bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suturing and tying knots assisted by a surgical robot system in laryngeal MIS
Authors: Wang Huijuan , Wang Shuxin , Ding Jienan , Luo Haifeng 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYSuturing and tying knots assisted by surgical robot systems are complicated and time-consuming tasks in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). It is almost impossible to perform these operations in laryngeal MIS because motions of the end-effectors are greatly confined by a narrow and long laryngoscope tube. This paper presents the robot-assisted operations of suturing and knot-tying in a laryngeal surgery under a self-retaining laryngoscope, which has a greatly confined workspace. In order to use robot assistance to perform the suturing and knot-tying tasks in such a workspace, an appropriate suturing path is planned. The suturing path planning is completed based on a knot-tying algorithm called the bending-twisting knot-tying (BTKT). A robot system for laryngeal MIS called MicroHand III is designed. The kinematical model of the system is developed in the paper. The simulation and experimental results have shown that suturing and knot-tying assisted by MicroHand III system are successful.
Aichi virus infection in children with acute gastroenteritis in Finland
Authors: KAIKKONEN S. , RÄSÄNEN S. , RÄMET M. , VESIKARI T. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYAichi virus has been proposed as a novel causative agent of acute gastroenteritis. In addition to several Asian countries, South America and Africa, Aichi virus has also recently been found in Europe. Our objective was to study the causative role of Aichi virus in children with acute gastroenteritis in Finland. We analysed 595 stool specimens from infants in an efficacy trial of rotavirus vaccine and 468 stool specimens from children in a hospital-based epidemiological and aetiological study of acute gastroenteritis. The screening was done by nested reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction amplifying a 519-bp segment and a 223-bp segment in the 3CD junction region of non-structural proteins. Aichi virus was detected in five stool samples (0·5%), of which four were co-infections with other gastroenteritis viruses. Two Aichi virus genotypes, A and B, were found. Aichi virus appears to be rare in children with acute gastroenteritis in Finland.
Staphylococcus aureus community-onset pneumonia in patients admitted to children's hospitals during autumn and winter of 2006–2007
Authors: KALLEN A. J. , REED C. , PATTON M. , ARNOLD K. E. , FINELLI L. , HAGEMAN J. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYStaphylococcus aureus is a relatively uncommon cause of community-onset pneumonia (COP) that may complicate influenza infection. We reviewed admissions to children's hospitals to describe more systematically this entity. Records of patients hospitalized at three children's hospitals between 1 October 2006 and 30 April 2007 who had a positive S. aureus culture from a sterile site or respiratory specimen were reviewed and data were abstracted for episodes of primary S. aureus COP. Overall, 30 episodes met criteria for primary S. aureus COP; 12 (41%) involved methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Patients in 11 (37%) episodes were seen by a healthcare provider for their symptoms prior to hospital admission; three received an antimicrobial, none of which had activity against the S. aureus isolated. Mechanical ventilation was required in 21 (70%) episodes; five (17%) patients died. When evaluating patients with severe COP, providers should be aware of the potential for S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains.
Ethnic Identification, Social Disadvantage, and Mental Health in Adolescence/Young Adulthood: Results of a 25 Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Marie Dannette , Fergusson David M. , Boden Joseph M. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To examine the role of cultural identity and social disadvantage/childhood adversity in a birth cohort of 984 young people studied to the age of 25. Methods: Data were gathered on mental health, cultural identification, socioeconomic factors and childhood adversity as part of a longitudinal study of a New Zealand birth cohort (the Christchurch Health and Development Study). Results: Those with sole Māori identity had rates of disorder that were 1.28-fold higher than those of non-Māori; those of Māori/other identity had rates of disorder that were 1.57-fold higher than non-Māori. Regression analyses suggested that the elevated rates of mental disorder among Māori were largely explained by their higher exposure to socioeconomic disadvantage and childhood adversity. But even after adjustment, being of sole Māori identity was a protective factor that reduced rates of mental disorder among Māori. Conclusions: Risk and protective factors associated with the mental health of young Māori involve an interplay between levels of exposure to social disadvantage/childhood adversity and cultural identity, with secure cultural identity being a factor that may mitigate the effects of exposure to adversity.
