bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An immunoglobulin G complexed form of thyroid-stimulating hormone (macro thyroid-stimulating hormone) is a cause of elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration
Authors: Mills Francesca , Jeffery Jinny , Mackenzie Paul , Cranfield Alex , Ayling Ruth M 
Published: July 2013

Background Macrocomplexes can be the cause of elevated serum hormone concentrations and may cause diagnostic confusion. This is well recognized for prolactin and commonly screened for using polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation. The phenomenon and a suitable screening method is less familiar with respect to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Method Samples sent to the laboratory for routine analysis of thyroid function and found to have a TSH >10 mU/L were evaluated to determine the prevalence of macro-TSH in the Roche Elecsys assay, using PEG precipitation with confirmation by gel filtration chromatography. Results Of 495 samples tested, 3 (0.6%) were found to have macro-TSH. From the distribution of recoveries, a cut-off <25% was determined for identifying samples requiring further investigation for the presence of macro-TSH. Conclusion The prevalence of elevated TSH due to macro-TSH was found to be 0.6%. Laboratories should be aware of this cause of assay interference.
Self-stigma, quality of life and schizophrenia: An outpatient clinic survey in Nigeria
Authors: Mosanya Temilola J , Adelufosi Adegoke O , Adebowale Olaolu T , Ogunwale Adegboyega , Adebayo Olaide K 
Published: July 2013

Background: Stigma is a major obstacle to the treatment and recovery of people with mental illness. In Nigeria, there is a dearth of information on internalization of stigma and its effect on treatment outcome measures such as quality of life. Aim and objectives: The aim of the study was to assess self-stigma among patients with schizophrenia attending a psychiatric hospital outpatient clinic, and the relationship of self-stigma to the socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and quality of life of the patients. Method: Two hundred and fifty-six consecutive outpatient attendees of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta in Nigeria with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) diagnosis of schizophrenia were recruited for the study. The diagnosis of schizophrenia was established with the Structured Clinical Interview Schedule for DSM-IV Axis I disorder (SCID), while item 17 of the Present State Examination was used to ascertain the presence of insight into the illness. The subjects were interviewed with a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the World Health Organization’s Quality of Life (WHOQOL-Bref) questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 39.5 (SD = 10.6) years with males constituting 52.0% of the sample. High self-stigma was found in 18.8% of the subjects. The socio-demographic and clinical correlates of high self-stigma found using univariate analysis were low educational level ( χ2 = 22.69, p < .001), unemployment ( χ2 = 15.9, p < .001), low income ( χ2 = 25.03, p < .001), source of income ( χ2 = 12.52, p = .007) and severity of psychopathology ( t = 8.245, p < .001). High self-stigma was associated with poor quality of life in all the domains of WHOQOL-Bref. Conclusion: This study revealed that self-stigma was common among subjects with schizophrenia. It is associated with poor treatment outcome, highlighting the need to incorporate stigma intervention strategies into mental health care delivery.
Duration of residence and dementia literacy among Chinese Americans
Authors: Diamond Alexandra G , Woo Benjamin KP 
Published: July 2013

Background: To investigate whether duration of residence (DOR) impacts dementia literacy in Chinese Americans aged 40–64. Material: A total of 151 Chinese Americans answered a self-administered, true/false survey assessing knowledge of dementia symptoms, treatment, cause and prognosis. Two groups were dichotomized and compared based on DOR in the USA. Discussion: DOR did not greatly impact the understanding of dementia between respondents with a < 20-year versus a ≥ 20-year DOR. Both groups exhibited deficiencies in recognizing the symptoms of dementia. Conclusion: Gaps in dementia knowledge reflect a stigma surrounding mental illness among Chinese Americans, and impact the seeking of professional care.
Psychosocial support and cognitive deficits in adults with schizophrenia
Authors: Dalagdi Aikaterini , Arvaniti Aikaterini , Papatriantafyllou John , Xenitidis Kiriakos , Samakouri Maria , Livaditis Miltos 
Published: July 2013

Background: In recent decades there has been an increasing interest in cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. However, only a few studies have examined the impact of psychosocial support on the prevention of cognitive deterioration in patients who suffer from schizophrenia. Aim: The aims of the present study are: (1) to confirm the presence of cognitive deficits among patients with schizophrenia; (2) to explore any correlations between such deficits and a range of clinical and/or demographic characteristics of the patients; and (3) to investigate any association between cognitive deficits and psychosocial support. Method: A total of 118 patients with schizophrenia (the patient group) and 102 healthy volunteers (the control group) had a cognitive assessment using a battery of neuropsychological tests. The patients were allocated to one of the following groups: (1) patients under routine outpatient follow-up; or (2) patients receiving or having recently received intensive psychosocial support, in addition to follow-up. This included daily participation in vocational and recreational activities provided by dedicated mental health day centers. The findings of the neuropsychological testing of individuals in all groups were compared, after controlling for clinical or demographic factors. Results: The scores in the neuropsychological tests were lower overall in the patients group compared to healthy volunteers. Within the patients group, those receiving/having received psychosocial support had higher scores compared to those on routine follow-up alone. There were no significant differences between patients currently receiving psychosocial support and those having received it in the past. Lower education, age and illness duration (but not severity of positive or negative symptoms) were factors associated with lower test scores. Conclusions: The study provides some evidence that psychosocial support may be beneficial for the cognitive functioning of patients with schizophrenia and this benefit may be a lasting one.
Efficacy of strengthening or aerobic exercise on pain relief in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Ozawa Junya , Kito Nobuhiro , Moriyama Hideki 
Published: July 2013

