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PubMed2003

Psychological assessment in Asia: introduction to the special section.

Psychological assessment with Asians is an important topic not only for psychologists from Asian countries but also for psychologists in multicultural societies with large populations of ethnic Asians. There is a dearth of information in the English language literature on psychological assessment for Asians. This special section is organized to review various forms of psychological assessment in Asia. The objectives of the special section are to inform test users and researchers of the issues related to cross-cultural validity of psychological assessment in Asia and to introduce examples of adapted and indigenously developed instruments that are culturally appropriate.

Asia↗
PubMed2001

Asian American acculturation and ethnic/racial identity: research innovations in the new millennium--introduction to the special issue.

Research on Asian American acculturation and ethnic/racial identity, although still in development, has evolved and progressed over the past few decades. Researchers are now developing and using more complex and advanced methods of examining these issues in a culturally and ethnically heterogeneous population. Indeed, this special issue of Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology demonstrates the diverse state-of-the-art research in this area. The coeditors of the special issue highlight themes and specific contributions to the literature for each article.

Acculturation↗
PubMed2005

Mental imagery and emotion: a special relationship?

A special association between imagery and emotion is often assumed, despite little supporting evidence. In Experiment 1, participants imagined unpleasant events or listened to the same descriptions while thinking about their verbal meaning. Those in the imagery condition reported more anxiety and rated new descriptions as more emotional than did those in the verbal condition. In Experiment 2, 4 groups listened to either benign or unpleasant descriptions, again with imagery or verbal processing instructions. Anxiety again increased more after unpleasant (but not benign) imagery; however, emotionality ratings did not differ after a 10-min filler task. Results support the hypothesis of a special link between imagery and anxiety but leave open the question of whether this also applies to other emotions.

Affect↗
PubMed1994

Introduction to the special section: research on the nature and treatment of alcoholism--does one inform the other?

Although the 2 topics of the nature and treatment of alcoholism have both been investigated for years, they are just recently beginning to interface with and complement one another. This special section addresses the interface from both perspectives and covers content areas that touch on current issues, research and treatment trends, and controversies in the alcohol field. The first 2 articles focus on the nature of alcoholism with commentary on implications for treatment, and the second 4 articles shift to examine research on treatment of alcohol problems, with implications for understanding the nature of alcoholism. This introductory article describes the special section, summarizes the articles in the section and integrates the information to discuss areas of increasing interface between research on the nature and treatment of heterogeneous substance abuse problems.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1991

Introduction to the special section on seeking new clinical research methods.

This Special Section introduces a new section of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology that will be periodically offered in future issues under the title "Clinical Research Methods." This introduction describes (a) the section's goals, (b) a conceptual framework and potential areas of methodological development, (c) a summary of the articles in the current Special Section and their evaluation in terms of the conceptual framework, and (d) editorial policies and procedures used to foster innovative development of clinical research methods.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMed2001

Properly formed but improperly localized synaptic specializations in the absence of laminin alpha4.

Precise apposition of pre- to postsynaptic specializations is required for optimal function of chemical synapses, but little is known about how it is achieved. At the skeletal neuromuscular junction, active zones (transmitter release sites) in the nerve terminal lie directly opposite junctional folds in the postsynaptic membrane. Few active zones or junctional folds form in mice lacking the laminin beta2 chain, which is normally concentrated in the synaptic cleft. beta2 and the broadly expressed gamma1 chain form heterotrimers with alpha chains, three of which, alpha2, alpha4 and alpha5, are present in the synaptic cleft. Thus, alpha2beta2gamma1, alpha4beta2gamma1 and alpha5beta2gamma1 heterotrimers are all lost in beta2 mutants. In mice lacking laminin alpha4, active zones and junctional folds form in normal numbers, but are not precisely apposed to each other. Thus, formation and localization of synaptic specializations are regulated separately, and alpha4beta2gamma1 (called laminin-9) is critical in the latter process.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The secretory granular cell: the outermost granular cell as a specialized secretory cell.