Maternal Attitudes in Pregnancy Predict Drinking Initiation in Adolescence
Authors: Hutchinson Delyse M. , Alati Rosa , Najman Jake M. , Mattick Richard P. , Bor William , O'Callaghan Michael , Williams Gail M. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine whether maternal attitudes to pregnancy and infant caregiving predict drinking initiation in adolescence. Method: Data were used from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy, an Australian longitudinal study of mothers and their children from pregnancy to when the children were 14years. Logistic regression analyses examined whether maternal attitudes to pregnancy and infant caregiving at birth and 6months contributed to the prediction of drinking initiation at age 14, after controlling for a range of confounding covariates. Results: Mother's negative feelings about being pregnant and not planning/wanting the pregnancy predicted adolescent alcohol initiation at the 14year follow up. Negative maternal attitudes to infant caregiving at birth and 6months did not predict adolescent alcohol initiation. Conclusions: Maternal attitudes in pregnancy are important and there is a need for effective perinatal interventions.
Childhood Maltreatment in Patients With Somatization Disorder
Authors: Spitzer Carsten , Barnow Sven , Gau Kay , Freyberger Harald J. , Grabe Hans Joergen 
Published: December 2009

Objective: There is converging evidence indicating a close association between trauma, particularly childhood trauma, and adult somatization, but studies using both structured interviews and self-report measures to assess childhood adversities in patients with somatization disorder are scarce. Methods: A total of 28 patients (82% women, mean age=41.7±10.1years) meeting DSM-IV criteria for somatization disorder as confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, Axis I (SCID-I) underwent the Structured Trauma Interview (STI) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The comparison group consisted of 28 patients with major depression, but without a lifetime diagnosis of somatization disorder matched for gender and age. Results: Univariate analyses of both the STI and the CTQ data showed that somatizing patients had been exposed to childhood sexual and physical abuse significantly more often than major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. In logistic regression analysis with somatization disorder as the dependent variable, sexual abuse emerged as the only significant predictor, and the odds of having been sexually abused were ninefold higher in patients with somatization disorders relative to MDD subjects (odds ratio=9.39; 95% confidence interval=1.73–50.96). There were no differences between somatizing and depressed participants with respect to other types of maltreatment. Conclusion: Childhood sexual abuse is an important factor in the multifactorial aetiopathogenesis of somatization disorder. Diagnostic and therapeutic implications are discussed.
Impact of Lifetime Subthreshold Depression and Major Depression Before Internship on Psychopathology and Quality of Life in Korean Interns: 6 Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: Hwang Jun-Won , Hahm Bong-Jin , Kwon Sung-Tack , Kim Kyu-Han , Lee Jeong-Ryul 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influences of lifetime subthreshold depression and major depression before internship on the changes in psychopathology and subjective quality of life during internship. Method: A total of 151 interns at Seoul National University Hospital completed questionnaires including World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Instrument, Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) twice at an interval of 6 months. Their lifetime diagnosis of depression before internship was made using the Korean version of Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Modified Form for Self-Administration. Results: Significant changes over time were detected including total score in the BDI and the Somatization, Depression, Anxiety, and Phobic Anxiety dimension scores in the SCL-90-R as well as all four domain scores in WHOQOL-BREF. In addition, in all scores except Somatization dimension score, group difference existed. Post-hoc comparisons showed that interns without lifetime depression were significantly different from those with lifetime subthreshold depression and those with lifetime major depression. Conclusions: Even a subthreshold-level, lifetime depression before internship has an adverse effect on the psychopathology and the subjective quality of life during internship. Therefore, earlier detection, monitoring, and management of this population would be needed throughout the intern year and beyond.
Partial Compliance With Antipsychotic Medication is Common in Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Rummel-Kluge Christine , Schuster Tibor , Peters Stefan , Kissling Werner 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Partial compliance with antipsychotic medication increases relapse and rehospitalization rates in patients with schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to assess the frequency of and factors contributing to partial compliance. Method: During a 10 day period in June 2004 psychiatrists working in hospitals or in private practices in Germany were asked to participate in a compliance survey. Physicians were requested to evaluate the compliance in 10 patients with schizophrenia using a questionnaire consisting of 10 questions. The frequency of unintentional and intentional partial compliance as well as patient-related contributing factors were assessed. Unintentional partial compliance was defined as the lack of drug intake on any day during the past month. Demographic data of participants were collected. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and generalized estimation equation models. Results: The psychiatrists (n=699) regarded 68% of the evaluated patients (n=5729) as unintentionally partially compliant within the last month. Sixty-nine per cent of the patients were considered intentionally partially compliant in the past. The most frequently assessed patient-related factors contributing to the partial compliance were lack of insight into the need for prophylactic medication (68%), lack of insight/denial of illness (66%/63%), feeling embarrassed at taking medication every day (62%), needing someone to remind them to take their medication (62%), cognitive problems (55%), and living conditions inappropriate for compliance (46%). Conclusions: Partial compliance is a common problem in schizophrenia. Strategies to improve partial compliance derived from the contributing factors identified in the present study may include regular telephone reminders by case managers or families, adequate support in the patients’ environment, use of dosette boxes, rationalizing drug regimens (e.g. once-daily dosage, monotherapy, depot medication), and psychoeducation.
