MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'effect'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:23 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182240&cid=t_103477_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fheal-thyself%2F I was buying groceries in Tesco yesterday morning when the cover of ‘New Scientist’ caught my eye. The tag line reads, ‘Heal thyself: the real power of mind over matter’. Well, I bought it, and I read it, and I found it interesting. The article identifies 6 ways that the mind can help the body. You can read most of the article online here, but here’s a digest: 1 Fool yourself- the potential of the placebo effect is huge, and something that we can all use: believing that a glass of water will cure a headache cures the headache, with measurable physiological results such as endorphin release and lowered blood pressure. 2 Think positive – a phrase that, in itself, I dislike intensely, but the fact is that optimists like me recover better from illness and l... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182240 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:38:29 +0100 5182240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181703&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fjama-article-begs-key-questions-about.html There was a recent reminder of the case of the tainted heparin, which begged more questions than it answered.  (A case summary is appended to the end of this post, and nearly all our posts are here.)  The case is of fundamental importance because it involves the failure of pharmaceutical companies to fulfill their core mission, to supply pure, unadulterated drugs.   Three years later, how the heparin was adulterated, and who was responsible are still unknown. JAMA just published a major news article (Kuehn BM. As production goes global, drug supply faces greater risks to safety, quality.  JAMA 2011; 306: 811-813.  Link here.) This, in turn, was based on a five page case study of the heparin incident in a report by the Pew Health G... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181703 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:53:00 +0100 5181703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140123&cid=t_103477_133_f&fid=35452&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graphictruth.com%2F2011%2F08%2F2012-and-beyond-end-of-world-as-we-know.html We seem to think that mind and spirit are separate, that there is a spiritual realm and a practical realm and that they do not overlap at all - and that the one does not inform the other.But cause and effect still rules and amoral actions in the here and now lead to direct consquences that are suffered by our children and grandchildren. Indeed.. unto the seventh generation. (Source: Graphictruth) Graphictruth blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140123 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:02:00 +0100 5140123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107730&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fflynn-effect-in-atkins-mrid-death.html A copy of my APA 2011 (Div 33) presentation, The Flynn effect in Atkins MR/ID death penalty cases: To adjust or not to adjust? That is the question", which was part of an invited symposium organized by Greg Olley (other participants were Judge Kevin Foley and psychologists Karen Salekin and Tim Derning), is now available for on-line viewing as a PPT slide show at my SlideShare site.This on-line version includes many more slides than presented at the symposium- iPost using BlogPress from Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence intelligence testing Atkins cases ICDP blog psychology school psychology neuropsychology forensic psychology criminal psychology criminal justice death penalty capital punishment ABA IQ tests IQ scores adaptive behavior AAIDD mental retardation intellectual disability Flynn E... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107730 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:18:00 +0100 5107730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086360&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fflynn-effect-in-mrid-capital-cases.html I am in the process of finalizing a PPT presentation for an Atkins related invited symposium at APA conference next week. The title of my presentation is in the slide below. (double lick on images to enlarge)This slide is followed by a few of the introductory slides that related to the first working paper previously posted as part of the Flynn Effect series. Eventually the entire PPT show will be uploaded for on-line viewing. Stay tuned. -iPost made using BlogPress from Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence intelligence testing Atkins cases ICDP blog psychology school psychology neuropsychology forensic psychology criminal psychology criminal justice death penalty capital punishment ABA IQ tests IQ scores adaptive behavior AAIDD mental retardation intellectual disability Flynn Effect norm obsole... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086360 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:30:00 +0100 5086360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069407&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fchilling-effects-to-blog-or-not-under.html On the travails of being a citizen journalist and medical watchdog:I must admit I almost gave up blogging recently.First, the death of my mother June 6, 2011 from an EHR-related medication continuity error has strained me severely. I took care of her at home since Sept. 2010 in a hospital bed rented for the living room, having promised her (and my father before he passed in 2000) that I would never put her in a nursing home. I kept my promise, but at great psychical cost. It was seriously distressing to watch her suffer and decline, cry, call out for her own long-deceased parents, and to have to administer hospice-supplied medications such as large doses of benzodiazepines, haldol (a major tranquilizer), and morphine in her final weeks to ensure she was as comfortable as possible.The effec... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069407 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:46:00 +0100 5069407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953138&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F06%2Ficdp-flynn-effect-archive-project.html The Flynn Effect Archive Project has been updated.  Click on link to learn more about the project and to access the current version. (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953138 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:45:00 +0100 4953138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921613&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fgresham-and-reschly-2011-on-of-practice.html This article will be added to the FE Archive Project soon....it is long overdue for an update. - iPost using BlogPress from my Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence intelligence testing Atkins cases ICDP blog psychology school psychology neuropsychology forensic psychology criminal psychology criminal justice death penalty capital punishment ABA IQ tests IQ scores adaptive behavior AAIDD mental retardation intellectual disability Flynn effect psychological assessment standards expert witnesses Generated by: Tag Generator (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921613 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:08:00 +0100 4921613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911418&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fcoverts-anechoic-misadventures.html We have frequently discussed how health care leaders' compensation seems to reflect the opposite of the pay for performance they often tout.  One example we discussed recently turns out to be even more vivid than we first discovered.Last week we discussed the case of Mr Michael Cover, the CEO of the small, public Palomar Pomerado Health system in southern California, whose total compensation increased to over $1 mllion a year, while his hospital system was cited for severe, life-threatening medical errors.  The current and previous system board chairmen called his work "excellent, and " phenomenal," and asserted Mr Covert was "one of the nation's leading health administrators."It turns out that a local weekly newspaper, the Community Paper, investigated Mr Covert's... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911418 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:36:00 +0100 4911418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883910&cid=t_103477_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2Fiz1T5XSIZzU%2F On May 27th, 2011, actor Jeff Conaway died from complications of opioid dependence. His death has been attributed to several causes—sepsis, pneumonia, and aspiration among them— but there is little debate over the ultimate cause of his death at the age of 60 years, that being addiction to opioid pain medications. Mr. Conaway reportedly struggled with chronic pain and addiction to pain medications for a number of years. His situation was particularly tragic—living with severe pain that was relieved by nothing save for a substance with the power to destroy him. Such situations are, unfortunately, not uncommon. It is easy to take the position that Mr. Conaway should have avoided pain pills; that his addiction essentially disqualified him from even considering them. I will take that atti... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883910 Tue, 31 May 2011 15:57:00 +0100 4883910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4853024&cid=t_103477_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fadhd-books%2Fthe-adhd-effect-on-marriage-understand-and-rebuild-your-relationship-in-six-steps.php Price 10.12 Listprice $19.95 Description An invaluable resource for couples in which one of the partners suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), this authoritative book guides troubled marriages towards an understanding and appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of a relationship affected by it, and to look at the disorder in a more positive and less disruptive way. Going beyond traditional marriage counseling which can often discount the influence of ADHD, this discussion offers advice from the author’s personal experience and years of research and identifies patterns of behavior that can hurt marriages —such as nagging, intimacy problems, sudden anger, and memory issues —through the use of vignettes and descriptions of actual co ... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4853024 Sat, 21 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4853024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4847920&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Frunning-away-from-problem-of-health.html Despite its likely importance, the very concept of health care corruption remains highly anechoic.  Last week's Lancet, however, actually mentioned it, albeit indirectly and ironically.(1)  The context was Richard Horton's discussion of a press conference on the final report of the UN Secretary-General's Commission on Information and Accountability for Women's and Children's Health. It appears that accountability, which we consistently advocate, was central to the report:The big conclusion is that a huge accountability gap exists - we have incredibly weak mechanisms to make sure that the billions spent on women's and children's health are delivering the results we expect.The report listed "ten commandments of women's and children's health, [which] aim to fill that accountability ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4847920 Fri, 20 May 2011 16:11:00 +0100 4847920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841581&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2Fmuzzling-doctors-who-ask-questions-about-gun-safety%2F Imagine that your 16-year-old daughter has been bullied mercilessly in school, but hasn’t talked to you about it, or spoken about her suicidal impulses. One day, she is brought by ambulance to your local hospital emergency room, having made superficial cuts on her arms while in school. The emergency room physician tries to call you at work, but your cell phone isn’t picking up. The doctor begins her evaluation of your daughter, including an assessment of all relevant risk factors for suicide. Now imagine that the doctor believes she is forbidden by law from asking your daughter whether there are guns in your home — despite the fact that firearms in the home markedly increase the risk of gun-related suicide.1 You needn’t use much imagination. In Florida, Gov. Rick Scott is expec... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841581 Thu, 19 May 2011 10:38:43 +0100 4841581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828815&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fglobal-fund-will-not-suppress.html Some good news to discuss, for a change....We previously discussed losses from corruption reported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and by the Health Alliance International here.  At the time, we noted that some experts in health care corruption praised the Global Fund for being transparent about the effects of corruption.However, last week there was concern that some elements within the Global Fund thought that the best response to losses due to corruption would be hiding them.  As reported by the AP (via CBS):  A global health fund championed by celebrities and world leaders is considering scaling back its groundbreaking philosophy of full transparency about how it spends billions of dollars in health care in poor countries. Its d... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828815 Mon, 16 May 2011 19:40:00 +0100 4828815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803260&cid=t_103477_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fhow-can-we-reduce-side-effects-of.html Many medicines are available over the counter ( OTC) . These are usually safe drugs, which have been used for many years . They are effective for common problems; have few side effects; and do not need a doctor's prescription. However, most medicines are still available only with a doctor's prescription. This is because medicines can be powerful , and while they may be very good at treating certain problems, they may also have undesirable side-effects. Experts need to make a decision regarding the risk-benefit ratio of these drugs, so they can select which drugs are so powerful that they can only be dispensed with a doctor's prescription.Medicines form an important tool in the medical armamentarium. However, not all illnesses need medicines, and an increasingly important addition to the me... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803260 Mon, 09 May 2011 12:39:00 +0100 4803260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795036&cid=t_103477_137_f&fid=39091&url=http%3A%2F%2Falzheimmers.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fnocebo-effect-blog-post-from-freelance.html Here is a post I did for Freelance md  it is on the Nocebo effect. Another Website Called Physician Nexus added it to their site. I was invited to post and told I could post on anything I wanted, related to medicine or doctorhood. Well that covers about a billion potential topics. I wanted to cover something out of the mainstream, that you won't see many people write or talk about, for a whole host of reasons. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask or comment. (Source: Caregiver Survival: I Hate Alzheimers) Caregiver Survival: I Hate Alzheimers blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795036 Fri, 06 May 2011 15:25:00 +0100 4795036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780272&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fwho-is-really-bullying-academic-leaders.html Universities, which are supposed to discover and disseminate knowledge, ought to be the foremost defenders of free speech and a free press.  However, in the past decades, university executives have become notorious for trying to control speech that offends their political sensibilities (for numerous examples, see the FIRE - Foundation for Individual Rights in Education web-site.)  It seems that academic leaders get even more upset when their or their faculties' conflicts of interest are criticized, as demonstrated by updates about two important cases we have discussed.Columbia UniversityWe recently posted about reactions at the university to revelations in the movie "Inside Job" that the Dean of the Business School and one of its prominent professors failed to disclose ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780272 Tue, 03 May 2011 19:46:00 +0100 4780272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775493&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fflynn-effect-archive-project-two-new.html Two new Flynn effect articles that will be added to the Flynn Effect Archive Project when next updated.Click on images to enlarge- iPost using BlogPress from my Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence intelligence testing Atkins cases ICDP blog psychology school psychology neuropsychology forensic psychology criminal psychology criminal justice death penalty capital punishment ABA IQ tests IQ scores adaptive behavior AAIDD mental retardation intellectual disability Flynn effect Generated by: Tag Generator (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775493 Mon, 02 May 2011 17:53:00 +0100 4775493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768113&cid=t_103477_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Fmedicine%25e2%2580%2599s-effects-harmful-helpful%2F It is common to see medication commercials during prime time TV. While some of us take a bathroom break or quick trip to the fridge, those who stay notice a footprint-like segment in the end talking about possible side effects. Some of these side effects have become national fodder for comedians. But this isn’t funny. As a matter of fact, they sometimes make taking the drug not even worth it. Ratio of dangerous vs helpful sometimes has a negative balance. And again, this is according to the publicly available information. But what about facts we don’t know? Are we supposed to be told everything? Surprisingly, the fact is that we are definitely left in the dark most of the times according to the recent article in the Wall Street Journal  http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB1229... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768113 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:24:55 +0100 4768113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4719980&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fflynn-effect-archive-kanaya-ceci-2011.html Another new study by Kanaya & Ceci on the WISC Flynn effect in special education populations. Next time the FE Archive Project is updated, this will be added.Double click on image to enlarge- iPost using BlogPress from my Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence intelligence testing Atkins cases ICDP blog psychology school psychology neuropsychology Forensic psychology criminal psychology criminal justice death penalty capital punishment ABA IQ tests IQ scores adaptive behavior AAIDD mental retardation intellectual disability Flynn effect WISC WISC-R WISC-III Flynn effect archive Generated by: Tag Generator (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4719980 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:20:00 +0100 4719980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4714693&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fthird-rail-that-no-one-wishes-to.html DiscussionWhile the data from this case-study were limited, they do suggest that major private foundations that support global health, and by extension, health care, services, and policy research may have institutional conflicts of interest, and their leaders may have personal conflicts of interest. It is possible that these conflicts have steered global health policy to favor vested interests, particularly towards approaches that depend on drugs and devices, perhaps instead of more effective ones using less technology.Furthermore, it is possible that that these conflicts of interest have helped create the anechoic effect.  Conflicts of interest could have pushed the foundations in directions that favored specific vested interests, and away from... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4714693 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:11:00 +0100 4714693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696622&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdense-nasal-hair-may-reduce-asthma-risk-in-allergy-sufferers%2F2011.04.10 Researchers in Turkey found that there is an association between nasal hair density and risk of asthma developing in patients with seasonal rhinitis patients. No joke… They published their findings in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology in March 2011. The rate of asthma found in patients with little or no nasal hair was 44.7% whereas only 16.7% of patients with a dense forest of nasal hair had asthma. They hypothesize that increased nasal hair improves allergen filtration thereby preventing the allergens from irritating the airway. The assumption here being that allergen irritation of the airway can potentially cause asthma. IF this is true (and that’s a big if)… patients with allergies should be encouraged to grow nice thick nasal hair to prevent future ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696622 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0100 4696622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658414&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F30%2Fantioxidants-and-your-health%2F Antioxidants are good for your health. Or at least that is a popular claim. An antioxidant is any molecule that slows down or prevents oxidation reactions.  Originally, oxidation reactions were defined as chemical reactions with oxygen.  More recently, oxidation reactions have been described as reactions in which an atom or molecule loses an electron. Oxidation is a natural part of life.  Excessively high antioxidant levels are detrimental to health. Some people have suggested that oxidation reactions contribute to heart disease, declines in cognitive abilities, and cancer. “Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene have been shown to be antioxidants in a test tube, and it is often claimed that they and many other substances are able to function as antioxidants in the body. However, wh... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658414 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:20:01 +0100 4658414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636396&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Finstitute-of-medicines-release-reports.html Two days ago, the prestigious US Institute of Medicine released two reports on important health care issues, clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews.  Systematic reviews of the relevant clinical research have been advocated by evidence-based medicine proponents as the appropriate basis for clinical and policy decisions.  Clinical practice guidelines have been advocated by many health researchers, policy makers, and clinicians as the best way to encapsulate the evidence to inform clinical and policy decision making.  Both reports suggested series of standards for how systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines should be developed.  These topics are of general importance to clinicians, health services researchers, and health policy makers.  T... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636396 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:05:00 +0100 4636396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615263&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fresearch-brief-another-study-german.html This article will be added to the online Flynn Effect archive next time it is updated.Double click on image to enlarge.- iPost using BlogPress from my Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence IQ tests IQ testing IQ scores CHC intelligence theory CHC theory Cattell-Horn-Carroll human cognitive abilities psychology school psychology individual differences cognitive psychology neuropsychology psychology special education educational psychology psychometrics psychological assessment psychological measurement IQs Corner general intelligence Flynn effect Generated by: Tag Generator (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615263 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:01:00 +0100 4615263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592400&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcoffee-and-stroke-another-study-the-media-got-wrong%2F2011.03.14 Here we go again. Headlines across America blaring lines like, “Coffee may reduce stroke risk.” It was a big study, but an observational study. Not a trial. Not an experiment. And, as we say so many times on this website that you could almost join along with the chorus, observational studies have inherent limitations that should always be mentioned in stories. They can’t prove cause and effect. They can show a strong statistical association, but they can’t prove cause and effect. So you can’t prove benefit or risk reduction. And stories should say that. USA Today, for example, did not explain that in its story. Nor did it include any of the limitations that were included in, for example, a HealthDay story, which stated: “The problem with this type of stu... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592400 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:00:45 +0100 4592400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570504&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fnew-venue-from-surprising-source-to.html A new blog, entitled the Medical Professionalism Blog, signed on last week with a post emphasizing some themes that should be familiar to Health Care Renewal readers:There is an increasing focus on the sustainability of the U.S. health care system based on current cost trends. Predictions are for the health care system to consume 19% of the GDP by 2019. How did we get here?Some point to the overuse and misuse of health care services, inefficiencies and lack of care coordination. Others blame the lack of clinical evidence, primary care workforce and the external threats to good decision-making, such as a toxic payment system and the influence of pharmaceutical and device companies.While there are many different ideas about what got us here and what should be done, there is wide co... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570504 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:03:00 +0100 4570504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560273&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fibuprofen-parkinsons-study-few-news-organizations-report-on-it-accurately%2F2011.03.08 We’re delighted to see that USA Today, Reuters, and WebMD were among the news organizations that included what an editorial writer said about an observational study linking ibuprofen use with fewer cases of Parkinson’s disease. All three news organizations used some version of what editorial writer Dr. James Bower of the Mayo Clinic wrote or said: “Whenever in epidemiology you find an association, that does not mean causation.” “An association does not prove causation.” “There could be other explanations for the ibuprofen-Parkinson’s connection.” Kudos to those news organizations. And some praise goes to the journal Neurology for publishing Dr. Bower’s editorial to accompany the study. His piece is entitled, “Is the answer... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560273 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:00:43 +0100 4560273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560206&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fgetting-out-of-our-ruc-open-letter-to.html Since 2007, we have been writing about the secretive RUC (RBRVS Update Committee), the private AMA committee that somehow has managed to get effective control over how Medicare pays physicians.  