Showing papers by "Virginia Commonwealth University published in 1982"

Intracranial pressure: to monitor or not to monitor? A review of our experience with severe head injury.

Abstract: ✓ The authors have analyzed their experience with intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in 207 patients over a 4-year period. Patients with either high-density or low-density lesions on computerized tomography (CT) at admission had a high incidence (53% to 63%) of intracranial hypertension (ICP persistently over 20 mm Hg). In contrast, patients with normal CT scans at admission had a relatively low incidence of ICP elevation (13%). Among these patients, three features were found to be strongly associated with the development of intracranial hypertension: 1) age over 40 years; 2) systolic blood pressure under 90 mm Hg; and 3) motor posturing — unilateral or bilateral. When two or more of these features were noted at admission, the incidence of intracranial hypertension was 60%, as compared to 4% when only one, or none, of these features were present. Thus, the patients at high risk for developing intracranial hypertension after severe head injury are those with abnormal CT scans at admission, and those wi...

Early Adolescents' Significant Others: Grade and Gender Differences in Perceived Relationships with Familial and Nonfamilial Adults and Young People.

Abstract: In order to provide a fuller and more satisfying description of the significant others in the social world of an adolescent, the Social Relations Questionnaire was developed and then administered to almost 3000 seventh-through tenth-graders in a midwestern suburban school district. The sample was randomly split in half and analyses were run on both halves separately to test for replicability. Results indicated that parents and siblings are almost always listed as significant others by adolescents in all four grade levels. Furthermore, the majority of adolescents listed at least one extended family adult and at least one nonrelated adult as important in their lives. The nonrelated adults lived closer to the adolescents and were seen more frequently and in more contexts than extended family members. Fewer extended family adults were listed in the older grades. Females listed more significant others than males both overall and in terms of both same- and opposite-sex nonrelated young people. As hypothesize, an increasing number of opposite-sex young people was listed as a function of grade level. Most nonrelated young people listed (a loose definition of peers) were from the same grade, same school, and same neighborhood as the respondent. The authors conclude that age-segregation in this community is not extreme (over 40% of the significant others listed were adults) and that the Social Relations Questionnaire provides a useful and holistic description of an adolescent's social world.

Multi-Project Scheduling: Categorization of Heuristic Rules Performance

Abstract: Application of heuristic solution procedures to the practical problem of project scheduling has previously been studied by numerous researchers. However, there is little consensus about their findings, and the practicing manager is currently at a loss as to which scheduling rule to use. Furthermore, since no categorization process was developed, it is assumed that once a rule is selected it must be used throughout the whole project. This research breaks away from this tradition by providing a categorization process based on two powerful project summary measures. The first measure identifies the location of the peak of total resource requirements and the second measure identifies the rate of utilization of each resource type. The performance of the rules are classified according to values of these two measures, and it is shown that a rule introduced by this research performs significantly better on most categories of projects.

The Effects of Ethical Ideology on Moral Behavior

Abstract: Summary The relationship between ethical ideology and moral behavior was investigated in two studies by tempting American college students (19 males and 61 females) to cheat on a test administered in a laboratory setting Overall, students who adopted different ethical ideologies, as assessed by the 2 (relativistic vs nonrelativistic moral outlook) by 2 (idealistic vs pragmatic values) classification scheme of the Ethics Position Questionnaire (EPQ) behaved similarly However, questionnaire ratings indicated (a) self-devaluation was most pronounced among absolutists (nonrelativistic and idealistic); (b) exceptionists (nonrelativistic and pragmatic) reported increased happiness the more they cheated; (c) situationists’ (relativistic and idealistic) self-ratings were not clearly related to the morality of their actions; and (d) subjectivists (relativistic and pragmatic) showed signs of fear of detection Combined with previous data, these findings suggest variations in ethical ideology may predict individua

Evoked potentials in the clinical neurosciences

Abstract: ✓ The use of evoked potentials for the evaluation of disorders of the nervous system has become a most valuable aid to the neurosurgeon and neurologist, often providing information of critical value without recourse to invasive techniques. In order to employ these techniques, it is helpful to understand the principles of evoked potential electrogenesis and the methodology used for analysis of evoked potential clinical data. This article is aimed at providing the clinical neurosurgeon with this type of information and with a review of current clinical applications in this rapidly developing field.

