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Methodological Considerations (methodological + consideration)
Selected AbstractsON REASONS FOR DRINKING LESS: A FRAMEWORK OF METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONSADDICTION, Issue 12 2005JOHN CUNNINGHAM No abstract is available for this article. [source] Fitness and Cognition: Encouraging Findings and Methodological Considerations for Future WorkJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 4 2003Eleanor M. Simonsick PhD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Using the Survey of Consumer Finances: Some Methodological Considerations and IssuesJOURNAL OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, Issue 2 2007SUZANNE LINDAMOOD We identify and present original analyses of four methodological issues related to using Survey of Consumer Finances data sets and illustrate these issues with recent articles published in this journal. The issues are recognizing that the respondent is not necessarily the household head, reporting race and ethnicity in conformity with Survey of Consumer Finances and federal standards, using the repeated-imputation inference method to combine the five implicates in each survey year's data set, and discussing the use of weighted or unweighted data in multivariate analysis. We found a considerable variation in how authors dealt with these issues, which could hinder replication or comparison of research results. Authors and reviewers should consider methodological issues related to the Survey of Consumer Finances more carefully. [source] ECL Cell Histamine Mobilization Studied byGastric Submucosal Microdialysis in Awake Rats:Methodological ConsiderationsBASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2003Peter Ericsson They secrete histamine in response to circulating gastrin. Gastric submucosal microdialysis has been used to study ECL-cell histamine mobilization in awake rats. In the present study we assess the usefulness and limitations of the technique. Microdialysis probes were implanted in the gastric submucosa. Histological analysis of the stomach wall around the probe revealed a moderate, local inflammatory reaction 1,2 days after implantation; the inflammation persisted for at least 10 days. Experiments were conducted 3 days after the implantation. The "true" submucosal histamine concentration was determined by perfusing at different rates (the zero flow method) or with different concentrations of histamine at a constant rate (the no-net-flux method): in fasted rats it was calculated to be 87±5 (means±S.E.M.) nmol/l and 76±9 nmol/l, respectively. The corresponding histamine concentrations in fed rats were 93±5 and 102±8 nmol/l, respectively. With a perfusion rate of 74 ,l/hr the recovery of submucosal histamine was 49%, at 34 ,l/hr the recovery increased to 83%. At a perfusion rate below 20 ,l/hr the microdialysate histamine concentration was close to the actual concentration in the submucosa. The ECL-cell histamine mobilization was independent of the concentrations of Ca2+ in the perfusion medium (0,3.4 mmol/l Ca2+). In one experiment, histamine mobilization in response to gastrin (10 nmol/kg/hr subcutaneously) was monitored in rats pretreated with prednisolone (60 mg/kg) or indomethacin (15 mg/kg). The two antiinflammatory agents failed to affect the concentration of histamine in the microdialysate either before or during the gastrin challenge, which was in accord with the observation that the inflammatory reaction was modest and that inflammatory cells were relatively few around the probe and in the wall of the probe. In another experiment, rats were given aminoguanidine (10 mg/kg) or metoprine (10 mg/kg) 4 hr before the start of gastrin infusion (5 nmol/kg/hr intravenously). Metoprine (inhibitor of histamine N-methyl transferase) did not affect the microdialysate histamine concentration, while aminoguanidine (inhibitor of diamine oxidase) raised both basal and gastrin-stimulated histamine concentrations. We conclude that microdialysis can be used to monitor changes in the concentration of histamine in the submucosa of the stomach, and that the inflammatory reaction to the probe is moderate and does not affect the submucosal histamine mobilization. [source] Lost in Translation: Methodological Considerations in Cross-Cultural ResearchCHILD DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2007Elizabeth D. Peña In cross-cultural child development research there is often a need to translate instruments and instructions to languages other than English. Typically, the translation process focuses on ensuring linguistic equivalence. However, establishment of linguistic equivalence through translation techniques is often not sufficient to guard against validity threats. In addition to linguistic equivalence, functional equivalence, cultural equivalence, and metric equivalence are factors that need to be considered when research methods are translated to other languages. This article first examines cross-cultural threats to validity in research. Next, each of the preceding factors is illustrated with examples from the literature. Finally, suggestions for