1,924 research outputs found
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Validation in clinical population of the Problematic Internet Entertainment Use Scale for Adults (PIEUSAd)
Addiction to technologies has been a widely debated scientific and clinically, being a condition for further study as potential psychiatric disorder. Some Spanish scales measure Internet addiction, but no one has been validated clinically. The aims were to describe a clinical sample of patients in treatment for a technology addiction, and to validate clinically the “Problematic Internet Entertainment Use Scale for Adults” (PIEUSAd). Little-scale clinical adult sample (N=31; 71 % men, and an age mean of 33.31) was selected, collecting socio-demographic and clinical data, technological usages, and the PIEUSAd and Compulsive Internet Use Scale in a survey. The setting was a public health center in Barcelona (Spain). The patients in treatment for a technological addiction as primary diagnosis were usually young males, which suffer from a genuine e-addiction (above all, internet addiction, gaming and cybersex); only the middle seems to have a dual pathology (usually another addiction). They are usually referred by other clinician and the majority don’t have previous psychiatric care. The PIEUSAd showed large variability in item scored, and high factor and construct validity, and excellent reliability (a=0.98). In conclusion, the heterogeneity in the characteristics of patients is evidenced. Moreover, the PIEUSAd has been clinical validated to do a better screen in technological addictions, where “loss of control” and “evasion” seems to be the prevalent addictive symptoms in these types of patients.
Spanish abstract: La adicciĂłn a las tecnologĂas ha sido debatida ampliamente tanto cientĂfica como clĂnicamente, siendo una condiciĂłn a estudiar como potencial trastorno psiquiátrico. Algunas escalas españolas miden la adicciĂłn al internet, pero ninguna ha sido validada clĂnicamente. Los objetivos son describir la muestra clĂnica de pacientes en tratamiento por una adicciĂłn tecnolĂłgica, asĂ como validar clĂnicamente la “Problematic Internet Entertainment Use Scale for Adults” (PIEUSAd). Una muestra clĂnica a pequeña escala (N=31; 71 % hombres, con una edad media de 33,31) fue seleccionada, se recogieron datos socio-demográficos, clĂnicos y de uso de tecnologĂas, asĂ como la PIEUSAd y la “Compulsive Internet Use Scale” a travĂ©s de una encuesta. El contexto fue un centro de salud pĂşblica de Barcelona (España). Los pacientes en tratamiento por una adicciĂłn tecnolĂłgica como primer diagnĂłstico eran usualmente hombres jĂłvenes que sufrĂan de una e-adicciĂłn genuina (sobre todo, adicciĂłn a internet, videojuegos o cibersexo); solo la mitad parecĂa sufrir una patologĂa dual (normalmente otra adicciĂłn). Eran normalmente derivados por otros profesionales de la salud y la mayor parte no habĂan sido tratados psiquiá- tricamente con anterioridad. La PIEUSAd mostrĂł gran variabilidad en sus puntuaciones, alta validez factorial y de constructo, y excelente fiabilidad (a=0,98). En conclusiĂłn, la heterogeneidad de las caracterĂsticas de los pacientes fue evidenciada. Además, la PIEUSAd ha sido validada clĂnicamente para poder hacer un mejor cribado en las adicciones tecnolĂłgicas, donde la “pĂ©rdida de control” y la “evasiĂłn” parecen ser los sĂntomas prevalentes en estos tipos de pacientes
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Diferencias psicopatolĂłgicas en mujeres con Dependencia Emocional con y sin uso de sustancias ilegales comĂłrbido
En este artĂculo se presenta un análisis clĂnico de las diferencias psicopatolĂłgicas entre dos grupos de pacientes, mujeres, con problemas de Dependencia Emocional con y sin consumo de sustancias ilegales comĂłrbido. Las pacientes fueron evaluadas mediante los cuestionarios TDS100, SCL-90-R, BIS-11 y una entrevista semiestructurada adaptada de la entrevista SCID-I. Los grupos se formaron en funciĂłn de si existĂa consumo de drogas o no en el momento de la evaluaciĂłn.
