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High levels of stigma and discrimination are reported by individuals with mental health problems.Aim:To assess self-reported levels of stigma and discrimination in forensic psychiatric patients, with psychotic illness, compared with general adult psychiatric patients with psychosis.Hypothesis:Individuals with a history of violent offending, as well as severe mental illness, report more stigma and discrimination, than non offender patients, as a result of them being perceived as dangerous and unpredictable.Method:Experiences of stigma and discrimination were compared in 32 forensic and 32 non-forensic general psychiatric patients, with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, using the Stigma and Discrimination Scale (DISC).Results:Stigma and discrimination were widely reported by all patients, particularly affecting relationships with family, intimate relationships and friendships. No significant difference emerged between the forensic and non-forensic patients, in experienced or anticipated stigma.Conclusions:We suggest that the lower level of psycho pathology, longer inpatient stays and intensive rehabilitation for forensic patients may reduce the extent to which these patients experience stigma and discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the feasibility and impact of running a choir for forensic psychiatric inpatients, staff and members of the local community, within the confines of a medium secure psychiatric unit. The choir ran between October and December 2013. Eight weekly workshops and a final concert performance were evaluated through participant observation and focus groups held with the participants. Between 12 and 16 male and female patients attended each workshop and the final concert. All participating patients had received a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder or personality disorder, all had committed serious violent or sexual offences and all were legally detained and receiving treatment in a forensic medium or low secure ward, under the Mental Health Act (England and Wales). Considerable benefits were reported by patients, as well as by the participating community choir members and staff. Primary benefits reported by patients included the following: improved happiness and well-being; increased confidence and self-esteem; greater emotional connectedness and reduced sense of stigma. Participating staff also reported increased feelings of well-being and happiness, greater tolerance and more positive perceptions of the functioning and capabilities of forensic psychiatric patients. The longer term benefits of music participation on the mental health and social functioning of forensic psychiatric patients require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Presents a study that developed a method in measuring barrier heights to overcome difficulties which arise when either the series resistance is too high or the Schottky barrier height is too low. Comparison of assumed and calculated barrier heights using Norde plot; Measurements of Schottky barrier heights using experimental configurations; Mathematical equations used in the development of the method.

Study design:Retrospective study of 13 patients treated by the authors.Objective:To examine the course of the disease of malignant lymphoma (ML) presenting in the epidural area of the spine.Setting:Department of Neurosurgery, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.Subjects and methods:The epidural presentation in eight patients was heralded by motor signs (paraparesis and plegia), in one by a lesion of the posterior columns of the spinal cord (ataxia), and in three by pain. One patient was free of complaints and symptoms. The affected epidural area was diagnosed previously by myelography and computerized tomography (CT), and later by magnetic resonance (MR), over the course of which the location was verified as thoracic in eight patients, cervical in one, and lumbar in four. The authors recommended surgical intervention in 9 out of 13 cases, in seven cases of Hodgkin's and six cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Seven patients were treated for recognized manifestations of malignant lymphoma while six were diagnosed by intraoperative-histological examination.Results and conclusion:The decompression operations for tumors resulted in limited improvement in seven patients (reduction in pain and return of ability to walk). Four patients were not operated on, two of which had significant improvement in their neurological symptoms. Paraparesis remained unchanged in one patient. One patient remained symptom-free. The authors emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary consultation and weighing individual priorities in the indications for operation on epidural ML.Spinal Cord (2008) 46, 278–281; doi:10.1038/sj.sc.3102124; published online 2 October 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GdSi2 was prepared under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Prior to processing, a clean interface was produced using diluted HF dipping. It is pointed out that the ‘‘critical temperature’’ for formation published earlier is probably an artifact and correlation between the interface native oxide and the critical temperature is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]