Ischemic optic neuropathy: a complication of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Abstract: Ischemic optic neuropathy followed cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in the postoperative period in 7 of 7685 consecutive procedures. Th visual loss was unilateral in four patients and bilateral in three and there was little improvement. This ischemic infarction of the optic nerve disk was attributed to hypotension, hypothermia, and activation of certain complement factors by the bypass procedure.

Discordant expression of fetal hydantoin syndrome in heteropaternal dizygotic twins.

Abstract: PRENATAL exposure to hydantoin analogues, including phenytoin, may result in the fetal hydantoin syndrome — a symptom complex characterized by poor growth and development with specific craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities.1 2 3 4 The full syndrome is seen in about 11 per cent of exposed infants, and an additional 31 per cent have partial expression of the teratogenic effects.1 The resulting dysmorphism is most striking at birth and generally becomes less pronounced with age, although the associated mental deficiency is permanent.2 Variability in the clinical manifestations of fetal hydantoin syndrome has been described in fraternal twins3 , 4 and triplets5 who were presumably exposed to . . .

Near-Drowning Complicated by Brain Abscess due to Petriellidium boydii

Abstract: • Extracutaneous infection fromPetriellidium boydiiis an unusual occurrence despite the ubiquity of the organism in nature. Central nervous system infection by this organism is extremely rare, only seven previous reports having been found. The rarity of this manifestation prompted the report of a brain abscess occurring in a previously healthy youth after a near-drowning. The source of the infection was likely to have been the river water at the accident site, from whichP boydiiwas isolated. Although previous in vitro susceptibility data and failure of amphotericin B therapy in a similar infection suggested miconazole treatment might be beneficial, the organism causing the brain abscess was resistant to miconazole and amphotericin B. This report emphasizes the urgent need for safer and more predictably effective alternatives to currently available antifungal agents.

Selectivity characteristics of potentiometric carbon dioxide sensors with various gas membrane materials

Abstract: The selectivity characteristics of potentiometric carbon dioxide sensors with regard to various organic and inorganic acid interferences have been systematically examined. When used in conjunction with a standard silicone rubber CO/sub 2/ permeable membrane, the sensor displays surprisingly large response to several organic acids having low volatility, e.g., benzoic, cinnamic, and salicylic acids. If the outer membrane is changed to a microporous Teflon material, the response to these substances is diminished, but poor selectivity over volatile organics and acidic gases results. The use of a new homogeneous Teflon-like membrane meterial is shown to offer dramatic improvement in selectivity for CO/sub 2/ over all of the compounds tested. The mechanistic reasons for this enhanced selectivity are discussed as are alternate methods for reducing organic acid interferences when using more conventional membrane materials. 4 figures, 1 table.

Prescribers' beliefs and values as predictors of drug choices.

Abstract: A cognitive model of the drug-prescribing process, which incorporates prescribers' attitudes (valences) about treatment outcomes and beliefs (instrumentalities) about drug effects, was tested. Twelve physicians were interviewed to identify common outcomes associated with drug therapy; six distinct outcomes were identified. Then 50 family practice residents were given a hypothetical description of a mildly hypertensive patient and three treatment choices. The physicians completed a questionnaire that identified (1) the instrumentalities of each of the alternative treatments for each of the six outcomes and (2) the valences for each outcome. The physicians were also asked to respond to an open-ended question on how they would treat the patient described in the case. Forty-six physicians proposed 39 treatments that corresponded to the three treatments for which instrumentalities and valences were available. The drug-choice model correctly predicted 28 of 39 (72%) therapeutic decisions, which was significantly more than would be expected by chance (p less than 0.01). Both valences and instrumentalities appear important for predicting prescribing intention. Pharmacists can use this model in their attempts to influence prescribing.

