Nosologic groups. An overview

A general analysis is made of the concept of nosologic groups. It is concluded that, even when 'artificial',they may prove to be useful research, didactic and differential diagnosis purposes. Nosologic groupings must, however, progress toward the finding of 'phenotypic communities' whose component syndromes share multiple foci of dysmorphogenetically intimate phenotypic overlap. The concepts of syndrome, anomalad, association, combination, dysplasia, phenotypic community and family of diseases are briefly analysed.     

Oculoplastic surgery. An overview

BACKGROUND. The interface between the subspecialties of dermatologic surgery and oculoplastic surgery is broad. However, there are many commonly seen oculoplastic conditions that are not foremost in the mind of the dermatologic surgeon. OBJECTIVES. Common oculoplastic problems are detailed in this article and should provide the reader with a basis for understanding the wide spectrum of oculoplastic problems encountered in practice.     

Dyslipidemias in childhood. An overview

This article reviews the current screening and treatment guidelines for dyslipidemias in the pediatric and adolescent populations. In addition, the components of a comprehensive lipid program are reviewed.     

Subliminal stimulation: An overview.

"Seldom has anything in psychology caused such an immediate and widespread stir as the recent claim that the presentation of certain stimuli below the level of conscious awareness can influence people's behavior in a significant way." Recent history relating to the technique is discussed under the topics of Recent Advertising Demonstrations, Research on Behavior without Awareness, and Effects of Inner States upon Thresholds. Unanswered Methodological Questions and The Ethics of Subliminal Influence are the other major topic areas. "The indiscriminate and uncontrolled application of psychological principles is increasing at a fearsome rate in the form of motivation research, propaganda, public relations, and a host of other useful practices based on the work of psychologists." Psychologists have a responsibility for assisting society to use its findings wisely. 132 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cellular and metabolic engineering. An overview

Metabolic engineering is defined as the purposeful modification of intermediary metabolism using recombinant DNA techniques. Cellular engineering, a more inclusive term, is defined as the purposeful modification of cell properties using the same techniques. Examples of cellular and metabolic engineering are divided into five categories: 1. Improved production of chemicals already produced by the host organism; 2. Extended substrate range for growth and product formation; 3. Addition of new catabolic activities for degradation of toxic chemicals; 4. Production of chemicals new to the host organism; and 5. Modification of cell properties. Over 100 examples of cellular and metabolic engineering are summarized. Several molecular biological, analytical chemistry, and mathematical and computational tools of relevance to cellular and metabolic engineering are reviewed. The importance of host selection and gene selection is emphasized. Finally, some future directions and emerging areas are presented.     

Facial bone wound healing. An overview

Facial bone wound healing has practical importance not only in acute fracture repair, but also in head and neck surgery. Fundamental principles of fracture fixation are now understood, and the benefit of acute bone grafting has emerged. In the future, bone healing may be augmented with growth factors and implants incorporating cells grown in tissue culture.     

Consulting in occupational health nursing. An overview

1. The term consultant is defined as anyone who provides professional advice or services, which may include internal and external consultants. Consulting is a challenging way to practice occupational health nursing. 2. The consulting process involves problem solving and the creation of change. This process may be illustrated by using the nursing process and the steps of assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. 3. Successful occupational health nursing consultants are excellent communicators, are willing to market themselves, love problem solving, and are self starters.     

The acute abdomen. An overview and algorithms

The diagnosis and management of the patient with an acute abdomen remains one of the most difficult challenges for the surgeon. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the abdomen are essential to properly generate a differential diagnosis and to formulate a treatment plan. While recent advances in technology can be extremely helpful in certain situations, they cannot replace a physician's clinical judgment based upon a good history and physical examination. This article provides a general overview of the evaluation of the patient with an acute abdomen. It will also suggest algorithms to consider in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.     

Homosexuality and psychopolitics: An historical overview.

Traces various sources of attitudes toward homosexuality (HMSX) throughout history and explores the scientific and political forces that contributed to the depathologization of HMSX in the psychological community via the American Psychological Association. Advances in the understanding of lesbian and gay issues within psychology since the early 1970s are considered, as well as an analysis of the current state of attitudes toward HMSX within professional psychology. Attitudes toward HMSX within psychology have changed from viewing HMSX as a form of mental illness to considering gay males and lesbians to be an oppressed group in need of special considerations. However, more attention needs to be paid to the diversity within the lesbian and gay male populations in terms of race and ethnicity, religious diversity, class issues, and physical, emotional, and cognitive disability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Emergent trends in neuropsychology: An overview.

