A model of topographic map refinement is presented which combines both weight plasticity and the formation and elimination of synapses, as well as both activity-dependent and activity-independent processes. The question of whether an activity-dependent process can refine a mapping created by an activity-independent process is addressed statistically. A new method of evaluating the quality of to...

OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy of standard treatment, standard treatment plus acupuncture, and standard treatment plus stabilising exercises for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. DESIGN Randomised single blind controlled trial. Settings East Hospital, Gothenburg, and 27 maternity care centres in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS 386 pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain. INTERVENTIONS Treatmen...

Twelve agencies of the United Nations, including the World Health Organization, have issued a joint statement that calls on Member States to replace the compulsory detention of people who use opioids in treatment centres with voluntary, evidence-informed and rights-based health and social services. The arguments in favour of this position fall into three broad categories: Compulsory treatment c...

AIM To obtain a comprehensive overview of current patterns of psychosocial support provided by National Health Service (NHS) paediatric oncology treatment centres across the UK. METHODS A postal questionnaire was sent to co-ordinators in the UK Children's Cancer Study Group (a professional body that is responsible for the organisation of treatment and management of childhood cancer in the UK)...

The congruence between self reported drug use and urinalysis data among 89 consecutive opioid dependents at their first contact in an outpatient clinic was examined. For this purpose self reports of drug use within preceding 72 hr, laboratory analysis of urine samples by thin layer chromatography (TLC) were carried out for various drugs. The same samples were also confirmed by gas liquid chroma...

BACKGROUND In Malaysia, compulsory drug detention centres (CDDCs) hold suspected drug users for two years without adjudication. Acute detoxification without healthcare access has been documented. CDDCs are criticized globally due to ineffectiveness in treating addiction and human rights violations. In response, the Malaysian government began transitioning these facilities into voluntary drug tr...

Purpose: Ability in analyzing and understanding patient assessment is crucial in further development of implant technology. This study evaluated patient satisfaction for patients receiving six implants in the upper jaw and an implant supported bridge delivered within twenty-four hours after surgery using the Oral Health Impact Profile 49 questionnaire. Materials and Methods: 51 patients who wer...

www.thelancet.com/lancetgh Vol 3 July 2015 e361 to Ebola treatment units as beds became available. All sites had the capacity to provide oral rehydration solution, empirical antibiotics, empirical treatment for malaria, and Ebola diagnostic testing according to national guidelines. At the time of the assessment, two sites were able to provide intravenous hydration. Essential safety measures wer...

BACKGROUND Between 2005 and 2007, six pilot walk-in centres were opened in or near train stations, to provide health care to commuters. They are run by independent providers on behalf of the NHS, providing access to doctors and nurses. AIM To evaluate the policy of commuter walk-in centres. DESIGN OF STUDY Mixed methods evaluation. SETTING Six centres in England. METHOD Site visits, int...