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Magnetically ordered quasicrystals: enumeration of spin groups and calculation of magnetic selection rules.

Details are given of the theory of magnetic symmetry in quasicrystals, which has previously only been outlined. A practical formalism is developed for the enumeration of spin point groups and spin space groups, and for the calculation of selection rules for neutron scattering experiments. The formalism is demonstrated using the simple, yet non-trivial, example of magnetically ordered octagonal quasicrystals in two dimensions. In a companion paper [Even-Dar Mandel & Lifshitz (2004). Acta Cryst. A60, 179-194], complete results are provided for octagonal quasicrystals in three dimensions.

Journal Article↗

Spacetime stereo: a unifying framework for depth from triangulation.

Depth from triangulation has traditionally been investigated in a number of independent threads of research, with methods such as stereo, laser scanning, and coded structured light considered separately. In this paper, we propose a common framework called spacetime stereo that unifies and generalizes many of these previous methods. To show the practical utility of the framework, we develop two new algorithms for depth estimation: depth from unstructured illumination change and depth estimation in dynamic scenes. Based on our analysis, we show that methods derived from the spacetime stereo framework can be used to recover depth in situations in which existing methods perform poorly.

Algorithms↗

Bone marrow trephine biopsy: anterior superior iliac spine versus posterior superior iliac spine.

Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) is generally performed either on the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) or the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), the choice between these two sites depending largely upon practice at individual centres. No previous study has attempted to ascertain which of these two sites is preferable for needle BMB. We studied 72 biopsies, of which 36 were of the PSIS and 36 of the ASIS, measuring the length of the cylinder and the area of the histologic section. We asked those patients who had undergone BMB at both sites which had been the less painful. The cylinders obtained from the PSIS were found to have a significantly greater length and area than those obtained from the ASIS (P < 0.00001). Of the 13 patients who underwent BMB at both sites, 11 reported the PSIS biopsy to have been distinctly less painful (P = 0.012). We conclude that needle BMB of the PSIS provides samples of greater length and area, and is less painful, than that of the ASIS.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Introducing older people to the theory of gerotranscendence.

AIM: This paper reports a study whose aims were to introduce the theory of gerotranscendence to a group of older people; to give participants in the group an opportunity to discuss their ageing process; to study how participants described their ageing in relation to the theory; and to gather participants' opinions about discussing their ageing in a group. BACKGROUND: The theory of gerotranscendence states that human development is a process extending into old age. Guidelines had previously been derived for its practical use in the care of older people, aiming to promote their development towards gerotranscendence. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was taken, and older people were invited to participate in group sessions at a day centre. At the sessions, participants discussed their ageing, and a video presentation about the theory of gerotranscendence was shown at one of the sessions. They were encouraged to discuss the description of the ageing process presented in the video and to link this to their own experiences of growing old. The discussion in each session was tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed and categorized using qualitative methods. The data were collected in 2002. FINDINGS: All women had an experience of ageing that was in some way in line with the theory's description, and they more or less agreed that this description of ageing was in accordance with their own ageing. They considered that it was interesting and fruitful to discuss ageing in a group. They felt that introduction of the view of ageing offered by the theory of gerotranscendence was beneficial because it gave them a more positive view of ageing which also allowed them to be as they were. CONCLUSION: It is possible to arrange this type of group activity for older people, resulting in possibilities to use aspects of the theory of gerotranscendence as an intervention in gerontological nursing.

Aged↗

Career preference enquiry among Queen's University medical undergraduates and graduates: a follow-up.

Questionnaires were distributed in 1979 to fourth-and final-year students and to doctors who graduated in 1977 in the second leg of a longitudinal career preference enquiry at Queen's University medical school. Replies were obtained from 98.5 and 92.3% respectively of the undergraduates and from 74.1% of the graduates. While approximately half fourth-and final-year were consistent with their first preference made two years previously for broad fields of practice, less than a quarter of fourth-and a third of final-year were consistent in their preference of specialty. The proportion of Ulster-born students intending to remain rose by 20%. All 103 graduate respondents were working except two. Almost half either did not intend to continue in their present discipline or were undecided. Forty-five per cent were practising the specialty they had elected as final year students indicating that stability of career choice was greater between final year and SHO grading than between fourth and final year. More respondents in anaesthetics and surgery than in any other specialty were consistent in their choice. Eighty-eight per cent of the Ulster-born respondents were resident here at the time of completing the questionnaire. Sixty per cent intended to practise here ultimately, an increase of 15% on 1977.

