bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of umeclidinium/vilanterol on exercise endurance in COPD: a randomised study
Authors: Riley John H. , Kalberg Chris J. , Donald Alison , Lipson David A. , Shoaib Muhammad , Tombs Lee
Published: January 2018

This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover study assessed the effect of umeclidinium/vilanterol (UMEC/VI) on exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using the endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT).

Patients were randomised 1:1 to one of two treatment sequences: 1) UMEC/VI 62.5/25 µg followed by placebo or 2) placebo followed by UMEC/VI 62.5/25 µg. Each treatment was taken once daily for 12 weeks. The primary end-point was 3-h post-dose exercise endurance time (EET) at week 12. Secondary end-points included trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and 3-h post-dose functional residual capacity (FRC), both at week 12. COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score at week 12 was also assessed.

UMEC/VI treatment did not result in a statistically significant improvement in EET change from baseline at week 12versusplacebo (p=0.790). However, improvements were observed in trough FEV1(206 mL, 95% CI 167–246), 3-h post-dose FRC (−346 mL, 95% CI −487 to −204) and CAT score (−1.07 units, 95% CI −2.09 to −0.05)versusplacebo at week 12.

UMEC/VI did not result in improvements in EET at week 12versusplacebo, despite improvements in measures of lung function, hyperinflation and health status.
A synthetic approach to weathering degree classification of stone relics case study of the Yungang Grottoes
Authors: Meng Tianhua , Lu Yuhe , Zhao Guozhong , Yang Chengquan , Ren Jianguang , Shi Yunlong
Published: January 2018

Classification of the weathering degree of large outdoor stone relics has long been a challenge in their protection engineering. An approach to classifying the weathering levels of the Yungang Grottoes is presented in this paper. This approach is based on combined terahertz (THz) spectra and ultrasonic velocity and the use of a least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM). A regression model for prediction of the weathering level was established using the optimal values of parameters determined by the double cross-validation (D-CV) method. This SVM regression prediction model (SVMRPM) predicts the weathering levels of the grottoes with relative errors of 8.16% or less. The SVMRPM can also be used to predict the weathering levels of some areas where ultrasonic testing is extremely difficult; the THz spectra can easily be obtained using approximately 0.2 g of sample material. This method is a highly efficient and economical technique for determining the degree of weathering of large exposed stone relics.
Experiments and simulations of a prototype triaxial electromagnetic induction logging tool for open-hole hydraulic fracture diagnostics
Authors: Shiriyev Javid , Brick Yaniv , Zhang Peng , Yilmaz Ali E. , Torres-Verdín Carlos , Sharma Mukul M. , Hosbach Tom , Oerkfitz Mark A. , Gabelmann Jeff
Published: January 2018

The monitoring and diagnostics of induced fractures are important for the real-time performance evaluation of hydraulic fracturing operations. Previous electromagnetic-based studies show that single backbone triaxial induction logging tools are promising candidates for real-time monitoring and diagnosis of fractures in noncased wells. With a fast-forward solver and reliable parametric inversion techniques, it may be possible to estimate many features of the propped fracture geometry (e.g., area, dip, conductivity) from the measured induced voltages. To support the development of field deployable tools, the concept must be tested in experiments, in a controllable environment, before it is tested under field-like conditions. To this end, we have designed and built a prototype induction tool and performed two sets of tests to compare with numerical simulation results. The experimental setup consists of triaxial transmitter and receiver coils in coaxial, coplanar, and cross-polarized configurations. Thin (highly conductive) metallic targets of various sizes, shapes, and orientations are used to emulate various fracture geometries. The laboratory and shallow earth measurements are shown to be in good agreement with simulations for all examined cases. The average relative and maximum discrepancies of the measured signals from the simulated ones are lower than 3% and 10%, respectively. With the prototype tool, strong signals sensitive to the fracture’s surface area and dip are measured in a coaxial coil configuration, whereas weaker signals sensitive to the fracture’s aspect ratio are observed in a coplanar configuration. Cross-polarized signals are also shown to be strong and sensitive to the fracture’s dip. The results suggest that a tool of similar specifications can be used for the detection and extraction of the parameters of fractures propped with sufficiently electrically conductive proppant.
Delivering psychiatric services in primary care: is this the right way to go for Ukraine?
Authors: Martsenkovsky Igor , Martyniuk Volodymyr , Ougrin Dennis
Published: January 2018

Ukraine is a newly independent state with a population of about 48 million. It inherited its national health system from the USSR. The Soviet system was conceived as part of a massively expensive socialist planning economy that was generally delivering poor value for money. Some aspects of the Soviet health system were, however, undoubtedly sound and certain public health measures were superior to those in the West. For example, infant mortality, despite possible underreporting, was probably lower in the USSR than in many Western countries (Anderson & Silver, 1986). The health system became increasingly corrupt and inefficient during the final years of the USSR's existence. Since independence, the health system has not been a state priority and has been chronically under-funded. In the past few years of rapid economic development in Ukraine, the share of the state budget allocated to the health system has remained static, leaving Ukraine in a disadvantaged state compared with other European countries (United Nations, 2007).
Training in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder in Uganda
Authors: d'Ardenne Patricia , Dorner Hanspeter , Walugembe James , Nakibuuka Allen , Nsereko James , Onen Tom , Hall Cerdic
Published: January 2018

