bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Muscle dysfunction and exercise limitation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Martínez-Llorens J. , Ramírez M. , Colomina M.J. , Bagó J. , Molina A. , Cáceres E. , Gea J. 
Published: August 2010

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can lead to ventilatory restriction, respiratory muscle weakness and exercise limitation. However, both the causes and the extent of muscle dysfunction remain unclear. The aim of our study is to describe muscle weakness and its relationship to lung function and tolerance to exercise in AIS patients.Lung and muscle function, together with exercise capacity, were assessed in 60 patients with pronounced spinal deformity (>40°) and in 25 healthy volunteers.Patients with AIS had only mild to moderate abnormal ventilatory patterns, the most frequent of which were restrictive abnormalities. The function of respiratory and limb muscles and exercise capacity were below normal limits in AIS patients, and were significantly lower than in controls. Exercise capacity was found to correlate with the function of inspiratory, expiratory, upper limb and lower limb muscles which, in addition, were reciprocally interrelated. Multivariate analysis showed that lower limb muscle function is the main contributor to exercise intolerance. There appeared to be no connection between spinal deformity and lung function, muscle function or exercise capacity.We conclude that AIS patients show generalised muscle dysfunction which contributes to the reduction in their exercise capacity, even in the absence of severe ventilatory impairment.
Health effects of a subway environment in healthy volunteers
Authors: Klepczyńska Nyström A. , Svartengren M. , Grunewald J. , Pousette C. , Rödin I. , Lundin A. , Sköld C.M. , Eklund A. , Larsson B-M. 
Published: August 2010

Environmental particle exposure, often estimated as the particulate mass of particles with a diameter <10 μm, <2.5 μm or <1 μm (PM10, PM2.5or PM1), is known to have a negative impact on the health of the population. Little is known about how the size and origin of particles influence the effects. We have previously shown that exposure to a road tunnel environment causes a cellular inflammatory response in the airways of healthy individuals. In the present study, our aim was to investigate potential airway health effects from exposure to a subway environment.20 healthy volunteers were exposed to a subway and a control environment for 2 h, followed by measurements of lung function and the inflammatory response in the lower airways (bronchoscopy) and in the peripheral blood.No cellular response was found in the airways after exposure to the subway environment. In the blood, we found a statistically significant increase in fibrinogen and regulatory T-cells expressing CD4/CD25/FOXP3.Subway and road tunnel environments have similar levels of PM10and PM2.5, whilst the concentrations of ultrafine particles, nitrogen monoxide and dioxide are lower in the subway. Although no cellular response was detected, the findings indicate a biological response to the subway environment. Our studies show that using gravimetric estimates of ambient particulate air pollution alone may have clear limitations in health-risk assessment.
Recovery of body composition improves long-term outcomes after lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema
Authors: Mineo D. , Ambrogi V. , Lauriola V. , Pompeo E. , Mineo T.C. 
Published: August 2010

Nutritional status deteriorates along with progression of emphysema, with the decline of body composition correlating with risk of disease-related events. Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), by improving respiratory function and recovering body composition, may influence long-term disease-related morbidity and mortality when compared to respiratory rehabilitation (RR).In this non-randomised study, 44 male patients with moderate-to-severe emphysema underwent LVRS, while 35 received RR. Respiratory parameters, body composition, number and time-to-occurrence of disease-related events were evaluated for 5 yrs.After LVRS, respiratory and nutritional parameters had significantly greater and longer lasting improvements than after RR. Disease-related events occurred later and less frequently after surgery than after rehabilitation, with better morbidity and mortality survival curves (p<0.01 and p<0.03, respectively). Body mass index (BMI) ≥23kg·m−2, BODE (BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity) index ≤2 and fat-free mass index (FFMI) ≥16kg·m−2at 1 yr were the best positive predictors of post-operative outcomes (p<0.03, p<0.04 and p<0.005, respectively). Reduction in residual volume at 36 months after surgery was significantly correlated with the increase of BMI (ρ= -0.56, p = 0.009) and FFMI (ρ= -0.64, p = 0.001).LVRS significantly and durably improved respiratory function and body composition over RR. Relationships among residual volume, BMI, FFMI and disease-related events suggest that recovery in respiratory dynamics improves nutritional status, thus significantly reducing long-term disease-related morbidity and mortality.
Effectiveness of systematic treatment selection for psychodynamic and cognitive–behavioural therapy: randomised controlled trial in routine mental healthcare
Authors: Watzke Birgit , Rüddel Heinz , Jürgensen Ralph , Koch Uwe , Kriston Levente , Grothgar Barbara , Schulz Holger 
Published: August 2010

