New studies and considerations on the pathology of the primate skull. A contribution to the "Gundu" problem

The problem of 'Gundu' in primates is discussed. Cases of so-called 'Gundu' in the literature, two cases in Gorilla and one in Lagothrix, are dealt with. Histological and X-ray techniques are used. One case (Lagothrix) represents the so-called simian bone disease, which is metabolic disorder and is due to a secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism. The other two cases (Gorilla) show symmetrical bony tumors of the maxilla. The origin is uncertain. Gundu, Paget's disease and primary hyperparathyroidism Recklinghausen have not been observed in primates so far.     

Theoretical and methodological considerations in the age-job satisfaction relationship.

Research investigating the form and magnitude of the relationship between age and job satisfaction has produced mixed and generally inconclusive results. Potential explanations for such results relate to the largely atheoretical nature of research in this area as well as the inconsistent application of proper statistical and methodological controls. Our study addresses both areas of concern in an effort to permit more accurate and informed interpretations of both the form and magnitude of the age–job satisfaction relationship. We conducted hierarchical polynomial regression analyses, controlling for three different tenure measures, to examine several forms of the age–job satisfaction relationship for an all-female sample of registered nurses (N?=?81). Results supported both a U-shaped and a linear relationship between age and job satisfaction. Implications for both theory and research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Clinico-anatomic study of the spina nasalis ossis frontalis and its role within the scope of frontal sinus surgical approach

BACKGROUND: During endonasal frontal sinusotomy using the sharp spoon (endonasal frontal sinus surgery type II according to Draf or May and Schaitkin) a solid piece of bone is frequently encountered anterior to the neo-ostium. This bone may be referred to as a "nasal spine". A prominent spine may render a sinusotomy difficult or even impossible. METHODS: A maximum endonasal frontal sinusotomy was performed on 36 anatomical specimens by means of a sharp spoon producing neo-ostia of 7 x 5 mm on average. The dimensions of the remaining nasal spine were measured subsequently together with the diameter of the inferior frontal sinus, the thickness of the anterior frontal sinus wall, and the distance from the neoostium to the anterior ethmoidal artery. RESULTS: Almost every specimen (97%) showed a relevant nasal spine. The average height of the spine was 10 mm. The anterior-posterior dimension was 6 mm on average. A correlation was found between the nasofrontal angle and the a.-p. dimension of the spine: the more acute the angle, the thicker the spine was. In three out of four specimens the neo-ostium was separated by just one anterior ethmoidal cell from the anterior ethmoidal artery. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of the specimens a sufficient endonasal approach to the frontal sinus could be obtained by enlarging the natural ostium as described by Draf or May and Schaitkin. The anterior ethmoidal artery is a valuable landmark for locating the ostium. The maximum diameter of the frontal sinus approach in frontal direction can be estimated by measuring of the nasofrontal angle.     

How food and fluid affect drug absorption: results of initial studies

The rate and extent of absorption of many drugs may be influenced by the presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract and by the volume of fluid ingested with the dose. In most cases, food appears to inhibit or delay drug absorption. Relatively large fluid volume, on the other hand, appears to enhance absorption.     

Expanding the scope of behavioral consultation: A systems approach to classroom behavior change.

Discusses the utility of a systems approach to classroom behavior change. It is suggested that the child-centered focus of behavioral consultation be broadened toward the goal of improving the functional effectiveness of classrooms as interactive systems. Three primary developments that have encouraged the adoption of a systems approach to classroom behavior change are reviewed: (a) increased popularity and use of the consultation model, (b) increased reports of intervention side effects, and (c) frequent failure to obtain treatment generalization and maintenance. Following discussion of each of these factors, implications are drawn for broadening the scope of assessment during the identification and functional analysis of classroom behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Decision making and psychotherapy integration: Theoretical considerations, preliminary data, and implications for future research.

