How lonely they are? A degree of isolation among macrozoobenthos species in the Marine Protected Area, the Bay of Puck, the Southern Baltic

Extensive sampling (450 grabs) was performed all over the inner part of Puck Bay (105 km² area) in summers of 2007–2009. The GIS-based analysis of samples was performed to assess in detail the distribution of 32 benthic species. The minimum area of occurrence was less than 1 km² for Lekanosphaera rugicauda and the maximum was 83 km² for Cerastoderma glaucum. The material reveals that species with the pelagic larval stage were most widespread, with the least distance between individuals and the highest average density (e.g. Cerastoderma glaucum, Hydrobia ventrosa). The most isolated and the least dense species within the studied area were discretely mobile, non-larval crustaceans (e.g. Gammarus oceanicus and Lekanosphaera rugicauda), present at single sites with the largest distance from each other. We conclude that analysis of species distribution helps in understanding the threats to populations of marine invertebrates and marine spatial planning, through locating the isolated species and populations.     

The pathomechanism of idiopathic scoliosis: the importance of physiological thoracic kyphosis

Progress in research on the parthogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis has brought about a better understanding of the spatial character of this deformity, including spinal deformation on the sagittal plane. It is now generally though that the reduction of physiological thoracic kyphosis, followed at a later stage by thoracic lordosis, is a constant component of thoracic scoliosis. The authors present the concept of intrathoracic scoliotic vertebral hump. Both conservative and surgical treatment should cosist in three-dimensional correction of scoliosis, with particular attention paid to the restoration of normal thoracic kyphosis.     

Incorporating Community Mental Health into Local Bioterrorism Response Planning: Experiences from the DeKalb County Board of Health

Following a brief introduction to response planning for terrorism and other disasters, the authors present their experiences in developing a grassroots, interdisciplinary group charged with incorporating a mental health response component into the bioterrorism response plan for the metropolitan Atlanta area. This group was organized and supported by the Center for Public Health Preparedness at the DeKalb County Board of Health. Various viewpoints of key participating agencies are presented. Recommendations are provided for other localities and stakeholders who plan to incorporate a community mental health component into local disaster response plans.     

Measuring and Facilitating Client Engagement with Financial Incentives: Implications for Improving Clinical Outcomes in a Mental Health Setting

Significant numbers of individuals with severe mental illnesses are difficult to engage in treatment services, presenting challenges for care. To be able to assess the relationship between engagement and discharge outcomes, we modified the “Milestones of Recovery Scale”. This scale was modified for content to match the current clinical setting, evaluated for inter-rater reliability after modification in a sample of 233 cases receiving psychiatric rehabilitation, and then was administered to 423 additional psychiatric rehabilitation clients over a 24-month study period. In an effort to determine whether provision of financial incentives lead to sustained increases in client engagement, a cut off for client eligibility for financial incentives was evaluated on the basis of the reliability study and the course of engagement was related to receipt of this incentive and successful completion of treatment in a new sample of 423 patients. Of this sample, 78?% received an initial financial incentive during treatment (were initially engaged), and 93.3?% of that subgroup sustained this level of engagement it over their entire course of treatment. Of the 22?% of cases not receiving an initial incentive, only 5.4?% improved in their engagement to levels required for the incentive. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated that individuals who maintained or increased their level of engagement over time were more likely to complete treatment in accordance with planned treatment goals. The initial engagement and the course of engagement in treatment predicted successful completion, but incentives did not lead to increased engagement in initially poorly engaged patients. These data are interpreted in terms of the likely success of extrinsic rewards to increase engagement in mental health services.