bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The unique properties of agricultural aerosols measured at a cattle feeding operation
Authors: Hiranuma N. , Brooks S. D. , Gramann J. , Auvermann B. W.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Housing roughly 10 million head of cattle in the United States alone, open air cattle feedlots represent a significant but poorly constrained source of atmospheric particles. Here we present a comprehensive characterization of physical and chemical properties of particles emitted from a large representative cattle feedlot in the Southwest United States. In the summer of 2008, measurements and samplings were conducted at the nominally upwind and downwind edges of the facility. A series of far-field measurements and samplings was also conducted 3.5 km north of the facility. Two instruments, a GRIMM Sequential Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) and a GRIMM Portable Aerosol Spectrometer (PAS), were used to measure particle size distributions over the range of 0.01 to 25 μm diameter. Raman microspectroscopy (RM) was used to determine the chemical composition of particles on a single particle basis. Volume size distributions of fugitive dust were dominated by coarse mode particles. Twenty-four hour averaged concentrations of PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 μm or less) were as high as 1200 μg m−3 during the campaign. The primary constituents of the particulate matter were carbonaceous materials, such as humic acid, water soluble organics, and less soluble fatty acids, including stearic acid and tristearin. A significant percentage of the organic particles, up to 28 %, were composed of internally mixed with salts. Basic characteristics such as size distribution and composition of agricultural aerosols were found to be different than the properties of those found in urban and semi-urban aerosols. Failing to account for such differences will lead to serious errors in estimates of aerosol effects on climate, visibility, and public health.
Aging fingerprints in combustion particles
Authors: Zelenay V. , Mooser R. , Tritscher T. , Křepelová A. , Heringa M. F. , Chirico R. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Weingartner E. , Baltensperger U. , Dommen J. , Watts B. , Raabe J. , Huthwelker T. , Ammann M.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Soot particles can significantly influence the Earth's climate by absorbing and scattering solar radiation as well as by acting as cloud condensation nuclei. However, despite their environmental (as well as economic and political) importance, the way these properties are affected by atmospheric processing is still a subject of discussion. In this work, soot particles emitted from two different cars, a EURO 2 transporter, a EURO 3 passenger vehicle, and a wood stove were investigated on a single-particle basis. The emitted exhaust, including the particulate and the gas phase, was processed in a smog chamber with artificial solar radiation. Single particle specimens of both unprocessed and aged soot were characterized using x-ray absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Comparison of the spectra from the unprocessed and aged soot particles revealed changes in the carbon functional group content, such as that of carboxylic carbon, which can be ascribed to both the condensation of secondary organic compounds on the soot particles and oxidation of primary soot particles upon photochemical aging. Changes in the morphology and size of the single soot particles were also observed upon aging. Furthermore, we show that the soot particles take up water in humid environments and that their water uptake capacity increases with photochemical aging.
Pre-monsoon aerosol characteristics over the Indo-Gangetic Basin: implications to climatic impact
Authors: Srivastava A. K. , Tiwari S. , Devara P. C. S. , Bisht D. S. , Srivastava Manoj K. , Tripathi S. N. , Goloub P. , Holben B. N.
Published: May 2011

Abstract. Sun/sky radiometer observations over the Indo-Gangetic Basin (IGB) region during pre-monsoon (from April–June 2009) have been processed to analyze various aerosol characteristics in the central and eastern IGB region, represented by Kanpur and Gandhi College, respectively, and their impacts on climate in terms of radiative forcing. Monthly mean aerosol optical depth (AOD at 500 nm) and corresponding Angstrom Exponent (AE at 440–870 nm, given within the brackets) was observed to be about 0.50 (0.49) and 0.51 (0.65) in April, 0.65 (0.74) and 0.67 (0.91) in May and 0.69 (0.45) and 0.77 (0.71) in June at Kanpur and Gandhi College, respectively. Results show a positive gradient in AOD and AE from central to eastern IGB region with the advancement of the pre-monsoon, which may be caused due to diverse geographical location of the stations having different meteorological conditions and emission sources. Relatively lower SSA was observed at the eastern IGB (0.89) than the central IGB (0.92) region during the period, which suggests relative dominance of absorbing aerosols at the eastern IGB as compared to central IGB region. The absorbing aerosol optical properties over the station suggest that the atmospheric absorption over central IGB region is mainly due to dominance of coarse-mode dust particles; however, absorption over eastern IGB region is mainly due to dominance of fine-particle pollution. The derived properties from sun/sky radiometer during pre-monsoon period are used in a radiative-transfer model to estimate aerosol radiative forcing at the top-of-the atmosphere (TOA) and at the surface over the IGB region. Relatively large TOA and surface cooling was observed at the eastern IGB as compared to the central IGB region. This translates into large heating of the atmosphere ranging from 0.45 to 0.55 K day−1 at Kanpur and from 0.45 to 0.59 K day−1 at Gandhi College.
Efficiency of Post-Dilution Hemodiafiltration with a High-Flux α-Polysulfone Dialyzer
Authors: Pedrini Luciano A. , Gmerek Andreas , Wagner Jurgen
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Intra-individual comparison of technical and clinical characteristics of two hemodiafiltration (HDF) strategies, namely, post-dilution HDF (post-HDF) with a high-flux α-polysulfone hemodiafilter and reverse mid-dilution HDF (MD-HDF).