In recent years, a number of publications have called for investigation of how psychotherapists make treatment decisions in clinical practice. This recommendation is particularly salient for psychotherapy integration, as studies have consistently shown that a plurality of American clinicians consider themselves to be either "eclectic" or "integrative" in theoretical orientation. Yet, the research on clinician decision making in psychotherapy is in its infancy. This article examines the need for decision-making research in psychotherapy integration, as well as aspects of psychotherapy integration that are targets for research and possible theoretical frameworks for understanding decision-making processes of integrative psychotherapists. A preliminary study provides data from practicing psychotherapists to illustrate these points. Finally, implications and directions for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cervicothoracic tumors: results of resection by the "hemi-clamshell" approach

OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to describe the "hemi-clamshell" approach for the resection of primary and metastatic tumors of the cervicothoracic junction, evaluate its morbidity and mortality, and present survival data on a series of 42 patients who underwent resection with the use of this technique. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the records of all patients of a single surgeon undergoing resection of tumors of the cervicothoracic junction. Data collected includes tumor type and involvement, type of resection, complications, and survival. RESULTS: Forty-two patients underwent resection of various primary (n = 28) and metastatic (n = 14) tumors of the cervicothoracic junction over 6.5 years by means of the hemi-clamshell approach. En bloc resection of the tumor and invaded structures was successful in all but two patients (5%), who required an additional posterolateral thoracotomy to facilitate removal of tumor invading the posterior chest wall. Invaded structures that were resected included lung (n = 22), vertebral body (n = 7), chest wall (n = 8), central veins (n = 10), thyroid (n = 3), carotid artery (n = 1), and cervical esophagus (n = 1). Four major complications occurred in three patients, and nine minor complications occurred in eight patients. There were no deaths. The overall 5-year actuarial survival was 67.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Tumors of the cervicothoracic junction are represented by a variety of histologic types and can be both primary and metastatic. The hemi-clamshell approach is a successful technique for the exposure and resection of these tumors. This approach has significant advantages over other previously reported techniques. The complication rate is low and the mortality rate is zero in this series, the largest yet reported. Long-term survival is acceptable if complete resection can be performed.     

The Pediatric Bowel Management Clinic: initial results of a multidisciplinary approach to functional constipation in children

The multifactorial nature of functional constipation in children suggests that a multidisciplinary management approach may be effective. The authors tested this hypothesis in a newly created pediatric Bowel Management Clinic (BMC). Detailed data were collected prospectively on all patients seen in the clinic over the first 16 months. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to describe the index population and to demonstrate the impact of the intervention. Satisfaction with care in the clinic was measured using the Measure of Processes of Care tool, then compared with a normative sample. One hundred fourteen patients, all previously treated unsuccessfully for constipation, were referred to a team comprised of a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, dietitian, and psychosocial nurse specialist. The mean age was 5.4 years with equal gender distribution. Between the first and last visits recorded, several variables including stool consistency and frequency, soiling frequency, abdominal pain, rectal pain, and rectal bleeding all showed statistically significant (P < .05) improvement. Qualitative data analysis showed the significant psychosocial impact of constipation on patients and their families. In the Measures of Processes of Care questionnaire, scores for the BMC were higher than normal on all scales except in provision of information. A multidisciplinary approach to functional constipation leads to both patient and parent satisfaction and significant short-term improvement. Further studies will examine the long-term impact of the clinic.     

A critical review of the approach to birth order research.

The birth order literature was reviewed in order to demonstrate that the present emphasis on birth order differences with a de-emphasis on theory has resulted in confusion. Birth order research topics reviewed were: child-rearing practices, affiliation, dependence, and conformity, intelligence and achievement, and alcoholism. Following the review, two suggestions were made concerning the direction of future birth order research. The first concerned the importance of undertaking theoretically-derived research as opposed to research focused on differences. Developmental theories, particularly those considering the family and child-rearing practices were suggested. The second concerned the value of a moderator variable (Ghiselli, 1963) in birth order research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Surgical technique and clinical results of modified endo-dermo-"brassière" breast reduction-plasty

The variety of techniques feasible for reduction mammaplasty depends on the patient's anatomy. The inferior pedicle technique and its manifold variations have been described by several authors, probably being the most popular breast reduction technique. The advantages include the ease of performance, good preservation of the neuro-vascular supply of the nipple, new configuration of the breast and fixation like an endo-brassière. Here we present the method of breast reduction, as we currently use it, as well as the principles and the technical considerations necessary to achieve an optimal outcome. Additionally, a retrospective study of selected patients is performed. Results have been very gratifying, not only concerning the esthetical appearance of the breast, but also the long-term preservation of it's new shape. Complications like necrosis of the NAC complex were not observed till yet.     

