A Phase I Trial of Aminolevulinic Acid-Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Oral Leukoplakia

Background Photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid (ALA PDT) for oral leukoplakia has shown promising effects in regression of oral leukoplakia. Although ALA has been extensively studied and is an ideal photosensitizer, the optimal light dose for treatment of oral leukoplakia has not been determined. We conducted a phase I study to determine MTD and DLT of PDT in patients treated with ALA for leukoplakia. Methods Patients with histologically confirmed oral leukoplakia received a single treatment of ALA PDT in cohorts with escalating doses of light (585 nm). Clinical, histologic, and biologic markers were assessed. Results Analysis of 11 participants is reported. No significant toxicity from ALA PDT was observed in patients who received ALA with a light dose of up to 4 J/cm2. One participant experienced transient grade 3 transaminase elevation due to ALA. One participant had a partial clinical response 3 months after treatment. Biologic mucosal risk markers showed no significant associations. Determination of MTD could not be accomplished within a feasible timeframe for completion of the study. Conclusions ALA PDT could be safely administered with a light dose up to 4 J/cm2 and demonstrated activity. Larger studies are needed to fully elucidate the MTD and efficacy of ALA-PDT

A Spanish version of the short Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (sMARS)

The aim of this studywas to adapt and assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the sMARS in terms of evidence of validity and reliability of scores. The sMARS was administered to 342 students and, in order to assess convergent and discriminant validity, several subsamples completed a series of related tests. The factorial structure of the sMARSwas analyzed by means of a confirmatory factor analysis and results showed that the three-factor structure reported in the original test fits well with the data. Thus, three dimensions were established in the test: math test, numerical task and math course anxiety. The results of this study provide sound evidence that demonstrates the good psychometric properties of the scores of the Spanish version of the sMARS: strong internal consistency, high 7-week test-retest reliability and good convergent/discriminant validity were evident. Overall, this study provides an instrument that allows us to obtain valid and reliable math anxiety measurements. This instrument may be a useful tool for educators and psychologists interested in identifying individuals that may have a low level of math mastery because of their anxiety

The Use of Unusual Psychological Theories in Psychobiography: A Case Study and Discussion

This chapter argues for the use of ‘unusual’ theories in psychobiographical research through the presentation of a case study using such a theory. Historically, psychobiographical research has predominantly made use of the work of psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theorists and developmental theorists, while more recent psychobiographical approaches have preferred more modern, empirically based. However, over reliance on a few theories within psychobiographical research creates the possibility for narrow explanations of complex lives. Given the proliferation of theoretical modes in psychology the current use of theory barely scratches the surface of available explanatory paradigms. This chapter argues for the value of casting the explanatory net wider, and for the inclusion of more psychological theories in psychobiographical work. Using a psychobiographical case study, the chapter illustrates how a ‘forgotten’ psychological theory (script theory, based on the work of Tomkins) can serve as an extremely useful explanatory paradigm for a complex religious figure. The case study focuses on Gordon Hinckley (b. 1910, d. 2008), the fifteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly referred to as the Mormon Church), who remains a prominent figure in contemporary Mormonism and played a key role in the rapid growth and increasingly positive public profile of the Religion throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Using Tomkins’ script theory in conjunction with a psychobiographical method and the analysis of data gathered from published speeches, this study explores Hinckley’s personality structure and identifies three core psychological scripts

Implementing core outcomes in kidney disease: report of the Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology (SONG) implementation workshop

There are an estimated 14,000 randomized trials published in chronic kidney disease. The most frequently reported outcomes are biochemical endpoints, rather than clinical and patient-reported outcomes including cardiovascular disease, mortality, and quality of life. While many trials have focused on optimizing kidney health, the heterogeneity and uncertain relevance of outcomes reported across trials may limit their policy and practice impact. The international Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology (SONG) Initiative was formed to identify core outcomes that are critically important to patients and health professionals, to be reported consistently across trials. We convened a SONG Implementation Workshop to discuss the implementation of core outcomes. Eighty-two patients/caregivers and health professionals participated in plenary and breakout discussions. In this report, we summarize the findings of the workshop in two main themes: socializing the concept of core outcomes, and demonstrating feasibility and usability. We outline implementation strategies and pathways to be established through partnership with stakeholders, which may bolster acceptance and reporting of core outcomes in trials, and encourage their use by end-users such as guideline producers and policymakers to help improve patient-important outcomes

