bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Perception of Consumption of Iodized Salt Among Food Handlers in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Haji Yusuf , Abdurahmen Junayde , Paulos Wondimagegn 
Published: January 2017

Background: Iodine deficiency is the world’s single most important cause of preventable mental retardation. In Ethiopia, the knowledge and perception of food handlers toward the iodized salt consumption (ISC) was very low. Objective: To assess knowledge and perception of food handlers toward consumption of iodized salt in Wolaita Sodo town and Sodo Zuria woreda, 2014. Methods: The community-based cross-sectional study design was done from May 10 to May 30, 2014 in Sodo town and Sodo Zuria woreda (district), Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. Systematic sampling techniques were used to identify study participants. Data entered into the software Epi Info version 3.5.3 and analyzed using the software SPSS version 16. To assess an association, odds ratio was used at 95% confidence interval, whereas confounding was controlled by employing multivariate logistic regression. Results: Lower knowledge and perception on iodine deficiency was observed. About 239 (44.7%) of the respondents had good knowledge and 228 (42.6%) had positive attitude toward consumption of iodized salt. Most (346, 64.7%) of the participants had heard about goiter, whereas only 170 (31.8%) of them associated it with iodine deficiency. About 46.4% of respondents heard about iodized salt. Respondents’ age, education, family income, place of residence, and occupation had significant association with good knowledge and positive attitude toward consumption of iodized salt. Conclusion: The study revealed the existence of knowledge and perception gap in iodine deficiency disorder and ISC. Household income, education of respondents, and place of residence were determinant factors for poor knowledge and perception of iodized salt. Therefore, efforts to scale-up the knowledge and perception toward ISC should focus on households with low income, educational level, and rural residence.
Oral Desensitisation in Cow Milk Allergy: Immunological Findings
Authors: Patriarca G. , Buonomo A. , Roncallo C. , Del Ninno M. , Pollastrini E. , Milani A. , De Pasquale T. , Gasbarrini G. , Schiavino D. , Nucera E. 
Published: January 2017

In the literature there are several reports dealing with the possibility of a desensitising treatment in food allergy, but there are very few studies concerning the immunological mechanisms of or al desensitisation. We studied the immunological modifications in four children who underwent oral desensitisation with cow milk. Four children with cow milk allergy underwent oral desensitisation according to a standardized protocol. Total IgE, eosinophilic cationic protein in serum, and specific IgE and IgG4 to α-lactalbumin, to β-lactoglobulin and to casein were determined at the beginning of the treatment and after 6, 12 and 18 months in the 4 children treated. All the 4 treated patients successfully completed the treatment. Specific IgE to casein showed a significant reduction (p<0.01), while specific IgG4 to α-lactalbumin (p<0.02), to β-lactoglobulin (p<0.01) and to casein (p<0.01) showed a significant increase. Total IgE, eosinophilic cationic protein, and specific IgE to a-lactalbumin and to β-Iactoglobulin did not show any significant modification. Control patients did not show any immunological modification and still had a positive double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge. These results make us think that oral desensitisation in food allergy occurs with the same mechanisms of traditional desensitising treatments for respiratory and insect sting allergies.
Interleukin-4 and Interferon-Gamma Production during HIV-1 Infection and Changes Induced by Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Vecchiet J. , Dalessandro M. , Travasi F. , Falasca K. , Di Iorio A. , Schiavone C. , Zingariello P. , Di Ilio E. , Pizzigallo E. , Paganelli R. 
