Adjuvanticity of stearyl tyrosine on inactivated poliovirus vaccine

Preliminary studies of some of the properties of stearyl tyrosine have shown that it is non-toxic, free of adverse reactions at the sites of injection, non-pyrogenic, stable upon storage and easy to sterilize. Formalin inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) adjuvanted with stearyl tyrosine hydrochloride induced significantly higher titres of antibodies in non-human primates, after two injections, than the non-adjuvanted vaccine. Furthermore, the adjuvanted vaccine, even when diluted 1:4, showed consistently higher antibody titres as well as a longer persistence of antibodies than the non-adjuvanted undiluted vaccine. These studies suggest that stearyl tyrosine is an excellent and cost effective adjuvant for IPV. Hence further investigation with this novel synthetic compound would be worthwhile to ascertain its adjuvanticity for IPV in human subjects.     

Cerebral astroblastoma radiologically mimicking pilocytic astrocytoma: A case report

Astroblastoma is a rare central nervous system tumor. We reported a case of a 24‐year‐old Nepalese woman with radiological features mimicking pilocytic astrocytoma which came out to be low‐grade astroblastoma in histopathological and immunohistochemistry examination after total excision of the tumor.     

An exploratory investigation of schema modes in social anxiety disorder: Empirical findings and case conceptualization

Background

Current “gold standard” treatments for social anxiety disorder (SAD) are limited by the limited emphasis of key etiological factors in conceptualization, and many individuals with SAD experience residual symptoms posttreatment. Hence, the novel application of the Schema Therapy Mode Model may provide a helpful framework for extending clinical understanding and treatment options for SAD. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the presence and pattern of schema modes among SAD individuals.

Method

Forty individuals with SAD completed questionnaire measures of symptomatology, social anxiety-relevant cognitions, schema modes, childhood trauma, and parental style.

Results

Key maladaptive schema modes identified in SAD were Vulnerable Child, Punitive Critic, Demanding Critic, Compliant Surrender, and Detached Self-Soother.

Conclusion

Outcomes provide the basis for a proposed schema mode case conceptualization for SAD and are hoped to provide a rationale for testing the applicability of Schema Therapy as a novel treatment for SAD. Key limitations are discussed.

     

Exploring adaptations to the clinical reasoning cycle for forensic mental health nursing: A qualitative enquiry

Forensic mental health nurses (FMHN) provide care to address the needs of people who have mental illnesses across a range of diverse settings. The Clinical Reasoning Cycle (CRC) has been identified as a potential framework to assist FMHNs; however, adaptations were required to reflect the unique nature of the clinical setting. This study aimed to explore adaptations made to determine suitability prior to implementation in practice. Nominal Group Technique was used to explore suggested adaptations determined from a previous study and reach a consensus on the changes. Fourteen senior nurses from a state-wide Forensic mental Health (FMH) service participated. A consensus was reached for two proposed changes. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were interpreted from the data; FMH adaptations are warranted, the focus of the CRC, and who owns the cycle? Nurses in this study considered the need to include offence and risk issues due to the impact these factors have on the therapeutic relationship and cognitive bias; however, they also identified the need to focus on recovery-oriented care while engaging in clinical reasoning. Nurses in this study also expressed some reluctance for nursing to ‘own' the model, due to concern that ownership may cause division among the team or result in inconsistency in care. However, some participant's suggested the CRC with adaptations assisted FMH nurses to articulate their specialist skills and knowledge to others and highlight the nursing contribution to care. Further work is needed to finalize adaptations with a focus on engaging the consumer carer workforce and interdisciplinary team.