The aims of this study were to establish the feasibility and effectiveness of training Ugandan mental health workers in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on guidelines from the UK National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). The Butabika Link is a mental health partnership between the East London Foundation NHS Trust (ELFT) and Butabika National Psychiatric Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, supported by the Tropical Health Education Trust (THET), and based on the recommendations of the Crisp report (Crisp, 2007). The Link has worked on the principle that the most effective partnership between high-income and low- or middle-income countries is through organisations already delivering healthcare, that is, through the support of existing services. Butabika Hospital is a centre of excellence, serving an entire nation of 30 million people, many of them recovering from 20 years of armed conflict that took place mainly in the north of Uganda. In addition, Uganda has received refugees from conflicts in neighbouring states, including Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Sudan and Burundi. The Ugandan Ministry of Health's Strategic Plan (2000) has prioritised post-conflict mental disorders and domestic violence, which is reflected in the vision of the Link's work.
Mental health services in Croatia
Authors: Ivezic Sladjana Strkalj , Kuzman Martina Rojnic , Radic Maja Silobrcic
Published: January 2018

The Republic of Croatia is in central Europe, on the Mediterranean. A large majority of its 4 440 000 inhabitants are Croats (89.6%). The main religion is Roman Catholicism (88%). Sixteen per cent of the population is aged over 65 years. Croatia was a part of Yugoslavia after the Second World War until 1991, when Croatia declared independence. Following the declaration, Croatia was attacked by the Yugoslav army and by Serbia and suffered a devastating war (1991–95). The transition had consequences for mental health, for example a dramatic rise in the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, especially among soldiers. The majority of soldiers received appropriate psychiatric treatment; there has, however, been an increase in claims motivated by secondary gain, as a result of government policy.
Mental health in primary healthcare in Chile
Authors: Pemjean Alfredo
Published: January 2018

Chile has two major national health systems, the public one, which serves nearly 80% of the country's close to 17 million population, and the private one, which serves the other 20%. The public primary healthcare system has been developing in Chile since before the Alma Ata Conference in 1978 (which produced the first international declaration on the importance of primary healthcare).
Pattern of attempted suicide in Babylon in the last 6 years of sanctions against Iraq
Authors: Younis Ali Abdurrahman , Moselhy Hamdy Fouad
Published: January 2018

Suicide among Muslims and in Muslim countries is rare (Hocaoglu et al, 2007). Although much of the research has comprised simple descriptive studies, and despite the possible underreporting of suicidal behaviour in countries where such behaviour is illegal, suicide rates do appear to be lower among Muslims than among the followers of other religions, even in countries which have populations belonging to several religious groups (Lester, 2006). However, rates of attempted suicide do not appear to be lower in Muslims than in non-Muslims (Pritchard & Amanullah, 2007), possibly because although there are strong religious sanctions against suicide, there are no clear principles regarding attempted suicide.
International recruitment: individual choice or ethical dilemma?
Authors: Malik Amit
Published: January 2018

The debate on international recruitment gained significant momentum after the International Fellowship Programme (IFP) was set up by the Department of Health. This article summarises some of the issues regarding the policy of the National Health Service (NHS) on the international recruitment of psychiatrists that were raised at the Royal College of Psychiatrists' annual general meeting last summer.
Mental health services in Tajikistan
Authors: Latypov Alisher , Magkoev Vladimir , Vohidova Mutabara , Nisanbaeva Zulfia
Published: January 2018

Tajikistan, in Central Asia, gained its independence in 1991, with the break-up of the Soviet Union. There followed a period of civil war, 1992–97. In 2003, 64% of Tajikistan's population was poor, which was defined as living on less than US$2.15 per day at purchasing power parity by the UN Appeal for Tajikistan (2006). The Tajik healthcare budget appropriations decreased from 4.5% of gross domestic product in 1991 to 1.3% in 2005. The average annual rate of population growth is 2.19%. The estimated 7 320815 population of the country is mainly rural (73.5%) and about 38% of the country's population is under the age of 14. Life expectancy at birth is 62 years for males and 68 years for females. The infant mortality rate is 106.49 deaths per 1000 live births.
Estonia
Authors: Kleinberg Anne
Published: January 2018

Estonia is a small country (45 000 km2) with a population of 1.3 million people. It has undergone rapid change since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It has achieved some economic success, although there is a suggestion that this has been at the expense of the mental health and general emotional well-being of the people. In the Estonian Health Interview Survey, depressive symptoms were observed in 11.1% of respondents and their presence was strongly correlated with socio-economic status (Aluoja et al, 2004).
Psychiatry for the Person — The View From Asia
Authors: Heok Kua Ee
Published: January 2018

