Problem-Solving Intervention for Caregivers of Children With Mental Health Problems

Building Our Solutions and Connections (BOSC) focused on enhancing problem-solving skills (PSS) of primary caregivers of children with mental health problems. Aims were determining feasibility, acceptability, and effect size (ES) estimates for depression, burden, personal control, and PSS. Methods: Caregivers were randomized to BOSC (n = 30) or wait-list control (WLC) groups (n = 31). Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 and 6 months post-intervention. Results: Three-months post-intervention, ES for burden and personal control were .07 and .08, respectively. ES for depressed caregivers for burden and personal control were 0.14 and 0.19, respectively. Conclusions: Evidence indicates that the intervention had desired effects.     

Hypnotic Age Regression and the Importance of Assessing Interpersonally Relevant Affect

The present study was undertaken to replicate an earlier experiment and to clarify which factors in this previous experiment (Nash, Johnson, & Tipton, 1979) were responsible for the obtained child-like behaviors of hypnotically regressed Ss. As in the previous study, 3 characteristics of the transitional object relationship (spontaneity, specificity, and intensity) were used as the primary criteria to investigate the effects of hypnotic age regression when Ss were regressed to age 3 and placed in 3 home situations. While in the previous study E suggested separation anxiety and isolation during the 3 home situations (mother-absent condition), the present study deleted all references to anxiety and isolation, and replaced them with suggestions of security and maternal proximity (mother-present condition). As expected, the mother-present versus mother-absent conditions led to similar hypnotized-simulating differences. In further accord with predictions, hypnotized Ss and simulating Ss requested a transitional object infrequently in the presence of mother. The importance of using dependent measures which index affective processes germane to interpersonal affect-laden experience is discussed.     

Heavy Smokers Perform More Poorly than Nonsmokers on a Simulated Task of Gambling

The Gambling Task (GT) has demonstrated sensitivity to a type of decision-making that differentiates individuals manifesting substance use disorders from those without such disorders. However, studies have not yet compared the GT performance of “heavy smokers” to the performance of never-smokers. In the present study, the GT performance of “heavy smokers” (n = 39) and never-smokers (n = 32) recruited from the community was compared in an experimental design. Analysis of covariance showed that “heavy smokers” performance on the GT was significantly worse than that of never-smokers (p < .01). Implications, the study's limitations and future directions are discussed.     

Treatment of Prostate Cancer Local Recurrence After Whole-Gland Cryosurgery With Frameless Robotic Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy: Initial Experience

BackgroundThe use of frameless robotic stereotactic body radiotherapy has not been investigated in patients whose primary cryosurgery treatment failed. The aim of this series was to present initial experiences with frameless robotic radiosurgery in the treatment of local prostate recurrence after cryotherapy.MethodsWe reviewed the outcome of frameless robotic radiosurgery in 4 patients for biopsy-proven local recurrent prostate cancer after cryotherapy. The patients underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) at Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York.ResultsThe patients' ages ranged from 66 to 75 years old. The average follow-up was more than 4 months. Presalvage prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were 7.3, 11.9, 6.1, and 20.9 ng/mL for the four patients. Presalvage Gleason scores were 7, 7, 9, and 8 respectively. One patient had insufficient follow-up for inclusion. The 3 remaining patients showed reduction of PSA levels after SBRT. Follow-up post-SBRT PSA levels were 2.2, 0.19, and 2.0 ng/mL. The average PSA reduction was 7.0 ng/mL. Morbidity at 3-week follow-up included urinary urgency, dysuria, and constipation. There was no change in international prostate symptom score or The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form scores after SBRT. One patient experienced erectile dysfunction from SBRT.ConclusionsInitial results indicate that robotic SBRT is a viable option for patients who have failed initial cryosurgery therapy measures. The patients had minimal morbidity with significant reduction in PSA levels.     

A Simple Technique to Preserve the LSVC during Reoperative Orthotopic Heart Transplant

Abstract Increasingly, patients undergo heart transplant after previous heart surgery. In patients with a persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC), the preferred technique, preservation of drainage via the native coronary sinus, can be difficult in reoperative cases due to adhesions. We report a technique simplifying this operation in such a patient. (J Card Surg 2012;27:767‐768)     

Last Marrow Standing: Bone Marrow Transplantation for Acquired Bone Marrow Failure Conditions

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, aplastic anemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome are a spectrum of acquired marrow failure, having a common pathologic thread of both immune dysregulation and the development of abnormal hematopoiesis. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation plays a critical role in the treatment of these disorders and, for many patients, is the only treatment modality with demonstrated curative potential. In recent years, there have been many breakthroughs in the understanding of the pathogenesis of these uncommon disorders. The subsequent advances in non-transplant therapies, along with concurrent improvement in outcomes after hematopoietic cell transplantation, necessitate continual appraisal of the indications, timing, and approaches to transplantation for acquired marrow failure syndromes. We review here contemporary and critical new findings driving current treatment decisions.