BackgroundAlthough cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy (PDT) are both effective treatments for mental disorders, they show clear dissimilarities concerning their therapeutic models and treatment rationales.AimsTo determine the effectiveness of systematic treatment selection (STS) to CBT or PDT in a mental healthcare setting compared with a control procedure of random treatment selection (RTS).MethodA randomised controlled trial in a consecutive sample of 291 in-patients with at least one ICD–10 mental disorder was performed. The primary outcome was symptom severity (General Severity Index of the Symptom Checklist–14) at 6-month follow-up. Health-related quality of life was the secondary outcome, determined using the Short Form–8.ResultsAnalyses revealed no general effect for systematic treatment selection. However, there was a differential effect: systematic selection resulted in a better longer-term outcome for PDT, but not for CBT; STS–PDT patients showed a significantly larger reduction in symptom severity than RTS–PDT patients. This difference was not observed in CBT.ConclusionsSince systematic treatment selection seems to be able to optimise treatment outcome, at least for PDT, pursuing systematic treatment assignment strategies in mental healthcare settings is a worthwhile endeavour.
Associations of serious mental illness with earnings: results from the WHO World Mental Health surveys
Authors: Levinson Daphna , Lakoma Matthew D. , Petukhova Maria , Schoenbaum Michael , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Angermeyer Matthias , Borges Guilherme , Bruffaerts Ronny , de Girolamo Giovanni , de Graaf Ron , Gureje Oye , Haro Josep Maria , Hu Chiyi , Karam Aimee N. , Kawakami Norito , Lee Sing , Lepine Jean-Pierre , Browne Mark Oakley , Okoliyski Michail , Posada-Villa José , Sagar Rajesh , Viana Maria Carmen , Williams David R. , Kessler Ronald C. 
Published: August 2010

BackgroundBurden-of-illness data, which are often used in setting healthcare policy-spending priorities, are unavailable for mental disorders in most countries.AimsTo examine one central aspect of illness burden, the association of serious mental illness with earnings, in the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys.MethodThe WMH Surveys were carried out in 10 high-income and 9 low- and middle-income countries. The associations of personal earnings with serious mental illness were estimated.ResultsRespondents with serious mental illness earned on average a third less than median earnings, with no significant between-country differences (χ2(9) = 5.5–8.1, P = 0.52–0.79). These losses are equivalent to 0.3–0.8% of total national earnings. Reduced earnings among those with earnings and the increased probability of not earning are both important components of these associations.ConclusionsThese results add to a growing body of evidence that mental disorders have high societal costs. Decisions about healthcare resource allocation should take these costs into consideration.
Burden of psychiatric disorder in young adulthood and life outcomes at age 30
Authors: Gibb Sheree J. , Fergusson David M. , Horwood L. John 
Published: August 2010

