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PubMed2005

Feedback in psychotherapy.

Feedback is defined as a response to an action that shapes or adjusts that action in subsequent performance. Though its pervasiveness in human behavior is noted, feedback in clinical practice is a deliberate psychological intervention that has two essential functions, information and influence. Feedback can be descriptive, evaluative, emotional, and interpretive. The role of feedback in promoting change through interpersonal influence and the role of resistance in the feedback process are discussed. We present practical examples and suggestions for maximizing the effectiveness of feedback and responding therapeutically to resistance. Current outcome research on feedback as a major component of treatment is reviewed and discussed. Implications of the feedback literature for practice are provided.

Feedback, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chronobiology.

Several fundamental principles of chronobiology are discussed. The importance of biological rhythmicity in (1) the every day interpretation of data, both descriptive and experimental, and (2) the design of scientifically accurate experiments, is the main theme of this presentation. Examples of circadian rhythms in a variety of physiological, psychological, and biochemical variables of the rodent and man are given.

Anesthesia, General↗
PubMed2006

Disparities in diagnoses received prior to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

This study estimated differences by ethnicity in the diagnoses assigned prior to the diagnosis of autism. In this sample of 406 Medicaid-eligible children, African-Americans were 2.6 times less likely than white children to receive an autism diagnosis on their first specialty care visit. Among children who did not receive an autism diagnosis on their first visit, ADHD was the most common diagnosis. African-American children were 5.1 times more likely than white children to receive a diagnosis of adjustment disorder than of ADHD, and 2.4 times more likely to receive a diagnosis of conduct disorder than of ADHD. Differences in diagnostic patterns by ethnicity suggest possible variations in parents' descriptions of symptoms, clinician interpretations and expectations, or symptom presentation.

Black or African American↗
PubMed2026

Culture, Psychiatry and Epigenetics.

Regarding the methodology of ethnopsychiatric research, for example, on the Vietnamese Mo Mường's burial rituals or the health-promoting and healing effects of the Chinese Tujia dances, three different approaches can be distinguished: phenomenological-descriptive methods, hermeneutic-interpretive techniques and studies on underlying mechanisms such as hypnotherapeutic or neuroendocrine dynamics. Since epigenetics has shown that cultural and artistic experiences can influence gene expression and genetic functioning, even across generations, the article argues for greater consideration of epigenetics in medical anthropology and ethnopsychiatry. Epigenetic dynamics can significantly influence health promoting and healing effects of rituals in ethnic traditions and determine an individual's responsiveness to such practices. In this context, the interplay between genetics and epigenetics, various concepts of the collective unconscious, transcultural psychiatry, culturally sensitive arts therapies, and issues of migration and transcultural identities are discussed.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

The morphologic features of diversion colitis: studies of a pediatric population with no other disease of the intestinal mucosa.

Studies of diversion colitis have not shown a consistent pattern of histopathologic features, and many descriptions are difficult to interpret because of the presence of underlying intestinal mucosal disease. To define the histologic changes in patients free of other mucosal inflammatory disease, we studied the resected segments of bypassed colorectum from 37 patients with Hirschsprung's disease treated by a two-stage procedure, using rectal biopsy specimens taken for initial diagnosis and trimmings from proximal to the stoma as controls. Biopsy specimens from a further 14 patients of similar age but without colorectal mucosal disease were used as additional controls. The histology of the bypassed segment was abnormal in all patients. Twenty-six had diversion colitis characterized by diffuse follicular lymphoid hyperplasia; lamina propria expansion by plasma cells, lymphocytes, and some neutrophils; cryptitis; reactive epithelium; and mucin depletion. Crypt abscesses, aphthous ulcers, mild architectural distortion, and Paneth cell metaplasia were noted in more severe cases. The remaining 11 patients had mild follicular lymphoid hyperplasia and an increase in lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, with absence of neutrophils, epithelial injury, and other changes seen in diversion colitis, a pattern we term "diversion reaction." Diversion colitis is common in children with a bypassed colorectum. It can be distinguished histologically from other mucosal diseases in most cases. We hypothesize that diversion reaction may be an inevitable consequence of colonocyte nutrient deficiency and that diversion colitis may be superimposed by a second insult, such as a low-grade pathogen.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1994

In vivo measurements of the phase constants of transverse mechanical waves in a human tibia from 100 to 1000 Hz.

