bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive‐nigrostriatal relationships in de novo, drug‐naïve Parkinson's disease patients: A [I‐123]FP‐CIT SPECT study
Authors: Nobili Flavio , Campus Claudio , Arnaldi Dario , De Carli Fabrizio , Cabassi Gaia , Brugnolo Andrea , Dessi Barbara , Morbelli Silvia , Sambuceti Gianmario , Abbruzzese Giovanni , Rodriguez Guido
Published: January 2010

To unveil cognitive‐nigrostriatal correlations in Parkinson's disease (PD), 30 de novo, drug‐naïve PD patients and 15 patients with essential tremor (Controls, CTR) underwent a neuropsychological (NPS) battery and brain SPECT with [I‐123]Ioflupane, as a biomarker of nigrostriatal function. Automatic extraction of uptake at caudate and putamen level was conducted through the BasGan software, also allowing partial volume effect correction. Because of the multicollinearity among neuropsychological tests and among SPECT variables, factor analysis was applied to 16 neuropsychological scores; moreover, the four SPECT variables were merged into a mean SPECT value (mSPECT). Factor analysis identified four NPS factors: a dys‐executive (NPS‐EX), a visuospatial (NPS‐VS), a verbal memory (NPS‐VM), and a “mixed” (NPD‐MIX) factor. In PD group, there were inverse correlations between UPDRS‐III score and both NPS‐VS (P < 0.01) and mSPECT (P < 0.05), and a direct correlation between mSPECT and NPS‐EX (P < 0.05). Post hoc analysis showed a direct correlation between NPS‐EX and caudate uptake in both hemispheres (P < 0.05). Moreover, inverse correlations were found between UPDRS‐III and, respectively, putamen uptake in the less affected hemisphere (P < 0.01), and putamen and caudate uptake in the more affected hemisphere (P < 0.05). In CTR, no correlation was found between mSPECT and either NPS or GDS values. Nigro‐caudate function affects executive capabilities in PD but not in CTR, which appears to be unrelated to the disease motor severity at its onset. Instead, PD motor severity is related to nigro‐putaminal impairment and visuospatial dysfunction. The role of these data as predictive features of cognitive decline and eventually dementia remains to be established in longitudinal studies. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
The sour side of neurodegenerative disorders: the effects of protein glycation
Authors: Miranda Hugo Vicente , Outeiro Tiago Fleming
Published: December 2009

Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with the misfolding and deposition of specific proteins, either intra‐ or extracellularly in the nervous system. Although familial mutations play an important role in protein misfolding and aggregation, the majority of cases of neurodegenerative diseases are sporadic, suggesting that other factors must contribute to the onset and progression of these disorders. Post‐translational modifications are known to influence protein structure and function. Some of these modifications might affect proteins in detrimental ways and lead to their misfolding and accumulation. Reducing sugars play important roles in modifying proteins, forming advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) in a non‐enzymatic process named glycation. Several proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyloid β, tau, prions and transthyretin, were found to be glycated in patients, and this is thought to be associated with increased protein stability through the formation of crosslinks that stabilize protein aggregates. Moreover, glycation may be responsible, via the receptor for AGE (RAGE), for an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation through the formation of reactive oxygen species and the induction of NF‐κB. Therefore, it is essential to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying protein glycation to understand their role in neurodegeneration. Here, we reviewed the role of protein glycation in the major neurodegenerative disorders and highlight the potential value of protein glycation as a biomarker or target for therapeutic intervention. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ms_lims, a simple yet powerful open source laboratory information management system for MS‐driven proteomics
Authors: Helsens Kenny , Colaert Niklaas , Barsnes Harald , Muth Thilo , Flikka Kristian , Staes An , Timmerman Evy , Wortelkamp Steffi , Sickmann Albert , Vandekerckhove Joël , Gevaert Kris , Martens Lennart
Published: January 2010

MS‐based proteomics produces large amounts of mass spectra that require processing, identification and possibly quantification before interpretation can be undertaken. High‐throughput studies require automation of these various steps, and management of the data in association with the results obtained. We here present ms_lims (http://genesis.UGent.be/ms_lims), a freely available, open‐source system based on a central database to automate data management and processing in MS‐driven proteomics analyses.
The methanolic extract of Withania somnifera ACTS on GABAA receptors in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in mice
Authors: Bhattarai Janardhan P. , Ah Park Seon , Han Seong Kyu
Published: December 2009

The effect of the methanol extract of Withania somnifera (mWS) on the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron was examined in juvenile mice using the whole cell patch clamp technique. GnRH neurons are the fundamental regulators of the pulsatile release of GnRH needed for puberty and fertility. GnRH neurons were depolarized by bath application of the mWS (400 ng/μl) under the condition of a high Cl− pipette solution in current clamp mode. In voltage clamp mode, mWS induced reproducible inward currents (31.7 ± 5.51 pA, n = 14). The mWS‐induced inward currents persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX, 0.5 μM), but were suppressed by bicuculline methiodide (BMI, 20 μM), a GABAA receptor antagonist. These results show that mWS affects the neuronal activities by mediating the GABAA receptor, which suggests that WS contains an ingredient with possible GABAmimetic activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable isotope analysis of dissolved organic carbon in soil solutions using a catalytic combustion total organic carbon analyzer‐isotope ratio mass spectrometer with a cryofocusing interface
Authors: De Troyer I. , Bouillon S. , Barker S. , Perry C. , Coorevits K. , Merckx R.
Published: January 2010

