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Benzodiazepine use is associated with delirium, and guidelines recommend avoiding them in older and critically ill patients. Their perioperative use remains common because of perceived benefits. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Science from inception to June 2021. Pairs of reviewers identified randomised controlled trials and prospective observational studies comparing perioperative use of benzodiazepines with other agents or placebo in patients undergoing surgery. Two reviewers independently abstracted data, which we combined using a random-effects model. Our primary outcomes were delirium, intraoperative awareness, and mortality. We included 34 randomised controlled trials (n =4354) and nine observational studies (n =3309). Observational studies were considered separately. Perioperative benzodiazepines did not increase the risk of delirium (n =1352; risk ratio [RR] 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9–2.27; I 2=72%; P =0.13; very low-quality evidence). Use of benzodiazepines instead of dexmedetomidine did, however, increase the risk of delirium (five studies; n =429; RR 1.83; 95% CI: 1.24–2.72; I 2=13%; P =0.002). Perioperative benzodiazepine use decreased the risk of intraoperative awareness (n =2245; RR 0.26; 95% CI: 0.12–0.58; I 2=35%; P =0.001; very low-quality evidence). When considering non-events, perioperative benzodiazepine use increased the probability of not having intraoperative awareness (RR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01–1.13; I 2=98%; P =0.03; very low-quality evidence). Mortality was reported by one randomised controlled trial (n =800; RR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.20–3.1; P =0.80; very low quality). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, perioperative benzodiazepine use did not increase postoperative delirium and decreased intraoperative awareness. Previously observed relationships of benzodiazepine use with delirium could be explained by comparisons with dexmedetomidine. PROSPERO CRD42019128144 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) is a comprehensive tool assessing functioning, strengths, acculturation, caregiver needs/resources, behavioral/emotional needs, and risk behaviors of youth and children. Although this tool is widely used within the United States, minimal work has been published overviewing the tool, synthesizing existing research that utilizes it, and highlighting studies that specifically examine its psychometric properties such as reliability and validity. The purpose of this article is to overview much of the existing research and literature that has been published in peer-reviewed journals that employs the CANS to offer researchers, helping professionals, families, agencies, and institutions a synopsis of the current status of the tool. Additionally, suggestions and future directions of the CANS are offered with the intent of strengthening and solidifying the tool's understanding, utility, and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(a) Objective: This study examined the reliability and validity of the Texas Risk Assessment System (TRAS) alcohol and drug use screeners. (b) Method: We examined internal consistency, inter-item correlations, and used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and item response theory (IRT) to assess item-specific information regarding a single latent dimension of substance use severity. (c) Results: Results supported the TRAS alcohol and drug screeners to measure a single dimension of alcohol and drug use severity. More specifically, the instruments appear to be effective screeners of moderate to severe alcohol use problems, and thus effective screeners for referral for further assessment and possible treatment. (d) Conclusions: Treatment can only be provided for problems that are well defined and diagnosed. Continuing evaluation of substance abuse screeners and assessment is important, especially for justice-involved persons. Effective screeners can lead to more people getting needed assessment and treatment. Recommendations were to drop one item on each screener due to redundancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis is routinely treated with spinal decompression surgery, with an increasing trend towards minimally invasive techniques. Endoscopic decompression has emerged as a technique which minimizes approach-related morbidity while achieving similar clinical outcomes to conventional open or microscopic approaches. To assess the safety and efficacy of endoscopic versus microscopic decompression for treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review on randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing endoscopic versus microscopic decompression was conducted, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Treatment effects were computed using pairwise random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-bias and ROBINS-I tools for randomized and nonrandomized trials respectively. Quality of the overall body of evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. A total of 19 primary references comprising 1,997 patients and 2,132 spinal levels were included. Endoscopic decompression was associated with significantly reduced intraoperative blood-loss (weighted mean differences [WMD]=−33.29 mL, 95% CI:−51.80 to −14.78, p=.0032), shorter duration of hospital stay (WMD=−1.79 days, 95% CI: -2.63 to 0.95, p=.001), rates of incidental durotomy (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.91, p=.0184) and surgical site infections (RR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.10 to−0.51, p=.001), and a nonsignificant trend towards less back pain, leg pain, and better functional outcomes compared to its microscopic counterpart up to 2-year follow up. Endoscopic and microscopic decompression are safe and effective techniques for treatment of symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis. Prospective studies of larger power considering medium to long-term outcomes and rates of iatrogenic instability are warranted to compare potential alignment changes and destabilization from either techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter selectively reviews the evolution of quantitative practices in the field of developmental methodology. The chapter begins with an overview of the past in developmental methodology, discussing the implementation and dissemination of latent variable modeling and, in particular, longitudinal structural equation modeling. It then turns to the present state of developmental methodology, highlighting current methodological advances in the field. Additionally, this section summarizes ample quantitative resources, ranging from key quantitative methods journal articles to the various quantitative methods training programs and institutes. The chapter concludes