bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Italian Version of the Brief 21-Item Prodromal Questionnaire: Field Test, Psychometric Properties and Age-Sensitive Cut-Offs
Authors: Pelizza Lorenzo , Azzali Silvia , Paterlini Federica , Scazza Ilaria , Garlassi Sara , Chiri Luigi Rocco , Poletti Michele , Pupo Simona , Raballo Andrea 
Published: August 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The Brief, 21-item version of the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ-B) is a promising screener for psychosis-risk states that could be implemented in routine clinical practice. In this study, we assessed psychometric properties of the Italian version of the PQ-B (iPQ-B) in a sample of 243 help-seekers, aged 13–35 years. <b><i>Sampling and Methods:</i></b> After completing the iPQ-B, participants were assessed with the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS). Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values [PPV and NPV], positive and negative likelihood ratios) and concurrent validity between PQ-B and CAARMS were determined using Cronbach’s alpha and Cohen’s kappa. We also tested the validity of the adopted PQ-B cut-offs through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves plotted against CAARMS diagnoses and the predictive validity of the iPQ-B at 1-year follow-up. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The iPQ-B showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.868), acceptable diagnostic accuracy and concurrent validity (70% sensitivity, 67% specificity, 81% PPV, Cohen’s kappa = 0.335). ROC analyses pointed to threshold of ≥20 on the PQ-B total distress score as best cut-off. After 12 months of follow-up, 11% of participants who scored ≥4 on the PQ-B distressing item total score and did not meet CAARMS psychosis criteria at baseline, developed a psychotic disorder. Interestingly, age had significant negative correlations with iPQ-B scores and adolescents (aged &#x3c; 18 years) showed higher iPQ-B scores than young adults. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Overall, the psychometric properties of the iPQ-B were satisfactory. As iPQ-B scores appeared inversely associated to age, age-tailored cut-off scores are recommended for screening purposes in child-adolescent cohorts.
The firefly genus Pteroptyx Olivier revisited (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae)
Authors: JUSOH WAN F. A. , BALLANTYNE LESLEY , LAMBKIN CHRISTINE L. , HASHIM NOR RASIDAH , WAHLBERG NIKLAS 
Published: August 2018