Stable carbon isotopes are a powerful tool to assess the origin and dynamics of carbon in soils. However, direct analysis of the 13C/12C ratio in the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pool has proved to be difficult. Recently, several systems have been developed to measure isotope ratios in DOC by coupling a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. However these systems were designed for the analysis of fresh and marine water and no results for soil solutions or 13C‐enriched samples have been reported. Because we mainly deal with soil solutions in which the difficult to oxidize humic and fulvic acids are the predominant carbon‐containing components, we preferred to use thermal catalytic oxidation to convert DOC into CO2. We therefore coupled a high‐temperature combustion TOC analyzer with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, by trapping and focusing the CO2 cryogenically between the instruments. The analytical performance was tested by measuring solutions of compounds varying in the ease with which they can be oxidized. Samples with DOC concentrations between 1 and 100 mg C/L could be analyzed with good precision (standard deviation (SD) ≤0.6‰), acceptable accuracy, good linearity (overall SD = 1‰) and without significant memory effects. In a 13C‐tracer experiment, we observed that mixing plant residues with soil caused a release of plant‐derived DOC, which was degraded or sorbed during incubation. Based on these results, we are confident that this approach can become a relatively simple alternative method for the measurement of the 13C/12C ratio of DOC in soil solutions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecotourism benefits and livelihood improvement for sustainable development in the nature conservation areas of Bhutan
Authors: Gurung Dhan Bahadur , Seeland Klaus
Published: December 2009

This paper describes the socio‐economic characteristics of three rural communities living inside or close to protected areas in Bhutan and examines possible ways to improve their living standards through ecotourism for sustainable development. Face‐to‐face interviews, supported by structured questionnaires, were conducted to determine 1) sources of livelihood; 2) the impact of tourism; and 3) the readiness of rural communities to participate in income‐generating activities. Farmers were keen to take up ecotourism and wanted to use the proceeds to increase their livestock herds. However, this would increase pressure on natural resources, causing land degradation. Additionally, income from ecotourism may also lead, in the long run, to social inequality in remote communities. To prevent environmental stress in protected areas, social inequity and potential land degradation, newly generated wealth from ecotourism needs to be appropriately invested by the stakeholders. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Statistical data mining
Authors: Banks David L.
Published: December 2009

Data mining is widely used in modern science to extract signal from complex data sets. This article summarizes some of the key intellectual issues in the development of this field, largely from a historical perspective. There is particular emphasis on the Curse of Dimensionality, and its implications for non‐parametric regression, classification, and cluster analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification
Stochastic approximation: a survey
Authors: Kushner Harold
Published: December 2009

Stochastic recursive algorithms, also known as stochastic approximation, take many forms and have numerous applications. It is the asymptotic properties that are of interest. The early history, starting with the work of Robbins and Monro, is discussed. An approach to proofs of convergence with probability one is illustrated by a stability‐type argument. For general noise processes and algorithms, the most powerful current approach is what is called the ordinary differential equations (ODE) method. The algorithm is interpolated into a continuous‐time process, which is shown to converge to the solution of an ODE, whose asymptotic properties are those of the algorithm. There are probability one and weak convergence methods, the latter being the easiest to use and the most powerful. After discussing the basic ideas and giving some standard proofs, extensions are outlined. These include multiple time scales, tracking of time changing systems, state‐dependent noise, rate of convergence, and random direction methods for high‐dimensional problems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Stochastic Optimization
Prediction of LT4 Replacement Dose to Achieve Euthyroidism in Subjects Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy for Benign Thyroid Disorders
Authors: Sukumar Ranjith , Agarwal Amit , Gupta Sushil , Mishra Anjali , Agarwal Gaurav , Verma A. K. , Mishra S. K.
Published: December 2009

Background

Total thyroidectomy is becoming the preferred choice of treatment in patients with benign disorders of the thyroid gland; hence, an optimal method of replacing thyroxine is essential to avoid the ill effects of over‐ and under‐replacement of thyroxine in such patients.

Patients and methods

We analyzed three methods of thyroxine replacement: replacement per kilogram of lean body mass (LBM) (2.5 mcg/kg LBM per day), per kilogram of body weight (1.6 mcg/kg body weight per day), and empirical replacement of thyroxine.

Results

The thyroxine requirement in thyroidectomized patients was 2.04 mcg/kg per day, with an increasing requirement of thyroxine with increments of weight. On multivariate analysis we found that the thyroxine requirement was strongly correlated both with body surface area (BSA) and with body weight. On subsequent correlation testing, we found that BSA was more strongly associated than weight with the thyroxine requirement.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy may require higher doses of thyroxine to achieve euthyroidism when compared to patients with similar anthropometric parameters having primary hypothyroidism. The method of replacing thyroxine based on LBM is the ideal method, but replacement based on fixed‐dose regimens could be a good method if the body weight is taken into consideration.
Factors accounting for youth suicide attempt in Hong Kong: A model building
Authors: Wan Gloria W.Y. , Leung Patrick W.L.
Published: December 2009

This study aimed at proposing and testing a conceptual model of youth suicide attempt. We proposed a model that began with family factors such as a history of physical abuse and parental divorce/separation. Family relationship, presence of psychopathology, life stressors, and suicide ideation were postulated as mediators, leading to youth suicide attempt. The stepwise entry of the risk factors to a logistic regression model defined their proximity as related to suicide attempt. Path analysis further refined our proposed model of youth suicide attempt. Our originally proposed model was largely confirmed. The main revision was dropping parental divorce/separation as a risk factor in the model due to lack of significant contribution when examined alongside with other risk factors. This model was cross‐validated by gender. This study moved research on youth suicide from identification of individual risk factors to model building, integrating separate findings of the past studies.
The glucagon receptor antagonist BI‐32169 constitutes a new class of lasso peptides
Authors: Knappe Thomas A. , Linne Uwe , Xie Xiulan , Marahiel Mohamed A.
Published: December 2009

The glucagon receptor antagonist BI‐32169, recently isolated from Streptomyces sp., was described as a bicyclic peptide, although its primary structure comprises conserved elements of class I and class II lasso peptides. Tandem mass spectrometric and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies revealed that BI‐32169 is a lasso‐structured peptide constituting the new class III of lasso peptides. The determined lasso fold opens new avenues to improve the promising biological activity of BI‐32169.
A novel class of bacterial translation factor RF3 mutations suggests specific structural domains for premature peptidyl‐tRNA drop‐off
Authors: Watanabe Yuya , Nakamura Yoshikazu , Ito Koichi
Published: December 2009

The bacterial translation factor RF3 promotes translation termination by recycling the tRNA‐mimicking release factors, RF1 and RF2, after mature polypeptide release. RF3 also enhances the premature peptidyl‐tRNA drop‐off reaction in the presence of RRF and EF‐G. Despite the recently resolved X‐ray crystal structure of RF3, the molecular details of the bimodal functionality of RF3 remain obscure. In this report, we demonstrate a novel class of RF3 mutations specifically defective in the tRNA drop‐off reaction. These mutations suggest differential molecular pathways closely related to the guanine nucleotide modes of RF3.
Study of electromagnetic field stress impact on SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor performance
Authors: Alaeddine Ali , Kadi Moncef , Daoud Kaouther , Maanane Hichame , Eudeline Philippe
Published: January 2010

This paper deals with the various aspects of electromagnetic field impact modeling on the SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) device for microwave applications. This study differs from conventional HBT device reliability research associated with other stresses. The originality of this study comes from the generation of a localized electromagnetic field using the near-field bench. A coupling phenomenon between the electromagnetic field and the micro-strip lines connecting the transistor are evaluated by electromagnetic and electrical simulations. After stress, the input and the transmission scattering parameters are affected. This is primarily due to the deviation of the input impedance and the reduction of the transconductance, respectively. The stress effects have been related to a base current degradation. This degradation is due to a hot carrier introducing generation/recombination trap centers at the Si/SiO2 interface of the emitter–base spacer oxide, which leads to an excess recombination base current.
Berliner Netzwerk «Türkischsprachig und Demenz»
Authors: Matter Christa , Piechotta-Henze Gudrun
Published: December 2009

Auf Initiative der Alice Salomon Hochschule und der Alzheimer-Gesellschaft Berlin e. V. wurde 2006 das Berliner Netzwerk «Türkischsprachig und Demenz» gegründet. Vorrangiges Ziel ist es, Angehörige von demenziell erkrankten Menschen mit türkischem Migrationshintergrund über Krankheitssymptome, Diagnostik und Therapiemöglichkeiten zu informieren sowie Begleitungs-, Versorgungs- und Entlastungsmöglichkeiten aufzuzeigen. Die zugehenden, niedrigschwelligen deutsch-türkischen Informationsveranstaltungen in verschiedenen Stadtteilen werden gut besucht. Zahlreiche Migrations- und Beratungseinrichtungen sind bereits Mitglied des Netzwerkes.
Neuropsychologische Untersuchungsverfahren eines averbalen Demenzscreenings für Migrations-Patienten
Authors: Reischies Friedel M. , Flüh Hannah
Published: December 2009

Screeningtests bei Verdacht auf eine Demenz, die auch bei Personen durchgeführt werden können, die die Sprache des Untersuchers nur schlecht beherrschen, sind noch nicht ausreichend erprobt. In zwei Stichproben von Migranten ab 60 Jahren (Demenzpatienten und nicht-demente Kontrollprobanden) wurden sechs neuropsychologische Untersuchungsverfahren angewendet, die einfach in der Handhabung sind und nur wenig Zeit beanspruchen. Hypothese war, dass die Tests des averbalen Gedächtnisses (z. B. eine einfache abstrakte Figur und Wiedererkennen von Figuren), der Orientierung und Tests der Apraxie (z. B. Uhrentest und Hand-Faust-Sequenzen), sowie logische Reihen des LPS (Untertest 3) eine gute diagnostische Differenzierung erlauben. Die Ergebnisse zeigen für alle Tests zwar signifikante Gruppenunterschiede, jedoch auch deutliche Unterschiede in der diagnostischen Trennschärfe. Am besten bewährte sich eine neue Version der Messung der zeitlichen Orientierung in einer Multiple Choice Version, die das Anstreichen des richtigen Datums verlangt und die Kopie und Rekonstruktion einer einfachen abstrakten Figur. Ein kurzes Demenzscreening für Patienten mit Migrationshintergrund erscheint möglich.
Tabakabhängigkeit und Raucherentwöhnung im Alter
Authors: Wolter Dirk K.
Published: December 2009