The contents of epidermal lamellar bodies (LB) are delivered selectively to the intercellular spaces at the stratum granulosum (SG)-stratum corneum (SC) interface. We assessed the subcellular basis for LB secretion first by confocal microscopy, following labeling with Nile red or NBD-ceramide, which reveals a tubulo-reticular membrane system within the apical cytosol of the outermost SG cell layer under basal conditions, changing to a more peripheral staining pattern when secretion is stimulated. Ultrastructural study demonstrates that this network is composed of a widely disbursed trans-Golgi-like network (TGN), associated with arrays of contiguous LB, and deep invaginations of the SG-SC interface. Under basal conditions, limited fusion of apically directed LB leads to deep, interconnected invaginations of the apical plasma membrane, resulting in the formation of an extensive, honeycomb extension of the SG-SC interface. Still deeper invaginations and more extensive organelle fusion develop after the epidermis is acutely permeabilized by either acetone treatment, sonophoresis, or iontophoresis. Finally, nascent LB appear to bud off cisternae of the TGN, a process that appears to accelerate after barrier disruption. The deep invaginations of the SG-SC interface; the wide distribution of the TGN within the apical cytosol; the association of nascent LB with the TGN; and the rapid fusion of LB with these invaginations, deep within the cytosol, account for (i) the polarized secretion of LB from the apex of the outermost SG cell, and (ii) the rapid LB-secretory response to barrier perturbations. Finally, our results point to the outermost SG cell as a uniquely specialized secretory cell. We propose the term "secretory granulocyte" to encompass the specialized features of these cells.

4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan↗
PubMed2003

A uniquely specialized ear in a very early tetrapod.

The Late Devonian genus Ichthyostega was for many decades the earliest known tetrapod, and the sole representative of a transitional form between a fish and a land vertebrate. However, despite being known since 1932 (ref. 1) from a large collection of specimens, its morphology remained enigmatic and not what was expected of a very primitive tetrapod. Its apparent specializations led it to be considered as a "blind offshoot" or "sidebranch" off the tetrapod family tree, and recent cladistic analyses have disagreed about its exact phylogenetic position within the tetrapod stem group. In particular, its braincase and ear region defied interpretation, such that conventional anatomical terms seemed inapplicable. Using new material collected in 1998 (ref. 9), preparation of earlier-collected material, and high-resolution computed tomography scanning, here we identify and interpret these problematic anatomical structures. They can now be seen to form part of a highly specialized ear, probably a hearing device for use in water. This represents a structurally and functionally unique modification of the tetrapod otic region, unlike anything seen in subsequent tetrapod evolution. The presence of deeply grooved gill bars as in its contemporary Acanthostega suggest that Ichthyostega may have been more aquatically adapted than previously believed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2005

In vivo imaging of specialized bone marrow endothelial microdomains for tumour engraftment.

The organization of cellular niches is known to have a key role in regulating normal stem cell differentiation and regeneration, but relatively little is known about the architecture of microenvironments that support malignant metastasis. Using dynamic in vivo confocal imaging, here we show that murine bone marrow contains unique anatomic regions defined by specialized endothelium. This vasculature expresses the adhesion molecule E-selectin and the chemoattractant stromal-cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) in discrete, discontinuous areas that influence the homing of a variety of tumour cell lines. Disruption of the interactions between SDF-1 and its receptor CXCR4 inhibits the homing of Nalm-6 cells (an acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cell line) to these vessels. Further studies revealed that circulating leukaemic cells can engraft around these vessels, suggesting that this molecularly distinct vasculature demarcates a microenvironment for early metastatic tumour spread in bone marrow. Finally, purified haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and lymphocytes also localize to the same microdomains, indicating that this vasculature might also function in benign states to demarcate specific portals for the entry of cells into the marrow space. Specialized vascular structures therefore appear to delineate a microenvironment with unique physiology that can be exploited by circulating malignant cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Separable effector T cell populations specialized for B cell help or tissue inflammation.

We identified specialized B helper and tissue inflammatory CD4(+) T cell subsets that developed concurrently from common naïve precursors during the primary immune response. These separable populations were distinguishable by their expression of adhesion and chemoattractant receptors that directed their homing to the appropriate effector sites in vivo and also showed intrinsic differences in their ability to support B cell antibody production and produce effector cytokines in vitro. Thus, our data show a previously unappreciated functional specialization among CD4(+) effector T cells, further defining their diversity and role in adaptive immunity.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Relatives' support groups in a special hospital: an evaluation study.