Career Choice↗

Dermatology in a war zone: a Persian Gulf experience.

The clinical experience of two US Army dermatologists during the recent Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield/Storm) are presented with comparison with dermatologic experience in previous wars and in civilian practice.

Adult↗

Fertilizing ability of electro-ejaculated cryopreserved semen in the domestic cat.

Semen collection and AI in the cat are still not routine procedures. The correlation between semen quality and fertility under natural conditions is a relatively unknown field in the cat. In the present study, functional in vitro tests, such as the ability to bind and penetrate the zona pellucida or to fertilize in vitro, were used to determine fertilizing ability of sperm cryopreserved with a practical and efficient freezing protocol previously developed in our laboratory. Semen was collected by electroejaculation, evaluated for motility and diluted with Tris-glucose-citrate egg-yolk extender supplemented with Equex STM paste (0.5% v/v). After equilibration and loading into 0.25 ml straws, semen was frozen at 3.85 degrees C/min. Frozen-thawed semen was co-cultured with in vitro matured cat oocytes. Penetration rate was recorded 30 h after in vitro fertilization and cleaved zygotes were cultured in vitro until day 7. A correlation was found between sperm motility index (SMI) after thawing and semen fertilizing ability (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the post-thaw motility quality, expressed as SMI, of spermatozoa frozen using the protocol mentioned above can be considered an index of the sperm ability to penetrate in vitro matured oocytes.

Animals↗

Allergenic ingredients in nail polishes.

It has been known since the 1940s that nail polishes contain allergenic ingredients. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the nail polishes on the market today contain significant amounts of allergens, and what the solvents are. The following ingredients were determined: toluene, toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde resins, free formaldehyde, acrylates, methacrylates and certain organic solvents. The study comprised 20 brands and 42 samples. All the nail polishes analysed contained allergenic toluene sulfonamide formaldehyde resins (TSFR), in concentrations from 0.08 to 11.0%. The concentration of total formaldehyde varied from 0.02% to 0.5%. The more TSFR a nail polish contained, the higher was its formaldehyde content. Probably not only TSFR-allergic but also formaldehyde-allergic persons may get dermatitis from many of the nail polishes studied. The concentrations of acrylates and methacrylates were so small that they are of practical significance only to those previously sensitized to acrylates. Of the organic solvents, toluene was still widely used, whereas xylene was found in only 1 product. The nail polishes on the market today are not safe for all consumers. However, according to the regulations of the European Union, the packaging labeling of all cosmetic products must be supplied with a list of ingredients from the beginning of 1998. This will help the consumer to avoid allergenic products. A better alternative could, however, be to substitute the most allergenic ingredients with substances possessing minor allergy potency.

Acrylates↗

Broadband performance of an active headrest.

This paper presents a study of the attenuation of broadband random acoustic disturbances, when using a feedback active headrest system, as originally suggested by Olson and May. Previous studies showed that a practical active headrest can be designed for tonal disturbances using feedforward controllers. However, many applications, such as jet aircraft and cars, require feedback systems to control random disturbances over a wide frequency bandwidth. In this work, robust feedback controllers are designed to control broadband random disturbances in the low-frequency range based on measured data from a laboratory headrest system. The results show that a practically useful performance can be achieved, but only if the controller is designed to minimize the pressure at a "virtual microphone" close to the listener's ears, and that the performance is maintained reasonably well with movements of the listener's head. The paper emphasizes the importance of both the acoustics and the control in the design of broadband active headrest systems.

Acoustics↗

A search for the evidence supporting community paediatric practice.

AIM: Controversy exists regarding the evidence base of medicine. Estimates range from 20% to 80% in various specialties, but there have been no studies in paediatrics. The aim of this study was to ascertain the evidence base for community paediatrics. METHODS: Twelve community paediatricians working in clinics and schools in Yorkshire, Manchester, Teesside, and Cheshire carried out a prospective review of consecutive clinical contacts. Evidence for diagnostic processes, prescribing, referrals, counselling/advice, and child health promotion was found by searching electronic databases. This information was critically appraised and a consensus was obtained regarding quality and whether it supported actions taken. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-seven consultations and 1149 clinical actions were performed. Good evidence was found from a randomised controlled trial or other appropriate study for 39.9% of the 629 actions studied; convincing non-experimental evidence for 7%; inconclusive evidence for 25.4%; evidence of ineffectiveness for 0.2%; and no evidence for 27.5%. Prescribing and child health promotion activities had the highest levels of quality evidence, and counselling/advice had the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: An encouraging amount of evidence was found to support much of community paediatric practice. This study improved on previous research in other specialties because actions other than medications and surgery were included.