Ältere Menschen sind in hohem Ausmaß von den gesundheitlichen Folgen des Rauchens betroffen. Dennoch haben bis in die jüngste Vergangenheit Politik und Gesundheitsversorgung den älteren Rauchern wenig Aufmerksamkeit gewidmet. Dies beginnt sich zu ändern angesichts der wachsenden Zahl von alternden aktiven Rauchern im mittleren Lebensabschnitt und der wachsenden Erkenntnisse über den gesundheitlichen Nutzen der Raucherentwöhnung auch im Alter. Gleichwohl sind die Angebote für ältere Raucher häufig unzureichend. Unzutreffende Informationen und Mythen scheinen in den Überzeugungen und Einstellungen sowohl der älteren Raucher wie auch der Professionellen im Gesundheitswesen tief verwurzelt. Im Gegensatz zu diesen Mythen gilt es folgende Fakten festzuhalten: Rauchen hat keinerlei Nutzen, es verbessert weder die geistige Leistungsfähigkeit noch die Stimmung; im Gegenteil führt ein Rauchstopp auch bei gebrechlichen alten Menschen zu signifikanten Verbesserungen von gesundheitlicher Verfassung und Lebensqualität; das Rauchen von «light» Zigaretten oder die Reduzierung der Zigarettenzahl verringert nicht die Gesundheitsschäden. Es ist wichtig, über den gesundheitlichen Nutzen der Raucherentwöhnung im Alter zu informieren sowie Empfehlungen und Unterstützung für Rauchstoppversuche zu geben. In der Altersmedizin sollte der Raucherstatus aller Patienten routinemäßig festgehalten werden, Raucher sollten beim Rauchstopp beraten und medikamentös behandelt sowie weiter begleitet werden. Die Mehrheit der älteren Raucher in Deutschland möchte das Rauchen aufgeben und hat dies wiederholt erfolglos versucht. Besonders komorbide Risikopatienten, deren Zahl durch den demografischen Wandel weiter steigen wird, sind motiviert und würden besonders von einer effizienten Raucherentwöhnung profitieren. Die aktuelle Forschung zeigt, dass ein hoher Anteil ältere Raucher, insbesondere anlässlich einer stationärer Behandlung aufgrund kardiovaskulärer Erkrankungen, erfolgreich aufhören kann, wenn ihnen entsprechende Interventionen angeboten werden. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über Epidemiologie und gesundheitliche Folgen des Rauchens sowie über die Nikotinabhängigkeit und erläutert den aktuellen Stand von Forschung und Praxis der Raucherentwöhnung im Alter einschließlich möglicher Begleiteffekte wie Depression und Gewichtszunahme.
Fahrrad-Zeichen-Tests und ihr Einsatz in der neuropsychologischen Diagnostik
Authors: Diederich Christina , Merten Thomas
Published: December 2009

Zeichnungen von Fahrrädern werden seit langem in der neuropsychologischen Diagnostik eingesetzt. Lezak schlug ein formales System zu ihrer Bewertung vor. Anhand einer Stichprobe von 200 neurologischen Patienten werden Daten zur Reliabilität und Validität vorgestellt. Die Interrater-Übereinstimmung betrug 0,95; die Retestreliabilität wurde bei einem Intervall von einem bzw. drei Tagen auf 0.67 geschätzt. Männliche Patienten erreichten bessere Testwerte als weibliche, rechtshemisphärisch geschädigte Patienten höhere als linkshemisphärisch geschädigte; in der Gesamtstichprobe waren die Testwerte schwach mit dem Lebensalter und dem Bildungsniveau assoziiert. Substanzielle Korrelationen wurden mit anderen neuropsychologischen Testvariablen erhalten. Der BDT stellt ein kurzes, rasch und auch bettseitig einsetzbares Instrument für eine siebtestmäßige Erfassung visuo-konstruktiver Leistungen dar, das kognitive Störungen bei zerebral Geschädigten abzubilden in der Lage ist.
Ein Vergleich computergestützter Testverfahren zur neuropsychologischen Diagnostik bei Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/ Hyper- aktivitätsstörung
Authors: Echterhoff Jutta , Golzarandi Alexander Gort , Morsch Dagmar , Lehmkuhl Gerd , Sinzig Judith
Published: December 2009

Derzeit ist eine Vielzahl neuropsychologischer Testverfahren verfügbar. Die z. T. inhaltliche Überschneidung führt zu differierenden Ergebnissen in der Diagnostik der Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung. Im Rahmen der Erfassung von Aufmerksamkeitsfunktionen und exekutiven Funktionen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit ADHS wurden zwei ähnlich konzipierte computergestützte Testverfahren hinsichtlich ihrer Vergleichbarkeit überprüft. An der Untersuchung nahmen insgesamt 60 Kinder und Jugendliche im Alter von 6 – 18 Jahren teil, von denen die eine Hälfte (n=30) eine Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) aufwies und die andere Hälfte (n=30) eine gesunde Kontrollgruppe bildete.