The RUC has been accused of setting up incentives that strongly favor invasive, high technology procedures while disfavoring primary care and other "cognitive medicine."  Despite the central role of (perverse) incentives in raising health care costs while limiting access and degrading quality, there has been surprisingly little discussion about the pivotal role played by the RUC.  Now there is a movement afoot to replace the RUC.  In a new post on the Care and Cost blog, and the Replace the RUC site, Paul M. Fischer and Brian Klepper urged four approaches:1. Make the p... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560206 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:17:00 +0100 4560206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549829&cid=t_103477_129_f&fid=27216&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifewithadhd.com%2Fadhd-research%2Fthe-effect-of-fine-motor-training-program-on-the-academic-achievement-for-students-with-adhd.php The Effect of Fine Motor Training Program on the Academic Achievement for Students with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder   Introduction   Fine motor skills involves the ability to control the small muscles of the body and is usually defined as the ability to coordinate the action of the eyes and hands together in performing precise manipulative movements.  Manipulative movement such as handwriting is controlled by the central nervous system (Barkley, 1998).   Many areas of the brain are involved in the act of manipulating.  The act simultaneously controlling the nerves and muscles in the arm, wrist, hand, and fingers to move in four different directions, focusing the eyes on the writing; as well as controlling the amount of pressure exerted.  Brain research has identifie... Life With ADHD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549829 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4549829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517209&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F24567879%2F0%2Fneuromarketing%7EBorder-Bias-How-to-Beat-It.htm When we lived in Indiana, our first house was quite ordinary but had one feature some found a little odd: one edge of our little lot was the Michigan state line. An errant frisbee throw required one to retrieve the disc from another state. There was absolutely nothing to distinguish that lot line from any [...] CommentsCommentsRelated StoriesDoes Paper Outweigh Digital?Seating Secret: How To Soften Up Your ProspectsThe Last Name Effect: Why Zimmerman is Impatient (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517209 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:54:14 +0100 4517209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512538&cid=t_103477_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FPe_J9k5iuyQ%2F Even if your drugs are worth their money, new research suggests that the placebo effect is worth at least as much. A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that a patient’s thoughts and beliefs can make or break a medicine, even if it’s been clinically tested and approved. From the BBC, here’s a summary of the tests that were administered to measure the effects of drugs vs. mindset: Heat was applied to the legs of 22 patients, who were asked to report the level of pain on a scale of one to 100. They were also attached to an intravenous drip so drugs could be administered secretly. The initial average pain rating was 66. Patients were then given a potent painkiller, remifentanil, without their knowledge and the pain score went down to 55. They were t... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512538 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:43:37 +0100 4512538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512441&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2011%2F02%2F23%2Fthe-placebo-effect%2F Everything you wanted to know about the placebos. Thanks Life in the Fast Lane   No related posts. (Source: Dr Shock MD PhD) Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512441 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:52:20 +0100 4512441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489649&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fw5pRyeEeLFg%2F By John SamplesThe Harris Poll finds that most Americans favor cuts in foreign  economic  aid, foreign  military  aid, spending by  the  regulatory agencies generally, space  programs, subsidies  to  business, and federal  welfare  spending. All good stuff. On the other hand, a significant plurality opposes cuts in defense spending. Fewer than one in four favor cuts in federal education spending or health care. 11 percent favor cutting Social Security payments. Over one-third favor spending more on education, health care, and Social Security. How seriously should we take these results? Simple observation of Congress suggests that most Americans are not willing to pay more taxes. The Obama administration found that in focus groups Democrats were not willing to raise taxes on anyo... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489649 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:51:16 +0100 4489649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477669&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fyou-cant-say-that-non-disparagement.html Here is another example of why health care organizations' leaders are different from you and me, and why that may not be a good thing for health care.  A few days ago, the San Jose (California) Mercury News reported on the upcoming departure of a local hospital CEO:El Camino Hospital's handsomely-paid president and CEO Kenneth Graham is out of a job, the hospital announced Thursday afternoon.Graham's contract will end June 30 'without cause, at the request of the hospital's Board of Directors,' according to a statement released to the media.Until then, Graham will continue to fulfill his duties as the hospital's top administrator, according to the statement. Graham has been president and CEO of the hospital for 4½ years.The brief statement did not explain why Graham has been ousted, ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477669 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:21:00 +0100 4477669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470451&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F12%2Fare-we-rational-animals-part-2%2F This is the second in a two-part discussion about human rationality. Click to read Part 1, Are We Rational Animals?. Intelligence as a predictor of rationality Some may be surprised to learn that high levels of intelligence do not necessarily indicate high levels of rationality.  In fact, some people may rank high in intelligence while low in rationality.  There is more to sound thinking than intelligence. Below is a list of rational thinking tasks and their association with cognitive ability/intelligence from Stanovich (2010, p.221). Tasks that fail to show associations with cognitive ability Noncausal base-rate usage (Stanovich & West, 1998c, 1999, 2008) Conjunction fallacy between subjects (Stanovich & West, 2008) Framing between subjects (Stanovich & West, 2008) Anchori... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470451 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 16:44:23 +0100 4470451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455305&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F24177236%2F0%2Fneuromarketing%7EThe-Last-Name-Effect-Why-Zimmerman-is-Impatient.htm WARNING: If your last name starts with a letter from R to Z, you may be more susceptible to urgent-sounding sales pitches. As a direct marketer, I tried all manners of segmenting my mailing lists. Some of the best ways to slice and dice names were buying behavior – recency of last order, number of [...] CommentsWasn't aware of that study at the time, but we avoided “A” ... by Roger DooleyThere's been an interesting and similar study I found in “The ... by Gabor WolfPlus 2 more...Related StoriesWhat’s in a Name? Lots!University Neuromarketing Lab OpensIt Really DOES Pay to Schmooze (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455305 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:37:47 +0100 4455305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450252&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fafter-publicity-about-losses-from.html Over the last few weeks a series of stories appeared about how corruption siphons off money from worthy global health initiatives.  Corruption Depletes Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and MalariaThe story that first got attention was from AP:A $21.7 billion development fund backed by celebrities and hailed as an alternative to the bureaucracy of the United Nations sees as much as two-thirds of some grants eaten up by corruption, The Associated Press has learned.Much of the money is accounted for with forged documents or improper bookkeeping, indicating it was pocketed, investigators for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria say. Donated prescription drugs wind up being sold on the black market.The fund's newly reinforced inspector general's office, which unco... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450252 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:05:00 +0100 4450252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450334&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F08%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-february-8-2011%2F From where I am sitting, the view is great. The sun is shining. It is 70 degrees. There is a light breeze and a warm summer vibe in the air. Yet regardless of what the weather is outside, when mental illness is an issue, what is going on inside carries more weight. Did you ever get exciting news — you got the job you wanted, your boyfriend proposed, or you found out you were having a baby — and felt wonderful despite the rain pelting on the windowsill? Or in contrast, have you ever felt horrible even when it was warm and summery outside? If you are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), then the weather outside can dictate your mood. But for those who don’t experience SAD, there are moments, experiences and hardship that impact us regardless of our external sit... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450334 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:05:40 +0100 4450334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433060&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fhealth-care-corporate-disinformation.html I wish I had gotten to this earlier....  In 2009, Wendell Potter, a mild-mannered former chief of public relations for for-profit health care insurance company Cigna, testified before Congress about how insurance companies manipulated public opinion to support corporate vested interests.  insurance companies make promises that they have no intention of keeping, how they flout regulations designed to protect consumers . . . and how they ‘purge’ small businesses when their employees’ medical claims exceed what underwriters expected[Kendall]In November, 2010, he published a book entitled Deadly Spin on this topic.  Starting then, a series of op-ed pieces by Potter, reviews of his book, and interviews with him provided a chilling picture about how corporate health car... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433060 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 02:53:00 +0100 4433060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394593&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fimpact-of-chc-intelligence-theory.html I have made numerous posts about the CHC theory of intelligence now being considered the consensus psychometric model of the structure of intelligence (click here for latest)The conclusion that CHC Theory is the consensus psychometric model of the structure of intelligence is reinforced by a diverse set of activities that have occurred beyond the boundaries the CHC-focused research and test development. Select examples are listed below:• In a methodological research review, Reeve and Blacksmith (2009) used the CHC taxonomy to code the type and proportion of ability indicators present in published factor studies that sought to identify the g-factor.• Haier, Colom, Schroeder, Condon, Tang, Eaves & Head (2009) added methodological rigor to their research on the parieto-frontal integration... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394593 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:34:00 +0100 4394593 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4360927&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fblogscan-why-problems-at-local-marquee.html We have often discussed how the shortcomings of leadership of big health care organizations may be anechoic.  (See this post for a recent example.)  Now, on the HealthBeat blog, Maggie Mahar discussed how journalists often fail to look closely at the actions of large, well-known local hospitals.  She noted some possible causes:- "Hospitals, after all, are major advertisers."- "the marquee hospital’s patrons tend to be powerful local figures."- " most readers really don’t want to hear that their local academic medical center is having problems...."She also summarized just how unhealthy relationships among the news media and marquee hospitals can become, but also provided some examples of incisive investigative reporting.  As they say, read the whole thing. (Sour... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4360927 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 20:10:00 +0100 4360927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343096&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fwho-undermined-these-wonderful.html The rise and fall of yet another esteemed health care institution provides another cautionary tale about health care dysfunction.  