Published: January 2017

Several lines of evidence indicate that a switch of the cytokine pattern from a predominant type 1 (antiviral and cell mediated response) to type 2 (polyclonal humoral immune response) occurs during the course of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection, and represents a key event in the progression of immunodeficiency and dysregulated immune activation. We proposed to further investigate this immunological aspect of HIV-1 disease, in naive and in patients treated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). The prototypic cytokines chosen were Interleukin (IL)-4 and Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), whose in vitro production was determined in mononuclear cell cultures stimulated with different T lymphocyte mitogenic agents (anti-CD3, Phytohaemoagglutin-P -PHA-, E. coli B04/035 Lipopolysaccharide -LPS-). We classified all the patients on the basis of the number of CD4+ lymphocytes and we found a progressive, even if not significant decrease in the baseline production of IFN-γ with the progression of the immunodeficiency. The mean value of baseline IFN-γ in the group of patients with CD4+>500 cells/μL was 7.79+3.1 pg/mL while in the group with CD4+<200 cells/μL it was 4.66±2.22. We didn't find significant differences in the baseline production of IL-4 in these groups and in IFN-γ and IL-4 production in LPS-stimulated cultures. We also re-assessed 12 patients after one year's follow-up. They presented a significant increase in IFN-γ production compared to the first assessment in the LPS-stimulated cultures (baseline IFN-γ 2.87+1.17 pg/mL, after 12 months 19.15±5.19 pg/mL; p= 0.03). In the 12 patients in follow-up IL-4 production showed a decreased in PHA-stimulated cultures with mean values of 16.65±14.32 pg/mL at baseline and 6.54±6.54 pg/mL after follow-up. These results highlight the immunorestoring effects of HAART. IL-4 production was lower in the treated subjects compared to the naive ones in PHA-stimulated cultures (mean values: IL-4=13.42 ±11.08 pg/mL in the naive patients and 9.75 ±65 pg/mL in the treated patients). The IFN-γ values in anti-CD3 stimulated cultures were also higher in the treated patients, but this increase was not significant.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Co-Therapy Normalizes the Increased Cell Turnover of the Gastric Mucosa Both in Nsaid and Selective Cox-2 Users
Authors: Hritz I. , Herszenyi L. , Molnár B. , Tulassay Z. , Prónai L. 
Published: January 2017

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) co-therapy is considered the best strategy in preventing gastrointestinal complications during non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment, but there is limited information available on its effect on gastric mucosal cell kinetics. To evaluate the effect of PPI co-therapy on gastric mucosa we investigated epithelial cell proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p53 expression in patients on chronic non-selective NSAID or cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor (COX-2) treatment. Gastric biopsies of the antrum were taken from 10-10 patients on chronic NSAID and COX-2, therapy prior and after 6 months PPI co-therapy, and 10 controls without any treatment. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, EGFR and p53 expression were measured by immunohistochemistry. At least 600 glandular epithel cells were encountered and results were expressed as % of total cells counted. We found increased cell proliferation in patients on chronic COX-2 but not on NSAID therapy. Patients on either NSAID or COX-2 therapy had an increased p53 and decreased EGFR expression. PPI therapy reversed not only the increased cell proliferation and p53 expression, but also the suppressed EGFR expression when administered as co-therapy. The fewer gastrointestinal side effects observed during chronic COX-2 therapy may partially be the result of the higher cell proliferation. This effect is not mediated by the EGFR pathway. PPI co-therapy normalizes the disturbed cell kinetics irrespective of NSAID treatment used.
In Vitro Cultured Fibroblasts Irradiated by I.R. Laser: Effects Obtained Varying the Distance and the Length of Irradiation
Authors: Ricciardi G. , Continenza Maria A. , Rizzo F.M. , Rizzo G.L. 
Published: January 2017

The infrared laser effects (lambda = 904 run, frequency = 1,6 KHz, intensity 3 W/cm2/min) on in vitro cultured fibroblasts were tested by varying several different parameters such as the sample - source distance, the daily exposure time and the number of days of irradiation. By varying the daily irradiation time no significant effects were obtained; the varation of the sample - source distance showed that the best stimulating results can be obtained at the distance of 10 cm. Moreover, an increase of the cell number with respect to controls was obtained when the irradiation was repeated for a period up to 12 days.
