The Impact of Child Abuse Potential on Adaptive Functioning: Early Identification of Risk

Previous research has investigated the deleterious effects of child maltreatment on child development; however, little research has examined the development of children who live with caregivers who are at risk of maltreatment on child development outcomes. This study utilized self-report data from caregivers that included the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI), Parenting Stress Inventory-Short Form (PSI/SF), and Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-2nd Edition (ABAS-II) for 116 children ages 3-12 from a rural, Appalachian community. Caregivers with lower child abuse potential, children who used fewer school services, older children, and caregivers with lower household income had better total adaptive skills. Caregivers with lower child abuse potential, children who used fewer school services and older children had better functioning on the academic skills subscale. Children who used fewer school services, were older, and had lower family income had greater self-care skills. Finally, children who used fewer school services had greater communication skills. Parent-child dysfunction was not related to child development outcomes. The findings demonstrate that educators are in a unique position to intervene and support children at risk of maltreatment.     

The Challenges and Limitations of Diagnosing and Pharmacologically Treating ADHD in University Students

The diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in university students present particular challenges. The lack of quality childhood historical data and limitations of existing neuropsychological instruments can create difficulties, especially when this easily feigned condition presents with numerous incentives for it to be feigned (i.e. access to psychostimulants, academic accommodations). The need for a thorough history in combination with symptom validity test (SVT) use is emphasized. A brief overview of psychostimulant mechanism of action, risks, side effects and long-term effects is provided, followed by suggestions for future research directions.     

Automated Quantifiler quantitative PCR setup, template normalization and PCR setup using HID EVOlution™ qPCR/STR setup on trace evidence samples

We have implemented and validated customized protocols for automated Quantifiler^® setup, template normalization and PCR setup using the Tecan HID EVOlution™ qPCR/STR setup. The protocols were validated for the Quantifiler^® human DNA quantification, AmpF?STR^® SGM Plus^® and SEfiler Plus™ PCR Amplification Kits (Applied Biosystems) according to EN/ISO 17025.     

MEDIATIVE STRATEGIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATTERS

This article presents the theoretical importance and practical applications of mediative strategies in family conflicts where sexual abuse allegations are involved. Traditional approaches often further the breakdown of the family and harm the children. The linear nature of the legal system in which these conflicts are played out, the strong moral and cultural influences in issues concerning sexuality, and the approach of the professionals involved are factors considered. When multiple professionals intrude simultaneously on a family, there is severe disruption of the boundaries and internal hierarchy of the system. The process of mediation allows for effective conflict management because it is premised on systemic problem solving. The article catalogues specific mediative skills, strategies, and techniques that can be applied. It also encourages the use and incorporation of mediation in court systems to more effectively manage family conflicts such as divorce and juvenile matters, where sexual abuse is often alleged.     

Aligning Ethics with Medical Decision-Making: The Quest for Informed Patient Choice

Clinical evidence suggests that many patients undergo surgery that they would decline if fully informed. Failure to communicate the relevant risks, benefits, and alternatives of a procedure violates medical ethics and wastes medical resources. Integrating shared decision-making, a method of communication between provider and patient, into medical decisions can satisfy physicians' ethical obligations and reduce unwanted procedures. This article proposes a three-step process for implementing a nationwide practice of shared decision-making: (1) create model integration programs; (2) provide legal incentives to ease the transition; and (3) incorporate shared decision-making into medical necessity determinations.     

Lessons from Cukurova

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below. Key points

• The recent decision of the High Court of the BritishVirgin Islands in Alfa v Cukurova has caused a stir among lawyersserving the international financial markets based in London.
• Thedecision concerns the meaning of ‘appropriation’.Appropriation is a new remedy for collateral takers introducedby the Financial Collateral Arrangements (No. 2) Regulations2003, which implement the Financial Collateral Directive.
• Thedecision holds that effective appropriation requires the collateraltaker to take over from the collateral giver the ability todeal with the collateral as its own.
• In Cukurova, where anequitable mortgage was taken over directly held shares, thisrequired that the collateral taker become the registered ownerof the shares.
• The decision was appealed to the BVI Court ofAppeal in late January 2008 and may go further. In the meantime,this article provides an overview of the decision and considersits wider significance.