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Very Little Evidence (very + little_evidence)
Selected AbstractsOutcome measures used in forensic mental health research: a structured reviewCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2009Jemma C. Chambers Background,The evidence base for forensic mental health (FMH) services has been developing since the late 1990s. Are outcome measures sound enough for the evaluation tasks? Aims,To identify, from published literature, outcome measures used in FMH research and, where feasible, assess their quality. Method,A structured review was undertaken of trials and intervention studies published between 1990 and 2006. Details of outcome variables and measures were abstracted. Evidence regarding most frequently occurring outcome measures was assessed. Results,Four hundred and fifty different instruments were used to assess outcomes, incorporating 1038 distinct variables. Very little evidence could be found to support the measurement properties of commonly used instruments. Conclusions and implications for practice,There is little consistency in the use of outcome measure in FMH research. Effort is required to reach consensus on validated outcome measures in this field in order to better inform practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Trends in primary androgen depletion therapy for patients with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer: Japanese perspectiveCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2006Hideyuki Akaza It has been conventionally accepted that primary androgen depletion therapy (PADT) is effective only as a palliative treatment against localized prostate cancer (LPC) and locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPC), like its effect against advanced (metastatic) prostate cancer. In Japan, however, PADT has long been the treatment of choice for LPC and LAPC. The frequency of PADT being chosen to treat LPC and LAPC is also on the rise in clinical practice in the USA. Very little evidence to support this trend has so far been available. A study on the outcomes of endocrine therapy is currently being conducted in Japan by the Japanese Prostate Cancer Surveillance Group. Results of several domestic and overseas randomized trials have recently been published, and evidence for the efficacy of PADT in LPC and LAPC has been accumulating. The effectiveness of PADT in LAPC, in particular, is worthy of attention. There is a possibility that therapeutic strategies for LPC and LAPC may change dramatically in the near future. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 243 , 247) [source] Herbivore and pathogen damage on grassland and woodland plants: a test of the herbivore uncertainty principleECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 4 2002Stefan A. Schnitzer Researchers can alter the behaviour and ecology of their study organisms by conducting such seemingly benign activities as non-destructive measurements and observations. In plant communities, researcher visitation and measurement of plants may increase herbivore damage in some plant species while decreasing it in others. Simply measuring plants could change their competitive ability by altering the amount of herbivore damage that they suffer. Currently, however, there is only limited empirical evidence to support this `herbivore uncertainty principle' (HUP). We tested the HUP by quantifying the amount of herbivore and pathogen damage in 13 plant species (> 1400 individuals) at four different visitation intensities at Cedar Creek Natural History Area, Minnesota, USA. Altogether, we found very little evidence to support the HUP at any intensity of visitation. Researcher visitation did not alter overall plant herbivore damage or survival and we did not detect a significant visitation effect in any of the 13 species. Pathogen damage also did not significantly vary among visitation treatments, although there was some evidence that high visitation caused slightly higher pathogen damage. Based on our results, we question whether this phenomenon should be considered a `principle' of plant ecology. [source] Integrated psychodynamic therapy for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: theory, practice and preliminary findingsEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 6 2005Susan Murphy Abstract While there is a substantial evidence base for the use of more recently developed therapeutic approaches, there is very little evidence that psychodynamically based treatments are effective in treating bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder. Clinicians have suggested that such an approach should be supplemented with behavioural foci and that it should be time-limited. This paper outlines an integrative approach to the outpatient treatment of these eating disorders, where psychodynamic principles and practice are used in tandem with behavioural strategies, and presents preliminary data on behavioural changes among patients who undertake this programme. A case series design was used, employing this approach with a selected group of 21 female patients. Data are presented on failure to complete the programme, as well as changes in body mass index and frequency of bingeing and vomiting. All of the 21 patients completed the programme, though 5 were lost to the study by the last follow-up point. Those who completed the programme had a stable body mass index, but showed clinically and statistically significant reductions in bulimic symptoms. These preliminary findings indicate that the bulimic disorders can be treated effectively using a psychodynamic approach that is integrated with behavioural techniques and that has time limits. While further research is needed to support this conclusion, it appears to be important to use a more integrative psychodynamic approach than is commonly used. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] INCREASED RATES OF MOLECULAR EVOLUTION IN AN EQUATORIAL PLANT CLADE: AN EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENT OR PHYLOGENETIC NONINDEPENDENCE?EVOLUTION, Issue 1 2005Jeremy M. Brown Abstract A recent study of environmental effects on rates of molecular evolution in the plant subgenus Mearnsia shows that species occurring in more equatorial latitudes have higher rates of substitution in rDNa sequences as compared to their more southerly congeners (Wright et al. 2003). However, we believe that the statistical approach employed by Wright et al. (2003) insufficiently accounts for the phylogenetic nonindependence of the species examined, given that all six equatorial species of Mearnsia form a clade. To distinguish between the effect of latitude and that of phylogenetic nonindependence, we have employed a variety of comparative approaches that use independent contrasts to test for an effect of environment across this entire subgenus. We find very little evidence for an effect of latitude on rate of molecular evolution using these approaches and believe that the shared evolutionary history of the clade is a plausible explanation of the apparent rate difference between equatorial and subequatorial Mearnsia species. [source] IPO Prospectus Information and Subsequent PerformanceFINANCIAL REVIEW, Issue 3 2003Harjeet S. Bhabra G3/G32 Abstract Initial public offerings underperform in the long run; however, there is very little evidence on their cross-sectional variation. Using a random sample of IPOs from 1987 through 1991 and gathering their prospectus data, we show that financial and operating characteristics as well as offering characteristics have a limited relation with the one-year stock returns. We also find that firms that subsequently reissue equity or merge outperform their matched-firm benchmarks over three years. Underperformance is most severe for the smaller and younger firms. We find that prospectus information is more useful to predict survival/failure compared to subsequent equity offerings or acquisitions. [source] Depensation: evidence, models and implicationsFISH AND FISHERIES, Issue 1 2001Liermann We review the evidence supporting depensation, describe models of two depensatory mechanisms and how they can be included in population dynamics models and discuss the implications of depensation. The evidence for depensation can be grouped into four mechanisms: reduced probability of fertilisation, impaired group dynamics, conditioning of the environment and predator saturation. Examples of these mechanisms come from a broad range of species including fishes, arthropods, birds, mammals and plants. Despite the large number of studies supporting depensatory mechanisms, there is very little evidence of depensation that is strong enough to be important in a population's dynamics. However, because factors such as demographic and environmental variability make depensatory population dynamics difficult to detect, this lack of evidence should not be interpreted as evidence that depensatory dynamics are rare and unimportant. The majority of depensatory models are based on reduced probability of fertilisation and predator saturation. We review the models of these mechanisms and different ways they can be incorporated in population dynamics models. Finally, we discuss how depensation may affect optimal harvesting, pest control and population viability analysis. [source] A review of low and reduced carbohydrate diets and weight loss in type 2 diabetesJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 6 2008P. A. Dyson Abstract Background, Recent evidence from randomized controlled trials of hypocaloric low carbohydrate diets in people without diabetes has shown that they promote significant weight loss over the short term. There is very little evidence for any effects of reduced carbohydrate intakes on body weight, glycaemia and cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes. Methods, An electronic search was performed using MEDLINE (1966 to March 2007), EMBASE (1988 to March 2007) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1991 to March 2007) using the keywords low carbohydrate, type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Studies including subjects with type 2 diabetes who adopted a reduced carbohydrate weight loss diet were identified. Data were extracted on study design, weight loss, effects on glycaemia and cardiovascular risk and potential adverse effects. Results, Six studies investigating the effects of hypocaloric reduced carbohydrate diets in people with type 2 diabetes were identified. The studies were heterogenous and most included small numbers, were short-term and provided varying amounts of carbohydrate. No studies were identified that were both low carbohydrate (<50 g day,1) and also designed as randomized controlled trials. All studies reported reductions in both body weight and glycated haemoglobin, with no deleterious effects on cardiovascular risk, renal function or nutritional intake. Conclusions, Conclusions are limited by study design and small numbers, but it appears that reduced carbohydrate diets are safe and effective over the short term for people with type 2 diabetes. [source] Cold subduction and the formation of lawsonite eclogite , constraints from prograde evolution of eclogitized pillow lava from CorsicaJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 4 2010E. J. K. RAVNA Abstract A new discovery of lawsonite eclogite is presented from the Lancône glaucophanites within the Schistes Lustrés nappe at Défilé du Lancône in Alpine Corsica. The fine-grained eclogitized pillow lava and inter-pillow matrix are extremely fresh, showing very little evidence