Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2019 Jan 28;40:58-64. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

234 Maeji-ri, Heungeop-Myeon, Wonju, Kangwon-Do, 220-710, Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Wonju, South Korea. Electronic address:

Background: Because patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) are heterogeneous, subgrouping patients with NSCLBP might clarify the research findings. NSCLBP in the direction of extension movement, namely active extension pattern (AEP), is common during prolonged standing.

Objective: Predictors of pain intensity and dysfunction were determined in prolonged standing service workers (PSSWs) with NSCLBP subclassified as AEP in the motor impairment subgroup. Read More

Cureus 2018 Oct 22;10(10):e3474. Epub 2018 Oct 22.

Pharmacology, Imperial College London, London, GBR.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure indicated for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Whether similar benefits may be realized by patients with early PD, however, is currently unclear, especially given the potential risks of the procedure. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the relative efficacy and safety of DBS in comparison to best medical therapy (BMT) in the treatment of PD. Read More

J Clin Med 2019 Jan 12;8(1). Epub 2019 Jan 12.

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy.

Background: The RePoSi study has provided data on comorbidities, polypharmacy, and sex dimorphism in hospitalised elderly patients.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed data collected from the 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016 data sets of the RePoSi register. The aim of this study was to explore the sex-differences and to validate the multivariate model in the entire dataset with an expanded follow-up at 1 year. Read More

J Appl Oral Sci 2019 Jan 7;27:e20180210. Epub 2019 Jan 7.

Università di Siena, Scuola di Odontoiatria, Siena, Italia.

Objective: the aim of this study was to describe the frequency of psychosocial diagnoses in a large sample of patients attending a tertiary clinic for treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Material And Methods: six hundred and ninety-one patients who sought treatment for pain-related TMD were selected. Chronic pain-related disability (Graded Chronic Pain Scale, GCPS), depression [Symptoms Checklist-90 (SCL-90) scale for depression, DEP] and somatization levels (SCL-90 scale for non-specific physical symptoms, SOM) were evaluated through the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) Axis II psychosocial assessment; TMD diagnoses were based on the Axis I criteria. Read More

Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci 2018 Nov;16(4):407-414

Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Objective: Anxiety has been shown to influence functional impairment in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to compare functional impairment in subjects with and without adult ADHD and to investigate the associations among trait anxiety, functional impairment, and ADHD symptom severity. Moreover, the effects of ADHD symptom subtypes on trait anxiety and functional impairment were also examined. Read More

PLoS One 2018 31;13(10):e0205405. Epub 2018 Oct 31.

Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain.

Study Design: Randomized, single-blinded, multi-center, parallel-group trial.

Objectives: To compare the effects of adding electrical dry needling into a program of manual therapy, exercise and ultrasound on pain, function and related-disability in individuals with plantar fasciitis (PF).

Background: The isolated application of electrical dry needling, manual therapy, exercise, and ultrasound has been found to be effective for PF. Read More

Brain Behav 2018 Dec 30;8(12):e01135. Epub 2018 Oct 30.

Department of Neurology & The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Objectives: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes early sustained disability and poor health-related quality of life (HrQoL). The clinical features and their effects on the HrQoL of patients in China have received little attention in the research literature. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and HrQoL of Chinese patients with MSA. Read More

BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2018 19;4(1):e000414. Epub 2018 Oct 19.

School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.

Study Design: Multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial.

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as part of the management for people diagnosed with rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP).

Summary Of Background: Although there is no robust evidence to support their use, omega-3 PUFAs have been recommended for those with tendinopathy due to their potential to moderate inflammation. Read More

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2018 Oct 4. Epub 2018 Oct 4.

New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Boston Health System, Massachusetts.

Background: The Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) is a well-validated and frequently used patient-reported outcome for older adults. The aim of this study was to estimate the minimal clinically important difference of the LLFDI-Function Component (LLFDI-FC) and its subscales among community-dwelling older adults with mobility limitations.

Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the Boston Rehabilitative Impairment Study of the Elderly, a longitudinal cohort study of older adults with mobility limitations residing in the community. Read More

BMC Med Imaging 2018 09 20;18(1):34. Epub 2018 Sep 20.

Division of PM&R, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94063, USA.