This paper contains the details of a new technique for measuring the mechanical phase constants of transverse waves in human tibia, in vivo. The measurements are made in the frequency range from 100 to 1000 Hz. The importance of these measurements is that healthy tibia has quite small phase delays along the bone at these frequencies. On the other hand, a fractured tibia has a large phase delay at the fracture site. This paper establishes a set of typical phase delays for a range of tibia so that subsequent measurements on fractured patients can be interpreted. It contains a description of the method of measuring the phase delay and a detailed analysis of errors. In particular, it includes an account of the phase delay through the soft tissues as well as the bone and how the former can be eliminated. It is not an exhaustive account of this topic but contains sufficient results to show that the measurements can be made relatively easily. Finally, there is a theoretical model which can be used to predict the phase shift. However, in order to use the model various other measurements are necessary and a direct measurement of phase is easier than using a model.

Electric Impedance↗
PubMed1997

Effects of size of macrocyclic polyamides on their rate of diffusion in model membranes.

A series of homologous amphiphilic molecules with surface areas in the range of 0.3 nm2 to 3.0 nm2 were prepared and used to investigate the diffusion in model dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine membranes as a function of temperature. The diffusion behavior of smaller molecules can be described by the interfacial viscosity limited free area theory promoted by Vaz and his co-workers, and that of the larger molecules can best be modeled by a recent interpretation of the theoretical description proposed by Evans and Sackmann. The experimental data show that the rate of diffusion is controlled by the size of the molecules at the interface of the lipid membrane, and provide evidence for a view of the membrane as a hydrodynamic triple layer with a low-viscosity central layer encased by two more viscous, yet fluid, layers.

Benzoxazoles↗
PubMed1999

Similarity pattern analysis in mutational distributions.

The validity and applicability of the statistical procedure - similarity pattern analysis (SPAN) - to the study of mutational distributions (MDs) was demonstrated with two sets of data. The first was mutational spectra (MS) for 697 GC to AT transitions produced with eight alkylating agents (AAs) in the lacI gene of Escherichia coli. The second was a recently summarized data on the distributions of 11562 spontaneous, radiation- and chemical-induced forward mutations in the ad-3 region of heterokaryon 12 of Neurospora crassa. They were analyzed as large two-way contingency tables (CTs) where two kinds of profiles were compared: site (or genotypic class) profiles and origin (or mutagen) profiles. To measure similarity (homogeneity) between any pair of profiles, the relevant sufficient statistics, Kastenbaum-Hirotsu squared distance (KHi(2)), was used. Collapsing the similar profiles into distinct internally homogeneous clusters named 'collapsets' revealed their similarity pattern. To facilitate the procedure, the computer program, COLLAPSE, was elaborated. The results of SPAN for the lacI spectra were found comparable with the results of their previous analysis with two multivariate statistical methods, the factor and cluster analyses. In the ad-3 data set, five collapsets were revealed among origin profiles (OPs): (I) ENU = 4NQO = 4HAQO = FANFT = SQ18506; (II) AF-2 = EI = MMS = DEP; (III) ETO = UV; (IV) AHA = PROCARB; and (V) He ions = protons. Moreover, the previous observation that MDs are dose-dependent was confirmed for X-ray-induced MDs. Profiles induced with the low doses of X-rays are similar to that induced with 85Sr, and profiles induced with the medium X-ray doses to those induced with protons and He ions. Evaluated similarities appear to be rather reasonable: mutagens with similar mode of action induce similar MDs. Similarity pattern revealed among genotypic class profiles (GCPs) seems to be also interpretable. When supplemented with descriptive cluster analysis, SPAN appears to be a fruitful methodology in MS analysis.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMed2004

The use of laboratory-determined ion exchange parameters in the predictive modelling of field-scale major cation migration in groundwater over a 40-year period.

