Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Historical Overview (historical + overview)
Kinds of Historical Overview Selected AbstractsNitroglycerin Headache and Nitroglycerin-Induced Primary Headaches From 1846 and Onwards: A Historical Overview and an UpdateHEADACHE, Issue 3 2009Peer C. Tfelt-Hansen MD Nitroglycerin (NTG) (glyceryl trinitrate) was synthesized by the Italian chemist Ascanio Sobrero in Paris in 1846. A very unstable explosive, Alfred Nobel while working on explosives, combined it with Kiselguhr and patented it as dynamite in 1867. NTG was introduced in 1879 in medicine in the treatment of angina pectoris by the English doctor William Murrell. NTG-induced headache was quickly recognized as an important adverse event both in the industrial use of NTG, where it was used to produce dynamite, as well as in the use of NTG as drug. This review traces the evolution of our understanding of NTG headache. [source] Islam in Northern Mozambique: A Historical OverviewHISTORY COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 7 2010Liazzat Bonate This article is a historical overview of two issues: first, that of the dynamics of Islamic religious transformations from pre-Portuguese era up until the 2000s among Muslims of the contemporary Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and to a certain extent, Niassa provinces. The article argues that historical and geographical proximity of these regions to East African coast, the Comoros and northern Madagascar meant that all these regions shared a common Islamic religious tradition. Accordingly, shifts with regard to religious discourses and practices went in parallel. This situation began changing in the last decade of the colonial era and has continued well into the 2000s, when the so-called Wahhabis, Sunni Muslims educated in the Islamic universities of the Arab world brought religious outlook that differed significantly from the historical local and regional conceptions of Islam. The second question addressed in this article is about relationships between northern Mozambican Muslims and the state. The article argues that after initial confrontations with Muslims in the sixteenth century and up until the last decade of the colonial era, the Portuguese rule pursued no concerted effort in interfering in the internal Muslim religious affairs. Besides, although they occupied and destroyed some of the Swahili settlements, in particular in southern and central Mozambique, other Swahili continued to thrive in northern Mozambique and maintained certain independence from the Portuguese up until the twentieth century. Islam there remained under the control of the ruling Shirazi clans with close political, economic, kinship and religious ties to the Swahili world. By establishing kinship and politico-economic ties with the ruling elites of the mainland in the nineteenth century, these families were also instrumental in expanding Islam into the hinterland. Only at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Portuguese rule took full control of the region as a result of military conquests of the ,effective occupation', and imposed new legal and administrative colonial system, called Indigenato, impacting Muslims of northern Mozambique to a great extent. After the independence in 1975, and especially since 1977, the post-independence Frelimo government adopted militant atheism and socialist Marxism, which was short-lived and was abolished in 1983 owing to popular resistance and especially, because of government's perception that its religious policies were fuelling the opposition groups to take arms and join the civil war. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by an acute rivalry and conflicts between the two emerging national umbrella Islamic organizations, the Islamic Council and the Islamic Congress, each representing largely pro-Sufi and anti-Sufi positions. In the 2000s, these organizations became overshadowed by new and more dynamic organizations, such as Ahl Al-Sunna. [source] Ethnographic Studies of Childhood: A Historical OverviewAMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST, Issue 2 2007ROBERT A. LeVINE In this article, I briefly survey the ethnographic research literature on childhood in the 20th century, beginning with the social and intellectual contexts for discussions of childhood at the turn of the 20th century. The observations of Bronislaw Malinowski and Margaret Mead in the 1920s were followed by later ethnographers, also describing childhood, some of whom criticized developmental theories; still others were influenced initially by Freudian and other psychoanalytic theories and later by the suggestions of Edward Sapir for research on the child's acquisition of culture. The Six Cultures Study led by John Whiting at midcentury was followed by diverse trends of the period after 1960,including field studies of infancy, the social and cultural ecology of children's activities, and language socialization. Ethnographic evidence on hunting and gathering and agricultural peoples was interpreted in evolutionary as well as cultural and psychological terms. The relationship between ethnography and developmental psychology remained problematic. [source] Agricultural policies and the emergence of cotton as the dominant crop in northern Côte d'Ivoire: Historical overview and current outlookNATURAL RESOURCES FORUM, Issue 2 2009Oluyede Clifford Ajayi Abstract In most of sub-Saharan Africa, where the agricultural sector experiences