BackgroundPsychiatric disorders are common during young adulthood and comorbidity is frequent. Individual psychiatric disorders have been shown to be associated with negative economic and educational outcomes, but few studies have addressed the relationship between the total extent of psychiatric disorder and life outcomes.AimsTo examine whether the extent of common psychiatric disorder between ages 18 and 25 is associated with negative economic and educational outcomes at age 30, before and after controlling for confounding factors.MethodParticipants were 987 individuals from the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a longitudinal study of a birth cohort of individuals born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1977 and followed to age 30. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between psychiatric disorder from age 18 to 25 and workforce participation, income and living standards, and educational achievement at age 30, before and after adjustment for confounding factors.ResultsThere were significant associations between the extent of psychiatric disorder reported between ages 18 and 25 and all of the outcome measures (all P<0.05). After adjustment for confounding factors, the associations between psychiatric disorder and workforce participation, income and living standards remained significant (all P<0.05), but the associations between psychiatric disorder and educational achievement were not significant (all P>0.10).ConclusionsAfter due allowance had been made for a range of confounding factors, psychiatric disorder between ages 18 and 25 was associated with reduced workforce participation, lower income and lower economic living standards at age 30.
Alternatives to standard acute in-patient care for people with mental disorders: from systematic description to evaluative research
Authors: Tansella Michele 
Published: August 2010

SummaryMany service users and professionals are not satisfied with current hospital care: they call for a safer and more friendly environment, with greater freedom and less social distance between staff and patients. Phase 2 of the Alternatives Study was designed to improve the evidence base for such residential alternatives. Findings suggest that offering a more acceptable environment increases satisfaction with treatment, although it does not improve the clinical outcome. This set of coordinated studies also suggest that we should listen (and talk) more to our patients, and make our style of working in hospital and community facilities less paternalistic.
Residential alternatives to acute in-patient care in England: satisfaction, ward atmosphere and service user experiences
Authors: Osborn David P. J. , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Johnson Sonia , Gilburt Helen , Byford Sarah , Leese Morven , Slade Mike 
Published: August 2010

BackgroundAlternatives to traditional in-patient services may be associated with a better experience of admission.AimsTo compare patient satisfaction, ward atmosphere and perceived coercion in the two types of service, using validated measures.MethodThe experience of 314 patients in four residential alternatives and four standard services were compared using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ), the Service Satisfaction Scale – Residential form (SSS–Res), the Ward Atmosphere Scale (WAS) and the Admission Experience Scale (AES).ResultsCompared with standard wards, service users from alternative services reported greater levels of satisfaction (mean difference CSQ 3.3, 95% CI 1.8 to 4.9; SSS–Res 11.4, 95% CI 5.0 to 17.7). On the AES, service users in alternatives perceived less coercion (mean difference –1.3, 95% CI –1.8 to –0.8) and having more ‘voice’ (mean difference 0.9, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.2). Greater autonomy, more support and less anger and aggression were revealed by WAS scores. Differences in CSQ and AES scores remained significant after multivariable adjustment, but SSS–Res results were attenuated, mainly by detention status.ConclusionsCommunity alternatives were associated with greater service user satisfaction and less negative experiences. Some but not all of these differences were explained by differences in the two populations, particularly in involuntary admission.
Uptake of mandatory outcome measures in mental health services
Authors: Jacobs Rowena , Moran Valerie 
Published: August 2010

Aims and methodThe collection of results of a specific outcome measure, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS), is mandatory for mental healthcare providers in the National Health Service in England. Not all providers collect HoNOS data and coverage varies widely. This paper explores, by means of interviews with clinicians and policy makers and econometric analysis of HoNOS data, the barriers and incentives to the uptake of HoNOS and outcomes more generally, and the key characteristics associated with providers who do undertake HoNOS.ResultsThe main barriers to the collection of outcomes involve a lack of adequate feedback mechanisms, a lack of perceived clinical relevance and poor information technology infrastructure. Econometric results show HoNOS collection is associated with providers who produce high-quality data.Clinical implicationsInitiatives should focus on putting systems in place to encourage feedback mechanisms for clinicians.
Supervised community treatment in Birmingham and Solihull: first 6 months
Authors: Evans Rob , Makala Jayaprakash , Humphreys Martin , Mohan Chitra R. N. 
Published: August 2010

