bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental healthcare in Hungary: contradictions and possibilities
Authors: Kurimay Tamás
Published: January 2018

The Republic of Hungary is a landlocked country of 93000 km2 in central Europe; it is bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. Its official language is Hungarian. Hungary joined the European Union (EU) in 2004. About 90% of the population of c. 10 million is ethnically Hungarian, with Roma comprising the largest minority population (6–8%). Currently classified as a middle-income country with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $191.7 billion (2007 figure), Hungary's total health spending accounted for 7.4% of GDP in 2007, less than the average of 8.9% among member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, 2009). The proportion of the total health budget for mental health is 5.1%, which is low when compared with, for instance, the UK (England and Wales 13.8%, Scotland 9.5%) (World Health Organization, 2008, p. 118, Fig. 8.1).
Socio-economic status and population density risk factors for psychosis: prospective incidence study in the Maltese Islands
Authors: Camilleri Nigel , Grech Anton , Taylor Rachel
Published: January 2018

Malta is an archipelago (with three inhabited islands) in the Mediterranean Sea. According to the 2006 census, Malta has a population of just over 400000 and is the eighth most densely populated country in the world (1272 persons/km2) and the most densely populated of the member states of the European Union (EU). The most densely populated town in Malta is Senglea, with 22744 persons/km2 (situated in the Southern Harbour Area). In comparison, Malta's sister island, Gozo, has a density of 422 persons/km2. Over 92% of the population lives in urban areas.
Futures of psychiatrists 2020: external and internal challenges
Authors: Ikkos George
Published: January 2018

At the turn of a new decade how might the futures of psychiatrists look? Here we address issues of social inclusion and, also, the professional identity and relationships of psychiatrists.
Mental healthcare in the Slovak Republic: current situation and future challenges
Authors: Dragašek Jozef , Nawka Alexander
Published: January 2018

The Slovak Republic is a landlocked country in central Europe with a population of over 5 million. The Czech Republic and Austria lie to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south. The largest city is the capital, Bratislava; the second largest city is Košnice. Slovakia is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization, among other international organisations. The majority of the inhabitants of Slovakia are ethnically Slovak (85.8%). Hungarians are the largest ethnic minority (9.5%). With a gross domestic product (GDP) of €63.3 billion in 2009, Slovakia is classified as a middle-income country. In that year total health expenditure represented 6.7% of GDP (Pažitny, 2008), 34% of which went on pharmaceuticals, the highest share among all OECD countries (World Health Organization, 2010).
Psychiatry in the USA: an overview
Authors: Bernstein Carol A. , Hershfield Bruce , Cohen Deborah C.
Published: January 2018

The USA has the world's largest economy and the highest per capita spending on healthcare, but it lags behind other countries on a number of key health measures. It ranks 23rd in healthy life expectancy and 32nd in infant mortality (World Health Organization, 2009). In 2000, the World Health Organization ranked the US healthcare system as 1st in responsiveness, 37th in overall performance, and 72nd by overall level of health (among 191 member nations in the study).
Depression in primary care: Chile's Programme for Screening, Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Depression
Authors: Araya Ricardo , Alvarado Ruben , Minoletti Alberto
Published: January 2018

In 2001, an initiative to provide effective treatment for people with depressive disorders in primary care clinics was introduced in Chile, the Programme for Screening, Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Depression (PSDCTD) (Ministerio de Salud, 2001). It was extended to all primary care clinics in the country 4 years later.
Psychiatric services in Egypt – an update
Authors: Daoud Ramy , Atallah Sherif , Loza Nasser
Published: January 2018

For over a thousand years, the Hippocratic system of medicine prevailed in Europe. It went into oblivion during the Dark Ages, when there was a reversion to the demoniacal theories of mental illness. Hippocrates’ works survived, however, in the library at Alexandria, where they were translated into Arabic. These and other classical works were retranslated into Latin and Greek from the 12th century on, ushering in the Renaissance.
The Association of European Psychiatrists’ programme of itinerant CME courses
Authors: Maj Mario
Published: January 2018

According to the most recent data provided by the World Health Organization (2001), there are presently in Europe more than 77 000 psychiatrists, more than 46 000 clinical psychologists active in the mental health field, more than 285 000 psychiatric nurses, and more than 91 000 social workers operating in the mental health sector. Are these professionals being adequately updated on recent clinical and service developments in mental health? What is the role of international channels (in particular, those of international professional associations) in this process? These are difficult questions to answer, in the absence of a European systematic survey (which, of course, would be a very worthwhile initiative). I try, however, to provide here a framework for a discussion of these issues, as a background to the presentation of the programme of itinerant educational courses run by the Association of European Psychiatrists (AEP).
Discursive practice and the negotiation of psychiatric pathology in Egypt
Authors: Coker Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2018

