bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of various interventions versus standard stripping in patients with varicose veins in terms of quality of life
Authors: Argyriou Christos , Papasideris Christos , Antoniou George A , Georgakarakos Efstratios , Papanas Nikolaos , Lazarides Miltos K , Georgiadis George S 
Published: July 2017

Purpose Lower limb varicose veins have a significant effect upon the quality of life and a considerable socioeconomic impact despite their relatively benign nature. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of various therapeutic strategies among patients with varicose veins to surgical ligation and vein stripping on the basis of quality of life. Methods PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases were systemically searched from 1 January 2000 until 23 December 2015 for studies reporting outcome on the quality of life of different treatment techniques for varicose veins. We used Cohen’s d to make the outcomes of the reported scales comparable. Heterogeneity was calculated with the use of the Q statistic and the I2. Results A total of 1047 participants were randomized across all analyzed trials. The number of participants in a single trial ranged from 30 to 308. The majority of participants in any trial were C2 on the CEAP scores. Overall, the quality of evidence was low. For the meta-analysis performed at 12 months postintervention (seven studies, n = 1047 patients) and after random effects meta-analyses due to high heterogeneity, no differences are observed between intervention and surgical ligation and vein stripping. The pooled estimate is −0.001 and the 95% confidence interval is −0.069 to 0.067 with a p = 0.98. In the case of the 24 months, postintervention analysis (six studies, n = 840 patients) the inference is almost identical. The effect of various interventional modes of treatment compared to surgical ligation and vein stripping is negligible in terms of clinical outcomes and quality of life so that surgical ligation and vein stripping versus the other interventional procedures were equally effective approaches to treat great saphenous vein incompetence in terms of quality of life measurements. Conclusion The procedures were at least equally efficient in treating patients with varicose vein disease in terms of quality of life assessment tools at 12 and 24 months compared to surgical ligation and vein stripping.
Predictors of short-term and long-term incontinence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shao I-Hung , Chang Ying-Hsu , Hou Chun-Ming , Lin Zheng-Feng , Wu Chun-Te 
Published: July 2017

Purpose To determine retrospectively the prognostic factors for urinary incontinence following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods Altogether, 180 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent RARP (same surgeon). Preoperative physical status, disease characteristics, laboratory findings, and surgical technique were recorded and the patients checked 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after RARP regarding their contribution to predicting post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI). Results Overall, 114 (63.3%) patients had PPI 1 month after RARP and 19 patients (16.0%) at 24 months. Univariate analysis showed that age was a significant factor for predicting PPI at 1 month. PPI predictors at 24 months were age, body mass index, preoperative serum albumin level, previous transurethral resection of the prostate, total operative time, and bladder neck sparing. Multivariate analysis indicated that age and total operative time were significant predictors. Conclusion Older age and longer operative time were highly relevant to short- and long-term PPI occurrence after RARP.
Euro-Dependence—A Peripheral Look beyond the Monetary Union: A Proposal of Reform of the TARGET2
Authors: Barredo-Zuriarrain Juan , Molero-Simarro Ricardo , Quesada-Solana Alejandro 
Published: July 2017