An attempt has been made to estimate quantitatively cation concentration changes as estuary water invades a Triassic Sandstone aquifer in northwest England. Cation exchange capacities and selectivity coefficients for Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+) were measured in the laboratory using standard techniques. Selectivity coefficients were also determined using a method involving optimized back-calculation from flushing experiments, thus permitting better representation of field conditions; in all cases, the Gaines-Thomas/constant cation exchange capacity (CEC) model was found to be a reasonable, though not perfect, first description. The exchange parameters interpreted from the laboratory experiments were used in a one-dimensional reactive transport mixing cell model, and predictions compared with field pumping well data (Cl and hardness spanning a period of around 40 years, and full major ion analyses in approximately 1980). The concentration patterns predicted using Gaines-Thomas exchange with calcite equilibrium were similar to the observed patterns, but the concentrations of the divalent ions were significantly overestimated, as were 1980 sulphate concentrations, and 1980 alkalinity concentrations were underestimated. Including representation of sulphate reduction in the estuarine alluvium failed to replicate 1980 HCO(3) and pH values. However, by including partial CO(2) degassing following sulphate reduction, a process for which there is 34S and 18O evidence from a previous study, a good match for SO(4), HCO(3), and pH was attained. Using this modified estuary water and averaged values from the laboratory ion exchange parameter determinations, good predictions for the field cation data were obtained. It is concluded that the Gaines-Thomas/constant exchange capacity model with averaged parameter values can be used successfully in ion exchange predictions in this aquifer at a regional scale and over extended time scales, despite the numerous assumptions inherent in the approach; this has also been found to be the case in the few other published studies of regional ion exchanging flow.

Forecasting↗
PubMed2000

Data collection instrument and procedure for systematic reviews in the Guide to Community Preventive Services. Task Force on Community Preventive Services.

INTRODUCTION: A standardized abstraction form and procedure was developed to provide consistency, reduce bias, and improve validity and reliability in the Guide to Community Preventive Services: Systematic Reviews and Evidence-Based Recommendations (the Guide). DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT: The content of the abstraction form was based on methodologies used in other systematic reviews; reporting standards established by major health and social science journals; the evaluation, statistical and meta-analytic literature; expert opinion and review; and pilot-testing. The form is used to classify and describe key characteristics of the intervention and evaluation (26 questions) and assess the quality of the study's execution (23 questions). Study procedures and results are collected and specific threats to the validity of the study are assessed across six categories (intervention and study descriptions, sampling, measurement, analysis, interpretation of results and other execution issues). DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES: Each study is abstracted by two independent reviewers and reconciled by the chapter development team. Reviewers are trained and provided with feedback. DISCUSSION: What to abstract and how to summarize the data are discretionary choices that influence conclusions drawn on the quality of execution of the study and its effectiveness. The form balances flexibility for the evaluation of papers with different study designs and intervention types with the need to ask specific questions to maximize validity and reliability. It provides a structured format that researchers and others can use to review the content and quality of papers, conduct systematic reviews, or develop manuscripts. A systematic approach to developing and evaluating manuscripts will help to promote overall improvement of the scientific literature.

Data Collection↗
PubMed2003

Placing the consumption of private complementary medicine: everyday geographies of older peoples' use.

Using a combined questionnaire and interview survey of older users of complementary medicine, an interpretative framework is developed to examine their consumer behaviour. Collectively, three inter-related levels of interpretation provide a detailed description of complementary medicine as a consumer experience very much associated with particular places and settings. First, structural features of two local private sectors are investigated, including the different organisational modes and local cultures of provision. Second, experiential features are investigated, including how treatment impacts on older users' use of space and on their personal mobility. Third, conceptual features are investigated, including how older users articulate the belief systems associated with complementary medicine. Overlying these levels are a wide-variety of therapeutic settings that make up the total therapeutic experience. These range in scale from the micro-level of clinics and users' homes to the macro-level of towns. The paper unravels the complex, individualized, dispersed and everyday consumer geographies associated with these emerging forms of health care, highlights the intimate dynamics that exist between places and care and showcases how these may be effectively mapped by using qualitative methods and a critical theoretical framework.

Aged↗
PubMed1978

A critical analysis of the double and triple logistic growth curves.