Methods

Fifteen patients who were stable on RRT were randomly submitted to both HDF techniques under matched operational conditions. Removal of small and middle molecular compounds was compared. The pressure regimen within the dialyzers and the hydraulic and solute permeability indexes of the membrane were monitored on-line during the sessions.

Results

Urea removed was not statistically different between post-HDF and MD-HDF (41.7±10.2 vs. 39.9±8.2 g/session). High and comparable removal of phosphate (KDQ,132±30 vs. 138±21 ml/min) and middle molecules (β2-m KDQ, 79.1±6.1 vs. 74.1±13.5 ml/min) was shown in post-HDF and MD-HDF. Albumin leakage tended to be lower after post-HDF (914±370 vs. 1313±603 mg/session, p=0.075). There were no cases of blood circuit clotting, hypotensive episodes, or other clinical or technical problems. In post-HDF, a very high ultrafiltration rate (QUF, 7.4 l/h) and filtration fraction of 59% were maintained through the sessions with safe trans-membrane pressure (TMP) values strictly retained within the planned range (280–350 mmHg). Larger volume exchange (10 l/h) was obtained in MD-HDF, but the very high QUF established high and risky TMP in the post-dilution section of the MD 220 dialyzer.

Conclusions

The hemodiafilter tested in this study proved its high efficiency when used in post-dilution HDF with the application of an automatic ultrafiltration/pressure feedback, which guaranteed maximal convection within controlled hydraulic conditions.
Efeitos da Hidroterapia no Equilíbrio de Indivíduos com Doença de Parkinson
Authors: Andrade Carlos Henrique Silva de , Silva Belatrice Ferreira da , Corso Simone Dal
Published: May 2011

Introdução: A doença de Parkinson (DP) é uma patologia neurodegenerativa que leva a perda progressiva de neurônios na substância negra, resultando em disfunções nos padrões de movimento. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos da hidroterapia no equilíbrio de indivíduos com DP. Métodos: Foram estudados sete indivíduos (54,00 ± 6,08 anos) com diagnóstico de DP. Para avalição do equilíbrio funcional foram aplicados a escala de equilíbrio de Berg (EEB) e o teste timed up and go (TUGT) antes e após o protocolo de hidroterapia. O protocolo foi aplicado durante quatro semanas, sendo três sessões semanais com 40 minutos de duração cada sessão. Resultados: Foi observado um aumento significante na pontuação da EEB (25,3 ± 10,0 vs 37,0 ± 8,5) e redução do tempo do TUGT (13,2 ± 1,8 vs 11,4 ± 1,7; p 0,05) após a execução do programa de hidroterapia. Conclusão: O protocolo de hidroterapia promoveu melhora do equilíbrio dos indivíduos com DP.
Estudo histológico da cicatrização de feridas cutâneas utilizando a banha de bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.)
Authors: Santos Júnior Reginaldo Queiroz dos , Soares Lícia Candido , Maia filho Antonio Luís Martins , Sousa Karinne Araujo de , Santos Ísidra Manoela Sousa Portela , Costa Júnior Joaquim Soares da , Saffi Jenifer
Published: May 2011

Introdução: O processo de cicatrização é uma sequência de reações para reconstituir o tecido. O bacurizeiro (Platonia insignis Mart.) é nativo da Amazônia e é usado como cicatrizante e antibiótico. Objetivo: Analisar a cicatrização de feridas cutâneas tratadas com a banha de bacuri. Metodologia: Utilizaram-se 46 ratos Wistar, machos. Confeccionou-se uma ferida de 2 cm de diâmetro no dorso dos animais e em seguida foram distribuídos em dois grupos: controle e tratado com banha de bacuri. Foram avaliados no 4º, 7º e 14º dias do pós-operatório. Resultados: A inflamação aguda reduziu a partir do sétimo dia nos dois grupos, sendo mais evidente no grupo experimental.  No quarto dia, ambos os grupos não mostraram reepitelização, já no sétimo, os animais tratados com a banha demonstraram reepitelização considerável. Conclusão: A banha de bacuri foi eficiente no sétimo dia de tratamento. Os ácidos graxos presentes nessa substância favorecem o processo cicatricial.
Adeno‐associated virus‐mediated human acidic fibroblast growth factor expression promotes functional recovery of spinal cord–contused rats
Authors: Huang Wen‐Cheng , Kuo Huai‐Sheng , Tsai May‐Jywan , Ma Hsu , Chiu Chuan‐Wen , Huang Ming‐Chao , Yang Lin‐Hsue , Chang Pei‐Teh , Lin Yi‐Lo , Kuo Wen‐Chun , Lee Meng‐Jen , Liu Jiang‐Chuan , Cheng Henrich
Published: May 2011

Background

Following spinal cord injury, the delivery of neurotrophic factors to the injured spinal cord has been shown to promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery. In previous studies, we showed that acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) is a potent neurotrophic factor that promotes the regeneration of axotomized spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion neurones.

Methods

We constructed a recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector to express human aFGF and evaluated aFGF expression and function in AAV‐aFGF‐infected PC12 cells. We analyzed AAV‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) tropism and AAV‐mediated aFGF expression in contused spinal cords. Animals received behavioural testing to evaluate the functional recovery.

