Ricardo Muñoz - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Ricardo Muñoz
Pediatric Transplantation, 2007
Abstract: This summary of the NAPRTCS 2006 Annual Report of the Transplant Registry highlights t... more Abstract: This summary of the NAPRTCS 2006 Annual Report of the Transplant Registry highlights the significant impact the registry has had in advancing knowledge in pediatric renal transplantation worldwide. This cooperative group has collected clinical information on children undergoing a renal transplantation since 1987 and now includes over 150 participating medical centers in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Currently, the NAPRTCS transplant registry includes information on 9837 renal transplants in 8990 patients (NAPRTCS 2006 Annual Report). Since the first data analysis in 1989, NAPRTCS reports have documented marked improvements in outcome after renal transplantation in addition to identifying factors associated with both favorable and poor outcomes. The registry has served to document and influence practice patterns, clinical outcomes, and changing trends in renal transplantation.
Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 1982
Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a congenital alteration of chromosome pair . It is c... more Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a congenital alteration of chromosome pair . It is characterized by short stature, muscular hypotonia, hyperphagia, obesity, behavioural and emotional disturbances, hypogonadism and partial Growth Hormone (GH) deficiency. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effect of GH treatment on the psychological well-being and Quality of Life (QoL) in an adult PWS group. Methods A total of PWS patients, their diagnosis confirmed by genetic tests, and their parents were recruited for this study. The participants were administered the -Items Short Form Health Survey (SF- ) and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), for the assessment of QoL and psychological well-being, at the beginning of GH treatment, and at following intervals of , and months. Modified versions of the same questionnaires were given to the parents. Results Significant improvement with respect to the baseline was found, on both scales, in the evaluation of both physical and psychological well-being, although the parents' evaluation was less optimistic than that of the patients.
Health Psychology, 1991
Examined the prediction from Mechanic's (1972) attribution theory of somatization... more Examined the prediction from Mechanic's (1972) attribution theory of somatization that somatizers who are under stress will overuse ambulatory medical services. Two hundred fourteen volunteer patients from university ambulatory care clinics completed the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and the Life Experiences Inventory. We examined somatization, psychiatric diagnoses, and life stress-and the interaction of these factors-in predicting frequency of medical visits during the preceding year, after controlling for need (active medical problems) and predisposing factors. As hypothesized, life stress interacted with somatization in predicting number of medical visits; somatizers who were under stress made more visits to the clinics than did nonsomatizers or somatizers who were not under stress. Although stress affected somatizers most, stress was predictive of increased medical utilization for all patients. These results suggest that psychological services intended to reduce overutilization of outpatient medical services might best focus on stress reduction and be most beneficial to somatizers.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1996
This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment stud... more This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment studies. Because Latinos underuse traditional mental health services, places such as medical centers or churches with large Latino constituents are suggested as useful alternative sources. To keep Latinos in research protocols, providing culturally sensitive treatments are necessary. Culturally sensitive treatments should incorporate families as part of recruitment efforts, particularly older men in the family. In addition, showing respect is an important aspect of traditional Latino culture that includes using formal titles and taking time to listen carefully. Finally, traditional Latinos tend to like interactions with others that are more warm and personal than is generally part of a research atmosphere.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1996
This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment stud... more This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment studies. Because Latinos underuse traditional mental health services, places such as medical centers or churches with large Latino constituents are suggested as useful alternative sources. To keep Latinos in research protocols, providing culturally sensitive treatments are necessary. Culturally sensitive treatments should incorporate families as part of recruitment efforts, particularly older men in the family. In addition, showing respect is an important aspect of traditional Latino culture that includes using formal titles and taking time to listen carefully. Finally, traditional Latinos tend to like interactions with others that are more warm and personal than is generally part of a research atmosphere.
This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment stud... more This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment studies. Because Latinos underuse traditional mental health services, places such as medical centers or churches with large Latino constituents are suggested as useful alternative sources. To keep Latinos in research protocols, providing culturally sensitive treatments are necessary. Culturally sensitive treatments should incorporate families as part of recruitment efforts, particularly older men in the family. In addition, showing respect is an important aspect of traditional Latino culture that includes using formal titles and taking time to listen carefully. Finally, traditional Latinos tend to like interactions with others that are more warm and personal than is generally part of a research atmosphere.