dismal performance and is characterized by a gloomy picture, the cotton sub-sector in Côte d'Ivoire is often mentioned as a "success story" given the spectacular rise in the quantity of cotton production and the profile of the crop within the farming system. What are the historical and political antecedents of the development of cotton and the factors responsible for the feat accomplished in the midst of general failures in the same continent? To what extent can cotton be regarded as a "success story" and, what lessons can be drawn for agricultural development strategies based on the Ivorian case study? This paper traces the historical and socio-political background of cotton development in Côte d'Ivoire and identifies key policy and institutional interventions that have influenced the rise of cotton production and its emergence as the dominant crop in the farming systems of the country. Four stages in Ivorian cotton development are identified: planning, take off, crisis and the renaissance phases. The study demonstrates how a combination of good planning, technological advancement and appropriate policy and institutional conditions have contributed significantly to the rise of cotton production and its influence on the agricultural economy of northern Côte d'Ivoire. The study also highlights how the sustainability of agricultural development has been impacted by domestic and international policies and political events over which smallholder farm families have little control, and can at best only respond to. Important questions about cotton development in Côte d'Ivoire are raised that need to be answered before the program can be categorized conclusively as a success story. The study shows that there are no quick fixes to agricultural development in the sub-region. Rather, good planning and putting the necessary building blocks in place are important prerequisites. It is recommended that agricultural development efforts in the continent take cognizance of the complexity of the sector and address the inter-relationships that exist among the technical, policy, market and institutional factors that combine individually and collectively to influence African agriculture. [source] IgG4-related disease: Historical overview and pathology of hematological disordersPATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2010Yasuharu Sato IgG4-related diseases comprise a recently recognized systemic syndrome characterized by mass-forming lesions in mainly exocrine tissue that consist of lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates and sclerosis. There are numerous IgG4-positive plasma cells in the affected tissues, and the serum IgG4 level is increased in these patients. The present study describes the history, autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), IgG4-related lymphadenopathy and lymphomagenesis based upon ocular adnexal IgG4-related disease. Lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis, a prototypal histological type of AIP, is now recognized as a systemic IgG4-related disease. Lymph node lesions can be subdivided into at least five histological subtypes, and systemic IgG4-related lymphadenopathy should be distinguished from multicentric Castleman's disease. Interleukin-6 and CRP levels are abnormally high in multicentric Castleman's disease, but are normal in the majority of systemic IgG4-related lymphadenopathy. Ocular adnexal IgG4-related disease frequently involves bilateral lacrimal glands swelling, and obliterative phlebitis is rare. Moreover, some malignant lymphomas, especially mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, arise from ocular adnexal IgG4-related disease. In addition, IgG4-producing lymphoma also exists. [source] 1222: Pharmacological overview of the ophthalmic anaesthesiaACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010E FISCHER Purpose Review of the chemical properties, differences between the effectiveness of the ophthalmological used local anaesthetics. Historical overview from 1860, year of the isolation of cocaine, to date. Methods Didactic and substantive summary of the literature. Results Specification of the basicity, lipophilicity, physicochemical properties, and the advantages, and disadvantages of adding adrenalin in different concentrations. Local anaesthetics also have adverse effects. All stimulate central nervous system, therefore it is very important to have a proper anamnesis, especially information about drug hypersensitivity from the patient. Conclusion Interventions must be carried out in the view of drug interactions, with personalized choice of drugs and dose. [source] Formaldehyde-releasers: relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy.CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2010Formaldehyde-releasers in clothes: durable press chemical finishes. This is one of a series of review articles on formaldehyde-releasers and their relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy and in this paper formaldehyde-releasers used as durable press chemical finishes (DPCF) in textiles are discussed. The literature on allergy to DPCF since 1980 is presented in two parts. Part 1 (this article) presents a short historical overview of the problems with formaldehyde in clothes and discusses the chemistry of durable press chemical finishes, legislation in various countries, and studies on the amount of formaldehyde present in clothes. In addition, the DPCF that have caused contact allergy are presented with