incorporating each factor into research studies of child development are given. [source] Methodological considerations for measuring rates of brain atrophyJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 1 2003Jeffrey L. Gunter PhD Abstract Purpose To systematically compare two techniques for measuring brain atrophy rates from serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Materials and Methods Using the separation in atrophy rate between cohorts of cognitively normal elderly subjects and patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) as the gold standard, we evaluated 1) different methods of computing volume change; 2) different methods for steps in image preprocessing,intensity normalization, alignment mask used, and bias field correction; 3) the effect of MRI acquisition hardware changes; and 4) the sensitivity of the method to variations in initial manual volume editing. For each of the preceding evaluations, measurements of whole-brain and ventricular atrophy rates were calculated. Results In general, greater separation between the clinical groups was seen with ventricular rather than whole-brain measures. Surprisingly, neither the use of bias field correction nor a major hardware change between the scan pairs affected group separation. Conclusion Atrophy rate measurements from serial MRI are candidates for use as surrogate markers of disease progression in AD and other dementing neurodegenerative disorders. The final method has excellent precision and accurately captures the expected biology of AD,arguably the two most important features if this technique is to be used as a biomarker of disease progression. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2003;18:16,24. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Assertive outreach nurses' experience of engagementJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 4 2004J. ADDIS rgn rmn msc There are currently no studies available in the literature to highlight nurses' experiences of the assertive outreach (AO) engagement process. This study aimed to understand how AO nurses experience this process and what can be learned from it. The participants were five nurses working in a rural AO service in one county. Methodological considerations were rooted in the work of Martin Heidegger and the data analysed using the hermeneutic phenomenological thematic method. The data-gathering tool was semi-structured interviews. Seven major themes emerged to construct the nurses' understanding of their experience of assertive engagement. These were: (1) having time; (2) anticipatory persistence and tired dejection; (3) pressure, relief and satisfaction; (4) being the human professional confluence; (5) accepting anxiety and fear; (6) working and learning together; and (7) bringing the caring attitude. This paper focuses on the seven emerging themes and discusses the implications and recommendations for nurses practising in the AO setting. [source] Methodological considerations in the use of salivary ,-amylase as a stress marker in field researchAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Jason A. DeCaro Salivary ,-amylase recently has been identified as a stress-related biomarker for autonomic nervous system activity. This study addresses sample collection and handling considerations for field researchers. Saliva was collected by unstimulated passive drool from 14 adults and pooled. Incubation of pooled saliva at 22 or 37°C for 21 days did not diminish amylase activity. However, sodium azide added at concentrations ,1.12 mg/ml to pooled saliva artificially inflated activity. After dosing cotton rolls within Salivette saliva collection devices with 0.25 to 1.5 ml of unpooled passive drool saliva from six additional adults, recovery of amylase activity was significantly below 100% at all volumes, with increased variance in recovery when the cotton was incompletely saturated (,1.0 ml). Hence, collection by passive drool instead of cotton-containing devices for amylase determinations is recommended, particularly whenever it is impossible to ensure full, uniform cotton saturation, and azide should be avoided as a preservative. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Methodological considerations when conducting direct observation in an outdoor environment: our experience in local parksAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 2 2001Susanne Engelhard Objective: This paper discusses some of the inherent methodological limitations of gathering data via direct observation using local parks as a case study. Methods: Direct observation was carried out in five parks on seven non-consecutive days in 1998 and on matched days in 1999. Information recorded for each person included the time of park entry and exit, gender, age group, and activity/ies undertaken while in the park. Methodological considerations: The location of the observation point, observer reliability, recording and accuracy of data, and specific issues related to outdoor observation areas should all be considered when designing a study incorporating direct observation as a data collection method. Conclusions: Direct observation can