Zur Ermittlung von Aufmerksamkeitsleistungen und exekutiven Funktionen (Geteilte Aufmerksamkeit, Reaktionswechsel, Inhibition, und Vigilanz) wurde die Testbatterie zur Aufmerksamkeitsprüfung (TAP) sowie die Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Testbattery (CANTAB) angewendet. Der Vergleich der beiden Testverfahren erfolgte mit äquivalenten Untertests aus den jeweiligen Testbatterien. Insgesamt konnte kein statistisch signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen den beiden Testverfahren festgestellt werden. Vielmehr eignen sich TAP und CANTAB als ergänzende diagnostische Mittel.
Comparisons of Two Variants of the Method of Constant Stimuli for Estimating Difference Thresholds
Authors: Lapid Einat , Ulrich Rolf , Rammsayer Thomas
Published: December 2009

The two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) and the reminder tasks are variants of the method of constant stimuli. One or the other task is usually employed for estimating the difference limen (DL) in psychophysical research. Lapid, Ulrich, and Rammsayer (2008) found that the 2AFC task yields larger DLs than the reminder task for duration discrimination judgments. The results of the present paper confirm that this discrepancy also generalizes to discrimination judgments about nontemporal, visual information (Experiment 1: Random dot pattern discrimination; Experiment 2: Line-length discrimination). It is argued that this discrepancy is related to the presentation order of the standard and the comparison stimulus.
Nonconscious Activation of Achievement Goals
Authors: Engeser Stefan
Published: December 2009

In a series of experiments, Bargh, Gollwitzer, Lee-Chai, Barndollar, and Trötschel (2001) documented that achievement goals can be activated outside of awareness and can then operate nonconsciously in order to guide self-regulated behavior effectively. In three experiments (N = 69, N = 71, N = 56), two potential moderators of the achievement goal priming effect were explored. All three experiments showed small but consistent effects of the nonconscious activation of the achievement goal, though word class did not moderate the priming effect. There was no support for the hypothesis that the explicit achievement motive moderates the priming effect. Implications are addressed in the light of other recent studies in this domain and further research questions are outlined.
Medikamentöse Behandlungsalgorithmen bei Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-Hyperaktivitätsstörungen unter Berücksichtigung spezifischer Komorbiditäten
Authors: Frölich Jan , Lehmkuhl Gerd , Döpfner Manfred
Published: December 2009

Hintergrund: Die Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) geht mit einer Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Komorbiditäten einher, die sich zum Teil als Komplikation und in Folge der Kernsymptomatik, aber auch parallel zusammen mit der Grunderkrankung entwickeln können. Eine wichtige Säule im Rahmen des multimodalen Konzepts zur Behandlung der ADHS stellt die medikamentöse Behandlung, v. a. mit Psychostimulanzien, dar. Verschränkt mit psychotherapeutischen und psychosozialen Maßnahmen bewirkt eine Stimulanzienmedikation in vielen Fällen einen zufriedenstellenden Rückgang der Hauptsymptome des Störungsbildes und kann hierdurch auch zu einer Verminderung der Komorbiditäten führen. Gelingt dies nicht ausreichend, dann sollten medikamentöse Behandlungsstrategien mit anderen Substanzen überlegt werden, die zunehmend als Alternative oder in Kombination mit den Stimulanzien die komorbiden Symptome positiv beeinflussen. Fragestellung: Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht der medikamentösen Behandlungsoptionen für verschiedene Komorbiditäten, d. h. affektive Störungen, aggressive Verhaltensstörungen sowie Ticstörungen. Besondere Beachtung kommt dabei der Möglichkeit kombinierter Behandlungsmöglichkeiten mit Psychostimulanzien zu. Darüber hinaus werden in Form von Algorithmen Vorschläge zu medikamentösen Behandlungsstrategien unterbreitet, die sich an den im Vordergrund stehenden klinischen Leitsymptomen orientieren. Methodik: Auf der Basis einer Medline-Recherche erfolgt eine kritische Übersicht der evidenzbasierten Literatur und praktischer Erfahrungen. Ergebnisse: Im Ergebnis bewirkt der individuell titrierte Einsatz von Stimulanzien zur Behandlung der Kernsymptome der ADHS oft zugleich einen zufrieden stellenden Rückgang der komorbiden Symptome. Stehen diese aber zunehmend im Vordergrund des klinischen Beschwerdebildes, kann der Einsatz von Antidepressiva oder Neuroleptika zur primären oder gleichberechtigten Behandlungsoptionen werden. Schlussfolgerung: Gegenstand der Diskussion muss v. a. sein, dass die gewählten Substanzen zumeist keine Zulassung zur Behandlung bei Kindern in Deutschland besitzen, dass Wirksamkeitsnachweise für dieses Altersspektrum fehlen, häufiger mit Nebenwirkungen zu rechnen ist und v. a. für die Kombination mit Stimulanzien nur sehr wenige Daten vorliegen.
Psychopharmakotherapie einer ambulanten und stationären Inanspruchnahmepopulation adoleszenter Patienten mit Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung
Authors: Wöckel Lars , Goth Kirstin , Matic Nina , Zepf Florian Daniel , Holtmann Martin , Poustka Fritz
Published: December 2009