Sir: The editorial by George Christodoulou et al (2008) on ‘Psychiatry for the person’ and the response by Jeremy Holmes (2008) have been read with avid interest on this side of the globe. Listening to previous presentations on this topic at Asian meetings of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), we were often left with a sinking feeling that they resonate well with our work but could be better. For the Institutional Programme on Psychiatry for the Person (IPPP) to succeed, there should be more participation from developing countries. The marketplace of ideas should not be confined to academics in Europe and North America and ignoring the rich experience of clinicians in Chennai, Singapore or Batu Pahat.
The need for a category of ‘religious and spiritual problems’ in ICD-11
Authors: Abdul-Hamid Walid Khalid
Published: January 2018

The World Health Organization's International Advisory Group for the Revision of ICD-10 Mental and Behavioural Disorders is currently working on the development of ICD-11 (World Health Organization, 2007). A more responsive ICD coding system should incorporate recent work which suggests that the religious and spiritual domain is important for a comprehensive, culturally sensitive diagnosis and management plan (e.g. Sims, 1992, 2004; Koenig et al, 2008). A ‘religious or spiritual problems’ category, similar to that in DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994), should be included in ICD-11.
Mental health in Somalia
Authors: Sheriff Rebecca J. Syed , Reggi Massimiliano , Mohamed Abdirizak , Haibe Farhan , Whitwell Susannah , Jenkins Rachel
Published: January 2018

Somalia, in the Horn of Africa, suffers violence, political instability and high mortality rates. The recent major drought in Somalia led to what was termed the worst humanitarian disaster in the world. In July 2011 it was reported that nearly 60 000 people had entered into Kenya from Somalia already that year, including 1300 new arrivals every day to the Dadaab refugee camp, described as ‘the largest, most congested and one of the most remote refugee camps in the world’ (see http://www.unhcr.org/4e204b1e9.html). The drought along with mass migration into such poor conditions are likely to have significant short- and long-term mental health consequences for the populations involved.
Mental health and conflict in the Middle East
Authors: Skuse David
Published: January 2018

For the past decade, overt unrest and danger have typified daily life for many families in Iraq and Afghanistan, while in Egypt under the former regime a superficial appearance of political stability lay over a sense of deep discontentment. What impact does living in those circumstances have on mental health? We asked psychiatrists with personal knowledge of events in three countries that have recently been riven by war and revolution to discuss their experiences. Because so few objective data are available on the impact of stress in any of the three regions reviewed, the authors have inevitably relied in large part upon anecdote and upon news reports from the internet.
War and the crisis of mental health in Afghanistan
Authors: Rahimi Yousuf A. , Azimi S.
Published: January 2018

Mental health and psychiatric services in Afghanistan have gone through various stages of development and crisis but the long-term impact of recent wars and conflict on the country's mental health services has not been evaluated. What is obvious is the shortage of trained mental health professionals in the country.
Rebuilding mental health services in Iraq
Authors: Al-Uzri Mohammed , Abed Riadh , Abbas Mohammed
Published: January 2018

Since 2003 Iraq has experienced significant challenges in reforming and rebuilding its health services. A national mental health survey reported a high level of mental health problems consistent with a country that has experienced widespread violence and trauma. The survey also highlighted limited access to services. This paper outlines developments in and plans for mental health services in Iraq.
The Egyptian revolution seen through the eyes of a psychiatrist
Authors: Nagy Nahla
Published: January 2018

The 2011–12 Egyptian revolution (thawret 25 yanãyir, revolution of 25 January) took place following a popular uprising that began on Tuesday 25 January 2011 and is still continuing. The uprising was mainly a campaign of nonviolent civil resistance. In this revolution the participants have proved that if resistance begins with sincerity and unity, it may yet achieve victory.
Health and happiness among homosexual couples in Europe
Authors: van den Akker Hanneke , Blaauw Joris , Lubbers Marcel , van der Ploeg Rozemarijn , Scheepers Peer , Verbakel Ellen
Published: January 2018

Data from five waves (2002–10) of the European Social Survey were examined to see the extent to which heterosexual and homosexual couples differ in their health and happiness. Homosexual people had lower levels of self-rated health and happiness. We suggest that those who experience discrimination are more strongly integrated in their gay community, which, in turn, may bring positive effects in terms of happiness due to a sense of belonging, but may be accompanied by the specific health risks associated with this community.
Attitudes towards sexual minorities among Chinese people: implications for mental health
Authors: Wu Joseph , Kwok Diana K.
Published: January 2018