provide valuable information. However, pilot testing is essential for minimising potential problems associated with this method and optimising data quality. Implications: The issues discussed in this paper provide a useful guide for other researchers undertaking direct observation in outdoor environments. [source] Methodological considerations of measuring disability in bipolar disorder: validity of the Multidimensional Scale of Independent FunctioningBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 1-2 2007Stefanie Berns Objective:, Recent studies have highlighted the prevalence, severity and persistence of the disability associated with bipolar disorder (BPD). Reliable instruments are needed to support research into the factors associated with disability and treatment response. Contextual factors (e.g., availability of supported employment programs) can affect functionality, posing a challenge to such investigations. We present preliminary findings regarding the validity of the Multidimensional Scale of Independent Functioning (MSIF) in BPD. The MSIF provides discrete ratings of support separate from both role responsibility and performance quality in work, residential and educational environments. These distinctions allow the ,correction' for variability explained by contextual factors that allows the comparison of studies conducted in different environments and time. Methods:, Participants with BPD were administered the MSIF, the Social Adjustment Scale II (SAS-II) and an interview recording objective data regarding work, school and residential activities as part of an ongoing longitudinal study of BPD disability. Results:, Construct validity estimated using standardized Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.76 (n = 58). MSIF global ratings were significantly lower (reflecting higher functionality) for subjects engaged in productive activity compared with participants who were not active (t = ,3.6, p = 0.001) demonstrating external validity. Inter-rater reliability estimates ranged from 0.86 to 0.99 (n = 49). Significant, high correlations were demonstrated between comparable MSIF and SAS-II global ratings (criterion validity = 0.70,0.79) and low correlations were found between non-comparable ratings (discriminant validity = ,0.07 to ,0.35) (n = 14). Conclusion:, We conclude that the MSIF is a valid and reliable instrument optimally designed for studying determinants of disability and treatment response in BPD. [source] Evaluation of choroidal blood flow after treatment of retinal diseasesACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009C CHIQUET Purpose this review aims to summarize studies which assessed the effect of treatment on choroidal blood flow. Methods this presentation will focus on studies using the laser Doppler flowmeter for the analysis of choroidal blood flow parameters (velocity, volume and flow) before and after treatment. Therapies have been assessed in different ocular disease, such as age-related macular degeneration (laser photocoagulation therapy, photodynamic therapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, sildenafil citrate, niacin, pentoxifylline), diabetes mellitus (panretinal photocoagulation, intravenous C-peptide infusion), retinal vein occlusions (isovolemic hemodilution), macular edema (diclofenac), inflammation (corticosteroid), retinal detachment (surgery) or glaucoma (nimodipine, endothelin receptor antagonist, bimatoprost, timolol, trabeculectomy). Results this paper will give insight to the effects of laser treatment (laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy), surgery (scleral buckling, trabeculectomy, ocular anesthesia) or systemic drugs on the choroidal blood flow. Methodological considerations will be analyzed, such as the calculation of the sensitivity of the experiments, the comparisons of different groups with or without randomization. Conclusion laser Doppler flowmetry is a useful and a non invasive technique to study the effect of treatment on choroidal blood flow. In ocular disease, investigators should be aware of the tissue scattering changes associated with a retinal or choroidal disease and the necessity of a controlled foveal fixation. [source] The use of population based registers in psychiatric researchACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2009P. AllebeckArticle first published online: 6 OCT 200 Objective:, Much of the knowledge we now take for granted regarding major mental disorders such as schizophrenia, suicide and other disorders, would not exist without the use of population based registers. The use of population based registers in psychiatric epidemiology have enabled analyses of associations that otherwise would not have been possible to address. Method:, The use of registers in psychiatric research is described, exemplified, and discussed. Results:, Methodological and validity aspects depend to a large part on the type of register being considered. A classification is proposed of different types of registers, each one implying specific methodological issues. These can be addressed according to the dimensions coverage, attrition, representativity and