Objective: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate the differences in the efficacies between strengthening and aerobic exercises for pain relief in people with knee osteoarthritis. Data sources: This search was applied to Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. All literature published from each source’s earliest date to March 2013 was included. Review methods: Trials comparing the effects of exercise intervention with those of either non-intervention or psycho-educational intervention were collected. Meta-analysis was performed for trials in which therapeutic exercise was carried out with more than three sessions per week up to eight weeks, for pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. All trials were categorised into three subgroups (non-weight-bearing strengthening exercise, weight-bearing strengthening exercise, and aerobic exercise). Subgroup analyses were also performed. Results: Data from eight studies were integrated. Overall effect of exercise was significant with a large effect size (standardised mean difference (SMD): −0.94; 95% confidence interval −1.31 to −0.57). Subgroup analyses showed a larger SMD for non-weight-bearing strengthening exercise (−1.42 [−2.09 to −0.75]) compared with weight-bearing strengthening exercise (−0.70 [−1.05 to −0.35]), and aerobic exercise (−0.45 [−0.77 to −0.13]). Conclusion: Muscle strengthening exercises with or without weight-bearing and aerobic exercises are effective for pain relief in people with knee osteoarthritis. In particular, for pain relief by short-term exercise intervention, the most effective exercise among the three types is non-weight–bearing strengthening exercise.
Massage therapy and exercise therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Negahban Hossein , Rezaie Solmaz , Goharpey Shahin 
Published: July 2013

Objective: The primary aim was to investigate the comparative effects of massage therapy and exercise therapy on patients with multiple sclerosis. The secondary aim was to investigate whether combination of both massage and exercise has an additive effect. Design: Randomized controlled pilot trial with repeated measurements and blinded assessments. Setting: Local Multiple Sclerosis Society. Subjects: A total of 48 patients with multiple sclerosis were randomly assigned to four equal subgroups labelled as massage therapy, exercise therapy, combined massage–exercise therapy and control group. Interventions: The treatment group received 15 sessions of supervised intervention for five weeks. The massage therapy group received a standard Swedish massage. The exercise therapy group was given a combined set of strength, stretch, endurance and balance exercises. Patients in the massage–exercise therapy received a combined set of massage and exercise treatments. Patients in the control group were asked to continue their standard medical care. Main measures: Pain, fatigue, spasticity, balance, gait and quality of life were assessed before and after intervention. Results: Massage therapy resulted in significantly larger improvement in pain reduction (mean change 2.75 points, P = 0.001), dynamic balance (mean change, 3.69 seconds, P = 0.009) and walking speed (mean change, 7.84 seconds, P = 0.007) than exercise therapy. Patients involved in the combined massage–exercise therapy showed significantly larger improvement in pain reduction than those in the exercise therapy (mean change, 1.67 points, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Massage therapy could be more effective than exercise therapy. Moreover, the combination of massage and exercise therapy may be a little more effective than exercise therapy alone.
Amniotic stem cell transplantation therapy for type 1 diabetes: A case report
Authors: Liu Ying , Cao Dong-Lin , Guo Li-Bin , Guo Sheng-Nan , Xu Jin-Kai , Zhuang Hong-Feng 
Published: July 2013