American Psychologist, 1994
The majority of cases of clinical depression go unrecognized and untreated, despite the fact that... more The majority of cases of clinical depression go unrecognized and untreated, despite the fact that depression is an eminently treatable disorder. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) recently published a set of clinical practice guidelines focused on depression in primary care settings. The review of the literature on which the guidelines are based is thorough and appropriate and should enhance the detection of depression and the quality of pharmacotherapy for depression. However, the guidelines encourage primary care physicians to provide pharmacotherapy to their depressed patients as the first line of treatment. The wisdom of this recommendation is questioned and revisions to the guidelines are suggested. Specifically, patients should be informed of the broad array of treatment options available and provided with a more balanced presentation of the potential benefits of psychotherapy for depression. Patients should decide which treatment alternative they wish to undergo.
Biological Psychiatry, 2002
This study examines the effectiveness of an intervention for minor depression in primary care pat... more This study examines the effectiveness of an intervention for minor depression in primary care patients. One hundred fifty public care medical patients were randomly assigned to either an 8-week cognitive-behavioral course intended to help them use pleasant activities, constructive thinking, and interpersonal relationships to improve mood or a control condition. Assessments were completed at postintervention, 6 months, and 1 year. The results support the effectiveness of the intervention. Persons with minor depression assigned to the intervention experienced reductions in depressive symptomatology, which persisted through the 1-year follow-up. In addition, the intervention lowered the somatic symptomatology that was associated with minor depression. Finally, those with minor depression who received the intervention missed fewer appointments with their primary care provider during the following year than did those with minor depression who received no intervention. The results from this preliminary evaluation suggest that interventions addressing minor depression in medical patients are feasible and are effective in reducing both depressive symptomatology and associated problems.
American Psychologist, 1994
The majority of cases of clinical depression go unrecognized and untreated, despite the fact that... more The majority of cases of clinical depression go unrecognized and untreated, despite the fact that depression is an eminently treatable disorder. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) recently published a set of clinical practice guidelines focused on depression in primary care settings. The review of the literature on which the guidelines are based is thorough and appropriate and should enhance the detection of depression and the quality of pharmacotherapy for depression. However, the guidelines encourage primary care physicians to provide pharmacotherapy to their depressed patients as the first line of treatment. The wisdom of this recommendation is questioned and revisions to the guidelines are suggested. Specifically, patients should be informed of the broad array of treatment options available and provided with a more balanced presentation of the potential benefits of psychotherapy for depression. Patients should decide which treatment alternative they wish to undergo.
Astronomy & Astrophysics, 2001
The XMM-Newton Observatory is a cornerstone mission of the European Space Agency's Horizon 2000 p... more The XMM-Newton Observatory is a cornerstone mission of the European Space Agency's Horizon 2000 programme, and is the largest scienti c satellite it has launched to date. This paper summarises the principal characteristics of the Observatory which are pertinent to scienti c operations. The scienti c results appearing in this issue have been enabled by the unprecedentedly large e ective area of the three mirror modules, which are brie y described. The in-orbit performance and preliminary calibrations of the observatory are brie y summarised. The observations from the XMM-Newton calibration and performance veri cation phase, which are public and from which most papers in this issue have been derived, are listed. The ow of data from the spacecraft, through the ground segment, to the production of preliminary science products supplied to users is also discussed.
Resumen: La pregunta esencial de la antropología (cuál es el origen y naturaleza del ser humano) ... more Resumen: La pregunta esencial de la antropología (cuál es el origen y naturaleza del ser humano) no puede hoy responderse sin la aportación de la neurología: de ahí que hablemos de antropología neurológica. Gerald Edelman ha sido en los últimos años un autor de referencia incuestionable, cuya aportación es presentada y discutida en el presente artículo. Primero su marco epistemológico. Después su darwinismo neural, desde cuya perpectiva se defiende la lógica selectiva de la evolución biológica frente a la lógica instruccional de la computación, bien serial o conexionista. La emergencia evolutiva de la memoria (el remembered present) es la base para explicar la formación de la conciencia primaria, de la de orden superior y de la mente. Por último, abordamos la presentación de la teoría del núcleo dinámico y su explicación de la fenomenología de la conciencia. La discusión de la teoría de Edelman considera algunos aspectos y lagunas de la historia evolutiva, así como también la insuficiencia argumentativa sobre la especificación del psiquismo animal y las causas de la emergencia de la razón.
