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At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Hand preference, magical thinking and left-right confusion.

Several reports suggest a significant correlation between hand preference quotients and Magical Ideation Scale (MIS) scores, such that individuals with mixed preferences have higher MIS scores. In a sample of 156 male and 257 female undergraduate university students no significant correlation was found between MIS scores and hand preference; hand preference being defined in numerous ways, and using short and long hand preference questionnaires to assess handedness. An index of left-right confusion was significantly related to MIS score, but only in females. We suggest that the role of subjects' response style and general approach to filling out questionnaires should be fully explored before "neurological" causes of links between hand preference and other questionnaire-assessed behavioural variables are invoked.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2026

Long-read low-pass sequencing enhances variant detection in a peanut MAGIC population.

Accurate genotyping accelerates crop improvement, yet long-read sequencing remains underused in breeding due to cost. We present a scalable long-read low-pass (LRLP) sequencing framework for high-throughput variant discovery and trait mapping. Using PacBio HiFi reads in an allotetraploid peanut (Arachis hypogaea; AABB, 2n = 4x = 40) MAGIC population, we generated both LRLP and short-read low-pass (SRLP) data. At comparable depths, LRLP achieved substantially greater whole-genome and gene-space coverage than SRLP. Data were analyzed using both a single-reference genome and an 18-parent pangenome graph constructed with KhufuPan, a new tool for graph-based genotyping. Across analytical approaches, LRLP consistently identified more SNPs, indels (2-1,000 bp), and structural variants (>1 kb) than SRLP, improving genotype resolution and selection accuracy, particularly for large structural variants. By reducing cost barriers and increasing variant discovery in complex genomes, LRLP provides a practical path for deploying advanced genomics in under-resourced and orphan crops critical to global food security.

Arachis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Where theories of mind meet magic: the development of children's beliefs about wishing.

In two studies, we probed children's beliefs about wishing. In Study 1, we gathered initial data on 50 3- to 6-year-old children's concepts of wishing and beliefs about its efficacy, with both a semistructured interview and a variety of tasks. Results revealed considerable knowledge about wishing in young children, along with an age-related decrease in beliefs about its efficacy. Parents were not found to encourage differently the beliefs of children at different ages, nor were they found to begin actively discouraging such beliefs at any particular age. A moderate relation was found between environmental supports for wishing and children's beliefs in its efficacy. In Study 2, we continued to probe these issues and also address the nature of the broader conceptual context in which children situate their beliefs about wishing. Participants were 92 3- to 6-year-old children. Results of this study suggest that children may reconcile beliefs in the efficacy of wishing with knowledge about everyday mental-physical relations by situating these beliefs more within their emerging beliefs about magic than within their theories of mind.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed1983

Material, myth, and magic: a cultural approach to family therapy.

This paper presents a model for a therapeutic approach to the cultural systems of families. Using anthropologically derived concepts of material and ideational planes of culture, magic, and ritualistic intervention, the inducement of culture change in frozen familial systems is framed in dialectical terms. Four brief case studies are presented describing the systems engaged, the material-ideational rituals employed, and the cultural transformations induced. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of some of the theoretical and practical implications of this cultural approach to the family in therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

The deconstruction of magic: rereading, rethinking Erickson.

This article examines the case history writings of Milton Erickson as literary texts. A deconstructive analysis reveals that the modernist assumption of therapist as magical healer disguises the role clients play in their own change. Hypothetically constructed case transcripts contrasted with excerpts from Erickson (see Rossi, 1980) illustrate how the inclusion of client voice enriches understanding of therapeutic change.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

[Persistence of a magic-religious ritual to treat indigestion among patients attending a gastroenterology outpatient clinic].

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of popular medicine is essential to the practice of integrated medicine. Empacho (stomach upset) is a known folk illness that has been the object of several studies, especially in Iberoamerica and among the Hispanic population in the United States. In the Autonomous Community of Valencia (Spain) a magic-religious ritual known as "trencar lenfit" (TE) is still performed. This ritual has no apparent equivalent among the numerous remedies described for this illness. OBJECTIVES: To study the frequency and characteristics of the practice of TE among patients attending the gastroenterology outpatient clinic of a district hospital. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The geographical area was the region of La Safor (Valencian Community) with three main nuclei (Gandia, where the hospital is situated, Oliva and Tavernes de Valldigna) and 28 smaller municipalities. Random interviews were performed in patients attending a second consultation over a period of 5 months. RESULTS: Of 539 patients interviewed, 320 (59.4%) had undergone TE at some time in their lives and 25.0% had undergone this ritual in the previous 10 years. In 95.9% of cases, the person performing the ritual was a woman. Of the patients who had undergone TE, 40 (12.5%) knew how to perform the ritual, 35 of which were women (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were found between sexes but users were younger (51.8 +/- 15.9 versus. 55.5 +/- 17.7 years +/- SD, p < 0.05). Small municipalities and Oliva showed a frequency of 65.6% versus. 54.0% in Gandia and Tavernes (p < 0.005). Use was greater among natives of the Valencian Community (66.0%) compared with those from other parts of Spain (25.0%) (p < 0.0001). Patients who completed primary or secondary school showed greater use of TE (60.5% and 72.1%, respectively) than the illiterate (42.1%), those who had completed a 3-year higher education course (48.4%) and university graduates (36.0%) (p < 0.001). TE was more frequent among consumers of medicinal herbs than among non-consumers (69.0% versus. 54.3%) (p < 0.001). No relationship was found among TE and the use of alcohol, medication in general and smoking. However, an association was found between the use of psychotropic drugs (69.8% versus. 55.4%) (p < 0.005). No clear association was found with broad diagnostic group or with the functional/organic nature of the digestive disorder studied. Variables found to be significant on univariate analysis remained significant in multivariate analysis (logistic regression). CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the high use of TE among patients attending the gastroenterology outpatient clinic of La Safor and their belief in this ritual. "Experts" in performing TE were widely available, and were almost exclusively women. The profile of maximal use of TE corresponds to a man or woman, aged less than 60 years, a native of the Valencian Community, with primary or secondary school education, residing in particular municipalities (usually small) and consumer of psychotropic drugs and medicinal herbs.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗
PubMed1998

