tree life-formsare predicted to be negatively impacted in Namibia, whereas annual herb and succulent endemic species remain relatively stable by 2050 and 2080. Endemic annual herb species are even predicted to extend their range north-eastward into the tree and shrub savanna with migration, and tolerance of novel substrates. The current protected area network is predicted to meet its mandate by protecting most of the current endemicity in Namibia into the future. Vegetation simulated by DGVM is projected to experience a reduction in cover, net primary productivity and leaf area index throughout much of the country by 2050, with important implications for the faunal component of Namibia's ecosystems, and the agricultural sector. The plant functional type (PFT) composition of the major biomes may be substantially affected by climate change and rising atmospheric CO2, currently widespread deciduous broad leaved trees and C4 PFTs decline, with the C4 PFT particularly negatively affected by rising atmospheric CO2 impacts by ,2080 and deciduous broad leaved trees more likely directly impacted by drying and warming. The C3 PFT may increase in prominence in the northwestern quadrant of the country by ,2080 as CO2 concentrations increase. These results suggest that substantial changes in species diversity, vegetation structure and ecosystem functioning can be expected in Namibia with anticipated climate change, although endemic plant richness may persist in the topographically diverse central escarpment region. [source] Ecohydrology of a seasonal wetland in the Rift Valley: ecological characterization of Lake SolaiAFRICAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Tanguy De Bock Abstract The following research describes through an ecohydrological approach, the first assessment of the ecology of Lake Solai, with a particular emphasis on the vegetation. Lake Solai is located 50 km north of Nakuru in the Rift Valley in Kenya at E36°80,,36°84, to N00°05,,00°08,. It is a shallow lake that follows a very peculiar seasonal water regime, and that faces conflicts between agriculture and conservation water users. In the upper catchment, an overview of the agricultural practices was implemented and river water uses were identified to assess river flows. Crops/grassland and woodland/shrubland were the major land uses, covering c. 65% of the catchment. Closer to the lake, vegetation samples were collected around the lake together with samples of environmental factors such as soil and water quality. Thirteen vegetation communities were identified within four main zonations: forest, grassland, river inlet and rocky outcrop. These communities showed abundance, distribution and diversity determined mostly by the human pressures, the flooding periods and the salinity. Cynodon, Cyperus and Sporobolus genera were the most abundant. Résumé La recherche suivante décrit, par une approche éco-hydrologique, la première évaluation de l'écologie du lac Solai, en insistant particulièrement sur la végétation. Le lac Solai est situéà 50 km au nord de Nakuru, dans la vallée du Rift kényane, et ses coordonnées sont 36°80,,36°84E à 00°05,,00°08,N. C'est un lac peu profond qui est soumis à un régime hydrique saisonnier très particulier et qui est confrontéà des conflits entre acteurs agricoles et de conservation de la nature. En amont du bassin, une étude des pratiques agricoles a été effectuée, puis les utilisations de l'eau identifiées pour évaluer les débits des rivières. Les cultures/prairies et les forêts/broussailles étaient les principales utilisations des terres et couvraient environ 65% du bassin versant. Plus en aval, des échantillons de végétation ont été récoltés le long du lac, en même temps que des échantillons de facteurs environnementaux tels que le sol et l'eau. Treize communautés végétales ont été identifiées au sein de quatre zones principales: forêt, prairie, rivière entrante et affleurement rocheux. Ces communautés présentaient une abondance, une distribution et une diversité qui étaient principalement déterminées par les pressions humaines, les périodes d'inondation et la salinité. Les genres Cynodon, Cyperus et Sporobolusétaient les plus abondants. [source] Clinical indicators of ineffective airway clearance in children with congenital heart diseaseJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 5 2009Viviane Martins Da Silva Aims and objectives., To analyse the sensitivity and specificity of clinical indicators of ineffective airway clearance in children with congenital heart disease and to identify the indicators that have high predictive power. Background., The precise establishment of nursing diagnoses has been found to be one of the factors contributing to higher quality of care and cost reduction in healthcare institutions. The use of indicators to diagnose ineffective airway clearance could improve care of children with congenital heart disease. Design., Longitudinal study. Methods., Participants consisted of 45 children, ,1 year of age, with congenital heart disease, who had not had definitive or palliative surgical correction. Six assessments were made at 2-day intervals. Each clinical indicator was defined based on previously established operational criteria. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of each indicator were calculated based on a model for the longitudinal data. Results., A nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance was made in 31% of patients on the first assessment, rising to 71% on the last assessment, for a 40% increase. Sensitivity was highest for Changes in Respiratory Rates/Rhythms (0·99), followed by Adventitious Breath Sounds (0·97), Sputum Production (0·85) and Restlessness (0·53). Specificity was higher for Sputum Production (0·92), followed by Restlessness (0·73), Adventitious Breath Sounds (0·70) and Changes in Respiratory Rates/Rhythms (0·17). The best positive predictive values occurred for Sputum Production (0·93) and Adventitious Breath Sounds (0·80). Conclusions., Adventitious Breath Sounds followed by Sputum Production were the indicators that had the best overall sensitivity and specificity as well as the highest positive predictive values. Relevance to clinical practice., The use of simple indicators in nursing diagnoses can improve identification of ineffective airway clearance in children with congenital heart disease, thus leading to early treatment of the problem and better care for these children. [source] Risk Factors of Sexual Harassment by Peers: A Longitudinal Investigation of African American and European American AdolescentsJOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE, Issue 2 2007Sara E. Goldstein The present research explores risk factors for, and longitudinal associations of, sexual harassment by peers during adolescence. Eight-hundred and seventy-two African American and European American adolescents (65.4% African American, 51.1% females) were assessed during the summer after the eighth grade (mean age=14.2 years) and then again in the 11th grade (mean age=17.1 years). At the first assessment, adolescents were asked about their experiences with sexual harassment, their psychological reactions to sexual harassment, and also about their peer relationships, perceived pubertal timing, problem behavior, and mental health. At the second assessment, adolescents reported on their problem behavior and mental health. In general, youth who associated with peers who were involved in problem behavior were at risk for victimization. Among females, those who perceived themselves to be experiencing early pubertal development were also at risk. Additionally, for some adolescents, sexual harassment predicted later adjustment difficulties. [source] The influence of admissions variables on first year medical school performance: a study from Newcastle University, AustraliaMEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 2 2002Frances Kay-Lambkin Aims This study examined the relationship between the performance of first year medical students at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and admission variables: previous educational experience, and entry classification (standard , academic or composite, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, or overseas), age and gender. Methods Admission and demographic information was obtained for students who entered first year medicine at Newcastle between the years 1994 and 1997 inclusive. Academic performance was measured according to results of first assessment (`satisfactory' vs. `not satisfactory') and the final assessment of the first year (`satisfactory' vs. `not satisfactory'). Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between predictor variables and outcomes. Results Assessment and admissions information was obtained for 278 students, 98% of all students who entered the medical course between 1994 and 1997. Regression analysis of first assessment indicated that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and overseas students were significantly more likely to be `not satisfactory' than all other students (RR=3·1,95% CI: 1·4. , 6 7 and RR=1·5, 95% CI: 1·2,1·8, respectively). Analysis of final assessment indicated these two student groups were also significantly more likely to be `not satisfactory' than all other students (RR=4·5, 95% CI: 1·4,13·5 and RR=3·5, 95% CI: 1·2,10·8, respectively). At