with the future of developmental methodology and puts forth seven future innovations in the field. The innovations discussed span the topics of measurement, modeling, temporal design, and planned missing data designs. Lastly, the chapter closes with a brief overview of advanced modeling techniques such as continuous time models, state space models, and the application of Bayesian estimation in the field of developmental methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombosis is a devastating complication after repair of traumatic vascular injury. Although thrombosis rates have been described, the value of anticoagulation in preventing postrepair thrombosis is unknown. We hypothesize that postoperative anticoagulation reduces thrombosis rates. A total of 1524 consecutive patients with traumatic arterial injuries from January 2005 to June 2015 were identified, and 381 patients underwent the following repair types: direct suture of vessel wall, primary anastomosis, extra-anatomic reconstruction, tissue and synthetic interposition reconstruction. Twenty six patients received postoperative heparin at therapeutic levels, and 29 patients received postoperative aspirin for five consecutive days. The heparin and aspirin groups were matched with patients without postoperative anticoagulation by the following variables: anatomic arterial injury, type of vascular repair, and age. These groups were then compared using the following outcome measures: mortality, thrombosis of repaired vessel, amputation, hemorrhage, cerebral vascular accident, and extremity compartment syndrome. The demographics between the heparin, aspirin, and respectively matched groups were not statistically different. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of thrombosis, bleeding, compartment syndrome, cerebral vascular accident, limb amputation, or mortality. Although there was no increase in bleeding complications with the use of heparin or aspirin, there was also no impact on the rate of thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant social efforts to reduce substance-related imprisonment, the United States prison population continues to have high percentages of individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. This already marginalized group continues to make up substantial portions of the incarcerated population. This perspective paper overviews the Alcohol Severity Index (ASI) and its use within incarcerated populations. It highlights several shortcomings of the assessment, including validity, time of the assessment, the window of detection, and individual inmate consequences due to high assessment scores. In addition, it advocates for change within the assessment process of substance use disorders within the prison population that would navigate toward better outcomes for both inmates and the prison system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To report a case of successful treatment of a patient with spontaneous intracranial hypotension correlated with MRI finding of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak with extradural collection at the upper cervical spinal level. Design. Case report. Setting. An academic tertiary pain management center. Methods. Fluoroscopically guided placement of an 18-gauge epidural needle into epidural space at the C7-T1 level was performed; an epidural catheter (Braun Perifix 20G) was advanced to C2 level (first patch) and C3 level (second patch). An epidurogram with Omnipaque injections confirmed contrast in the posterior and lateral epidural space. Autologous venous blood was then administered through the catheter. Results. This patient received two lumbar epidural blood patches without lasting relief. Given the radiographic evidence of prominent CSF leak with extradural fluid collection at C1-2 level, the patient was then treated with a cervical epidural blood patch, which provided headache pain relief lasting 6 months. A second cervical epidural blood patch was performed, and the patient has been headache-free for nearly one year to date. Conclusion. Based on the successful treatment of this patient's spontaneous intracranial hypotension, we advocate that patients undergo epidural blood patches to target the site of any CSF leak identified by imaging studies to improve the efficacy of this intervention. This case demonstrates that cervical epidural blood patch, despite its inherent risks, may be more effective than lumbar epidural blood patch in treatment of cervical CSF leak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 20 years, the status of adolescent health has deteriorated at an alarming rate. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) proposed six standards that identified characteristics of a physically educated individual. Some of these standards address constructs that can be framed in the selfdetermination theory. The purpose of this study was to validate an instrument intended to measure the actions and dispositions toward physical activity as a result of participation in a physical education program. Participants for this investigation were university freshmen. This sample was chosen because the participants were coming from a recent high school physical education experience. Using exploratory factor analyses, Griffin, Wang, and Hart (2008) found four-factor and three-factor solutions for actions and dispositions, respectively. The current study used confirmatory factor analysis that provides evidence for construct validity of the instrument for measuring the actions and dispositions toward physical activity. As a result of this investigation, a questionnaire measuring actions and dispositions toward physical activity has been validated. The instrument can easily be used by physical education specialists, physical activity practitioners, and academicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (SW-PBIS) is a framework for creating safe and effective learning environments and cultivating a positive educational climate. Researchers show that SW-PBIS can improve behavioral outcomes, while demonstrations of a causal relationship between improvements in students' academic achievement and implementation of SW-PBIS remain equivocal. We provide evidence of reductions in behavioral incident reports, improvements in school attendance, and increases in career and technical industry certifications following SW-PBIS implementation in one Texas secure male juvenile correction facility. We argue that these improvements could only be due to SW-PBIS implementation and not alternative explanations (e.g., agency policy/procedure changes, changes in facility or agency leadership, other treatment/rehabilitation programs, validity of measures). We also offer an explanation for these improved gains based on the academic characteristics of incarcerated youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Possible selves theory