Background: There are no objective and accurate rating tools for permanent impairment of traumatized ankles. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of 18F-Sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) bone scans in evaluating patients with limited ankle range of motion (ROM) after trauma.

Methods: 18F-NaF PET/CT was performed in 121 patients (75 men, 46 women; mean age: 45. Read More

Trends Hear 2018 Jan-Dec;22:2331216518795340

5 Eriksholm Research Centre, Snekkersten, Denmark.

Tinnitus can have serious impact on a person's life and is a common auditory symptom that is especially comorbid with hearing loss. This study investigated processing effort required for speech recognition in a group of hearing-impaired people with tinnitus and a control group (CG) of hearing-impaired people without tinnitus by means of pupillary response. Furthermore, the relationship between the pupillary response, self-rating measures of tinnitus severity, and fatigue was examined. Read More

Braz J Infect Dis 2018 Jul - Aug;22(4):288-293. Epub 2018 Aug 24.

Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas, Coordenação de Neurologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

This study evaluated the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on sexuality, body image, mood, and quality of life of patients with myyelopathy associated with HTLV-1/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The sample consisted of 31 HAM/TSP outpatients, of both sexes, followed-up at the Emílio Ribas Infectology Institute. The following instruments were used: sociodemographic questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), Body Image Assessment Scale, Sexual Quotient Female (QS-F) and Male (QS-M) Versions, King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and Revised OSAME Motor Disability Score. Read More

Clin Rheumatol 2018 Oct 23;37(10):2855-2861. Epub 2018 Jul 23.

Faculty of Medicine, Department of clinical pathology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

Pathogenesis of osteoarthritis may have a systemic metabolic component. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a sample of Egyptian patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to examine the relationship of metabolic syndrome and its components with clinical, functional, and radiographic findings of knee OA. A total of 60 patients (55 females, 5 males) diagnosed as having MetS according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria and 30 obese subjects without MetS (24 females, 6 males), serving as a control group, were included in this study. Read More

Res Dev Disabil 2018 Sep 18;80:161-169. Epub 2018 Jul 18.

The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.

Background: There is growing evidence that children's sense of autonomy is an important psychological need closely linked with the development of self-esteem and motivation. Among children with physical disabilities, motor or cognitive limitations may negatively affect child's sense of autonomy (CSA) and competency.

Purpose: To examine how sense of autonomy among children with cerebral palsy (CP) directly and indirectly relates to their activity of daily living (ADL) and scholastic performance. Read More

J Neurol 2018 Jul 11. Epub 2018 Jul 11.

Laboratoire CeRSM - EA 2931 Paris Ouest, Nanterre, France.

Introduction: Extrapyramidal deficits are poorly characterised in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) despite their contribution to functional disability, increased fall risk and their quality-of-life implications. Given the concomitant pyramidal and cerebellar degeneration in ALS, the clinical assessment of extrapyramidal features is particularly challenging.

Objective: The comprehensive characterisation of postural instability in ALS using standardised clinical assessments, gait analyses and computational neuroimaging tools in a prospective study design. Read More

J Neurol 2018 Sep 26;265(9):1989-1997. Epub 2018 Jun 26.

Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10124, Turin, Italy.

Background: We sought to characterize the clinical, neuropsychological, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging features of Parkinson's disease (PD) after over 35 years since the onset of motor symptoms.

Methods: Five consecutively consenting PD patients treated with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) were recruited in a cross-sectional study of motor (Unified PD Rating Scale section-III), non-motor (Non-Motor Symptoms Scale), autonomic (Scale for Outcome in PD-Autonomic), and neuropsychological features associated with the very advanced phase of PD. In addition, patients underwent neurophysiological (autonomic tests and nerve conduction studies) and neuroimaging (brain MRI, I-FP-CIT SPECT, and I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy) studies, as well as a genetic analysis of 34 genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with PD. Read More

Int J Soc Psychiatry 2018 08 29;64(5):450-458. Epub 2018 May 29.

1 International School for Postgraduate Studies, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.

Background: Major depression is one of the world's leading causes of disability. Up-to-date information about the epidemiology of this disorder is key to health care planning.

