Biomedical subjects

K Thorpe

Publications and source records attributed to K Thorpe.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Social skills, expectancies, and drinking in adolescents.

Research in the field of teenage drinking behavior has shown relationships between both social skills and drinking and alcohol expectancies and drinking. The present research investigated the comparative power of both of these sets of variables in predicting teenage drinking behavior, as well as looking at the contribution of more global cognitive structures. It was hypothesised that adolescents with high alcohol involvement would be discriminated from those with low involvement on the basis of social skills, cognitive structures, and alcohol expectancies. Seven hundred thirty-two adolescents participated in the study. Results indicated that adolescent alcohol involvement was associated with social skills deficits, positive alcohol expectancies, and negative cognitive structures concerning parents and teachers. The results revealed that, although the bulk of the variance in drinking behavior was explained by the independent effects of social skills and expectancies, the interaction of the two constructs explained an additional and significant proportion of the variance. Implications for preventive and treatment programs are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Deletion of genes on chromosome 1 in endocrine neoplasia.

Recent studies have identified normal cellular DNA sequences which are lost in the development of embryonal and adult tumours. These tumours are thought to arise after a primary mutation in one allele of such a sequence is followed by loss of its normal homologue. In familial cases, the primary mutation is transmitted in the germ line. The secondary mutation may involve a substantial loss of chromosomal material and thus lead to identification of the site of the inherited mutation. We have examined constitutional and tumour genotypes of medullary thyroid carcinomas and phaeochromocytomas which develop in the dominantly inherited cancer syndrome multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) to locate the predisposing gene in this syndrome. We observed deletion of a hypervariable region of DNA on the short arm of chromosome 1 in seven out of fourteen tumours. Analysis of the parental origin of the deleted allele in two families showed that it was derived from the affected parent in one case, which suggests that the deletion does not reflect the site of the inherited mutation in MEN2. The deleted region is distal to the breakpoint commonly detected in neuroblastomas, which share with the tumours of MEN2 embryological origin from neuroectoderm.

Carcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A linked genetic marker for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A on chromosome 10.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is an autosomal dominantly inherited cancer syndrome characterized by medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, phaeochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism. Almost all gene carriers can be detected by screening tests before the age of 40, but the nature and location of the predisposing gene are unknown. Simpson et al. recently reported preliminary evidence for linkage between the DNA probe p9-12A on chromosome 10 and MEN2A. We now report linkage between the MEN2A locus and the interstitial retinol-binding protein gene, which is located on chromosome 10p11.2-q11.2.

Centromere↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The enhancement of writing skills among post-RN students.

Nurses need to communicate in oral and written formats, but the emphasis on concise charting and multiple-choice examinations hinders the development of scholarly writing skills. A questionnaire completed by 97 students identified the areas within writing and formatting that needed strengthening. Three strategies, useful to continuing education programs for nurses, were incorporated in a post-RN program to enhance the students' writing abilities: a writing skills workshop, an in-class writing exercise and a draft paper assignment. Student evaluations have supported these strategies as well as guidance by faculty in assisting students to improve their writing.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence and developmental course of 'secret language'.

The prevalence and developmental course of supposed 'secret language' was examined in a cohort of twins and closely spaced singletons pairs, with systematic assessments at 20 months and again at 36 months. Two forms of apparent 'secret language' were examined: (1) shared understanding--speech directed generally but unintelligible to the parent, although apparently clearly understood within the child pair, and (2) private language directed exclusively to the other twin/sibling--not intelligible to the parent, but apparently clearly understood and used only within the child pair. Both occurred in singleton pairs, but the rate was much higher in twins. In most cases it seemed to be a developmental phenomenon occurring in the second year of life with the emergence of immature speech, and decreasing considerably over the next 16 months. A small group of children, primarily male twins, was reported to use a private language at 36 months. This group had poorer cognitive and language functioning, and was characterized by highly dependent relationships. Some aspects of the twins' home environment were less stimulating and less responsive, most probably reflecting the abilities and relationships of the children. A follow-up of these children when they were approximately 6 years of age showed that language outcome was poor for the subgroup (n = 4) who did not develop normal language alongside the use of a private language.

Environment↗