Results

Overexpression of aFGF was shown in AAV‐aFGF‐infected PC12 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Concurrently, neurite extension and cell number were significantly increased in AAV‐aFGF infected cells. AAV‐mediated GFP expression persisted for at least 5 weeks in contused spinal cords, and the most prominently transduced cells were neurones. Contusive injury reduced endogenous aFGF expression in spinal cords. Overexpression of aFGF was demonstrated in AAV‐aFGF transduced spinal cords compared to AAV‐GFP transduced spinal cords at 3 and 14 days post‐injury. Evaluation of motor function revealed that the improvement of AAV‐aFGF‐treated rats was prominent. Both AAV‐aFGF‐ and recombinant human aFGF‐treated rats revealed significantly better recovery at 5 weeks post‐injury, compared to vehicle‐ and AAV‐GFP‐treated rats.

Conclusions

These data suggest that supplement of aFGF improve the functional recovery of spinal cord‐contused rats and that AAV‐aFGF‐mediated gene transfer could be a clinically feasible therapeutic approach for patients after nervous system injuries. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of Glycerides and Free Fatty Acid in Oils Extracted From Various Seeds from the Indian Region by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Bansal Veena , Tiwari A. K. , Sharma Meeta , Puri S. K. , Patel M. B. , Sarpal A. S.
Published: May 2011

The present study is focused on the quantification of glycerides and free fatty acid in oils extracted from various seeds for biodiesel production from Indian territory. A new method based on 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopic techniques was developed in order to estimate triglycerides (TG), diglycerides, monoglycerides, free fatty acids (FFA) and various other components such as para‐substituted phenols, silylated methyl esters, aromatic acids, naphthalenes, etc. Iodine values of the extracted oils were estimated using the developed 1H‐NMR spectroscopic method, which was correlated with the TG content present in the sample. Results by the NMR method were validated by the blend preparation, fatty acid composition determined by the GC and from the iodine value of the samples. The developed method is direct, rapid and no sample treatment is required. The results from these comprehensive studies indicated that NMR spectroscopic technique is useful for the quantification of extracted oils and can be used effectively for the development and monitoring of biodiesel production and determining the fuel quality.
Social context in school: Its relation to adolescents’ depressive mood
Authors: Boulard Aurore , Quertemont Etienne , Gauthier Jean‐Marie , Born Michel
Published: May 2011

This study examined the impact of various school‐related factors on adolescents’ depressive mood, including prosocial behavior, verbal aggression, and relationships with teachers. The data used in this study were collected in the context of a larger survey on victimization in secondary schools from the French Community of Belgium. Participants were 2896 secondary school students (1520 males; 1376 females) aged 12–18 years. Results showed that for both genders, the three strongest predictors of depressive mood were age, feeling of exclusion, and verbal aggression. This study focusing on school‐related predictors of depressive mood confirmed the importance of the social context in school as a predictor of depression in both girls and boys.
Responding to the Severe Limitations of Cross-Sectional Surveys: Commenting on Rong and Wilkinson's Perspectives
Authors: Woodside Arch G.
Published: May 2011

While a meta-analysis is necessary to test the claim that the logic dominates the majority of studies, most studies by academic scholars on thinking and actions by executives appear to rely on cross-sectional surveys that use self-reports by executives via scaled (e.g., strongly disagree to strongly agree) instruments whereby one executive per firm completes the instrument and data are collected for 50–500 firms. Useable response rates in these studies are almost always below 30% of the distributions of the surveys. While these studies are sometimes worthwhile for learning how respondents assess concepts and relationships among concepts, Rong and Wilkinson's perspective on the severe limits to the value of such studies rings true: such surveys reveal more about executives’ sensemaking processes than the actual processes. The limitations of using one-shot, one-person-per-firm, self-reports as valid indicators of causal relationships of actual processes are so severe that academics should do more than think twice before using such surveys as the main method for collecting data – if scholars seek to understand and describe actual processes additional methods are necessary for data collection. The relevant literature includes several gems of exceptionally high quality, validity, and usefulness in the study of actual processes; identifying these studies is a useful step toward reducing the reliance on one-shot self-report surveys.
Potential risk factors associated with risk for drop‐out and relapse during and following withdrawal of opioid prescription medication
Authors: Heiwel Susanne , Lönnquistl Ingeborg , Källménl Håkan
Published: May 2011

Background: Withdrawal of opioid medication in patients with chronic pain has a drop‐out and relapse problem. Aim: To evaluate if depressive symptoms, anxiety and pain intensity are potential risk factors for drop‐out or relapse during the withdrawal process. Further, to assess internal consistency of scales for assessment of these potential risk factors. Methods: Twenty‐nine patients were included. After 2 years 28 of these were followed‐up. Results: Those with depressive symptoms at baseline had a significant risk for drop‐out from the withdrawal program (odds ratio 1.37) and relapse into use of opioids at follow‐up (odds ratio 1.44). Drop‐outs rated depressive symptoms significantly higher before detoxification. Those who relapsed rated significantly higher for pain intensity, depressive symptoms and abstinence prior to withdrawal. All scales had high reliability. Perspective: To avoid drop‐out and relapse clinical practice need to screen for depressive symptoms, pain intensity, and abstinence. This article presents significant reliability of scales useful within dependency centers. They can be used to identify these risk factors for drop‐out and relapse, respectively, when initiating the withdrawal process. Taking these risk factors into consideration could improve the outcome of the withdrawal process by preventing drop‐out and relapse.
Progranulin: A promising therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Liu Chuan-ju
Published: May 2011