Aim: The aim of our study is to report prevalence and correlates of current major depressive disorder (MDD) in the province of Granada, Southern Spain. Read More

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2018;13:1365-1376. Epub 2018 Apr 27.

Health Economics and Payer Analytics, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.

Background: COPD is associated with a large disease burden. The use of dual (two maintenance treatments) and triple (combination of any three treatments) therapy has shown efficacy for symptom relief; however, some patients with COPD remain symptomatic despite these therapies. This study assessed the scope and magnitude of the symptomatic burden for patients with COPD receiving dual or triple therapy. Read More

J Phys Ther Sci 2018 Feb 20;30(2):271-276. Epub 2018 Feb 20.

Private Practice, USA.

[Purpose] To present the case of the dramatic reduction in pain, disability, and neurologic symptoms following the reduction of forward head translation and increased cervical curvature in a patient suffering from post-surgical radiculopathy. [Subject and Methods] A 52-year-old male mechanic presented with chronic neck pain, unilateral paresthesia along the C5 and C6 dermatome distributions and diminished unilateral grip strength for 12 years following a C5-C6 cervical discectomy and fusion. Outcome measures included the neck disability index, the numerical pain rating scale, and the Zebris cervical range of motion system. Read More

JAMA Surg 2018 Jul;153(7):634-642

Surgical Outcomes Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle.

Importance: Functional impairment and pain are common indications for the initiation of lumbar spine surgery, but information about expected improvement in these patient-reported outcome (PRO) domains is not readily available to most patients and clinicians considering this type of surgery.

Objective: To assess population-level PRO response after lumbar spine surgery, and develop/validate a prediction tool for PRO improvement.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This statewide multicenter cohort was based at 15 Washington state hospitals representing approximately 75% of the state's spine fusion procedures. Read More

BMJ Open 2018 02 22;8(2):e019486. Epub 2018 Feb 22.

School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Introduction: Neck pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide and it accounts for high economic and societal burden. Altered activation of the neck muscles is a common musculoskeletal impairment presented by patients with neck pain. The craniocervical flexion test with pressure biofeedback unit has been widely used in clinical practice to assess function of deep neck flexor muscles. Read More

BMJ Open 2018 01 27;8(1):e019276. Epub 2018 Jan 27.

School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Introduction: Permanent functional impairment (PFI) of the spine is a rating system used by compensation authorities, such as workers compensation boards, to establish an appropriate level of financial compensation for persistent loss of function. Determination of PFI of the spine is commonly based on the assessment of spinal movement combined with other measures of physical and functional impairments; however, the reliability and validity of the measurement instruments used for these evaluations have yet to be established. The aim of this study is to systematically review and synthesise the literature concerning measurement properties of the various and different instruments used for assessing PFI of the spine. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017 12 12;12:CD003633. Epub 2017 Dec 12.

Laboratório de Farmacologia Clínica e Terapêutica, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal, 1649-028.

Background: This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2005. Cervical dystonia is the most common form of focal dystonia and is a highly disabling movement disorder characterised by involuntary, usually painful, head posturing. Currently, botulinum toxin type A (BtA) is considered the first line therapy for this condition. Read More

J Affect Disord 2018 02 7;227:406-415. Epub 2017 Nov 7.

Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Electronic address:

Introduction: Work-related disability and productivity loss in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are critical determinants of patient quality of life and contribute significantly to the human and economic costs of MDD. Notwithstanding the return to work and pre-morbid levels of functioning as a critical therapeutic objective among individuals with MDD, it is unclear whether antidepressant treatment significantly and reliably improves measures of workplace functioning. Herein, we investigate to what extent antidepressant treatment improves workplace functioning among adults with MDD. Read More

Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2018 Jan 7;160(1):107-115. Epub 2017 Oct 7.

Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.

Background: The outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is heterogeneous and poorly defined and physical disability scales like the extended Glasgow Outcome Score (GOSE) while providing valuation information in terms of broad categorisation of outcome are unlikely to capture the full spectrum of deficits. Quality of life questionnaires such as SF-36 are emerging as potential tools to help characterise factors important to patients' recovery. This study assessed the association between physical disability and subjective health rating. Read More

Ann Agric Environ Med 2017 Sep 11;24(3):411-415. Epub 2017 May 11.

Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of most disabling disorders of the central nervous system. The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease: shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, postural instability and difficulty with walking and gait, are difficult to measure. When disease symptoms become more pronounced, the patient experiences difficulties with hand function and walking, and is prone to falls. Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2019 Jan 23;41(1):98-103. Epub 2017 Sep 23.

a Traumatic Brain Injury Department , Kessler Foundation , East Hanover , NJ , USA.

Purpose: To examine the factor structure of the Disability Rating Scale and the predictive validity of the scale's factors among individuals with traumatic brain injury.

Materials And Methods: Five hundred and eight individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury were administered the Disability Rating Scale. The sample was randomly divided into two groups. Read More

Mov Disord 2017 Nov 28;32(11):1620-1630. Epub 2017 Aug 28.

Unit of Pediatric Movement Disorders, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.

Background: Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration is a progressive neurological disorder occurring in both childhood and adulthood. The objective of this study was to design and pilot-test a disease-specific clinical rating scale for the assessment of patients with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration.

Methods: In this international cross-sectional study, patients were examined at the referral centers following a standardized protocol. Read More

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018 03 7;99(3):563-573.e5. Epub 2017 Aug 7.

Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore.

Objective: To identify the risk factors for falls in community stroke survivors.

Data Sources: A comprehensive search for articles indexed in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted.

Study Selection: Prospective studies investigating fall risk factors in community stroke survivors were included. Read More

Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2017 11;32(6):343-349

aDepartment of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia bMood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada cDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, and Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Fatigue and low energy are cardinal symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) that have an impact on work functioning. Antidepressants with noradrenergic activity have been hypothesized to improve symptoms of fatigue and low energy. We examined the impact of these symptoms on work functioning in patients with MDD treated with the serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, desvenlafaxine. Read More

J Psychopharmacol 2017 09 18;31(9):1204-1214. Epub 2017 Jul 18.

4 Pfizer Canada, Kirkland, Canada.

Nine randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of major depressive disorder were pooled to evaluate the effects of desvenlafaxine 50- and 100-mg/d on energy and lassitude in adults with major depressive disorder ( n=4279). Changes from baseline to endpoint in 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) Work and Activities, Retardation, and Somatic Symptoms General items, HAM-D psychomotor retardation factor, and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale Lassitude item were analyzed with a mixed model for repeated measures analysis of variance. Associations between residual energy measures and functional impairment, based on the Sheehan Disability Scale, were modeled using stepwise multiple linear regression. Read More

J Voice 2018 May 11;32(3):325-331. Epub 2017 Jul 11.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Surgical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Head and Neck Institute, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Objective: Examine the relationship among the severity of patient-perceived voice impairment, perceptual dysphonia severity, occupational voice demand, and voice therapy adherence. Identify clinical predictors of increased risk for therapy nonadherence.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients presenting with a chief complaint of persistent dysphonia at an interdisciplinary voice center was done. Read More

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017 Aug 13;47(8):548-556. Epub 2017 Jul 13.

Study Design Case series. Background Recent evidence suggests that traditional impairment-based rehabilitation approaches for patients with knee pain may not result in improved function or reduced disability. This case series describes a novel task-specific training approach to exercise therapy for patients with chronic knee pain and reports changes in measures of clinical outcome (pain and physical function) following participation in the training program. Read More

Nord J Psychiatry 2017 Oct 20;71(7):503-508. Epub 2017 Jun 20.

a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine , Chiang Mai University , Chiang Mai , Thailand.

Background: Anxious distress in major depressive disorder (MDD) is common and associated with poor outcomes and management difficulties.

Aims: This post hoc analysis aimed to examine the socio-demographic and clinical correlates of anxiety distress in Asian outpatients with MDD.

Methods: Instead of two out of five specifiers defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Version-5, anxious distress defined in this study was operationalized as the presence of at least two out of four proxy items drawn from the 90-item Symptom Checklist, Revised (SCL-90-R). Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2018 Apr 20;17(2):203-208. Epub 2017 Jun 20.

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neuropsychiatry, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common cosmetic problem that is frequently associated with psychosocial disturbances as well as increased oxidative stress. However, oxidative stress and psychological aspects have been studied separately in acne.