Modern biomedical psychiatry is the product not only of scientific enterprise but also of the progressive secularisation and medicalisation of moral life in the West (Jimenez, 1987). Psychiatry is an evolving cultural product. Its diagnostic categories represent pathologies rooted in Western notions of self, identity, normality and abnormality (Gaines, 1991). Psychiatric practice in Egypt, on the other hand, is the product of two different and often incompatible world views, namely Western psychiatry and Egyptian concepts of self, identity, normality and abnormality. The task of the psychiatrist in Egypt is to negotiate symptoms and diagnoses in a way that is sensitive to the demands of these two competing cultural streams. Analysis of this process provides a unique view of the ways in which culture can have an impact on professional psychiatry in any society or ethnic context.
How ‘culture bound’ is ‘cultural psychiatry’?
Authors: Jadhav Sushrut
Published: January 2018

Cultural psychiatry as a clinical specialty sprung mainly from Europe and North America, in order to respond to growing concerns of ethnic minorities in high-income countries. Academic psychiatrists pursuing comparative international studies on mental health, together with medical anthropologists conducting clinical ethnographies, contributed to its theoretical basis (Kleinman, 1987; Littlewood, 1990). What at first appeared to be a marginal specialty is no longer so. For example, the UK alone has witnessed a steady growth of the field, as evidenced by its mandatory inclusion in mental health training curricula, and the existence of several taught masters courses, academic positions in universities and three dedicated journals, as well as, more recently, lead papers in mainstream publications that have debated the cultural position of ‘biology’ itself (Timimi & Taylor, 2004). Additionally, with a proliferation of clinical jobs for ‘ethnic minority’ services in hospital trusts across the country, there is ample scope for employment. The overall evidence indicates that ‘cultural psychiatry’ in the UK is now a specialty in its own right.
Mental health services in Albania
Authors: Suli Anastas , Lazëri Ledia , Nano Livia
Published: January 2018

Albania, situated in the western Balkans, has an area of 28 748 km2 and a population of 3 069 275 (year 2001), almost one-third of whom are aged 0–14 years. Life expectancy is estimated to be 70.4 years for both sexes (World Health Organization, 2003a). According to the World Health Organization's classification, Albania is a country with low child and low adult mortality rates. The nation's total expenditure on health in 2001 amounted to 3.7% of gross domestic product.
Current ethical issues for African psychiatry
Authors: Zabow Tuviah
Published: January 2018

One of the challenges of medical practice is to resolve the conflicts that arise when a professional is required to choose between competing ethical principles. This is especially true in psychiatry. The answers to ethical issues are not necessarily right or wrong. Ethics in psychiatry is complex, and numerous dilemmas may confuse the picture. Clinicians and researchers bring their own values to the scenario, but they must also deal with the values of their colleagues and their patients, as well as those of the wider (multicultural) community. These conflicts traditionally concern confidentiality, informed consent, involuntary hospitalisation, the right to treatment, the right to refuse treatment and the regulation of psychiatric research, among others. These are universally encountered but present differently across the regions of the world.
Satisfaction with psychiatric services in the emergency department
Authors: Happell Brenda , Summers Monica
Published: January 2018

The move to provide psychiatric services within the general health care system has resulted in emergency departments becoming the means of access to acute psychiatric care in Australia (Gillette & Bucknell, 1996). Triage within the emergency departments ensures that patients are reviewed and treated in a timely manner, in accordance with the urgency of the presenting problem. The National Triage Scale was developed as a clinical tool for this purpose for use in Australia and New Zealand (Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, 1994). However, this scale tends to attach lower priority to psychiatric issues (Smartet al, 1998).
The mental health care system in Malta
Authors: Galea Susanna , Mifsud John
Published: January 2018

The Maltese Islands are located in the Mediterranean Sea and have a total area of 316 km2. They consist of three inhabited islands – Malta (the largest of the group), Gozo and Comino – and two uninhabited islands – Filfla and Cominotto. Malta is a democratic republic. Since its independence in 1964, Malta has played a more significant part in international relations. It became a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the World Health Organization and several other organisations. In May 2004, Malta also became a member of the European Union.
Psychiatric services in the fifth year of health care reform in Poland
Authors: Langiewicz Wanda , Slupczynska-Kossobudzka Elzbieta
Published: January 2018

Changes in the Polish health care system, introduced by a Parliamentary Act in 1999, resulted from an urgent need for a more effective provision of health services, which were held in poor esteem by the public. Public expenditure on health care at the time of the reform was equivalent to 4.19% of gross national product, or US$363 at purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita. This amount was considerably lower than in the most developed countries (i.e. members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD). The reformers’ main modification consisted of replacing state financing of health services with insurance-based financing. Statutory health insurance covers 99.4% of Poland's 38.2 million citizens. The insurance fee is to be increased from 7.0% of personal income at the beginning of the reforms to 9.0% (at present it has reached 8.25%). The aim was also to achieve relatively stable health care expenditure, independent of the annual political budget allocation. A special administrator was appointed for the Sickness or National Health Fund and was authorised to contract for health services. These market-oriented developments were paralleled by the implementation of special programmes, financed from the Ministry of Health budget, which were aimed at restructuring health care facilities.
Canadian psychiatry: a status report
Authors: el-Guebaly Nady
Published: January 2018

