Children of mothers with mental ilness: attachment, emotional and behavioural problems

This study describes the pattern of emotional and behavioural difficulties of children whose mothers have mental illness, and explores the relationship between children's behavioural and emotional difficulties and maternal perceptions of attachment. Thirteen mothers previously admitted to psychiatric hospital for mental illness completed a measure of their own symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory), their children's emotional and behavioural problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)), and attachment security (Parent/Child Reunion Inventory) (n = 21). Mean scores for child SDQ profiles were found to be within the 'normal' range, although (on some indices) mothers reported more 'case' scores for their children, than would be expected from standardized norms. It was found that there were significant positive correlations between 'insecurity' scores and all problem scales of the SDQ. Best predictors from the Parent/Child Reunion Inventory factors for each SDQ scale are reported and discussed.     

Performing under Pressure: Insights into the Diagnostic Testing Burden at a UK National Health Service Clinical Virology Laboratory during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

UK National Health Service (NHS) Clinical Virology Departments provide a repertoire of tests on clinical samples to detect the presence of viral genomic material or host immune responses to viral infection. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged which quickly developed into a global pandemic; NHS laboratories responded rapidly to upscale their testing capabilities. To date, there is little information on the impact of increased SARS-CoV-2 screening on non-SARS-CoV-2 testing within NHS laboratories. This report details the virology test requests received by the Leicester-based NHS Virology laboratory from January 2018 to May 2022. Data show that in spite of a dramatic increase in screening, along with multiple logistic and staffing issues, the Leicester Virology Department was mostly able to maintain the same level of service for non-respiratory virus testing while meeting the new increase in SARS-CoV-2 testing.     

Using Intraindividual Variability to Detect Malingering in Cognitive Performance

The utility of measures for detecting malingering was evaluated using a simulation design in which half the participants were encouraged to do their best and half were asked to feign head injury. Particular attention was focused on the utility of repeated assessment (intraindividual variability) in discriminating the groups. Participants were tested on three occasions on measures commonly used to detect malingering including a specific symptom validity test (SVT). The results indicated that multiple measures of malingering obtained in single assessment (occasion one) discriminated the groups effectively. In addition, however, intraindividual variability in performance, particularly of indicators from the SVT, provided unique information beyond level of performance. The results suggest that response inconsistency across testing sessions may be a clinically useful measure for the detection of malingering.     

阶梯式培训考核在提高年轻护士人文素养中的应用

目的：探讨阶梯式培训考核在提高年轻护士伦理人文素养中的效果。方法2013年起在新护士入院后三年内,通过先简单后复杂、先规范化常规后专科特色的模拟、案例操作的阶梯式培训考核方法,比较以前护理人员的人文素养考核、考核优秀率和患者满意度。结果新的培训考核方法让年轻护士在临床操作考核中显著提高了护理人员以病人为中心的服务意识,考核优秀率31．25％,高于前一年考核的优秀率19．82％,具有显著差异性（P＜0．05）;在患者对护理人员满意度调查比较中,具有显著优势（P＜0．05）。结论新的培训考核方法,显著提高了年轻护士的自身素质和医德修养,在临床实际操作中能更好的注重人文关怀,做好护患沟通,提高了护士在临床工作中的判断能力、急救能力、交流能力、灵活应变能力和突发事件的应急处理能力。对年轻护士在实际工作中处理好医患关系、医际关系、提高临床实践工作能力和病人的综合满意度具有重要价值。     

The cognitive profile of occipital lobe epilepsy and the selective association of left temporal lobe hypometabolism with verbal memory impairment

We investigated the cognitive profile of structural occipital lobe epilepsy (OLE) and whether verbal memory impairment is selectively associated with left temporal lobe hypometabolism on [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET). Nine patients with OLE, ages 8–29 years, completed presurgical neuropsychological assessment. Composite measures were calculated for intelligence quotient (IQ), speed, attention, verbal memory, nonverbal memory, and executive functioning. In addition, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used as a specific measure of frontal lobe functioning. Presurgical FDG‐PET was analyzed with statistical parametric mapping in 8 patients relative to 16 healthy volunteers. Mild impairments were evident for IQ, speed, attention, and executive functioning. Four patients demonstrated moderate or severe verbal memory impairment. Temporal lobe hypometabolism was found in seven of eight patients. Poorer verbal memory was associated with left temporal lobe hypometabolism (p = 0.002), which was stronger (p = 0.03 and p = 0.005, respectively) than the association of left temporal lobe hypometabolism with executive functioning or with performance on the WCST. OLE is associated with widespread cognitive comorbidity, suggesting cortical dysfunction beyond the occipital lobe. Verbal memory impairment is selectively associated with left temporal lobe hypometabolism in OLE, supporting a link between neuropsychological dysfunction and remote hypometabolism in focal epilepsy. A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here .     

A framework for discussion on how to improve prevention, management, and control of hypertension in Canada

Increased blood pressure is a leading risk for premature death and disability. The causes of increased blood pressure are intuitive and well known. However, the fundamental basis and means for improving blood pressure control are highly integrated into our complex societal structure both inside and outside our health system and hence require a comprehensive discussion of the pathway forward. A group of Canadian experts was appointed by Hypertension Canada with funding from Public Health Agency of Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian Institute for Health Research (HSFC-CIHR) Chair in Hypertension Prevention and Control to draft a discussion Framework for prevention and control of hypertension. The report includes an environmental scan of past and current activities, proposals for key indicators, and targets to be achieved by 2020, and what changes are likely to be required in Canada to achieve the proposed targets. The key targets are to reduce the prevalence of hypertension to 13% of adults and improve control to 78% of those with hypertension. Broad changes in government policy, research, and health services delivery are required for these changes to occur. The Hypertension Framework process is designed to have 3 phases. The first includes the experts' report which is summarized in this report. The second phase is to gather input and priorities for action from individuals and organizations for revision of the Framework. It is hoped the Framework will stimulate discussion and input for its full intended lifespan 2011-2020. The third phase is to work with individuals and organizations on the priorities set in phase 2.