The synchronous firefly genus Pteroptyx Olivier is reassessed from morphological, molecular, and habitat perspectives in Malaysia, and includes some reliably associated females described from morphological features and internal female reproductive anatomy. Phylogenetic analyses using combined morphological and molecular data (where available) for 158 taxa supported all the major features of the existing taxonomic categories within the Indopacific Luciolinae. They revealed a distinct Pteroptyx clade as a morphologically variable genus with Poluninius selangoriensis Ballantyne being newly synonymised with Luciola testacea Motschulsky, the type species, which is redescribed from the type series. Pteroptyx gelasina Ballantyne was shown to be distinct and three of the four morphological subdivisions within Pteroptyx malaccae (Gorham) considered useful. A new species Pt. balingiana Jusoh sp. nov. is described from Sarawak. A second specimen of Pt. gombakia Ballantyne is described and figured. Some females were reliably associated with identified males by molecular data, but investigation of their morphology showed consistent features that were for the most part not useful for species delineation, which still relies on association with the males and colour patterns. All females investigated had bursa plates.Habitat details for most Pteroptyx revealed an association with a riparian environment likely to support mangroves but not necessarily an obligatory association with mangroves or any particular species. Pteroptyx galbina Jusoh was found up to 30 km from the sea, and Pt. bearni Olivier displays in a variety of flowering plants alongside rivers, including mangroves.Keys to species and diagnoses of all species with coloured plates are given.
Facilitating the Self-Directed Learning Efforts of Professional Meteorologists
Authors: LaDue Daphne S. , Cohen Ariel E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractProfessional meteorologists gain a great deal of knowledge through formal education, but two factors require ongoing learning throughout a career: professionals must apply their learning to the specific subdiscipline they practice, and the knowledge and technology they rely on becomes outdated over time. It is thus inherent in professional practice that much of the learning is more or less self-directed. While these principles apply to any aspect of meteorology, this paper applies concepts to weather and climate forecasting, for which a range of resources, from many to few, for learning exist. No matter what the subdiscipline, the responsibility for identifying and pursuing opportunities for professional, lifelong learning falls to the members of the subdiscipline. Thus, it is critical that meteorologists periodically assess their ongoing learning needs and develop the ability to reflectively practice. The construct of self-directed learning and how it has been implemented in similar professions provide visions for how individual meteorologists can pursue—and how the profession can facilitate—the ongoing, self-directed learning efforts of meteorologists.
Impact of Deductible Health Plans on Parental Decision Making for Common Pediatric Otolaryngology Procedures
Authors: Sjogren Phayvanh P. , Hall Daniel , Padia Reema , Stoddard Gregory J. , Meier Jeremy D. 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTo describe how deductible health plans affect parental decision making for common pediatric otolaryngology operations.Study DesignA cross‐sectional survey study.SettingTertiary care pediatric hospital.Subjects and MethodsCaregivers of patients aged <18 years were surveyed to assess factors in decision making related to common otolaryngologic surgical procedures, including outpatient tympanostomy tubes and adenotonsillectomy, between July 2015 and June 2016. Children in foster care and those who underwent nonelective surgery were excluded. Decision‐making factors were statistically analyzed with univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression.ResultsA total of 155 caregivers completed the survey. The median age of the patient at the time of the surgery was 3 years. Surgical procedures included tympanostomy tube placement (51%), adenotonsillectomy (37%), tympanostomy tube placement with adenotonsillectomy (10%), and other (2%). The mean ± SD annual deductible per child was $1870 ± $140, and the mean maximum out‐of‐pocket expense was $3833 ± $235. The odds of having the deductible or out‐of‐pocket expense affect surgical decision making was greater for those covered under a high‐deductible health plan (odds ratio = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.25‐4.12; P =. 007).ConclusionHigh‐deductible health plans and out‐of‐pocket expenses can influence parental decision making for common otolaryngology operations, such as tympanostomy tube placement and adenotonsillectomy. Future studies are needed to determine if such policies affect access to care in the pediatric population.
Upper Airway Stimulation in Patients Who Have Undergone Unsuccessful Prior Palate Surgery: An Initial Evaluation
Authors: Huntley Colin , Vasconcellos Adam , Doghramji Karl , Hofauer Benedikt , Heiser Clemens , Boon Maurits 
Published: August 2018

Upper airway stimulation therapy (UAS) is a new option for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients unable to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We set out to evaluate the effectiveness of UAS in patients who have undergone prior palate surgery. We designed a retrospective review and evaluated patients undergoing UAS at 2 academic centers. We recorded demographic and pre‐ and postoperative polysomnogram (PSG) data. We compared the cohort of patients who had undergone prior palate surgery, “prior surgery,” to the cohort who had not, “no prior surgery.” A total of 164 patients were included in the study: 23 in the prior surgery and 141 in the no prior surgery groups. The mean age was significantly higher in the no prior surgery group (P =. 020). There were no other significant differences when comparing demographic, quality of life, or PSG variables between cohorts. UAS therapy is an option to treat OSA in patients having undergone unsuccessful prior palate surgery.
Effects of Resonance Voice Therapy on Hormone-Related Vocal Disorders in Professional Singers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ouyoung Laishyang (Melody) , Villegas Brenda Capobres , Liu Changxing , Talmor Guy , Sinha Uttam K 
Published: August 2018