CAS, synonyms, molecular formula, chemical structure, applications, and patch test studies. In the forthcoming part 2, the frequency of sensitization to DPCF, occupational contact sensitization, relevance of patch test reactions, and relationship to formaldehyde contact allergy will be reviewed, followed by a discussion of both parts of the article together. [source] What is problem solving?CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 4 2001A review of theory, applications, research Introduction Structured training or therapy programmes designed to develop cognitive problem-solving skills are now widely used in criminal justice and mental health settings. Method This paper describes the conceptual origins and theoretical models on which such programmes are based, and provides a historical overview of their development. Theoretical formulations of problem-solving deficits have also been used to inform the design of intervention programmes, and a number of studies and evaluations of such interventions are reviewed, with particular reference to criminal and other antisocial behaviour. Discussion In recent years there has been steadily growing supportive evidence for the benefits of this approach. However, there are also several aspects of its application that require further investigation, and some of the remaining questions are identified. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] The History of Sclerosing FoamsDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 5 2004Jan-Christoph G. R. Wollmann MD Background. The use of foamed sclerosants in phlebology is undergoing a renaissance. The use of foam sclerotherapy was relaunched only a few years ago. Despite this, the early developments, pioneer findings, and improvements, especially in foaming techniques, are not widely recognized. Objective. The objective of this study was to give an overview from the very beginnings of foam sclerotherapy until the most recent and progressive techniques, as described by Tessari or the double syringe system technique. Results. The publications found after a thorough research for literature about foam sclerotherapy allow us to examine what has been invented between Orbach's work in 1944 and now and,surprisingly,even before 1944. The contributions of greatly reputed and also of unknown colleagues, such as Orbach, Sigg, Mayer, or Flückiger, are presented, giving a historical overview from the very beginnings of foam sclerotherapy until the most recent techniques. Basically, the literature shows that remarkable work was carried out in the field of noncommercial foam sclerotherapy and that sclerosing foams have been used by numerous doctors continuously for the past six decades, especially for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs. Conclusion. The use of foamed sclerosing agents in therapy of large or small varicose veins is not new. It started as early as 1939 and has continuously been improved in the past decades. [source] Universal newborn screening and adverse medical outcomes: A historical noteDEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 4 2006Jeffrey P. Brosco Abstract Universal newborn screening programs for metabolic disorders are typically described as a triumph of medicine and public policy in the US over the last 50 years. Advances in science and technology, including the Human Genome Project, offer the opportunity to expand universal newborn screening programs to include many additional metabolic and genetic conditions. Although the benefits of such screening programs appear to outweigh their costs, some critics have claimed that historical examples of inadvertent harm ensuing from false-positive screening results and subsequent inappropriate medical treatment should make us wary of expanding universal newborn screening. In this essay, we report the results of a review of the published literature to assess whether the extension of screening from at risk populations to all newborns led to substantial morbidity and mortality from misguided medical treatment. We provide a historical overview of universal newborn screening programs in the United States, and then focus on six early NBS programs: congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, galactosemia, sickle cell disease, and maple syrup urine disease. Our comprehensive search of published sources did not reveal a widespread problem of harm ensuing from medical treatment of children with false positive screening test results. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2006;12:262,269. [source] Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A historical overviewDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 11 2008Marilin Rosa M.D. Abstract Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe, inexpensive and accurate technique for the diagnosis of benign and malignant conditions. Its increase in popularity in the present days has made it a technique used on daily basis in the majority of medical centers in United States and around the world. However, the situation was not always like this. In its beginnings the procedure suffered from all kinds of criticism and attacks. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview about the development of this technique from its birth to our days. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:773,775. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] How apoptosis got the immune system in shapeEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue S1 2007Christine Feig Abstract The discovery that apoptosis is an integral component of normal development has facilitated the widespread recognition that cell death is not at all inimical to life. For much of our lifetime the body maintains a cellular homeostasis persisting until, ultimately, it is broken during the aging process. However, unlike the body as a whole, fluctuations at any age in this cellular balance are frequent in the immune system, which responds to infections via massive clonal expansions and elimination of reactive T and B cells. Moreover, cell death also plays a key, and essential, role in the education of immune cells in the thymus and the bone marrow, where autoreactive cells are eliminated, thereby establishing tolerance to self tissues. Furthermore, the mechanism by which cytotoxic T and NK cells kill virus infected or transformed target cells is by inducing apoptotic cell death. Thus, cell death, and in particular apoptosis, is an integral facet of almost all aspects of immune function. Failure to execute apoptosis appropriately has dire consequences leading to the development of autoimmune disease and malignant growth. This narration provides a historical overview of the impact that the discovery of apoptosis had on the understanding of the function of the immune system. [source] Molecular basis of antibiotic resistance and ,-lactamase inhibition by mechanism-based inactivators: perspectives and future directionsFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 3 2000Christian Therrien Abstract Antibacterial chemotherapy is particularly striking in the family of penicillins and cephalosporins. Over 40 structurally different ,-lactam molecules are available in 73 formulations and the majority of them are currently prescribed for medical use in hospitals. ,-Lactams are well tolerated by humans with few side effects. They interact very specifically with their bacterial target, the d -alanyl- d -alanine carboxypeptidase-transpeptidase usually referred to as dd -peptidase. The outstanding number of ,-lactamases produced by bacteria represent a serious threat to the clinical utility of ,-lactams. The discovery of ,-lactamase inhibitors was thought to solve, in part, the problem of resistance. Unfortunately, bacteria have evolved new mechanisms of resistance to overcome the inhibitory effects of ,-lactamase inactivators. Here, we summarize the diversified mechanistic features of class A ,-lactamases interactions with mechanism-based inhibitors using available microbiological, kinetic and structural data for the prototype TEM ,-lactamases. A brief historical overview of the strategies developed to counteract ,-lactamases will be presented followed by a short description of the chemical events which lead to the inactivation of TEM ,-lactamase by inhibitors from different classes. Finally, an update on the clinical prevalence of natural and inhibitor-resistant enzyme mutants, the total chemical synthesis to design and synthesize a new structure and produced a broad spectrum ,-lactamase inhibitor that mimics the ,-lactam ring, but does not contain it is discussed. [source] The loose coupling mechanism in molecular machines of living cellsGENES TO CELLS, Issue 1 2000Fumio Oosawa Living cells have molecular machines for free energy conversion, for example, sliding machines in muscle and other cells, flagellar motors in bacteria, and various ion pumps in cell membranes. They are constructed from protein molecules and work in the nm (nanometer), pN (piconewton) and ms (millisecond) ranges, without inertia. In 1980s, a question was raised of whether the input,output or influx,efflux coupling in these molecular machines is tight or loose, and an idea of loose coupling was proposed. Recently, the long-distance multistep sliding of a single myosin head on an actin filament, coupled with the hydrolysis of one ATP molecule, was observed by Yanagida's group using highly developed techniques of optical microscopy and micromanipulation. This gave direct evidence for the loose coupling between the chemical reaction and the mechanical event in the sliding machine. In this review, I will briefly describe a historical overview of the input,output problem in the molecular machines of living cells. [source] SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF HYDROPOLITICS: THE GEOGRAPHICAL SCALES OF WATER AND SECURITY IN THE INDUS BASIN,GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Issue 4 2007Daanish Mustafa ABSTRACT. The article identifies important themes and future research directions for analyzing water and conflict dynamics at the subnational scale in the Indus Basin. A historical overview of water development in the Indus Basin suggests that the water-security nexus was always a salient theme in the minds of water developers, even in the nineteenth century. Conflicts over contemporary large-scale water-development projects in the Indian and Pakistani parts of the Indus Basin are reviewed. Engineers' single-minded focus on megaprojects, to the neglect of the wider set of values that societies attach to water resources in the eastern and western Indus Basin are largely to blame for continuing low-grade conflict in the basin. A review of local-level conflicts over water supply and sanitation in Karachi and the distribution of irrigation water in Pakistani Punjab illustrates the critical role of governance and differential social power relations in accentuating conflict. The article argues against neo-Malthusian assumptions