describes the relation between self-concept and regulation of future-oriented behaviours. This theory helps conceptualise issues related to teacher development, including preparation and retention, but few researchers have done so. The validation of a Likert-type instrument intended to measure ‘new teacher possible selves’ is described. Student teachers in the United States (n = 335) completed the new measure in their final practicum semester. Results from two confirmatory factor analyses indicate that data fit well the models of new teacherexpectedandfearedpossible selves. Limitations and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal addition of fluorochemical greaseproof agent was applied to furnishes of different fibers, filler, binder types, and loadings to examine their effects under different degrees of refining on the greaseproof indicators such as air resistance, water absorption, and the Kit values of the resulting handsheets. The results showed that more refining tended to produce a tighter textured paper which was more suitable for the greaseproof purpose. The Kit values of the resulting handsheets were found to correlate with a polynomial regression equation of the Gurley air resistance (A) of the paper with an equation of Kit no. = 2.51 + 0.064 A - 0.002 A². The results also showed that furnishes that blended northern softwood and Eucalyptus pulps at ratios from 25:75 to 75:25, depending on the strength requirements, had the best greaseproof performance. Among the fillers, sericite was superior to bentonite and PCC for contributing to greaseproof properties. However, filler loading exceeding 6.1% was undesirable. Soluble starch and polyvinyl alcohol were suitable binders for making greaseproof papers. Their dosages should be kept between 0.4 to 1.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This research focused on the impact of Family Group Decision-Making on expediting youths'' exits from the foster care system through family reunification, permanent placement with relatives, or adoption using a sample of youths (N=80,690) in foster care in the state of Texas. The results from a discrete-time survival analysis indicated that Family Group Conferences after removal increased the odds of achieving the desired outcome of placement with family (reunification with family or placement with relatives) compared to adoption. Results also indicated that, although Family Group Conferences after removal did not decrease time to permanency, neither did they significantly increase time to permanency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Mediating Work of Art," by Jonathan Hay in the September 2007 issue.

Buddhist cave shrines in medieval China amount to an optical theatre. Tracing the history of these mirror halls, the author argues that the model of the mirror-hall underlies the conception of Chinese Buddhist cave shrines. Focusing on an eighth-century cave at Dunhuang, the author demonstrates that the murals covering its ceiling slopes and walls combine to map out a temporal-spatial continuum that encompasses vast imaginary horizons and cycles of past, present, and future. The resulting virtual space facilitates a meditative practice that dissolves and obliterates the bedrock of the physical surrounding altogether. Pictorial images become oneiric mirror reflections and phantasmatic projections of both Buddhist deities and the perceiving subject. Individual pictorial tableaux derived from disparate Buddhist sutras, rather than‘illustrating’ the sutras, mark different phases of an implied visualization process and sustain an optical fiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with liver cirrhosis have varying degrees of imbalance of the intestinal flora and probiotics can improve some of the symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction in these patients. In the present study, blood ammonia, fecal pH, fecal ammonia, and plasma endotoxin were measured after administration of two kinds of probiotics in order to detect the changes in intestinal flora. Six bacteria and yeast were cultured and the colony forming units were counted. Fifty cirrhotic patients were randomized to receive probiotic capsules containing Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus, or probiotic capsules containing Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium for 14 days. Fecal flora, pH and ammonia, blood ammonia (detected by test paper) and plasma endotoxin (detected by LAL test kits) were measured before and after the treatment. Patients with liver cirrhosis had varying degrees of imbalance of the intestinal flora as shown by a decrease in the Bifidobacterium count (10.04 ± 0.78 vs 9.48 ± 1.13, P < 0.05). The severity of the imbalance was matched by that of liver dysfunction, with the most serious imbalance observed in Child-Pugh C patients. Both types of probiotic increased the Bifidobacterium count (9.46 ± 1.09 vs 10.30 ± 1.11, 9.81 ± 0.62 vs 10.44 ± 1.08, respectively, P < 0.05) and reduced the levels of fecal pH and fecal and blood ammonia ( P < 0.05). Probiotics containing B. subtilis and E. faecium reduced the level of endotoxin in cirrhotic patients with endotoxemia (0.0876 ± 0.0117 Eu/mL vs 0.0685 ± 0.0246 Eu/mL, P < 0.05). Patients with liver cirrhosis have an imbalance of intestinal bacteria flora. Probiotics effectively increased the Bifidobacterium count and reduced the level of fecal pH and fecal and blood ammonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurons within the olfactory system undergo functional turnover throughout life. This process of cell death and compensatory neurogenesis requires feedback between neuronal populations of different developmental ages. We examined the role of NT-3 in this process. NT-3 was localized within both the olfactory bulb and olfactory epithelium. Mice null for NT-3 showed increased numbers of immature neurons, without change in the number of mature neurons. This was due to compensatory alterations in apoptosis of mature and immature neuronal populations. Using a primary olfactory neuronal culture, NT-3 was found to directly activate the PI3K/Akt pathway and indirectly activate the MAPK and PLC pathways. Activated PI3K/Akt promoted mature neuronal survival and induced the release of secondary factors, which activated the MAPK and PLC pathways to reduce neuronal precursor proliferation and inhibit neuronal maturation. These effects of NT-3 serve to maintain homeostasis between neuronal populations within the olfactory epithelium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Investigates the effectiveness of the Program for the Aggressive Mentally Ill Offender (PAMIO), a specialty aggression treatment program in Texas. Provision of a multidisciplinary medical and behavioral treatment; Comparison of the annual rates of disciplinary offenses of offenders; Decrease in inmate violence after PAMIO treatment.