Background: Menstruation-related hormonal alteration can be detrimental to the professional singing voice of women. Resonance Voice Therapy (RVT) has been proven to improve vocal production. However, no research to date has been conducted examining the subjective, acoustic, and stroboscopic effects of RVT on professional female singers having premenstrual or postmenopausal voice disorders. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the vocal effects of RVT with a control cervical-thoracic intervention in healthy female singers during the premenstrual phase as well as in postmenopausal singers and to evaluate which intervention will allow singers to improve vocal performance regardless of changes in hormonal status. Design: A randomized study was designed for this research. The research subjects were 20 professional female singers from the Southern California area, USA, with 10 premenstrual subjects in one group and 10 postmenopausal subjects in the other group. Among each group, 5 subjects were randomly selected to receive RVT and the remaining subjects received cervical-thoracic–focused exercises. The therapies consisted of 1 month of daily 15-minute sessions. For premenstrual subjects, voice data were collected at days 25 to 27 of the premenstrual phase during a scheduled initial voice evaluation. Follow-up data were collected during the same phase of the menstrual cycle (days 25-27) after 1 month of exercises. For postmenopausal subjects, voice data were collected at an initial voice evaluation with follow-up after 1 month of the assigned voice treatment. Outcomes were assessed with the singer’s voice handicap index (VHI), laryngeal videostroboscopic examination, maximum phonation time (MPT), relative average perturbation (RAP), and pitch range before and following completion of therapies. Alleviation or deterioration percentages were used for statistical analysis. Student t test was used for statistical comparison between therapies. Results: The RVT decreased singer’s VHI for both premenstrual and postmenopausal subjects by an average of 67%, compared with 7.8% for the cervical-thoracic therapy. The RVT also effectively decreased RAP by an average of 57% when combining the premenstrual and postmenopausal groups. The RVT increased MPT and pitch range among both premenstrual and postmenopausal subjects. The stroboscopic examination did not detect any significant differences between the 2 interventions. Conclusions: The RVT is effective for professional female singers with hormone-related premenstrual and postmenopausal vocal changes. The RVT is suggested as one of the therapeutic approaches for vocal abnormalities in such a population. A larger cohort may be needed for future research. Level of Evidence: 1b
Performance and predictors of recruitment success in National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s cardiovascular clinical trials
Authors: Pemberton Victoria L , Evans Frank , Gulin Jamie , Rosenberg Ellen , Addou Ebyan , Burns Kristin M , Gordon David J , Pearson Gail D , Kaltman Jonathan R 
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims Identifying predictors of recruitment success in clinical trials, particularly prior to study launch, could contribute to higher study completion rates and improved scientific return on investment. This article evaluates the performance of clinical trials funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute that began recruitment before and after implementation of National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s 2009 Accrual Policy and identifies study-related factors that predict recruitment success. Methods A retrospective analysis of National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s cardiovascular clinical trials with initial funding from 1996 to 2012 was performed to assess recruitment success. Success was defined as ≥100% enrollment of the proposed sample size within the duration initially proposed by investigators. Trials were assigned to categories (pre-policy vs post-policy) based on whether the first patient was enrolled before or after the 2009 Accrual Policy implementation. Potential determinants of successful recruitment were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results Of 167 trials analyzed, 26.3% met the definition of success. Twenty-four trials (14.4%) were terminated early and 15 (62.5%) for insufficient recruitment. Trials failed due to <100% enrollment (22.8%), longer duration (19.8%), or both (31.1%). Trials testing behavioral interventions, those conducted within a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute–funded network, and those with normal controls were predictive of success. The proportion of successful clinical trials increased from 23% in the pre-policy era to 30% post-policy, although the difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.29). Conclusion Enrollment success rates for National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s clinical trials are concerning. The 2009 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Accrual Policy did not significantly improve trial success. Clinical trials testing behavioral interventions, those conducted within networks, and those with normal controls were predictive of recruitment success. Components of networks may provide model practices to help other trials attain success, including close attention to oversight activities such as recruitment plans, real-time enrollment monitoring, corrective action plans to address shortfalls, and close sponsor-investigator collaborations.
The Benefits and Risks of 5-HT Uptake Inhibitors in Depression: Chairman's Introduction
Authors: Montgomery Stuart A. 
Published: August 2018