Apoptosis Study in Thymic Involution in Tumour-Bearing Mice
Authors: Valdèz J. C. , Rachid M. , Gobbato N. , Perdigòn G. 
Published: January 2017

By using a colorectal carcinoma induced by s.c. injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and a transplantable fibrosarcoma developed in inbred BALB/c mice 6–8 weeks old we found that tumour development was accompanied by a remarkable thymic involution. Mice bearing small fibrosarcoma or carcinoma (0,05 cm3) had thymuses and spleens with the same weight as those of normal mice. Thymic atrophy and splenomegalia developed in mice bearing large fibrosarcoma (5,00 cm3) and large carcinoma (0,20 cm3). Thymic involution was not the result of an increase in spontaneous cellular apoptosis. However, an increased susceptibility to apoptosis induced by etoposide was observed in thymocytes from mice bearing large carcinomas or large fibrosarcomas, as compared to the same cells derived from normal or small tumour-bearing mice. Dexamethasone induced comparable levels of apoptosis in thymocytes from all groups (normal mice, mice bearing small and large carcinoma and mice bearing small and large fibrosarcoma); doxorrubicin had no significant effect in any group.
Dual Cytoarchitectonic Trends: An Evolutionary Model of Frontal Lobe Functioning and Its Application to Psychopathology
Authors: Christensen Bruce K , Bilder Robert M 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To introduce and discuss an evolutionary model of frontal lobe functioning (the dual cytoarchitectonic trends theory [DTT]) and its application to understanding the neurobiology of schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Method: An introduction to the DTT with respect to neural architecture, connectivity, and function is presented. In addition, neurobiologic, neuropathologic, clinical, and cognitive research supporting the application of this model to schizophrenia and anxiety disorders is reviewed. Results: Traditional neuropsychologic models of acquired brain damage have been limited in their ability to explain frontal lobe dysfunction and its consequences in relation to psychopathology. The DTT offers an appropriately general neural-systems framework that may be better able to account for the diversity of symptoms, widespread neuropathology, and developmental abnormalities that are associated with most forms of psychopathology. Conclusions: Research investigating the neurobiology of psychopathology would benefit from adopting models of brain dysfunction that are consistent with neurodevelopmental pathology and evolution. Such efforts would likely lead to a greater understanding of neurobiologic mechanisms and, ultimately, better treatment strategies.
Educating the Public about Mental Illness and Homelessness: A Cautionary Note
Authors: Tolomiczenko George S , Goering Paula N , Durbin Janet F 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To determine whether the viewing of a video depicting the successful struggles of homeless persons with mental illness in finding and maintaining housing can have a positive impact on attitudes toward homeless persons with mental illness. Method: Five hundred and seventy-five high school students attending a brief educational session on mental illness participated in 1 of 3 comparison versions of the 2-hour program (control, video, video plus discussion). All completed an “Attitudes toward Homelessness and Mental Illness Questionnaire.” Demographic and prior exposure variables were entered as covariates in between-group analyses of variance. Results: Females and subjects who had more prior encounters with homeless persons were found to have the most positive attitudes. After controlling for these effects, the video alone had a negative impact on attitudes relative to the other groups, while the video followed by a discussion with one of the people featured in it had a largely positive impact. Conclusions: The apparent immediacy and the evocative power of video presentations cannot substitute for direct contact for the purpose of promoting positive attitude change. The findings are consistent with prior research emphasizing the importance of direct interaction with members of stigmatized groups to reduce negative attitudes. Education programs trying to destigmatize mental illness and homelessness using videos should proceed with caution.