Heterosexuality continues to be regarded and adopted as a norm in the majority of Asian societies. In Hong Kong, lesbians and gay men are still encountering unfavourable attitudes from the general public (such as stereotyping and discrimination). This paper briefly reviews the legal and cultural context and notes in particular the situation in schools.
Mental health law in Hungary
Authors: Kurimay Tamás , Vizi János
Published: January 2018

There is no separate mental health act in Hungary and there has never been one. This paper gives some historical background and then summarises the legislation that relates to mental health.
Mental health law in Jordan
Authors: Sarhan Walid , Alqam Ali
Published: January 2018

The history of the psychiatric scene in Jordan is briefly described, and the Jordanian Public Health Law is highlighted, as its chapter on mental health regulates compulsory admission. Some notes are included on the criminal law and civil law, and Jordan's forensic psychiatric services are briefly described.
Mental health: strengthening health and development opportunities in the WHO African Region
Authors: Ferreira-Borges Carina
Published: January 2018

Despite the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) to put mental health at the core of the health and development agendas, the underdevelopment of services in Africa is widespread. The adoption of the WHO's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–20 at the 66th World Health Assembly in May 2013 provides an opportunity to reshape policy. In the African Region, mental health generally appears to be of low interest and people with mental health conditions are not prioritised. This article describes factors that contribute to this low level of interest and recommends collective action to prioritise mental health on the public health and social development agendas. It is also a call to all stakeholders to increase financial investment and bring mental health out of the shadows.
Mental health law in Turkey: legislation pending
Authors: Caglar Esra , Kaser Muzaffer
Published: January 2018

In Turkey, mental health professionals, together with patients and carers, have been involved in the drafting of the Mental Health Bill which is presently under consideration by Parliament. While the Mental Health Law is pending, various pieces of legislation are being used for different types of involuntary admission. The prospective Mental Health Law is of paramount importance for doctors, patients and families.
The management of mental health problems among prisoners in England and Wales
Authors: Senior Jane , Appleby Louis , Shaw Jenny
Published: January 2018

This paper reviews the major organisational changes made to the delivery of mental healthcare in prisons in England and Wales since the turn of the century. These changes have included the introduction of ‘in-reach’ services for prisoners with serious mental illness, replicating the work of community mental health teams. In addition, healthcare budgets and commissioning responsibilities have been transferred to the National Health Service. Measures to reduce the rate of suicide in prisons are also considered.
Different disasters, different needs
Authors: Samarasinghe Diyanath
Published: January 2018

Different kinds of disaster create dissimilar conditions for survivors, and the specific realities associated with each must guide our helping responses. This in no way negates the importance of having general principles to follow in responding to major disasters (Sphere Project, 2004; van Ommeren et al, 2005).
Traditional healers and mental health in South Africa
Authors: Zabow Tuviah
Published: January 2018

Psychiatric patients access both indigenous healers and services rendered by psychiatric facilities in South Africa. The various groups of healers which are available are clearly not all acceptable to the whole population and variable experiences are reported with different categories of healer and the different treatments provided. An increasing collaboration between psychiatric services and indigenous healers is becoming evident, as in other health services. Reports indicate that many African psychiatric patients seek treatment from indigenous healers while attending psychiatric clinics, in both rural and urban regions. This has led to much discussion and differing viewpoints as to the possible benefits and disadvantages of collaboration and simultaneous use of different treatment modalities. Included in this is the question of the medical competence of traditional healers and the possible neglect of serious conditions.
Switzerland
Authors: Heer Sara
Published: January 2018

In Switzerland, most adults with intellectual disability live in institutions. By the end of the 19th century some institutions had been founded, most of them in a Christian context. Over the last 10 years, autonomy (independent living) and integration/inclusion have become issues. From 1980, when individuals with intellectual disabilities left psychiatric hospitals, several smaller residential units were set up (Heer, 2005).
Provision of mental health services in Nigeria
Authors: Olugbile Olufemi , Zachariah M. P. , Coker O. , Kuyinu O. , Isichei B.
Published: January 2018

Nigeria, like other African countries, is short of personnel trained in mental healthcare. Efforts to tackle the problem have often focused on increasing the numbers of psychiatrists and nurses in the field. These efforts, over the past 20 years, have not appeared to have greatly improved service delivery at the grass roots. Most of the specialist centres where such highly trained personnel work are in urban areas and for a large part of the population access to them is limited by distance and cost.
Traditional health practitioners and mental health in Kenya
Authors: Okonji Marx , Njenga Frank , Kiima David , Ayuyo James , Kigamwa Pius , Shah Ajit , Jenkins Rachel
Published: January 2018

The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among rural and urban Kenyan primary care attenders has been reported to be as high as 63% (Ndetei & Muhangi, 1979; Dhapdale & Ellison, 1983; Dhapdale et al, 1989; Sebit, 1996). For its population of 32 million, Kenya has only 16 psychiatrists and 200–300 psychiatric nurses, but there are just over 2000 primary healthcare centres, staffed by general nurses and clinical officers, and the main burden for assessing and caring for people with mental disorders falls upon members of the primary care teams. However, mental disorders are poorly recognised (Dhapdale & Ellison, 1983) and inadequately treated in primary care (Muluka & Dhapdale, 1986). Moreover, Kenyan primary care workers often lack training in mental health (Dhapdale et al, 1989; see also Ndetei, this issue, p. 31).
Child soldiers
Authors: Skuse David
Published: January 2018