Objective: To evaluate the relationships between oxidative stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in acne patients. Read More

Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017 Apr;17 Suppl 1:44-49

Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of living arrangements on mortality and functional decline among older patients with dementia or cognitive impairment after discharge from a geriatric evaluation and management unit (GEMU) in Taiwan.

Methods: The present retrospective cohort study used data from the Veteran Affairs Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment from January 2015 to May 2016 for analysis. Data of patients aged 65 years and older with dementia or cognitive impairment at admission to the GEMU of Taipei Veterans General Hospital during the study period were retried for study. Read More

Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017 Apr;17 Suppl 1:36-43

Department of Healthcare and Medical care, Veterans Affairs Council, Taiwan.

Aim: To develop experimental multi-domain interventions for older people with mild-to-moderate dementia, and to evaluate the effect of delaying cognitive and physical decline, and improvement or prevention of geriatric syndromes during 1-year follow up.

Methods: Participants aged 65 years and older with mild-to-moderate dementia (clinical dementia rating [CDR] 1 or 2) were grouped as intervention in Jia-Li Veterans Home and usual care model in the community (Memory clinic). All residents in Jia-Li Veterans Home received comprehensive intervention, including Multi-disciplinary team consultation and intervention, Multi-component non-pharmacological management, geriatric syndromes survey and intervention by CGA, and a dementia friendly medical Green channel Approach (2MCGA). Read More

Int Psychogeriatr 2017 08 18;29(8):1363-1376. Epub 2017 Apr 18.

Research Division,Institute of Mental Health,Singapore.

Background: This study assessed the prevalence and factor structure of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in a community-based sample of older adults with dementia and identified their correlates.

Methods: Data collected from 399 Singapore residents with dementia aged 60 years and above, interviewed along with a family/friend during a national survey, were used for this analysis. Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire assessed older adults' BPSD. Read More

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2017 Jul 25;26(7):1393-1399. Epub 2017 Apr 25.

Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.

Background: We investigated the independent association of depression status at 3 and 12 months after stroke and functional decline.

Methods: Data were obtained as part of the multicenter Adherence eValuation After Ischemic stroke Longitudinal (AVAIL) registry. Depression was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (depression, PHQ-8 ≥ 10), and functional status was assessed with the modified Rankin score (mRS) at 3 and 12 months following hospitalization for ischemic stroke. Read More

Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017 22;13:889-898. Epub 2017 Mar 22.

Dr Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany.

Purpose: This study is the first clinical trial aiming to explore the clinical outcomes in burnout patients treated with . The reported capacity of to strengthen the organism against stress and its good tolerability offer a promising approach in the treatment of stress-related burnout. The aim of the treatment was to increase stress resistance, thus addressing the source rather than the symptoms of the syndrome and preventing subsequent diseases associated with a history of burnout. Read More

J Affect Disord 2017 06 24;215:299-313. Epub 2017 Feb 24.

Pfizer Canada Inc. Kirkland, Quebec, Canada.

Background: Functional impairment contributes to significant disability and economic burden in major depressive disorder (MDD). Treatment response is measured by improvement in depressive symptoms, but functional improvement often lags behind symptomatic improvement. Residual deficits are associated with relapse of depressive symptoms. Read More

Pan Afr Med J 2016 3;25:66. Epub 2016 Oct 3.

Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté de Medecine de Tunis, Tunisie; Hopital Razi, La Mannouba, Tunisie.

Introduction: Recent studies indicate that bipolar disorder is associated with a profound impairment in almost all areas of functioning. This study aims to evaluate functional recovery in type 1 bipolar patients during remission period.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of euthymic type 1 bipolar patients followed up on an ambulatory basis. Read More

J Clin Periodontol 2017 Jun 5;44(6):591-600. Epub 2017 May 5.

College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop and validate the first condition-specific tool to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) impairment in association with chronic periodontitis and to use it as an outcome measure in clinical trials.

