bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life events, quality of life, autonomic nervous system, and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Slepecky M. , Majercak I. , Gyorgyova E. , Kotianova A. , Kotian M. , Zatkova M. , Chupacova M. , Popelkova M. , Ociskova M. , Prasko J. , Gallová I. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundPsychological distress is considered as a component of the cardiovascular risk. The present study aims to determine which psychophysiological, electrocardiographic and anthropometric factors are correlated with life events, depression and quality of life in healthy adults.MethodA total of 114 adults were examined using the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, the EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory – Second Edition, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Physiological measures included heart rate variability, skin conductance level and skin temperature. Anthropometric characteristics included weight, height, hip size, waistline, blood pressure, heart rate at rest and after mental activity, muscle mass, fat stock, percentage of the body fat, segmental distribution of muscle and fat mass, fat-free mass and the water content in the body. Finally, data from electrocardiographic examination included aortic pulse wave velocity, central aortic pressure and augmentation index.ResultsLife events in last two years correlate with worse quality of life and a higher level of depression. Life events in last two years also correlate with the increase of the risk factors for cardiovascular problems in terms of several anthropometric and physiological measures. Finally, life events in last two years was also related with the overweight.ConclusionsResults suggest some possible mechanisms by which stress may exert adverse effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in healthy persons. Primary preventive strategies with the stress management training may prove beneficial.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire: Confirmatory factor analysis with two different samples
Authors: Azevedo J. , Pereira A.T. , Amaral A.P. , Nogueira V. , Soares M.J. , Mota D. , Macedo A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionPerseverative Negative Thinking (PNT) is a transdiagnostic cognitive process [1] characterized by repetitiveness, intrusiveness and difficulties to disengage (Ehring, 2011). The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ-15; [2]) is a self-reported instrument, developed to evaluate these characteristics. The Portuguese version assess two meaningful dimensions – Repetitive thoughts (RT); and Cognitive interference and unproductiveness (CIU) [3].AimTo confirm the bi-dimensional structure of the PTQ-15 using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, in two distinct samples.MethodA sample composed of 256 students (Mean age = 20.58 ± 1.870; 78.1% girls) and a sample composed of 480 adults from the community (parents of the students; mean age = 50.84 ± 5.310; 53.1% women) filled the PTQ-15. We used software AMOS.ResultsThe second-order model of PTQ-15 with two dimensions presented good fit, in both students (CMIN = 2.449; RMSEA = 0.075; CFI = 0.958, TLI = 0.949, PGFI = 0.776; P < 0.001) and their parents (CMIN = 3.46; RMSEA = 0.072, CFI = 0.955, TLI = 0.942, PGFI = 0.632; P < 0.001). Internal consistency of the total scale, measured though Cronbach's alpha was α = 0.95/0.94; both factors presented good/excellent reliability: repetitive thoughts (a = 0.93/0.92); cognitive interference and unproductiveness (a = 0.88/0.92).ConclusionTaken together, both CFAs provided additional evidence that PTQ-15 is an adequate measure for perseverative thinking.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Using junior doctors to improve patient care: Creating a clinic to monitor the physical health of patients prescribed clozapine
Authors: Tonkins M. , Hardy P. , Foster S. , Mullins S. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIn the United Kingdom, compliance with guidelines on physical health monitoring of patients prescribed clozapine is poor. Our community team established a ‘clozapine clinic’, led by junior doctors, to monitor the physical health of this population.AimsThe aims of this audit were:– to ascertain levels of compliance with guidelines on the physical health monitoring of patients taking clozapine;– to compare the current level of compliance with that prior to the establishment of the clinic.MethodsEleven standards were drawn from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines and the Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines in Psychiatry.Three audit cycles were conducted: two prior to the establishment of the clinic and one after. In each cycle, searches of patient records were conducted and blood results were reviewed. This was supplemented by telephone calls to general practitioners to ensure a complete data set.Analysis was conducted in Microsoft Excel™ and changes between the cycles were analysed using a two-tailed Z-score.ResultsEach audit cycle included 28–30 patients. In the current cycle compliance levels varied between 66% (annual ECG recording) and 100% (monthly full blood count). The average compliance level was 73% across all standards. This represents an overall improvement on previous audit cycles. Since the clinic was established there has been a statistically significant improvement in compliance with annual monitoring of weight (P = 0.147), body mass index (P = 0.0178), and ECG monitoring (P = 0.0244).ConclusionsImprovements in the care of a vulnerable population may be achieved through setting clear standards, regular audit, and harnessing the leadership and enthusiasm of junior doctors.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Predictors of insight in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Softic R. , Sutovic A. , Osmanovic E. , Becirovic E. , Avdibegovic E. , Mirkovic Hajdukov M. 
