1,720,984 research outputs found
Assessment of functioning in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder with the Mini-ICF-APP: a validation study in Italy
Full text linkBackground: The aim of the study was to evaluate validity of the Italian Mini-ICF-APP (Mini-ICF Rating for Limitations of Activities and Participation in Psychological Disorders) in schizophrenia and related disorders. Methods: 74 outpatients affected by schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders attending a University-based community mental health centre were recruited to the study. All participants underwent comprehensive evaluation using standardized instruments to assess clinical, neurocognitive and functional status. Concurrent validity of Mini-ICF-APP was evaluated and compared to severity scores obtained using the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia scale (CGI-SCH), Positive and Negative Syndrome scale (PANSS), Mini Mental State Examination test (MMSE), Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia scale (BACS) and Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP). Construct validity was evaluated by comparing scores obtained at Mini-ICF-APP by remitted versus non-remitted patients, and by recovered versus unrecovered patients. Discriminant validity was evaluated comparing scores on Mini-ICF-APP and Subjective Well-being (SWN) scale. Results: the total score and 12 out of the 13 Mini-ICF-APP items correlated significantly with total score at PSP; Mini-ICF-App total score was moreover significantly correlated with total scores at CGI-SCH, PANSS, MMSE, as well as with several BACS items. Total scores obtained at Mini-ICF-APP were significantly higher among remitted and recovered patients. No relevant correlations were found between scores of Mini-ICF-APP and SWN scales. Results: The total score and 12 out of the 13 Mini-ICF-APP items correlated significantly with total score at PSP; Mini-ICF-App total score was moreover significantly correlated with total scores at CGI-SCH, PANSS, MMSE, as well as with several BACS items. Total scores obtained at Mini-ICF-APP were significantly higher among remitted and recovered patients. No relevant correlations were found between scores of Mini-ICF-APP and SWN scales. Conclusion: the Italian version of Mini-ICF-APP is a valid instrument for use in evaluating functioning in chronic patients with schizophrenia and related disorders
Promoting healthy aging through intergenerational exchange and digital empowerment: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Full text linkBackground: Social isolation and loneliness are major public health concern among individuals aged 65 and older, as they are associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality. Intergenerational programs have emerged as promising interventions to mitigate these issues by fostering social participation and enhancing overall well-being. Interventions that also incorporate digital literacy support may further help address the relevant digital divide, which significantly contributes to social exclusion, particularly among older adults. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a psychosocial intervention focused on intergenerational exchange and digital literacy. Methods: A 12-week crossover randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was employed. The intervention engaged younger and older participants in co-preparing seminar presentations, discussing these, and participating in plenary meetings—both in-person and online—on self-selected health, cultural, and topics meaningful from an individual perspective. Feasibility indicators included dropout rates and participant satisfaction. Preliminary measures of improvement were assessed using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) for quality of life, the Brief Social Rhythms Scale (BSRS) for the regularity of social and biological rhythms, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms. Results: A total of 12 participants were included in the experimental group and 9 in the control group. Feasibility outcomes showed an overall dropout rate of 28.57%, similarly to comparable trials. Notably, the attrition rate was lower in the experimental group (16.67%). Participant satisfaction was particularly high (M = 37.06, SD = 3.08). Preliminary analyses revealed a statistically significant improvement only in BSRS; 66.6% vs. 26.67%, p = 0.033. Trends toward improvement were observed in PHQ-9 and SF-12, although these did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: The findings suggest very high satisfaction and moderate engagement among older adults involved in the program. Given the positive impact on the regularity of biological and behavioral rhythms—recognized as key protective factors in healthy aging—the improvement observed is particularly promising. Future studies with larger samples and extended follow-up periods are needed to corroborate this preliminary evidence. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT06162871
Violence and mental disorders. A retrospective study of people in charge of a community mental health center