validity. Specific methodological consideration has still to be taken in relation to each specific research question. Thus, special validity studies usually need to be performed when embarking on studies using population based registers. Conclusion:, With increasing burden of disease due to mental disorders worldwide, knowledge of the epidemiology of these disorders are of increasing interest. The Nordic countries have a strong history in this field of research, of great interest to the rest of the world. Universities and research funding agencies should recognize this valuable source of research capacity, and support fruitful continuation of a strong tradition. [source] Cell death regulation in oral squamous cell carcinoma: methodological considerations and clinical significanceJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 3 2003L. L. Loro Abstract In the last three decades, more work has been done on apoptosis and its role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer. In almost all instances of cancer, dysregulation of cell death (apoptosis) and cell proliferation have been found to play a major role in tumourigenesis. A lot of progress has been made on understanding the molecular basis of apoptosis and its regulatory mechanisms. This review focuses on current knowledge on the regulation of apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma, current methodologies and methodological consideration in estimation of cell death in tissue sections and the clinical significance of apoptosis related molecules in progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. [source] Environmental justice and Roma communities in Central and Eastern EuropeENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE, Issue 4 2009Krista Harper Abstract Environmental injustice and the social exclusion of Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has roots in historical patterns of ethnic exclusion and widening socioeconomic inequalities following the collapse of state socialism and the transition to multi-party parliamentary governments in 1989. In this article, we discuss some of the methodological considerations in environmental justice research, engage theoretical perspectives on environmental inequalities and social exclusion, discuss the dynamics of discrimination and environmental protection regarding the Roma in CEE, and summarize two case studies on environmental justice in Slovakia and Hungary. We argue that, when some landscapes and social groups are perceived as ,beyond the pale' of environmental regulation, public participation and civil rights, it creates local sites for externalizing environmental harms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] On the trail of the global green bean: methodological considerations in multi-site ethnographyGLOBAL NETWORKS, Issue 4 2001Susanne Freidberg The need to demystify and ,ground' globalization has spurred many calls for multi-site fieldwork. This article discusses how such fieldwork was used to examine the contemporary restructuring of fresh food commodity chains between Africa and Europe, at a time of increasing European concerns about food safety and quality. Drawing on convention theory and actor-network theory for conceptual guidance, qualitative fieldwork was conducted at sites of production, import and export in ,anglophone' (Zambia,London) and ,francophone' (Burkina Faso,Paris) commodity chains. The article also discusses the challenges posed by multi-site research, especially in realms where secrecy and deception are standard tools of the trade. [source] Cluster headache: the challenge of clinical trials.HEADACHE, Issue 3 2003K Moore Curr Pain Headache. Rep 2002 Feb;6(1):52-56 The design and execution of clinical trials poses special problems for cluster headache. Although there is less inter-individual and intra-individual variability of attacks than seen with migraine, the brevity of attacks, spontaneous remissions unrelated to treatment, and the relative rarity of cluster headaches challenge investigators. The International Headache Society has developed guidelines that represent a compromise between scientific rigor and practicality. Only injectable sumatriptan for acute attacks and verapamil for prophylaxis have demonstrated a robust therapeutic effect in controlled clinical trials. Comment: Kenneth Moore raises important methodological considerations. It is possible to undertake crossover trials comparing different active treatments? He is correct in his assertion that few agents show robust efficacy. A major issue relates to the proportion of patients with episodic versus chronic cluster headache where efficacy of active treatments can vary. For example, oral zolmitriptan was effective against placebo only in those patients with episodic disease (Bahra A, Gawel MJ, Hardebo JE, Millson DS, Breen SA, Goadsby PJ. Oral zolmitriptan is effective in the acute treatment of cluster headache. Neurology. 2000;54:1832-1839). And a set of small studies on melatonin and cluster demonstrate the problems Dr. Moore describes. In one study (Leone M, D'Amico D, Moschiano F, Fraschini F, Busonne G. Metalonin versus placebo in the prophylaxis of cluster headache: a double-blind pilot study with parallel groups. Cephalalgia. 