The delivery of health care in Canada is shaped by a number of variables – geography, legislation, federal structure, location and culture.
Traditional psychiatric practices in Africa
Authors: Haworth Alan
Published: January 2018

Many leaders in Africa bemoan the disappearance of African culture, including the use of traditional medicines, and there have been numerous calls for recognition of their value and for the integration of these treatments into orthodox medicine. This is especially so with regard to psychiatric disorders. The literature on psychiatric practice in Africa contains very few references to herbal treatments, however, and more is to be learnt about the use of herbs as adjuvants in the solution of psychosocial problems from the anthropological literature. At a conference held in the University of Ife in 1974, psychiatric disorders were not included in a list of nine conditions (e.g. cancer) in which it was recommended that herbal treatments be further investigated.
Psychiatry and mental health in Malaysia
Authors: Deva M. Parameshvara
Published: January 2018

Malaysia is a tropical country in the heart of South East Asia, at the crossroads of the ancient east–west sea trade routes. Although independent from British colonial rule only in 1957, it has a recorded history dating back to at least the first century CE, when the region was already the source of valuable mineral and forest produce that found markets in China, India and further west.
Attitudes to women and their mental health in Mexico
Authors: Medina-Mora Maria Elena , Asunción Lara Maria
Published: January 2018

In Mexico, there are two females with depression for each male (Medina-Mora et al, 2003) and the rate among poor females is three times higher than that among those with the highest income (Berenzon et al, 1998). Most research findings suggest that depression cannot solely be explained by a simple biological theory but that sociocultural variables also play a major role. These include the different degree of control and power that women and men have over socio-economic determinants and the differences in social position, status and gender role expectations. Traditional gender roles are expressed in prescriptions such as ‘women should be passive and submissive in relation to men’, while the lower value attributed to them, their higher rates of exposure to violence and other stressful risk factors and their scarce opportunities for development affect women's susceptibility to specific mental health problems. The present paper describes Mexican attitudes towards women and women's exposure to stressful life experiences that may contribute to their increased psychiatric morbidity, and shows what it means to be female in different Mexican contexts.
Mental health services in Norway
Authors: Johannessen Jan Olav , Stubhaug Bjarte , Skandsen Jan
Published: January 2018

Few countries (if any) have experienced the abundance of material welfare Norway has had for the last decades. The report of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for 2004 places Norway on the very top of the list of ‘best countries to live in’. One might therefore expect that mental disorders would not thrive in Norway, but this is not so.
Fifteen-year follow-up of conversion disorder
Authors: Chaudhry H. R. , Arshad N. , Niaz S. , Cheema F. A. , Iqbal M. M. , Mufti K. A.
Published: January 2018

The terms ‘conversion’, ‘hysteria’ and ‘conversion hysteria’ were used interchangeably to describe a condition characterised by a single somatised symptom, often pseudo-neurological in nature. DSM–III (American Psychiatric Association, 1980) expanded the concept of conversion to generalised symptoms involving loss or alteration of physical functioning suggestive of a physical disorder, along with a clinical indication that the conversion was an expression of psychological conflict or need. The type of symptom or deficit should be specified as: with motor symptom or deficit, with sensory symptom or deficit, with seizure or convulsions, or with mixed presentation (Kaplan & Sadock, 2004).
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Authors: Boyce Philip , Crossland Nicola
Published: January 2018

The vision of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is of ‘a fellowship of psychiatrists working with and for the general community to achieve the best attainable quality of psychiatric care and mental health’. It is the principal organisation representing the specialty of psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand; it currently has around 2600 Fellows, who account for approximately 85% of psychiatrists in Australia and 50% of psychiatrists in New Zealand. The RANZCP sets the curriculum, accredits training and training programmes, and assesses trainee psychiatrists. In addition, it administers a continuing professional development programme for practising psychiatrists, has a role in policy development, publishes two scientific journals – the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry and Australasian Psychiatry – and holds an annual scientific congress.
Africa: the traumatised continent, a continent with hope
Authors: Njenga F. G. , Kigamwa P. , Okonji M.
Published: January 2018

Many African countries gained political independence in the 1960s and 1970s and went through difficult times in economic, political and security terms in the 1980s and early 1990s. Mental health services and research were not spared and stagnated or deteriorated during this period. The effects of poor governance, inequitable distribution of resources and environmental degradation conspired with natural and man-made disasters (wars in particular) to drive Africa into an abyss of despair.
Psychiatric country profile: Chile
Authors: Pemjean Alfredo
Published: January 2018