This paper seeks to present a proposal of reform of the TARGET2 (Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer) system aimed to correct intra-European Union (EU) financial, trade, and productive imbalances. For this purpose, the proposal relies on the application of the Keynes Plan’s principles to a regional integration process. Previously, the origins of the EU imbalances are traced to the shortcomings of the European monetary integration. Finally, the reforms needed to make the TARGET2 a rebalancing system are discussed in depth. JEL Classification: F32, F33, F36
The Effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Suicide Risk in Patients with Mood Disorders
Authors: Sharma Verinder 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To discuss the effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on suicide risk in patients with mood disorders. Method: A review of the available data on the short-term and long-term effects of ECT on suicide mortality among patients with mood disorders. Conclusion: ECT has an acute but not a long-term beneficial effect on suicidality. Due to the significant limitations of studies in this area, however, the data need to be interpreted with caution.
Brief Screening Tests for Dementia
Authors: Lorentz Wendy J , Scanlan James M , Borson Soo 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To compare brief dementia screening tests as candidates for routine use in primary care practice. Method: We selected screening tests that met 2 criteria: 1) administration time of 10 minutes or less in studies including individuals with, and without, dementia; and 2) performance characteristics evaluated in at least 1 community or clinical sample of older adults. We compared tests for face validity, sensitivity, and specificity in a clearly defined subject sample; for vulnerability to sociodemographic biases unrelated to dementia; for direct comparison with an accepted standard; for acceptability to patients and doctors; and for brevity and ease of administration, scoring, and interpretation by nonspecialists. Results: Thirteen instruments met our inclusion criteria. Very short tests (1 minute or less) proved unacceptable by several criteria. Standard instruments requiring more than 5 minutes to complete, including the best-studied Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), were found to be too long for routine application. Several failed other performance tests or could not be adequately assessed. Short tests taking between 2 and 5 minutes that can be administered by nonspecialists with little or no training and are relatively unbiased by language and education level appear to be superior to both shorter and longer instruments. Conclusions: Three tests showed the most promise for broad application in primary care settings: the Mini-Cog, the Memory Impairment Screen, and the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG). Formal practice intervention trials are now needed to validate the utility of short screens with regard to implementation, effect on rates of diagnosis and treatment of dementia patients, and outcomes for patients, families, and health care systems.
Antipsychotic Medication during Pregnancy and Lactation in Women with Schizophrenia: Evaluating the Risk
Authors: Patton Sheila W , Misri Shaila , Corral Maria R , Perry Katherine F , Kuan Annie J 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To review studies investigating the following: whether exposing developing infants to antipsychotic medication during pregnancy and lactation is associated with increased risks of teratogenic, neonatal, and long-term neurobehavioural sequelae; whether schizophrenia itself affects pregnancy outcome; and whether the course of schizophrenia symptoms is altered by pregnancy and lactation. Method: We summarize the results from articles identified via a MedLine search for the period January 1, 1966, to December 1, 2001. Results: Women with schizophrenia are at increased risk for poor obstetrical outcomes, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonates who are small for their gestational age. A lack of information in the literature makes it difficult to comment on the relative risk of exposing developing infants to atypical antipsychotics. However, typical antipsychotics appear to carry an increased risk of congenital malformations when the fetus is exposed to phenothiazines during weeks 4 to 10 of gestation. Lack of information also precludes an understanding of whether changes associated with pregnancy and lactation significantly alter the course of schizophrenia symptoms. Conclusion: Research is needed so that physicians may more accurately inform women about the relative risks of using antipsychotic medications during pregnancy and lactation. Increased knowledge about the risks of medication exposure will allow clinicians to limit treatment to situations in which the risk of untreated maternal illness outweighs the risk of exposing a developing infant to medications.
The Relation between Memory of the Traumatic Event and PTSD: Evidence from Studies of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Klein Ehud , Caspi Yael , Gil Sharon 
Published: July 2017

Objective: This paper focuses on the relation between memory and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More specifically, it addresses the debate regarding the role of memory of the traumatic event in the development of PTSD. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is used as a naturally occuring model for traumatic exposure that is often associated with memory impairment. Method: We present a critical review of the literature on studies assessing the relation between TBI and PTSD, with a focus on memory of the traumatic event as a critical factor. We also discuss results from recent studies conducted by our group. Results: The literature review offers an inconclusive picture wherein a significant proportion of the studies indicate that PTSD and TBI are mutually exclusive, especially in individuals who exhibit lack of memory for the traumatic event. This finding supports the possibility that lack of memory may protect against the development of PTSD. However, some studies show that PTSD does occur in patients with head injury, suggesting that PTSD may develop in TBI survivors—even in those who cannot remember the traumatic event. Generally speaking, though, the overall balance of the findings (including our own findings) seems to support the possibility that, in subjects with TBI, impaired memory of the traumatic event is associated with reduced prevalence of PTSD. Conclusions: The suggestion that amnesia regarding the traumatic event may protect against the development of PTSD has both theoretical and practical importance. This review focused on the case of trauamtic brain injury as a model for impaired memory for the traumatic event. However, it still remains to be proven that the conclusions based on these findings are generalizable beyond the case of TBI. While some patients with posttraumatic amnesia do develop PTSD despite lack of memory for the traumatic event, the majority of those who lack memory for the event seem to be protected from developing the disorder. Nevertheless, based on this assumption, we suggest that pharmacologic disruption of newly acquired—or even old—traumatic memories, which has been shown to be possible in animals, might therapeutically benefit trauma survivors.
A Case—Control Study on Psychological Symptoms in Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome
Authors: Yue Weihua , Hao Wei , Liu Pozi , Liu Tieqiao , Ni Ming , Guo Qi 
Published: July 2017