1996;16:494-496), the melatonin worked only in episodic, not chronic cluster patients. In the second study (Prinsheim T, Magnoux E, Dobson CF, Hamel E, Aube M. Melatonin as adjuctive therapy in the prophylaxis of cluster headache: a pilot study. Headache. 2002;42:787-792), melatonin did not work better than placebo in either episodic or chronic cluster patients. Furthermore, the paper abstracted above by Torelli and Manzoni suggests that episodic cluster may progress to chronic cluster as a result of extrinsic factors such as smoking. Finally, there are ethical issues in placebo-controlled cluster studies, given the severity of the pain and the availability of effective acute and chronic treatments. As noted above, Dr. Peter Goadsby points out the need to persevere with these studies to find nonvasoactive treatments for patients with cluster headache. DSM and SJT [source] Abortions and breast cancer: Record-based case-control studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 5 2003Gunnar Erlandsson Abstract It has been suggested that abortions leave the breast epithelium in a proliferative state with an increased susceptibility to carcinogenesis. Results from previous studies of induced or spontaneous abortions and risk of subsequent breast cancer are contradictory, probably due to methodological considerations. We investigated the relationship between abortions and subsequent breast cancer risk in a case-control study using prospectively recorded exposure information. The study population comprised women recorded in the population-based Swedish Medical Birth Register between 1973,91. Cases were defined by linkage of the birth register to the Swedish Cancer Register and controls were randomly selected from the birth register. From the subjects' antenatal care records we abstracted prospectively collected information on induced and spontaneous abortions, as well as a number of potential confounding factors. Relative risk of breast cancer was estimated by odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A reduced risk of breast cancer was observed for women with a history of at least 1 compared to no abortions (adjusted OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72,0.99). The adjusted OR decreases step-wise with number of abortions to 0.59 (95% CI = 0.34,1.03) for 3 or more compared to no abortions. The patterns are similar for induced and spontaneous abortions. In conclusion, neither a history of induced nor spontaneous abortions is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Our data suggest a protective effect of pregnancies regardless of outcome. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Psychopathology in tuberous sclerosis: an overview and findings in a population-based sample of adults with tuberous sclerosisJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 8 2006A. Raznahan Abstract Background Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a multi- system disorder with complex genetics. The neurodevelopmental manifestations of TS are responsible for considerable morbidity. The prevalence of epilepsy and intellectual disabilities among individuals with TS have been well described. Ours is the first study that explores the prevalence and pattern of psychopathology in a population-based sample of adults with TS. Methods Sixty subjects were identified through a capture,recapture analysis of TS. Information was gathered as to seizure history, cognitive functioning (WISC-III) and psychopathology (SADS-L, SAPPA). Lifetime psychopathology was categorized according to Research Diagnostic Criteria. The overall pattern of mental illness (MI) was examined as well as how this varied with IQ and seizure history. Results Twenty-four (40.0%) subjects had a history of MI. The most common diagnosis was that of an affective disorder [18 (30.0%)], the majority of which were major depressive episodes. Alcoholism [4 (6.7%)] and anxiety disorders [3 (5.0%)] were the next most common diagnoses. Two (3.3%) subjects had had a tic disorder. Only one individual had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. MI was found in 75.0% of those with a history of epilepsy and 37.5% of those without epilepsy. MI was significantly more prevalent in those with a full-scale IQ above 70. Conclusions A significant proportion of adult with TS experience MI. MI was significantly less prevalent in subjects with a full-scale IQ above 70. Reasons for such a finding are explored, and related methodological considerations for future research outlined. [source] Cell death regulation in oral squamous cell carcinoma: methodological considerations and clinical significanceJOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE, Issue 3 2003L. L. Loro Abstract In the last three decades, more work has been done on apoptosis and its role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer. In almost all instances of cancer, dysregulation of cell death (apoptosis) and cell proliferation have been found to play a major role in tumourigenesis. A lot of progress has been