Progranulin (PGRN) is an autocrine growth factor with multiple functions. This review provides updates about the interplays of PGRN with extracellular matrix proteins, proteolytic enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, and cell surface receptors in cartilage and arthritis, with a special focus on the interaction between PGRN and TNF receptors (TNFR) and its implications in inflammatory arthritis. The paper also highlights Atsttrin, an engineered protein composed of three PGRN fragments that prevents inflammation in several inflammatory arthritis models. Identification of PGRN as a ligand of TNFR and an antagonist of TNFα signaling, together with the discovery of Atsttrin, not only betters our understanding of the pathogenesis of arthritis, but also provides new therapeutic interventions for various TNFα‐mediated pathologies and conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.
The Nse2/Mms21 SUMO ligase of the Smc5/6 complex in the maintenance of genome stability
Authors: Stephan Anna K. , Kliszczak Maciej , Morrison Ciaran G.
Published: May 2011

There exist three highly‐conserved structural maintenance of chromosomes (Smc) complexes that ensure genome stability during eukaryotic cell division. There are the well‐characterized cohesin and condensin complexes and the third Smc complex, Smc5/6. Nse2/Mms21, a SUMO ligase, is a component of the Smc5/6 complex and recent data have indicated that Nse1 may function as a ubiquitin ligase. Smc5/6 regulates sister chromatid cohesion, homologous recombination and chromatin structure and conformation. This review examines the functions of Smc5/6 in DNA repair and the maintenance of genomic integrity and explores the roles of the associated SUMO and ubiquitin ligases. Recent findings have indicated that Smc5/6 may play a topological role in chromosome dynamics, which may help understand the complexity of its activities.
CCM2 expression during prenatal development and adult human neocortex
Authors: Tanriover Gamze , Sozen Berna , Gunel Murat , Demir Necdet
Published: May 2011

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is one of the most common types of vascular malformations of the central nervous system, affecting nearly one in 200 people. CCM lesions are characterized by grossly dilated vascular channels lined by a single layer of endothelium. Genetic linkage analyses have mapped three CCM loci to CCM1, CCM2 and CCM3. All three causative genes have now been identified allowing new insights into CCM pathophysiology. We focused on the CCM2 protein that might take place in blood vessel formation; we report here the expression patterns of CCM2 in prenatal development and adult human neocortex by means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. CCM2 was obviously detected in vascular endothelium and neuroglial precursor cells during development and also observed in arterial endothelium, neurons, some of the glial cells in adult neocortex. The expression patterns suggest that it could be one of the arterial markers whether this is a cause or a consequence of an altered vascular identity. CCM2 might play a role during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis during human brain development. Furthermore, with this study, CCM2 have been described for the first time in developing human neocortex.
North Korea’s parallel economies: Systemic disaggregation following the Soviet collapse
Authors: Habib Benjamin
Published: May 2011

This article aims to introduce the concept of parallel economies to explain the transformation of North Korea’s command economy during the 1990s. The article summarises North Korea’s pre-1991 command economy, before identifying the collapse of the Soviet Union and the great famine (1994–1998) as causes for the splintering of the old command system into parallel economiesdthe official, military, illicit, court and entrepreneurial economies—separated from the central planning matrix. It concludes that the existence of parallel economies makes system-wide economic reform unlikely and increases the importance of foreign aid in maintaining the viability of the regime’s political architecture.
Use of codeine-containing medicines by patients admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital
Authors: Agyapong V.O.I. , Sarvage M. , Sighn K. , Farren C. , Mc Loughlin D.
Published: May 2011

Background

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the general public including patients with mental health problems are largely unaware of the potential risks of codeine abuse and dependence. Despite this, little research has been done in establishing the public’s level of awareness on this issue.

Objective

To assess the extent of use of codeine-containing preparations, as well as the level of knowledge regarding the dependency potential of codeine, in patients admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital.

Method

150 patients admitted consecutively to an acute psychiatric hospital over a 2 month period were asked to fill out an anonymous 18-item semi-structured questionnaire. The results were compiled and analysed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 17.

Results

116 questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 77% (54% female, mean age 46.7 years, SD = 15 years). 90% of respondents reported that they had ever used codeine-containing medications, 80% have bought them over the counter, 65% always used them without prescription, and 7% reported daily use of such medicines. 14% reported using them for the euphoriant effect, 5% to curb cravings, and the remaining mainly for migraines or aches and pains. 11% of all patients had used a codeine-containing medication as recently as 24 hours prior to their admission and 66% of patients indicated that they were aware of the dependence potential of codeine.

Conclusion

Awareness among psychiatric patients regarding the dependence potential of codeine is high. Additionally, a considerable proportion of patients indicated use of codeine for euphoriant effects or to curb cravings
Smoking cessation and gender in first psychotic patients after long-term follow-up
Authors: Alberich S. , Martínez-Cengotitabengoa M. , Vega P. , Gutiérrez M. , Valcárcel C. , López P. , García G. , González-Pinto A.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder appear to have more difficulties with smoking cessation than the general population. Moreover, gender and unsuccessful smoking cessation are associated with depression and negative emotional experience. Less attention has been given to the association of cigarette smoking in women and the use of other substances.

