Meaning-Based Group Counseling for Bereavement: Bridging Theory with Emerging Trends in Intervention Research

A growing body of scholarship has evaluated the usefulness of meaning-based theories in the context of bereavement counseling. Although scholars have discussed the application of meaning-based theories for individual practice, there is a lack of inquiry regarding its implications when conducting bereavement support groups. The objective of this article is to bridge meaning-based theories with bereavement group practice, leading to a novel intervention and laying the foundation for future efficacy studies. Building on recommendations specified in the literature, this article outlines the theoretical paradigms and structure of a short-term meaning-based group counseling intervention for uncomplicated bereavement.     

Intra-operative introital ultrasound in Burch colposuspension reduces post-operative complications

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of intra-operative monitoring of bladder neck elevation on cure rate and post-operative complications in patients undergoing colposuspension. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: Urogynaecology units, university hospitals. POPULATION: Ninety women operated on for genuine stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: The topography of the bladder neck and proximal urethra was assessed with pre-, intra- and post-operative introital ultrasound. These measurements were repeated during follow up for up to 48 months after surgery. Burch colposuspension of the bladder neck was performed under intra-operative introital ultrasound control, with reference to the patients' individual pre-operative ultrasound, to achieve a vertical height correction of 1-10 mm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mid-term surgical outcome and post-operative complications. RESULTS: Ninety patients underwent colposuspension and 50 (56%) completed 48 months of follow up; 85 women (94%) were objectively continent at 12-month follow up and 42 of 50 (82%) at 48-month follow up. Surgical elevation of the bladder neck resulted in a median intra-operative elevation of 9 mm (7 mm at 48 months). All post-operative measurements demonstrated a significant decrease in linear dorsocaudal movement of the bladder neck during straining (P < 0.001). Funnelling and hypermobility were still decreased 48 months after incontinence surgery (P < 0.001). Voiding difficulty and urgency were uncommon and associated with evidence of funnelling and hypermobility. CONCLUSION: Intra-operative introital ultrasound standardises Burch colposuspension and thus might help to avoid overelevation and associated post-operative complications such as voiding difficulties and de novo urge incontinence without compromising the success of the operation.     

Standard of Care for Neuropsychological Monitoring in Pediatric Neuro‐Oncology: Lessons From the Children's Oncology Group (COG)

As the mortality of pediatric cancers has decreased, focus on neuropsychological morbidities of treatment sequelae have increased. Neuropsychological evaluations are essential diagnostic tools that assess cognitive functioning and neurobiological integrity. These tests provide vital information to support ongoing medical care, documenting cognitive morbidity and response to interventions. We frame standards for neuropsychological monitoring of pediatric patients with CNS malignancy or who received cancer‐directed therapies involving the CNS and discuss billing for these services in the United States in the context of clinical research. We describe a cost‐effective, efficient model of neuropsychological monitoring that may increases access to neuropsychological care. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Regional expression of the ADAMs in developing chicken cochlea

The expression patterns of five members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family including ADAM9, ADAM10, ADAM17, ADAM22, and ADAM23 were analyzed in different anatomical structures of the developing chicken cochlea by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Results show that ADAM9, ADAM10, and ADAM17 are widely expressed in the sensory epithelium of the basilar papilla, by homogene cells, spindle‐shaped cells, and acoustic ganglion cells, and in the tegmentum vasculosum, each with a different pattern. ADAM22 expression is restricted to spindle‐shaped cells and acoustic ganglion cells, while ADAM23 is prominently expressed by hair cells and acoustic ganglion cells. Furthermore, ADAM10 protein is coexpressed with several members of the classic cadherins, including cadherin‐7, N‐cadherin, and R‐cadherin in distinct anatomical regions of the cochlea except for acoustic ganglion cells. The expression of the ADAMs in the developing cochlea suggests a contribution of the ADAMs to the development of distinct cochlear structures. Developmental Dynamics 239:2256–2265, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

MRI morphology of the levator ani muscle, endopelvic fascia, and urethra in women with stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pathomorphologic changes of the levator ani muscle, endopelvic fascia, and urethra in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by MRI. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-four women with SUI were examined by MRI (1.5T): body phased-array coil, axial and coronal proton-density-weighted sequences. RESULTS: The urethral sphincter muscle showed a reduced thickness of its posterior portion (37%), an omega shape (13%) or higher signal intensity (50%); its abnormal configuration was associated with an increased signal intensity in 70% (p=0.001). The levator ani muscle comprised an unilateral loss of substance in 30%, a higher signal intensity in 28%, and altered origin in 19%. Central defects of the endopelvic fascia were present in 39% (n=21), lateral defects in 46%. There was a significant association between loss of the symphyseal concavity of the anterior vaginal wall and lateral fascial defects (p=0.001) and levator ani changes (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: MRI yields findings supporting current theories on the pathogenesis of SUI.     

In vitro comparison of different carotid artery stents: a pixel-by-pixel analysis using CT angiography and contrast-enhanced MR angiography at 1.5 and 3 T

Introduction  

CT angiography (CTA) and MR angiography (MRA) are increasingly used methods for evaluation of stented vessel segments. The purpose of this study was to compare CTA, contrast-enhanced MRA (CEMRA) at 1.5 T, and CEMRA at 3 T for the visualization of carotid artery stents and to define the best noninvasive imaging technique for each stent.     

Aggression and violence against health care workers in Germany - a cross sectional retrospective survey

Background  

Although international scientific research on health issues has been dealing with the problem of aggression and violence towards those employed in health care, research activities in Germany are still at an early stage. In view of this, the aim of this study was to examine the frequency and consequences of aggressive behaviour towards nurses and health care workers in different health sectors in Germany and to assess the need for preventive measures.