Focuses on the visual effect and historical description of the winking owl in Chinese art paintings. Account on the charges of blasphemy by the Ministry of Culture against artists involved in the Black Painting Exhibition; Political implication of the Black Painting; Impact of an artist's compulsion toward verbal witticism on public perception.

The authors used structural modeling to predict institutional aggression among male mentally ill offenders using the predictors of anger, antisocial personality style, current violent offense, ethnicity, and impulsivity. Measures included the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, the Personality Assessment Inventory, age, ethnicity, current violent offense, victim injury from current offense, and institutional incidents of physical and verbal aggression. The model fit the data, and accounted for 94% and 87% of the variance of physical and verbal aggression, respectively. Results indicated anger, antisocial personality style, and impulsivity are stronger predictors of institutional aggression than are ethnicity and current violent offense; anger was the best predictor. Results suggest dynamic variables such as anger can be targeted for clinical intervention to reduce institutional violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores the relationship between the millennia-old mirror metaphor and actual early Chinese bronze mirrors. Motifs involving the search for immortality; Representation of history; Rhetorical context underlying the mirrors.

The leaf essential oils of Prunus phacosticta var. phaeosticta were isolated and analyzed using hydrodistillation and headspace-GC methods to determine their composition and yield. Seventy-six compounds were identified in the hydrodistilled leaf oil, and 58 compounds were identified by the headspace, respectively, using GC and GC/MS. The main components of the oils were benzaldehyde (73.3%), 1,8-cineole (5.4%), and α-terpinyl acetate (4.4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) growth is dependent upon research that addresses the value of CRPs. Given that CRP research is relatively new, there are barriers related to justifying the establishment and growth of CRPs. One barrier to CRP expansion is the lack of cost-benefit analyses within the field. Understanding students and their wellbeing with CRPs is a focal point overshadowing the importance of financial implications even though finances are integral to CRP health and longevity. Thus, it is imperative to identify these financial implications in order establish and convey the value of a CRP. This article reports on a cost-benefit analysis completed using the national averages of cost and benefits related to CRPs. Findings reinforce the value of CRPs and show the monetary impact a CRP can add to an institution of higher learning. This cost-benefit analysis was developed for institutions of higher education using available national data. Conclusions, limitations, and future implications are discussed. In addition, a cost-benefit tool was developed to be utilized by those who wish to develop a CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal hernia is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction; even more rare is one that occurs through a sigmoid epiploica defect. There have been only two previously reported cases from this etiology, but both were without the advantage of high-resolution imaging. We report the first color representation of this pathology, along with the first video recording of the internal hernia reduction. While this is a rare case, it is an important diagnosis to consider in the differential for patients presenting with a small bowel obstruction, with no previous abdominal surgeries or clinical findings of extra-abdominal hernias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent systematic reviews suggesting their benefit for postoperative nausea, vomiting, or both (PONV) prevention, benzodiazepines have not been incorporated into guidelines for PONV prophylaxis because of concerns about possible adverse effects. We conducted an updated meta-analysis to inform future practice guidelines. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of all languages comparing benzodiazepines with non-benzodiazepine comparators in adults undergoing inpatient surgery. Our outcomes were postoperative nausea, vomiting, or both. We assessed risk of bias for RCTs using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We pooled data using a random-effects model and assessed the quality of evidence for each outcome using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. We screened 31 413 abstracts and 950 full texts. We included 119 RCTs; 104 were included in quantitative synthesis. Based on moderate certainty evidence, we found that perioperative benzodiazepine administration reduced the incidence of PONV (52 studies, n =5086, relative risk [RR]: 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–0.89; number needed to treat [NNT] 16; moderate certainty), postoperative nausea (55 studies, n =5916, RR: 0.72, 95% CI 0.62–0.83; NNT 21; moderate certainty), and postoperative vomiting (52 studies, n =5909, RR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.60–0.91; NNT 55; moderate certainty). Moderate quality evidence shows that perioperative benzodiazepine administration decreases the incidence of PONV. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will inform future clinical practice guidelines. The protocol for this systematic review was pre-registered with PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022361088) and published in BMJ Open (PMID 31831540). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buddhist cave shrines in medieval China amount to an optical theatre. Tracing the history of these mirror halls, the author argues that the model of the mirror-hall underlies the conception of Chinese Buddhist cave shrines. Focusing on an eighth-century cave at Dunhuang, the author demonstrates that the murals covering its ceiling slopes and walls combine to map out a temporal-spatial continuum that encompasses vast imaginary horizons and cycles of past, present, and future. The resulting virtual space facilitates a meditative practice that dissolves and obliterates the bedrock of the physical surrounding altogether. Pictorial images become oneiric mirror reflections and phantasmatic projections of both Buddhist deities and the perceiving subject. Individual pictorial tableaux derived from disparate Buddhist sutras, rather than‘illustrating’ the sutras, mark different phases of an implied visualization process and sustain an optical fiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of gender, perceived quality and perceived value of campus foodservice on customer satisfaction. A total of 346 participants were surveyed at a large, public university in the Southwest United States. The relationships among three latent constructs (perceived quality, perceived value, and customer satisfaction) were measured using structural equation modeling. The findings showed that both perceived quality and perceived value had significant effects on customer satisfaction. Furthermore, gender had a significant moderating role on the relationship between perceived quality and perceived value. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Unhealthy family dynamics often develop in families where addiction is present and negatively impact individual and family health. Family members becoming ready to make personal changes might positively impact family functioning and improve family support. More research is needed to examine this relationship in family recovery. Using structural equation modeling, family member readiness to change and family functioning over time were examined. Readiness and family functioning were positively and reciprocally associated with each other across 2 assessment points. Gender was associated with initial readiness to change and family functioning. Individual readiness to change may enhance family functioning and promote recovery-oriented changes for each family member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addiction adversely affects families, making family recovery important. Family members appear to benefit from hope, healthy coping skills, and a readiness to change. Family recovery research is limited and relationships between these variables are underexplored. Using structural equation modeling, preparation for change at initial assessment before a family treatment program predicted higher hope and coping skills after participation. Initial levels of hope predicted coping skills posttreatment. Gender, treatment track of the addict, and family members’ relation to the addict showed significant effects. The importance of family members’ hope, coping, and readiness to change in family recovery are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The success of multitiered systems of support for students in public school settings, and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), in particular, has led to implementation of this framework in other settings, including secure care juvenile correctional facilities. Although all essential components of the framework translate well to other settings, some adaptations are necessary to accommodate different structures, goals, and operational procedures of nonpublic school settings. Secure care settings historically have gathered multiple types of data for evaluation and monitoring purposes. Some forms of those traditional data serve PBIS purposes well, but other certain new data, other forms of data, and different analyses of existing data may be needed to accurately monitor progress and impact of PBIS. In this article, we describe purposes for data as part of the PBIS framework, and discuss adaptations to typical data sources and analyses that may be needed in secure care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corpus callosum has been implicated as a region of dysfunctional connectivity in schizophrenia, but the association between age and callosal pathology is unclear. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) were performed on adults ( n =34) and adolescents ( n =17) with schizophrenia and adult ( n =33) and adolescent ( n =15) age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The corpus callosum was manually traced on each participant׳s MRI, and the DTI scan was co-registered to the MRI. The corpus callosum was divided into five anteroposterior segments. Area and anisotropy were calculated for each segment. Both patient groups demonstrated reduced callosal anisotropy; however, the adolescents exhibited reductions mostly in anterior regions while the reductions were more prominent in posterior regions of the adults. The adolescent patients showed greater decreases in absolute area as compared with the adult patients, particularly in the anterior segments. However, the adults showed greater reductions when area was considered relative to whole brain white matter volume. Our results suggest that the initial stages of the illness are characterized by deficiencies in frontal connections, and the chronic phase is characterized by deficits in the posterior corpus callosum; or, alternatively, adolescent-onset schizophrenia may represent a different or more severe form of the illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Craving, a compulsive motivation to use, and conscious readiness to change (RTC) are distinct motivators of human behavior. Recovery requires RTC despite involuntary cravings. A structural equation modeling analysis examining hope as a mediator between these constructs found craving to directly associate with precontemplation, while hope partially mediated the relationship between craving, contemplation, and coping. Craving's indirect effect on action toward change occurred only through hope. While craving appears to be a strong associate of precontemplation, hope appears to be an important associate of contemplation toward change and appears to be required for action. Hope also appears to be an important factor of coping in recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article provides a rationale and guidelines for the adoption and implementation of positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) in secure juvenile justice settings, including benefits for youth and staff members. The rationale for extending PBIS to juvenile justice settings based on the authors' collective work in numerous states and types of juvenile settings is provided. The iterative development and field-testing process for PBIS implementation in these settings as well as features of the adapted materials and protocols are described. Evaluation methods are outlined and the paper closes with recommendations for future research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case study that aims to conduct an exploratory factor analysis on admission data, identify key factors that may predict discharge to home, and create and test a predictor model using confirmatory factor analysis and structured equation modeling. It also concludes that several factors including admit cognitive scores, admit physical scores, and diagnosis category were identified and tested.