first assessment, students entering via the standard academic pathway and older students were less likely to be `not satisfactory' (RR=0·6, 95% CI: 0·5,0·7 and RR=0·8, 95% CI: 0·7,0·9, respectively). However both these differences were not evident at final assessment. There were no significant relationships between performance in first year and the remaining variables. Conclusions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and overseas medical students had academic difficulties in the first year of the course, suggesting the need for extra course support. The result may reflect the educational and other obstacles these students must overcome in order to enter and progress through their medical degree. More research is warranted to explore the extent to which these differences persist throughout the medical degree. [source] Outcome of active disease in ankylosing spondylitis: A prospective studyMUSCULOSKELETAL CARE, Issue 1 2010Grad Dip Phys, J. Martindale PhD Abstract Background:,People with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) typically experience episodic exacerbations, but the extent to which they subsequently experience a sustained reduction in disease markers below recognized thresholds for active disease is unclear. Objective:,To investigate changes in, and associations between, disease markers over 18 months in people with active AS. Methods:,Within a cohort of 89 participants with AS, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores of 4 or higher were used to identify those with active disease. Standard assessment tools were used to monitor participants prospectively at four consecutive six-monthly intervals. Participants received standard treatments but none received anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF,) medication during the study. Results:,The median age of the cohort was 50 years (inter-quartile range [IQR] 38.5,55.5), the median age of disease onset was 25 years (IQR 18,33) and the median disease duration was 18 years (IQR 13,27). Forty-seven (53%) participants had a BASDAI score of 4 or higher on the first assessment, of whom 45 (51%) scored 4 or higher on all subsequent assessments. Furthermore, 38 (43%) and 16 (18%) participants scored BASDAI 5 or 6, respectively, or higher, throughout. BASDAI scores correlated strongly with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) scores. Compared with 19 (21%) participants whose BASDAI scores were consistently below 4 throughout, participants with persistently high BASDAI scores showed higher scores for anxiety and depression, and some evidence of functional deterioration during the study period. Conclusions:,In this cohort, disease markers in most people with active AS were sustained above the standard threshold for active disease. This has important implications for planning care pathways and for optimal utilization of anti-TNF, treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Predictors for progression in immunoglobulin A nephropathy with significant proteinuriaNEPHROLOGY, Issue 2 2010HYEON SEOK HWANG ABSTRACT: Aim: Proteinuria is a primary factor requiring treatment in immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy. The purpose of this study was to assess the relevance of treatment response and relapse of proteinuria with renal function decline. Methods: One hundred and twenty-five biopsy-proven primary IgA nephropathy patients who had more than 1.0 g/day proteinuria at the first assessment were studied. All patients underwent anti-proteinuric treatment, and the association of the rate of renal function decline with treatment responsiveness, clinical and laboratory data was investigated. Results: The treatment response of the patients was: 30.4% complete response (<0.3 g/day proteinuria), 32.8% partial response (0.3,1.0 g/day), 23.2% minimal response (decrement but not reduced to <1 g/day) and 13.6% no response (no decrement of proteinuria). The slope of renal function decline (,1.06 vs,1.24 mL/min per 1.73 m2/year, P = 0.580) was comparable between complete and partial response groups, but they were slower than those of minimal or non-response groups (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis including other parameters, mean arterial pressure (MAP; , = ,0.240, P = 0.004) during follow up, minimal (, = ,0.393, P < 0.001) and non-response (, = ,0.403, P < 0.001) were significant predictors. In further investigation of complete and partial response groups, MAP (, = ,0.332, P = 0.001) and relapse of proteinuria (, = ,0.329, P = 0.001) were independently associated with slope of renal decline. Conclusion: Achievement of less than 1.0 g/day proteinuria and MAP were important for limiting