Myths, magic and reality in nursing ethics: a personal perspective.

Ethics, especially in nursing, tends to be surrounded by myths and ideas that have more in common with magic than reality. This article argues from quotes of two medieval men, Thomas Aquinas and Meister Eckhart, that ethical behaviour among nurses is not something difficult or far-fetched, but something immediate, everyday, and often very simple. The more weighty ethical dilemmas are not diminished by this. Aspects of justice, compassion and courage are discussed from the point of view of relationships with clients and colleagues, and the need for (helpful) myths is stressed.

Ethics, Nursing↗
PubMed2001

Exploring the latent structure of the Perceptual Aberration, Magical Ideation, and Physical Anhedonia Scales in a German sample.

The schizotypy model proposed by Meehl (1990) assumes a discontinuous distribution of schizophrenia liability. The "schizogene" is thought to determine if one is at risk for psychosis (i.e., whether one is a member of the taxon or its complement, which are considered to be the two latent classes). Using a German non-student sample (n = 809) we wanted to (1) replicate the results of prior research pertaining to the latent structure and base rate of schizotypy assessed by the Perceptual Aberration Scale (PER; Chapman, Chapman, & Raulin, 1978), and (2) investigate whether the same holds true for two other prominent psychometric indices, the Magical Ideation Scale (MI; Eckblad & Chapman, 1983) and the Physical Anhedonia Scale (PhA; Chapman et al., 1976), if one uses the same kind of analysis--the MAXCOV-HITMAX analysis based on subsets of items (Meehl, 1973). Pertaining to PER and PhA, our results are in accordance with prior research showing a latent class structure and a base rate of about 12% for schizotypy. However, for MI, there was no evidence of a taxonic structure. Possible reasons for MI's negative results are discussed as well as the role of the concept "anhedonia."

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Perceived electrosensitivity and magical ideation.

We report, in 40 healthy right-handed men, an association between perceived sensitivity to weak electromagnetic fields and scores on the Magical Ideation scale, assessing experience of and beliefs in forms of causation that are nonexistent according to current scientific standards (r = .48, p =.002). Based on our previous research, we interpret this finding as reflecting human subjects' propensity to assume connections between own organismic state and (objectively unrelated) environmental variables. We emphasize, however, the need for studies which directly assess accuracy in detection of electromagnetic fields as a function of self-rated electrosensitivity.

Electromagnetic Fields↗
PubMed2001

Community treatment orders: ethical practice in an era of magical thinking.

With the passage of legislation in June 2000, coercive measures in the form of community treatment orders (CTOs) have become part of the community mental health landscape in Ontario. Given that community practitioners place a high value upon their ability to create voluntary and egalitarian partnerships with clients, the question of whether ethical practice is possible under conditions of legislated coercion is relevant. Based upon a review of the pro and con arguments that preceded CTO legislation, followed by an examination of available research on effectiveness, this paper suggests that forms of magical thinking have been at work on both sides of the CTO debate. A broader definition of coercion is proposed--one that envelopes both overt and covert forms. Finally, the author offers an approach to ethical practice which is based on the use of transformative power rather than coercive power, and which includes a 3-step strategy (using liberation tactics, proactive contracting, and procedural justice).