Pediatric Transplantation, 2007
Abstract: This summary of the NAPRTCS 2006 Annual Report of the Transplant Registry highlights t... more Abstract: This summary of the NAPRTCS 2006 Annual Report of the Transplant Registry highlights the significant impact the registry has had in advancing knowledge in pediatric renal transplantation worldwide. This cooperative group has collected clinical information on children undergoing a renal transplantation since 1987 and now includes over 150 participating medical centers in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Currently, the NAPRTCS transplant registry includes information on 9837 renal transplants in 8990 patients (NAPRTCS 2006 Annual Report). Since the first data analysis in 1989, NAPRTCS reports have documented marked improvements in outcome after renal transplantation in addition to identifying factors associated with both favorable and poor outcomes. The registry has served to document and influence practice patterns, clinical outcomes, and changing trends in renal transplantation.
Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 1982
Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a congenital alteration of chromosome pair . It is c... more Background Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a congenital alteration of chromosome pair . It is characterized by short stature, muscular hypotonia, hyperphagia, obesity, behavioural and emotional disturbances, hypogonadism and partial Growth Hormone (GH) deficiency. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effect of GH treatment on the psychological well-being and Quality of Life (QoL) in an adult PWS group. Methods A total of PWS patients, their diagnosis confirmed by genetic tests, and their parents were recruited for this study. The participants were administered the -Items Short Form Health Survey (SF- ) and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), for the assessment of QoL and psychological well-being, at the beginning of GH treatment, and at following intervals of , and months. Modified versions of the same questionnaires were given to the parents. Results Significant improvement with respect to the baseline was found, on both scales, in the evaluation of both physical and psychological well-being, although the parents' evaluation was less optimistic than that of the patients.
Health Psychology, 1991
Examined the prediction from Mechanic's (1972) attribution theory of somatization... more Examined the prediction from Mechanic's (1972) attribution theory of somatization that somatizers who are under stress will overuse ambulatory medical services. Two hundred fourteen volunteer patients from university ambulatory care clinics completed the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and the Life Experiences Inventory. We examined somatization, psychiatric diagnoses, and life stress-and the interaction of these factors-in predicting frequency of medical visits during the preceding year, after controlling for need (active medical problems) and predisposing factors. As hypothesized, life stress interacted with somatization in predicting number of medical visits; somatizers who were under stress made more visits to the clinics than did nonsomatizers or somatizers who were not under stress. Although stress affected somatizers most, stress was predictive of increased medical utilization for all patients. These results suggest that psychological services intended to reduce overutilization of outpatient medical services might best focus on stress reduction and be most beneficial to somatizers.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1996
This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment stud... more This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment studies. Because Latinos underuse traditional mental health services, places such as medical centers or churches with large Latino constituents are suggested as useful alternative sources. To keep Latinos in research protocols, providing culturally sensitive treatments are necessary. Culturally sensitive treatments should incorporate families as part of recruitment efforts, particularly older men in the family. In addition, showing respect is an important aspect of traditional Latino culture that includes using formal titles and taking time to listen carefully. Finally, traditional Latinos tend to like interactions with others that are more warm and personal than is generally part of a research atmosphere.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1996
This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment stud... more This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment studies. Because Latinos underuse traditional mental health services, places such as medical centers or churches with large Latino constituents are suggested as useful alternative sources. To keep Latinos in research protocols, providing culturally sensitive treatments are necessary. Culturally sensitive treatments should incorporate families as part of recruitment efforts, particularly older men in the family. In addition, showing respect is an important aspect of traditional Latino culture that includes using formal titles and taking time to listen carefully. Finally, traditional Latinos tend to like interactions with others that are more warm and personal than is generally part of a research atmosphere.
This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment stud... more This article offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining low-income Latinos in treatment studies. Because Latinos underuse traditional mental health services, places such as medical centers or churches with large Latino constituents are suggested as useful alternative sources. To keep Latinos in research protocols, providing culturally sensitive treatments are necessary. Culturally sensitive treatments should incorporate families as part of recruitment efforts, particularly older men in the family. In addition, showing respect is an important aspect of traditional Latino culture that includes using formal titles and taking time to listen carefully. Finally, traditional Latinos tend to like interactions with others that are more warm and personal than is generally part of a research atmosphere.