Psychosocial Factors Associated With Broadly Defined Bulimia Nervosa During Early Pregnancy: Findings from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Knoph Berg Cecilie , Bulik Cynthia M. , Von Holle Ann , Torgersen Leila , Hamer Robert , Sullivan Patrick , Reichborn-Kjennerud Ted 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between psychosocial characteristics and broadly defined bulimia nervosa during early pregnancy, including factors associated with continuation, incidence and remission. Method: A total of 41 157 women completed questionnaires at approximately gestation week 18, including items on eating disorders and psychosocial characteristics as a part of Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Results: Incident bulimia nervosa during the first trimester was significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression and low self-esteem and life satisfaction, whereas remission was significantly associated with higher self-esteem and life satisfaction. Continuation was not significantly related to any of the psychosocial variables tested. Conclusion: Onset of bulimia nervosa during pregnancy is associated with mood and anxiety symptoms. Remission of bulimic symptoms and new onset of bulimia nervosa are associated with opposite profiles of self-esteem, and life satisfaction measures.
Relationships Between Cognitive Deficits, Symptoms and Quality of Life in Schizophrenia
Authors: Savilla Kara , Kettler Lisa , Galletly Cherrie 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Schizophrenia is a complex disorder characterized by impairment in a number of domains, all of which contribute to disability. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between cognitive function, symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in schizophrenia. Method: This cross-sectional study measured cognition, positive and negative symptom severity, and quality of life (measured with the Quality of Life Scale) in 57 outpatients with schizophrenia. Correlations between the different measures were sought. Multiple regression analyses were used to develop models of the contributions of cognitive deficits and symptomatology to QOL. Results: More severe positive and negative symptoms and cognitive impairment each correlated with poorer QOL. There was a moderate association between negative symptoms and cognition and a small association between positive symptoms and cognition. Age, gender, and drug and alcohol abuse did not significantly predict QOL. In the multiple regression analysis, entering the total cognition and total symptom scores produced a model that accounted for an additional 57% of the variance in QOL. Conclusions: Improving quality of life for people with schizophrenia requires that positive and negative symptoms and cognition are each addressed as separate domains of impairment. But, given that these account for only 57% of the variance in QOL, other factors such as unemployment, poverty, social isolation and stigma may also be important.
Suicide in Psychiatric Patients: Case–Control Study in Singapore
Authors: Yew Thong Jiunn , Hc Su Alex , Huak Chan Yiong , Hock Chia Boon 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Persons with psychiatric illness, especially depression and schizophrenia, are at relatively high risk of suicide, but there are few studies that look at the Asian population. The aim of the present study was to identify the risk period and risk factors for suicide in psychiatric patients in Singapore. The nature of psychiatric care that was provided, both inpatient and outpatient, was also explored. Method: This is a case–control study of 123 patients who committed suicide from 2003 to 2004. Controls were 123 surviving patients who were individually matched for age, gender, principal diagnosis and calendar time. Results: The most common principal diagnoses among the suicide subjects were schizophrenia (46.3%) and depression (26.8%). Numerous factors were associated with significantly increased suicide risk. Stepwise conditional logistic regression showed that the following three independent factors best predicted suicide: history of attempted suicide using highly lethal means; coexisting significant physical illness; and delusions. Suicides occur mainly soon after discharge and after an outpatient consult. Subgroup analyses were done to distinguish between subjects who suicided early and late following discharge. Conclusions: Suicidal risk remains high in Singaporean psychiatric patients soon after discharge. They share some common risk factors for suicide identified in Western studies but the lower prevalence of substance abuse and comorbidity in Singaporean suicide subjects was one notable difference. The phenomena of suicides soon after discharge and outpatient review suggest the need for proper identification and more intensive follow up during this period.
Traumatic Memories: Bridging the Gap Between Functional Neuroimaging and Psychotherapy
Authors: Peres Julio F. P. , McFarlane Alexander , Nasello Antonia G. , Moores Kathryn A. 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Neuroimaging studies have highlighted important issues related to structural and functional brain changes found in sufferers of psychological trauma that may influence their ability to synthesize, categorize, and integrate traumatic memories. Methods: Literature review and critical analysis and synthesis. Results: Traumatic memories are diagnostic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the dual representation theory posits separate memory systems subserving vivid re-experiencing (non-hippocampally dependent) versus declarative autobiographical memories of trauma (hippocampally dependent). But the psychopathological signs of trauma are not static over time, nor is the expression of traumatic memories. Multiple memory systems are activated simultaneously and in parallel on various occasions. Neural circuitry interaction is a crucial aspect in the development of a psychotherapeutic approach that may favour an integrative translation of the sensory fragments of the traumatic memory into a declarative memory system. Conclusion: The relationship between neuroimaging findings and psychological approaches is discussed for greater efficacy in the treatment of psychologically traumatized patients.
‘Stealing Me from Myself’: Identity and Recovery in Personal Accounts of Mental Illness
Authors: Wisdom Jennifer P. , Bruce Kevin , Auzeen Saedi Goal , Weis Teresa , Green Carla A. 
Published: December 2009

Objectives: To understand and promote recovery from serious mental illnesses, it is important to study the perspectives of individuals who are coping with mental health problems. The aim of the present study was to examine identity-related themes in published self-narratives of family members and individuals with serious mental illness. It adds to the body of research addressing how identity affects the process of recovery and identifies potential opportunities for using published narratives to support individuals as they move toward positive identities that facilitate recovery. Method: Forty-five personal accounts from individuals with severe mental illness, which were published in two prominent research journals between 1998 and 2003, were qualitatively analysed. Results: Individuals with mental illness and their family members described a loss of self and identity that had to be overcome, or at least managed, for recovery to become possible. Writers described (i) a loss of self, (ii) the duality of (ill/well) selves, (iii) perceptions of normality, (iv) specific concerns about parenting and identity, and (v) hope and reconciliation. Conclusions: Individuals’ stories of their experiences of severe mental illness describe severe challenges managing identity. Efforts to publish personal accounts that focus on strengths-based patient-centred stories, rather than on deficits, could be helpful to provide hope for patients. These published narratives highlight the importance of moving recovery and hope to the forefront among patient, family, and clinician groups. Increasing such information and role models can provide important resources to individuals working to redefine themselves and create a sense of self-worth and stable identity that will support productive, happy lives.
Correlates of Delusion-Like Experiences in a Non-Psychotic Community Sample
Authors: Varghese Daniel , Scott James , McGrath John 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Several large population-based studies have reported that otherwise-well individuals endorse items related to delusion-like experiences. The aim of the present study was to examine selected correlates of delusion-like experiences in a sample of non-psychotic individuals. Method: Subjects (n=310) were screened with the Diagnostic Interview for Psychosis in order to exclude psychotic disorders. Delusion-like experiences were assessed with the Peters Delusional Inventory (PDI). Non-parametric statistics were used to assess the relationship between total PDI score and a range of demographic (age, sex, migrant status, paternal age), physical (minor physical anomalies) symptom-related variables (hallucinations, awareness of thought disorder) and family history of mental illness. Results: The median (range) PDI score was 4 (0–26), while one-third of the subjects endorsed seven or more items. The presence of a family history of any psychiatric condition was significantly correlated with a higher PDI score. PDI score was significantly positively correlated with endorsement of hallucinations and awareness of thought disorder. PDI was not significantly associated with sex, family history of schizophrenia, paternal age, migrant status nor scores related to minor physical anomalies. There was a trend level association between younger age and higher PDI score. Conclusion: Delusion-like experiences are relatively common in non-psychotic individuals. The association with a family history of mental disorders provides clues to the mechanisms underlying the profile of delusion-like experience.
Suicide, Misappropriation and Impulsivity
Authors: Cheah Danny , Schmitt Gerhard , Pridmore Saxby 
Published: December 2009

Objective: To describe a patient who survived a suicidal act in which lethal means were used and who subsequently cooperated with psychiatric examination. Method: Case report. Results: A 22-year-old man jumped from a bridge into the water 49m below and survived. He was admitted to hospital for assessment. No psychiatric diagnosis could be made on either Axis I or II. He had misappropriated money and lost it gambling, and detection was imminent. He described his jumping as being the result of a sudden impulse. While he was falling he changed his mind and assumed an appropriate diving posture with the intention of preventing his death. Conclusions: This is an example of a person performing a highly lethal suicide act, in the absence of Axis I or II disorder. Threat of disgrace and possible prosecution; and impulsivity were significant factors.