A recent large-scale randomized controlled clinical trial, the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness-Alzheimer's Disease study, found a significant worsening of cognitive functioning in a sample of patients with Alzheimer's disease. To date there have been no equally powered studies examining the cognitive effects of atypical antipsychotics in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies, the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. This case report describes a significant cognitive improvement observed through the use of an atypical antipsychotic in a patient with dementia with Lewy bodies. The observed divergence in cognitive responsiveness is discussed mechanistically on both the clinical and neuromolecular level. Limitations to this case study design are presented and discussed. The prudence of caution in importing the results of the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness-Alzheimer's Disease study to the dementia with Lewy bodies population is summarized and presented for psychiatrists, neurologists and primary care providers, with an intent to stimulate discussion and further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the 1st-year effects of a Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support on four schools in impoverished communities in rural west Texas. The authors present pre- and postdescriptive data that demonstrate the positive effect upon decreasing discipline referrals, lowering in school suspension rates, and reducing failure rates. The authors hypothesized that using a Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support system is used in rural impoverished schools can help mitigate the negative consequences children experience in communities with few mental health services, thereby increasing their academic engagement and success. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Peer nominations and demographic information were collected from a diverse sample of 1493 elementary school participants to examine behavior (overt and relational aggression, impulsivity, and prosociality), context (peer status), and demographic characteristics (race and gender) as predictors of teacher and administrator decisions about discipline. Exploratory results using classification tree analyses indicated students nominated as average or highly overtly aggressive were more likely to be disciplined than others. Among these students, race was the most significant predictor, with African American students more likely to be disciplined than Caucasians, Hispanics, or Others. Among the students nominated as low in overt aggression, a lack of prosocial behavior was the most significant predictor. Confirmatory analysis using hierarchical logistic regression supported the exploratory results. Similarities with other biased referral patterns, proactive classroom management strategies, and culturally sensitive recommendations are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The leaf essential oils of Machilus obovatifolia were isolated and analyzed using either the hydrodistillation or headspace-GC methods to determine their compositions and yields. Antimicrobial activities of the leaf oils obtained were also evaluated. Ninety-three compounds were identified in the hydrodistilled leaf oil, and 74 compounds were identified by the headspace-GC and GC/MS method, respectively. The main components of the oils were β-caryophyllene (10.5%), β-phellandrene (7.8%), τ-muurolol (5.3%), α-phellandrene (5.1%) and δ-cadinene (5.0%). The leaf oils exhibited excellent antimicrobial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the characteristics of children who remain consistently peer victimized in comparison to those who transition out of victimization status. The relationships between victimization and the victim's level of overt aggression, relational aggression, impulsivity, and prosocial behaviors were examined from one year to the next. At Time 1, 1589 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade children were administered a peer nomination instrument assessing victimization and standard sociometric variables. At Time 2 (1 year later), 1619 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade children were administered the same measure. A mixed-design repeated measures MANOVA was conducted for boys and girls separately. Results indicated that in comparison to victims transitioning out of victimization status, consistently victimized boys were lower in prosocial behavior, and consistently victimized girls were higher in impulsivity. Results for girls also indicated that a reduction in victim's own level of relational aggression was associated with cessation of victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of leaf essential oils of ve conifers in Taiwan were examined. In Chamaecyparis formosensis leaf oil 60 compounds were identied, with α-pinene (71.6%), δ-2-carene (4.6%), β-myrcene (4.1%), γ-muurolene (3.1%), β-pinene (2.7%) and α-caryophyllene (2.0%) predominating. Forty-four compounds were identied in the leaf oil of C. obtusa var. formosana with α-pinene (76.7%), β-myrcene (5.7%), β-pinene (3.2%), γ-muurolene (2.8%), δ-2-carene (2.1%) and β-phellandrene (2.1%) the major components. In leaf oil of Calocedrus formosana, we identied 81 compounds, with α-pinene (69.8%), β-caryophyllene (4.7%), β-myrcene (4.3%) and limonene (2.0%) predominating. For the leaf oil of Taiwania cryptomerioides, 56 compounds were found, with limonene (44.5%), α-pinene (14.4%), caryophyllene oxide (8.5%), δ-2-carene (3.9%), α-terpineol acetate (3.6%) and β-myrcene (2.6%) the main components. In leaf oil of Cunninghamia lanceolata var. konishii, there were 68 identied compounds, with α-pinene (36.4%), α-thujene (11.4%), α-eudesmol (8.1%), elemol (5.8%), β-elemene (3.5%), γ-eudesmol (2.8%) and γ-himachalene (2.7%) the major constituents. All ve species had monoterpene hydrocarbons as their main components. Except for Taiwania, in which limonene predominated, in all other species α-pinene was the predominant component. