Cognitive performance in older adults with stable heart failure: Longitudinal evidence for stability and improvement

Cognitive impairment is prevalent in heart failure (HF), though substantial variability in the pattern of cognitive impairment is found across studies. To clarify the nature of cognitive impairment in HF, we examined longitudinal trajectories across multiple domains of cognition in HF patients using latent growth class modeling. 115 HF patients completed a neuropsychological battery at baseline, 3-months and 12-months. Participants also completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Latent class growth analyses revealed a three-class model for attention/executive function, four-class model for memory, and a three-class model for language. The slope for attention/executive function and language remained stable, while improvements were noted in memory performance. Education and BDI-II significantly predicted the intercept for attention/executive function and language abilities. The BDI-II also predicted baseline memory. The current findings suggest that multiple performance-based classes of neuropsychological test performance exist within cognitive domains, though case-controlled prospective studies with extended follow-ups are needed to fully elucidate changes and predictors of cognitive function in HF.     

Exploring the processes involved in long‐term recovery from chronic alcohol addiction within an abstinence‐based model: Implications for practice

Background: There is little consensus at policy or treatment level as to what defines ‘recovery’ in the alcohol addiction field. Aim: From interviewing a cohort of eight severely alcohol‐dependent people who fulfilled all categories of DSM‐IV and ICD 10 diagnostic criteria and had achieved long‐term recovery (LTR) of between 8 and 48 years, and who are long‐term AA members, a definition of recovery that is inclusive, and achievable, was sought from their lived experiences. Methodology: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used. Findings: This research uncovers the processes involved in long‐term recovery, and identifies them as: sober; maintaining sobriety; and recovery. It suggests a move away from the acute model of cure by brief, time‐limited therapy, towards a model of sustained, on‐going and life‐long recovery management, combined with pro‐social aid resources. Individuals need to observe, and hear, the success narratives of others, and the therapeutic conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence need to be strongly experienced by the individual.     

Subclinical social anxiety and academic performance in adolescence: analysis of theoretical and practical implications / Ansiedad social subclínica y rendimiento académico en la adolescencia: análisis de sus implicaciones teórico-prácticas

Abstract

This study analyses the relationship between self-reported social anxiety and academic performance in a sample of 1,616 Spanish students (52.1% males) in compulsory secondary education, aged 12 to 16 years old. Social anxiety was assessed by the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory (SPAI) and academic performance was measured with school grades and failing grades. Results reveal that adolescents with social anxiety show a similar academic performance to adolescents without social anxiety. Although t tests found some significant differences in academic grades and number of failing grades, the effect size analysis showed that these differences had no empirical relevance. These findings are discussed considering the gender and grade levels and their theoretical and practical implication.     

SETTING UP A COUNSELLING SERVICE FOR PARENTS,INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN

In this paper a brief model of working psychotherapeutically with children under 5 years of age and parents is explored. The psychoanalytic principles that guide the work are looked at and the practical aspects of setting up a service within NHS clinics is considered. The authors trace the history of this model, its aims, technique and the use of telephone counselling for parents. They discuss referrals, the setting, the structure and content of this counselling using clinical vignettes.     

老年慢性疼痛患者疼痛接受与疼痛程度的相关关系

了解老年慢性疼痛患者疼痛接受与疼痛程度,探讨两者的相关关系.采用简易慢性疼痛接受问卷（CPAQ-8）中文版、简化McGill疼痛问卷（SF-MPQ）与一般情况调查表对335例老年疼痛患者进行调查.结果纳入有效样本308例,SF-MPQ总体平均分为（50.24±23.35）分,中文版CPAQ-8总体平均得分（21.74±5.97）分.老年慢性疼痛患者的受教育程度、疼痛期、疼痛部位及疼痛点数目等差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.疼痛接受与疼痛程度呈负相关（P＜0.01）,即接受程度越高者,其疼痛程度越低.     

索拉非尼治疗晚期肾癌的临床研究

探讨索拉非尼治疗晚期转移性肾癌的疗效和毒副反应.我院门诊收治的晚期肾癌患者共70例,服用索拉非尼,每个月进行1次疗效评价,每2个月进行一次影像学评价.70例患者中完全缓解(CR)0例、部分缓解(PR)2例、稳定(SD)40例、疾病进展(PD)1例,死亡27例.中位无进展生存期(PFS) 18(6～65)个月,中位总生存期(OS) 12个月.1年、2年、3年生存率分别为83.7％、40.9％、18.7％.有轻中度的不良反应,因此,索拉非尼对晚期肾癌有良好的治疗效果,并且药物副反应轻.     

The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire Revisited: Dimensions and Correlates

The authors reexamined the factor structure of the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (D. E. Broadbent, P. F. Cooper, P. Fitzgerald, & K. R. Parkes, 1982) and its correlates. The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire was designed to assess a person's likelihood of committing an error in the completion of an everyday task. A principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation yielded 4 internally consistent, interpretable factors. These factors were labeled Memory, Distractibility, Blunders, and (memory for) Names. This study lends partial support for the factor analytic solution proposed by L. K. Pollina, A. L. Greene, R. H. Tunick, and J. M. Puckett (1992). In addition, it extends previous findings by providing initial evidence for the construct validity of the factors established by correlating factor scores with measures of other related constructs (i.e., boredom proneness, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Type A behavior pattern).     

Spouse marital adjustment and patient dietary adherence in chronic hemodialysis: A Comparison of Afro-Americans and Caucasians

Abstract

This study investigated racial differences in the relationship between spouse marital adjustment and dietary adherence of chronic hemodialysis patients. Sixty-eight adult patients and their spouse were subjects. Fifty-two percent of the patients were Caucasians while 48% were Afro-Americans. Spouses completed the Locke-Marital-Questionnaire (LMQ) and provided demographic data pertaining to their patient spouses. The patients' predialysis potassium levels (indices of food intake compliance) for the previous three months were matched with the respective questionnaires. Afro-American spouses, especially males, evidenced significantly lower marital satisfaction than Caucasian spouses. Afro-American female patients seemed to be most compliant as far as food intake wasconcemed. Although the spouse LMQ score was negatively correlated with interdialysis weight gain. Afro-Americans who generally scored lower on the LMQ did not differ from Caucasians in so far as their adherence to the dietary regimen was concerned. Implications for improving quality of life of hemodialysis couples in general, and Afro-Americans in particular are discussed.     

Individual experiences of an acceptance-based pain management programme: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Acceptance of pain has been found to play an important role in adjusting to chronic pain, and the evidence-base is growing with regards to the effectiveness of acceptance-based interventions such as acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness and contextual cognitive behavioural therapy within pain management settings. Despite the growing interest in such interventions, previous studies into acceptance-based pain management programmes (PMPs) are quantitative and the exact processes at work during such programmes remain unknown. This study aims to add to previous quantitative research in the area by qualitatively exploring individual experiences of attending an acceptance-based PMP and identifying the key constituents of the programme that participants felt facilitated change. Semi-structured interviews (n = 6) were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, and five themes emerged: I’m not alone, others understand my pain, Freedom from pain taking over, A new self – one with pain, Parts of the programme participants felt facilitated change and Exercise is possible. These findings are then considered in relation to past research and relevant constructs in the literature. Implications for future research and clinical practice are also discussed alongside participant reflections and suggested areas for improvement.