Methods: Twenty-three potential items were developed using a combined method consisting of a literature review, semi-structured patient interviews (n = 20) and expert panel 1. Subsequently, item selection was carried out by means of qualitative content analysis and quantitative classical test theory (CTT) with 110 patients and expert panel 2. Read More

Ear Hear 2017 May/Jun;38(3):267-281

1Section Ear & Hearing, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; 2Eriksholm Research Centre, Oticon A/S, Snekkersten, Denmark; 3Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; 4Linnaeus Centre HEAD, The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linköping and Örebro Universities, Linköping, Sweden; 5Medical Library, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; 6MRC/CSO Institute of Hearing Research, Scottish Section, Glasgow, United Kingdom; 7Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, International Center of Hearing and Speech, Warsaw, Poland; and 8Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping, University, Sweden.

Objectives: To undertake a systematic review of available evidence on the effect of hearing impairment and hearing aid amplification on listening effort. Two research questions were addressed: Q1) does hearing impairment affect listening effort? and Q2) can hearing aid amplification affect listening effort during speech comprehension?

Design: English language articles were identified through systematic searches in PubMed, EMBASE, Cinahl, the Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO from inception to August 2014. References of eligible studies were checked. Read More

J Affect Disord 2017 03 15;210:273-279. Epub 2016 Nov 15.

Allergan Inc., Jersey City, NJ, USA.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of levomilnacipran extended-release (LVM-ER; 40-120mg/day) on noradrenergic (NA) and anxiety-related symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and explore the relationship between these symptoms and functional impairment.

Methods: Data were pooled from 5 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (N=2598). Anxiety and NA Cluster scores were developed by adding selected item scores from the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). Read More

J Hand Ther 2017 Oct - Dec;30(4):516-521. Epub 2016 Nov 29.

Department of Surgery and Perioperative Care, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX. Electronic address:

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Some third-party payers require hand therapists to rate patient's functional disability based on patient self-rating using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), objective measurements of impairment, and observation of functional tasks-hand therapist-rated function (HTRF).

Purpose Of The Study: To test the correlation between HTRF and PROMs (upper limb functional index [ULFI] and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System upper extremity [PROMIS UE]) and its association with psychological factors. Read More

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2017 30;29(2):128-134. Epub 2016 Nov 30.

From the Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton, NSW, Australia (KR, JL-S); Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (RL); Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia (RL); Neuropsychiatry Service, Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (PWS); and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia (PWS, JL-S).

Neurological and psychological symptoms in multiple sclerosis can affect cognitive function. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between psychological measures and cognitive performance in a patient cohort. In 322 multiple sclerosis patients, psychological symptoms were measured using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and cognitive function was evaluated using Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen. Read More

Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2017 03;32(2):72-79

aWesnes Cognition Ltd, Streatley on Thames bDepartment of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK cCentre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia dAllergan, Jersey City, New Jersey eInstitute for Advanced Medical Research, Alpharetta, Georgia fDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA gMood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Performance-based cognitive data were collected using the Cognitive Drug Research System in a study of levomilnacipran extended-release (ER) 40-120 mg/day (NCT01034462) in adults with major depressive disorder. These data were analyzed post-hoc to explore the relationship between cognitive measures, depression symptoms (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, MADRS), and self-reported psychosocial functioning (Sheehan Disability Scale; SDS). Changes from baseline were analyzed in the intent-to-treat population and subgroups with impaired attention, as indicated by baseline Cognitive Drug Research System scores for Power of Attention and Continuity of Attention. Read More

Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2017 Jul-Sep;31(3):218-224

*Neuro-Oncology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome †Department of Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation Unit, HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals, Zingonia di Ciserano, Bergamo ‡Alzheimer Assessment Unit/Laboratory of Neuropsychology, IRCCS Neurological National Institute C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.

Introduction: The relationship between cognitive and functional impairment in Alzheimer Disease (AD) at the earliest stages of the disease is not well characterized. This study aimed at investigating such relationships along AD evolution by means of the Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD).

Methods: Consecutive pairs of AD outpatients and their primary informal caregivers were enrolled. Read More

Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2016 Dec 4;52(6):902-906. Epub 2016 Oct 4.

Department of Public Health, Dresden Medical School, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany.

Introduction: Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (IPD) is a neurodegenerative disorder. The severity of disability usually increases with disease duration and affects patients' impairment, disability and health-related quality of life. A possible adjunct to improve outcomes in patients with IPD might be transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to modulate cortical excitability and hence improving outcomes in people with IPD. Read More