made on understanding the molecular basis of apoptosis and its regulatory mechanisms. This review focuses on current knowledge on the regulation of apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma, current methodologies and methodological consideration in estimation of cell death in tissue sections and the clinical significance of apoptosis related molecules in progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. [source] A literature review of dementia care mapping: methodological considerations and efficacyJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 6 2002D. BEAVIS BSc(Hons) RGN RMN Dementia care mapping (DCM) is a popular method for evaluating the quality of care and well-being of people with dementia in formal care settings. Keywords and thesaurus searches were conducted between 1992 and June 2001 using a range of bibliographic databases. Studies that had specifically examined the efficacy of DCM or, had used DCM as the main outcome measure, were included in the review. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated in this review. The review highlights some methodological limitations in the DCM studies to date, including sampling bias, inadequate sample size, short evaluation periods and a lack of consideration of the confounding variables commonly associated with dementia. The evidence presented for DCM suggests that it has good face validity and reliability. However, other aspects of validity remain less convincing and it can only be regarded as a moderately valid instrument. Whilst its theoretical background makes DCM particularly appealing to nurses wishing to improve the quality of their care, it is a very time-consuming method and requires considerable investment in terms of nursing resources. Consequently, it is essential that more scientifically based studies are conducted to enable other aspects of validity to be developed, thus enhancing the value of DCM as an outcome measure of nursing care. [source] Environmental Regulations and New Plant Location Decisions: Evidence from a Meta-AnalysisJOURNAL OF REGIONAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2002Tim Jeppesen Stricter environmental regulations are often opposed on the grounds that they will alter equilibrium capital flows. Empirical evidence in this area remains largely unresolved, mainly due to the quite disparate results found in the literature. This paper takes a positive look at the relationship between new manufacturing plant location decisions and environmental regulations by examining data from 11 studies that provide more than 365 observations. One major result from our meta-analysis is that methodological considerations play a critical role in shaping the body of received estimates. Our empirical estimates also lend insights into future research that is necessary before any robust conclusions can be made regarding the effects of environmental regulations on capital flows. [source] The electroolfactogram: A review of its history and usesMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 3 2002John W. Scott Abstract The electroolfactogram (EOG) is a negative electrical potential recorded at the surface of the olfactory epithelium of vertebrates. It represents primarily, if not exclusively, the summated generator potential in the olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). While a number of studies suggest that secretory or inhibitory events may also contribute to the EOG, these are not well established. This review outlines (1) the cellular and physiological nature of the EOG response; (2) methodological considerations regarding odor selection and delivery, surgical preparation, response descriptions, and analysis; and (3) application of the EOG in human, fish, and insect olfaction and pheromonal responsivity. A number of technical issues associated with EOG recording are also discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 58:152,160, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Overcoming barriers to physical activity among culturally and linguistically diverse older adults: A randomised controlled trialAUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, Issue 2 2010Karen Borschmann Aim:, To investigate by randomised trial, health professional facilitated sessions aiming to overcome barriers to physical activity (PA), improve readiness to undertake PA, increase PA participation and improve fitness among older Australian adults from Macedonian and Polish backgrounds. Method:, One hundred and twenty-one participants (mean age 70 years, 63% female) were block randomised to the intervention group (three one-hour group education and goal setting sessions over 7 weeks) or control group (one-hour health promotion talk) following baseline assessment, with reassessment approximately 9 weeks later. Results:, No significant differences were found between experimental groups in primary (Stages of Change Questionnaire (SocQ), steps per day and Human Activity Profile) or secondary outcomes. Conclusion:, This study has highlighted methodological considerations for PA health promotion and research with older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in