A travĂ©s de los resultados hallados, se puede concluir que el grupo de mujeres con un consumo ocasional de drogas presenta una mayor gravedad en la escala de AcomodaciĂłn medida a travĂ©s del TDS-100, asĂ como puntuaciones más altas en psicopatologĂa comĂłrbida (Sensibilidad Interpersonal, Ansiedad, Hostilidad, IdeaciĂłn paranoide, Psicoticismo y GSI) medida por el SCL-90-R. Finalmente, el grupo con uso de drogas obtuvo puntuaciones significativamente más altas en la subescala Impulsividad Motora medida por el BIS-11.
English abstract: In this article we present a clinical analysis of the psychopathological differences between women patients with Affective Dependence problems with and without comorbid substance use. The patients were assessed trough the TDS-100, SCL-90-R, BIS-11 questionnaires and a semi-structured interview adapted from the SCID-I interview. The groups were created based on the substance use at the moment of the assessment.
The results reveal that the group of women with occasional use of drugs shows higher severity in the Accommodation scale measured trough the TDS-100 and in the comorbid psychopathology measured by the SCL-90R (Interpersonal Sensitivity, Anxiety, Hostility, Paranoid ideation, Psychoticism y GSI). Finally, the group with drug use obtained significantly higher scores in the Motor Impulsiveness subscale measured by the BIS-11
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Perfil psicopatolĂłgico de pacientes con Dependencia Emocional
Diversos autores defienden la Dependencia Emocional como una categorĂa diagnĂłstica propia. El perfil psicopatolĂłgico de las personas afectadas por este trastorno ha sido expuesto a nivel teĂłrico o basado en observaciones clĂnicas. Con este estudio se pretende determinar el perfil psicopatolĂłgico de una muestra de pacientes que presentaban problemas de Dependencia Emocional, desadaptativa, asĂ como estudiar la relaciĂłn entre autoestima y sĂntomas psicopatolĂłgicos. Se analiza el perfil sintomático a travĂ©s de los resultados del Symptom CheckList-90 items-Revised (SCL-90-R) y el nivel de autoestima medido a travĂ©s del Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) de una muestra de 33 pacientes de gĂ©nero femenino admitidos consecutivamente, que consultaron por problemas de dependencia emocional. Las pacientes presentaban elevada puntuaciĂłn en las escalas obsesiĂłn-compulsiĂłn, sensibilidad interpersonal, depresiĂłn, ansiedad, hostilidad, ideaciĂłn paranoide, psicoticismo (medidas a travĂ©s del SCL-90-R) comparados con baremos normativos de poblaciĂłn psiquiátrica española y una autoestima baja (medida a travĂ©s del RSES). En la muestra la autoestima correlaciona de manera negativa con somatizaciĂłn, obsesiĂłn-compulsiĂłn, depresiĂłn y hostilidad. Se discuten las caracterĂsticas y perfiles de esta muestra clĂnica.