Objectives

To determine the influence of gender and substance abuse on smoking cessation in a long-term follow up after a first psychotic episode.

Method

Patients were evaluated at years 1, 3, and 5 obtaining information about functional outcome, positive and negative symptoms and substance use. At 8th year, functional outcome and use of substance were recorded. Patients were classified in two groups: those who stopped smoking during follow-up, and those who did not stop.

Results

At baseline, rates of tobacco smoking were high with no differences between genders. Difficulty with smoking cessation was associated with female (p = 0.017) and typical antipsychotics (p = 0.032). Those who used alcohol continuously were less likely to stop smoking (p = 0.050) controlling for typical antipsychotics. The interaction with gender was not significant. Continuous cannabis use was not associated with smoking cessation, but women who use cannabis continuously were less able to stop smoking than men (adjusted p = 0.036).

Conclusions

Women are less prone to quit smoking than men during long-term follow-up after the development of psychosis. Different treatments should be considered for men and women in relation to tobacco dependence in patients with psychotic disorder. Treatment for women smokers should probably be more supportive and intensive.
Health and risk behaviors of drug addicts in internment situation in therapeutic communities
Authors: Albuquerque C. , Verdasca C. , Franco V.
Published: May 2011

Objectives

This study aims to obtain health and risk behaviors of drug abusers (addicts), when in confinement situation in therapeutic communities;

Methods

Using quantitative methods, the study focused on a group of 75 addicts, all male, with ages 19 to 51 years (average: 34.07), mostly unmarried (77.30%), living in Lisbon (40.00%) and with a past marked mainly by consumption of cocaine (80.00%) and heroin (69.30%). As an instrument to measure the behaviors we used the “Health and Risk Behaviour Scale” (Albuquerque, 2004).

Results

It was found that addicts in hospital:

a) practice little exercise/physical activity,

b) care little for the food component,

c) the majority continues to use semi-legal drugs, and

d) express little concern about the effects associated with consumption of alcohol and tobacco.

Conversely, we found that they care a lot about their sexual behavior, adopting preventive behaviors against sexually transmitted diseases.

Conclusions

The evidence presented here should be taken into account by several health professionals (doctors, nurses, psychologists,) in an assistance model reorientation and multidimensional accompanying underlying the internment addict and their families.
Psychoactive substance abuse and personality disorders in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Almonacid C. , Castillo A. , Lloret M. , Harto M. , Tatay A. , Calabuig R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Comorbidity between Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and other psychiatric disorders, known as Dual Diagnosis, is an issue of growing interest in Mental Health. The high association between Personality Disorders (PD) and substance use is reported in scientific literature. However, not many studies have been published regarding the prevalence of this disorder in a psychiatric unit. AIMSTo determine the prevalence of substance abuse among patients with a Personality Disorder in a psychiatric unit.

Methodology

A retrospective descriptive study was carried out among all patients admitted to our psychiatric unit during one year. The data collected from the discharge clinical records of patients were: demographic variables, personal psychiatric history and substance use, urine tests and clinical diagnoses at discharge.

Results

We obtained a sample of 334 patients. There was comorbidity between Mental Disorder and SUD in 10.17% of subjects; including 4% diagnosed with Personality Disorder (80% belong to Cluster B). 53.3% of patients with PD substance abuse was reported. Excluding nicotine dependence and benzodiazepines, the most common substances used were cannabis (50%), alcohol (37.5%) and cocaine (25%).

Conclusions

This study shows that Personality Disorder is the Mental Disorder most commonly associated with SUD, among inpatients in our psychiatric unit. In order to detect cases of Dual Diagnosis, we suggest optimize recording in clinical history substance use and systematic urine tests in all patients admitted, which would benefit from specific treatment for their condition.
Executive and personality functioning and the ability to maintain prolonged abstinence in alcohol dependence
Authors: Andó B. , Szkaliczki A. , Rózsa S. , Kurgyis E. , Drótos G. , Szikszay P. , Janka Z. , Álmos P.Z.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Recent studies have revealed that neurocognitive and personality domains are important contributors of prolonged abstinence in alcohol dependence.

Objectives/aims

To reveal further factors related to the ability of maintaining prolonged abstinence in alcohol dependence. Therefore executive and personality functioning were compared of patients with short (STA) and long-term abstinence (LTA).

Methods

STA patients (N = 44) were involved from an inpatient center, LTA patients (N = 46; min. 3 years of abstinence) were involved from AA Groups. Decision-making, inhibition and planning as components of executive functioning, coping strategy, temperament and character factors as indicators of personality functioning were evaluated. MANCOVA and Mann-Whitney U statistical analyses were applied to compare the two groups.