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of surface gastric pacing on gastric myoelectrical activity and plasma motilin concentration in a canine model of gastric motility disorders. Ten healthy mongrel dogs were divided into two groups: an experimental group of six dogs and control group of four dogs. The model of gastric motility disorders was established in the experimental group with truncal vagotomy combined with injection of glucagon. Gastric serosal myoelectrical activity was recorded with a four-channel computer analysis device. Plasma motilin concentration was measured with a radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit. Surface gastric pacing at 1.1–1.2-fold the intrinsic slow-wave frequency superimposed with a series of high frequency pulses (10–30 Hz) was performed for 45 min daily for 1 month in the conscious dogs. The basic electrical rhythm (BER) amplitude (2.32 ± 0.35 mV) and propagation velocity (4.06 ± 0.40 cm/s) of the dogs with bilateral truncal vagotomy in the fed state decreased more significantly than those of the controls (4.25 ± 0.12 mV, 6.92 ± 0.24 cm/s) ( P < 0.03). After long-term surface gastric pacing, the BER amplitude (3.97 ± 0.19 mV) and propagation velocity (5.57 ± 0.48 cm/s) was increased significantly compared with before pacing ( P < 0.05). Postprandial gastric dysrhythmias were provoked by large doses of glucagon; the percentage of regular slow waves of the dogs with vagotomy was markedly reduced from 67.4 ± 6.2% at baseline to 10.0 ± 6.7% ( P < 0.001), and that of the control was also decreased from 87.1 ± 6.9% to 35.0 ± 11.0% ( P < 0.01), but the entrainment of gastric slow waves was 100% by means of gastric pacing at optimal parameters. There was a significant increase in the plasma concentration of motilin at the phase III of the interdigestive myoelectrical complex (IMC III) in the dogs with bilateral truncal vagotomy (baseline vs vagotomy, 184.29 ± 9.81 pg/mL vs 242.09 ± 17.22 pg/mL; P < 0.01). However, the plasma motilin concentration (212.55 ± 11.20 pg/mL; P < 0.02) was decreased significantly after long-term gastric pacing. Before gastric pacing, the plasma motilin concentration showed an equally negative correlation with the BER amplitude, and propagation velocity in the dogs with vagotomy in the fed state ( r = −0.473, r = −0.807, P < 0.04), but after long-term gastric pacing, the plasma motilin concentration showed an equally positive correlation with the BER amplitude and propagation velocity ( r = 0.523, r = 0.896, P < 0.02). Surface gastric pacing with optimal pacing parameters is able to entrain completely propagated slow waves, improve the parameters of gastric myoelectrical activity and normalize gastric dysrhythmias induced by a pharmacological agent. Surface gastric pacing might be useful in the treatment of gastric dysrhythmia. The gastric myoelectrical activity correlated well with the plasma motilin concentration before and after pacing, which suggests that motilin could modulate the effect of gastric pacing through alteration of the gastric myoelectrical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypocalcemia is cited as a complication of massive transfusion. However, this is not well studied as a primary outcome in trauma patients. Our primary outcome was to determine if transfusion of packed red blood cells (pRBC) was an independent predictor of severe hypocalcemia (ionized calcium ≤ 3.6 mg/dL). Methods: Retrospective, single-center study (01/2004–12/2014) including all trauma patients ≥ 18 yo presenting to the ED with an ionized calcium (iCa) level drawn. Variables extracted included demographics, interventions, outcomes, and iCa. Regression models identified independent risk factors for severe hypocalcemia (SH). Results: Seven thousand four hundred and thirty-one included subjects, 716 (9.8%) developed SH within 48 h of admission. Median age: 39 (Range: 18–102), systolic blood pressure: 131 (IQR: 114–150), median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): 15 (IQR: 10–15), Injury Severity Score (ISS): 14 (IQR: 9–24). SH patients were more likely to have depressed GCS (13 vs 15, p < 0.0001), hypotension (23.2% vs 5.1%, p < 0.0001) and tachycardia (57.0% vs 41.9%, p < 0.0001) compared to non-SH patients. They also had higher emergency operative rate (71.8% vs 29%, p < 0.0001) and higher blood administration prior to minimum iCa [pRBC: (8 vs 0, p < 0.0001), FFP: (4 vs 0, p < 0.0001), platelet: (1 vs 0, p < 0.0001)]. Multivariable analysis revealed penetrating mechanism (AOR: 1.706), increased ISS (AOR: 1.029), and higher pRBC (AOR: 1.343) or FFP administered (AOR: 1.097) were independent predictors of SH. SH was an independent predictor of mortality (AOR: 2.658). Regression analysis identified a significantly higher risk of SH at pRBC + FFP administration of 4 units (AOR: 18.706, AUC:. 897 (0.884–0.909). Conclusion: Transfusion of pRBC is an independent predictor of SH and is associated with increased mortality. The predicted probability of SH increases as pRBC + FFP administration increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the author offers information of the clonal repopulation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) gene which is modified with anti–HIV-1 RNAi and is not affected by preexisting HIV-1 infection. Topics discussed impact of a preexisting HIV-1 infection on engraftment and clonal repopulation of HSPCs remains poorly understood; and data demonstrate that, the substantial impact of HIV-1 infection on CD4+ T cells, supporting the use of HSPC transplant for anti-HIV treatment.