Recently a model of human growth from the age of one year to maturity, based on two logistic terms, has been proposed. The originators of the model claim that it provides biologically meaningful parameters, and allows total growth to be partitioned into a pre-pubertal and an adolescent component. More recently, they have suggested an improved model, with three logistic terms, which gives a better fit. While the double logistic model gives an adequate fit to the observed height curve, differentiating it leads to a height velocity curve which differs considerably from the observed velocity curve. The triple logistic model gives an excellent fit to both the attained height and height velocity curves. Both models, however, imply a considerable time interval during which both the pre-pubertal and adolescent components are simultaneously contributing to growth, a situation that is difficult to justify biologically. The double model should therefore be discarded, and the triple logistic model considered to be of descriptive, rather than of interpretative, value.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Unipolar depression/bipolar depression: connections and controversies.

The modern dichotomous divide between unipolar and bipolar depressive disorders derives from several monographs that appeared in the mid-twentieth century. Studies of illness course and differing symptomatic profiles in unipolar and bipolar illness support this interpretation, but more recent descriptions of 'bipolar spectrum disorders' and genetic findings suggest otherwise. Whether these illnesses represent categories or points on a continuum remains an unresolved question.

Bipolar Disorder↗
PubMed2025

HI-FEVER: a Nextflow pipeline for the high-throughput discovery and annotation of endogenous viral elements.

SUMMARY: Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) offer valuable insights into virus and host evolution, but their detection remains computationally and biologically challenging. We present HI-FEVER, a user-friendly Nextflow pipeline for the discovery of EVEs in eukaryotic host genomes. HI-FEVER is highly parallelizable and customizable, ensuring computational efficiency while allowing researchers to fine-tune parameters to their specific needs. Its output provides a comprehensive analysis of discovered EVEs, including detailed annotations which can provide evolutionary insights. HI-FEVER scales seamlessly to handle millions of viral protein queries across multiple host genomes on both laptops and high-performance computing nodes. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The HI-FEVER source code is available on GitHub at https://github.com/PaleovirologyLab/hi-fever. Minimal reference databases, test datasets and benchmarking results are hosted on the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/y357r. A detailed wiki is available at https://github.com/PaleovirologyLab/hi-fever/wiki, including usage instructions, parameter descriptions, and guidance on interpreting outputs. The pipeline includes a Pixi environment compatible with Conda and Apptainer containerization, and Docker images. HI-FEVER has been tested on Linux, Windows (via WSL2), and macOS (Intel and ARM64).

Software↗
PubMed1997

Did Alexander the Great die of acute pancreatitis?

I propose that Alexander the Great died of acute pancreatitis secondary to heavy alcohol consumption and a very rich meal. The cause of death of prominent historic or artistic figures attracts considerable interest of historians and researchers. This is especially the case for Alexander the Great. More than 20,000 publications, books, or monographs on the life and work of Alexander the Great have been published. There are several theories and hypotheses regarding the cause of his death, that are based on historic descriptions, diaries, notations, and interpretations of events. It is inevitable that history and myth intermingle in any investigative approach, no matter how scholarly. In this article, on the basis of several historic sources. I have made an effort to reconstruct the final 14 days of his life and record the course of medical events that preceded his death with the formulation of a plausible diagnosis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1980

Accommodative and fusional vergence in anomalous correspondence.

Strabismic subjects who have anomalous correspondence often exhibit covariation in their angle of deviation and angle of anomaly. One hypothesis is that these covariation responses represent a neurological link between binocular correspondence and vergence innervation; an alternative is that they are neurologically independent. A description of these two interpretations is followed by certain implications and predictions.

Accommodation, Ocular↗
PubMed2002

Orientational dynamics of ferrofluids with finite magnetic anisotropy of the particles: relaxation of magneto-birefringence in crossed fields.

Dynamic birefringence in a ferrofluid subjected to crossed bias (constant) and probing (pulse or ac) fields is considered, assuming that the nanoparticles have finite magnetic anisotropy. This is done on the basis of the general Fokker-Planck equation that takes into account both internal magnetic and external mechanical degrees of freedom of the particle. We describe the orientation dynamics in terms of the integral relaxation time of the macroscopic orientation order parameter. To account for an arbitrary relation between the bias (external) and anisotropy (internal) fields, an interpolation expression for the integral relaxation time is proposed and justified. A developed description is used to interpret the measurements of birefringence relaxation in magnetic fluids with nanoparticles of high (cobalt ferrite) and low (maghemite) anisotropy. The proposed theory appears to be in full qualitative agreement with all the experimental data available.

Journal Article↗