The state-trait anxiety inventory, trait version: does it really measure anxiety?

To clarify what is actually measured by the trait version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; Spielberger, Gorsuch, & Lushene, 1970), we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of various models and evaluated convergent and discriminant validity. The best fit was obtained with both a bifactor model, comprising 2 specific factors plus a general factor, and a 1-construct, 2-method model. The total score and the 2 method subscales of the STAI trait version were more strongly correlated with depression than with anxiety.

Outcome of cognitive-behavioural therapy in training practice with anxiety disorder patients.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy applied by trainee therapists in patients with anxiety disorders seen in a private university service and to examine whether this effectiveness is comparable to that observed in controlled studies.

Design: We compared the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy at a private centre with that observed in meta-analyses and reviews of controlled studies.

Methods: Out of the 96 initial patients with anxiety disorder, 64 completed the cognitive-behavioural treatment and 59 also answered a series of questionnaires pre- and post-treatment.

The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy and the problem of drop-out.

Treatment drop-out is a common problem in the everyday practice of psychotherapy. In the cognitive-behavioral psychology literature, there are scant data on drop-out from therapy and the data available vary widely according to the definition of drop-out and the intensity of treatment. This study presents results obtained in the Behavioural Therapy Unit of the University of Barcelona.

Effect of oral calcidiol treatment on its serum levels and peritoneal losses.

Objectives: To evaluate calcidiol serum levels in a group of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients and the effect of oral calcidiol treatment on serum levels and peritoneal losses.

Study Design: Twenty patients (13 female, 7 male) were studied for 12-60 months. Their ages ranged 22-72 years (mean 46 +/- 15).

25(OH)D levels in diabetic pregnancies relation with neonatal hypocalcemia.

The levels of 25(OH)D have been quantified in 42 insulin diabetic pregnancies (DP) through the three trimesters of pregnancy with a total of 177 determinations. In parallel we quantified this metabolite in 114 normal pregnant women (NP) and also in 116 normal controls (NC). In addition 25(OH)D was quantified in 18 (DP) and 19 (NP) at delivery in the 35-37th week of pregnancy, and ionic calcium was measured in their newborns at 24 h of life.

Comparative study between intact PTH and fragments of PTH in patients on hemodialysis and CAPD.

Twenty-nine patients on hemodialysis (HD) and 29 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were studied. Serum calcium and phosphorous levels were similar in the 2 groups. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were determined by 4 different methods.

Osteocalcin levels in uremic patients: influence of calcitriol treatment through two different routes and type of dialysis.

Osteocalcin, the most abundant non-collagen protein of bone, is synthesized by the osteoblast. Serum osteocalcin concentration depends primarily on new cellular synthesis, and is a sensitive marker of bone turnover reflecting osteoblastic function. In uremic and hemodialysis (HD) patients, a direct relationship between serum osteocalcin and histological parameters of bone formation has been observed.

[Parathyroid hormone: perinatal aspects].

Authors have measured parathormone levels in 28 mothers at delivery and their respective newborns at 40-50 hours after birth. They also quantified these levels in umbilical vessels. Control groups was formed by 48 healthy non pregnant women.

[Levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in human serum in all ages: seasonal differences].

The 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-HCC) levels have been quantified in 172 normal controls. Three groups were considered: children (0-12 years), younger than 50 year-old adults and older than 50 year-old adults. In order to evaluate the seasonal variations in this metabolite their levels throughout the year were quantified.

Ionic calcium levels during pregnancy, at delivery and in the first hours of life.

Free calcium ion concentration (mmol/l) and pH were determined in whole blood using a semiautomatic electrode system (ICA-1 Radiometer, Copenhagen, Denmark) in 37 normal women, 90 pregnant women (30 from each trimester of gestation), 28 mothers at delivery and their respective newborns. The blood samples from normal controls, pregnant women, umbilical cord and 40-50-hour-old infants were collected anaerobically in vacuum tubes. Duplicate samples drawn from newborns shortly after birth by heel puncture were collected in special heparinized capillary tubes.

The effects of season and stage of pregnancy on 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in pregnant women in Madrid.

The influence of seasonal variations and gestation on 25(OH)D3 levels was studied in a group of women from Madrid, Spain, at different stages of pregnancy, during March and September. The objective was to observe the incidence of this climate and dietary factors. No variations were found in serum concentration of the metabolite throughout pregnancy in comparison with the controls, in either March or September.