Aims and methodTo describe the first 6 months of the newly introduced community treatment orders (CTOs) in Birmingham and Solihull mental health services; to establish a clearer picture of patterns of use and some early outcomes. Computerised note systems were used to collect a range of sociodemographic and clinical data using a specially designed data collection tool.ResultsWe observed higher than expected numbers of CTOs compared with previous use of Section 25 supervised discharge. Our results were consistent with international studies in showing that CTOs are typically used in males aged around 40 with a primary diagnosis of psychotic illness. Compared with the census population, Black and minority ethnic groups were overrepresented in our sample. There were high recorded rates of comorbid alcohol or substance misuse and violence. The majority of patients on CTOs were being followed up by community mental health teams or assertive outreach teams.Clinical implicationsIt is difficult to draw firm conclusions at this early stage of implementation. However, there are likely to be resource implications in view of the high numbers of CTOs applied compared with Section 25 discharge. Service providers, clinicians and commissioners need to ensure CTOs are backed up by high-quality care. Further research is required into the impact of CTOs on a range of outcomes and to understand differential rates of CTO across different ethnic groups.
Psychological Treatment for Adolescent Depression: Perspectives on the Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Hayes Louise , Bach Patricia A. , Boyd Candice P. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe objective of this review is to summarise the evidence for mindfulness and acceptance approaches in the treatment of adolescent depression. The article begins by summarising the outcomes of three broad approaches to the treatment of adolescent depression — primary prevention, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy — in order to advocate for advances in treatment. With regard to psychotherapy, we restrict this to comparisons of meta-analytic studies, in order to cover the breadth of the outcome literature. In the second half of this article, we introduce the reader to mindfulness and acceptance-based psychotherapy, with a particular focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the applicability with adolescents. We provide an overview of the philosophical arguments that underlie this approach to psychotherapy and consider how each of these might contribute to treatment approaches for adolescents with depression.
Modifiability of Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Agreeableness by Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Glinski Krystyna , Page Andrew C. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe study investigated if the degree of personality pathology among people with clinical levels of social anxiety disorder was similar to those with personality disorders more generally, if the degree of avoidant personality pathology was correlated positively with Neuroticism and negatively with Extraversion and facets of Agreeableness (particularly Trust), and finally if scores on the relevant personality dimensions improve from pre- to post-treatment. Changes in Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Agreeableness were examined following group treatment for social anxiety disorder. The current study employed a within-subjects repeated-measures design (N= 25) to investigate whether these traits can be changed by group treatment for social anxiety disorder. A measure of personality disorder pathology was found to correlate positively with Neuroticism and negatively with Agreeableness in the absence of significant relationships with other Five-Factor Model traits. Treatment was associated with significant reductions in Neuroticism and there was significant improvement of the Trust facet of Agreeableness. These results are discussed in terms of the way that group treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder may be enhanced.
The influence of robot anthropomorphism on the feelings of embarrassment when interacting with robots
Authors: Bartneck Christoph , Bleeker Timo , Bun Jeroen , Fens Pepijn , Riet Lynyrd 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Medical robots are expected to help with providing care in an aging society. The degree to which patients experience embarrassment in a medical examination might be influenced by the robots’ level of anthropomorphism. The results of our preliminary study show that young, healthy, Dutch university students were less embarrassed when interacting with a technical box than with a robot. Highly human-like robots might therefore not be the best choice for a medical robot. This result also shows that the robot was perceived as a person more so than the technical box. The next step is to compare the robot to a real nurse or doctor. If patients are less embarrassed when interacting with a robot, then, potentially, patients will be less likely to defer important medical examinations when carried out by medical robots.
A Streamlined Search Algorithm for Path Modifications of a Safe Robot Manipulator*
Authors: Najmaei Nima , Kermani Mehrdad R. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
In recent years, the interest in human-robot interactions has added a new dimension to the on-line path planning problem by requiring a method that guarantees a risk-free path. This paper presents a streamlined search algorithm for fast path modification. The algorithm is formulated as an optimization problem that evaluates alternative paths nearby each obstacle. Each path is evaluated based on the value of the danger assigned to that path. To reduce the size of the search space, the minimum number of via points necessary to alter the path is initially obtained using a geometrical method. Given the number of via points, the algorithm proceeds to locate the via points around the obstacle such that the resulting path through these via points satisfies all problem constraints. Obtaining a solution in this way renders a fast algorithm for path modification, while it better avoids problems often encountered in other gradient-based search algorithms. Case studies for two planar robots are provided to highlight some of the advantages of the proposed algorithm. Experimental results using a CRS-F3 robot manipulator validate the effectiveness of the algorithm for applications involving human-robot interactions.
Gene Polymorphisms as Markers of Disease Susceptibility
Authors: Novaković Ivana , Maksimović Nela , Cvetković Slobodan , Cvetković Dragana 
Published: August 2010