Communicating developmental research results to the general public through television.

Describes a project in which developmental psychologists worked cooperatively with producers to create a series of 20 news features (60–250 sec episodes) that were broadcast on the local news of TV stations across the US. Topics included divorce, adolescent abuse, parent–infant attachment, and the visual capabilities of babies. Public relations specialists, an interviewer, and 2 developmental psychologists experienced in TV appearances provided suggestions for developmental psychologists on how to be more effective as sources for news programs, talk shows, and documentaries. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Causal inferences in motivation research: A reinterpretation of results from panel studies.

Presents a secondary analysis of the data reported in 3 previous studies (E. E. Lawler, 1968; E. E. Lawler and J. L. Suttle, 1973; J. Sheridan et al, 1975) on the causal relationships between an expectancy construct of motivation and job performance. Corrected cross-lagged correlations indicate that the previous statistical inferences of causality may have been artifact of varying measurement reliability and that the observed relationships were spurious. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The use of touch in psychotherapy: Theoretical and ethical considerations.

Discusses the importance of touch in human communication, reviews the development of a taboo against touching among early psychoanalytic writers, and considers more recent arguments that counter this strict taboo against touching psychotherapy patients. Suggestions are outlined for appropriate uses of touch in psychotherapy, and the ethics of touch are discussed in the context of theoretical issues and ethical principles. The authors believe a rigid, rule-bound approach regarding touch in therapy is precluded by the complexities of this issue and by insufficient attention having been paid to linking theoretical arguments to ethical considerations. A 3-level approach of ethical, therapeutic, and decision-making guidelines in considering the use of touch is proposed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Clinical value of Doppler ultrasound controlled puncture of the inguinal vessels with the "Smart Needle" within the scope of heart catheter examination]

BACKGROUND: Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) catalyzes the S-methylation (that is, inactivation) of mercaptopurine, azathioprine, and thioguanine and exhibits genetic polymorphism. About 10% of patients have intermediate TPMT activity because of heterozygosity, and about 1 in 300 inherit TPMT deficiency as an autosomal recessive trait. If they receive standard doses of thiopurine medications (for example, 75 mg/m2 body surface area per day), TPMT-deficient patients accumulate excessive thioguanine nucleotides in hematopoietic tissues, which leads to severe and possibly fatal myelosuppression. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the genetic basis and develop molecular methods for the diagnosis of TPMT deficiency and heterozygosity. DESIGN: Diagnostic test evaluation. SETTING: Research hospital. PATIENTS: The TPMT phenotype was determined in 282 unrelated white persons, and TPMT genotype was determined in all persons who had intermediate TPMT activity (heterozygotes) and a randomly selected, equal number of persons who had high activity. In addition, genotype was determined in 6 TPMT-deficient patients. MEASUREMENTS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed to detect the G238C transversion in TPMT*2 and the G460A and A719G transitions in TPMT*3 alleles. Radiochemical assay was used to measure TPMT activity. Mutations of TPMT were identified in genomic DNA, and the concordance of TPMT genotype and phenotype was determined. RESULTS: 21 patients who had a heterozygous phenotype were identified (7.4% of sample [95% CI, 4.7% to 11.2%]). TPMT*3A was the most prevalent mutant allele (18 of 21 mutant alleles in heterozygotes; 85%); TPMT*2 and TPMT*3C were more rare (about 5% each). All 6 patients who had TPMT deficiency had two mutant alleles, 20 of 21 patients (95% [CI, 76% to 99.9%]) who had intermediate TPMT activity had one mutant allele, and 21 of 21 patients (100% [CI, 83% to 100%]) who had high activity had no known TPMT mutation. Detection of TPMT mutations in genomic DNA by PCR coincided perfectly with genotypes detected by complementary DNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: The major inactivating mutations at the human TPMT locus have been identified and can be reliably detected by PCR-based methods, which show an excellent concordance between genotype and phenotype. The detection of TPMT mutations provides a molecular diagnostic method for prospectively identifying TPMT-deficient and heterozygous patients.