American Psychologist, 1994
The majority of cases of clinical depression go unrecognized and untreated, despite the fact that... more The majority of cases of clinical depression go unrecognized and untreated, despite the fact that depression is an eminently treatable disorder. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) recently published a set of clinical practice guidelines focused on depression in primary care settings. The review of the literature on which the guidelines are based is thorough and appropriate and should enhance the detection of depression and the quality of pharmacotherapy for depression. However, the guidelines encourage primary care physicians to provide pharmacotherapy to their depressed patients as the first line of treatment. The wisdom of this recommendation is questioned and revisions to the guidelines are suggested. Specifically, patients should be informed of the broad array of treatment options available and provided with a more balanced presentation of the potential benefits of psychotherapy for depression. Patients should decide which treatment alternative they wish to undergo.
Biological Psychiatry, 2002
This study examines the effectiveness of an intervention for minor depression in primary care pat... more This study examines the effectiveness of an intervention for minor depression in primary care patients. One hundred fifty public care medical patients were randomly assigned to either an 8-week cognitive-behavioral course intended to help them use pleasant activities, constructive thinking, and interpersonal relationships to improve mood or a control condition. Assessments were completed at postintervention, 6 months, and 1 year. The results support the effectiveness of the intervention. Persons with minor depression assigned to the intervention experienced reductions in depressive symptomatology, which persisted through the 1-year follow-up. In addition, the intervention lowered the somatic symptomatology that was associated with minor depression. Finally, those with minor depression who received the intervention missed fewer appointments with their primary care provider during the following year than did those with minor depression who received no intervention. The results from this preliminary evaluation suggest that interventions addressing minor depression in medical patients are feasible and are effective in reducing both depressive symptomatology and associated problems.
American Psychologist, 1994
The majority of cases of clinical depression go unrecognized and untreated, despite the fact that... more The majority of cases of clinical depression go unrecognized and untreated, despite the fact that depression is an eminently treatable disorder. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) recently published a set of clinical practice guidelines focused on depression in primary care settings. The review of the literature on which the guidelines are based is thorough and appropriate and should enhance the detection of depression and the quality of pharmacotherapy for depression. However, the guidelines encourage primary care physicians to provide pharmacotherapy to their depressed patients as the first line of treatment. The wisdom of this recommendation is questioned and revisions to the guidelines are suggested. Specifically, patients should be informed of the broad array of treatment options available and provided with a more balanced presentation of the potential benefits of psychotherapy for depression. Patients should decide which treatment alternative they wish to undergo.
Astronomy & Astrophysics, 2001
The XMM-Newton Observatory is a cornerstone mission of the European Space Agency's Horizon 2000 p... more The XMM-Newton Observatory is a cornerstone mission of the European Space Agency's Horizon 2000 programme, and is the largest scienti c satellite it has launched to date. This paper summarises the principal characteristics of the Observatory which are pertinent to scienti c operations. The scienti c results appearing in this issue have been enabled by the unprecedentedly large e ective area of the three mirror modules, which are brie y described. The in-orbit performance and preliminary calibrations of the observatory are brie y summarised. The observations from the XMM-Newton calibration and performance veri cation phase, which are public and from which most papers in this issue have been derived, are listed. The ow of data from the spacecraft, through the ground segment, to the production of preliminary science products supplied to users is also discussed.
Resumen: La pregunta esencial de la antropología (cuál es el origen y naturaleza del ser humano) ... more Resumen: La pregunta esencial de la antropología (cuál es el origen y naturaleza del ser humano) no puede hoy responderse sin la aportación de la neurología: de ahí que hablemos de antropología neurológica. Gerald Edelman ha sido en los últimos años un autor de referencia incuestionable, cuya aportación es presentada y discutida en el presente artículo. Primero su marco epistemológico. Después su darwinismo neural, desde cuya perpectiva se defiende la lógica selectiva de la evolución biológica frente a la lógica instruccional de la computación, bien serial o conexionista. La emergencia evolutiva de la memoria (el remembered present) es la base para explicar la formación de la conciencia primaria, de la de orden superior y de la mente. Por último, abordamos la presentación de la teoría del núcleo dinámico y su explicación de la fenomenología de la conciencia. La discusión de la teoría de Edelman considera algunos aspectos y lagunas de la historia evolutiva, así como también la insuficiencia argumentativa sobre la especificación del psiquismo animal y las causas de la emergencia de la razón.