about the inevitability of conflict over water because of its future absolute scarcity. Instead, the article seeks to demonstrate that, despite evidence suggesting that international armed conflict over water does not exist, the potential for political instability over domestic water distribution and development issues is real. The question of whether conflict at the subnational scale will culminate in violence will depend on how water-resources institutions in the basin behave. [source] Haemate® P von Willebrand factor/factor VIII concentrate: 25 years of clinical experienceHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 2008W. SCHRAMM Summary., Although von Willebrand disease (VWD) has a very long history, our understanding and treatment of the bleeding disorder has only evolved during the past 50 years or so. It was not until the 1920s that VWD was first recognized as a disease separate from that of classical haemophilia. It then took another 30 years before the first effective treatment was developed. Since then, the medical management of VWD has evolved considerably, but not without its ups and downs. One of the key milestones in the evolution of the treatment of VWD was the development of Haemate® P/Humate-P® (CSL Behring) , the first virus-inactivated factor VIII plasma product. For 25 years, this concentrate has demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy and safety for patients with VWD and for those with haemophilia. This article provides an historical overview of the early landmark efforts to ensure a safe plasma-derived replacement product and outlines the clinical evolution in the use of Haemate® P. [source] Islam in Northern Mozambique: A Historical OverviewHISTORY COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 7 2010Liazzat Bonate This article is a historical overview of two issues: first, that of the dynamics of Islamic religious transformations from pre-Portuguese era up until the 2000s among Muslims of the contemporary Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and to a certain extent, Niassa provinces. The article argues that historical and geographical proximity of these regions to East African coast, the Comoros and northern Madagascar meant that all these regions shared a common Islamic religious tradition. Accordingly, shifts with regard to religious discourses and practices went in parallel. This situation began changing in the last decade of the colonial era and has continued well into the 2000s, when the so-called Wahhabis, Sunni Muslims educated in the Islamic universities of the Arab world brought religious outlook that differed significantly from the historical local and regional conceptions of Islam. The second question addressed in this article is about relationships between northern Mozambican Muslims and the state. The article argues that after initial confrontations with Muslims in the sixteenth century and up until the last decade of the colonial era, the Portuguese rule pursued no concerted effort in interfering in the internal Muslim religious affairs. Besides, although they occupied and destroyed some of the Swahili settlements, in particular in southern and central Mozambique, other Swahili continued to thrive in northern Mozambique and maintained certain independence from the Portuguese up until the twentieth century. Islam there remained under the control of the ruling Shirazi clans with close political, economic, kinship and religious ties to the Swahili world. By establishing kinship and politico-economic ties with the ruling elites of the mainland in the nineteenth century, these families were also instrumental in expanding Islam into the hinterland. Only at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Portuguese rule took full control of the region as a result of military conquests of the ,effective occupation', and imposed new legal and administrative colonial system, called Indigenato, impacting Muslims of northern Mozambique to a great extent. After the independence in 1975, and especially since 1977, the post-independence Frelimo government adopted militant atheism and socialist Marxism, which was short-lived and was abolished in 1983 owing to popular resistance and especially, because of government's perception that its religious policies were fuelling the opposition groups to take arms and join the civil war. The 1980s and 1990s were marked by an acute rivalry and conflicts between the two emerging national umbrella Islamic organizations, the Islamic Council and the Islamic Congress, each representing largely pro-Sufi and anti-Sufi positions. In the 2000s, these organizations became overshadowed by new and more dynamic organizations, such as Ahl Al-Sunna. [source] Scleroderma: it has been a long hard journeyINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 8 2006P. J. Roberts-Thomson Abstract Progress in the understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) has been painfully slow and this has greatly impeded the application of specific disease modifying treatments. This article provides a brief historical overview of scleroderma (including the important Australian contribution of Dr Alfred Barnett and colleagues , see accompanying article in this issue on pages 513,18), highlights some recent pathogenic developments and summarises some exciting new therapies. Cautious optimism can now be offered to scleroderma sufferers. [source] The Impact of Formal Assessment Procedures on Teaching and Learning in Art and Design