Objectives: To investigate the psychological status of patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) and to evaluate the association of SAHS with psychological symptoms, using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) scale. Methods: The study comprised 30 SAHS patients (25 men, 5 women) and 30 matched, healthy control subjects. They all completed the SCL-90 and the Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) and underwent a whole-night polysomnographic (PSG) examination. We used t-tests for group comparisons of nocturnal PSG characteristics, daytime sleepiness, and psychological symptoms. We employed Spearman's rank correlation analysis to indicate the effects of several nocturnal PSG variables (for example, total sleep time, percentage of wake at sleep, Apnea and Hypopnea Index [AHI], and oxygen desaturation) or subjective daytime sleepiness on psychological symptoms in SAHS. Results: SAHS patients suffered from fragmented sleep and decreased arterial oxygen saturations, compared with healthy control subjects. The General Severity Index (GSI) of SCL-90 was significantly higher in SAHS patients than in healthy control subjects, as were measures of somatization, obsession–compulsion, depression, anxiety, and hostility (P < 0.05). The severity of psychological symptoms in SAHS patients was negatively related to total sleep time and percentage of stage 2 nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep; it was positively related to percentage of wake time after sleep onset, percentage of stage 1 NREM sleep, and ESS scores. Conclusion: In our study population, SAHS patients had decreased psychological well-being, which could be explained by fragmented sleep or excessive daytime sleepiness.
Hard Times and Good Friends: Negative Life Events and Social Support in Patients with Seasonal and Nonseasonal Depression
Authors: Michalak Erin E , Tam Edwin M , Manjunath Chinnapalli V , Yatham Lakshmi N , Levitt Anthony J , Levitan Robert D , Lam Raymond W 
Published: July 2017

Objective: Although a relatively large body of research has now accumulated concerning the relation between negative life events, social support, and major depressive disorder (MDD), little is known about the relation between seasonal affective disorder and these psychosocial variables. This study aimed to compare baseline levels of negative life events (NLEs) and perceived social support (SS) in patients with seasonal and nonseasonal depression. Method: Canadian patients with winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD) ( n = 26) and nonseasonal recurrent MDD ( n = 66) completed measures of recent NLEs (the List of Threatening Experiences) and perceived SS (the Social Support Survey) prior to treatment. Results: No significant between-group differences were observed in mean number of NLEs experienced or in quality of SS. Perceived SS was impaired in both groups, compared with patients with chronic medical conditions. Conclusions: The results of this study complement those of previous research reporting increased incidence of NLEs and decreased SS in primary care patients with high seasonality in the UK. Future research is required to determine the causal relation between these psychosocial risk factors and SAD and to assess whether they have an effect on, or are affected by, treatment interventions for SAD.
Canadian Outcomes Study in Dementia: Study Methods and Patient Characteristics
Authors: Sambrook Robert , Herrmann Nathan , Hébert Réjean , McCracken Peter , Robillard Alain , Luong Doanh , Yu Amanda 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To describe the methods and patient characteristics of the Canadian Outcomes Study in Dementia (COSID). Methods: COSID is a 3-year prospective study of dementia patients living in the community at the time of study registration. We assessed patients' cognition, behaviour, and functioning every 6 months, using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and the Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF), respectively. We assessed caregivers, using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Additional information included the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), patients' driving status, and clinical information including family history, dementia type, concomitant medications, and comorbid conditions. From the patient or caregiver, we collected details of inpatient and outpatient resources used by the patient and (or) caregiver. Results: We enrolled 766 patients from 31 Canadian sites. Overall mean age was 76.8 years, and mean age of onset was 73.1 years. Of the total patients, 98% were white, 54% were women, and 84% were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Mean baseline 3MS was 66.5, NPI was 9.5, and SMAF was 18.30. Of these patients, 48% reported a GDS score of 3 (that is, moderate), 16% reported a GDS score of 4 (that is, moderately severe), and the remaining 36% reported a GDS score of 1 or 2 (that is, mild or very mild). At baseline, 83% of patients received cholinesterase inhibitors, 46% received nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, 39% received vitamin E, and 25% received antidepressants. Adult day care and home help were the largest cost factors in this population, with mean monthly costs of $65 and $64, respectively. We found interesting differences in the resources used among geographic regions and care settings. Conclusions: COSID is already generating valuable information about treatment patterns, outcomes, and resource use in Canadian patients with dementia. As the data mature, it will be possible to build robust models on treatment effectiveness and costs of care.
Exploring the Links between Depression, Integrity, and Hope in the Elderly
Authors: Chimich William T , Nekolaichuk Cheryl L 
Published: July 2017