Over the past 20 years the number of children recruited into armed conflict, as combatants, spies, labourers and sex slaves, has increased substantially (Wessells, 2009). In this issue, we focus on the research that has been done in recent years to identify the extent of this problem and, in particular, the efforts that are being made to discover the most effective ways of rehabilitating former child soldiers into society.
Collaboration between traditional healers and psychiatrists in Sudan
Authors: Sorketti E. A. , Zuraida N. Z. , Habil M. H.
Published: January 2018

The importance of traditional healing in low- and middle-income countries cannot be under estimated. It is generally perceived as part of the prevailing belief system and traditional healers are often seen as the primary agents for psychosocial problems in these countries; estimates of their service share range from 45% to 60% (World Health Organization, 1992). The World Health Organization (2000) estimated that 80% of people living in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries depend on traditional medicine for their health needs.
Mental health in Uzbekistan
Authors: Gazizova Dina , Mazgutov Abdulla , Kharabara Grigoriy , Tsoyi Elena
Published: January 2018

Uzbekistan is a landlocked central Asian country with an area of 447 400 km2. It borders Kazakhstan in the north, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the east, Turkmenistan in the west and Afghanistan in the south. Uzbekistan has 14 regions (provinces). In 1991 it emerged as a sovereign country after more than a century of Russian rule — first as part of the Russian empire and then as a component of the Soviet Union.
Neither war nor peace: children and youth in organised armed violence
Authors: Dowdney Luke
Published: January 2018

The international community has been slow to appreciate the growing problem of the participation of armed children and youths in non-political disputes, encountered in both developed and developing countries, from Haiti to Northern Ireland. While there is widespread recognition of the issue of ‘child soldiers’ (e.g. www.childsoldiers.org/) there are also many children who participate in organised armed groups that function outside traditionally defined war zones. Nowhere is this issue more acute than in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There may be more people (and specifically children) dying from small-arms fire in Rio de Janeiro than in many armed conflicts elsewhere. Most are bound up in the relentless conflicts involving factions of drugs traffickers fighting within and between Rio's favelas, or shanty towns, and their burgeoning drugs trade.
Broadband telecommunications: the bricks and mortar of future eMental health systems
Authors: Yellowlees Peter
Published: January 2018

Health care will undoubtedly change over the next 20 or 30 years as eHealth technologies become increasingly used and accepted (Treister, 1997; Yellowlees, 1997, 2001). At a global level, the health care system is moving away from episodic care to concentrating on continuity of care, especially for patients with chronic diseases (Yack, 2000), who will give rise to the greatest disease burden in the future (Murray & Lopez, 1999). Many countries are gradually moving away from a focus on the service provider to a focus on the informed patient, and from an individual approach to treatment to a team approach. Increasingly there is a concern less with the treatment of illness and more with the need for wellness promotion and illness prevention, which, of course, parallels a shift away from traditional care to community care.
Human resources for mental health – challenges and opportunities in developing countries
Authors: Murthy R. Srinivasa
Published: January 2018

Human resources for mental health are a challenge in all countries. In countries rich and poor, there is a big gap between the need for mental health services and the availability of those services. In an unusual way, the barriers to mental healthcare appear to be universal, which is not true of non-psychiatric healthcare. Nonetheless, the World Health Report 2001 and the World Health Organization's Atlas project have recorded extremely low levels of service in most developing countries (World Health Organization, 2001a,b). The recruitment of consultant psychiatrists from low- and middle-income countries, discussed in the October 2004 issue of International Psychiatry (Ndetei et al, 2004; Jenkins, 2004), raises a number of challenges for both developing and developed countries.
Some cultural aspects of the Arab patient–doctor relationship
Authors: El-Islam M. Fakhr
Published: January 2018

Culture is a socially shared, trans-generationally transmitted system of implicit values, beliefs and attitudes and explicit behavioural practices (Kroeber & Kluckhohn, 1952). It includes religion. Culturally based assumptions infiltrate the patient–doctor relationship.
The American Psychiatric Association
Authors: Riba Michelle B. , Sharfstein Steven S. , Tasman Allan
Published: January 2018

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is a medical specialty society that represents nearly 36 000 psychiatrists from the United States and Canada, as well as around the globe. It is the longest serving medical specialty society. As a leader in the mental health field, the APA continually supports the diagnosis and treatment of patients with mental illnesses, including substance use disorders, and also supports prevention and research. The APA acts as an advocate for psychiatrists and their patients.
Committing to reconciling our differences: development of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' Reconciliation Action Plan
Authors: Lee Jason B. L.
Published: January 2018