in Secondary SchoolsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ART & DESIGN EDUCATION, Issue 2 2006Rachel Mason Assessment is widely considered to be the most significant issue affecting art and design practice at secondary level. The article begins with an historical overview of developments in and critiques of assessment procedures in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since the inception of GCSE examination. This is followed by a report of an attempt to carry out a systematic review of research on the impact of assessment on the art and design curriculum in secondary schools. Author conclusions and findings from eight studies subjected to in-depth analysis are discussed together with the implications of the review exercise for art education policy, practice and research. [source] On Population Growth and Technological Change: Selectivity Bias in Historical AnalysisJOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2000Jean-Paul Chavas This paper investigates the relationship between population growth and technological change. After an historical overview of the evolution of world population, alternative models of population growth are examined. They include a Malthusian model, a model of endogenous technological change, and a model of population growth that allows for switching regimes between Malthusian resource limitation and endogenous technological change. The regime-switching model stresses the potential for a biased interpretation of historical data. While there is strong empirical evidence supporting endogenous technical change, it is argued that the Malthusian scenario should not be overlooked even if the odds of facing it are low. [source] Relaxing/straightening of Afro-ethnic hair: historical overviewJOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Tania Cristina De Sá Dias MSc Summary Afro-ethnic hair, when compared with naturally straight hair, presents some important variations such as differences in diameter in many points of the thread, ellipsoidal threads, and low trend of hydrating the scalp thus turning the hair drier, because the natural sebum distribution is irregular along the thread. This kind of hair may be straightened through both chemical and thermal methods. Straightening is a chemical process by which excessively curly hair is straightened in an irreversible way. Generally, the products used are formulated in a cosmetic emulsion with high pH. In this review, we present the historical development of hair straightening or relaxing through the evolution of the product categories. [source] Telemedicine: barriers and opportunities in the 21st centuryJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue S741 2001B. Stanberry Abstract. Stanberry B (Centre for Law Ethics and Risk in Telemedicine, Cardiff, Wales, UK). Telemedicine: barriers and opportunities in the 21st century (Internal Medicine in the 21st Century). J Intern Med 2000; 247: 615,628. This paper aims to examine how health telematics will develop in the first 10 years of the new millennium and, in particular, to assess what operational, ethical and legal barriers may lie in the way of this development. A description of the key principles and concepts involved in telemedicine and a short historical overview of telemedicine's evolution over the past century are followed by consideration of why empirical research into ,info-ethics' and other deontological and legal issues relating to telemedicine is being necessarily catalysed by, amongst others, the European Commission. Four evolving health telematics applications are examined in some detail: electronic health records; the transmission of visual media in disciplines such as teleradiology, teledermatology, telepathology and teleophthalmology; telesurgery and robotics and the use of call centres and decision-support software. These are discussed in the light of their moral, ethical and cultural implications for clinicians, patients and society at large. The author argues that telemedicine presents unique opportunities for both patients and clinicians where it is implemented in direct response to clear clinical needs, but warns against excessive reliance upon technology to the detriment of traditional clinician,patient relationships and against complacency regarding the risks and responsibilities , many of which are as yet unknown , that distant medical intervention, consultation and diagnosis carry. [source] Telemedicine: barriers and opportunities in the 21st centuryJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2000B. Stanberry Abstract. Stanberry B (Centre for Law Ethics and Risk in Telemedicine, Cardiff, Wales, UK). Telemedicine: barriers and opportunities in the 21st century (Internal Medicine in the 21st Century). J Intern Med 2000; 247: 615,628. This paper aims to examine how health telematics will develop in the first 10 years of the new millennium and, in particular, to assess what operational, ethical and legal barriers may lie in the way of this development. A description of the key principles and concepts involved in telemedicine and a short historical overview of telemedicine's evolution over the past century are followed by consideration of why empirical research into ,info-ethics' and other deontological and legal issues relating to telemedicine is being necessarily catalysed by, amongst others, the European Commission. Four evolving health telematics applications are examined in some detail: electronic health records; the transmission