Child↗

Clinical signs of early osteoarthritis: reproducibility and relation to x ray changes in 541 women in the general population.

The definition and classification of early clinically apparent osteoarthritis both in clinical situations and in epidemiological surveys remains a problem. Few data exist on the between-observer reproducibility of simple clinical methods of detecting hand and knee osteoarthritis in the population and their sensitivity and specificity as compared with radiography. Two observers first studied the reproducibility of a number of clinical signs in 41 middle aged women. Good rates of agreement were found for most of the clinical signs tested (kappa = 0.54-1.0). The more reproducible signs were then tested on a population of 541 women, aged 45-65, drawn from general practice, screening centres, and patients previously attending hospital for non-rheumatic problems. The major clinical signs used had a high specificity (87-99%) and lower sensitivity (20-49%) when compared with radiographs graded on the Kellgren and Lawrence scale (2+ = positive). When analysis was restricted to symptomatic radiographic osteoarthritis, levels of sensitivity were increased and specificity was lowered. These data show that certain physical signs of osteoarthritis are reproducible and may be used to identify clinical disease. They are not a substitute for radiographs, however, if radiographic change is regarded as the 'gold standard' of diagnosis. As the clinical signs tested seemed specific for osteoarthritis they may be of value in screening populations for clinical disease.

Female↗

On telling the truth to patients with dementia.

OBJECTIVES: To discover what dementia sufferers think is wrong with them, what they have been told and by whom, and what they wish to know about their illness. BACKGROUND: Ethical guidelines regarding telling truth appear to be equivocal. Declarations of cognitively intact subjects, attitudes of family members, and current psychiatric practice all vary, but no previous research has been published concerning what patients with dementia would like to know about their diagnosis and prognosis. DESIGN: Questionnaire study of patients' opinions. SETTING: Old Age Psychiatry Service in Worcester, United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty consecutive patients with dementia. RESULTS: The quality of information received has been poor, and many patients have no opportunity to discuss their illness with anybody. Despite that, almost half of the participants in this study had adequate insight, and most declared that they would like to know more about their predicament. CONCLUSIONS: Although many patients would like to know the truth, the rights of those who do not want to know should also be respected. Therefore, the diagnosis of dementia should not be routinely disclosed, but just as in other disorders, health care professionals should seek to understand their patients' preferences and act appropriately according to their choice.

Alzheimer Disease↗

Would you like to know what is wrong with you? On telling the truth to patients with dementia.

OBJECTIVES: To discover what dementia sufferers feel is wrong with them; what they have been told and by whom, and what they wish to know about their illness. BACKGROUND: Ethical guidelines regarding telling truth appear to be equivocal. Declarations of cognitively intact subjects, attitudes of family members and current psychiatric practice all vary, but no previous research has been published concerning what patients with dementia would in fact like to know about their diagnosis and prognosis. DESIGN: Questionnaire study of the patients' opinions. SETTING: Old Age Psychiatry Service in Worcester. PARTICIPANTS: 30 consecutive patients with dementia. RESULTS: The quality of information received has been poor and many patients have no opportunity to discuss their illness with anybody. Despite that almost half of the participants in this study had adequate insight and a majority declared that they would like to know more about their predicament. CONCLUSIONS: Although many patients would like to know the truth, the rights of those who do not want to know should also be respected. Therefore the diagnosis of dementia should not be routinely disclosed but (just as in other disorders) health care professionals should seek to understand their patients' preferences and act appropriately according to their choice.

Aged↗

Normal jugular bulb oxygen saturation.