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians continue to experience disproportionately poor physical and mental health, and inequity of opportunity. Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan programme provides a framework and support for organisations to demonstrate leadership through public commitment to actions. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists developed its own Reconciliation Action Plan through a consultative process, and hopes to lead and promote reconciliation as a peak medical body.
Evaluation of undergraduate psychiatry teaching in Malawi
Authors: Lindsay Amy E. , Byers Stephen
Published: January 2018

In Malawi, mental health services account for only 2% of the health budget; there are just 4.5 full-time psychiatrists and 433 psychiatric beds. The Scotland Malawi Mental Health Education Project (SMMHEP) aims to provide sustainable support for psychiatric training for healthcare professionals and has increased the number of psychiatrists in the country. There has been a recent change in the educational programme in order to maximise clinical exposure and experience, particularly with the care of in-patients. The new programme has had a positive effect on students' attitudes towards psychiatry and their consideration of psychiatry as a career. This paper supports the ongoing work SMMHEP does in developing psychiatric services through education.
Are recovery colleges socially acceptable?
Authors: Thornhill Hannah , Dutta Arpan
Published: January 2018

Recovery colleges offer an educational approach which is believed to develop people's strengths rather than focusing attention on their problems. We have reviewed the literature on this subject, with the aim of determining whether this approach to the management of mental health disorders is socially acceptable. We found preliminary evidence that they are indeed acceptable to families and service users. However, the literature is limited. We therefore recommend that further research is undertaken to confirm the status of recovery colleges, with particular reference to the attitudes of family and friends.
The mental health needs of asylum seekers and refugees – challenges and solutions
Authors: Sen Piyal
Published: January 2018

Global events like wars and natural disasters have led to the refugee population reaching numbers not seen since the Second World War. Attitudes to asylum have hardened, with the potential to compromise the mental health needs of asylum seekers and refugees. The challenges in providing mental healthcare for asylum seekers and refugees include working with the uncertainties of immigration status and cultural differences. Ways to meet the challenges include cultural competency training, availability of interpreters and cultural brokers as well as appropriately adapting modes of therapy. Service delivery should support adjustment to life in a foreign country. Never has the need been greater for psychiatrists to play a leadership role in the area.
Improving access to mental healthcare for displaced Syrians: case studies from Syria, Iraq and Turkey
Authors: Hughes P. , Hijazi Z. , Saeed K.
Published: January 2018

The conflict in Syria has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that extends across multiple countries in the area. Mental health services were undeveloped before and now face huge strain and unmet need. The World Health Organization and others have developed a programme to build capacity in the delivery of mental health services in an integrated healthcare package to refugees and displaced people. The tool used for this is the mhGAP Intervention Guide and complementary materials. In this paper we refer to training in Turkey, Iraq and Syria where health professionals were trained to roll out this community-based integrated approach through primary healthcare. We describe field case examples that show the complexity of situations that face refugees, displaced people and those caught in active conflict. Training improved the knowledge and skills for managing mental health disorders in primary healthcare. Further work needs to be done to demonstrate greater access to and utilisation of services, client outcomes and organisational change with this approach.
State of mental healthcare systems in Eastern Europe: do we really understand what is going on?
Authors: Krupchanka Dzmitry , Winkler Petr
Published: January 2018

The article examines the current state of mental healthcare systems in countries of Eastern Europe and derives implications for future research and service development. Analysis of available statistics from the World Health Organization's Mental Health Atlas suggests the need for better-quality data collection. Nonetheless, there appear to be insufficient resources allocated to mental health, lack of involvement of service users in policy-making and, to a large extent, systems continue to rely on mental hospitals. Based on the data presented, a set of directions for future reforms was drafted.
Psychiatric services in Algeria
Authors: Benmebarek Zoubir
Published: January 2018

The paper describes the current provision of psychiatric services in Algeria – in particular, in-patient and out-patient facilities, child psychiatry and human resources. Education, training, associations and research in the field of mental health are also briefly presented. The challenges that must dealt with to improve psychiatric care and to comply with international standards are listed, by way of conclusion.
Music performance anxiety in classical musicians – what we know about what works
Authors: Matei Raluca , Ginsborg Jane
Published: January 2018

When pursued professionally, the demands of musical training and performance can interfere with musicians' well-being and health. Music performance anxiety, while energising at optimal levels, impairs performance quality when excessive. A range of interventions has been explored to address it. However, the poor methodological quality of such studies and the complexity of this issue should mobilise further research resources in this direction.
The importance of greenspace for mental health
Authors: Barton Jo , Rogerson Mike
Published: January 2018

There is an urgent global need for accessible and cost-effective pro-mental health infrastructure. Public green spaces were officially designated in the 19th century, informed by a belief that they might provide health benefits. We outline modern research evidence that greenspace can play a pivotal role in population-level mental health.
Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Acute Kidney Injury After the First Course of Cisplatin
Authors: Motwani Shveta S. , McMahon Gearoid M. , Humphreys Benjamin D. , Partridge Ann H. , Waikar Sushrut S. , Curhan Gary C.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Cisplatin-associated acute kidney injury (C-AKI) is common. We sought to develop and validate a predictive model for C-AKI after the first course of cisplatin.

