Bial

About: Bial is a company organization based out in Porto, Portugal. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Eslicarbazepine acetate & Catechol-O-methyl transferase. The organization has 321 authors who have published 591 publications receiving 30583 citations.

Non-clinical toxicology evaluation of BIA 10-2474.

Abstract: In 2016, one subject died and four were hospitalized with neurological symptoms during a clinical trial with the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor BIA 10-2474. The present paper reviews t...

Super Learning with Repeated Cross Validation

Abstract: Super learner algorithm was created to combine results of multiple base learners with the use of cross validation. However, in many cases it does not outperform significantly a simple average of the base results. We propose to apply multiple repeats of cross validation to improve the performance of super learning. Two approaches to application of repeated cross validation were tested on artificial data sets and on real-life, biomedical data sets. One of the approaches, MEAN OUTPUT strategy, proved to significantly improve the results. To reduce the computational complexity of the algorithm, we suggest the use of 3-fold, rather than the previously recommended 10-fold validation. The tests showed, that this simplification does not affect the super learning results.

Efficacy of a cognitive and behavioural psychotherapy applied by primary care psychologists in patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder: a research protocol.

Abstract: In contrast with the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines, the most common treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders in primary care is pharmacological. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioural psychological intervention, delivered by primary care psychologists in patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder compared to usual care. This is an open-label, multicentre, randomized, and controlled study with two parallel groups. A random sample of 246 patients will be recruited with mild-to-moderate mixed anxiety-depressive disorder, from the target population on the lists of 41 primary care doctors. Patients will be randomly assigned to the intervention group, who will receive standardised cognitive-behavioural therapy delivered by psychologists together with usual care, or to a control group, who will receive usual care alone. The cognitive-behavioural therapy intervention is composed of eight individual 60-minute face-to face sessions conducted in eight consecutive weeks. A follow-up session will be conducted over the telephone, for reinforcement or referral as appropriate, 6 months after the intervention, as required. The primary outcome variable will be the change in scores on the Short Form-36 General Health Survey. We will also measure the change in the frequency and intensity of anxiety symptoms (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory) at baseline, and 3, 6 and 12 months later. Additionally, we will collect information on the use of drugs and health care services. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of a primary care-based cognitive-behavioural psychological intervention in patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder. The international scientific evidence has demonstrated the need for psychologists in primary care. However, given the differences between health policies and health services, it is important to test the effect of these psychological interventions in our geographical setting. NCT01907035 (July 22, 2013).