Fragestellung: Ein Großteil erwachsener Patienten mit Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) wird mit Psychopharmaka behandelt. Über die Psychopharmakotherapie bei Adoleszenten mit BPS liegen bisher keine Daten vor. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Untersuchung der Häufigkeit des Störungsbildes und des Verschreibungsverhaltens bei adoleszenten ambulanten und stationären Patienten mit BPS. Methoden: 58 adoleszente Patienten mit BPS (16.7 ± 2.5 Jahre) einer Inanspruchnahmepopulation während eines 7-jährigen Beobachtungszeitraums wurden retrospektiv hinsichtlich der Medikation und verschiedener Risikovariablen in der Erstbehandlungsepisode untersucht. Ergebnisse: 37 Patienten wurden stationär und 21 ambulant behandelt, entsprechend einer Prävalenz von 2.1 %, bezogen auf die Inanspruchnahmepopulation. Stationäre Patienten waren insgesamt stärker durch Risikofaktoren belastet (ca. 68 % mit komorbiden Störungen, ca. 49 % mit selbstverletzendem Verhalten, signifikant (p < .001) mehr Suizidversuche in der Vorgeschichte) und wurden häufiger (p < .001) psychopharmakologisch behandelt. Am häufigsten wurden Antidepressiva verschrieben (SSRI und NaSSA), gefolgt von Neuroleptika. Über die Hälfte der medizierten Patienten erhielten mehrere Medikamente gleichzeitig. Schlussfolgerungen: Psychopharmakotherapie bei BPS hat inzwischen einen hohen Stellenwert, ist in erster Linie symptomorientiert und komorbide Störungen sollten gleichermaßen miteinbezogen werden. Auch für Adoleszente gewinnt die Medikation bei BPS an Bedeutung. Stationär behandelte Patienten sind durch psychiatrische Risikofaktoren stärker belastet und werden häufiger mediziert.
Subjektive Therapiebeurteilung jugendlicher Patientinnen mit Essstörungen und deren Übereinstimmung mit Eltern- und Therapeutenbeurteilungen
Authors: Schneider Nora , Korte Alexander , Lenz Klaus , Pfeiffer Ernst , Lehmkuhl Ulrike , Salbach-Andrae Harriet
Published: December 2009

Fragestellung: Die subjektive Behandlungsbeurteilung könnte einen wesentlichen Faktor für den günstigen Verlauf einer Essstörung darstellen. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Übereinstimmung der Behandlungsbeurteilung zwischen Patientinnen mit Essstörung, deren Eltern und der behandelnden Therapeuten nach stationärer Dialektisch Behavioraler Therapie. Methodik: Für 41 Patientinnen (MAlter = 16.3; SD = 1.26), deren Eltern und die behandelnden Psychotherapeuten erfassten wir die subjektive Behandlungsbeurteilung mittels Fragebogen zur Beurteilung der Behandlung (FBB). Ergebnisse: Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen gute Behandlungsbeurteilungen sowie ein mittleres bis gutes Maß an Beurteilerübereinstimmung, v. a. zwischen Patienten und Eltern. Schlussfolgerungen: Unsere Befunde unterstreichen die Relevanz, objektive Verlaufsparameter durch subjektive Einschätzungen der Behandlung zu ergänzen.
The Development of Effective Message Content for Suicide Intervention
Authors: Shemanski Aldrich Rosalie , Cerel Julie
Published: December 2009

Background: Each year there are over 31,000 suicides in the United States, constituting a significant problem in every respect. It is important for research efforts to focus on the communication elements involved in suicide prevention because the messages produced by individuals close to those who have suicidal thoughts have the potential to save a life. Aims: The current manuscript presents the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a foundation to increase understanding of what message content would be most effective to convince an individual to intervene when someone is suicidal. Methods: Suicide and suicidal behaviors are briefly reviewed, as is the TPB. Then it is argued how and why TPB can help construct persuasive messages. Results: The authors suggest that TPB guide the content of persuasive messages. Messages created in combination of persuasive theories with TPB are likely to encourage an individual to intervene when someone is suicidal. Conclusions: A key element to suicide prevention is intervention by close others. Use of TPB provides an increased understanding of how to persuade close individuals to intervene when an individual is suicidal.
Fatality of Suicide Attempts in Amsterdam 1996–2005
Authors: Jansen Evertjan , Buster Marcel C.A. , Zuur Annemarie L. , Das Cees
Published: December 2009

Background: According to recent figures, Amsterdam is the municipality with the highest absolute number of suicides and the second highest suicide rate in the Netherlands. Aims: The aim of the study was to identify time trends and demographic differences in the occurrence of nonfatal suicide attempts versus suicides. Methods: We used registrations of forensic physicians and ambulance services of the Municipal Health Service of Amsterdam to study 1,004 suicides and 6,166 nonfatal attempts occurring in Amsterdam over the period 1996–2005. Results: The number of nonfatal attempts declined from 1996 to 2005, but the number of completed suicides remained relatively stable. Although case fatality was strongly associated with method used, we also found higher case fatalities for men and older people independent of method. Conclusions: The case fatality results suggest differences in motive among different demographic groups: possibly the wish to die is stronger among men and elderly. This finding had implications for the success to be expected from different preventive measures.
Beverage-Specific Alcohol Sale and Suicide in Russia
Authors: Razvodovsky Y.E.
Published: December 2009