Methods

Clinical and demographic data were collected on patients who received cisplatin between 2000 and 2016 at two cancer centers. C-AKI was defined as a 0.3 mg/dL rise in serum creatinine within 14 days of receiving cisplatin. Using multivariable logistic regression models with C-AKI as the primary outcome, we created a scoring model from the development cohort (DC) and tested it in the validation cohort (VC).

Results

C-AKI occurred in 13.6% of 2,118 patients in the DC and in 11.6% of 2,363 patients in the VC. Factors significantly associated with C-AKI included age 61 to 70 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.64 [95% CI, 1.21 to 2.23]; P = .001) and 71 to 90 years (OR, 2.97 [95% CI, 2.06 to 4.28]; P < .001) compared with ≤ 60 years; cisplatin dose 101 to 150 mg (OR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.14 to 2.19]; P = .007) and > 150 mg (OR, 3.73 [95% CI, 2.68 to 5.20]; P < .001) compared with ≤ 100 mg; a history of hypertension (OR, 2.10 [95% CI, 1.54 to 2.72]; P < .001) compared with no hypertension; and serum albumin 2.0 to 3.5 g/dL (OR, 2.21 [95% CI, 1.62 to 3.03]; P < .001) compared with > 3.5 g/dL. The baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate was not significantly associated with the risk of C-AKI. The c-statistics of the score-based model in the DC and the VC were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.75) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.73), respectively. Scores of 0, 3.5, and 8.5 were associated with a probability of C-AKI of 0.03 (95% CI, 0.03 to 0.05), 0.12 (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.14), and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.43 to 0.60), respectively.

Conclusion

A score-based model created by using the patient’s age, cisplatin dose, hypertension, and serum albumin is predictive of C-AKI.
Relationship Between 12 Adipocytokines and Distinct Components of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ebert Thomas , Gebhardt Claudia , Scholz Markus , Wohland Tobias , Schleinitz Dorit , Fasshauer Mathias , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Kovacs Peter , Tönjes Anke
Published: January 2018

Objective

Adipose tissue–derived signals potentially link obesity and adipose tissue dysfunction with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Although some adipocytokines have been closely related to metabolic and cardiovascular traits, it is unknown which adipocytokine or adipocytokine clusters serve as meaningful markers of metabolic syndrome (MS) components. Therefore, this study investigated the associations of 12 adipocytokines with components of the MS to identify the most relevant cytokines potentially related to specific metabolic profiles.

Research Design and Methods

Twelve cytokines [adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein (AFABP), angiopoietin-related growth factor, chemerin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19, FGF21, FGF23, insulin-like growth factor-1, interleukin 10, irisin, progranulin, and vaspin] were quantified in a cross-sectional cohort of 1046 subjects. Hypothesis-free cluster analysis, multivariate regression analyses with parameters of the MS, and discriminant analysis were performed to assess associations and the relative importance of each cytokine for reflecting MS and its components.

Results

Among the studied adipocytokines, adiponectin, AFABP, chemerin, and FGF21 showed the strongest associations with MS and several MS components in discriminant analyses and multiple regression models. For certain metabolic components, these adipocytokines were better discriminators than routine metabolic markers. Other cytokines investigated in the present cohort are less able to distinguish between metabolically healthy and unhealthy subjects.

Conclusions

Adiponectin, AFABP, chemerin, and FGF21 showed the strongest associations with MS components in a general population, suggesting that adverse adipose tissue function is a major contributor to these metabolic abnormalities. Future prospective studies should address the question whether these adipocytokines can predict the development of metabolic disease states.
A MicroRNA Signature for Evaluation of Risk and Severity of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
Authors: Martínez-Hernández Rebeca , Sampedro-Núñez Miguel , Serrano-Somavilla Ana , Ramos-Leví Ana M , de la Fuente Hortensia , Triviño Juan Carlos , Sanz-García Ancor , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , Marazuela Mónica
Published: January 2018

Context

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as an interesting research area because of their potential role as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Their involvement in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) has not been fully explored.

Objective

To compare the expression profile of miRNAs in thyroid tissue from patients with AITD and controls, using next-generation sequencing, further validated our findings in thyroid and serum samples.

Design

Twenty fresh-frozen thyroid tissues (15 from patients with AITD and 5 from controls) were used for miRNA next-generation sequencing. Thirty-six thyroid samples were recruited for the qRT-PCR validation test and 58 serum samples for further validation in peripheral blood.