Gene Polymorphisms as Markers of Disease SusceptibilityThe most widespread diseases of modern man have a polygenic basis, including genetic predisposition and factors in the external environment. Such is the case with cardiovascular disease, malignancy, diabetes and so on. It should be borne in mind that risk factors usually include disorders that are themselves multifactorial, which further indicates the complexity of pathophysiological mechanisms. In the investigation of genetic factors in polygenic diseases studies are underway to determine the association with specific gene polymorphisms. Genetic or DNA polymorphisms are differences in the hereditary basis which are normally found in human populations. The human genome consists of 3×109nucleotide (base) pairs, and it is considered that, on average, every 1000th nucleotide is polymorphic, i.e. varies between two loci or two individuals. The most common type of gene polymorphisms is the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Although gene polymorphisms are an expression of normal variations in the hereditary basis, their effect on the phenotype is interesting, especially the association with proneness to certain diseases. Association studies examine the incidence of certain genetic variants, i.e. genetic polymorphisms in a group of patients, and compare it with the data of a healthy population. The results are often contradictory, so the number of polymorphisms whose role as markers of genetic predisposition has been clearly confirmed is still small. In this paper we review literature data and present experiences from our laboratory in studying genetic polymorphisms as susceptibility factors for the occurrence of thrombophilia and atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations.
DNA and histone deacetylases as targets for neuroblastoma treatment
Authors: Stiborová Marie , Poljaková Jitka , Eckschlager Tomáš , Kizek Rene , Frei Eva 
Published: August 2010

DNA and histone deacetylases as targets for neuroblastoma treatmentNeuroblastoma, a tumor of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, is the most frequent solid extra cranial tumor in children and is a major cause of death from neoplasia in infancy. Still little improvement in therapeutic options has been made, requiring a need for the development of new therapies. In our laboratory, we address still unsettled questions, which of mechanisms of action of DNA-damaging drugs both currently use for treatment of human neuroblastomas (doxorubicin, cis-platin, cyclophosphamide and etoposide) and another anticancer agent decreasing growth of neuroblastomasin vitro, ellipticine, are predominant mechanism(s) responsible for their antitumor action in neuroblastoma cell linesin vitro.Because hypoxia frequently occurs in tumors and strongly correlates with advanced disease and poor outcome caused by chemoresistance, the effects of hypoxia on efficiencies and mechanisms of actions of these drugs in neuroblastomas are also investigated. Since the epigenetic structure of DNA and its lesions play a role in the origin of human neuroblastomas, pharmaceutical manipulation of the epigenome may offer other treatment options also for neuroblastomas. Therefore, the effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on growth of neuroblastoma and combination of these compounds with doxorubicin, cis-platin, etoposide and ellipticine as well as mechanisms of such effects in human neuroblastona cell linesin vitroare also investigated. Such a study will increase our knowledge to explain the proper function of these drugs on the molecular level, which should be utilized for the development of new therapies for neuroblastomas.