The Tragic Fall of the Picower FoundationTwo years ago, a highly-regarded charitable foundation had to close its doors, apparently one of the biggest victims of the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme.  Here is the Boston Globe version of the story:The unfolding scandal surrounding the alleged Ponzi scheme run by Bernard L. Madoff yesterday claimed as a victim one of the largest foundations in the country, which has funded groundbreaking brain research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and diabetes research at Harvard Medical School.The Picower Foundation of Palm Beach sent an e-mail to 'colleagues and friends' late yesterday saying that it was a v... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343096 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:11:00 +0100 4343096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331061&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F23426593%2F0%2Fneuromarketing%7EBuild-Loyalty-like-George-Bailey.htm In the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, businessman George Bailey shifts from despair to intense motivation when an angel intervenes to show him how much worse off his town would have been without him. Most of us don’t have a guardian angel named Clarence to show us alternative histories, but it turns out that imagining [...] CommentsThis is especially interesting to me because it's commonly ... by Naomi Niles[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Timothy (Tim) ... by Tweets that mention Build Loyalty like George Bailey | Neuromarketing -- Topsy.comRelated StoriesRivalry MarketingThe BMW Logo That Wasn’t Really ThereThe BMW Logo That Wasn’t Really There (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331061 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:56:01 +0100 4331061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4313968&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fblast-from-anechoic-past-former-uci.html Soon after we started Health Care Renewal, we ran a series of posts about the University of California-Irvine (UCI) medical school and medical center, featuring stories of mismanagement of major programs, especially those involving organ transplantation (liver, kidney, and bone marrow) while the top executives who presided over the mess received generous compensation, sometimes in strikingly irregular ways, and while at least one whistle-blower alleged he lost his job for complaining about safety issues.  Some of the stories went back another 10 years, to 1995.  One particularly striking story involved the UCI infertility program.  Three physicians were accused of stealing ova from some women to implant in others.  One physician was convicted, and two fled the coun... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4313968 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:22:00 +0100 4313968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294830&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fflynn-effect-archive-project-updated-12.html [double click on image to enlarge] A new version of the Flynn Effect Archive Project is now posted.  Due to time constraints, the new version has been simplified.  I made the difficult decision to no longer provide subcategories (branches when viewing as a MindMap) that organized select articles from the master reference list.  This level of detail constrained me from providing timely updates for the project...so I had to make an executive decision to simplify.  Also, the name is now simply the Flynn Effect Archive Project and not the Flynn Effect Atkins MR/ID Archive project.  The contents is broader than just Atkins MR/ID death penalty cases.If anyone would like to see the subcategory (additional sub-branches) feature returned, please feel free to take the master... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294830 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 18:06:00 +0100 4294830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294831&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fgerman-gc-crystallized-iq-res-synthesis.html Copy of open access article can be found by clicking here. Double click on image to enlarge.- iPost using BlogPress from my Kevin McGrew's iPadintelligence intelligence testing Atkins cases ICDP blog psychology school psychology neuropsychology Forensic psychology criminal psychology criminal justice death penalty capital punishment ABA IQ tests IQ scores adaptive behavior AAIDD mental retardation intellectual disability Flynn effect (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294831 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:58:00 +0100 4294831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287468&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F24%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-24-2010%2F It’s the day before Christmas and just a week until the end of the year. How are you holding up? Are the festive melodies of Christmas music sounding like a broken record right about now? Is traffic getting to you? Are crowded shopping malls and pushy shoppers trying to get to the head of line pulling on your last strand of patience? Fed up with family obligations and obligatory gift giving? Here is something to embrace. Through the chaos, frustrations, grief and disappointments, there is and will always be peace. It may not be delivered to you on a silver tray, shiny and easy, and beautifully wrapped like a present on Christmas morning. But the joy of everlasting peace regardless of circumstances is worth a whole lot more. While you’re dashing away toward your next event,... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287468 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:43:13 +0100 4287468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233134&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fvcu-president-raos-previous-code-of.html We recently posted about the code of silence imposed by Virginia Commonwealth University President Stephen Rao on his staff.  It turns out now that this was not his first exercise in imposing a code of silence. Before he was at Virginia Commonwealth University, Rao was President of Central Michigan University.  Central Michigan Life just reported:While serving as CMU president, Rao required all office employees to sign a similar confidentiality agreement stating all names, places, dates or incidents that happened in his office were not to be shared with anyone or discussed outside the office.'I understand that the information and all files, letters, projects, telephone calls and anything relating to the work performed in the President’s Office and in my capacity as an employee ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233134 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:27:00 +0100 4233134 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225455&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fiq-test-battery-publication-timeline.html As I've become involved in consulting on Atkins MR/ID death penalty cases, a frequent topic raised is that of norm obsolescence (aka, the Flynn Effect). When talking with others I often have trouble spitting out the exact date of publication of the various revisions of tests, as I keep track of more than just the Wechsler batteries (which are the primary IQ tests in Atkins reports). I often wonder if others question my expertise...but most don't realize that there are more IQ batteries out there than just the Wechsler adult battery....and, in particular, a large number of child normed batteries and other batteries spanning childhood and adulthood. Thus, I decided to put together a cheat sheet for myself..one that I could print and have in my files. I put it together in the form of a simple... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225455 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:06:00 +0100 4225455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4219797&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F02%2Fbystanders-in-child-abductions%2F For a sample of related Situationist posts, see “The Situation of Sexual Harassment,” “The Situation of Bystanders,” “The Positive Situation of Crowds,” “The Situation of Helping,” “The Situation of Hazing, Torture, Gender, and Tears,” “Journalists as Social Psychologists & Social Psychologists as Entertainers,” and “Milgram Replicated on French TV – ‘The Game of Death’.” (Source: The Situationist) The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4219797 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 04:01:45 +0100 4219797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214036&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fconfidentiality-clause-or-oath-of.html The advancement of modern scientific medicine depends on the search for and dissemination of truth. Academic medicine, like the rest of academia, ought to be based on openness, transparency, and academic freedom. The 1940 American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure opened with:The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Yet we have written about dark clouds of secrecy spreading over medicine and health care. The increasingly powerful leaders of health care increasingly use opacity and secrecy to keep what they are doing out of the public eye. We have frequently discussed the anechoic effect, how it is just not done to discuss certain topics, particularly those related to the adverse effects ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214036 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:27:00 +0100 4214036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203230&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fresearch-byte-reporting-effect-sizes-in.html Excellent article. Double click on image to enlarge (I hope)- iPost using BlogPress from my Kevin McGrew's iPad (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203230 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:25:00 +0100 4203230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190566&cid=t_103477_180_f&fid=38619&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FALifeCoachsBlog%2F%7E3%2FBb2saIvert0%2F Moving on from the last post of Why You Make Poor Decisions I thought I’d conclude things by offering you a quick run through of some of the more common cognitive biases that you will probably be subjected to from time to time. Today we are going to follow a mythical woman called Helena as she goes to the Mall and see how easy it is for her to make mistakes if she is completely unaware of her cognitive biases. For the record, Helena is in no way connected to my wife, Helen. It is purely coincidental that their names are so similar. On arriving at the Mall, Helena (not Helen you understand) decides to grab a coffee. Whilst standing in line somebody comments on how nice her hair looks. Immediately somebody next to her concurs and before you know it there are half a dozen people nodding the... Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone : blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190566 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:36:34 +0100 4190566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190275&cid=t_103477_113_f&fid=35744&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fe-CareManagement%2F%7E3%2FtpWr_ncaRT0%2F Remember the penguin problem described by economists? No one moves unless everyone moves, so no one moves.  Overcoming the penguin problem has a lot to do with creating expectations. A recent writing by Dr. James O’Connor in Physician Practice expresses a voice from the physician community that I’ve never heard before.  His essay is entitled “Meaningful Use — Doctors Have No Choice”. (more…) Tags: EHR, EHRs/PHRs, HITECH, network effect, penguin problem (Source: e-CareManagement) e-CareManagement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190275 Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:59:55 +0100 4190275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159346&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fresearch-brief-more-support-for-flynn.html Nijman, E. E., Scheirs, J. G. M., Prinsen, M. J. H., Abbink, C. D., & Blok, J. B. (2010). Exploring the Flynn effect in mentally retarded adults by using a nonverbal intelligence test for children. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 31(6), 1404-1411.AbstractIncreases in the scores on IQ tests across generations have been called the Flynn effect (FE). One of the unresolved questions is whether the FE affects all subsamples of the intellectual ability distribution equally. The present study was aimed at determining the size of the FE in moderately mentally retarded individuals. A nonverbal intelligence test developed for children, the Snijders-Oomen Nonverbal Intelligence Test (SON), was administered to 32 retarded adults with a mental age of 3–6 years. Sixty-nine children with a biol... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159346 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 15:07:00 +0100 4159346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152014&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FN3OunENy05o%2F This study clearly demonstrates that there is only little support for a specific Mozart effect in published as well as in unpublished work. Although results indicate a positive, significant effect of exposure to the Mozart sonata (KV 448) compared to no stimulus at all on spatial task performance, observed effects were only small in size. Moreover, exposure to other musical stimuli compared to exposure to no stimulus at all yielded a significant overall effect of about the same size…On the whole, there is little left that would support the notion of a specific enhancement of spatial task performance through exposure to the Mozart sonata KV 448.” I think the jury is in on this one: The Mozart effect is weak, at best. Maybe the question can finally be put to rest. Does this mean that m... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152014 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:49:09 +0100 4152014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118812&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fruc-it-up-how-us-government-fixes.html We have frequently posted, first here in 2007, and most recently here and here, about the little-known group that controls how the US Medicare system pays physicians, the RBRVS Update Committee, or RUC.  Since 1991, Medicare as set physicians' payments using the Resource Based Relative Value System (RBRVS), ostensibly based on a rational formula to tie physicians' pay to the time and effort the expend, and the resources they consume on particular patient care activities.  Although the RBRVS was meant to level the payment playing field for cognitive services, including primary care, vs procedures, over time it has had the opposite effect, as explained by Bodenheimer et al in a 1997 article in the Annals of Internal Medicine.(1)  A system that pays a lot for procedur... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118812 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 22:09:00 +0100 4118812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098053&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F24%2Fdr-ken-duckworth-on-living-with-bipolar-disorder%2F Aside from my own psychiatrist, Dr. Smith, there are few doctors that can explain a confusing and complex condition like Bipolar Disorder with such clarity as the medical director of NAMI, Dr. Ken Duckworth. Three years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing him when I was the Patient Advocate for the Bipolar Center of Revolution Health. At the NAMI National Convention in DC last month I attended his talk on treating bipolar disorder. This is what he had to say about some simple steps that those of us living with bipolar disorder can take to stay well. 1. Start with the four basics: sleep, stress, exercise, and cognitive therapy. One of the reasons I respect Dr. Duckworth so much is that he insists that we participate in our own recovery. Medication will only help us to a certain extent... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098053 Sun, 24 Oct 2010 12:36:19 +0100 4098053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098208&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fresearch-byte-cognitive-aging-and-flynn.html Dickinson, M. D., & Hiscock, M. (2010). Age-related IQ decline is reduced markedly after adjustment for the Flynn effect. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 32(8), 865-870.AbstractTwenty-year-olds outperform 70-year-olds by as much as 2.3 standard deviations (35 IQ points) on subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). We show that most of the difference can be attributed to an intergenerational rise in IQ known as the Flynn effect. Normative data from different versions of the WAIS enabled us to estimate the degree to which the Flynn effect, rather than age-related decline, contributes to differences between 20- and 70-year-olds. The Flynn effect accounted for 38-67% of the apparent age-related decline on 6 of the 11 subtests. On the other 5 subtests, all ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098208 Sat, 23 Oct 2010 02:46:00 +0100 4098208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086392&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F10%2Ftwo-new-atkins-mrid-death-penalty-flynn.html Two new articles published regarding the issue of adjusting IQ scores for the Flynn Effect in Atkins MR/ID death penalty cases. These will be included in an update of the ICDP Flynn Effect archive project which I hope to complete by the end of the week.Looking to science rather than convention in adjusting IQ scores when death is at issue. 2010 Volume 41, Issue 5 (Oct), p. 413-419. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. Cunningham, Mark D.; Tassé, Marc J.AbstractThe progressive obsolescence of IQ test norms and associated score inflation (i.e., the Flynn effect) may have literal life and death significance in capital mental retardation determinations (i.e., Atkins hearings). Hagan, Drogin, and Guilmette (2008) asserted that IQ score corrections for the Flynn effect were inconsis... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086392 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:47:00 +0100 4086392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074243&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fipost-jpa-special-issue-on-flynn-effect.html Discussion on the Flynn Effect. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 28(5), 441-447.Fletcher, J. M., Stuebing, K. K., & Hughes, L. C. (2010). IQ Scores Should Be Corrected for the Flynn Effect in High-Stakes Decisions. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 28(5), 469-473.Flynn, J. R. (2010). Problems With IQ Gains: The Huge Vocabulary Gap. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 28(5), 412-433.Hagan, L. D., Drogin, E. Y., & Guilmette, T. J. (2010). IQ Scores Should Not Be Adjusted for the Flynn Effect in Capital Punishment Cases. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 28(5), 474-476.Kaufman, A. S. (2010). ''In What Way Are Apples and Oranges Alike?'' A Critique of Flynn's Interpretation of the Flynn Effect. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 28(5), 382-398.Kaufman, A. S. (2... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074243 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 16:45:00 +0100 4074243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965498&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F13%2Fproof-positive-can-other-people-make-us-happy%2F When we feel love and kindness toward others it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace. – Dalai Lama Are we happy when we get what we want? It depends. This year the keynote speaker at the American Psychological Association convention was Dr. Dan Gilbert of Harvard. His book Stumbling on Happiness is an international bestseller and his talk was about affective forecasting: Do we know what will make us happy? He pointed out that we are hardwired from birth to be happy when we get salt, fat, sweet things and sex. Beyond that our culture provides us cues about what will make us happy. That was when he showed us a photo of his mother. He explained that his mother was the cultural agent informing him of what will make him happ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965498 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:40:55 +0100 3965498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933089&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fprevention-magazines-inaccurate-coffee-cures-story%2F2010.09.03 The September issue of Prevention magazine inaccurately headlines the story ”4 Ways Coffee Cures.” There’s no solid proof that coffee cures anything — unless some of you cure bacon with java, which I don’t want to know about. What the story (below) did was to try to present a cute little graphic summary of observational studies that show a statistical association between increasing coffee consumption and fewer early deaths, fewer deaths from heart attack, fewer cases of dementia, and fewer cases of type 2 diabetes. But such observational studies (they actually never cite the source — I’m just giving them the benefit of the doubt that they’re citing observational studies) CAN’T establish cause and effect, therefore it’s inaccura... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933089 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:00:50 +0100 3933089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929326&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fwilliams-comments-on-scott-barry.html A reader (Bob Williams), contacted me as he had a rather lengthy set of comments he wished to make in response to the guest blog post by Scott Barry Kaufman on "The Flynn Effect and IQ Disparities Among Races, Ethnicities, and Nations:  Are There Common Links."  His comments would not fit in the small "comment" feature of the blog.  So, reproduced below are Bob Williams comments "as is" (and as extracted from the body of an email sent to the blogmaster).Bob Williams states:I would like to offer some detailed comments:Literacy involves the ability to write, read, and comprehend information of varying levels of complexity. It is estimated that there are 774 million illiterate adults in the world, 65% whom are women (UNESCO Intsistute for Statistics, 2007). In the United States... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929326 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:30:00 +0100 3929326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942842&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F19892678%2F0%2Fneuromarketing%7EWhat-Color-Makes-The-Most-Green.htm Could wearing a particular color influence the results obtained by a salesperson? If that salesperson is selling to a buyer of the opposite gender, the answer may be, "Yes!" Comments[...] artigo foi baseado em “What Color Makes The Most ... by Com que cor de roupa você vai vender hoje? | Blog Brasilgraf (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942842 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:32:07 +0100 3942842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3895993&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fflynn-effect-and-iq-disparities-among.html The following is a guest blog post by Scott Barry Kaufman, the author of the most excellent Psychology Today Beautiful Minds blog---a regular read of this blogmaster.  A number of the links in the article were added by IQs Corner blogmaster.The Flynn Effect and IQ Disparities Among Races, Ethnicities, and Nations: Are There Common Links?By Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D.Over the years, various ‘social multipliers' (Dickens & Flynn, 2006) have been proposed to account for the Flynn Effect-the dramatic increase in IQ witnessed every decade of the 20th century. Potential environmental effects include increased nutrition, increased test familiarity, heterosis, increased scientific education, video games, TV show complexity, modernization, and more. Surely a combination of factors contrib... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3895993 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:06:00 +0100 3895993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3880926&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=35044&url=http%3A%2F%2Fadultaddstrengths.com%2F2010%2F08%2F18%2Fgood-tips-on-how-to-reduce-the-side-effects-of-adhd-medications%2F Post from: Adult ADD Strengths Like medications for any other mental or physical condition, medications for ADHD can also have some side effects. Unfortunately many doctors are not properly trained on ADHD in medical school. For example, here in Vancouver BC Canada, UBC medical students only get one hour on ADHD. So unless they went out to learn more about ADHD on their own time & dime, many aren’t that familiar with the condition of ADHD, let alone the medications which are one of many ways to manage ADHD, let alone how to manage some of their side effects. Ideally, your doctor will tell you about the possible side effects of ADHD medications, how to manage them, and realistic expectation (pills won’t teach skills), but if they don’t, here are some tips from WebMD. O... Adult ADD Strengths blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3880926 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:09:00 +0100 3880926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876592&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fproprietary-information-confidentiality.html The case of the deadly contaminated heparin sold by Baxter International has received much less attention than seems warranted given its human costs (81 lives).  How the heparin was contaminated, and how the contaminated heparin ended up being sold as a US Food and Drug Administration approved American product are still unknown.  Our most recent post, here, noted that an investigation into the contamination of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API - actually the heparin itself) in China failed to produce any results, apparently because the Chinese government did not see fit to pursue it.  (Note that a brief summary of the whole case is at the end of this post.)Now a new story in the Wall Street Journal by Alicia Mundy explains even more about why we do not... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876592 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:59:00 +0100 3876592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872650&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fresearch-brief-8-16-10-more-flynn.html This study examined the possible Flynn effects on clinical memory tests involving the learning and recall of verbal and nonverbal material. Comparisons of the age-related norms on the list learning and design learning tasks from the Adult Memory and Information Processing Battery (AMIPB), published in 1985, and its successor, the BIRT (Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust) Memory and Information Processing Battery (BMIPB) published in 2007, indicate that there is a significant Flynn effect on tests of memory function. This effect appears to be material specific with statistically significant improvements in all scores on tests involving the learning and recall of visual material in every age range evident over a 22-year period. Verbal memory abilities appear to be relatively stable with no si... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872650 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:02:00 +0100 3872650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3848841&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2F2-legal-settlements-1-corporate.html Omnicare's Trail of Legal SettlementsLast year, we discussed a $98 million settlement made by Omnicare, US based corporation that manages pharmacy-benefits, of allegations that it received kickbacks from generic drug manufacturers for buying and recommending their drugs.  