Discusses the following 3 emergent trends: neurodevelopmental, assessment, and intervention. Neurodevelopmental issues receive particular emphasis because of their importance to clinical neuropsychology as a whole. In this area, conceptual models bridging the neurosciences and human ability theory are rapidly developing. Boundaries between research and practice and between animal and human models are less distinct. In assessment, the need for theoretically meaningful assessment approaches is emphasized, with strong criticism for the continued development of brain-damage batteries. The need for more consideration of the measurement characteristics of such batteries is emphasized. The area of intervention efforts lacks a conceptual framework but has much promise for expanding the professional role of the clinical neuropsychologist. It is concluded that some of the needed theory, which is important for continued progress in assessment and intervention areas, can be obtained from psychological theories of cognition and behavior. (71 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cancer therapy with radiolabeled antibodies. An overview

Considerable progress has been achieved during the last two decades in the use of radiolabeled tumor-selective monoclonal antibodies in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer. The concept of localizing the cytotoxic radionuclide to the cancer cell is an important supplement to conventional forms of radiotherapy. In theory the intimate contract between a radioactive antibody conjugate and a target cell enables the absorbed radiation dose to be concentrated at the site of abnormality with minimal injury to the normal surrounding cells and tissues. A variety of approaches and combinations of this strategy are now being pursued. This synopsis attempts to summarize the theoretical and biological basis for radio-immuno-therapy (RIT), and to review present efforts to further develop this treatment. Some of the critical issues in RIT are highlighted, and novel ways of improving the therapeutic indices of these radiopharmaceuticals are outlined. The attention is focused on the results obtained in clinical trials employing RIT. Encouraging complete response rates have recently been reported in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma resistant to combination chemotherapy. More modest results have been obtained in patients with solid cancers. The promises and hurdles in creating tumor-selective radiolabeled antibodies for cancer therapy are discussed, and prospects for further improvements are presented.     

An overview of psychoanalytic psychotherapy with schizophrenics.

Reviews issues in long-term psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy with schizophrenic patients. The schizophrenic's conflict is traced to the symbiotic phase of development. Three types of therapeutic relationships are outlined in which the therapist is either maternal, open to his/her own regression, or analytically neutral. Four stages in the transference are described: an out-of-contact delusional stage, a distorted stage, an ambivalent stage, and a stage of symbiotic relatedness. Contraindications and alternatives to transference interpretations are explored as well as types of interpretations. A dual-axis framework for ordering the theories and the psychotherapeutic techniques is provided. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mechanisms of neuronal cell death. An overview

Neuronal cell death is both a vital component of the embryo-genesis of the nervous system and forms the basis of all neurodegenerative diseases. This overview explores the fundamental mechanisms underlying neuronal cell death at a cellular and molecular level. The significance of the mode of neuronal death is compared with respect to physiological (developmental) and pathological neuronal loss.     

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: An overview.

This article reviews the current state of knowledge about hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Despite considerable clinical attention that has been given to this disorder, ambiguity remains concerning the nature and treatment of low sexual desire. This article reviews diagnostic issues, including prevalence estimates. Current theories of etiology and maintenance are highlighted, as well as available assessment strategies. Controlled treatment studies are reviewed, with particular focus on the need to develop desire-specific interventions. Throughout this review, areas where additional work is needed are highlighted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hepatic hemangioma. Analysis of 103 cases. Clinical considerations and imaging methods

Hemangiomas are the most common benign vascular tumor found in the liver. In this study, 103 cases of hepatic hemangiomas were analysed in a retrospective manner. Image aspects such as those seen in ultrassonography, computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance and arteriography are discussed. The incidence was higher amongst the female sex, between individuals from 40 to 60 years old, which presented predominantly without symptoms (66%) and localized mainly in the right hepatic lobe (74%). The meaning of those aspects, when adopted, permits the clinicians to differentiate benign from malignant nodular lesions in the liver.     

The psychosocial impact of skin disease. An overview

When the skin is disfigured by disease, it has an impact on the afflicted person. The intensity of the effect depends on many variables including the natural history of the disease, the characteristics of the individual patients and their life situation, as well as the attitudes and assumptions of the culture at large about the meaning of skin disease. Fantasies about skin disease, shared by patients and onlookers alike, relate to guilt, control of bodily boundaries, and perfectionist yearnings. Some issues involved in these fantasies include distortions about contagion, dirt, and sexuality. Ways of helping patients to manage the impact of their skin disease include an empathic doctor-patient alliance, education of patients and the community, and if indicated, referral for psychiatric consultation.     

Surgery of the spine in myelodysplasia. An overview

Significant spinal deformity is particularly common in nonambulatory patients with myelodysplasia. Progressive deformity may be caused by congenital anomalies, paralytic collapse, hip contractures, or spinal cord tethering. Existing or projected functional impairment should be the principle indication for treatment. Surgical treatment is complicated by poor soft tissue coverage, associated contractures, lack of sensation, weak bone, and absence of posterior elements. Successful fusion can be achieved by circumferential (anterior and posterior) fusion and current rigid segmental instrumentation. The unique deformities and bony anatomy require individualized techniques to achieve fixation.