of visual media in disciplines such as teleradiology, teledermatology, telepathology and teleophthalmology; telesurgery and robotics and the use of call centres and decision-support software. These are discussed in the light of their moral, ethical and cultural implications for clinicians, patients and society at large. The author argues that telemedicine presents unique opportunities for both patients and clinicians where it is implemented in direct response to clear clinical needs, but warns against excessive reliance upon technology to the detriment of traditional clinician,patient relationships and against complacency regarding the risks and responsibilities , many of which are as yet unknown , that distant medical intervention, consultation and diagnosis carry. [source] Tetrahedral intermediates in reactions of carboxylic acid derivatives with nucleophiles,JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2005Martin Adler Abstract Transacylation reactions of carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, carboxylic acid amides and other carboxylic acid derivatives are among the most widespread and most important reactions in chemistry and biochemistry. Already in 1887, Claisen suggested a tetrahedral intermediate in transformations of carboxylic acid derivatives with nucleophiles. A historical overview gives insight into the studies to detect possible tetrahedral intermediates in such reactions. However, only in recent years has detailed information concerning the structures of such species become available. In this review, neutral, cationic and anionic tetrahedral intermediates are described which serve as models for transacylations under neutral, acid-catalysed or basic conditions. The characteristically different structures correspond nicely with experimental experience with reactions of carboxylic acid derivatives and with quantum chemical model calculations on tetrahedral intermediates. Finally, by means of model calculations, an explanation is given for the fast reactions of Weinreb amides, RC(O)N(CH3)OCH3, with organolithium and even with Grignard reagents: the reactions are determined by comparatively stable chelate transition states. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The black,white "achievement gap" as a perennial challenge of urban science education: A sociocultural and historical overview with implications for research and practice,JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE TEACHING, Issue 10 2001Obed Norman A perennial challenge for urban education in the United States is finding effective ways to address the academic achievement gap between African American and White students. There is widespread and justified concern about the persistence of this achievement gap. In fact, historical evidence suggests that this achievement gap has existed at various times for groups other than African Americans. What conditions prevailed when this achievement gap existed for these other groups? Conversely, under what conditions did the gap diminish and eventually disappear for these groups? This article explores how sociocultural factors involved in the manifestation and eventual disappearance of the gap for these groups may shed some light on how to address the achievement gap for African American students in urban science classrooms. Our conclusion is that the sociocultural position of groups is crucial to understanding and interpreting the scholastic performance of students from various backgrounds. We argue for a research framework and the exploration of research questions incorporating insights from Ogbu's cultural, ecological theory, as well as goal theory, and identity theory. We present these as theories that essentially focus on student responses to societal disparities. Our ultimate goal is to define the problem more clearly and contribute to the development of research-based classroom practices that will be effective in reducing and eventually eliminating the achievement gap. We identify the many gaps in society and the schools that need to be addressed in order to find effective solutions to the problem of the achievement gap. Finally, we propose that by understanding the genesis of the gap and developing strategies to harness the students' responses to societal disparities, learning can be maximized and the achievement gap can be significantly reduced, if not eliminated entirely, in urban science classrooms. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 38: 1101,1114, 2001 [source] Outcome Variables and Their Assessment in Alcohol Treatment Studies: 1968-1998ALCOHOLISM, Issue 10 2003John W. Finney Background: This article provides a historical overview of the assessment of outcome variables in alcohol treatment studies that were first published between 1968 and 1998. The review focuses on changes over time in (1) the number of outcome variables and the number of different types of outcome variables assessed, (2) the likelihood of assessing specific types of outcome variables, (3) the methods used to assess outcome variables, and (4) the status of outcome assessment in more recent studies first published between 1990 and 1998. Methods: Reports of 357 alcohol treatment trials with two or more treatment/control groups were coded with respect to the number and types of outcome variables assessed, sources of outcome data, and methodological aspects of outcome assessment. Results: Although the number of outcome variables assessed in studies, on average, did not