Personality Styles of Dentists Practicing Hypnosis Confirm the Existence of the Homo Hypnoticus.

Several publications with healthcare professionals, such as psychotherapists, have shown a significant difference in personality styles in practitioners using hypnosis compared to those not using hypnosis. To investigate differences in personality styles, dentists were contacted to participate in a personality-inventory [Personality Style and Disorder Inventory (PSDI)] online survey. Dentists using hypnosis (HYP DGZH) (n = 418) were compared to dentists not using hypnosis (NONHYP DENT) (n = 162). Results show that hypnosis-practicing dentists score significantly higher in the intuitive/schizotypal ST personality style (p < 0.001) compared to non-hypnosis-practicing dentists. Female dentists scored significantly higher in intuitive/schizotypal ST and unselfish/self-sacrificing SL in the HYP DGZH sample but only in unselfish/self-sacrificing SL in the NONHYP DENT sample. The percentage of women was similar in both samples (68.2%; 67.3%). Intuitive/schizotypal ST was found to be the predominant personality style of men who are interested in or use hypnosis, metaphorically so-called "homo hypnoticus." Within the limitations of this cross-sectional non-interventional observational online-questionnaire study, results expand this notion to the so-called "homo hypnoticus dentalis." However, further research on the subject is needed to investigate and confirm this personality type in other than the German-speaking DACH countries

Feedstock Development for Material Extrusion-Based Printing of Ti6Al4V Parts

In this work, a holistic approach for the fabrication of dense Ti6Al4V parts via material extrusion methods (MEX), such as fused filament fabrication (FFF) or fused feedstock deposition (FFD), will be presented. With respect to the requirements of the printing process, a comprehensive investigation of the feedstock development will be described. This covers mainly the amount ratio variation of the main binder components LDPE (low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and wax, characterized by shear and oscillation rheology. Solid content of 60 vol% allowed the 3D printing of even more complex small parts in a reproducible manner. In some cases, the pellet-based FFD seems to be superior to the established FFF. After sintering, a density of 96.6% of theory could be achieved, an additional hot isostatic pressing delivered density values better than 99% of theory. The requirements (mechanical properties, carbon, and oxygen content) for the usage of medical implants (following ASTM F2885-17) were partially fulfilled or shortly missed

Material Extrusion 3D Printing of PEEK-Based Composites

High-performance thermoplastics like polyetheretherketone (PEEK), with their outstanding thermal stability, mechanical properties and chemical stability, have great potential for various structural applications. Combining with additive manufacturing methods extends further PEEK usage, e.g., as a mold insert material in polymer melt processing like injection molding. Mold inserts must possess a certain mechanical stability, a low surface roughness as well as a good thermal conductivity for the temperature control during the molding process. With this in mind, the commercially available high-performance thermoplastic PEEK was doped with small amounts of carbon nanotubes (CNT, 6 wt%) and copper particles (10 wt%) targeting enhanced thermomechanical properties and a higher thermal conductivity. The composites were realized by a commercial combined compounder and filament maker for the usage in a material extrusion (MEX)-based 3D-printer following the fused filament fabrication (FFF) principle. Commercial filaments made from PEEK and carbon fiber reinforced PEEK were used as reference systems. The impact of the filler and the MEX printing conditions like printing temperature, printing speed and infill orientation on the PEEK properties were characterized comprehensively by tensile testing, fracture imaging and surface roughness measurements. In addition, the thermal conductivity was determined by the laser-flash method in combination with differential scanning calorimetry and Archimedes density measurement. The addition of fillers did not alter the measured tensile strength in comparison to pure PEEK significantly. The fracture images showed a good printing quality without the MEX-typical voids between and within the deposited layers. Higher printing temperatures caused a reduction of the surface roughness and, in some cases, an enhanced ductile behavior. The thermal conductivity could be increased by the addition of the CNTs. Following the given results, the most critical process step is the compounding procedure, because for a reliable process–parameter–property relationship, a homogeneous particle distribution in the polymer matrix yielding a reliable filament quality is essential

Imaging short- and long-term training success in chronic aphasia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To date, functional imaging studies of treatment-induced recovery from chronic aphasia only assessed short-term treatment effects after intensive language training. In the present study, we show with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), that different brain regions may be involved in immediate versus long-term success of intensive language training in chronic post-stroke aphasia patients.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Eight patients were trained daily for three hours over a period of two weeks in naming of concrete objects. Prior to, immediately after, and eight months after training, patients overtly named trained and untrained objects during event-related fMRI. On average the patients improved from zero (at baseline) to 64.4% correct naming responses immediately after training, and treatment success remained highly stable at follow-up. Regression analyses showed that the degree of short-term treatment success was predicted by increased activity (compared to the pretraining scan) bilaterally in the hippocampal formation, the right precuneus and cingulate gyrus, and bilaterally in the fusiform gyri. A different picture emerged for long-term training success, which was best predicted by activity increases in the right-sided Wernicke's homologue and to a lesser degree in perilesional temporal areas.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results show for the first time that treatment-induced language recovery in the chronic stage after stroke is a dynamic process. Initially, brain regions involved in memory encoding, attention, and multimodal integration mediated treatment success. In contrast, long-term treatment success was predicted mainly by activity increases in the so-called 'classical' language regions. The results suggest that besides perilesional and homologue language-associated regions, functional integrity of domain-unspecific memory structures may be a prerequisite for successful (intensive) language interventions.</p