of retrograde alteration. Peak assemblages in both the massive pillows and weakly foliated inter-pillow matrix consist of zoned idiomorphic Mg-poor (<0.8 wt% MgO) garnet + omphacite + lawsonite + chlorite + titanite. A local overprint by the lower grade assemblage glaucophane + albite with partial resorption of omphacite and garnet is locally observed. Garnet porphyroblasts in the massive pillows are Mn rich, and show a regular prograde growth-type zoning with a Mn-rich core. In the inter-pillow matrix garnet is less manganiferous, and shows a mutual variation in Ca and Fe with Fe enrichment toward the rim. Some garnet from this rock type shows complex zoning patterns indicating a coalescence of several smaller crystallites. Matrix omphacite in both rock types is zoned with a rimward increase in XJd, locally with cores of relict augite. Numerous inclusions of clinopyroxene, lawsonite, chlorite and titanite are encapsulated within garnet in both rock types, and albite, quartz and hornblende are also found included in garnet from the inter-pillow matrix. Inclusions of clinopyroxene commonly have augitic cores and omphacitic rims. The inter-pillow matrix contains cross-cutting omphacite-rich veinlets with zoned omphacite, Si-rich phengite (Si = 3.54 apfu), ferroglaucophane, actinolite and hematite. These veinlets are seen fracturing idiomorphic garnet, apparently without any secondary effects. Pseudosections of matrix compositions for the massive pillows, the inter-pillow matrix and the cross-cutting veinlets indicate similar P,T conditions with maximum pressures of 1.9,2.6 GPa at temperatures of 335,420 °C. The inclusion suite found in garnet from the inter-pillow matrix apparently formed at pressures below 0.6,0.7 GPa. Retrogression during initial decompression of the studied rocks is only very local. Late veinlets of albite + glaucophane, without breakdown of lawsonite, indicate that the rocks remained in a cold environment during exhumation, resulting in a hairpin-shaped P,T path. [source] Effects of escitalopram on the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor protein levels in a rat model of chronic stressJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 11 2009Olaf Schulte-Herbrüggen Abstract Escitalopram (ES-CIT) is a widely used, highly specific antidepressant. Until now there has been very little evidence on how this drug under pathological conditions affects an important feature within the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders such as depression: the endogenous neurotrophins. By using a well-characterized rat model in which chronic stress induces depressive-like behavior, the levels of neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were determined in representative brain regions and serum using a highly sensitive improved fluorometric two-site ELISA system. There was a significant increase of BDNF in the left and right cortices after stress treatment (twofold increase) that was reversed by application of ES-CIT. An ES-CIT-dependent NGF reduction in stressed rats was detectable in the right cortex only (P = 0.027). The left hippocampus revealed significantly higher amounts of BDNF (2.5-fold increase) protein than the right hippocampus. These interhemispheric differences were unrelated to stress or ES-CIT treatment in all animals. BDNF and NGF of the frontal cortex, cerebellum, and serum did not change between the study groups. There was a negative correlation between body weight and serum BDNF, independent of stress or ES-CIT treatment. In conclusion, BDNF and NGF show substantial changes in this rodent model of chronic social stress, which is susceptible to antidepressant treatment with ES-CIT and therefore may constitute a neurobiological correlate for the disease. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] NoxA activation by the small GTPase RacA is required to maintain a mutualistic symbiotic association between Epichloë festucae and perennial ryegrassMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Aiko Tanaka Summary Small GTPases of the Rac group play a key regulatory role in NADPH oxidase catalysed production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mammals and plants, but very little evidence is available for a corresponding role in fungi. We recently showed that ROS produced by a specific fungal NADPH oxidase isoform, NoxA, are crucial in regulating hyphal morphogenesis and growth in the mutualistic symbiotic interaction between Epichloë festucae and perennial ryegrass. We demonstrate here that E. festucae RacA is required for NoxA activation and regulated production of ROS to maintain a symbiotic interaction. Deletion of racA resulted in decreased ROS production, reduction of radial growth and hyper-branching of the hyphae in culture. In contrast, in planta the racA mutant showed extensive colonization of the host plant, resulting in stunting and precocious senescence of the host plants. Strains expressing a dominant active (DA) allele of RacA had increased ROS production, increased aerial hyphae and reduced radial growth. These results demonstrate that RacA plays a crucial role in regulating ROS production by NoxA, in order to control hyphal morphogenesis and growth of the endophyte in planta. [source] Web portal design guidelines as identified by children through the processes of design and evaluationPROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2006Andrew Large The Web is an important source of information for school projects, but young users do not always find it easy to locate relevant material. A critical factor in success is the portal through which they search or browse web content. Traditionally web portals have been designed by adults with young users in mind, but there is very little evidence that the latter make use of them. In this paper design guidelines are elaborated for such portals that are based upon focus group and operational evaluations by elementary school students of two prototype web portals designed by two intergenerational teams, each comprising elementary school students and adult designers. The evaluations offer strong support for involving children throughout the design process for portals that both in presentation and functionality reflect the cognitive and affective needs of young users rather than adults. [source] Does Gerrymandering Cause Polarization?