increase significantly over time, the number of different types of outcome variables did increase. An expected decrease in the assessment of categorical abstinence was not found, but another categorical variable, global ratings of drinking improvement, did decrease over time. More recent studies were more likely to assess such continuous variables as time abstinent, alcohol consumption, time drinking, dependence symptoms, and drinking-related problems. Physiological markers of drinking/alcohol misuse also were assessed more frequently in later years. Some aspects of outcome assessment methods exhibited improvement over time; validity data were more likely to be provided or cited, and self-reports of drinking behaviors were more likely to be corroborated in studies first published in more recent years. However, the percentages of studies that provided/cited reliability data for outcome measures, indicated that follow-up data collectors were not affiliated with treatment and were unaware of respondents' treatment conditions, and reported that respondents were alcohol-free at follow-up did not rise significantly over time. Conclusions: Although the methods of outcome assessment improved between 1968 and 1998, much room for improvement remains. [source] Culture theorizing past and present: trends and challengesNURSING PHILOSOPHY, Issue 4 2010Helen E.R. Vandenberg RN MSc (Nursing) Abstract Over the past several decades, nurses have been increasingly theorizing about the relationships between culture, health, and nursing practice. This culture theorizing has changed over time and has recently been subject to much critical examination. The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges impeding nurses' ability to build theory about the relationships between culture and health. Through a historical overview, I argue that continued support for the essentialist view of culture can maintain a limited view of complex race relations. I also argue that attempts to apply culture theory, without knowledge of important historical, political, and economic factors, has often resulted in oversimplified versions of what was originally intended. Furthermore, I argue that individual-level interventions alone will be insufficient to address health inequities related to culture. Despite new critical conceptualizations of culture and the uptake of cultural safety, nursing scholars must better address the broader organizational, population, and political interventions needed to address inequities in health. I conclude with suggestions for how nurses might proceed with culture theorizing given these challenges. [source] Gestational age estimation on United States livebirth certificates: a historical overviewPAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 2007Megan L. Wier Summary Gestational age on the birth certificate is the most common source of population-based gestational age data that informs public health policy and practice in the US. Last menstrual period is one of the oldest methods of gestational age estimation and has been on the US Standard Certificate of Live Birth since 1968. The ,clinical estimate of gestation', added to the standard certificate in 1989 to address missing or erroneous last menstrual period data, was replaced by the ,obstetric estimate of gestation' on the 2003 revision, which specifically precludes neonatal assessments. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these measures, potential research implications and challenges accompanying the transition to the obstetric estimate. [source] Female Sexual Dysfunction: Knowledge Development and Practice ImplicationsPERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHIATRIC CARE, Issue 3 2009Janet Ambrogne Sobczak PhD, PMHCNS PURPOSE., Sexual dysfunctions are thought to be common in the population. However, the majority of research on sexual dysfunctions has focused on male problems. Consequently, women's sexual function is poorly understood. This article aimed to (a) provide a historical overview of the knowledge development of female sexual function, (b) describe the current state of knowledge pertaining to sexual problems in women, and (c) discuss implications for the assessment of sexual problems in women. CONCLUSIONS., A women's sexual response may differ from current conceptualizations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS., A sexual history should be included in routine health assessments. Information specific to contextual and relational factors is particularly important for women. [source] Psychic phenomena and early emotional statesTHE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Annie Reiner Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between severe early trauma and the development of psychic intuition. A case presentation with extensive dream work helps to illustrate this connection by exploring the psychological meaning of one patient's acute receptivity to unconscious communications. The paper includes a historical overview of Freud's attitudes toward occultism, as distinct from later psychoanalytic views, including those of Wilfred Bion. Many of Bion's views have more in common with Jung's perspective than with Freud's, with particular reference made to spiritual and religious differences. Bion clearly states that Freud and psychoanalysts have focused on phenomena, not on noumena, which Bion considers to be the essence of the psychoanalytic point of view. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||