English abstract: Several authors defend that Affective Dependence is a diagnostic category. The psychopathological profile of these patients has been explained from a theoretical point of view or based on clinical observations. In that study we want to determinate the pathological profile of a sample of patients with problems of affective dependence, and to study the relationship between their self-esteem and their psychopathological symptoms. We analyzed the symptomatic profile of a sample of 33 female consecutive patients consulting for affective dependence, measured trough the Symptom CheckList-90 items-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Patients present high obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoid ideation, psychoticism (measured by the SCL- 90-R) compared with compared with normative scores of Spanish psychiatric population, and low self-esteem (measured by the RSES). In these subjects the self- esteem showed negative correlation with somatization, obsessive-compulsive, depression and hostility. These characteristics and profiles are discussed
High CO2 permeability in supported molten-salt membranes with highly dense and aligned pores produced by directional solidification
Composite molten salt-ceramic membranes are promising devices for high-temperature CO2 separation. Intensive material properties impact on separation performance as do membrane geometry (thickness) and microstructure (pore volume fraction, size, connectivity, and tortuosity factor). Although controlling pore size is considered somewhat routine, achieving pore alignment and connectivity is still challenging. Here we report the production of the first gas separation membrane using a porous ceramic matrix obtained from a directionally-solidified magnesium-stabilised zirconia (MgSZ) - MgO fibrilar eutectic as the membrane support. MgO was removed from the parent material by acid-etching to create a porous matrix with highly aligned pores with diameters of similar to 1 mu m. X-ray nano-computed tomography of a central portion (similar to 32, 000 mu m(3)) of the support identified similar to 21% porosity, with all pores aligned within 10 degrees and similar to 76% percolating along the longest sampled length. Employing the matrix as a support for a carbonate molten salt, a high CO2 permeability of 1.41x10(-10) mol m(-1).s(-1).Pa-1 at 815 degrees C was achieved, among the highest reported for supported molten-carbonate membranes (typically 10(-12) to 10(-10) mol m(-1).s(-1).Pa-1 at similar temperatures). We suggest that the high permeability is attributable to the excellent pore characteristics resulting from directional solidification, namely a dense array of parallel, micron-scale pores connecting the feed and permeate sides of the membrane
Role of endolysosomes in HIV-1 Tat-induced neurotoxicity
Combined anti-retroviral therapeutic drugs effectively increase the lifespan of HIV-1-infected individuals who then have a higher prevalence of HAND (HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorder). Soluble factors including HIV-1 proteins released from HIV-1-infected cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of HAND, and particular attention has been paid to the HIV-1 Tat (transactivator of transcription) protein because of its ability to directly excite neurons and cause neuronal cell death. Since HIV-1 Tat enters cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis and since endolysosomes play an important role in neuronal cell life and death, we tested here the hypothesis that HIV-1 Tat neurotoxicity is associated with changes in the endolysosome structure and function and also autophagy. Following the treatment of primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons with HIV-1 Tat or as controls mutant-Tat or PBS, neuronal viability was determined using a triple staining method. Preceding observations of HIV-1 Tat-induced neuronal cell death, we observed statistically significant changes in the structure and membrane integrity of endolysosomes, endolysosome pH and autophagy. As early as 24 h after HIV-1 Tat was applied to neurons, HIV-1 Tat accumulated in endolysosomes, endolysosome morphology was affected and their size increased, endolysosome membrane integrity was disrupted, endolysosome pH increased, specific activities of endolysosome enzymes decreased and autophagy was inhibited, as indicated by the significant changes in three markers for autophagy. In contrast, statistically significant levels of HIV-1 Tat-induced neuronal cell death were observed only after 48 h of HIV-1 Tat treatment. Our findings suggest that endolysosomes are involved in HIV-1 Tat-induced neurotoxicity and may represent a target for therapeutic intervention against HAND
Do experts see it in slow motion? Altered timing of action simulation uncovers domain-specific perceptual processing in expert athletes
Accurate encoding of the spatio-temporal properties of others' actions is essential for the successful implementation of daily activities and, even more, for successful sportive performance, given its role in movement coordination and action anticipation. Here we investigated whether athletes are provided with special perceptual processing of spatio-temporal properties of familiar sportive actions. Basketball and volleyball players and novices were presented with short video-clips of free basketball throws that were partially occluded ahead of realization and were asked to judge whether a subsequently presented pose was either taken from the same throw depicted in the occluded video (action identification task) or temporally congruent with the expected course of the action during the occlusion period (explicit timing task). Results showed that basketball players outperformed the other groups in detecting action compatibility when the pose depicted earlier or synchronous, but not later phases of the movement as compared to the natural course of the action during occlusion. No difference was obtained for explicit estimations of timing compatibility. This leads us to argue that the timing of simulated actions in the experts might be slower than that of perceived actions ("slow-motion" bias), allowing for more detailed representation of ongoing actions and refined prediction abilities