a community setting. Investigation of older CALD adults' perceptions of what are ,adequate levels of PA' and methods of increasing PA is warranted. [source] Zur Pluralisierung im Luthertum des 17.BERICHTE ZUR WISSENSCHAFTSGESCHICHTE, Issue 3 2003Jahrhunderts und ihrer Bedeutung für die Deutungen von, Natur' Abstract Building on methodological considerations in cultural history and historical anthropology, the following contribution proceeds from the concept of ,nature' rather than from ,natural science', with the former understood here as the object of culturally determined projections, values and practices. This ,constructive', practice-oriented concept of nature exposes perceptions of and attitudes towards nature that, owing to the usual reduction of nature to natural science, would otherwise have remained hidden, but which may well be essential to its constitution. To a certain extent, the term ,nature' continues the terminological extension from ,natural science' to ,natural philosophy', but as a heuristic device it more strongly implies the significance of culturally mediated practices and dynamics. The essay raises the following questions: Which religious conceptions entered into which attitudes towards nature and which religious expectations and interpretive matrices were the motivating forces behind which studies of nature? The figures within seventeenth-century Lutheranism who shaped and promoted nature-oriented attitudes and practices were not the ,orthodox' scholars more strongly tied to academic and controversialist theology, but rather reform-oriented theologians critical of the church. In the context of the inner differentiation and pluralization of seventeenth-century Lutheranism, these reform-oriented groups not only inspired innovate theological projects but also assumed a leading role, along with liked-minded Christian laypersons, in interpreting and studying ,nature'. [source] Epidemiological and clinical trials evidence about a preventive role for statins in Alzheimer's diseaseACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2006K. Rockwood This paper reviews epidemiological and clinical trials data about whether statin use reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The available information has come in three waves. The initial, mostly cross-sectional observational reports suggested that statins might prevent dementia. Next, two large clinical trials with cognitive add-on studies showed no benefit and neither did the third wave, again with observational studies. The latter were mostly longitudinal, and were critical of the first studies for not adequately addressing confounding by indication (i.e. that patients with dementia would be denied statins). Most recently, new data from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging have produced a mixed result. While methodological considerations are clearly important in understanding why the reports are so variable, there might also be merit in differentiating between statins, based on their presumed , and variable , mechanisms of action in dementia prevention, before concluding that the initial reports are entirely artefactual. Still, the first reports appear to have overestimated the extent of protection, so that unless there are important effects achievable with specific statins, a more than a modest role for statins in preventing AD seems unlikely. [source] A review of EEG and ERP studies in bipolar disorderACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA, Issue 2 2009Racheal Degabriele Objective:, The electroencephalogram (EEG) can be a useful tool in determining differences in general neural activity and specific waveforms in individuals with a number of psychiatric disorders. This paper aims to outline and discuss significant findings in EEG and event-related potential (ERP) research into bipolar disorder (BD). Methods:, A literature review was performed through searches of MedLine, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycInfo medical research databases for papers published from 1985 onwards. References of selected articles were also examined for other relevant studies. Results:, Differences in general EEG data were found in subjects with BD, namely increased theta and delta and decreased alpha wave bands. Changes in EEG were also found in euthymic BD subjects and those undergoing medication programmes. ERP studies commonly report prolonged latencies and reduced amplitudes in the P300 component. Hyperfunctioning of the right hemisphere in BD was also reported in some studies, although further confirmation of this finding is required. Finally, the effects of medication and the role that genetics plays in EEG still remain unclear. Conclusions:, The literature reviewed demonstrates supporting evidence for the presence of significant differences in EEG and ERP data in subjects with BD. However, methodological considerations such as varying mood states and medication status of the patients need to be followed more stringently for future research to bring about a robust model of the cognitive deficits of BD. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||