Coercion↗
PubMed2000

Rationale and design of the magnesium in coronaries (MAGIC) study: A clinical trial to reevaluate the efficacy of early administration of magnesium in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Mortality rate from ST-elevation myocardial infarction remains high in elderly patients and in patients who are not eligible for reperfusion therapy. Intravenous magnesium is a promising adjunctive treatment that may reduce reperfusion injury. Several earlier trials demonstrated a mortality rate reduction with magnesium treatment, but one large trial found no benefit. STUDY DESIGN: Magnesium in Coronaries (MAGIC) is a large, simple trial designed to maximize the potential treatment effect of magnesium. 10, 400 high-risk patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction will be randomly assigned to early treatment with intravenous magnesium sulfate or matching placebo. The primary end point is death at 30 days. Information on the need for treatment of shock and sustained ventricular arrhythmias will be collected to investigate the mechanisms by which magnesium might exert a beneficial effect. IMPLICATIONS: If magnesium proves beneficial, its use will provide a simple, cost-effective means to improve survival in this large patient population.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Validation of French versions of magical ideation and perceptual aberrations questionnaires].

Chapman and colleagues have developed symptom-oriented scales based on Meehl's manual of schizotypy, such as the Social Anhedonia (SA) and Physical Anhedonia (PhA) Scales, the Magical Ideation Scale (MIS), and the Perceptual Aberration Scale (PAS). Whereas Chapman's scales of psychosis proneness are the most internationally used instruments for the assessment of schizotypy, some of them, such as MIS and PAS, were still not available in French. We reported here the validation study of the MIS and the PAS French versions that we had published previously. This study was conducted in a sample of 233 students (males: n = 108; females: n = 125; mean age: 21.17 +/- 1.47; mean educational level: 13.36 +/- 1.06). The French versions of the MIS and the PAS have high internal reliability (MIS: Cronbach's alpha = 0.85; PAS: Cronbach's alpha = 0.88). French norms are given for each of these scales. They are respectively 19/30 for the MIS and 17/35 for the PAS high cutoff scores without any difference when gender was considered. These results are very closed to those found by Chapman and colleagues for University of Wisconsin undergraduate students.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The MAGIC-5 project: Medical Applications on a Grid Infrastructure Connection.

The main purpose of the MAGIC-5 collaboration is the development of Computer Aided Detection (CAD) software for Medical Applications on distributed databases by means of a GRID Infrastructure Connection. A prototype of the system, based on the AliEn GRID Services is already available with a central Server running common services and several clients connecting to it. It has been already successfully used for applications in mammography together with a specific CAD developed within the collaboration. Applications to the case of malignant nodule detection in lung CT scans are now being implemented, while a use of the GRID services is also being applied to PET image analysis aiming at early Alzheimer disease. One of the future prospect of our project is the migration from AliEn to the EGEE/gLite middleware which is likely to become a European standard and will certainly provide more sophisticated tools with respect to the present AliEn functionality. In this work the status of the project and its future prospects will be given, with particular attention to the data management and processing aspects. Medical applications carried on by the collaboration will be also described together with the analysis of the results so far obtained.

Computer Systems↗
PubMed2004

How to marry a disease: epidemics, contagion, and a magic ritual against the 'hand of the ghost'.

To test whether the Babylonians had a 'rational' explanation of contagion, some letters from Mari mentioning epidemics and contagious diseases are studied within the wider context of Babylonian medicine. Descriptions of similar cases are adduced from other cuneiform sources. In particular, one later magical text from Boğazköy with instructions to marry a doll to an illness demon shows striking similarities with the terminology of the Mari letters. This points toward a magico-religious concept of contagiousness in which disease can be transmitted intentionally, or accidentally leap from one individual who has incurred the wrath of a god to an unwary other person.

Arab World↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Magic, medicine and dentistry in pharaonic Egypt. 2].

Many discoveries have been made on the existence of dentistry during the pharaonic time in Egypt. Several hypotheses have been brought, but nothing has been proven definitely. Magic and medicine have been the basis of this medical science but regarding dental artwork, a doubt still remains, concerning surgery and prosthodontics.

Egypt, Ancient↗
PubMed1988

[Anxiety, magic, suggestion, hypnosis and the role of the anesthesist].

The physiological as well as the psychological consequences of anxiety are represented, and the negative effect of stress onto the immune response is dealt with. Under competent supervision visualization of the frightening event can help to dissolve anxiety. The subjects participation in an 'as if' action may be understood as a magical act. The supporting physician may without knowing or quite purposefully use suggestive or hypnotic induction techniques.

Anxiety↗
PubMed1987

[Effect of the hodja (magic healer) on Turkish psychiatric patients in West Germany--an evaluation of clinical examples].

Turkish magic healers called hodjas are working in West-Germany today. Our knowledge about their influence on Turkish patients is poor. They are consulted at least from patients with psychogenous diseases. The degree and the multiple dimensions of their influence and the possibility for the doctor to master the conflicting cultural identity of these patients is demonstrated on the base of four clinical case-histories.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1994

Asclepius: magic in transference to physicians.

Transference to physicians contains a fantasy of the physician as omnipotent healer who can control life and death. While there may be many variations of the fantasy that reflect differences in individual psychological makeup and experience, the fantasy of a multipotentialed, bisexual figure who can magically control the forces of nature is probably an element in all transference wishes that occur in a therapeutic setting. Material from the myth of Asclepius, from a patient of Freud's, and from two of the author's patients will be examined to elucidate this transference fantasy.

Adult↗