Antipsychotic Metabolic Effects: Weight Gain, Diabetes Mellitus, and Lipid Abnormalities
Authors: McIntyre Roger S , McCann Sonia M , Kennedy Sidney H 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To review published and nonpublished literature describing changes in weight, glucose homeostasis, and lipid milieu with antipsychotics. Methods: A Medline search was completed using the words weight gain, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol, triglycerides, risperidone, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, predictors, prolactin, obesity, and conventional antipsychotics. Publications, including original articles, review articles, letters to the editor, abstracts or posters presented at professional meetings in the last 4 years, and references from published articles, were collected. Manufacturers, including Eli Lilly Canada Inc, Janssen-Ortho Inc, Pfizer Canada Inc, AstraZeneca Inc, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals, were contacted to retrieve additional medical information. Results: The topic of antipsychotic-induced weight gain is understudied, and there are relatively few well-controlled studies. Weight gain as a side effect has been described with both conventional and atypical antipsychotics. Moreover, some atypical antipsychotics are associated with de novo diabetes mellitus and increased serum triglyceride levels. Predictors of weight gain may be age, baseline body mass index, appetite stimulation, previous antipsychotic exposure, and antipsychotic treatment duration. Conclusion: Significant weight gain is reported with the existing atypical antipsychotics. The weight gain described is highly distressing to patients, may reduce treatment adherence, and may increase the relative risk for diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia. Physicians employing these agents should routinely monitor weight, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profiles.
“Hitting” Voices of Schizophrenia Patients May Lastingly Reduce Persistent Auditory Hallucinations and Their Burden: 18-Month Outcome of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jenner Jack A , Nienhuis Fokko J , van de Willige Gerard , Wiersma Durk 
Published: January 2017

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the outcome of an 18-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) on subjective burden and psychopathology of patients suffering from schizophrenia. Method: An RCT was used to compare hallucination-focused integrative treatment (HIT) and routine treatment (RT) in schizophrenia patients who persistently hear voices. We performed an intent-to-treat analysis on each of the 63 patients who were assessed at baseline, 9, and 18 months. On each of the 3 occasions, the differential effects of the treatment conditions were tested repeatedly. Sex, age, education, and illness (hallucination) duration were used as covariates. Results: Patients in the experimental group retained improvements over time. Improvements in hallucinations, distress, and negative content of voices remained significant at the 5% level. Conclusion: HIT seems to be an effective treatment strategy with long-lasting effects for treatment-refractory voice-hearing patients.
Prevalence of Co-Occurring Substance Use and other Mental Disorders in the Canadian Population
Authors: Rush Brian , Urbanoski Karen , Bassani Diego , Castel Saulo , Wild T Cameron , Strike Carol , Kimberley Dennis , Somers Julian 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Population health surveys around the world have studied the epidemiology of comorbid substance use disorders (SUDs) and other mental disorders as part of larger efforts to assess needs and direct integrated planning and delivery of services. This study presents the first national assessment in Canada of the prevalence of co-occurring SUDs and other mental disorders, with attention to differences by substance problem severity, sex, age, and region. Methods: This work is a secondary analysis of data from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being. The sample was obtained using a multistage stratified cluster design ( n = 36 984, response rate = 77%). Results: The 12-month population prevalence of co-occurring disorders was 1.7%. The 12-month prevalence of other mental disorders was higher among those with illicit drug, relative to alcohol, problems and among those with dependence, compared with those with less severe problems. Sex and age differences mirrored population differences in pure disorders. Salient regional differences included the higher rate of co-occurring disorders in British Columbia and the lower rates in Quebec. Conclusions: Cross-study comparisons are hampered by methodological differences; however, these Canadian rates are at the lower end of the range reported internationally. This might have resulted from the exclusion of several disorders known to be highly comorbid with SUDs. Nonetheless, prevalence is high in certain subgroups, and efforts under way to improve Canada's substance abuse and mental health services should continue to ensure that adequate attention is directed to the needs of people with co-occurring disorders.
