Evidence for selective executive function deficits in ecstasy/polydrug users

Previous research has suggested that the separate aspects of executive functioning are differentially affected by ecstasy use. Although the inhibition process appears to be unaffected by ecstasy use, it is unclear whether this is true of heavy users under conditions of high demand. Tasks loading on the updating process have been shown to be adversely affected by ecstasy use. However, it remains unclear whether the deficits observed reflect the executive aspects of the tasks or whether they are domain general in nature affecting both verbal and visuo-spatial updating. Fourteen heavy ecstasy users (mean total lifetime use 1000 tablets), 39 light ecstasy users (mean total lifetime use 150 tablets) and 28 non-users were tested on tasks loading on the inhibition executive process (random letter generation) and the updating component process (letter updating, visuo-spatial updating and computation span). Heavy users were not impaired in random letter generation even under conditions designed to be more demanding. Ecstasy-related deficits were observed on all updating measures and were statistically significant for two of the three measures. Following controls for various aspects of cannabis use, statistically significant ecstasy-related deficits were obtained on all three updating measures. It was concluded that the inhibition process is unaffected by ecstasy use even among heavy users. By way of contrast, the updating process appears to be impaired in ecstasy users with the deficit apparently domain general in nature

Everyday and prospective memory deficits in ecstasy/polydrug users

The impact of ecstasy/polydrug use on real-world memory (i.e. everyday memory, cognitive failures and prospective memory [PM]) was investigated in a sample of 42 ecstasy/polydrug users and 31 non-ecstasy users. Laboratory-based PM tasks were administered along with self-reported measures of PM to test whether any ecstasy/polydrug-related impairment on the different aspects of PM was present. Self-reported measures of everyday memory and cognitive failures were also administered. Ecstasy/polydrug associated deficits were observed on both laboratory and self-reported measures of PM and everyday memory. The present study extends previous research by demonstrating that deficits in PM are real and cannot be simply attributed to self-misperceptions. The deficits observed reflect some general capacity underpinning both time- and event-based PM contexts and are not task specific. Among this group of ecstasy/polydrug users recreational use of cocaine was also prominently associated with PM deficits. Further research might explore the differential effects of individual illicit drugs on real-world memory

Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationThis qualitative study examines the needs and challenges of prostitutes and their children. A review of research regarding prostitutes indicates that the needs and experiences of prostitutes, their children, and stakeholders who provide services to this population have been neglected. The first part of the study looks at the challenges prostitutes face trying to be successful mothers. The study was conducted in the U.S. and India. The findings of this study reveal that these women face difficulties in their daily lives. Due to the distinct differences between the interventions and policies in both countries, each group shares a different relationship with their children. The findings of the study strongly advocate for joint programs for prostitutes and their children to help ensure them all a better future. The second part of the study was conducted with children of prostitutes who live with their mothers in red light areas of Mumbai, India. The participants discussed the experiences and challenges they face in their daily lives as children of prostitutes, their relationships with their mothers, and support programs needed for a better life. All of the child participants conveyed that they did not want to be separated from their mothers. The children had good relationships with their mothers and wanted to support their mothers as they aged. The final part of the study examines challenges stakeholders encounter while providing services to prostitutes and their children. The stakeholders also shared their views about the difficulties that children of prostitutes and their mothers face. The stakeholders expressed what support they thought would be helpful for this group. This study is presented in the form of three distinct scholarly manuscripts. Each of the manuscripts has its own research questions and findings that contribute to the overall research agenda in unique ways. Each study makes its own specific recommendations for social work policy, practice, and research. Together, the three manuscripts add to our knowledge about prostitutes as mothers, as well as defining their children's needs and challenges

The Spatial And Temporal Characteristics Of Visually Directed Limb Movements And Comparison Of Ocular And Manual Performance