Background: The high suicide rate in Russia and its profound fluctuation over the past decades have attracted considerable interest. There is growing evidence that beverage preference and binge-drinking patterns, i.e., excessive consumption of strong spirits, results in a quicker and deeper level of intoxication, which increases the propensity for the alcohol-related suicide. In line with this evidence, we assumed that higher levels of vodka consumption, in conjunction with binge-drinking patterns, would result in a close, aggregate-level association between vodka sales and suicide in Russia. Aims and Methods: To test this hypothesis, trends in beverage-specific alcohol sales per capita and suicide rates from 1970 to 2005 in Russia were analyzed employing ARIMA time-series analysis. Results: The results of the time-series analysis suggested that a 1 liter increase in overall alcohol sales would result in a 4% increase in the male suicide rate and a 2.8% increase in the female suicide rate; a 1 liter increase in vodka sales would increase the suicide rate by 9.3% for men and by 6% for women. Conclusions: This study replicates previous findings from other settings, which suggest that suicide rates tend to be more responsive to changes in distilled spirits consumption per capita than to the total level of alcohol consumption. Assuming that drinking spirits is usually associated with intoxication episodes, these findings provide additional evidence that the drinking pattern is an important determinant in the relationship between alcohol and suicide. The outcomes of this study also provide support for the hypothesis that suicide and alcohol are closely connected in cultures where an intoxication-oriented drinking pattern prevails and adds to the growing body of evidence that alcohol plays a crucial role in the fluctuation in suicide mortality rates in Russia during recent decades.
Explaining Suicide in an Urban Slum of Mumbai, India
Authors: Parkar Shubhangi R. , Nagarsekar Balkrishna , Weiss Mitchell G.
Published: December 2009

Background: Health demographic mortality studies use verbal autopsies to identify suicide as a cause of death. Psychological autopsies focus almost exclusively on associated high-risk psychiatric disorders. New approaches considering contextual factors are needed for preventing suicide and promoting mental health. Aims: This study examined explanations of suicide reported by surviving family members or close friends with reference to social, cultural, and environmental conditions as well as the challenges of life in the Malavani slum of Mumbai. Methods: An EMIC (Explanatory Model Interview Catalog) interview based on a cultural epidemiological framework considered underlying problems, perceived causes, and sociocultural contexts. It was administered to survivors of 76 people who had died by suicide (56.6% women). Results: Accounts of underlying problems typically referred to various aspects of tension (73.7%). Perceived causes often identified multiple factors. The sociocultural contexts of suicide included the victimization of women, the personal and social impact of problem drinking, marital problems, physical health problems, mental tension, possession and sorcery. Women were particularly vulnerable to the impact of problem drinking by a spouse or father. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the value of an approach to sociocultural autopsy examining local contexts and explanations of suicide. Findings highlight needs for both mental health services and culturally sensitive social interventions.
Suicide Survivors and the Suicidology Academe
Authors: Cutcliffe John , Ball P. Bonny
Published: December 2009

Background: While encouraging and significant progress has been made toward integrating so-called suicide survivors into the suicidology academe, many problems and blocks still remain. A number of issues have yet to be acknowledged, let alone addressed. Aims/Methods: Drawing predominantly on the North American background and perspective, this paper offers a brief overview of the integration of suicide survivors within the suicidology academe. It explores rationales for forming such collaborations and provides some examples of successful alliances. The paper adopts a somewhat critical stance and highlights a number of blocks to collaboration. Conclusion: The paper concludes by drawing on the authors’ experience of collaboration and uses this as the basis for offering additional avenues and options for strengthening collaboration and integration.
Alcohol and Other Contextual Factors of Suicide in Four Aboriginal Communities of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Laliberté Arlene , Tousignant Michel
Published: December 2009

Background: Aboriginal populations worldwide face increasing rates of suicide. Despite this recurring observation, little research has emerged from Aboriginal settings. Aims: This paper describes the psychosocial and behavioral characteristics of 30 consecutive adult suicides from four First-Nations communities in Quebec, Canada. Method: Psychological autopsies guided by the LEDS with family members of the deceased. Results: Suicide among this group is overrepresented by young single men. Alcohol intoxication at the time of death was reported for 22 cases in association with rapid acting out after the precipitating event for 20. All but two cases had a history of alcohol abuse, and drug use was also present in 23 cases. In 16 cases there had been a previous suicide attempt, 14 of which occurred during the previous year. The main socio-demographic characteristics of the communities were overcrowded living arrangements and no job status (90%). Seven cases were incarcerated or locked up at the time of death. Clustering of suicide was observed within seven nuclear families including 16 suicides. Conclusion: This study shows that Aboriginal suicide is the result of a complex interweaving of individual, familial, and socio-historical variables. The impact of contemporary social stressors on individual well-being must be addressed to prevent suicide in this community.
Learning About Suicide from the Diary of Cesare Pavese
Authors: Lester David
Published: December 2009

Background: The study of the diaries of suicides presents an opportunity for greater insight into the psychodynamics of suicide than does the study of suicide notes. Aims: The present study analyzed the last year of the published diary of the Italian writer, Cesare Pavese (1908–1950), to identify changes in the content over the last year of his life. Methods: The last year of the published diary was analyzed using the Linguistic Word Count program. Results: The proportion of words related to positive emotions and optimism increased over the last year of Pavese’s life, and the entries became less complex and more self-oriented. Conclusions: The results confirm the changes in mood documented in diaries and letters from suicides in previous research, and extend the research to published diaries of famous individuals and in transition.
APOE and Lipid Level Synergy Effects on Declarative Memory Functioning in Adulthood
Authors: Sternäng Ola , Wahlin Åke , Adolfsson Rolf , Sleegers Kristel , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Nilsson Lars-Göran
Published: December 2009