Results

No significant differences were found between the STA and LTA patients along decision-making (F = 0.008, p = 0.992), planning (Mann-Whitney U = 794.5, p = 0.065) and inhibition (Mann-Whitney U = 921.5, p = 0.442). Lower levels of novelty seeking and harm avoidance and higher levels of self-directedness and cooperativeness were found in the LTA group (F = 3.32, p = 0.001) along with lower level of emotion oriented coping (F = 3.32, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Decision-making, inhibition and planning components of executive functioning are independent from the length of abstinence in alcohol dependence. The similar decision-making pattern of the two groups reflect the core feature of addictive behavior; preference toward immediate higher reward and lower punishment despite the long term negative consequences. It is hypothesized that the higher levels of adaptive personality factors in the LTA group decrease the risk of relapse, and contribute to the ability of maintaining prolonged abstinence.
Sucht als selbstverletzung
Authors: Andorfer U.
Published: May 2011

Selbstverletzendes Verhalten stellt kein einheitliches, sondern für die klinisch psychologische Forschung sehr komplexes, und noch unzureichend erklärtes Phänomen dar. Selbstschädigendes Verhalten kann viele Formen annehmen und in direkter oder indirekter Form gezeigt werden. Zu den indirekten Formen zählen Alkohol-, Drogen- oder Medikamentenmissbrauch, Essstörungen, aber auch riskantes sexuelles Verhalten. Direktes selbstverletzendes Verhalten ist gleichbedeutend mit der offenen Verletzung oder Beschädigung des eigenen Körpers, welche nicht mit suizidalen Absichten einhergeht. Selbstverletzendes Verhalten hängt zumeist mit frühen traumatischen Erlebnissen zusammen, auf die nicht angemessen reagiert werden konnte.

Professionelle Helfer sind von der Komplexität und den häufig erschreckenden Arten selbstverletzenden Verhaltens massiv betroffen und suchen nach Erklärungen und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten. Zum gegenwärtigen Zeitpunkt lässt sich selbstverletzendes Verhalten nicht ausschließlich durch psychodynamische Konzepte erklären. Vielmehr muss heute auf biopsychosoziale Konzepte zurückgegriffen werden, wobei der Neurobiologie eine bedeutsame Rolle zukommt.

Eine am Anton Proksch Institut/Wien durchgeführte Studie liefert nun Forschungsdaten, die das Konzept einer „multi- impulsiven Persönlichkeit“ weiterentwickeln zu helfen vermögen.

Im Rahmen eines qualitativen Forschungsansatzes erfolgte die systematische Begutachtung eines umfassenden Bereiches von multi-impulsiven und selbstschädigenden Verhaltensweisen. Dadurch konnten Bedingungen, die das jeweilige Verhalten erklären bzw. hervorgebracht haben, identifiziert, und notwendige Bedingungen in Zusammenhang mit Behandlungsverlauf und Behandlungsform dieses komplexen Störungsbildes definiert werden.
Mortality among individuals with cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, MDMA, and opioid use disorders: a nationwide follow-up study of danish substance users in treatment
Authors: Arendt M. , Munk-Jørgensen P. , Sher L. , Jensen S.O.W.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Little is known about the excess mortality associated with use of some illicit substances. In particular, this concerns the risks associated with injection drug use and psychiatric disorders.

Aims

This study estimated mortality following substance abuse treatment among primary users of cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, MDMA, and opioids. The risks associated with injection drug use and psychiatric comorbidity were assessed.

Methods

A register of individuals in treatment for illicit substance disorders was linked with registers on psychiatric treatment and mortality. The study population consisted of 20581 individuals who received treatment in Denmark between 1996 and 2006. There were 1441 deaths recorded over 111445 person-years of follow-up.

Results

Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) for primary users of specific substances were: Cannabis: 4.9, cocaine: 6.4, amphetamine: 6.0, heroin: 9.1, and other opioids 7.7. For MDMA the crude mortality rate was 1.75/1000 person-years, and the SMR was not significantly elevated. Sharing of syringes was associated with increased mortality in both primary users of opioids (hazard ratio (HR): 1.58 [95% CI 1.22–1.99], p < .001) and cocaine/amphetamine (HR: 9.52 (95% CI 3.94–23.02, p < .001). Overall, psychiatric comorbidity was associated with modestly increased mortality (HR: 1.15 [95% CI 1.03–1.29], p = .012) and in particular for primary users of cocaine/amphetamine (HR: 2.74 [95% CI 1.56–4.80], p < .001).

Conclusions

High SMRs were found among individuals who had received treatment for cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, and opioid use disorders. Injection drug use was clearly associated with excess mortality, while the impact of psychiatric comorbidity was generally modest.
Clinical prognosis of associated forms of alcoholism with co-morbid brain impairment
Authors: Bokhan N.A.
Published: May 2011

Objective

Identification of clinical differences of formation and prognosis of severity of associated forms of alcoholism in relevant variants of co-morbid brain impairment.

Material and methods

With clinical-psychopathological method we examined inpatient samples with stage 2 alcoholism with co-morbid traumatic (group I, n = 105); hypertensive (group II, n = 45) and vertebrogenic (spinal cord artery syndrome) (group III, n = 37) brain impairment. Control - 30 patients with alcoholism without co-morbid pathology.