Predictors of competitive employment in individuals with severe mental illness: results from an observational, cross-sectional study in Germany

BACKGROUND: Employment is of great importance as it is associated with various positive effects. Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) are often excluded from competitive employment. Current data on employment of individuals with mental illness are rare, and influencing factors are under-researched. The present study examines possible predictors of competitive employment among individuals with SMI. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and multicentered study of 300 individuals with SMI aged 18 to 65 years. The following inclusion criteria were used: (I) diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders (ICD-10 F2x), or affective disorders (ICD-10 F3x), (II) duration of psychiatric illness ≥ 2 years, and (III) substantial impact of illness on social functioning. Participants were interviewed by trained staff using standardised instruments. The relationship between potential predictors (age, sex, education, marital status, living situation, migration background, psychosocial functioning, age at first mental problem, physical illness, work ability) and employment was analysed using a hierarchic binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: Only one-third (34%) of participants were competitively employed. Almost one-third were unemployed (30%), and 28% reported early retirement due to mental illness. Psychosocial functioning was positively associated with competitive employment (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05 – 1.13, p < 0.001); concurrent chronic physical illness was negatively associated with competitive employment (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21 – 0.71, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Findings confirm a high risk of exclusion from competitive employment among individuals with SMI. Nonetheless, a substantial proportion of individuals are employed. Findings call for efforts to maintain or enhance workforce participation among individuals with SMI. A special focus should be placed on improving physical health and strengthening psychosocial functioning. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) under the registration number DRKS00015801 before the start of recruitment (Registration date: 21.02.2019)

Employment status and desire for work in severe mental illness: results from an observational, cross-sectional study

PURPOSE: People with a severe mental illness (SMI) are at particular risk of occupational exclusion. Among the approaches to occupational rehabilitation, supported employment (SE) has been proven to be the most effective. A requirement to enter SE-programs is that individuals must want to seek competitive employment. The aim of this work is to investigate the relationship between serious mental illness and the desire to work including potential predictors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study of patients with SMI aged 18–65 years (n = 397). Patients were interviewed by trained staff using standardised instruments. The relationship between potential predictors and a strong preference for employment were analysed using a hierarchic binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: Only about one-quarter (27.9%) of SMI patients is in competitive employment. Another quarter is unemployed (25.9%). Results show that the desire for competitive employment is strong among more than half of the SMI patients. Among the unemployed, two-thirds express a strong desire for work. These individuals are an ideal target group for SE interventions. Comorbid chronic physical illness, diagnosis, and the subjectively judged ability to work are associated with the desire for work. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm a substantial exclusion of individuals with SMI from the workforce. In general, care needs for workplace interventions are not being met and leave much room for improvement. In addition to employment status, the desire for work should be routinely assessed. STUDY REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) (https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00015801) and under the WHO-Platform “International Clinical Trials Registry Platform” (ICTRP) (https://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=DRKS00015801) under the registration number DRKS00015801 before the start of recruitment (Registration date: 21.02.2019)

The role of migration in mental healthcare: treatment satisfaction and utilization

Migration rates increase globally and require an adaption of national mental health services to the needs of persons with migration background. Therefore, we aimed to identify differences between persons with and without migratory background regarding (1) treatment satisfaction, (2) needed and received mental healthcare and (3) utilization of mental healthcare. In the context of a cross-sectional multicenter study, inpatients and day hospital patients of psychiatric settings in Southern Germany with severe affective and non-affective psychoses were included. Patients’ satisfaction with and their use of mental healthcare services were assessed by VSSS-54 and CSSRI-EU; patients’ needs were measured via CAN-EU. In total, 387 participants (migratory background: n = 72; 19%) provided sufficient responses for analyses. Migrant patients were more satisfied with the overall treatment in the past year compared to non-migrant patients. No differences between both groups were identified in met and unmet treatment needs and use of supply services (psychiatric, psychotherapeutic, and psychosocial treatment). Despite a comparable degree of met and unmet treatment needs and mental health service use among migrants and non-migrants, patients with migration background showed higher overall treatment satisfaction compared to non-migrants. The role of sociocultural and migrant-related factors may explain our findings. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12888-022-03722-8