A support group for the relatives and friends of patients at a special hospital in Merseyside, England, has been in operation for over 1 year. A detailed evaluation of that group has been completed based on the minutes of each meeting and on a structured questionnaire sent out to each relative/friend involved. The evaluation provides an illuminating account of the particular needs of this group, highlighting many of the concerns expressed by the Committee of Inquiry during the recent Public Inquiry at Ashworth Hospital. The results of the evaluation are discussed in relation to work already completed on network support and mental health, as well as the recent work involving the relatives of patients in the community. It provides a direction for future work and research within the special hospitals.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1994

From special hospital to regional secure unit: a qualitative study of the problems experienced by patients.

For those patients in the United Kingdom who are compulsorily detained in a special hospital the most common route of release is via other psychiatric hospitals, especially regional secure units. That a large percentage of these patients are subsequently readmitted (43% in this study) indicates that they experience problems within the regional secure unit. A grounded theory approach was used to investigate this experience from the patients' perspective by interviewing a sample of 14 patients who had been readmitted to one special hospital. Data analysis can prove difficult in grounded theory and the approach that was used--a variant of the constant comparative method--is described. A number of inductively developed categories were generated from the interview data and one category is reported here. From these categories a theory of 'failure' is postulated that, it is contended, both describes and explains the process of readmission. Finally, the implications for practice in terms of the preparation of patients for transfer are addressed.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Out of the shadows: a study of the special observation of suicidal psychiatric in-patients.

Special observation is a common nursing activity in psychiatric units, involving intensified observation and assessment of patients deemed at risk of harming themselves or others. The activity is problematic because it inevitably violates patient rights, despite the humanistic basis of nursing philosophies and the consumerist ethos of modern health services. Nonetheless it is a poorly researched phenomenon and there is little information on which to base training and skill-mix decisions. A grounded theory study was therefore carried out in one in-patient unit, concentrating on the special observation of suicidal patients. Data was gathered from semi-structured interviews with nursing staff. Nine conceptual categories were derived, based on the ambivalent core categories of controlling and helping. On the basis of this study it is recommended that policy documents in units with similar problems be reviewed to promote individualized care plans rather than rigid protocols. Further, policies should recognize the central role of the nurse in the procedure, and ensure that the patient's named nurse assumes responsibility for implementation, including supervision of the numerous staff usually involved. Training programmes should be introduced, taking account of the range of skills and knowledge demanded by the procedure and the need for systematic assessment of suicidal patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Stories seldom told: paediatric nurses' experiences of caring for hospitalized children with special needs and their families.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study explored paediatric nurses' experiences of caring for children with special needs and their families in an acute care setting. The aim of the study was to increase understanding of nurses' experiences of caring for these children and their families. The study was designed to reveal the caring practices embedded within these relationships through exploring nurses' stories. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenology and feminist research principles were the approaches used to guide the study. Interviews were held with experienced paediatric nurses and interpretation of interview transcripts using a Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenological approach resulted in the identification of four themes. FINDINGS: The four themes revealed were: Special Relationships; Multiple Dimensions of Who is Expert; Development of Trust Between Nurses and Families; and Feelings of Frustration and Guilt. CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasized the context-specific nature of relationships between nurses and children and their families. The nurses spoke about the difficulties they encountered in their practice and some of the ways that they dealt with these problems. They discussed the things that they valued and those that made them feel guilty and frustrated. In doing so, they revealed their warmth, strength, humanity and caring.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2003

Effectiveness of home-based cardiac rehabilitation for special needs patients.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation programmes have been well documented including reductions in mortality, improved physical performance, and improved quality of life. However, a large number of special needs patients often fail to access these programmes. Of particular concern are elderly patients with chronic illness and disability. AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme in improving health outcomes and rehabilitation access for special-needs patients. DESIGN: Using a one-group pre and post-test quasi-experimental design 40 elderly patients recently discharged from hospital following a cardiac event completed the Short Form Health Survey, the Angina Quiz, and the Exercise Assessment Questionnaire prior to undertaking home-based rehabilitation. The rehabilitation programme consisted of four community nursing contacts over a 9-week period primarily aimed at individual patient education and carer support. ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics provided analysis for demographic data. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (manova) were computed to examine changes in health-state and practices. RESULTS: Significant positive changes were found for measures of quality of life, knowledge of angina, and exercise tolerance. Additionally, the higher levels of participation and completion by older women was encouraging. Development of carer competence through an improved knowledge base and nursing support was also evident. LIMITATIONS: While theoretically defensible positive outcomes were found these results need to be replicated in a larger study. Similarly, the limitations imposed by a single group pretest, post-test design suggest that claims of generalizability need to be limited to the specific variables measured in this study. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated medium term positive health outcomes. These positive findings suggest that home-based rehabilitation using larger samples of older patients with comorbidities, and using randomized comparative group designs, may be a fruitful area in future research.