This case report presents an evaluation of the clinical effects of an allogeneic amniotic cell transplant for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. A 26-year-old man with type 1 diabetes was treated with stem cells isolated from his neonatal son’s amniotic membrane, collected at birth (2 × 107 cells). The cells, which expressed high levels of cluster of differentiation (CD) 133 and CD34 as assessed by flow cytometry, were infused into the pancreatic dorsal artery through the left femoral artery. The main study outcome was the change in exogenous insulin requirements, which began to decrease 3 days after transplantation. At 3 months post-transplantation, the patient was insulin independent and remained so for 6.2 months. During a 36-month follow-up, the patient’s blood glucose remained under control and insulin treatment was readjusted to a dosage of 8 IU/day. These preliminary data suggest that amniotic membrane stem cell transplantation can improve islet-cell function in response to glucose in vivo, although an alternative explanation (such as a honeymoon period due to reduced glucose toxicity) also has to be considered.
The Role of Art in History and the Art of the Future
Authors: Seel Gerhard 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe main thesis of this paper is that art has an important role to play in the fulfillment of the promises of historical progress and that this progress is the necessary condition of the flourishing of the art of the future. We make progress in economic history because we improve the productivity of our labor by inventions and cooperation. Its aim is the liberation from the necessity of labor. However, the leisure time we thus gain has to be filled with meaningful activities. Here art has to play a central role.To show this I have to determine what art is. In my view, art is a close cousin of playing games. Arts and games have in fact a common ancestor: the feast. Both are executed freely according to self-invented rules. This explains why arts and games yield us extraordinary, quasi divine, pleasures.Therefore indulging in art and playing games allows us in the best possible way to fill our ever larger leisure time with meaningful activities. However, this role belongs to the art of the future, i.e. the art after the end of the history of art. I explain the features of this art and its role in my last chapter.
Role of Illness Perceptions and Medication Beliefs on Medication Compliance of Elderly Hypertensive Cohorts
Authors: Rajpura Jigar R. , Nayak Rajesh 
Published: July 2013

Background: Poor compliance with antihypertensive medications is one possible reason why its success in clinical trials has not been translated into everyday practice. In addition, medication noncompliance in elderly leads to increased hospitalizations, physician visits, and higher health care costs. Objective: The study assessed influence of illness perceptions and medications beliefs on medication compliance of elderly hypertensive cohorts. Method: A cross-sectional survey research design, utilizing self-administered health surveys, was adapted to address key study objectives. Conceptualized associations among the study variables were explored to assess their individual as well as their collective impact on the medication compliance. Result: A total of 78 (66%) study samples were found to be noncompliant with their medications. Analysis revealed that perceptions about illness and beliefs about medication jointly played a significant role in the prediction of medication compliance ( F = 5.966, P < .05; R2 = .212). Significant bivariate correlations were observed between Morisky’s test score versus Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire measure ( r = .332, P = .001), Beliefs of Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) differential score ( r = .301, P = .001), and BMQ components, such as specific necessity ( r = .250, P = .008), specific concern ( r = −.231, P = .001), and general overuse ( r = −.342, P = .001). Conclusion: The findings provide practical basis for designing interventions and programs aimed at compliance building in elderly populations having hypertension by incorporating the value and importance of patient perceptions of illness and medications in order to achieve desired patient outcomes.
Effect of HIV genotypic drug resistance testing on the management and clinical course of HIV-infected children and adolescents
Authors: Dehority W , Deville J G , Lujan-Zilbermann J , Spector S A , Viani R M 
Published: July 2013

Summary The clinical utility of genotypic drug resistance testing (DRT) in HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not well understood. HIV-infected patients aged <19 years undergoing DRT for virological failure were retrospectively enrolled. Indications for DRT and changes in HIV RNA load were recorded. Between January 2000 and December 2006, 57 patients had DRT. The most common indication for DRT was poor ART adherence (57.7% of patients). ART was changed in 50.9% of patients after DRT. Poor adherence was cited by clinicians for not changing ART significantly more often than any other reason (47.3%, P < 0.001). After DRT, significant improvement in HIV RNA load occurred independent of ART changes, though patients whose ART was modified were more likely to become undetectable (31.5% versus 7.0%, P < 0.001). Poor adherence was a significant factor for ordering DRT and for not changing ART in HIV-infected children.
Central pontine myelinolysis in advanced HIV infection with tuberculosis and multicentric Castleman's disease
Authors: Katchanov J , Branding G , Stocker H 
Published: July 2013

Summary We present a case of central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) in a patient with advanced HIV infection and miliary tuberculosis. While hospitalized the patient developed an unusual ataxic variant of CPM with full clinical recovery. Follow-up imaging revealed resolution of pontine lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a clinical and radiological recovery from CPM in advanced HIV disease. Our report extends our knowledge of neurological presentations in patients with advanced HIV infection. It highlights the importance of considering CPM in patients with advanced HIV disease presenting with an ataxic syndrome, even in the absence of an electrolyte derangement.
Outdoor adventure camps for people with mental illness
Authors: Cotton Sue , Butselaar Felicity 
Published: July 2013