Job Placement and Follow-up of Moderately and Severely Handicapped Individuals after Three Years.

Abstract: This paper describes the results of a three-year job placement project for moderately and severely handicapped individuals in Virginia. This project developed a training and advocacy approach to placement that involved client training by staff at the job site. Staff advocacy also took place with co-workers and employers. All clients were paid by employers as part of the regular workforce. Although the project is still ongoing as it seeks to replicate training and placement procedures throughout Virginia, at the three-year point, 63 clients have been placed, with 42 currently working, for a retention rate of 67%. These individuals have collectively earned $265,000 and paid well over $26,000 in state and federal taxes. Moreover, most of these clients had long records of exclusion from non-sheltered and even sheltered work, since they were viewed by professionals and parents as “realistically unemployable.” This report highlights the major characteristics and conclusions drawn from staff efforts to this point.

Creativity in adulthood and old age: an exploratory study

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the creative process and creative products across the adult life span. The subjects were 61 women, ages 20 to 83 years, who were comparable in intelligence, education, and interest in writing. They completed a creative writing project and took three standardized creativity tests and two intelligence subtests. Both quantitative and qualitative differences were found favoring young adults. Predictive but not construct validity was demonstrated for the creativity tests with this population of young and old adults. Both methodological constraints and the ecological validity of these measures of creativity are discussed.

A Comparison of Paradoxical and Nonparadoxical Interpretations and Directives.

Abstract: Explored the effects of consistent and inconsistent combinations of paradoxical and nonparadoxical interpretations and directives in brief counseling with 49 moderately depressed undergraduates. It was hypothesized that a consistent paradoxical intervention would be more effective than inconsistent

Physical Fitness and the Mentally Retarded: A Critical Review of the Literature:

Abstract: Teaching the mentally retarded skills that build and maintain physical fitness is important for a number of reasons. Until recently, however, this area has been overlooked by most educators and community recreation specialists. Little empirical evidence exists indicating the activities and instructional techniques best suited for this population. There are also few data showing the general level of fitness of mentally retarded persons, improvement in the level of fitness, or the long-term effects of participation in fitness programs. A literature review revealed several factors that should affect future research and programming in fitness through training programs for the mentally retarded. Two of the most significant factors are weaknesses in past studies and the current emphasis on integration of the retarded into regular, community-based programs.

Teniposide (VM-26)- and Etoposide (VP-16-213)-induced Augmentation of Methotrexate Transport and Polyglutamylation in Ehrlich Ascites Tumor Cells in Vitro

Abstract: Teniposide (VM-26) and etoposide (VP-16-213) were evaluated for their effects on methotrexate transport and metabolism in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in vitro VM-26 (10 µm) does not alter influx of methotrexate but slows efflux of the drug which leads to an increase in the steady-state level of exchangeable antifolate VM-26 stimulation of net methotrexate transport occurs within 5 min of exposure of cells to VM-26 concentrations of from 10 to 50 µm; removal of extracellular VM-26 results in a rapid and complete reversal of this effect As extracellular VM-26 is raised to 50 µm, the progressive rise in net methotrexate uptake observed is due not only to elevated exchangeable antifolate but to an enlarged nonexchangeable pool of intracellular drug as well, a major portion of which is methotrexate polyglutamyl derivatives VM-26 does not alter the intracellular water or the chloride distribution ratio Glucose partially reverses the stimulatory effect of VM-26 but to a lesser extent than glucose reversal of the vincristine-induced stimulation of net methotrexate transport VP-16-213 also stimulates net methotrexate transport in a manner qualitatively similar to that of VM-26 However, 100 µm VP-16-213 is required to yield the same quantitative stimulation as seen for 10 µm VM-26 VP-16-213-induced augmentation of intracellular methotrexate polyglutamate levels is also demonstrated These results indicate that VM-26 and VP-16-213 enhance net cell accumulation of methotrexate and methotrexate polyglutamyl derivatives in the Ehrlich ascites tumor in vitro at concentrations of these agents which are achieved in vivo Potential therapeutic synergism between methotrexate and epipodophyllotoxins on this basis is therefore possible and is currently under evaluation in animal tumor systems