Aftercare↗
PubMed1998

Admission trends to a special hospital: court diversion and prison transfers.

This paper reviews the literature regarding the diversion of mentally disordered offenders from the criminal justice system to the mental health services, with a specific focus on the high security psychiatric special hospitals. The traditional sources of admission to these institutions have been predominantly courts and prisons, with the majority of patients being admitted via the former route. This study reports on the admissions to a special hospital over a 20-year period, and shows that over the previous decade there has been a reversal in this trend, with the number of patients transferred from prison being greater than that via any other route. The factors that may have contributed to this reversal are discussed and conclusions are drawn as to the external and internal forensic factors that may influence the court's decision in the referral process.

England↗
PubMed2002

Literature and medicine: evaluating a special study module using the nominal group technique.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a special study module in literature and medicine that aimed for clinical relevance. METHODS: We organised a 4-week course around themes such as empathy, death and dying, disability, madness and creativity, addiction, domestic violence, ethical dilemmas, doctor/patient communication, doctors' emotions and end of life decisions. We used a diversity of texts and genres to address these themes. We explicitly encouraged the students to engage with both content and form when studying literature. To evaluate the course we used a nominal group technique. Students identified a range of items in response to open questions about the content and methods of the course. After clarifying and reducing the items generated, they ranked them in order of importance. To investigate perceived clinical relevance, we grouped the individual items into broader themes using a previously suggested taxonomy of clinical relevance. RESULTS: The students attached the highest importance to the insights gained into patients and their experience of illness. These encompassed aspects of understanding, knowledge and empathy. They also perceived that they had improved clinically relevant skills including communication, analysis, presentation, writing and ethical reasoning. The remaining items were more broadly concerned with themes of personal growth, development and pleasure. CONCLUSIONS: There are many objectives in studying literature. We focussed on designing a special study module that explicitly emphasised clinical relevance. Our evaluation shows that students identified clinically relevant improvements in knowledge, skills and attitudes from having taken the course.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed1999

Population, habitat and genetic correlates of mycorrhizal specialization in the 'cheating' orchids corallorhiza maculata and C. mertensiana

Unlike photosynthetic plants, several distantly related nonphotosynthetic plants are highly specialized toward their mycorrhizal fungi. It is unknown whether this specialization varies geographically or is influenced by the environment. We have investigated these questions in the nonphotosynthetic orchids Corallorhiza maculata and C. mertensiana by amplifying fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) fragments from widespread mycorrhiza samples and then discriminating putative fungal species using ITS restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Three fungal species were found across 27 plants representing seven populations of C. mertensiana; 20 species were found across 104 plants and 21 populations of C. maculata. All fungi belonged to the Russulaceae, an ectomycorrhizal family. Partitioning of Simpson's diversity showed that 48% of the variance in occurrences of fungal species coincided with population boundaries in C. mertensiana, vs. 68% in C. maculata. This differentiation coincided with geography but not habitat in C. mertensiana. In contrast, likelihood ratio tests showed strong associations between fungal occurrence and both habitat and phenotype in C. maculata. For example, C. maculata populations growing under oaks had no fungi in common with nearby populations growing under conifers, and those above 2000 m had no fungi in common with those below 2000 m. However, plant genetic differentiation may underlie some of these patterns. C. mertensiana and C. maculata never shared fungal species, even when growing intermixed at the same site, demonstrating genetic control that was independent of habitat. Similarly, intermixed normal and pale-coloured variants of C. maculata had no fungal species in common. These results demonstrate fine-scale genetic influences and geographical mosaicism in a mycorrhizal interaction.

Journal Article↗