Objective: To explore the links between depression, integrity, and hope in the elderly. Method: For this pilot study, we recruited a voluntary sample of cognitively intact elderly patients receiving psychiatric care ( n = 35). Recruitment sources included an inpatient geriatric psychiatry unit ( n = 14), a geriatric psychiatry day program ( n = 6), and an outpatient geriatric psychiatry service ( n = 15). Participants completed a questionnaire designed to measure depression, acording to the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDSSF); integrity, according to the Sense of Coherence Scale-Short Form (SOC-13); and hope, according to the Hope Differential-Short (HDS) and the Hope Numerical Rating Scale (Hope-NRS). The HDS consists of 3 separate subscales: Personal Spirit, Risk, and Authentic Caring. We analyzed the data, using descriptive statistics, t tests, and Pearson correlations. Results: Patients with no depression ( n = 17) showed a greater sense of coherence (SOC) ( P < 0.01), higher levels of hope (Hope-NRS, P < 0.05), enhanced Personal Spirit (HDS subscale, P < 0.05), and greater risk taking (HDS subscale, P < 0.01) than did patients with depression ( n = 18). The 2 variables that correlated most highly with depression were SOC ( r = −0.65, P < 0.01) and Risk (HDS subscale, r = −0.62, P < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that depression, integrity, and hope are highly interrelated in the elderly population and may influence mastery of the developmental tasks of aging. Further research is warranted to better understand these complex experiences in late life.
Driving and Dementia in Ontario: A Quantitative Assessment of the Problem
Authors: Hopkins Robert W , Kilik Lindy , Day Duncan JA , Rows Catherine , Tseng Heidi 
Published: July 2017

Background: The population is becoming increasingly aged, and concomitantly, the prevalence of dementia is steadily rising. Persons aged 65 years and over are likely to continue driving for many years and often well into the dementia process. Methods: Ontario Ministry of Transportation driving data, census data, and dementia prevalence data were combined to determine the number of persons with potential dementia who are driving, both now and in about 25 years' time. Results: Actual and projected Ontario figures show that the number of senior drivers will increase markedly from just under 500 000 in 1986 to nearly 2 500 000 in 2028. Similarly, the number of drivers with dementia is also increasing. Although not all drivers with dementia are necessarily dangerous, most are estimated to continue driving well into the disease process. By combining the above-mentioned data sets, a best estimate of the number of drivers with dementia in Ontario was derived. It is estimated that this group has grown from just under 15 000 in 1986 to about 34 000 in 2000 and will number nearly 100 000 in 2028. Interpretation: Increasingly, the responsibility for identifying drivers with dementia has fallen on the health care system, a role for which it was never designed nor equipped to handle. The risks associated with the dramatically increasing number of drivers with dementia demand a psychometrically sensitive and efficient screening procedure.
Suicidal Ideation in Inpatients with Acute Schizophrenia
Authors: Kontaxakis Vassilis , Havaki-Kontaxaki Beata , Margariti Maria , Stamouli Sophia , Kollias Costas , Christodoulou George 
Published: July 2017

Objective: Schizophrenia has been associated with a high rate of suicide. This study investigates the prevalence of suicidal ideation in a population of inpatients with acute schizophrenia, together with the clinical parameters associated with suicidal thoughts. Method: We assessed 93 schizophrenia patients. We matched subjects for age and sex and compared subjects with and without suicidal thoughts. We performed stepwise multiple regression analysis to assess the association between specific clinical symptoms and suicidal ideation. Results: Of the patients, 20.4% reported suicidal thoughts during the last 15 days. Severity of depressive symptoms, motor retardation, guilt feelings, pathological guilt, and self-depreciation predicted the patients' suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Suicidal thoughts are frequent among inpatients with acute schizophrenia. Prevention of suicidal behaviour should include helping patients improve their self-esteem and reducing depression and guilt feelings.
Validation de la version française de l'inventaire de détresse péritraumatique
Authors: Jehel Louis , Brunet Alain , Paterniti Sabrina , Guelfi Julien D 
Published: July 2017

Objectif: Cet article présente la traduction et la validation en français de l'Inventaire de détresse péritraumatique (PDI) dans un échantillon de patients en consultations externes de psychotraumatisme. Méthode: Au total 127 personnes francophones ont été évaluées de 2001 à 2002 lors de leurs premières consultations en psychiatrie pour un événement traumatique. Une évaluation à 3 mois était proposée par courrier pour vérifier la stabilité temporelle de l'instrument. Résultats: La validation en français du PDI a une bonne cohésion interne, avec un alpha de Cronbach de 0,83. Le test-retest montre une stabilité temporelle très satisfaisante avec un coefficient de corrélation intraclasse de 0,79 dans un intervalle de confiance de 0,61 à 0,89. La validité convergente analysée par la corrélation avec l'IES-R (Impact of Event Scale Revised), le PDEQ (Peritraumatic Dissociation Questionnaire) et le GHQ (General Health Questionnaire) est très bonne. De plus l'analyse en composantes principales propose une solution à 2 dimensions qui explique 45 % de la variance. Conclusion: La version française du PDI présente une validité psychométrique satisfaisante. De plus la structure factorielle de cette traduction est très proche de celle proposée dans la version originale du PDI.