Riding out of the storm: How to deal with the complexity of grid and cloud management
Over the last decade, Grid computing paved the way for a new level of large scale distributed systems. This infrastructure made it possible to securely and reliably take advantage of widely separated computational resources that are part of several different organizations. Resources can be incorporated to the Grid, building a theoretical virtual supercomputer. In time, cloud computing emerged as a new type of large scale distributed system, inheriting and expanding the expertise and knowledge that have been obtained so far. Some of the main characteristics of Grids naturally evolved into clouds, others were modified and adapted and others were simply discarded or postponed. Regardless of these technical specifics, both Grids and clouds together can be considered as one of the most important advances in large scale distributed computing of the past ten years; however, this step in distributed computing has came along with a completely new level of complexity. Grid and cloud management mechanisms play a key role, and correct analysis and understanding of the system behavior are needed. Large scale distributed systems must be able to self-manage, incorporating autonomic features capable of controlling and optimizing all resources and services. Traditional distributed computing management mechanisms analyze each resource separately and adjust specific parameters of each one of them. When trying to adapt the same procedures to Grid and cloud computing, the vast complexity of these systems can make this task extremely complicated. But large scale distributed systems complexity could only be a matter of perspective. It could be possible to understand the Grid or cloud behavior as a single entity, instead of a set of resources. This abstraction could provide a different understanding of the system, describing large scale behavior and global events that probably would not be detected analyzing each resource separately. In this work we define a theoretical framework that combines both ideas, multiple resources and single entity, to develop large scale distributed systems management techniques aimed at system performance optimization, increased dependability and Quality of Service (QoS). The resulting synergy could be the key 350 J. Montes et al. to address the most important difficulties of Grid and cloud management
Hemosporidian blood parasites in seabirds—a comparative genetic study of species from Antarctic to tropical habitats
Whereas some bird species are heavily affected by blood parasites in the wild, others reportedly are not. Seabirds, in particular, are often free from blood parasites, even in the presence of potential vectors. By means of polymerase chain reaction, we amplified a DNA fragment from the cytochrome b gene to detect parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, and Haemoproteus in 14 seabird species, ranging from Antarctica to the tropical Indian Ocean. We did not detect parasites in 11 of these species, including one Antarctic, four subantarctic, two temperate, and four tropical species. On the other hand, two subantarctic species, thin-billed prions Pachyptila belcheri and dolphin gulls Larus scoresbii, were found infected. One of 28 thin-billed prions had a Plasmodium infection whose DNA sequence was identical to lineage P22 of Plasmodium relictum, and one of 20 dolphin gulls was infected with a Haemoproteus lineage which appears phylogenetically clustered with parasites species isolated from passeriform birds such as Haemoproteus lanii, Haemoproteus magnus, Haemoproteus fringillae, Haemoproteus sylvae, Haemoproteus payevskyi, and Haemoproteus belopolskyi. In addition, we found a high parasite prevalence in a single tropical species, the Christmas Island frigatebird Fregata andrewsi, where 56% of sampled adults were infected with Haemoproteus. The latter formed a monophyletic group that includes a Haemoproteus line from Eastern Asian black-tailed gulls Larus crassirostris. Our results are in agreement with those showing that (a) seabirds are poor in hemosporidians and (b) latitude could be a determining factor to predict the presence of hemosporidians in birds. However, further studies should explore the relative importance of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on parasite prevalence, in particular using phylogenetically controlled comparative analyses, systematic sampling and screening of vectors, and within-species comparisons
New cytotoxic benzo(b)thiophenilsulfonamide 1,1-dioxide derivatives inhibit a NADH oxidase located in plasma membranes of tumour cells
A series of benzo(b)thiophenesulfonamide 1,1-dioxide derivatives (BTS) have been designed and synthesized as candidate antineoplastic drugs. Several of these compounds have shown in vitro cytotoxic activity on leukaemic CCRF-CEM cells. The cytotoxic BTS, but not the inactive ones, were able to inhibit a tumour cell-specific NADH oxidase activity present in the membrane of CCRF-CEM cells. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaig
Environmental and Parental Influences on Offspring Health and Growth in Great Tits (Parus major)
PMCID: PMC3728352This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
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