No full textBackground: Numerous studies conducted in inpatient settings have highlighted how mental disorders are associated with an increased risk of violence, particularly during acute phases. However, to date a more limited number of studies have been performed to assess the risk of violence in outpatients, particularly in Italy. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of violent events in a sample of patients in charge of a community mental health center in Italy. Methods: Based on data obtained from standardized clinical records, a retrospective study was undertaken to investigate acts of violence (physical aggression only) in a total of 678 patients (Males = 308, 45.4%) in charge of a university mental health center; patients were mainly affected by anxiety disorders (30.7%), depressive disorder (17.2%), bipolar disorder (18.3%) and schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders (25.0%). Results: 27.6% of the sample had committed at least one act of violence during their lifetime, 10.5% over the previous year. 56.7% of those who committed violence acts had acted violently twice or more during their lifetime. A significant association of lifetime violence was found with gender (male), younger age, low education, unemployment, living with parents. With regard to diagnosis, a significant association was found with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, personality disorders, mental retardation, and comorbidity between two or more psychiatric disorders. Violence was moreover associated with early age at onset and at first psychiatric treatment, longer duration of the disorder, previous hospital admissions, previous violent events. Conclusion: Violent behavior is relatively common among outpatients
Vaping effects on asthma: results from a web survey and clinical investigation
No full textIt is well known that tobacco smoking worsens asthma. Conversely, few data are currently available in the literature on the effects of vaping in asthmatic patients. This work aims to investigate the effects of vaping on asthmatic patients and in asthmatic patients that switched from tobacco smoking to electronic cigarette (e-cig), in particular focusing on quality of life, asthma control, and pulmonary function. We designed a two-group study. One group encompassed vapers with asthma selected through a web survey with questions on quality of life and symptoms worsening; the other group encompassed vapers that switched from tobacco smoking to e-cig, and that volunteered to undergo clinical visits at our outpatient clinic. 2787 people responded to the web survey, including 631 asthmatics. In the second group, 55 volunteers, including 15 asthmatics, were enrolled after a visit. The visit included physical examination and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Internationally validated questionnaires were administered to all subjects: Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). The 382 asthmatic vapers-only in the web survey were mainly males (86.9%), 31-65 years old. 90% of them declared that vaping did not worsen asthma symptoms and would recommend asthmatic smokers to switch to vaping (98.4%). There was worsening of asthma symptoms due to the actual asthma therapy used by the participants, while no relationship was found with other aspects analysed. In the second group, the analysis of variance in the questionnaires administered to the 10 asthmatics showed a significant improvement in ACQ, ACT and SF-36 for asthmatics that switched from tobacco to vaping, while PFT remained stable throughout the three visits. Almost all of the asthmatics who previously smoked would recommend switching to e-cig, and vaping did not worsen their asthma symptoms. Furthermore, switching from tobacco smoking to e-cigs showed a significant improvement in asthma control and quality of life, not showing, in the period studied, to affect pulmonary function tests
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
What Remains to Be Discovered in Schizophrenia Therapeutics: Contributions by Advancing the Molecular Mechanisms of Drugs for Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Full text linkSchizophrenia is a frequently debilitating and complex mental disorder affecting approximately 1% of the global population, characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thoughts and behaviors, cognitive dysfunction, and negative symptoms. Traditional treatment has centered on postsynaptic dopamine antagonists, commonly known as antipsychotic drugs, which aim to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning and the quality of life. Despite the availability of these medications, significant challenges remain in schizophrenia therapeutics, including incomplete symptom relief, treatment resistance, and medication side effects. This opinion article explores advancements in schizophrenia treatment, emphasizing molecular mechanisms, novel drug targets, and innovative delivery methods. One promising approach is novel strategies that target neural networks and circuits rather than single neurotransmitters, acknowledging the complexity of brain region interconnections involved in schizophrenia. Another promising approach is the development of biased agonists, which selectively activate specific signaling pathways downstream of receptors, offering potential for more precise pharmacological interventions with fewer side effects. The concept of molecular polypharmacy, where a single drug targets multiple molecular pathways, is exemplified by KarXT, a novel drug combining xanomeline and trospium to address both psychosis and cognitive dysfunction. This approach represents a comprehensive strategy for schizophrenia treatment, potentially improving outcomes for patients. In conclusion, advancing the molecular understanding of schizophrenia and exploring innovative therapeutic strategies hold promise for addressing the unmet needs in schizophrenia treatment, aiming for more effective and tailored interventions. Future research should focus on these novel approaches to achieve better clinical outcomes and improve the functional level and quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis
Full text linkWe provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
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