Depression is unfortunately a very common illness; it is extremely unpleasant for sufferers and for their relatives and friends, and is associated with a substantial morbidity and mortality. The lifetime risk of developing depression was estimated by Boyd & Weissman (1981) as between 8% and 12% for men and between 20% and 26% for women. Estimates of point-prevalence vary, but a review of published studies suggests a level of 8.4% for men and 14.8% for women. A difference in prevalence of depression between men and women, with a twofold increase in women, appears to be well established. Recent evidence suggests, however, that the incidence of depression in men is rather more common than was previously thought: some apparent sex differences in frequency may be accounted for by a difference in coping with, and expression of, depressive symptoms (Angst & Dobler-Mikola, 1984). What is clear from the epidemiological studies in ‘normal’ populations is that much depressive illness remains untreated.All existing treatments for depression, in particular the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), have drawbacks. Since the TCAs, for example, are associated with rather unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side-effects, which reduce compliance and compromise treatment, the search for new antidepressants with less unwanted effects and if possible greater efficacy remains an important goal. A recent trend in antidepressant research has been to develop compounds with specific pharmacological actions, which are selective for one of the amine systems. Currently, a number of specific 5-HT reuptake inhibitors are being developed, and some of these are now in clinical use.
School teacher ratings predictive of psychiatric outcome 25 years later
Authors: Olin Su-Chin Serene , Mednick Sarnoff A. , Cannon Tyrone , Jacobsen Bjorn , Parnas Josef , Schulsinger Fini , Schulsinger Hanne 
Published: August 2018

Background The current study examines teacher ratings as a tool for identifying students at risk of developing psychosis. Follow-up and follow-back studies have shown that teachers are capable of identifying individuals who later develop serious mental illness.Method We examine the long-term outcomes for individuals at genetic risk who were identified as showing markedly deviant behaviour and those identified who did not show markedly deviant behaviour.Results Teachers were able to correctly anticipate 35% of students who developed schizophrenia. Furthermore, those identified as showing markedly deviant behaviour had poorer clinical and psychiatric outcomes 10 and 25 years later than those identified as not behaving with marked deviance. Their ratings also differentiated, within the group of people with schizophrenia, which individuals would show evidence of poorer functioning 25 years later. These results were replicated in a group of students not at genetic risk of schizophrenia. Within this low-risk group, teachers were able to predict which students would develop psychotic disorders.Conclusions Teacher ratings were particularly useful in predicting clinical and psychiatric outcomes 10 and 25 years later. The applicability of these findings in early intervention and treatment research is discussed.
Cognitively-oriented psychotherapy for early psychosis (COPE): Preliminary results
Authors: Jackson H. , McGorry P. , Edwards J. , Hulbert C. , Henry L. , Francey S. , Maude D. , Cocks J. , Power P. , Harrigan S. , Dudgeon P. 
Published: August 2018

Background The present study describes the results of the pilottesting of a therapy we have developed for people with first-episode psychosis. Cognitively-oriented psychotherapy for early psychosis (COPE) is aimed at facilitating the adjustment of the person, and at preventing or alleviating secondary morbidity in the wake of the first psychotic episode.Method Eighty people formed three groups: those who were offered and accepted COPE (COPE subjects); those who refused COPE (refusal subjects); and those who were offered neither COPE nor any other continuing treatment from our service (control subjects). The individuals were assessed prior to, and at the end of, COPE treatment (a 12-month period) on the Integration/Sealing Over, Explanatory Model, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Quality of Life, SCL–90–R, and Beck Depression Inventory measures.Results People who received COPE obtained significantly superior scores (P < 0.05) to the control group on four of the seven measures but only significantly out-performed the refusal group on one of the seven measures (P<0.05). The COPE group performed significantly worse on the BDI than the refusal group (P < 0.05). Effect sizes are also provided for each measure.Conclusions There seems to be a place for psychological therapy in this group of people butour results need to be replicated in a more definitive randomised controlled trial and such a study is now in progress.
Epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Bebbington P. E. 
Published: August 2018