Published: June 2017

AimTo establish predictors of insight in patients with schizophrenia with regard to symptoms severity, executive functioning, level of education, marital status, age, and number of hospitalizations.Subjects and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 consecutive outpatients with schizophrenia. Positive symptoms were established with 4-item Positive Symptom Ranking Scale (PSRS), and negative symptoms with Brief Negative Symptoms Assessment (BNSA). The level of insight was established with Self-Appraisal of Illness Questionnaire (SAIQ). Executive functions were established with Wisconsin card sorting test, and three verbal subtests from Wechler's Intelligence Test: information, similarities, and calculating. All neuropsychological tests were administered by psychologist educated in administration of these and other neuropsychological tools.ResultsPredictive statistical model identifies age and illness duration as negative, and higher level of education, and being married as a positive predictors of insight with 38.5% variance explained. Scores on subscales “Similarities” and “Calculating” had positive association with insight score. Model explains 24.7% of variance. When model was adjusted on alpha 5% level of concluding only three significant positive predictors appears: higher level of education, higher score on “Similarities” subscale, and being married. Model explains 38.5% of variance.ConclusionLevel of education and marital status, among all other factors, have important impact on level of insight in patients with schizophrenia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The association of schizophrenia symptoms clusters with obsessive compulsive symptoms
Authors: Theochari E. , Tsaltas E. , Kontis D. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThirty percent of individuals with schizophrenia demonstrate obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCSs). There is conflicting data on the effects of antipsychotic medication on OCSs in schizophrenia. The delineation of the relationship of OCSs with positive, negative and general psychopathology symptoms has theoretical and treatment implications.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship among OCSs with the symptoms clusters in schizophrenia.MethodsWe recruited 110 chronic schizophrenia patients and assessed OCSs (Yale-Brown Scale) and schizophrenia symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale). In order to investigate the relationship of OCSs with clusters of schizophrenia symptoms, we conducted correlation analyses between YBOCS total scores or obsession or compulsion subscores with the PANSS symptoms scores (total, positive, negative and general psychopathology) and the cognitive scores derived from CANTAB. We re-conducted these correlations for the sub groups with clinically detectable OCSs (YBOCS > 8) and clinically significant OCSs (YBOCS > 14).ResultsThe only significant correlation was that of scores of OCSs with PANSS general psychopathology scores (rho = 0.190, P = 0.047). Obsessions and compulsions did not significantly correlate with positive or negative symptom clusters. No significant correlation between OCSs and schizophrenia symptoms were detected in the subgroups with clinically detectable or significant OCSs.ConclusionsOCSs appear to be a separate symptom cluster in the context of schizophrenia, suggesting that OCSs cannot be expected to be influenced by standard antipsychotic treatments.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Obsessive compulsive symptoms, social functioning and executive functions in chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Theochari E. , Tsaltas E. , Kontis D. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionSchizophrenia leads to functional deficits. A third of schizophrenia patients have obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCSs). The existing studies, which have investigated the effect of OCSs on social functioning (SF) of schizophrenia patients have produced contradictory findings and, interestingly, they have not adjusted for the role of executive functioning.ObjectivesTo investigate the predictive role of OCSs on SF in schizophrenia controlling for the effects of executive functioning.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study of 110 chronic schizophrenia patients we assessed OCSs (Yale-Brown Scale), SF (Strauss Carpenter Scale) and composite executive function (cognitive flexibility: Intra–extra dimensional set shifting task and planning: Stockings of Cambridge task) using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). We also measured total symptoms (PANSS total scores) and illness duration. Regression analysis tested the predicting role of OCSs (YBOCS total score) on functioning taking into account executive function (composite score) duration of illness and schizophrenia symptoms.ResultsOCSs were associated with better SF (B = 0.099; 95% CI = 0.019, 0.180; t = 2.449; df = 88; P = 0.016). This result was driven by the association of OCSs with job functioning (B = 0.043; 95% CI = 0.006, 0.081; t = 2.289; df = 88; P = 0.024). Executive functions were not significantly associated with social functioning.ConclusionsOCSs and not executive functions are associated with social functioning in schizophrenia. Future studies should examine whether OCSs represent a compensatory mechanism aiming at preserving social functioning in the disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Brainstem audiometry as a diagnostic tool in psychiatry: Preliminary results from a blinded study