Chile has approximately 600 psychiatrists for its 15 million people. Although in the capital city, Santiago, the provision (per capita) is twice as high as in the rest of the territory, it is possible to see over the past decade a progressive increase in the number of these specialists in the other main cities. There are no more than 50 child psychiatrists and several cities have no local resource in this sub-speciality.
The importance of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Votruba Nicole , Thornicroft Graham
Published: January 2018

The United Nations' draft Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) only briefly mention mental health. In the context of a growing burden of disease due to mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities, the inclusion of a clear mental health target and indicators in the SDGs will acknowledge the needs and rights of hundreds of millions of people. It will mobilise international funding and policy development, and support other SDGs; it will also strengthen mental health structures, governance and services in low- and middle-income countries. We argue that for a just, sustainable and inclusive post-2015 development agenda, it is vital that the United Nations includes a clear mental health target and indicators in the SDGs.
Reflections on research and clinical collaborations between South Asia and the UK
Authors: Sumathipala Athula , Nadkarni Abhijit , Siriwardhana Chesmal
Published: January 2018

In this paper we describe the mutual benefits of the bi-directional flows of knowledge and skills from North–South/South–North linkages, on the basis of our personal experiences of clinical and research collaborations between the UK and South Asia.
Diaspora and peer support working: benefits of and challenges for the Butabika–East London Link
Authors: Baillie Dave , Aligawesa Mariam , Birabwa-Oketcho Harriet , Hall Cerdic , Kyaligonza David , Mpango Richard , Mulimira Moses , Boardman Jed
Published: January 2018

The International Health Partnership (‘the Link’) between the East London NHS Foundation Trust and Butabika Hospital in Uganda was set up in 2005. It has facilitated staff exchanges and set up many workstreams (e.g. in child and adolescent psychiatry, nursing and psychology) and projects (e.g. a peer support worker project and a violence reduction programme). The Link has been collaborative and mutually beneficial. The authors describe benefits and challenges at individual and organisational levels. Notably, the Link has achieved a commitment to service user involvement and an increasingly central involvement of the Ugandan diaspora working in mental health in the UK.
Malaysian mental health law
Authors: Khan Nusrat N. , Yahya Badi'ah , Abu Bakar Abd Kadir , Ho Roger C.
Published: January 2018

The Malaysian Mental Health Act 2001 did not come into effect until the Mental Health Regulations 2010 came into force. The Act provides a framework for the delivery of comprehensive care, treatment, control, protection and rehabilitation of those with mental disorders. The Act governs the establishment of private and government psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric nursing homes and community mental health centres. This paper outlines the provisions of the Act and the Regulations.
Stigma and recovery in the narratives of peer support workers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Dahl Catarina Magalhães , de Souza Flavia Mitkiewicz , Lovisi Giovanni Marcos , Cavalcanti Maria Tavares
Published: January 2018

Stigma attaching to mental illness has been considered a major challenge to public policies, to the provision of care and to the well-being of people who live with the experience of mental illness worldwide. Here we discuss narratives from peer support workers which we obtained during the assessment of a new psychosocial intervention programme in Rio de Janeiro. We used a range of focus groups, in-depth interviews and clinical supervision notes to derive these narratives, which covered topics such as the peer support workers' perceptions of family and social views, their sense of self and the experience of being stigmatised. We conclude that stigma appears to be a barrier to recovery. Peer support work for people with severe mental illness is a strategy that may help them to overcome stigma and discrimination. Fostering mutuality and hope in the context of peer support helps affected individuals to make sense of their being in the world and can facilitate their recovery.
Development of a psychiatric liaison service in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Authors: Minhas Ayesha , Bender Keith G. , Minhas Fareed A.
Published: January 2018

The paper reports a descriptive survey of the referrals received by a new psychiatric liaison service in Rawalpindi in the first 2 years. The survey showed a rapid increase in use of the service, particularly by the emergency department. There was a lower proportion of referrals for self-harm and substance misuse than occurs in similar services in high-income countries but a higher proportion of patients presenting with dissociative (conversion) disorders. The large proportion of patients who had abnormal findings on physical examination remains unexplained and warrants further investigation.
Compulsory admission and involuntary treatment in Portugal
Authors: Almeida Telma , Molodynski Andrew
Published: January 2018

This paper details the grounds for compulsory treatment, compulsory admissions in an emergency department and compulsory out-patient treatment in Portugal. Portuguese mental health legislation has improved significantly over recent years, with enhanced safeguards, rapid and rigorous review and clear criteria for compulsory treatment, although much remains to be done, especially in relation to the ‘move into the community’.
Mental health law in New Zealand
Authors: Soosay Ian , Kydd Rob
Published: January 2018

New Zealand has an established history of mental health legislation that sits within a framework of human rights, disability and constitutional protections. We outline a brief history of mental health legislation in New Zealand since its inception as a modern state in 1840. The current legislation, the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992, defines mental disorder and the threshold for compulsory treatment. We describe its use in clinical practice and the wider legal and constitutional context which psychiatrists need to be aware of in their relationships with patients.
Brain drain
Authors: Jenkins Rachel
Published: January 2018