BACKGROUND: Normal values of the jugular bulb oxygen saturation were obtained in 1942 and in 1963. Correct catheter positioning was not confirmed radiologically. OBJECTIVES: To replicate the measurements during angiographic catheterisation of the jugular bulb. METHODS: Oxygen saturation in the jugular bulb (SjO(2)), inferior petrosal sinus (SipsO(2)), and internal jugular vein was bilaterally measured in 12 patients with Cushing's syndrome undergoing selective bilateral catheterisation of the inferior petrosal sinus. In addition, data from the two old series were reanalysed for comparison. RESULTS: SjO(2) values (44.7%) were significantly lower than in the two old series, particularly concerning the normal lower limit (54.6% and 55.0% respectively). Comparative analysis suggests that contamination with the extracerebral blood of the facial veins and inferior petrosal sinuses was responsible for falsely high SjO(2) values in the two old series. CONCLUSIONS: The normal lower SjO(2) limit is lower than previously recognised. This may have practical implications for treating severe head trauma patients.

Adult↗

Rain and windchill as factors in the occurrence of pneumonia in sheep.

A computerised information retrieval system of abattoir pathology and meteorological data has been used to investigate the effect of prevailing weather conditions on the occurrence of pleurisy and pneumonia in the sheep population of Northern Ireland. Significant correlation coefficients were found between the percentage condemnations due to pleurisy and pneumonia in sheep and rainfall, windspeed, temperature and humidity. The most significant correlation was found with windspeed. The paper describes the calculation of a new meteorological variable, the rain/windchill factor. Very highly significant correlation coefficients were found between the percentage lung condemnations in sheep and the rain/windchill factor prevailing during the same month and both one and two months previously. The paper discusses the practical implications of these findings for sheep production and highlights the desirability of protecting sheep from adverse climatic conditions during the winter months.

Abattoirs↗

Granulomatous appendicitis revisited: report of a case.

BACKGROUND: Isolated granulomatous appendicitis is uncommon and previously was considered to be a form of localised Crohn's disease. However more recent series have noted that relapse is rare after appendicectomy and concluded that the condition is a distinct entity unrelated to Crohn's disease. Following a case of granulomatous appendicitis at St. Vincent's University Hospital Dublin, the condition was reviewed and the results are detailed herein. METHODS: A case of granulomatous appendicitis is presented with discussion of 4 previous cases encountered in our practice and the literature is reviewed. RESULTS: The clinical presentation was sub-acute appendicitis with a mass palpable in the right iliac fossa. At operation an enlarged, inflamed appendix with a broad base was noted and appendicectomy performed. Histopathology showed numerous granulomata on microscopic examination. The yersinia serology tests were negative. Review of computerised histopathology records in the hospital for the last 7 years showed 4 additional cases of granulomatous appendicitis. This is a total of 5 of 1,615 appendectomies (an incidence of 0.31%). In all cases, the post-operative course was uneventful and the patients have had no further complaints. CONCLUSION: This small series provides further evidence that granulomatous appendicitis is a distinct clinical entity unrelated to Crohn's disease and is cured by appendicectomy. It should be suspected when there is a sub-acute onset of appendicitis and an enlarged, broad-based appendix is found at operation.

Acute Disease↗

Hemophilus influenzae pneumonia in adults: report of five cases caused by ampicillin-resistant strains.

Recently there has been increased recognition of Hemophilus influenzae as a cause of pneumonia in adults. Although ampicillin-resistant strains of Hemophilus influenzae have been a major problem in pediatric practice, such strains have not previously been noted to be a significant problem in the treatment of adult pneumonia. We report 5 cases of pneumonia caused by beta-lactamase-producing strains of Hemophilus influenzae. These organisms were susceptible to chloramphenicol but resistant to ampicillin. Cure was achieved by treatment with chloramphenicol after the initial treatment with ampicillin had failed. The ability of a microbiology laboratory to isolate and to test routinely for ampicillin-resistant strains is an important factor in the successful treatment of Hemophilus influenzae infections.

Adult↗

Syphilis in clinical psychiatry: a review.

Syphilis is a potentially fatal infectious disease that has a long history of association with psychiatry. Recent developments in epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment guidelines warrant a review of the current relationship of syphilis to clinical psychiatry. After a recent peak of incidence in the United States, syphilis is once again on the decline. Although the prevalence of syphilis remains endemic in certain locations, it has been targeted for elimination. Meanwhile, diagnostic testing remains complex and imperfect, especially for the detection of late stages of infection and neurosyphilis. The U.S. Public Health Service recently revised guidelines for the evaluation and management for syphilis. This paper discusses these developments and their specific implications to psychiatric practice. The likelihood of discovering previously unsuspected cases through screening and recommendations on high-risk groups to screen are discussed. A case example illustrates some of the key concepts.

Adult↗