Results

Expression of several miRNAs that had been previously associated with relevant immunological functions was significantly dysregulated. Specifically, eight differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-338-5p, miR-342-5p, and miR-766-3p) were confirmed using qRT-PCR in thyroid samples, and three had the same behavior in tissue and serum samples (miR-21-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-146a-5p). Furthermore, when the expression of these miRNAs was assessed together with five additional ones previously related to AITD in peripheral blood, the expression of five (miR-Let7d-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-301a-3p) was significantly expressed in AITD and, in patients with Graves disease (GD), was correlated with a higher severity of disease, including active ophthalmopathy, goiter, higher antibody titers, and/or higher recurrence rates.

Conclusions

The present findings identify a serum five-signature miRNA that could be an independent risk factor for developing AITD and a predisposition of a worse clinical picture in patients with GD.
Allele-specific SHAPE-MaP assessment of the effects of somatic variation and protein binding on mRNA structure
Authors: Lackey Lela , Coria Aaztli , Woods Chanin , McArthur Evonne , Laederach Alain
Published: January 2018

The impact of inherited and somatic mutations on messenger RNA (mRNA) structure remains poorly understood. Recent technological advances that leverage next-generation sequencing to obtain experimental structure data, such as SHAPE-MaP, can reveal structural effects of mutations, especially when these data are incorporated into structure modeling. Here, we analyze the ability of SHAPE-MaP to detect the relatively subtle structural changes caused by single-nucleotide mutations. We find that allele-specific sorting greatly improved our detection ability. Thus, we used SHAPE-MaP with a novel combination of clone-free robotic mutagenesis and allele-specific sorting to perform a rapid, comprehensive survey of noncoding somatic and inherited riboSNitches in two cancer-associated mRNAs,TPT1andLCP1. Using rigorous thermodynamic modeling of the Boltzmann suboptimal ensemble, we identified a subset of mutations that changeTPT1andLCP1RNA structure, with approximately 14% of all variants identified as riboSNitches. To confirm that these in vitro structures were biologically relevant, we tested how dependentTPT1andLCP1mRNA structures were on their environments. We performed SHAPE-MaP onTPT1andLCP1mRNAs in the presence or absence of cellular proteins and found that both mRNAs have similar overall folds in all conditions. RiboSNitches identified within these mRNAs in vitro likely exist under biological conditions. Overall, these data reveal a robust mRNA structural landscape where differences in environmental conditions and most sequence variants do not significantly alter RNA structural ensembles. Finally, predicting riboSNitches in mRNAs from sequence alone remains particularly challenging; these data will provide the community with benchmarks for further algorithmic development.
Improving communication for interdisciplinary teams working on storage of digital information in DNA
Authors: Hesketh Emily E. , Sayir Jossy , Goldman Nick
Published: January 2018

Close collaboration between specialists from diverse backgrounds and working in different scientific domains is an effective strategy to overcome challenges in areas that interface between biology,

chemistry, physics and engineering. Communication in such collaborations can itself be challenging.  Even when projects are successfully concluded, resulting publications — necessarily multi-authored — have the potential to be disjointed. Few, both in the field and outside, may be able to fully understand the work as a whole. This needs to be addressed to facilitate efficient working, peer review, accessibility and impact to larger audiences. We are an interdisciplinary team working in a nascent scientific area, the repurposing of DNA as a storage medium for digital information. In this note, we highlight some of the difficulties that arise from such collaborations and outline our efforts to improve communication through a glossary and a controlled vocabulary and accessibility via short plain-language summaries. We hope to stimulate early discussion within this emerging field of how our community might improve the description and presentation of our work to facilitate clear communication within and between research groups and increase accessibility to those not familiar with our respective fields — be it molecular biology, computer science, information theory or others that might become relevant in future. To enable an open and inclusive discussion we have created a glossary and controlled vocabulary as a cloud-based shared document and we invite other scientists to critique our suggestions and contribute their own ideas.
Registro de Ortópteros (Orthoptera, Caelifera, Ensifera) presentes no Acervo Biológico da Amazônia Meridional, Brasil
Authors: Barreto Marliton Rocha , Wandscheer Rosane Betina
Published: January 2018

A ordem Orthoptera apresenta mais de 24.000 espécies descritas e milhares ainda aguardando a descrição científica. Este trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar algumas espécies de Orthoptera presentes na coleção entomológica da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, campus Sinop. Foram encontrados 12 ortópteros adultos, distribuídos em 3 famílias e 10 espécies: Acrididae (3), Romaleidae (5) e Tettigoniidae (4) e duas Superfamílias (Acridoidea e Tettigonioidea). Registramos como nova ocorrência para o Estado de Mato Grosso, as espécies: Acanthodis longicauda (Stål, 1874) e Gnathoclita vorax (Stoll, 1813). A espécie A. longicauda, pertencente à família Tettigoniidae, não apresenta registro de ocorrência no Brasil, sendo portanto, registrada pela primeira vez no País.