In this issue, three papers discuss the issue of the brain drain: of psychiatrists from Egypt and Nigeria, and of nurses from East Africa. They explore the complexities of professional migration and its impact on the health of populations in source and recipient countries; they also review how recommendations for changes in policy and practice might influence the so-called ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors that aggravate the brain drain.
Mental health of refugees: global perspectives
Authors: Abou-Saleh Mohammed T. , Christodoulou George N.
Published: January 2018

Refugees have high rates of mental health morbidity as a result of conflict. However, their needs for mental healthcare and psychosocial support are often unmet, despite the efforts of professional and humanitarian organisations. The war refugee crisis is a global challenge that needs a global solution. We call on all governments, regional and international organisations to take responsible humanitarian actions to intervene and support people affected by these disasters and for all humanity to unite against the forces of injustice and degradation. The thematic papers in this issue report on the Syrian crisis from a variety of perspectives.
The impact factor and psychiatry journals: an international perspective
Authors: Rajagopal Sundararajan
Published: January 2018

The impact factor (IF) is a metric for assessing academic journals. Despite its shortcomings, the IF is the preeminent yardstick by which the quality of scientific journals is determined. In this paper, the key aspects of the IF are covered from an international perspective, with a specific emphasis on psychiatry journals.
Feel blue, touch green: examples of green spaces promoting mental health
Authors: Henderson-Wilson Claire , Weerasuriya Rona
Published: January 2018

The design of hospital environments with an increased focus on incorporating nature and natural features has been reported to have multiple health and well-being benefits. This paper reports on three Australian case studies that each investigated the relationship between green spaces and people's mental health. The results suggest that gardens or other green spaces should be included within plans for future healthcare design. While we acknowledge that there are a range of considerations in the allocation of healthcare resources and programmes for maximum benefit, we believe that those programmes which highlight the beneficial outcomes for people with mental illness of ‘feeling blue and touching green’ are worth implementing.
The Student Counselling Centre at the University of Crete, Greece
Authors: Bitsios Panos , Karademas Evangelos , Mouzaki Angeliki , Manolitsis George , Kapellaki Ourania , Diacatou Anastasia , Archontaki Arianna , Mamalakis George , Giovazolias Theodoros
Published: January 2018

This report describes the Student Counselling Centre (SCC) at the University of Crete. The SCS was established in 2003. Its main areas of activity are individual and group psychological support, crisis intervention, research, prevention, volunteering and awareness. Emphasis is also put on the support provided to students with special needs, which is now the second core service of the SCC.
Developing substance misuse services in United Arab Emirates: the National Rehabilitation Centre experience
Authors: Al Ghaferi Hamad A. , Ali Ahmed Y. , Gawad Tarek A. , Wanigaratne Shamil
Published: January 2018

In 2001 a directive was issued to establish the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) to deal with the growing problem of substance misuse in the United Arab Emirates. The NRC has achieved many goals as a treatment and rehabilitation facility as well as a drug and alcohol demand reduction response centre. It is now working towards being an international centre of excellence.
‘I chained him to protect him from the spirits.’ What are the challenges for psychiatrists in India?
Authors: Singh Sukhmeet
Published: January 2018

Approximately 20% of the adult Indian population are affected by a psychiatric disorder that requires intervention from a mental health professional (Math & Srinivasaraju, 2010). In spite of this, the provision of mental healthcare is poor. Therefore, to learn more, between July and August 2014 I undertook a 4-week elective at the Psychiatry Department of Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The Psychiatry Department was founded in 1952. It has a total of 332 beds, with nearly 20 000 patients admitted per year and an attendance of nearly 100 000 annually at the out-patient department.
Effects of Strength Training on Postpubertal Adolescent Distance Runners
Authors: BLAGROVE RICHARD C. , HOWE LOUIS P. , CUSHION EMILY J. , SPENCE ADAM , HOWATSON GLYN , PEDLAR CHARLES R. , HAYES PHILIP R.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Strength training activities have consistently been shown to improve running economy (RE) and neuromuscular characteristics, such as force-producing ability and maximal speed, in adult distance runners. However, the effects on adolescent (<18 yr) runners remains elusive. This randomized control trial aimed to examine the effect of strength training on several important physiological and neuromuscular qualities associated with distance running performance.

Methods

Participants (n = 25, 13 female, 17.2 ± 1.2 yr) were paired according to their sex and RE and randomly assigned to a 10-wk strength training group (STG) or a control group who continued their regular training. The STG performed twice weekly sessions of plyometric, sprint, and resistance training in addition to their normal running. Outcome measures included body mass, maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), speed at V˙O2max, RE (quantified as energy cost), speed at fixed blood lactate concentrations, 20-m sprint, and maximal voluntary contraction during an isometric quarter-squat.