Authors: Wahlström V. , Wynn R. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundSome prior studies of brainstem audiometry have found illness-specific aberrations, suggesting that this procedure can be of use to clinicians in diagnosing certain psychiatric illnesses.AimsThe study aimed to examine the diagnostic properties of a brain stem audiometry procedure (SD-BERA®) for patients suffering from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.MethodsA blinded study including 12 patients with schizophrenia, 12 patients with bipolar disorder, and 12 healthy controls was performed in 2014/2015. The patients were recruited from psychiatric specialist services and a primary care office in the County of Troms, Norway. The patients and controls were examined with brainstem audiometry. The clinical diagnoses were not known to the researchers who analysed the brain stem audiometry data at the Swedish company SensoDetect. Sensitivity and specificity for each group (compared to healthy controls) was calculated.ResultsThe brain stem audiometry procedure had a high degree of sensitivity (1.00), but a lower degree of specificity (0.45) when patients suffering from bipolar disorder were compared to healthy controls. For the diagnosis of schizophrenia, the brain stem audiometry procedure had a high degree of specificity (0.91), but a lower degree of sensitivity (0.33) when patients were compared to healthy controls.ConclusionsThis method may help clinicians by lending support to a clinically suspected diagnosis of schizophrenia. The relatively low specificity for bipolar disorder could suggest that the method needs further development before it can be useful clinically when the diagnosis of bipolar disorder is suspected. Further scientific testing is needed to verify these findings.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Unexpected variations in official UK statistics related to rates of suicide and those of undetermined intent: An exploration of causes
Authors: O’Reilly D. , Rosato M. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundOfficial rates of suicide are perhaps the most important and enduring measures of population mental health. They are however prone to variations in reporting usually relating to deaths where the intention was uncertain, though most official statistics circumvent this by including ‘events of undetermined intent’ (ICD10 Y10-34 and Y87.2) along with ‘intentional self-harm’ in their official statistics. It is however unclear how successful this strategy has been and whether significant sources of bias still persist.AimTo systematically examine the dramatic change in rates of death from suicide (and undetermined intent) in Northern Ireland, that coincided with a major overhaul and reorganisation of the Coroners Service in 2005/6, to understand the extent to which the initial investigation by the coroners’ office, legal processing, registration and coding practices can influence official suicide statistics.MethodsIn the space of one year, Northern Ireland went from having a standardised rate of suicide (incl undetermined intent) of 12.6/100,000 in 2004 to 26.6/100,000 in 2006 (a 111% increase) and in doing so went from having consistently the lowest to consistently the highest registered rate of suicide in the UK.ResultsInitial analyses rules out changes in the police service, pathology service or registration coding practices as causative and suggest that the introduction of a coroner's liaison officer (with a formal data gathering role) was the most likely factor. The centralisation of the coroners’ service also reduced variations according to age, sex, geography and coding.ConclusionsThe process underpinning official statistics need to be routinely scrutinised.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN SERBIA
Authors: Atanasijevic Dragana , Zah Vladimir 
Published: June 2017

Objectives: This study provides an overview of the Republic of Serbia healthcare system and describes the process of developing and conducting health technology assessment (HTA).Methods: The authors performed pragmatic, nonsystematic literature review based on available statistical data, legislation, and studies.Results: Healthcare law creates conditions that allow implementation of the principle “value for money.” The institutions directly vested in the implementation of HTA are the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). There are some reflections of the efforts by NHIF and MoH toward achieving this goal.Conclusions: Despite the highly set objectives, there is still a lot of work to be done to build an adequate model to support decision-making processes to bridge the discrepancies between broadly defined rights to health care and limited resources in the country.
Inactivation of Pol θ and C-NHEJ eliminates off-target integration of exogenous DNA
Authors: Zelensky Alex N. , Schimmel Joost , Kool Hanneke , Kanaar Roland , Tijsterman Marcel 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOff-target or random integration of exogenous DNA hampers precise genomic engineering and presents a safety risk in clinical gene therapy strategies. Genetic definition of random integration has been lacking for decades. Here, we show that the A-family DNA polymerase θ (Pol θ) promotes random integration, while canonical non-homologous DNA end joining plays a secondary role; cells double deficient for polymerase θ and canonical non-homologous DNA end joining are devoid of any integration events, demonstrating that these two mechanisms define random integration. In contrast, homologous recombination is not reduced in these cells and gene targeting is improved to 100% efficiency. Such complete reversal of integration outcome, from predominately random integration to exclusively gene targeting, provides a rational way forward to improve the efficacy and safety of DNA delivery and gene correction approaches.