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009Nolan McCarty Both pundits and scholars have blamed increasing levels of partisan conflict and polarization in Congress on the effects of partisan gerrymandering. We assess whether there is a strong causal relationship between congressional districting and polarization. We find very little evidence for such a link. First, we show that congressional polarization is primarily a function of the differences in how Democrats and Republicans represent the same districts rather than a function of which districts each party represents or the distribution of constituency preferences. Second, we conduct simulations to gauge the level of polarization under various "neutral" districting procedures. We find that the actual levels of polarization are not much higher than those produced by the simulations. We do find that gerrymandering has increased the Republican seat share in the House; however, this increase is not an important source of polarization. [source] OPTIMAL AND ADAPTIVE SEMI-PARAMETRIC NARROWBAND AND BROADBAND AND MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD ESTIMATION OF THE LONG-MEMORY PARAMETER FOR REAL EXCHANGE RATES,THE MANCHESTER SCHOOL, Issue 2 2005SAEED HERAVI The nature of the time series properties of real exchange rates remains a contentious issue primarily because of the implications for purchasing power parity. In particular are real exchange rates best characterized as stationary and non-persistent; nonstationary but non-persistent; or nonstationary and persistent? Most assessments of this issue use the I(0)/I(1) paradigm, which only allows the first and last of these options. In contrast, in the I(d) paradigm, d fractional, all three are possible, with the crucial parameter d determining the long-run properties of the process. This study includes estimation of d by three methods of semi-parametric estimation in the frequency domain, using both local and global (Fourier) frequency estimation, and maximum likelihood estimation of ARFIMA models in the time domain. We give a transparent assessment of the key selection parameters in each method, particularly estimation of the truncation parameters for the semi-parametric methods. Two other important developments are also included. We implement Tanaka's locally best invariant parametric tests based on maximum likelihood estimation of the long-memory parameter and include a recent extension of the Dickey,Fuller approach, referred to as fractional Dickey,Fuller (FD-F), to fractionally integrated series, which allows a much wider range of generating processes under the alternative hypothesis. With this more general approach, we find very little evidence of stationarity for 10 real exchange rates for developed countries and some very limited evidence of nonstationarity but non-persistence, and none of the FD-F tests leads to rejection of the null of a unit root. [source] The decline of eastern Arabia in the Sasanian periodARABIAN ARCHAEOLOGY AND EPIGRAPHY, Issue 1 2007Derek Kennet This paper lists and reviews the archaeological evidence for the Sasanian period in eastern Arabia (third,seventh centuries AD). Much of the published evidence is shown to be either erroneous or highly doubtful, leaving very little evidence that is reliable. It is argued that the paucity of evidence in comparison to the Hellenistic/Parthian period indicates that this was a time of marked and continuing decline in the number and size of settlements, the number of tombs and the amount of coinage in circulation, all of which probably result from a population that was both declining in size and participating less in the types of production and consumption that leave discoverable traces in the archaeological record. This is in contrast to the historical evidence, which, although patchy, is stronger for the Sasanian period than it is for the Hellenistic/Parthian period. The argument for decline challenges some generally accepted historical views of eastern Arabia at this time, which see the region as undergoing a notable period of growth. In conclusion, some brief consideration is given to the possible causes of the decline. [source] Refocusing children's services: evaluation of an initial assessment processCHILD & FAMILY SOCIAL WORK, Issue 2 2001Platt This paper describes a small scale evaluation carried out in a social services department in England. It was concerned with the impact of a pilot initial assessment process used by social workers with children in need. The pilot was, in part, an attempt to adopt the ,refocusing' agenda of the late 1990s, and the analysis is presented within this context. The research involved quantitative examination of 47 cases, and qualitative interviews with the social worker and main carer/parent in a subsample of 10. The results suggested a high level of consumer satisfaction with the assessment/family support approach, and very little evidence that the use of broadly based assessments where there are low-key concerns about a child's safety would be a dangerous form of practice. A wholehearted commitment to refocusing children's services will, however, require attention to resourcing and management issues. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||