In this study, we assessed the feasibility and social validity of an adapted approach to positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) implementation in secure juvenile facilities. The authors developed a comprehensive model of facility-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (FW-PBIS) for use in secure juvenile correctional facilities, both detention and long term, as well as state and privately run. FW-PBIS leadership team members that included all major facility roles (education, corrections, mental health, medical, recreation) participated in staff development activities and implemented the advocated approaches over the course of the study. We assessed the fidelity, feasibility, and social validity of FW-PBIS in a repeated-measures evaluation study across 50 secure juvenile facilities. We collected intervention fidelity data using a version of the School-Wide Evaluation Tool modified to reflect the unique features of secure juvenile facilities. We also gathered behavioral incident data from the facilities, but it was not possible to combine these data across sites due to the vast differences in data collection, definitions/classifications, and storage systems from state to state. Results indicated that all participating facilities were able to achieve acceptable FW-PBIS implementation fidelity. Staff rated the intervention as acceptable, feasible, and were willing to implement FW-PBIS practices. Staff members also reported gains in sense of efficacy in their roles. Results are discussed in terms of limitations of the current study, future research, and practice needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few data exist regarding the train vs. pedestrian (TVP) injury burden and outcomes.Objective: This study aimed to examine the epidemiology and outcomes associated with TVP injuries.Methods: This is a retrospective National Trauma Databank study (January 2007 to July 2012) including trauma patients sustaining TVP injury. Demographics, injury data, interventions, and outcomes were abstracted. Patients injured by a train were compared to patients who sustained an automobile vs. pedestrian (AVP) injury.Results: Of the 152,631 patients struck by ground transportation during the study time frame, 1863 (1.2%) were TVP. Median TVP age was 38 years (interquartile range [IQR] 24-50 years), 81.6% were male, median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 13 (IQR 6-24). TVP patients were more severely injured (ISS 13 vs. 9; p < 0.001) and required more proximal amputations (13.4% vs. 0.2%; p < 0.001) and cavitary operations (18.2% vs. 2.8%; p < 0.001). TVP patients had higher rates of intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation and transfusion, longer length of stay, and higher in-hospital mortality. On multivariable logistical regression, TVP was an independent predictor for higher injury burden, ISS ≥25 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.650), immediate operative need (AOR 7.535), and complications (AOR 1.317).Conclusions: TVP is associated with a significant injury burden. These patients have a significantly higher need for immediate operation and more complicated hospital course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the attributes of cocaine and amphetamines as common drugs of abuse and are known to be stimulants. It mentions that both cocaine and amphetamines increase norepinephrine and dopamine through the alteratopm of transport propteins that results toheightened arousal of symnpathetic nervous system. It cites the process of stimulating positive trauma patients through the use of amphetamines and cocaine.

This study explores the attitudinal and motivational factors underlying graduate students' attitudes towards team research. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, we hypothesize that attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control are three major determinants of graduate students' intentions to conduct team research. An instrument was developed to measure the influences of these factors on students' intentions and relevant scholarly productivity. A total of 281 graduate students from a large, comprehensive university in the southwest United States participated in the survey. Descriptive statistics reveal that around two-thirds of graduate students have no co-authored manuscripts submitted for publication since they started graduate school. Factor analyses validated the factor structure of the instrument, and the results of Structural Equation Modeling show that (a) graduate students' attitudes towards team research have a positive correlation with their attitudes towards individual research; (b) attitude towards team research, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, along with students' discipline/major areas and classification, account for 58% of the variance in the intention to conduct team research; and (c) subjective norm appears to be the most influential factor in the model, followed by attitude; while perceived behavioral control is not of much importance. These findings provide implications for academic departments and programs to promote graduate students' team research. Specifically, creating a climate for collaborative research in academic programs/disciplines/universities may work jointly with enhancing students' appraisals of such collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]