Results

Eighteen participants (STG: n = 9, 16.1 ± 1.1 yr; control group: n = 9, 17.6 ± 1.2 yr) completed the study. The STG displayed small improvements (3.2%–3.7%; effect size (ES), 0.31–0.51) in RE that were inferred as “possibly beneficial” for an average of three submaximal speeds. Trivial or small changes were observed for body composition variables, V˙O2max and speed at V˙O2max; however, the training period provided likely benefits to speed at fixed blood lactate concentrations in both groups. Strength training elicited a very likely benefit and a possible benefit to sprint time (ES, 0.32) and maximal voluntary contraction (ES, 0.86), respectively.

Conclusions

Ten weeks of strength training added to the program of a postpubertal distance runner was highly likely to improve maximal speed and enhances RE by a small extent, without deleterious effects on body composition or other aerobic parameters.
Novel Methods for Reporting of Exercise Dose and Adherence: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: NILSEN TORMOD S. , SCOTT JESSICA M. , MICHALSKI MEGHAN , CAPACI CATHERINE , THOMAS SAMANTHA , HERNDON JAMES E. , SASSO JOHN , EVES NEIL D. , JONES LEE W.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore whether methods adapted from oncology pharmacological trials have utility in reporting adherence (tolerability) of exercise treatment in cancer.

Methods

Using a retrospective analysis of a randomized trial, 25 prostate cancer patients received an aerobic training regimen of 72 supervised treadmill walking sessions delivered thrice weekly between 55% and 100% of exercise capacity for 24 consecutive weeks. Treatment adherence (tolerability) was assessed using conventional (lost to follow-up and attendance) and exploratory (e.g., permanent discontinuation, dose modification, and relative dose intensity) outcomes.

Results

The mean total cumulative “planned” and “completed” dose was 200.7 ± 47.6 and 153.8 ± 68.8 MET·h, respectively, equating to a mean relative dose intensity of 77% ± 24%. Two patients (8%) were lost to follow-up, and mean attendance was 79%. A total of 6 (24%) of 25 patients permanently discontinued aerobic training before week 24. Aerobic training was interrupted (missing ≥3 consecutive sessions) or dose reduced in a total of 11 (44%) and 24 (96%) patients, respectively; a total 185 (10%) of 1800 training sessions required dose reduction owing to both health-related (all nonserious) and non–health-related adverse events. Eighteen (72%) patients required at least one session to be terminated early; a total of 59 (3%) sessions required early termination.

Conclusions

Novel methods for the conduct and reporting of exercise treatment adherence and tolerability may provide important information beyond conventional metrics in patients with cancer.
Clinical performance metrics of 3D stereoscopic digital mammography compared with 2D digital mammography: observer study
Authors: Daidoji Akiko , Aoki Takatoshi , Murakami Seiichi , Miyata Mari , Fujii Masami , Katsuki Takefumi , Inoue Yuzuru , Tashima Yuko , Nagata Yoshika , Hirata Keiji , Tanaka Fumihiro , Korogi Yukunori
Published: January 2018

Objective:

To assess the clinical performance of three-dimensional stereoscopic digital mammography (3DsDM) compared with two-dimensional digital mammography (2DDM) for breast lesion diagnosis with jackknife free-response receiver operating characteristics (JAFROC) observer study.

Methods:

40 pairs of standard-dose 2DDM and their 3DsDM images were used for an observer performance study. A total of 18 lesions were identified as the reference standard of actionable breast lesions (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Category 3 or more) by two breast radiologists. Ratings and locations of “lesions” determined by observers were utilized for assessing the statistical significance of differences between eight radiologists’ performances with the 2DDM images and with the 3DsDM images in jackknife free-response receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results:

The average figure-of-merit values for all radiologists increased to a statistically significant degree, from 0.859 with the 2DDM images to 0.936 with the 3DsDM images (p < 0.001). The average sensitivity for detecting actionable lesions was improved from 74.3 to 92.4% at a false-positive rate of 0.2 per case by use of the 3DsDM images. The mean reading time per case with 2DDM images was not significantly different from that with 3DsDM images.

Conclusion:

The use of 3DsDM would improve the observer performance for breast lesion without considerably extending the reading time.

Advances in knowledge:

Use of 3DsDM improves radiologists’ performance for breast lesion detection.
Recent advances in the management of priapism
Authors: Muneer Asif , Alnajjar Hussain M. , Ralph David
Published: January 2018

Priapism is an uncommon urological emergency that can lead to permanent impotence if prompt presentation and medical intervention is not performed. It is a breakdown of the usual physiological mechanisms controlling penile tumescence and detumescence, leading to a prolonged penile erection (>4 hours) that is unrelated to sexual stimulation. Currently, there are three accepted subtypes: ischaemic, non-ischaemic, and stuttering priapism, which is also known as recurrent ischemic priapism. The aim of treatment is the immediate resolution of the painful erection and the preservation of cavernosal smooth muscle function in order to prevent cavernosal fibrosis, which can lead to penile shortening and permanent erectile dysfunction.
Effect of an accidental fire on Anastrepha fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) community in a conservation area of the Cerrado Biome
Authors: Uchoa Manoel Araecio , Bomfim Darcy Alves
Published: January 2018