Results

In group I alcoholism is forming at early age in persons with pre-morbidly problematic social adaptation - in 62,2% conditioned by presence of excitable traits of the character. Dominance of dysphoria in intoxication and in alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) predetermines formation of psychopath-like degradation with total and persistent social disadaptation. Beyond AWS, reactive lability, lingering asthenic-sub-depressive states with inclusion of dysphoric, hysteric-excitable components remain during low quality of remission. In group II later formation of alcoholism in 26,7% of cases was preceded by psychodisadaptive disturbances conditioned by pre-morbidly anxious constitution of personality. In structure of AWS anxious-phobic modality of depressive disorders against the background of cardiovascular manifestations of toxicogenic effects of ethanol determines development of torpid asthenic-depressive states (with cardiophobic and hypochondriac components). For patients from group III we have identified intermediary tempo of increasing of progression of alcoholism with obligate diencephalic psychovegetative, psychosensory and severe psychoorganic cognitive disorders against the background of asthenic, more seldom dysphoric variants of change of the personality.

Conclusion

Prognosis of associated forms of alcoholism is various in distinguished variants (traumatic, hypertensive, vertebrogenic) comorbid brain impairment.
Therapeutic drug monitoring of drugs for treatment of substance-related disorders
Authors: Brünen S. , Vincent P.D. , Baumann P. , Hiemke C. , Havemann-Reinecke U.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The effect of pharmacotherapy of substance-related disorders is moderate at best.

Objectives

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) could be an instrument to improve the outcomes. TDM is for most of these drugs not established yet.

Aims

The authors built a literature based rating scale to evaluate the necessity of TDM for these pharmacological agents.

Methods

A literature research was performed for TDM related properties of acamprosate, bupropion, buprenorphine, clomethiazole, disulfiram, methadone, naltrexone, and varenicline. A rating scale was established for evaluation. It included 28 items related to five categories (efficacy, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, patient characteristics and cost effectiveness). For comparison, three reference substances with established TDM were similarly assessed: clozapine, lithium and nortriptyline.

Results

The three reference substances, lithium, clozapine and nortriptyline, achieved scores of 15, 18, and 14 points, respectively. Rating of methadone (19 points), bupropion (14 points), buprenorphine (14 points), disulfiram (13) and naltrexone (12 points in the indication opioid-dependency and 10 points in the indication alcohol dependency) achieved more than 30% of the reachable points, whereas acamprosate (9 points), clomethiazole (9 points), and varenicline (5 points) had fewer points especially in the main characteristics in favor of TDM.

Conclusions

These results suggest this rating scale is sensitive to detect the appropriateness of TDM for drug treatment. Literature based rating and clinical experience give evidence that TDM has the potential to optimize the pharmacotherapy of substance related-disorders with different rank orders of the single substances.
Gambling frequency and problems: a study across 3 generations
Authors: Carbonneau R. , Vitaro F. , Wanner B. , Tremblay R.E.
Published: May 2011

The present study had three objectives. The first objective was to examine trajectories of gambling frequency and problems from mid-adolescence to adulthood in a Canadian population-representative cohort of 2000 boys and girls, part of an ongoing longitudinal study since kindergarten. Trajectories were based on self-report at three times of assessment: ages 15–16, 22–23, and 29–30. The second objective of the present study was to investigate childhood risk factors associated with computed trajectories of gambling frequency and problems. Finally, the third objective was to assess the consequences of following different trajectories of gambling behaviours for 29–30 years-old adults, their family and children. Results are discussed based on a developmental, intergenerational perspective on gambling behaviours and problems.
Pain perception among depressed heroin addict patients
Authors: Chkonia E. , Kenchadze V. , Beria Z. , Okribelashvili N. , Naneishvili G. , Sikharulidze G.
Published: May 2011

There are an increased evidence of co-morbidity between pain, abnormal sensations and depression in heroin addict patients. Such conditions are usually treated by antidepressants, mood stabilizers and rarely by atypical antipsychotics.

Investigation of heroin addict patients in post-abstinent state reviled that low mood, anxiety, tension and guilt feeling increased sensitivity toward pain, which mostly experienced as algetic, coenestetick and hypochondriacal sensations. Algetic symptoms highly correlated with psychopathology. Efficient treatment of psychopathological symptoms decreased pain. Atypical antipsychotic quetiapin monotherapy could be used for treating such conditions.
Effects of personality traits and psychiatric comorbidity on pathological gamblers’symptomatology
Authors: Pascucci M. , Di Cesare A. , Ciciarelli C. , Pettorruso M. , Righino E. , Villella C. , Conte G.
Published: May 2011

Aims

To evaluate, in a sample of pathological gamblers, the effects of personality traits and psychiatric comorbidity on the severity of this condition.

Methods

40 patients were evaluated with the following instruments: EuropASI, modified for pathological gambling; MINI; TCI, and BIS-11. Univariate linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationships between different scales.

Results

Age of onset was influenced by Novelty Seeking and NS-1 subscale, with higher scores related to earlier onset, Harm Avoidance 2 subscale, with higher scores related to a later onset; the presence of a lifetime panic disorder was related with a later onset; A positive correlation was found between age of onset of pathological gambling and both cigarette and cannabis smoking. Higher NS1 scores were related to a higher amount of money spent during the last month, while higher scores on the HA2 and Cooperativeness 5 subscales were related to a lesser number of days in which the patient had gambled during the last month. Moreover, higher scores in Gambling severity scores are related with the presence of a comorbid alcohol or substance abuse or dependence, dysthymia, post traumatic stress disorder, bipolar II mood disorder, and with higher BIS-11 Motor Impulsiveness, Non-planned Impulsiveness and total scores.