Background Although the concept of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has long been established, research diagnostic criteria are relatively recent developments. This is partly because the symptoms of OCD occur in the context of other disorders and it is arguable to what extent they are relatively discrete phenomena.Method Review of the existing epidemiological surveys based on standardised instruments.Results Nine population surveys using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule have given data on OCD, with six-month prevalences ranging from 0.7 to 2.1%. The British National Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity based on the CIS – R gave a one-month prevalence of 1% in males and 1.5% in females. Community surveys show an excess of females and emphasise the early age of onset. Minor obsessional symptoms are considerably more common than OCD itself.Conclusions OCD is fairly rare in the general population, but causes considerable distress to those who suffer from it.
Treatment of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders with SSRIs
Authors: Hollander E. 
Published: August 2018

Background Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs) are now recognised as distinct diagnostic entities related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The features of OCSDs and OCD overlap in many respects including demographics, repetitive intrusive thoughts or behaviours, comorbidity, aetiology and preferential response to anti-obsessional drugs such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).Method Literature was reviewed and preliminary data from various studies were re-examined to assess the relationship between compulsivity and impulsivity, and between OCD and OCSDs.Results OCSDs include both compulsive and impulsive disorders and these can be viewed as lying at opposite ends of the dimension of risk avoidance. Compulsiveness is associated with increased frontal lobe activity and increased serotonergic activity, while impulsiveness is associated with reduced activity of these variables. Neural circuits affected by serotonergic pathways have been identified and pharmacological challenge of OCSD patients with serotonin receptor agonists have supported the involvement of serotonergic processes.Conclusions SSRIs such as fluvoxamine have established efficacy in OCD and preliminary studies indicate that they are also effective in OCSDs. The features of three specimen OCSDs –body dysmorphic disorder, pathological gambling and autism – and their treatment with SSRIs are reviewed.
Study of the Awareness of Adoption as a Family-Building Option Among Oncofertility Stakeholders in Japan
Authors: Shiraishi Eriko , Sugimoto Kouhei , Shapiro Jason Solomon , Ito Yuki , Kamoshita Keiko , Kusuhara Atsuko , Haino Takayuki , Koizumi Tomoe , Okamoto Aikou , Suzuki Nao 
Published: August 2018

Purpose The oncofertility decision tree was developed by the oncofertility consortium as a tool to support healthcare professionals and patients through the complicated process of deciding the most appropriate fertility preservation strategy for patients with cancer. Various strategies include oocyte retrieval, oocyte donation, use of a gestational carrier and adoption. However, differences in the cultural and legal landscape present serious barriers to utilizing some of these strategies in Japan. Patients and Methods We surveyed Japanese oncofertility stakeholders including 60 cancer survivors, 27 oncology facilities, 78 reproductive medicine facilities and 15 adoption agencies by a questionnaire to characterize awareness among oncofertility stakeholders in Japan about parenting options including adoption to inform work to establish guidelines for decision-making by cancer survivors in an oncofertility. Results Our results indicate that oncologists and reproductive endocrinologists in Japan have an insufficient understanding of adoption that prevents them from adequately informing their patients. Japanese cancer survivors self-describe a lack in confidence in finding a suitable partner and raising a child. Contrastingly, of the 9 adoption agencies which responded, no agency included being a cancer survivor as a criterion for disqualification and 4 of 9 (44%) adoption agencies reported at least 1 adoption to a cancer survivor in the last year. Conclusion Our work demonstrates that a cancer survivor’s medical history itself is not a hurdle to adoption and investment in patient-provider education could be a viable strategy to improve the utilization of adoption as a fertility preservation strategy in Japan.