Monitoring and managing Chromolaena odorata in a South African savanna reserve : Evaluating the efficacy of current control programs in response to ecological factors and management protocols

Biological invasions have increased dramatically in the past centuries and are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity today. Invasions occur when organisms are introduced at a location to which they are non-native, and they reproduce and spread, causing damage to the environment. Chromolaena odorata, a herbaceous shrub from the Americas, is one of the most widespread and problematic invasive plant species in the tropics and sub-tropics. The plant is a serious problem in South Africa, where invasive species threaten the nation’s biodiversity and limited water supply. This study combined transect monitoring data of C. odorata with ecological and clearing management data to assess the efficacy of an invasive plant clearing program over its decade of operation in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Densities and local extent of the C. odorata invasion were significantly reduced during the period of operations of the clearing program. Seasonal effects impacted clearing efficacy, namely a reduction in efficacy during the seed dispersal period. Effort and fire frequency were positively associated with clearing success, and rainfall negatively associated with clearing success. Excluding the northern section of the reserve, where the invasion progressed over the whole landscape, observations of C. odorata were closer to watercourses than randomized points, indicating a water limitation for invasion in most of the park. Management implications drawn from the results include halting clearing during seed-drop months, giving extra attention to areas with more rainfall and other water availability, and incorporating fire with other clearing methods where possible.

Monitoring and managing Chromolaena odorata in a South African savanna reserve : Evaluating the efficacy of current control programs in response to ecological factors and management protocols

Biological invasions have increased dramatically in the past centuries and are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity today. Invasions occur when organisms are introduced at a location to which they are non-native, and they reproduce and spread, causing damage to the environment. Chromolaena odorata, a herbaceous shrub from the Americas, is one of the most widespread and problematic invasive plant species in the tropics and sub-tropics. The plant is a serious problem in South Africa, where invasive species threaten the nation’s biodiversity and limited water supply. This study combined transect monitoring data of C. odorata with ecological and clearing management data to assess the efficacy of an invasive plant clearing program over its decade of operation in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Densities and local extent of the C. odorata invasion were significantly reduced during the period of operations of the clearing program. Seasonal effects impacted clearing efficacy, namely a reduction in efficacy during the seed dispersal period. Effort and fire frequency were positively associated with clearing success, and rainfall negatively associated with clearing success. Excluding the northern section of the reserve, where the invasion progressed over the whole landscape, observations of C. odorata were closer to watercourses than randomized points, indicating a water limitation for invasion in most of the park. Management implications drawn from the results include halting clearing during seed-drop months, giving extra attention to areas with more rainfall and other water availability, and incorporating fire with other clearing methods where possible.

Pop-Ups, Pop-Unders, Banners and Buttons. The Ethics of On-Line Advertising to Children

International audienceThe growth in children ’ s access to the internet has led to the development of thousands of child-oriented websites, many of them heavily laden with commercial promotion. This has led interest groups, parents and lobbyists to question the ethics of targeting children through this new medium and some have even called for it to be banned. This paper examines the evidence behind these concerns, gives an overview of the codes currently in place to regulate online advertising to children and presents a review of the commercial practice on some of the websites currently popular with UK primary school children aged 9 – 11. Most of the sites accessed by today ’ s children are not specifi cally targeted at them. This means that advertising tends to be for products not used by children. While most of these adverts are irrelevant rather than harmful, the fast-evolving interactive formats of online advertising, however, give cause for concern. In particular, half of adverts (particularly adver-games) are not clearly labelled as such; signposting from host sites to an advertiser ’ s site is poor; and there is signifi cant use of popular children ’ s characters to incite sales. All of these practices are potentially deceptive for children below senior school age who may find it hard to distinguish persuasive intent from entertaining content in the current online environment. There is thus a strong case for site owners, advertisers and self-regulatory bodies to work together to ensure that sites are aware of the audience they are attracting and that they make it easy for children to understand quite clearly the difference between what is designed to entertain and what is designed to persuade.<br/