The purpose of this thesis was to examine visually guided movements of the upper limbs which approximated normal reaching behaviour, and to describe the production of these movements on the basis of a number of interrelated measures. The series of studies required subjects to point quickly and accurately to small visual targets presented lateral to a visual fixation point, on an otherwise featureless screen. In Studies 1 and 2 the kinematic characteristics of the limb movements were examined by a frame-by-frame analysis of video records of the subjects\u27 performance. The use of visual feedback information in the guidance of the limb was evident from the modifications in trajectory during periods of low velocity at the end of the movements, and also from the increased accuracy and longer movement duration when the subjects pointed to persistent rather than briefly visible targets. Studies 1 and 2 also revealed that reaches of either limb which crossed the body axis were less efficient, in terms of movement velocity, than those performed within the extrapersonal space ipsilateral to the limb being used. As long as the subjects fixated a point directly in front of their body axis before the target was presented, these ipsilateral reaches were also initiated more quickly and were more accurate. Unlike movement velocity, the latency and accuracy of the limb movement were altered when the subjects fixated an eccentric point so that the visual field did not correspond to extrapersonal space relative to the body axis. Studies 1 and 3 found a low but statistically correlation between the latency to initiate movement of the eyes and hand. The results of Study 3 suggested that this correlation may be reduced by previous trials in which only the eyes or the hand were directed to the target. In Study 1 the eye and limb movement latencies were lower for ipsilaterally presented targets and for blocks of trials in which the subjects reached with their right hand. The results suggest the existence of a hemispherically organized network of cortical areas which is involved in the integration of sensorimotor information for the control of visually directed eye and limb movements

Outcomes for Older Telecare Recipients: The Importance of Assessments

The article explores both telecare in relation to its composition of assistive technologies, including sensors; and associated services that use such technologies as a means by which, often vulnerable, people can obtain help through their activation - with signals being routed to monitoring centres. The context is one where there are changes to such technologies and ongoing growth in the use of telecare services - despite there being no indicated benefits from a major study (the Whole System Demonstrators). The 'curious' investment in such technologies and services by Adult Social Care Departments in England is investigated through an interview survey that elicited over 100 valid responses. Iy gave particular attention to the assessment process by which effective targeting (to those who would be most likely to benefit) would, it had been assumed, have taken place. Key outcomes point to needed improvements to social care practice - including the need to balance a narrow focus on risk (determined in a largely top-down way) with other telecare offerings that could more proactively address (e.g. loneliness) and involve the user more proactively in relation to technology and service options. The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.Summary This article explores the role of telecare assessment, review and staff training in meeting the needs of older people living at home. Using original empirical data obtained from an online survey of English local authorities it reveals considerable variation in assessment and review practice and in training given to social work and other staff who assess and review, which may impact on outcomes for telecare users. The study findings are situated within an English policy context and earlier findings from a large, government funded randomised controlled trial. This trial concluded that telecare did not lead to better outcomes for users. Findings Our survey findings suggest that it may be the way in which telecare is used, rather than telecare itself that shapes outcomes for people who use it, and that ‘sub-optimal’ outcomes from telecare may be linked to how telecare is adopted, adapted and used; and that this is influenced by staff training, telecare availability and a failure to regard telecare as a complex intervention. Application The findings may help to reconcile evidence which suggests that telecare does not deliver better outcomes and local authority responses to this which either discount or contest its value. The article suggests that to use telecare to achieve optimal outcomes for older people, social workers, care managers and other professionals involved in assessing for telecare will need to be given enhanced training opportunities, and their employers will need to perceive telecare as a complex intervention rather than simply a ‘plug and play’ solution

Knowledge and Skills Sets for Telecare Service Staff in the Context of Digital Health

Telecare services have an established place within the United Kingdom. Through using online technologies to help mostly older people to remain at home, they are recognised as having a support role for health as well as social care. This positions telecare services within the broader realm of ‘digital health’. As that position becomes more embedded, it poses questions about the nature of tasks that are (or should be) undertaken by telecare staff, and regarding the knowledge and skills that are required. A convergence of telecare and telehealth services is indicated together with a need for some kind of accord or accommodation. This paper summarises the United Kingdom policy context; references the technologies that are provided by telecare services or can be linked to them; notes briefly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and proposes six knowledge and skills sets. Outcomes of the UTOPIA study undertaken in England from 2016 to 2017 are drawn upon: this study provided important information from over 100 local authority telecare managers.   &nbsp

Neuropsychological Sequelae of Brain Tumors

Investigation of the neuropsychological sequelae of brain tumors is extremely complex largely because the neurobehavioral consequences of brain tumors depend upon complex interactions among disease and treatment variables as well as patient characteristics. To illustrate some of these complexities, we present case studies of two patients in whom the behavioral outcome was not easily predictable on the basis of our current understanding of brain-behavior relationships in tumor patients. The case studies do illustrate how neuropsychological evaluation aids in identifying cognitive deficits which have implications for subsequent quality of life. Recommendations for future experiments and statistical analyses of neurobehavioral data of this population are given

The 27 February 2022 Lop Nor Earthquake: Detectability, Location, and Discrimination

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