Omnicare had previously submitted to a corporate integrity agreement in 2006, and paid $102 million to settle allegations it defrauded Medicaid.  At the time, we noted that this was yet another of the many cases in which the organization alleged to be involved in wrong-doing paid a fine, but no one who authorized, directed, or implemented the bad behavior was subject to any negative consequences.So last week, Cincinnati.com ran a story on the retirement of the CEO who presided over Omnicare during the time of th... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3848841 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:47:00 +0100 3848841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3823025&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fnew-flynn-effect-related-article-in.html This article will be added to the Atkins MR/ID Flynn Effect Archive when it is next updated.  Stay tuned.What I particularly like about the article is the fact that the author conceptualizes, organizes, and interprets the research findings in the context of contemporary Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory of intelligence....the theory I continue to advocate for as the best current psychometric taxonomy for understanding intelligence test performance.Anyone who would like to get early access to a PDF copy of the article in EXCHANGE for a guest blog post at this blog, should contact the blogmaster at iap@earthlink.netMarks, D. F. (2010). IQ VARIATIONS ACROSS TIME, RACE, AND NATIONALITY: AN ARTIFACT OF DIFFERENCES IN LITERACY SKILLS. Psychological Reports, 106(3), 643-664.A body of data on... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3823025 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:45:00 +0100 3823025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790658&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fstifling-whistle-blowers-old-and-new.html Discussions with my colleagues suggest that the problem is not limited to one pharmaceutical company ....We and many others have frequently discussed the conflicts of interest that may be generated by physicians or health care academics having financial relationships with industry. The Institute of Medicine's definition of conflict of interest (in a health care context) found in its report, Conflict of Interest in Medical Research, Education, and Practice, is:Conflicts of interest are defined as circumstances that create a risk that professional judgments or actions regarding a primary interest will be unduly influenced by a secondary interest. Primary interests include promoting and protecting the integrity of research, the quality of medical education, and the welfare of patients. Second... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790658 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:55:00 +0100 3790658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780462&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fflynn-effect-iq-archive-project-updated.html The Flynn Effect IQ archive project has been updated at IQs Corner sister blog....Intellectual Competence and the Death Penalty.  Check it out.Technorati Tags: psychology, forensic psychology, forensic psychiatry, neuropsychology, intelligence, school psychology, psychometrics, educational psychology, IQ, IQ tests, IQ scores, adaptive behavior, adaptive functioning, intellectual disability, mental retardation, MR, ID, criminal psychology, criminal defense, criminal justice, ABA, American Bar Association, Atkins cases, death penalty, capital punishment, AAIDD, Atkins MR/ID listserv, ICDP blog, Flynn Effect, Flynn Effect Archive, Flynn Effect MR/ID Project (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780462 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:44:00 +0100 3780462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767033&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fnot-your-average-joes-health-plan.html A Denver Post article offered a brief glimpse into the health benefits of corporate leaders, on the unusual occasion of a former CEO now in legal fight for the health benefits in the style to which he had become accustomed:Poor Joe. He's not getting the health-care benefits he was promised.His former employer merged with another company, and then another, and then another. And, you know how it goes after a slew of mergers. Suddenly the new, conglomerated monster just doesn't care about retirees any more.Joe isn't going to sit back and take it like an average Joe. He's suing his former employer in U.S. District Court in Manhattan for breach of contract, breach of faith, breach of fiduciary duty and even promissory estoppel.The Joe in question was really:Lord & Taylor's CEO.Joseph E. Bro... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767033 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:37:00 +0100 3767033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3750096&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F13%2Fordinary-heroes-and-the-science-of-good-and-evil%2F “I did what anyone could do, no big deal to jump on the tracks.” – Wesley Autrey, New York City’s “subway Superman” On January 2nd, 2007, 50-year-old construction worker Wesley Autrey was waiting with his two young daughters for the train at the 137th Street and Broadway station in the Harlem section of Manhattan. Also waiting was 19-year-old film student Cameron Hollopeter, who began having a seizure. Autrey borrowed a pen and used it to keep Hollopeter’s jaw open. Understandably wobbly post-seizure, Hollopeter fell onto the tracks. Autrey saw the lights of the oncoming train, gave a stranger his daughters to hold, and jumped down. He protected Hollopeter by lying on top of him. The height of their bodies on top of each other is 20-1/2 inches; the t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3750096 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:35:36 +0100 3750096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721731&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fwellcare-settles-again-but-wait-there.html We posted several times, most recently in 2009 (here and here), about misbehavior by the health insurance company/ managed care organization Wellcare.  That year, the company settled criminal charges that it defrauded the Florida state Medicaid program by paying a fine and accepting a deferred prosecution agreement.  Previously, the state of Connecticut had canceled its arrangement with Wellcare to run a Medicaid program in that state after the company refused to provide the state with requested data.  Then the company signed a consent order with the Florida Elections Commission in which it admitted making "questionable" political contributions.Then this year, it was announced that the company would settle additional civil charges, as per the St. Petersburg (FL) Times, Tampa... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721731 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:13:00 +0100 3721731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718351&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fsource-of-anechoic-effect-discovered.html A series of posts in journalism blogs last month revealed a mechanism used by health care organizational leaders to shape discussion of the issues that affect their interests, but one that is probably unfamiliar to most health care professionals and the public at large.  Let me provide the key quotes in chronological order.First, from the Covering Health blog of the Association for Health Care Journalism (10 June, 2010):Have you recently tried to get information from the federal government or arrange an interview with a federal official?AHCJ’s Right-to-Know Committee is calling on journalists to report their experiences, as part of a continuing effort to pry open the doors of the federal government. We’re looking for recent anecdotes about journalists’ experiences with publ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718351 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:05:00 +0100 3718351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714381&cid=t_103477_133_f&fid=35452&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graphictruth.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fon-blowback-and-judgement-of-history.html Blowback: The unintended consequences of intervention in the affairs of others.This is blowback. Given this modern era, it comes faster and harder than at any previous time.I'm not saying I agree or disagree with the statements made in the above video. That's not the point I'm trying to make. The point is that these tensions exist and are inevitably created when you send young men and women to war. Those who come back are affected and changed.This will change your culture and indeed, the world as a whole these days - in ways that are unpredictable, but directly related to the material and obvious justice of the cause.So here is the question - for those of you who are deeply and passionately in favour of the various wars out there - do you think the risk to your way of life is wor... Graphictruth blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714381 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:31:00 +0100 3714381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714313&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fflynn-effect-report-series-is-flynn.html This report is the second in a series of brief reports the will define, explain, and summarize the scholarly consensus regarding the validity of the Flynn Effect (FE). This brief report presents a summary of the majority of FE research (in tabular form of n=113 publications) which indicates (via a simple “vote tally” method) that despite no consensus regarding the possible causes of the FE, it is overwhelming recognized as a fact by the scientific community. The series will conclude with an evaluation of the question whether a professional consensus has emerged regarding the practice of adjusting dated IQ test scores for the Flynn Effect, an issue of increasing debate in Atkins MR/ID capital punishment hearings.Technorati Tags: psychology, forensic psychology, forensic psychiatry, neur... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714313 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:45:00 +0100 3714313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710678&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fflynn-effect-report-series-what-is.html This report is the first in a series of brief reports the will define, explain, and summarize the scholarly consensus regarding the validity of the Flynn Effect.  The series will conclude with an evaluation of the question whether a professional consensus has emerged regarding the practice of adjusting dated IQ test scores for the Flynn Effect, an issue of increasing debate in Atkins MR/ID capital punishment hearings.Technorati Tags: psychology, forensic psychology, forensic psychiatry, neuropsychology, intelligence, school psychology, psychometrics, educational psychology, IQ, IQ tests, IQ scores, adaptive behavior, adaptive functioning, intellectual disability, mental retardation, MR, ID, criminal psychology, criminal defense, criminal justice, ABA, American Bar Association, Atkins ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710678 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:01:00 +0100 3710678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3702936&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealth-news-consumers-tired-of-misinterpreted-studies%2F2010.06.27 People aren’t dumb. Even if — or maybe especially if — news stories don’t point out the limitations of observational studies and the fact that they can’t establish cause-and-effect, many readers seem to get it. Here are some of the online user comments in response to a CNN.com story that is headlined, “Coffee may cut risk for some cancers“: * “I love how an article starts with something positive and then slowly becomes a little gloomy. So is it good or not? I’m still where I was with coffee, it’s all in moderation, it ain’t gonna solve your health woes.” * “The statistics book in a class I’m taking uses coffee as an example of statistics run amuck. It seems coffee has caused all the cancers and cures them ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3702936 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:00:31 +0100 3702936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691124&cid=t_103477_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F181%2Fcan-an-anti-aging-diet-really-reverse-wrinkles%2F Can an anti aging diet reverse wrinkles?  At least one dermatologist seems to think so.  It might work for some people.  It really depends on what they were eating before. Trying to eat right is well worth your while.  It’s not just about how you look.  It’s also about developing the so-called age-related diseases.  The latest research indicates that many of those diseases are preventable if people eat right and have a healthy lifestyle. Advice about eating right has changed over the years and continues to do so.  There are the high protein diets, the high carb diets, the low fat diets and others.  The proponents of each of those diets claim to have found the key to weight maintenance and good health. Here’s my advice.  Avoid packaged, processed and prepared foods.  Eat at ... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691124 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:03:06 +0100 3691124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772291&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F14909340%2F1lsbjl%2Fneuromarketing%7EThe-Invisible-Gorilla.htm Review: The Invisible Gorilla: And Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us, by Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons Before reading farther, watch this video if you haven’t already seen it:The Invisible Gorilla provides an interesting counterpoint to Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink. While Gladwell sought to show that our minds can perform remarkable feats of judgment, often without [...] (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772291 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:54:57 +0100 3772291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671947&cid=t_103477_133_f&fid=35452&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.graphictruth.com%2F2010%2F06%2Flet-us-speak-once-more-of-our-family.html "Tell The Truth and Shame the Devil."Having to conceal his relationship, Choi explained, contradicted his values, as well as the military values of integrity and honesty. He created a fake female name for his boyfriend in order to talk with other soldiers about his relationship, and he began to struggle to make up excuses about why the people he worked with couldn't meet his significant other. The delicate balancing act proved too much for Choi."It was really when I had to force my boyfriend into the closet -- that was when it got to be too much," Choi said. "That's when I saw it as lying and as absolutely immoral."I promised to live under an honor code at West Point that says, 'You will not lie, and you will not tolerate lying,' " Choi said. "It's simple. It doesn't say, 'Straight people ... Graphictruth blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671947 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:57:00 +0100 3671947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3656811&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcan-stuttering-be-contagious%2F2010.06.12 Recently I was seeing a patient who was left with somewhat of a stutter after a prior stroke. It was a long history and probably longer for the patient, who had to work very hard to be understood through an unwanted speech impediment. Inexplicably, when I walked out of the room I started to stutter, too – I wasn’t trying to make light of the patient’s problem, and I had to stop talking for a few moments before I could speak in my normal cadence.  It was super-strange, like my brain heard the new cadence and said “Oh, that’s how you do it.”  Awful. It was embarrassing and weird. Fortunately the patient didn’t hear it, and I apologized to the staff who did. I have no idea why my mouth-brain connection picked that anomaly to repeat. Strange. Anyone el... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3656811 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:00:38 +0100 3656811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625499&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpain-relief-study-has-potential-with-a-spin%2F2010.06.03 The development of drugs and other treatments for specific symptoms or conditions relies heavily on either serendipity (the chance finding of a beneficial effect) or on an understanding of underlying mechanisms. In pain, for example, there are limited ways in which we can block pain signals –- such as activating opiate receptors, or inhibiting prostaglandins. There are only so many ways in which you can interact with these systems. The discovery of a novel mechanism of modulating pain is therefore most welcome, and has the potential of leading to entirely new treatments that may have a better side effect profile than existing treatments and also have an additive clinical effect. A recent study by Nana Goldman et. al., published in Nature Neuroscience, adds to our understanding of pain re... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625499 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:00:53 +0100 3625499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3621625&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fruc-off-new-england-journal-once-again.html Last week, the influential New England Journal of Medicine published an article by Bruce Vladek entitled "Fixing Medicare's Physician Payment System."(1)  Although only identified as working for Nexara, a health consulting business, Mr Vladek was a former administrator of what was then called the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the part of the department that then ran the US Medicare program.  Vladek thus can reasonably be viewed as an expert on Medicare.  Vladek identified two main problems with the current way physicians are paid by Medicare.  First, Medicare is captive to an arbitrary, if elegantly conceived, formula for total payments to physicians — the sustainable growth rate (SGR). In the alt... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3621625 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:28:00 +0100 3621625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607677&cid=t_103477_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fhow-important-is-stuff-in-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F Do you ever wonder what you’ll leave behind? With Memorial Day approaching and the recent loss of my sweet mother-in-law, I’ve had a lot of time this week to think about the debris we leave behind. We all know we leave a trail of possessions and financial resources when we die but we lay that trail while we are alive, don’t we?   We humans leave bits of our skin as we shed it every day, according to the vacuum cleaner salesmen. Most of us find our hair falling out; some more than others. We have tons of garbage rotting in dumps all over the country, some even out on barges in the ocean. We see discarded disposable diapers lying in parking lots and wonder at the term, disposable. It’s strange to realize many of these bits of debris and garbage will be around long after we are not.... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607677 Thu, 27 May 2010 19:28:49 +0100 3607677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560284&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F05%2F12%2Fa-phone-call-may-be-as-effective-as-a-hug%2F At least when it comes to your body’s physiological responses. If you’re a young girl. So says a new study that studied young girls’ release of the stress hormone cortisol as well as their levels of the hormone oxytocin — thought to be important in social bonding — after a stressful public presentation. One group of girls talked to their mom on the telephone, another talked to them in person and received a hug, and a third group watched a neutral movie. The two groups who received mom-contact — whether it was by telephone or in-person — both had much lower levels of the stress hormone than the group that had no mom contact. Both groups also had significantly more of the bonding hormone, oxytocin. The upshot? A simple phone call to mom — if yo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560284 Wed, 12 May 2010 19:00:33 +0100 3560284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556157&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F05%2F11%2Fpower-increases-hypocrisy%2F We’ve all heard the expression, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The common wisdom is that the more power a person accumulates, the more they feel justified in their actions and motivations. “I can do what I want, because after all, why else would I have this kind of power?” But can research show a cause-and-effect relationship? Can an experiment demonstrate the slippery moral slope that people with power have also increases their moral hypocrisy (e.g., a failure to follow one’s own expressed moral rules and principles)? Psychology to the rescue! Indeed it can. In a series of five experiments by Lammers et al. (2010), Dutch researchers tested the following hypothesis on college students… We propose that power increases hypocri... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556157 Tue, 11 May 2010 16:15:04 +0100 3556157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538045&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fmore-questions-no-answers-about-case-of.html In 2008, we started posting on how the "active pharmaceutical ingredient" of heparin made in China under apparently primitive conditions, contaminated accidentally or deliberately, was sold in the US bearing the label of a large American pharmaceutical company. Ultimately, many patients were sickened, or died. A summary of our posts on the topic, in smaller type, is below.- We have posted several times, recently here and here, about the tragic case of suddenly allergenic heparin. Although heparin, an intravenous biologic anti-coagulant, has been in use for over 70 years, serious allergic reactions to it had heretofore been rare. Starting late last year, hundreds of such reactions, and now 21 deaths were reported in the US after intravenous heparin infusions.All the heparin relate... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538045 Wed, 05 May 2010 20:25:00 +0100 3538045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526812&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F03%2Fthe-situation-of-bystanders%2F ABC News‘s “What Would You Do?” series recently conducted a series of experiments testing the bystander effect. * * * * * * Most readers of The Situationist have likely seen the grainy video of Hugo Alfredo Tale-Yax‘s final moments on a street in Jamaica, Queens.  He was stabbed while saving a woman from a knife-wielding attacker and fell to the sidewalk, where he lay dying in a pool of his own blood for more than an hour while dozens of pedestrians passed by without calling for help. A.G. Sulzberger and Mick Meenan wrote an excellent piece, titled “Questions Surround a Delay in Help for a Dying Man” last week in The New York Times.  The article quotes Situationist Contributor John Darley whose now classic research on the bystander effects which, unf... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526812 Mon, 03 May 2010 04:01:21 +0100 3526812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519581&cid=t_103477_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2F3-rules-for-living-with-chronic-pain%2F If you’re one of us who live with chronic pain that means you have a constant roommate. That roommate is chronic pain. Quite frankly, it’s a lousy companion and an inconsiderate guest. That invader never pays rent, takes up far too much attention, and doesn’t pick up after it’s self, leaving us in our compromised state to do all the work.  You figure out immediately, life isn’t fair. Fairness is left behind as a childhood fantasy and we’re left with the stark reality of inequality. We rant, we rave and we cry but eventually, we learn that peace comes with acceptance and we adapt. Adaptation reveals that somewhere, deep within us, hope is alive. We can’t always see it but it’s there. Life has a way of charging forward without our approval as dust gathers, duties beckon and ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519581 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:56:54 +0100 3519581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3502994&cid=t_103477_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fv%2FlrqjJGoSQgc%26amp%3Bhl%3Den_US%26amp%3Bfs%3D1%26amp%3B In this video I explain why the ceiling effect is so important to the effects of buprenorphine for treating opiate dependence.      (Source: Suboxone Talk Zone) Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3502994 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:15:29 +0100 3502994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501610&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fis-mozart-effect-dead.html Pietschniig, J., Voracek, M., & Formann, A. (in press).  Mozart effect–Shmozart effect: A meta-analysis, Intelligence.Abstract (emphasis added by blogmaster)The transient enhancement of performance on spatial tasks in standardized tests after exposure to the first movement “allegro con spirito” of the Mozart sonata for two pianos in D major (KV 448) is referred to as the Mozart effect since its first observation by Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky (1993). These findings turned out to be amazingly hard to replicate, thus leading to an abundance of conflicting results. Sixteen years after initial publication we conduct the so far largest, most comprehensive, and up-to-date meta-analysis (nearly 40 studies, over 3000 subjects), including a diversity of unpublished research papers to fina... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501610 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 01:52:00 +0100 3501610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501611&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fresearch-brief-4-23-10-flynn-effect-and.html This article will be included in the next update to the Flynn Effect on-line archive.....hopefully soon.Rushton, J. P., & Jensen, A. R. (2010). The rise and fall of the Flynn Effect as a reason to expect a narrowing of the Black White IQ gap. Intelligence, 38(2), 213-219.AbstractIn this Editorial we correct the false claim that g loadings and inbreeding depression scores correlate with the secular gains in IQ. This claim has been used to render the logic of heritable g a “red herring” and an “absurdity” as an explanation of Black–White differences because secular gains are environmental in origin. In point of fact, while g loadings and inbreeding depression scores on the 11 subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children correlate significantly positively with Black�... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501611 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:03:00 +0100 3501611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443848&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fpsychometric-ps-to-johnston-v-florida.html This is a follow-up to my brief comments yesterday regarding the Johstone v Fl (2010) denied MR/ID appeal of two days ago.As mentioned in the decision and my blog comment, the WAIS-III/WAIS-IV tests correlated .94 in a study reported in the WAIS-IV technical manual.  