Abstract. The effects of vegetation burning on populations and species composition of Anastrepha fruit flies in environments of the Cerrado are unknown. Thus, this study investigated the influence of fire on a community of fruit flies in two Cerrado environments, namely, typical Cerrado (savanna-like) and forested Cerrado. We collected species of Anastrepha, using McPhail traps weekly from 2 May 2011 to 30 April 2013. Collection data were analyzed using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to characterize the patterns of variation in species composition, comparing the species abundance (numbers of individuals) before and after the fire event. The NMDS results showed an influence of both annual season and fire on the populations of fruit flies in the forested Cerrado, and a trend of population growth after the fire event in the typical Cerrado. The curves of species accumulation indicated a greater diversity of species in the post-fire than the pre-fire period, and the species diversity did not reach stabilization within the post-fire observation period. The diversity of habitats formed by burning and rapid regeneration of the flora after the fire could be responsible for the increase in species abundance and species richness of fruit flies in comparison with the pre-fire period.Efeito de um incêndio acidental na comunidade de Anastrepha (Diptera: Tephritidae) em uma área de conservação do Bioma de CerradoResumo. Os efeitos de queima da vegetação sobre as populações e a composição de espécies de moscas das frutas do gênero Anastrepha em ambientes do cerrado ainda são desconhecidos. Assim, este estudo investigou a influência do fogo em uma comunidade de moscas das frutas em dois ambientes de Cerrado: Cerrado típico e Cerradão. Foram coletadas espécies de Anastrepha, usando armadilhas McPhail semanalmente, no período de 2 maio de 2011 a 30 abril de 2013. Os dados das coletas foram analisados empregando-se escalonamento não-métrico multidimensional (NMDS) para caracterizar os padrões de variação na composição de espécies, comparando a abundância e diversidade das espécies antes e após o incêndio. Os resultados NMDS mostraram uma influência da época do ano e do fogo sobre as populações de moscas das frutas no Cerradão e uma tendência de crescimento da população após a passagem do fogo no Cerrado típico. Curvas de acumulação de espécies indicaram uma maior diversidade de espécies no período pós-fogo em comparação ao período anterior ao incêndio, e a diversidade de espécies não atingiu a estabilização dentro do período de observação após o incêndio. A diversidade de hábitats formados pela queimada e rápida regeneração da flora após tal incêndio pode ter sido responsável pelo aumento na abundância de indivíduos e riqueza de espécies de Anastrepha em comparação com o período anterior à passagem do fogo.
Hydration: essential to life
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: January 2018

Fluid is essential to life; however, older people admitted to hospital are vulnerable to dehydration. Dehydration can affect all aspects of health and wellbeing and can increase the risk of confusion, pressure ulcers and falls—and may require intensive medical intervention to correct. The healthcare assistant's role in enabling the older person to drink can reduce complications and promote health.
The ‘Brainwave’ Centre approach to brain injury rehabilitation in babies and young children
Authors: Edge Philip
Published: January 2018

The ‘Brainwave’ Centre for Rehabilitation and Development designs home-based programmes of rehabilitation for brain-injured children involving a series of physical and cognitive exercises. This article aims to provide a description of the theory and practice of the Centre, and details of the effects that following such programmes can have on the development of brain-injured children.
Coping with Parkinson’s disease: the patient’s and carer’s experience
Authors: McCall Bridget
Published: January 2018

The experience of each person with Parkinson’s disease and each carer is different. Valuing their experience and involving them as partners in care will greatly improve their quality of life.
Physical disability in the NHS: an audit
Authors: James Rachel , Stead Ann
Published: January 2018

Many health authorities are improving and expanding local services, but purchasers must consider how these fit with existing specialist services, the roles of these services, and how their benefits might be measured against local provision. In 1993, as a direct result of the challenges from the internal market, a rehabilitation service for clients with severe physical disabilities in the former Oxford region was restructured. These changes are used, with the results of an audit, in an attempt to answer some of these questions.
Podiatric perspective: a case study of rheumatoid arthritis and a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Beeson P
Published: January 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory joint disease, and is the one most often associated with severe physical handicap. It is three times more common among women than men. Characteristically, the disease affects the small joints of the hands and feet. Management of the feet in rheumatoid arthritis requires particular emphasis if a crippling loss of foot function is to be prevented. An holistic approach is desirable. Close collaboration between the podiatrist and other members of the rheumatology team is paramount if appropriate management of the rheumatoid foot is to be provided.
Rehabilitation outcome in long-term amputees
Authors: Hill A , Niven CA , Knussen C , McCreath SW
Published: January 2018