Broadband Absorption and Efficient Hot-Carrier Photovoltaic Conversion based on Sunlight-induced Non-radiative Decay of Propagating Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Hu Mengzhu , Yang Liu , Dai Hao , He Sailing 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLocalized surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), which can decay non-radiatively into hot carriers, have been widely employed to extend the responses of traditional semiconductor-based photocatalytic and photovoltaic devices to sub-bandgap photons. However, radiative decay is unavoidable and adverse to device performances. Here, we propose to take advantage of propagating SPPs, another form of SPPs, which possess non-radiative decay only. A special gold-titanium dioxide nanowire array with each nanowire capped with a nanocone is proposed. The adjacent nanocones forming top gradual openings attribute to efficient sunlight harvesting, while the neighbouring nanowires forming bottom nanoslots allow sufficient absorption due to the propagating SPPs. With the combined advantages, almost 100% of light is absorbed by a very thin gold film in the visible range, and 73% in the whole considered range of 400–1170 nm, superior to the nanocone cell based on localized SPPs, let alone the nanowire-based and planar counterparts. Therefore, much better photovoltaic conversion performance is achieved with short-circuit current density of 0.74 mA/cm2 and open-circuit voltage of 0.41 V. This work confirms the superiority of non-radiative decay of propagating SPPs to the localized SPPs in terms of generation of hot carriers, providing a promising way of extracting electrons in metal into photocurrent.
Fortschreibung von Desintegrationskarrieren statt Förderung beruflicher Wiedereingliederung: Eine qualitative Studie zur Arbeitgebereinbindung in den Reha-Prozess
Authors: Schwarz Betje , Specht Timo , Bethge Matthias 
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie Exploration der Arbeitgebereinbindung in den Reha-Prozess aus Betroffenenperspektive.
Methodik 8 Teilnehmende einer medizinisch-beruflich orientierten Reha wurden 4 Wochen nach Reha-Ende telefonisch interviewt. Die Auswertung erfolgte qualitativ-inhaltsanalytisch.
Ergebnisse Neben einer mangelnden Arbeitgebereinbindung ließen sich in den Interviews ungenutzte Möglichkeiten in der Reha, Schnittstellenprobleme im Gesundheits- und Sozialsystem sowie eine allseitige Strategie des Abwartens identifizieren, in deren Folge Desintegrationskarrieren befördert und berufliche Wiedereingliederung behindert wurden.
Schlussfolgerung Um berufliche Wiedereingliederung zu fördern, bedarf es nicht nur einer verbesserten Arbeitgebereinbindung, sondern auch der Überbrückung von Schnittstellen und Ausschöpfung vorhandener Maßnahmen und Instrumente.
Application of Low-dose Stereoradiography in In Vivo Vertebral Morphologic Measurements: Comparison With Computed Tomography
Authors: Pasha Saba , Schlösser Tom , Zhu Xiaowei , Mellor Xochitl , Castelein René , Flynn John 
Published: June 2017

Background:
Though computed tomography (CT) and 3 dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the spine and ribcage are powerful techniques for detailed monitoring of spinal growth and surgical planning of patients, drawbacks can arise. We explored the application of low-dose stereoradiography of the spine to calculate distinct morphologic parameters of the vertebral body in a juvenile patient population with early-onset scoliosis or congenital scoliosis. This study compares the 3D vertebral morphology measurements using low-dose stereoradiography with the currently accepted imaging modality for such measurements, CT scans.

Methods:
A total of 86 vertebrae of 6 patients with early-onset scoliosis and 3 patients with congenital scoliosis, age ranged between 7.8 and 12.5 years, who had both thoracic spine CT scan and low-dose stereoradiography of the spine were included. 3D reconstructions of CT and low-dose stereoradiography were generated. Using previously validated image processing techniques, vertebral anterior (A), posterior (P), left (L), and right (R) heights, superior and inferior endplates depth and width (S-D, I-D, S-W, I-W) were measured on the CTs’ 3D reconstructions and were compared with the same parameters measured on low-dose stereoradiography reconstructions using a postprocessing custom code. The agreement between the 2 techniques in measurement of the vertebral morphology was assessed using the Bland-Altman plots.

Results:
No significant difference was observed in the A, P, L, R, S-W, and I-W between the stereoradiography and CT measurements (P>0.05). S-D and I-D were significantly greater in low-dose stereoradiography measurements P<0.05. Bland-Altman plots showed an agreement between the stereoradiography and CT techniques in vertebral height measurements (A, P, L, R); however, larger measurement bias and greater limits of agreement in S-D, I-D, S-W, and I-W measurements were shown.

Conclusions:
In vivo measurements of the vertebral heights using low-dose stereoradiography 3D reconstructions were comparable with CT measurements except for the superior and inferior vertebral depths. The low-dose stereoradiography imaging modality and the postprocessing platform can be used for assessment of the vertebral heights and monitoring asymmetric growth in patients undergoing growth-sparing treatment except for the vertebral levels with congenital deformities.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV.