bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating Cognitive-behavioural and Interpersonal Approaches in a Group Program for the Eating Disorders: Measuring Effectiveness in a Naturalistic Setting
Authors: Crafti Naomi A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA group treatment program, designed for post-adolescent women with a range of eating problems, was developed, implemented, evaluated and then transported to a different treatment setting to test its effectiveness. The treatment program was aimed at overcoming some of the difficulties traditionally associated with clinical trial treatment protocols. In particular, the inclusion of sub-clinical and comorbid clients, the integration of two empirically validated theoretical approaches (cognitive-behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy), and the implementation of the program in both a generalist outpatient clinic staffed by postgraduate counselling students and a hospital specialist clinic, enabled treatment outcome to be assessed under more naturalistic conditions. Twenty-eight women (Mean age = 33 years), met in six small groups at the University clinic, and completed the 10-week group program, which incorporated both cognitive-behavioural and interpersonal components. Outcome was determined by measures of behaviour change, changes in eating psychopathology and measures of general psychopathology. In addition, treatment generalisability was assessed by running the group program in an alternative setting, with an additional 12 clients, led by two clinically trained therapists. Group data indicated improvement on most outcome measures at both posttreatment and follow-up, for treated clients (in both settings) relative to a waiting-list control group. The variables which were most affected by treatment, however, were not necessarily those specifically targeted by the intervention. The results demonstrate the need to gather empirical data on psychotherapy as it is actually practiced, with a broad range of clients, therapists and using integrated treatment approaches.
Where are the Women in End-of-Life Research?
Authors: Allen Felicity 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis article reviews research on attitudes towards, and the practice of, hastening death. The central aim of this review is to elucidate what is known about the role played by gender in shaping the behaviours of people in the diverse roles of healthcare provider, carer, and patient. It is concluded that, on the whole, researchers have neglected to acknowledge gender differences in the experience of dying. Also lacking is carefully conducted research which is contextualised so that the dying person is better understood as a member of society rather than an isolated individual.
Insights into Women's Experiences of Hospital Stays: Perceived Control, Powerlessness and Satisfaction
Authors: Polimeni Anne-Maree , Moore Susan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractUnderstanding the psychosocial experiences of women as hospital patients is an important step in assessing the relationship to healthy outcomes of patients' perceived experiences of power and control in hospital. Accordingly, the aims of this study of 124 adult women were (a) to document women's psychosocial experiences during a hospital stay, and (b) to develop and psychometrically evaluate a scale to measure perceived control over treatment, management and daily routine during a hospital stay (Perceived Control in Hospital Scale; PCHS). Women who had experienced a hospital stay of at least one night were surveyed. The qualitative section of the study involved thematic analysis of the written or oral comments of 10 women concerning psychosocial aspects of their hospital experience. Results indicated that the PCHS comprised three factors describing patients' perceptions of their hospital stay: Respect/Communication, Lack of Dignity, and Day-to-Day Control. The survey results showed that although the majority of the women were satisfied with the psychosocial aspects of being an in-patient, there was a substantial core of perceived powerlessness. A significant proportion of women indicated that they either felt “not listened to”, experienced loss of dignity, or experienced unnecessary loss of day-to-day control.
The Relative Contributions of Negative Cognitions and Self-efficacy to Severity of Panic Attacks in Panic Disorder
Authors: Richards Jeffrey C. , Richardson Vanessa , Pier Ciaran 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the degree to which fearful and catastrophic cognitions, and self-efficacy for managing panic predicted various panic attack characteristics in panic disorder. The cognitive variables consisted of anxiety sensitivity, the frequency of fearful agoraphobic cognitions and measures of catastrophic misinterpretation of symptoms. The panic parameters were number and severity of panic symptoms, distress associated with panic attacks, worry about future panics, duration of panic disorder, and life interference due to panic disorder. These variables were measured in 40 people with panic disorder, 31 of whom also had significant agoraphobia. The frequency of fearful agoraphobic cognitions was the strongest predictor of panic attack symptomatology, predicting number of symptoms, symptom severity and degree of anticipatory fear of panic. Catastrophic misinterpretation of symptoms and anxiety sensitivity did not independently predict any panic parameters. Only self-efficacy for managing the rapid build-up of panic symptoms was specifically related to panic severity. The results therefore suggest that cognitive behaviour therapy for panic symptoms in panic disorder should reduce fearful cognitions rather than focus on panic coping strategies. The results offer little support for the contribution of the expectancy or catastrophic misinterpretation theories to the maintenance of panic disorder.
Depression, Anxiety and Self-esteem: A Clinical Field Study
Authors: Nisbet Wallis Denise A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Group Program at Central Coast Mental Health Specialty Clinics includes treatments for generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and depression. This study provides empirical validation for hypotheses developed in clinical controlled studies; that is, that cognitive-behaviour therapy provided benefits in the treatment of anxiety and depression in a service setting. This would be reflected in decreases in the symptoms of anxiety and depression and increased self-esteem. Participants (N = 139) were referred to Specialty Clinics, Central Coast Mental Health Services for treatment for depression and/or anxiety in CBT groups. They were tested on the BDI, STAI and the SERS at three time points, prior to entering the group, at termination of the group and at 3-month follow-up. Depression and anxiety symptoms decreased and self-esteem increased between pre- and post-group and the trends continued to 3-month follow-up.
Reliability and Factor Structure of the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory for Australian Adolescents
Authors: Sneed Carl D. , Gullone Eleonora , Moore Susan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis study evaluated the reliability and factor structure of the NEO Five-factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) among a sample of Australian adolescents (N = 459). With the exception of openness, the factors had good internal consistency. Item-level factor analyses using varimax and oblique rotation were used to examine the factor structure of the NEO-FFI. Visual inspection of the factor structures revealed a pattern that gave preliminary support for the five-factor model. However, statistical indices for factor structure did not support a five-factor model. Items for Conscientiousness and Neuroticism had the highest factor loadings and the fewest conflicting cross-loadings on the other factors. The discussion focuses on the importance of external validation of the traits from the five-factor model with other behavioural indicators.
A Comparison of Checking-related Beliefs in Individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Normal Controls
Authors: Overton Sarah M. , Menzies Ross G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe potential roles of perceived danger, responsibility, thought-action fusion, confidence in memory, intolerance of uncertainty and need to control one's thoughts in mediating compulsive checking were examined. Belief ratings were obtained from 21 individuals with compulsive checking concerns and 21 nonclinical controls about the most prominent checking concern of each individual with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), with controls being yoked to individuals with OCD on the basis of gender and age. If control participants and individuals with OCD have some similar beliefs regarding, for example, locking their front door, then it follows that those beliefs are unlikely to be mediating or driving the disorder. Large and significant differences were found between sufferers of OCD and nonclinical controls on ratings of beliefs concerning the probability and severity of harm, intolerance of uncertainty and the need to control thoughts. However, no differences were found between individuals with OCD checking concerns and nonclinical controls in ratings of beliefs concerning perceived personal responsibility, thought-action fusion (TAF) and confidence in memory. The findings concerning personal responsibility are of particular interest and suggest that perceptions of harm or a negative outcome may be a necessary precursor to perceptions of responsibility and the decision to act.
Using Self-generated Feedback for Generalising and Maintaining Staff Performance in a Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Arco Lucius 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine whether a low cost self-generated feedback procedure was sufficient for generalising and maintaining staff performance. Two staff members were trained to implement a communication skills program with a client with severe closed head injuries. Staff were first trained to perform competently via written instructions, videotaped models, discussion, and on-the-job supervisory feedback. Posttraining conditions consisted of staff continuing with recording and graphing gains in client skills, or rating their own performance (i.e., they continued with self-generated feedback). A multiple baseline design across client skills and staff was used to observe generalised effects on staff performance (prompts and positive consequences) and client skills. Results show that after staff attained competency, and without further supervisory feedback, their performance generalised to topographically similar performance, and the staff member who consistently participated in the study maintained her performance for 16 weeks.
The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale: A Psychometric Investigation with Australian Youth
Authors: de Ross Raelene L. , Gullone Eleonora , Chorpita Bruce F. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) is a 47-item self-report measure intended to assess children's symptoms corresponding to selected DSM-IV anxiety and major depressive disorders. The scale comprises six subscales (e.g., Separation Anxiety Disorder; Social Phobia; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Panic Disorder; Generalised Anxiety Disorder; and Major Depressive Disorder). To date, only one normative study of youth has been published with results providing strong initial support for the reliability and validity of this new measure (Chorpita, Yim, Moffitt, Umemoto, & Francis, 2000). The present investigation provides additional psychometric data derived from an Australian sample comprising 405 youth aged 8 to 18 years. In general, the data were found to be consistent with those reported in the initial normative study. Internal consistency for the overall scale and its subscales was found to be adequate. Good convergent validity was demonstrated through moderate to strong correlations between the subscales of the RCADS with scores on the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Confirmatory factor analysis suggested reasonable fit for the six-factor model by Chorpita et al. (2000). Notwithstanding the need for additional validation, it is concluded that the RCADS is a promising instrument for use in both clinical and research settings.
Danger Expectancies, Self-efficacy and Subjective Anxiety as Mediators of Avoidance Behaviour in Spider Phobia
Authors: Gilroy Lisa J. , Kirkby Kenneth C. , Daniels Brett A. , Menzies Ross G. , Montgomery Iain M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractForty-five participants diagnosed with specific phobia (spiders) gave ratings of subjective anxiety, self-efficacy and the probability of being bitten or injured by a spider while completing a behavioural avoidance test involving exposure to a live spider. Testing was performed before and after treatment and at a 3-month follow-up. Results indicated that subjective anxiety was a more useful predictor of avoidance behaviour than self-efficacy. Danger expectancies in relation to being bitten and/or injured by a spider were not found to be a significant cognitive symptom in the majority of spider phobia sufferers during the behavioural avoidance test with a live spider. Methodological factors that may account for the low reporting of danger-related cognitions in the present study are discussed.
Motivational Interviewing: Enhancing Engagement in Treatment for Mental Health Problems
Authors: Baker Amanda , Hambridge John 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMotivational interviewing has been employed extensively and successfully among people with alcohol and other drug problems in order to enhance involvement in treatment and to reduce substance use. Despite clear commonalities in motivating people with mental health problems to recognise their problem and adhere to treatment, motivational interviewing has not been widely adopted by mental health professionals, largely due to the separation of mental health versus substance use services. The existing evidence for the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in improving engagement in treatment for mental health problems is reviewed. It is recommended that, based on the evidence available, motivational interviewing should be applied to people with mental health problems as well as those with substance-related problems to enhance treatment engagement, retention and response. Guidelines for its application are suggested.
Developmental Antecedents of Clinical Anxiety in Childhood
Authors: Rapee Ronald M. , Szollos Agnes A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn a retrospective recall study, mothers of 102 clinically anxious children (7–16 years) and 76 nonclinical comparison children completed questionnaires describing several aspects of their child's early life. There were no differences between the groups on several aspects of development such as age of walking, talking and toilet training. However, mothers of anxious children reported a significantly greater number of birth complications, difficulties in the first year, early fears, and general settling difficulties. There were few differences found between anxiety disorders except that children with social phobia were more likely to be first born and tended to spend less time in day care, while children with separation anxiety disorder experienced more stressful life events. The results are described as preliminary evidence for the possible role of several factors in the development of anxiety that now require more detailed investigation.
Skills-based Treatment for Alexithymia: An Exploratory Case Series
Authors: Kennedy Mataji , Franklin John 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper describes a skills-based intervention for the treatment of alexithymia. The intervention incorporates components to address the following three areas: the relationship between alexithymia and early life experiences, identifying feelings and expressing feelings. The efficacy of the intervention was explored using three individual case studies extending over 16–24 weekly 1-hour sessions. A number of questionnaires were administered at five time intervals. The results suggest that the treatment was effective in reducing alexithymia within the three individuals and in helping them to clarify, identify and describe their feelings. Following treatment the participants were less ambivalent about expressing their feelings and more attentive to their emotional states. The results were generally maintained at a 1-year follow-up for two of the three cases.
Long-acting somatostatin analogues are an effective treatment for type 1 gastric carcinoid tumours
Authors: Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Kaltsas Gregory , Gur Chamutal , Gal Eyal , Thomas Dimitrios , Fichman Susana , Alexandraki Krystallenia , Barak Dganit , Glaser Benjamin , Shimon Ilan , Gross David J 
Published: July 2008

BackgroundGastric carcinoid tumours type 1 (GCA1) originate from hyperplastic enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells secondary to hypergastrinaemia. Treatment with somatostatin analogues (SSA) might impede ECL-cell hyperplasia by suppressing gastrin secretion and/or by a direct anti-proliferative effect on ECL cells. We conducted a multicentre prospective study to assess the effects of long-acting SSA on hypergastrinaemia and ECL-cell proliferation in patients with GCA1.MethodsWe studied 15 patients with GCA1 treated with monthly long-acting release octreotide (LAR) (20–30 mg; n=14) or Lanreotide 90 mg (n=1) for at least 6 months. Patients had serum gastrin and chromogranin A measurements performed and biopsies taken from both tumours and surrounding mucosa before, and every 6–12 months following treatment. Sections were immunostained for neuroendocrine markers. The cell proliferation index Ki-67, intensity of staining before and after treatment and the degree of gastric wall invasion were also assessed.ResultsAll patients tolerated treatment well (mean follow-up of 18 months). In 11 patients (73%), a complete disappearance of the tumours at 1 year of treatment was observed on endoscopy, while in three patients (20%), the tumours decreased significantly in number and size. Gastrin levels normalized in 25% of patients, and were reduced by more than 80% in the remaining 75%.ConclusionsTreatment with SSAs in GCA1 leads to a substantial tumour load reduction, with a concomitant decrease of serum gastrin levels. Our data indicate an important anti-proliferative effect of SSA on ECL cells, providing clinical benefit and obviating, at least temporarily, the need for invasive therapies for GCA1.
Identification of Amino Acid Residues in the Catalytic Domain of RNase E Essential for Survival of Escherichia coli: Functional Analysis of DNase I Subdomain
Authors: Shin Eunkyoung , Go Hayoung , Yeom Ji-Hyun , Won Miae , Bae Jeehyeon , Han Seung Hyun , Han Kook , Lee Younghoon , Ha Nam-Chul , Moore Christopher J , Sohlberg Björn , Cohen Stanley N , Lee Kangseok 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
RNase E is an essential Escherichia coli endoribonuclease that plays a major role in the decay and processing of a large fraction of RNAs in the cell. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of RNase E action, we performed a genetic screen for amino acid substitutions in the catalytic domain of the protein (N-Rne) that knock down the ability of RNase E to support survival of E. coli. Comparative phylogenetic analysis of RNase E homologs shows that wild-type residues at these mutated positions are nearly invariably conserved. Cells conditionally expressing these N-Rne mutants in the absence of wild-type RNase E show a decrease in copy number of plasmids regulated by the RNase E substrate RNA I, and accumulation of 5S ribosomal RNA, M1 RNA, and tRNAAsn precursors, as has been found in Rne-depleted cells, suggesting that the inability of these mutants to support cellular growth results from loss of ribonucleolytic activity. Purified mutant proteins containing an amino acid substitution in the DNase I subdomain, which is spatially distant from the catalytic site posited from crystallographic studies, showed defective binding to an RNase E substrate, p23 RNA, but still retained RNA cleavage activity—implicating a previously unidentified structural motif in the DNase I subdomain in the binding of RNase E to targeted RNA molecules, demonstrating the role of the DNase I domain in RNase E activity.
The Population Genetics of Using Homing Endonuclease Genes in Vector and Pest Management
Authors: Deredec Anne , Burt Austin , Godfray H C J 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Homing endonuclease genes (HEGs) encode proteins that in the heterozygous state cause double-strand breaks in the homologous chromosome at the precise position opposite the HEG. If the double-strand break is repaired using the homologous chromosome, the HEG becomes homozygous, and this represents a powerful genetic drive mechanism that might be used as a tool in managing vector or pest populations. HEGs may be used to decrease population fitness to drive down population densities (possibly causing local extinction) or, in disease vectors, to knock out a gene required for pathogen transmission. The relative advantages of HEGs that target viability or fecundity, that are active in one sex or both, and whose target is expressed before or after homing are explored. The conditions under which escape mutants arise are also analyzed. A different strategy is to place HEGs on the Y chromosome that cause one or more breaks on the X chromosome and so disrupt sex ratio. This strategy can cause severe sex-ratio biases with efficiencies that depend on the details of sperm competition and zygote mortality. This strategy is probably less susceptible to escape mutants, especially when multiple X shredders are used.
Molecular Basis of Spectral Tuning in the Red- and Green-Sensitive (M/LWS) Pigments in Vertebrates
Authors: Yokoyama Shozo , Yang Hui , Starmer William T 
Published: July 2008

AbstractVertebrate vision is mediated by five groups of visual pigments, each absorbing a specific wavelength of light between ultraviolet and red. Despite extensive mutagenesis analyses, the mechanisms by which contemporary pigments absorb variable wavelengths of light are poorly understood. We show that the molecular basis of the spectral tuning of contemporary visual pigments can be illuminated only by mutagenesis analyses using ancestral pigments. Following this new principle, we derive the “five-sites” rule that explains the absorption spectra of red and green (M/LWS) pigments that range from 510 to 560 nm. Our findings demonstrate that the evolutionary method should be used in elucidating the mechanisms of spectral tuning of four other pigment groups and, for that matter, functional differentiations of any other proteins.