Long-term amputees frequently have problems which curtail their activities and impoverish their lives. These difficulties are seldom brought to the attention of those involved in the rehabilitation process. Problems include phantom pain, psychological distress and disability. This study examines the impact of these factors on employment and use of services.
A patient’s perspective of radiotherapy treatment
Authors: Coppendale Lynne
Published: January 2018

As health-care professionals we are all concerned with the level of care received by our patients. Most of us probably remember being told as students that we should treat patients as we would wish ourselves or our relatives to be treated, a principle which I attempt to instil in student radiographers whom I now teach.
Equipment for disabled parents caring for young children at home
Authors: Fernando Nilmini
Published: January 2018

Therapists and clients are increasingly aware of equipment and aids which enable independent self-care in the home. However, little is known or publicised about the specific equipment needs of disabled parents caring for young children. This article discusses the major difficulties that disabled parents face in carrying out childcare tasks from a user perspective, and reports on recent developments in the field, highlighting the need for access to up-to-date product information, the manufacture of specialised equipment and early intervention.
Manual therapy for a prolapsed intervertebral disc: a critical evaluation of two approaches
Authors: Gould Alison
Published: January 2018

There are several musculoskeletal approaches to the management of a prolapsed intervertebral disc. This article discusses the two therapeutic approaches advocated by Cyriax and McKenzie, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two philosophies.
Correspondence
Authors: Caan Woody , Scullion Philip
Published: January 2018

Oliver asks for more: the benefits of research

Oliver asks for more: the benefits of research—Reply
Core and options: is this a way forward for health-care education?
Authors: Soames Roger
Published: January 2018

The move some years ago towards graduate status in many professions is commendable, and should, in the future, lead to an expansion of the research activity in each profession. The knowledge base in most professions is continually expanding, yet the time available for study at the undergraduate level remains relatively static. Indeed in some professions the time available for learning, without a drastic extension of the academic year, has decreased as 4-year courses have become compressed into 3 years. Given that there are statutory requirements regarding the number of hours that must be spent in clinical placement within undergraduate courses, what appears to have been condensed is the time spent on the basic and applied science underpinning the clinical practice of the profession. In view of these changes, the question arises as to whether graduates will have a sound scientific basis for proceeding into clinical practice and/or research without further training at the postgraduate level?
New developments in BJTR
Authors: Maskill David
Published: January 2018

The British Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation (BJTR) is now 7 months old and we hope that our efforts have met with your approval.
The effectiveness of combined phototherapy/low intensity laser therapy on a neuropathic foot ulcer
Authors: Ashford Robert L , Lagan Kathleen M , Baxter David G
Published: January 2018

Chronic ulcers can be extremely difficult to treat in areas such as the feet. The use of low intensity laser therapy gives the clinician an additional treatment modality to add to his/her repertoire. This article describes the use of this modality in a chronic foot ulcer, using a single case study methodology.
Quadriceps tendon rupture: use of a peripheral nerve stimulator to exclude the diagnosis
Authors: Fayomi Olu
Published: January 2018

Quadriceps rupture (whether unilateral or bilateral), although welldocumented in the literature, continues to be frequently misdiagnosed (Steiner and Palmer, 1949; Scuderi, 1958; Dalai and Whittam, 1966; Stephens and Anderson, 1987; Sagiv et al, 1989). Clinical diagnosis relies on suspecting the condition and careful clinical examination.
Focus group technique: a consumer perspective on outpatient therapeutic services
Authors: Harrison Karen , Barlow Julie
Published: January 2018

Central government legislative initiatives have sought to introduce market values into the health-care environment. This has resulted in an interest in consumer opinion, which may be explored through the qualitative research technique of focused group discussion.
The place of adapted physical activity in rehabilitation from serious injury
Authors: Jackson Ceinwen Beverley
Published: January 2018

The process of rehabilitation after serious injury can be fraught with uncertainty. Anxiety and confused emotions prevail as the individual is confronted with the sustained effects of the injury. This article explores the role of physical activity in the process of rehabilitation. Terminology in respect of ‘adapted physical activity’ is clarified and issues surrounding its implementation within the rehabilitation process are raised.
Mobility equipment for walking and standing
Authors: Queally Mary
Published: January 2018

One of the sequelae of illness or disability can be a reduction in levels of mobility. This may have far-reaching consequences in terms of independence in daily living, the person's ability to work or socialise, and his/her psychological well being. This article considers the smaller items of mobility equipment, available from the NHS and commercial sources, which may enable an individual to maintain his/her independence.
Ultrasound, shortwave diathermy and laser treatment 2: an exploratory interview study
Authors: Kitchen Sheila S
Published: January 2018

The nature and use of electrotherapy has changed considerablyover recentyears, with the introduction of new agents and modification of the old (see Vol. 2(8) 1995, p.423). This second part of this article reports an interview study which examines in depth the current use of ultrasound, shortwave diathermy and laser treatment in the management of soft tissue lesions, and identifies factors which affect selection of both agent and dosage.