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate a novel outdoor adventure camping program for individuals with mental illness. Method: The program was developed by YMCA Victoria in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria, and mental health service agencies. Orygen Youth Health Research Centre conducted the program evaluation. One hundred and eight individuals from mental health services across Victoria participated in 12 camps. Five camps targeted young people between the ages of 18 and 25 years. Seven camps were run for adults 26 years and older. Participants were assessed at baseline, end of camp, and four weeks following the camp in terms of self-esteem, mastery, and social connectedness. Quality of life was assessed at baseline and four weeks post-camp. Results: Participants demonstrated significant improvements in mastery, self-esteem and social connectedness from baseline to end of the camp; however, these improvements were not sustained by the four-week follow-up. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that utilizing the expertise of mental health services and a community recreation provider can benefit individuals experiencing mental illness. More research is required with respect to how to sustain these benefits over the longer term.
Pediatric onset multiple sclerosis: McDonald criteria 2010 and the contribution of spinal cord MRI
Authors: Hummel Hannah-Maria , Brück Wolfgang , Dreha-Kulaczewski Steffi , Gärtner Jutta , Wuerfel Jens 
Published: July 2013

Background: Diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria have not been sufficiently validated in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) despite differences in epidemiologic data and clinical disease courses between pediatric and adult MS. Objective: The objective of this paper is to evaluate the diagnostic applicability and validity of the revised McDonald diagnostic criteria 2010 in a large cohort of pediatric-onset MS patients (POMS) and compare them to previously recommended MRI-based classifications. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the contribution of spinal cord lesions to the revised McDonald criteria 2010. Methods: A cohort of 85 patients with definite MS, age at onset 2.8–18 years, was analyzed in a retrospective multicenter study. Number and regional distribution of T2w and contrast-enhancing T1w lesions at initial and follow-up MRIs were main outcome measures. Results: In 62% of POMS the initial MRI within four weeks after symptom onset was sufficient to diagnose MS according to the revised McDonald criteria 2010. In a subcohort of patients with spinal MRI at first presentation, 10% reached the dissemination in space (DIS) and dissemination in time (DIT) criteria only by the inclusion of contrast-enhancing spinal lesions. Conclusions: The revised McDonald criteria 2010 facilitate the diagnosis of POMS already at first presentation. The addition of a spinal cord MRI was helpful only in selected cases.
Functional assessment of the visual pathway with multifocal visual evoked potentials, and their relationship with disability in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Blanco Román , Pérez-Rico Consuelo , Puertas-Muñoz Inmaculada , Ayuso-Peralta Lucía , Boquete Luciano , Arévalo-Serrano Juan 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To objectively evaluate the visual function, and the relationship between disability and optic nerve dysfunction, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis (ON), using multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP). Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study assessed 28 consecutive patients with clinically definite MS, according to the McDonald criteria, and 19 age-matched healthy subjects. Disability was recorded using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. The patients’ mfVEP were compared to their clinical, psychophysical (Humphrey perimetry) and structural (optic coherence tomography (OCT)) diagnostic test data. Results: We observed a significant agreement between mfVEP amplitude and Humphrey perimetry/OCT in MS-ON eyes, and between mfVEP amplitude and OCT in MS but non-ON eyes. We found significant differences in EDSS score between patients with abnormal and normal mfVEP amplitudes. Abnormal mfVEP amplitude defects (from interocular and monocular probability analysis) were found in 67.9% and 73.7% of the MS-ON and MS-non-ON group eyes, respectively. Delayed mfVEP latencies (interocular and monocular probability analysis) were seen in 70.3% and 73.7% of the MS-ON and MS-non-ON groups, respectively. Conclusions: We found a significant relationship between mfVEP amplitude and disease severity, as measured by EDSS score, that suggested there is a role for mfVEP amplitude as a functional biomarker of axonal loss in MS.
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency: masked multimodal imaging assessment
Authors: Brod Staley A , Kramer Larry A , Cohen Alan M , Barreto Andrew D , Bui Thanh-Tung , Jemelka James R , Ton Kelly , Lindsey John W , Nelson Flavia , Narayana Ponnada A , Wolinsky Jerry S 
Published: July 2013

Background: Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) was implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: We evaluated neurosonography (NS), magnetic resonance venography (MRV), and transluminal venography (TLV) in subsets of MS patients drawn from a single-center, prospective, case-control study of 206 MS and 70 non-MS volunteers. Methods: As previously reported, findings on high-resolution B-mode NS imaging with color and spectral Doppler of the extracranial and intracranial venous drainage consistent with CCSVI were similar among MS and non-MS volunteers (3.88% vs 7.14%; p = 0.266). Ninety-nine MS participants consented to intravascular contrast-enhanced 3D MRV to assess their major systemic and intracranial venous circulation, and 40 advanced to TLV that included pressure measurements of the superior vena cava, internal jugular, brachiocephalic, and azygous veins. Results: NS findings and MRV patterns were discrepant for 26/98 evaluable subjects, including four with abnormal findings on NS that had normal venous anatomy by MRV. In no instance were TLV pressure gradients indicative of clinically significant functional stenosis encountered. The three imaging approaches provided generally consistent data with discrepancies referable to inherent technique properties. Conclusions: Our findings lend no support for altered venous outflow dynamics as common among MS patients, nor do they likely contribute to the disease process.