the loss of renal function, and relapse of proteinuria should be closely monitored in proteinuric IgA nephropathy. [source] Foot problems and effectiveness of foot care education in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitusPEDIATRIC DIABETES, Issue 6 2008Mohd Hafiz Mohamad Rasli Objectives:, To assess foot care in paediatric and adolescent patients with diabetes mellitus and to evaluate the effectiveness of foot care education given to participants. Research design and methods:, An 8-month prospective study of foot care in children and adolescents with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus who attended diabetes clinics at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, where foot examination was performed at baseline and at follow-up. Patients and parents were given oral and written advice regarding foot care. Results:, Five hundred and fifty-seven patients were examined at baseline, and 312 patients were reviewed at follow-up 3,6 months later. The majority of foot problems found at first assessment were potentially modifiable disorders of skin and nails (68.8%). The remainder (31.2%) were structural musculoskeletal disorders requiring referral to a podiatrist/orthotist. A total of 532 foot problems were recorded at baseline in a cohort of 557 patients and 161 foot problems at follow-up of 312 patients. Significant reduction of modifiable foot problems was seen at follow-up, particularly in those with longer duration of diabetes and in those whose body mass index was higher. Conclusions:, This study highlights the importance of foot examination and foot care advice for children and adolescents with diabetes. Larger prospective studies are required to establish prevalence and to optimize preventive interventions. [source] Methodological issues related to exhaled nitric oxide measurement in children aged four to six yearsPEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 2 2005Edward Napier MBBS Abstract This study was designed to test five methodological issues related to measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in children aged 4,6 years using commercially available apparatus. Participants attended two randomly selected schools. A respiratory questionnaire was completed. Measurements of FENO were made on successive days, using a NIOX® analyzer employing standard or modified methodologies. Ninety-one children participated in the study (mean age, 5.3 years; 46 boys). Using a standard methodology (n,=,61), FENO was successfully measured in 28 (46%) children, 1/12 aged 4 years, 12/25 aged 5 years, and 15/24 aged 6 years (trend test P,=,0.01). On the first assessment, FENO could be determined in more boys than girls (64% vs. 30%, respectively, P,=,0.008), but this gender difference was not apparent on the second assessment. Exhaled NO was reproducible over a 24-hr period; the mean difference between repeated measurements of natural log (ln) FENO was 0.016 parts per billion (ppb) (95% confidence limits, ,0.479, 0.511), n,=,20. Data from 35 assessments showed that values of FENO did not alter over nine individual, successive measurements. Use of a modified methodology in 30 children increased success in obtaining FENO, but these values were unreliable. In conclusion, measurements of FENO can be obtained in the majority of 5- and 6-year-old but not 4-year-old children. Exhaled NO measurements were reproducible over a 24-hr interval, and did not change over up to nine expiratory maneuvers in these young children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2005; 40:97,104. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Longitudinal course of anxiety in children and adolescents with Williams syndrome,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS, Issue 2 2010Janet Woodruff-Borden Abstract The longitudinal course of anxiety disorders in 45 children and adolescents with Williams syndrome (WS) was examined. Children were ages 4,13 years at the initial assessment. To assess their child's DSM-IV diagnoses, parents completed a structured diagnostic interview 3,9 times at intervals of at least 1 year. At the first assessment, 60% of the sample presented with at least one anxiety diagnosis; 82.2% received an anxiety diagnosis at some time during the study. Chronic, persistent anxiety within the period 5 years after their initial diagnosis was shown by 62.2% of those with an anxiety diagnosis (51.1% of the entire sample). The most common diagnoses were specific phobias and generalized anxiety disorder. Multilevel logistic regression models were estimated for the presence of any anxiety disorder, specific phobia, and specific phobia of loud noises. Developmental trajectories, expressed as the probability of a positive diagnosis, suggested that the odds of a positive diagnosis did not change with age. IQ was not significantly related to the presence of an anxiety disorder. However, there was a significant relation between executive functioning and anxiety such that the presence of an anxiety diagnosis was associated with increased scores on behavioral regulation, indicative of increased difficulty with inhibitory control of affect and behavior. These findings are discussed in terms of persistence of anxiety over time and the need to develop and test interventions to address the high levels of anxiety experienced by children and adolescents with WS. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Conduct problems, IQ, and household chaos: a longitudinal multi-informant studyTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 10 2009Kirby Deater-Deckard Background:, We tested the hypothesis that household chaos would be associated with lower child IQ and more child conduct problems concurrently and longitudinally over two years while controlling for housing conditions, parent education/IQ, literacy environment, parental warmth/negativity, and stressful events. Methods:, The sample included 302 families with same-sex twins (58% female) in Kindergarten/1st grade at the first assessment. Parents' and observers' ratings were gathered, with some collected over a two-year period. Results:, Chaos varied widely. There was substantial mother,father agreement and longitudinal stability. Chaos covaried with poorer housing conditions, lower parental education/IQ, poorer home literacy environment, higher stress, higher negativity and lower warmth. Chaos statistically predicted lower IQ and more conduct problems, beyond the effects of other home environment factors. Conclusions:, Even with other home environment factors controlled, higher levels of chaos were linked concurrently with lower child IQ, and concurrently and longitudinally with more child conduct problems. Parent self-reported chaos represents an important aspect of housing and family functioning, with respect to children's cognitive and behavioral functioning. [source] A new instrument for pain assessment in the immediate postoperative period,ANAESTHESIA, Issue 4 2009A. M. Machata Summary Perceptual-cognitive impairment after general anaesthesia may affect the ability to reliably report pain severity with the standard visual analog scale (VAS). To minimise these limitations, we developed ,PAULA the PAIN-METER®' (PAULA): it has five coloured emoticon faces on the forefront, it is twice as long as a standard VAS scale, and patients use a slider to mark their pain experience. Forty-eight postoperative patients rated descriptive pain terms on PAULA and on a standard VAS immediately after admission and before discharge from the postanaesthesia care unit. Visual acuity was determined before both assessments. The values obtained with PAULA showed less variance than those obtained with the standard VAS, even at the first assessment, where only 23% of the patients had regained their visual acuity. Furthermore, the deviations of the absolute VAS values in individual patients for each descriptive pain term were significantly smaller with PAULA than with the standard VAS. [source] The 4 year stability of psychopathic traits in non-referred youth,BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW, Issue 6 2003Paul J. Frick Ph.D. One significant limitation in research extending the construct of psychopathy to youth has been the absence of longitudinal studies testing the stability of psychopathic traits prior to adulthood. To begin to address this limitation, the current study estimated the stability of psychopathic traits over a 4 year period in a sample of non-referred children in the third, fourth, sixth, and seventh grades at the first assessment. For parent ratings of psychopathic traits, stability estimates using intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.80 to 0.88 across 2,4 years, with a stability estimate of 0.93 across all four assessments. There were also distinct trends in the patterns of stability found in the sample. Specifically, children rated as being initially high on these traits were more likely to be rated lower at later assessments than was the case for children rated initially low on these traits. Finally, the child's level of conduct problems, the socioeconomic status of the child's family, and the quality of parenting the child received were the most consistent predictors of stability of psychopathic traits. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] 4332: Determination of corneal endothelial cell density in French eye banks: second lookACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010N DELESALLE Purpose Considering the importance of having a precise, robust and especially reproducible ECD counting method, Afssaps organized from April 2008 to June 2009 a second assessment of the reliability of the routine cell count within the 18 french Eye banks. Methods The study design was similar to the first assessment driven by the laboratory ,Biology, engineering and imaging of Corneal Graft' in 2003 (Transplantation 2004; 78: 1299-1302).5 test corneas (1 mm2 of flat mounted, fixed and alizarin stained human corneal endothelium) were selected and sent to the 18 Eye banks. All the usual technicians of each bank had to count the test corneas using the routine method(s) employed to assess grafts. Results 430 counts were carried out by 70 eye banks technicians, by manual and/or image analysis system. 42% (180/430) deviated by more than 10% from the expected ECD. Among them, 128 were over-estimated (max +88%) and 52 were under-estimated (max -31%). 2 banks constantly over-estimated (in the mean +31,7% and +42,7%, no calibration and/or material problem) but the 16 other banks were in average within ±13% from expected ECDs. For manual methods, a statistically significant difference between banks was observed for the 5 test corneas, whereas no difference was observed with image analyzers. ECD obtained with the analysers were closer to expected values than with the manual methods. Compared to the 2003 study, reliability of ECD determination globally improved. Conclusion Image analysis systems prove more reliable (precise and with a lower intra and inter observer variability) than manual counting methods. This ,second look' of Eye banks will allow editing recommendations to improve ECD determination. [source] Evaluation of soft tissue around single-tooth implant crowns: the pink esthetic scoreCLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 6 2005Rudolf Fürhauser Abstract Aim: In this study, the reproducibility of a newly developed pink esthetic score (PES) for evaluating soft tissue around single-tooth implant crowns was assessed. The effect of observer specialization was another point of interest. Material and methods: Twenty observers (five prosthodontists, five oral surgeons, five orthodontists and five dental students) were given photographs of 30 single-tooth implant crowns. Seven variables were evaluated vs. a natural reference tooth: mesial papilla, distal papilla, soft-tissue level, soft-tissue contour, alveolar process deficiency, soft-tissue color and texture. Using a 0-1-2 scoring system, 0 being the lowest, 2 being the highest value, the maximum achievable PES was 14. Each observer was requested to make two assessments at an interval of 4 weeks. At the second assessment, the photographs were scored in the reverse order. Results: The mean PES of evaluations at the first assessment (n=600) was 9.46 (±3.81 SD), and 9.24 (±3.8 SD) at the second one. The difference between these two means was not significant statistically (P=0.6379). Implant-related mean PES for single-tooth implants varied from 2.28 to 13.8, with standard deviations between 0.46 and 3.51. Very poor and very esthetic restorations showed the smallest standard deviations. The mean total PES was 10.6 for the prosthodontists, 9.2 for the oral surgeons, 9.9 for the dental students and 7.6 for the orthodontists. Conclusions: The PES reproducibly evaluates peri-implant soft tissue around single-tooth implants. Thus, an objective outcome of different surgical or prosthodontic protocols can be assessed. Orthodontists were clearly more critical than the other observers. Résumé Dans cette étude la reproduction d'un nouveau Score d'Esthétique Rose (PES) pour l'évaluation des tissus mous autour des couronnes d'implants uniques a étéévaluée. L'effet de la spécialisation de l'observateur était un autre point d'intérêt. Vingt observateurs (cinq spécialistes en prothèse, cinq chirurgiens, cinq orthodontistes et cinq étudiants en médecine dentaire) ont reçu des photographies de 30 couronnes sur implant unique. Sept variables ont étéévaluées vs une dent de référence naturelle : papille mésiale, papille distale, niveau du tissu mou, couleur du tissu mou, perte du processus alvéolaire, couleur du tissu mou et texture. En utilisant un système 0,1,2, zéro étant le plus bas et deux étant la plus haute valeur, le score maximum PES était donc de 14. Chaque observateur a reçu comme instruction de réaliser deux évaluations à un intervalle de quatre semaines. A la seconde évaluation les photographies ont étéévaluées dans un ordre inverse. Les PES moyens des évaluations de la première fois (n=600) étaient de 9,46±3,81 et 9,24±3,80 la seconde fois. La différence entre ces deux moyennes n'était pas significative (P=0,6379). Le PS moyen en relation pour les implants sur dent unique variait de 2,28 à 13,8 avec des déviations standards de 0,46 à 3,51. Les restaurations de moindre qualité et les excellentes affichaient les plus petites déviations standards. Le PES total moyen était de 10,6 pour les spécialistes en prothèse, 9,2 pour les chirurgiens, 9,9 pour les étudiants et 7,6 pour les orthodontistes. Le PES évalue donc les tissus mous paraïmplantaires autour des implants uniques. Un aboutissement objectif de différents protocoles chirurgicaux ou prothétiques peut donc être estimé. Les orthodontistes étaient clairement plus critiques que les autres observateurs. Zusammenfassung Ziel: In dieser Arbeit wird die Reproduzierbarkeit eines neu entwickelten Pink Esthetic Index (PES) zur Evaluation vom Weichgewebe um Kronen auf Einzelzahnimplantaten untersucht. Zusätzlich interessierte der Einfluss des Spezialisierungsgrades eines Untersuchers. Material und Methoden: Man gab zwanzig Untersuchern (5 Prothetiker, 5 Oralchirurgen, 5 Orthodonten und 5 Zahnmedizinstudenten) Fotoaufnahmen von 30 Kronen auf Einzelzahnimplantaten. Sie hatten 7 Variabeln gegenüber einem natürlichen Referenzzahn zu beurteilen: mesiale Papille, distale Papille, Niveau der Weichgewebe, Form der Weichgewebe, Defizit an Alveolarkamm, Farbe und Struktur der Weichgewebe. Man definierte eine Bewertungsskala 0-1-2, wobei 0 für den schlechtesten und 2 für den besten Wert stehen, so dass man einen maximalen PES von 14 erreichen konnte. Jeder Untersucher war angehalten, im Abstand von 4 Wochen zwei Beurteilungen durchzuführen. Anlässlich des zweiten Untersuchungstermins wurden die Fotoaufnahmen in ungekehrter Reihenfolge beurteilt. Resultate: Der mittlere PES bei den Untersuchungen im ersten Umgang (n=600) betrug 9.46 (±3.81 SD) und 9.24 (±3.8 SD) im zweiten Umgang. Der Unterschied zwischen diesen zwei Mittelwerten war statistisch nicht signifikant (P=0.6379). Der mittlere implantatspezifische PES für die Einzelzahnimplantate variierte zwischen 2.28 und 13.8 mit Standardabweichungen zwischen 0.46 und 3.51. Sehr schlechte und sehr schöne Rekonstruktionen zeigten die kleinesten Standardabweichungen. Der mittlere Gesamt-PES war bei den Prothetikern 10.6, bei den Oralchirurgen 9.2, bei den Zahnmedizinstudenten 9.9 und bei den Orthodonten 7.6. Zusammenfassung: Der Pink Esthetic Index untersucht die periimplantären Weichgewebe um Einzelzahnimplantate und wird auf seine Reproduzierbarkeit überprüft. Damit kann man die Ergebnisse von verschiedenen chirurgischen und prothetischen Protokollen objektivieren. Die Orthodonten waren deutlich kritischer bei ihrer Beurteilung als die anderen Behandler. Resumen Intencion: En este estudio se valoró la reproductibilidad de una nueva Valor de Rosado Estético (PES) para evaluar el tejido blando alrededor de coronas de implantes unitarios. El efecto de la especialización del observador fue otro punto de interés. Material y metodos: Se entregó a veinte observadores (5 prostodoncistas, 5 cirujanos orales, 5 ortodoncistas y 5 estudiantes dentales) fotografías de 30 coronas de implantes unitarios. Se evaluaron 7 variables frente a dientes naturales de referencia: papila mesial, papila distal, nivel de tejido blando, contorno de tejido blando, deficiencia del proceso alveolar, color y textura del tejido blando. Usando un sistema de puntuación de 0-1-2, siendo 0 el valor más bajo, 2 el valor más alto, el PES más alto alcanzable era de 14. Se solicitó a cada observador que llevara a cabo dos valoraciones en un intervalo de 4 semanas. En la segunda valoración las fotografías se valoraron en orden inverso. Resultados: El PES medio de evaluaciones a la primera valoración (n=600) fue 9.46 (±3.81 SD) y 9.24 (±3.8 SD) en la segunda. La diferencia entre estas dos medias no fue estadísticamente significativo (P=0.6379). El PES medio relacionado al implante para implantes unitarios varió desde 2.28 a 13.8 con desviaciones estándar entre 0.46 y 3.51. Las restauraciones más pobres y más estéticas mostraron las desviaciones estándar más bajas. El PES total fue de 10.6 para los prostodoncistas, 9.2 para los cirujanos orales, 9.9 para los estudiantes dentales y 7.6 para los ortodoncistas. Conclusiones: Las Puntuaciones de Estética Rosa evalúa reproduciblemente el tejido blando periimplantario alrededor de implantes unitarios. De este modo, se puede valorar un resultado objetivo de diferentes protocolos quirúrgicos o prostodónticos. Los ortodoncistas fueron claramente más críticos que los otros observadores. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||