Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis: Educational implications

We examined the educational implications of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) as performed by combining the measurement of immunoreactive trypsin with analysis for the most common CF mutation, F508. Four out of 77 (5%) of maternity staff from 11 hospitals in rural New South Wales, Australia had learned about the salient features of the screening protocol from a pamphlet distributed from a central laboratory. In comparison, a didactic lesson resulted in a significantly greater (p<0.00006) number of maternity staff learning about the salient features of the screening protocol. Most maternity staff expanded their explanation to parents of newborn babies because of the didactic lesson.     

论《管子》的“谨慎”思想及其对现代的启迪

《管子》中多次论述了＂谨慎＂,告诫人们：＂昔者圣王本厚民生,审知祸福之所生,是故慎小事微,违非索辩以根之＂;＂君之所慎者四：一曰大德不至仁,不可以授国柄。二曰见贤不能让,不可与尊位。三曰罚避亲贵,不可使主兵。四曰不好本事,不务地利而轻赋敛,不可与都邑＂;＂欲民之谨小礼、行小义、修小廉、饬小耻、禁微邪,此厉民之道也。民之谨小礼、行小义、修小廉、饬小耻、禁微邪,治之本也＂,其思想对现代有启迪和现实意义。     

BUILDING CHARACTER: A LEADERSHIP ESSENTIAL

Character is an increasingly important topic of discourse and analysis, however, much of the research remains problematic and conceptual. Even less evidence exists of the nature of the relationship between character and leadership. This study examined self-reported character and associated demographic correlates among a sample of 238 Australian business leaders. Exploratory factor analysis identified three dimensions of character consistent with theory. These dimensions were examined in relation to demographic variables. After controlling for social desirability bias, few statistically significant demographic differences were found. Further research is recommended to validate the model of character developed in our paper.

Implications of human genome research: Impact on graduate education in genetic counseling

A conference of genetic counseling and clinical nurse specialist graduate program directors was hosted by the National Society of Genetic Counselors and funded by the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications Program of the National Center for Human Genome Research in June 1992. One aspect of the conference addressed implications of the Human Genome Initiative for graduate education in genetic counseling. Within this paper, the topics of human variation and diversity, genetic discrimination, issues in non-directiveness, and genetic screening and policy development are reviewed and recommendations made for graduate curricula development and enhancement. In addition, suggestions are included for practicing genetic counselors.     

“That is just your stuff”: The potential use and abuse of congruence in counselling and psychotherapy practice and training

This piece discusses the potential use and misuse of congruence within counselling training and practice. A definition of congruence is provided, and how deliberate misuse of congruence could result from two separate emotional communications (bullying and gaslighting) is discussed. Current representations and misrepresentations of congruence in counselling and psychotherapy have been highlighted. A new term of “Intentional Congruence Misuse” was coined to explain this position (not to be confused with incongruence). “Intentional Congruence Misuse” is the deliberate bullying of another individual using terms related to congruence. A discussion has been provided to emphasise the evident implications for counselling, psychotherapy practice and training. The author acknowledges that this opinion piece will be from a biased perspective. Still, it does not aim to detract from others who have found their therapy and counselling training beneficial.     

The Quarter-life Time Period: An Age of Indulgence,Crisis or Both?

A new developmental stage called the quarter-life is proposed, extending from approximately 18–29 years of age and sometimes later. The emergence of this period is believed to be the result of several social, historic and economic factors that occurred post WWII. This article explores these changes in terms of the experiences of affluent young people in today’s Western society. A typology of adaptational responses are presented and explored as the quarter-lifers attempt to navigate their way to adulthood within the context of this ‘new’ affluent society. Implications for family therapists are considered.     

反社会人格障碍的神经生物学基础及其司法启示

反社会人格障碍(Antisocial Personality Disorder, ASPD)是一种漠视或侵犯他人权益的普遍行为模式, 是与犯罪关联极高的精神障碍。ASPD的形成受基因和环境因素的影响, 表现为神经递质和激素系统的紊乱, 以及自主神经系统活跃程度和大脑结构与功能的异常。上述神经生物学因素可能导致ASPD患者表现出执行控制障碍、情绪功能障碍、无视惩罚信息和奖赏偏好等特点。神经生物学研究的证据为ASPD罪犯的循证矫治、风险评估、定罪量刑等司法实践提供了启示。建议未来从神经生物学角度对ASPD的诊断分类标准、治疗方法和影响因素等方面开展研究。     

Resort to faith-healing practices in the pathway to care for mental illness: a study on psychiatric inpatients in Orissa

Belief in supernatural causation of mental illnesses and resort to faith healing as the method of intervention continue in many parts of the world. This study intended to find out the belief and utilisation of faith-healing, its implications, and associated socio-cultural factors in a sample of psychiatric inpatients in Orissa, an eastern state of India. It was found that the majority (85.5%) of the patients believed in supernatural causation, 75% attended faith healing before seeking medical help, and a considerable proportion had related psychopathology and continued to believe in the therapeutic efficacy of the faith healing, even while continuing medicinal treatment. Resort to faith-healing effectively delayed medical intervention to an extent in many patients and some of the faith-healing methods were traumatising. These observations raised concern. A considerable proportion of patients and families found faith healing supportive, reassuring, and more acceptable in the community. Sensitivity to these belief systems and faith healing practices is important for practising mental-health professionals.     

An Eastern Orthodox Perspective on Microbial Life on Mars

Recent efforts to explore the geology and climate of planets within our own solar system, especially Mars, have prompted a renewed interest in the search for microorganisms as the most plausible forms of extraterrestrial life. As the scientific search for evidence of microbial life on Mars intensifies, there has been a perceived need to examine the theological implications in advance of such a possible discovery. Religious considerations, thus far, have focused mainly on Western Christianity as represented by the Roman Catholic and various Protestant traditions. Although Eastern Orthodoxy represents the second largest group of Christians worldwide, to date, there is very little information available from these ongoing discussions concerning an Eastern Orthodox perspective. Therefore, we first review the case for the possibility of microbial life on Mars and then explore its fundamental Orthodox theological meaning. The apprehension of any form of extraterrestrial life by the Orthodox Church will be rooted in its collective interpretation of the Holy Scriptures, Patristic and contemporary religious writers, and in the ancient liturgical expression of its worship.