This study of the general population examined interactions of the gene Apolipoprotein E (APOE) and/or lipid levels, and their effects on cognitive change. A MANCOVA model based on longitudinal data (with a 5 year follow-up) obtained from the Betula study (n = 1777; age 35–85 years) was used. The significant two-way and three-way interaction effects detected were equally frequent in tests of episodic and semantic memory. A difference in the distribution of interaction effects on episodic and semantic memory decline was also found. Men demonstrated the worst cognitive development as shown by significant two-way interaction effects on episodic memory whereas two-way interaction effects among women resulted in the worst semantic memory development. This result is discussed from the viewpoint that tests of episodic and semantic memory have different cognitive demands.This study focuses on how interaction effects of the gene APOE and vascular risk factors (such as lipid levels) affect cognitive abilities and also whether the interaction effects vary across age and sex. In this study, the main focus is on interaction effects as a phenomenon in itself.
The Rainbow and Kaleidoscope Projects
Authors: Sternberg Robert J.
Published: December 2009

It is possible, in admissions to higher education, to increase academic excellence and diversity simultaneously. This article reviews how a theory of successful intelligence can be used to accomplish both of these goals. The theory postulates that intelligence comprises creative skills in generating novel ideas, analytical skills in discerning whether they are good ideas, and practical skills in implementing the ideas and persuading others of their worth. The article summarizes several projects designed to simultaneously boost academic excellence and increase diversity in entering classes. In the Rainbow Project, we found that it was possible substantially to increase prediction of first-year university academic performance and simultaneously reduce ethnic-group differences on the predictive test, relative to a standardized test used for admissions in the United States. In the Kaleidoscope Project, we found that students admitted for expanded skills performed as well as did other students, without the ethnic-group differences typically obtained in such measures and excelled in active citizenship and leadership activities.
Academic Course Evaluation
Authors: Braun Edith , Leidner Bernhard
Published: December 2009

This article contributes to the conceptual and empirical distinction between (the assessment of) appraisals of teaching behavior and (the assessment of) self-reported competence acquirement within academic course evaluation. The Bologna Process, the current higher-education reform in Europe, emphasizes education aimed toward vocationally oriented competences and demands the certification of acquired competences. Currently available evaluation questionnaires measure the students’ satisfaction with a lecturer’s behavior, whereas the “Evaluation in Higher Education: Self-Assessed Competences” (HEsaCom) measures the students’ personal benefit in terms of competences. In a sample of 1403 German students, we administered a scale of satisfaction with teaching behavior and the German version of the HEsaCom at the same time. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the estimated correlations between the various scales of self-rated competences and teaching behavior appraisals were moderate to strong, yet the constructs were shown to be empirically distinct. We conclude that the self-rated gains in competences are distinct from satisfaction with course and instructor. In line with the higher education reform, self-reported gains in competences are an important aspect of academic course evaluation, which should be taken into account in the future and might be able to restructure the view of “quality of higher education.” The English version of the HEsaCom is presented in the Appendix .
Mother-Child Interaction Following Marital Separation
Authors: Beelmann Wolfgang , Schmidt-Denter Ulrich
Published: December 2009

This study used longitudinal observation data to examine the child-mother relationship after marital separation. Mother-child interaction in 60 separated families was videographed in standardized situations at three measurement times (10, 25, and 40 months following separation) and compared with data from a cross-sectional observation of 60 matched complete families. At the first measurement, children were aged 4–10 years, and 57% were male. Trained raters used 12 categories to evaluate the interaction behavior of mothers and children. Multivariate analyses of variance (general linear model) were used to assess relations between mother-child interaction and family structure (separated vs. complete), child’s age, child’s gender, and time of measurement. Results showed that interactions in separated families differed from those in complete families with clear signs of strain in the mothers during early phases following marital separation. Regression analyses showed how specific maternal behaviors clearly related to changes in the interaction behavior of their child. It is concluded that the findings provide a differentiated insight into child interaction behavior following parental separation, particularly during the early phase.
Empathizing via Mimicry Depends on Whether Emotional Expressions Are Seen as Real
Authors: Stel Mariëlle , Vonk Roos
Published: December 2009

The present studies investigated whether mimicry effects on empathizing depend on whether emotional expressions are seen as acted or real. In Study 1, participants saw a fragment from a reality “soap.” Half of them received an instruction to imitate facial expressions of the main character, while the other half were instructed not to imitate. Participants caught more emotions and reported more perspective-taking (taking the perspective of the target) when imitating expressions. However, among participants who assumed that the emotions were acted, imitation affected emotional contagion, but not perspective-taking. These effects were replicated in Study 2, in which we manipulated whether emotions were perceived as real. In the Discussion, these findings are linked to the social functions of imitation and to the automaticity of emotional contagion.
An Investigation of Personality Types within the HEXACO Personality Framework
Authors: Ashton Michael C. , Lee Kibeom
Published: December 2009

Recent research aimed at identifying distinct personality types has generally searched for such types in the space of the dimensions of the Big Five or Five-Factor model. We extended this search to the space of the HEXACO model of personality structure, using data from a large community sample of adults. In a series of cluster analyses involving 3 to 7 clusters, the proportion of reliable variance in HEXACO dimensions that was accounted for by the types – i.e., clusters – was small, never exceeding that accounted for by clusters generated from random multivariate normal data. The predictive validity of the types and the dimensions was compared with respect to aggregated peer reports on the Big Five personality factors, and results showed that even the largest sets of HEXACO types accounted for only half as much variance as did the HEXACO dimensions. The results provide no evidence of meaningful personality types within the space of the HEXACO framework.