Conclusions

Personality traits and psychiatric comorbidity influence the age of onset of gambling, the severity of gambling and the functional and economic impact of the disease on the patient’s life. An evaluation of these aspects is needed to determine treatment options with a greater understanding of the phenomenon.
Expressed emotion and parental attitudes toward children of alcoholics
Authors: Cosci F. , Londi I. , Patussi V. , Sirigatti S.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Individuals who grow up in alcoholic families seem to have a family environment and climate different from those who grow up in non alcoholic families.

Objectives

Data on expressed emotion and parental attitudes in alcoholic family are lacking.

Aims

Study the level of expressed emotion and the parental attitudes in children of alcoholics (COAs) compared with children of non alcoholics (non COAs).

Methods

The Level of Expressed Emotion Scale (LEES) and the Parental Attitudes Scale (PAD) were used to measure respectively the expressed emotion and the family climate. The LEES was filled by the COAs or by the non COAs; the PAD was filled by their significant parent. COAs and non COAs were matched for age and gender.

Results

COAs perceived a statistically lower level of intrusiveness from their parents and a significantly higher emotional response and attitudes toward illness from their parents than non COAs. According to the PAD, there was no difference in the family climate between the two groups. When correlations between LEES and PAD were evaluated, among COAs high level of expressed tolerance (LEES tolerance/expectation subscale) was significantly correlated with a low dominance in the children (PAD Dominance/Submissiveness); among controls, high level of expressed emotion (LEES total score) was significantly correlated with lower pleasure in the children (PAD Pleasure/Displeasure subscale).

Conclusions

COAs and non COAs seem to perceive the emotion expressed in their family environment differently and correlate it with their parental attitudes according to a different pattern.
Psychopatological issues in adolescent drug use
Authors: Cozaru C.G. , Papari C.A. , Papari A.
Published: May 2011

Given that we live in a society marked by irregularities, the drug is to reach everyone, especially teenagers, it is impossible to remain impassive to their problems. Once the consumption of harmful substances becomes an integral factor of subject behavior, alterations in personality may occur. Drug use began at an early age may become a permanent feature of behavior.

The teenager feels the need to be recognized, supported, stimulated and integrated by those of an age to him, the group representing a possible solution to secure and make manifest their desires and aspirations. Our study confirms that all subjects of drug use (marijuana) present emphasis of the personality traits, particularly increased emotional instability with sudden transitions from one state to another. Drug users present in most cases some symptoms of depression. These events can be inscribed under the coordinates of anxiety, lack of interest, pessimism, sleep disorders and social inadaptation.

Understanding, evaluation and intervention with corrective and welfare measures requires the correct assessment of the reasons that leads the adolescent to a drug and identifying the precipitating and environmental factors that trigger, facilitate and perpetuate the behaviors studied.
Medical implication of intoxication with legal spice plants in Romania
Authors: Csorba A. , Domokos L. , Nagy H. , Cosman D. , Mihai A.
Published: May 2011

In lasts years in Romania a new challenge for the young appears: the legal spice shops. The promotions of using these substances include the promising like: relaxation, happiness, energy, sexual performance, increasing of social abilities.

Aims

evaluation of medical consequences of intoxication with spice plants (Bonsai, “magic charge”, “mariciuca”, Salvia divinorum, Mitragina speciosa and others). The precise composition of substance used was not clear but the known drugs were excluded. Material and method: all patients with diagnosis of intoxication of spice plants, admitted for at least 24 hours in Department of Drug Dependence, in a 3 months period, in 2010 were evaluated, not only concerning psychiatric psychopathology but also for other medical symptoms or diseases.

Results

We excluded the patients who have used other known drugs, and had positive results in blood and urine analysis. 17 patients used spice plants associate with alcohol less then 0.5%0, coffee or tobacco, 7 patients used only spice plants. The cardiovascular symptoms were present in 53%, gastrointestinal symptoms in 73%, neurological symptoms in 53%, renal symptoms 5%. We verified the personal history of diseases and also co-morbid acute diseases. Psychiatric symptoms were characteristic to substance induced psychotic disorders.

Conclusions

This study wanted to define and underline the specificity of clinical presentation of intoxication with spice plants, being useful to be known in emergency settings. These medical implications of use of this legal spice plants should also involve community, administrative or political actions for prevention of these medical consequences.
The impact of alcohol sale restriction on alcoholism and drug addiction in the Chechen republic
Authors: Dalsaev M. , Dalsaeva R.
Published: May 2011

The restriction on alcohol sale in the Chechen republic was introduced in 2009.

During that period a stable trend of alcoholism growth was registered, which in the same time was outrunning a growth of drug addiction in the Chechen republic.

Analysis on drug addiction and alcoholism for the period from 2008 through 2010 brought light to reducing of alcoholism in comparing to 2008 for 91%. This is against the background of drug addiction growth for 28%.

The reducing number of intoxicated vehicle drivers was also noted during that period.

The total number of crimes violating drug law has changed slightly, but the proportion of patients admitted for inpatient drug treatment increased.

Relying on analysis made during our research a conclusion on effectiveness of alcohol sale restriction on alcoholism and danger of complete ban of alcohol sale was made. It not only can’t solve the problem but may negatively affect the growth of drug addiction in society.