Internality, controllability, and the effectiveness of attributional interpretations in counseling.

Abstract: An attributional approach to counseling was investigated in two separate studies. In Experiment 1 the theoretical basis for the use of attributional interpretations was tested by giving individuals who had just received a negative social evaluation no information or information that stressed one of four types of causes: internal/controllable, internal/uncontrollable, external/controllable, and external/uncontrollable. Results indicated that stressing internal/ controllable causes produced more positive affective reactions and performance evaluations among internal locus of control respondents, whereas e\-\ ternals were more variable in their responses. Experiment 2 assessed the generalizability of these findings by administering causal counseling to individuals who identified themselves as interpersonally anxious. Utilizing a quasicounseling design, participants were exposed to one of two interpretations emphasizing internal control or coping. The results of Experiment 2 confirmed initial conclusions that the effectiveness of causal counseling may depend on the individual's locus of control.

Patient and Family Attitudes About Schizophrenia: Implications for Genetic Counseling

Abstract: Psychiatrists are giving increased attention to genetic counseling for mental illness. However, the burden of these illnesses are perceived by families and the degree to which families feel a need for genetic counseling have yet to be established. Attitudes and perceptions measured in this study focus on etiology, familial risk, and socioeconomic burden of schizophrenia, as well as childbearing plans and the acceptability of genetic counseling. Members of 17 families, each with a child diagnosed schizophrenic, were studied using the Family Attitudes Questionnaire. The results demonstrate that the well family members view schizophrenia as a severe and debilitating illness. The results also show that there is a disparity between the attitudes of well family members and patients: 92 percent of parents compared to 25 percent of patients identified schizophrenia as a disorder associated with extreme burden. Regarding childbearing decisions, 29 percent of parents compared to 66 percent of patients say they would have children (in hindsight or in future) based on what they now know about schizophrenia in their family. This result corroborates reports from genetic counselors for other illnesses: the wish for children appears to override considerations of risk and burden for those potentially genetically affected persons who have not reached their desired family size.

Molecular Cloning in the Streptococci

Abstract: The genus Streptococcus contains a large number of species able to cause infection in humans and in animals. Our research efforts have revolved around the study of streptococci that normally reside in the human oral cavity. In this regard, Streptococcus mutans is thought to play an important role in the etiology of dental caries (tooth decay) in humans (5). Its virulence has been well established in animal model systems (see 5) and studies with mutants indicate that S. mutans’ ability to synthesize water-insoluble glucans from sucrose is closely linked to its pathogenicity.

Influence of power bases in organizational decision making: a contingency model*

Abstract: The relative influence of four power bases was investigated in four decision-making contexts using data from forty successfully implemented decisions. The analysis suggests that position power decreases in influence while resource power and political power increase in influence as decision contexts vary from less to more uncertainty. Expert power derives its influence when organizational uncertainty is low and when technical uncertainty is reduced, whereas political power thrives when organizational uncertainty is high and when technical uncertainty remains high. Indexing the influence of power bases provides greater understanding of decision processes than the sociological or social-psychological approaches of studying participation.

Preferences of Conservative and Moderate Christians for four Christian Counselors’ Treatment Plans:

Abstract: Conservative Christians, who comprise up to one-third of the total population in the United States, are often reluctant to seek counseling from nonreligious counselors. Consequently, counselors tak...