This is a very high correlation...but does NOT mean that the two tests should be expected to provide identical IQ scores.  I discuss these issues in a prior IAP AP101 report.The tests have different norm dates and thus, the later version (WAIS-IV) would be expected to provide a lower score based on the Flynn effect.  More importantly, as reported in the IAP AP101 report, when one calculates the standard deviation of the difference score (see page 6 of that report) for a correlation of .94, the resulting value is 5.2 (round ... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443848 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:29:00 +0100 3443848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3435137&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fresearch-briefs-russell-2010-on-test.html Russell, W. E. (2010). The 'Obsolescence' of Assessment Procedures. Journal Applied Neuropsychology, 17(1),60-67AbstractThe concept that obsolescence or being “out of date” makes a test or procedure invalid (“inaccurate,” “inappropriate,” “not useful,” “creating wrong interpretations,” etc.) has been widely accepted in psychology and neuropsychology. Such obsolescence, produced by publishing a new version of a test, has produced an extensive nullification of research effort (probably 10,000 Wechsler studies). The arguments, attempting to justify obsolescence, include the Flynn Effect, the creation of a new version of a test or simply time. However, the Flynn Effect appears to have plateaued. In psychometric theory, validated tests do not lose their validity due to the c... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3435137 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 15:23:00 +0100 3435137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3433171&cid=t_103477_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fstress-and-recovery%2F For most people in today’s world, stress is a fact of life. In recovery from substance abuse or codependency it is especially true. Although it is impossible to eliminate all stress from daily life, it is possible to control the effect that stress has on the body & the mind. The first step in managing stress is to become aware of events in your life that cause you stress. The causes of stress vary from person to person, so that what causes you stress may not cause stress for another person. Once you are aware of what causes you stress, the goal is to find ways to avoid or control these things. Relaxation techniques, when used consistently, can prove effective in controlling stress by helping you reach a state of mental calm, even when in the middle of a stressful situation. He... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3433171 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:57:00 +0100 3433171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3424925&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F03%2F31%2Fthe-magic-of-the-placebo%2F Another interesting talk about placebo, the placebo effect clearly explained with a magic trick Sugar pills, injections of nothing — studies show that, more often than you’d expect, placebos really work. At TEDMED, magician Eric Mead does a trick to prove that, even when you know something’s not real, you can still react as powerfully as if it is. (Warning: This talk is not suitable for viewers who are disturbed by needles or blood.) Related posts:The Placebo Effect Explained in a video The placebo effect, dopamine and reward 7 Reasons for placebo controlled trials in depression (Source: Dr Shock MD PhD) Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3424925 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 06:17:47 +0100 3424925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408531&cid=t_103477_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fkeeping-it-simple-in-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F Today’s challenge is enough;  the next flight of stairs, that next load of laundry or the next weed that needs pulling is all you need to be concerned with, for now. Did you know you can wash one window at a time? Simple foods can sustain you as readily as complicated dishes; such as veggies, fresh fruit, yogurt and a can of soup. Frozen dinners are often healthy, tasty and convenient.  It’s easier, safer and wiser to fill your refrigerator with fresh food than to go out for fast food that is fraught with fat and needless calories. Keep food simple. It’s okay to sit or lie down and rest after any chore. It’s legal, wise and renewing. The “goof off” police will not show up at your door. Laughter and humor feel like sunshine on a cold, damp day. Laughter is allowed even when yo... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408531 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:29:41 +0100 3408531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3403862&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F7qokWFmTTM0%2F By Chris Moody Too bad no one saw this coming: Social Security is now in the red. Now that the health care bill is law, you should know exactly how it’s going to affect you, your premiums, and your coverage over the next few years. Here’s a helpful breakdown. As the health care overhaul crosses home plate, global warming legislation steps up to bat. Appreciate this: Chinese currency rise will have a negligible effect on the trade deficit. For more, read the whole paper. Podcast:  “A Plea for Divided Government” featuring John Samples, author of the forthcoming book The Struggle to Limit Government. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3403862 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:43:18 +0100 3403862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399181&cid=t_103477_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FUj_xRXyI3Bo%2F This study may support the known physiological adaptation of brain cells to alcohol. Basically, brain cells develop more receptors as more alcohol is consumed. Eventually a craving develops to supply more alcohol to fill these receptors. Problems with this classification. One of the problems with this analysis is that it does not take into account the inherited aspects of alcoholism. For example sons of alcoholics are four times more likely to become alcoholic through their genetic links. These sons of alcoholics also need to drink less alcohol to have the same effect. Thus, sons of alcoholics develop alcoholism more readily and probably with less alcohol. Another of the problems is that some people have a metabolism that processes alcohol differently. For example, some people of Asian dec... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399181 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:19:20 +0100 3399181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335484&cid=t_103477_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fa-life-of-chronic-pain-and-the-domino-effect%2F In the last twenty years, since I’ve been living with chronic pain, I’ve met very few individuals who have only one problem. Most of them, like me, have numerous ones. Some of them are permanent and some come and go like unwelcome guests. I often have to be careful because some of my friends feel they are in crisis when they have some current issue arise and their life is in a spin, trying to deal with it. The size of the problem is not the real issue; it’s the jarring effect it has on the life of the individual as it disrupts, worries and often, hurts. Since I’m an old hand at this suffering gig, I often have to watch my level of empathy and keep it in check. It’s not their fault I’m a veteran in the game and they’re not. Thank God they’re not. As I’ve mentioned so often... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335484 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:00:44 +0100 3335484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3224889&cid=t_103477_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F31%2Fsituationist-podcasting-2%2F For some interesting listening, here is an excellent BBC podcast looking at the 1920s experiment in a Chicago factory that gave rise to the phenomenon known as the Hawthorne Effect. From the BBC MindChangers Series: Hawthorne Effect: (30 minutes) Claudia Hammond presents a series looking at the development of the science of psychology during the 20th century. * * * In the 1920s, at the enormous Western Electric Hawthorne Factory in Cicero outside Chicago, management began an experiment which was to improve the working life of millions and give rise to a phenomenon that anyone planning a psychology experiment would have to take into account in their design. * * * Keen to improve productivity at a time when the telephone industry was growing and Western Electric was building the component... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3224889 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:34:38 +0100 3224889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3171855&cid=t_103477_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fblog-post.html A small news item published by Bloomberg is a reminder of a serious case that was never resolved:Baxter International Inc., which recalled its blood thinner heparin amid reports of allergic reactions and deaths in 2008, faces at least 30 lawsuits in Chicago by injured people or their estates.As many as 300 product-liability complaints may be filed in the Illinois state court, plaintiffs’ attorney Allen Schwartz of Kralovec, Jambois & Schwartz said today in a phone interview. His law firm and two others are working to comply with a judge’s order last year to convert an aggregate lawsuit to individual claims against the Deerfield, Illinois-based company. I have appended a summary of the case at the bottom of the post, with relevant Health Care Renewal links.   What is most ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3171855 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:41:00 +0100 3171855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3172073&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fflynn-iq-effect-atkins-mrid-archive.html The Flynn IQ Effect Archive on-line resource has been updated to include the following four new manuscripts.Lynn, R. & Meisenberg, G. (2010).  The average IQ of sub-Saharan Africans: Comments on Wicherts, Dolan, and van der Maas.  Intelligence, 38, 21–29Rushton, J. P. & Jensen, A. R. (in press).  The rise and fall of the Flynn Effect as a reason to expect a narrowing of the Black–White IQ gap? Intelligence.Sundet, J. M., Eriksen, W., Borren, I. & Tambs, K. (2010).  The Flynn effect in sibships: Investigating the role of age differences between siblings.  Intelligence, 38, 38–44.Wicherts, J. M., Dolan, C. V., Carlson, J. S., & van der Maas, H. L. J. (in press). Raven’s test performance of sub-Saharan Africans; mean level, psychometric properties, and the Flynn E... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3172073 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:06:00 +0100 3172073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3163907&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fflynn-effect-iq-project-announcement.html This is a cross post from IQs Corner sister blog--ICDPAnyone familiar with Atkins MR/ID death penalty cases knows that the Flynn Effect is a frequently argued measurement issue in these cases.  To facilitate a thorough understanding of the pro- and con- Flynn Effect research literature, a small group of individuals are working together to build a master archive of FE related research articles.  The individuals who have contributed their time and effort to this project currently include Dale Watson, Greg Olley, Karen Salekin, Kevin Foley and the blogmaster (Kevin McGrew).  The core of the system is the master reference list of all articles.  This is a project of the Intellectual Competence and Death Penalty blog.This on-line archive system is issue neutral.  The sys... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3163907 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:46:00 +0100 3163907 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149188&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fiq-flynn-effect-archive-project-at-icdp.html Interested in Flynn Effect research literature?  Check out new collaborative Atkins MR/ID Capital Punishment Flynn Effect Archive Project at sister blog--ICDP.  Also looking for articles we are missing.echnorati Tags: psychology, cognition, school psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, criminal psychology, intelligence, IQ, IQ tests, IQ scores, Flynn Effect, IQs Corner, ICDP blog, Flynn Effect Archive (Source: Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner)) Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149188 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:48:00 +0100 3149188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3146092&cid=t_103477_122_f&fid=37835&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iqscorner.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fwechsler-like-iq-subtest-scaled-score.html The following are the first three paragraphs (and a critical figure) of a draft of an IAP Applied Psychometrics 101 Brief Report (#5).  The complete report can be download in PDF format by clicking here.  A web-page version of the complete report can be found by clicking here (note - the web page verision may NOT display two embedded figures....viewing the PDF copy may be necessary)I'm providing this initial draft report with the expressed intent of soliciting feedback and comments regarding the accuracy and soundness of my analyses and logic.  I'm looking for critical feedback to improve the report.  This is a draft report that will be revised if comments suggest important changes.  Please read it in the spirit of "tossing out some critical ideas" for reflective a... Intelligent Insights on Intelligence Theories and Tests (aka IQ's Corner) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3146092 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:44:00 +0100 3146092