The Epidemiology of Psychiatric Disorders in Quebec's Older Adult Population
Authors: Préville Michel , Boyer Richard , Grenier Sébastien , Dubé Micheline , Voyer Philippe , Punti Rosita , Baril Marie-Claire , Streiner David L , Cairney John , Brassard Joëlle ,   Scientific Committee of the ESA Study
Published: January 2017

Objective: To document the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Quebec's older adult population. Method: Data came from the Enquête sur la santé des aînés study conducted in 2005–2006 using a representative sample ( n = 2798) of community-dwelling older adults. Results: Our results indicate that 12.7% of the respondents met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for depression, mania, anxiety disorders, or benzodiazepine dependency. The 12-month prevalence rate of major depression was 1.1% and the prevalence of minor depression 5.7%. A total of 5.6% of the respondents reported an anxiety disorder. The most prevalent anxiety disorders were specific phobia (2.0%), obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) (1.5%), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (1.2%). Agoraphobia without panic disorder and panic disorder were reported by 0.3% and 0.6% of the respondents, respectively. The prevalence rate of benzodiazepine dependency was 2.3%. The 12-month comorbidity prevalence rate between any psychiatric disorders was 2.2%. Among those with depressive disorder, the most frequent comorbidity was observed between minor depression and specific phobia (4.3%), GAD (4.3%), OCD (3.7%), and mania (1.3%). Further, only 39% of those having at least one active DSM-IV diagnosis reported having used health services for their psychological distress symptoms during the previous 12 months. Among those who consulted health services, 85% visited a general practitioner. Conclusions: Our results indicate that a large proportion of the elderly population in Quebec presents mental health needs. Longitudinal research focusing on the individual and social consequences of mental health problems reported by older adults is needed to avoid misinterpretation of this finding.
Are Personal Values of Importance in the Stigmatization of People with Mental Illness?
Authors: Norman Ross MG , Sorrentino Richard , Windell Deborah , Manchanda Rahul 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To investigate the relation of responses to the Schwartz Value Scale to preferred social distance to a person with either schizophrenia or depression. The influence of personal value priorities on discrimination has been investigated in several contexts, but seldom with reference to social distance towards those with mental illness. Method: University students ( n = 200) completed the Schwartz Value Scale, as well as a measure of beliefs about mental illness and preferred social distance with reference to a vignette describing a person with either schizophrenia or depression. Results: Consistent with past findings, respondents indicated a preference for greater social distance for schizophrenia than depression, and beliefs about likelihood of socially inappropriate behaviour and danger were correlated with social distance. Self-transcendence value orientation was a significant independent predictor of preference for less social distance. These findings were not influenced by a social desirability bias. Conclusions: Value orientation makes a significant contribution to the prediction of social distance towards those with mental illness. Evaluation of value-based interventions to reduce such discrimination appears warranted.
Teen Suicide Information on the Internet: A Systematic Analysis of Quality
Authors: Szumilas Magdalena , Kutcher Stan 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To synthesize the literature on youth suicide risk factors (RFs) and prevention strategies (PSs); evaluate quality of information regarding youth suicide RFs and PSs found on selected Canadian websites; determine if website source was related to evidence-based rating (EBR); and determine the association of website quality indicators with EBR. Methods: Five systematic reviews of youth suicide research were analyzed to assemble the evidence base for RFs and PSs. The top 20 most commonly accessed youth suicide information websites were analyzed for quality indicators and EBR. Univariate logistic regression was conducted to determine if quality indicators predicted statements supported by evidence (SSEs). Multivariate analysis was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for SSEs and quality indicators. Results: Only 44.2% of statements were SSEs. The 10 most highly ranked websites contained almost 80% of the total statements analyzed, and one-half had a negative EBR. Compared with government websites, nonprofit organization websites were more likely (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.66 to 3.18), and personal and media websites were less likely (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.47), to have a positive EBR. Crediting of an author (AOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.34 to 5.28), and recommendation to consult a health professional (AOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.68), increased the odds of SSEs. Conclusions: Fundamental to addressing youth suicide is the availability of high-quality, evidence-based information accessible to the public, health providers, and policy-makers. Many websites, including those sponsored by the federal government and national organizations, need to improve the evidence-based quality of the information provided.