Calorimetric study of the thermodynamic properties of the nickel-cadmium cell Final report, 1 Oct. 1964 - 31 Dec. 1965

Thermal properties of electrochemical cells from calorimetry of nickel-cadmium batter

The association of cannabis use with quality of life and psychosocial functioning in psychosis

BACKGROUND: Cannabis use is highly prevalent among people with a psychotic disorder. They often report sociality, coping with unpleasant affect and having positive experiences as important reasons for cannabis use, suggesting that cannabis improves their quality of life (QoL) and psychosocial functioning. However, based on previous studies we hypothesize that cannabis use is negatively associated with long-term subjective QoL and psychosocial functioning in people with a psychotic disorder. METHODS: We included 2994 people with a psychotic disorder (36.4% female), mean age 44.4 (SD 11.9), mean illness duration 17.2 years (SD 11.1), who participated in two yearly routine outcome assessments between 2014 and 2018 (interval 9-15 months) from the naturalistic PHAMOUS cohort study. Linear regression analyses were used to examine whether first assessment cannabis use was associated with QoL (ManSA) and psychosocial functioning (HoNOS). Changes in outcomes between assessments were analyzed with AN(C)OVA, to examine differences between continuers (n = 255), discontinuers (n = 85), starters (n = 83) and non-users (n = 2571). RESULTS: At first assessment, 11.4% was using cannabis. They had lower QoL (B = -2.93, p < 0.001) and worse psychosocial functioning (B = 1.03, p = 0.002) than non-users. After one year, changes in QoL and psychosocial functioning were not significantly different between continuers, starters, discontinuers and non-users. CONCLUSIONS: Cannabis users were less satisfied with their family relations and financial situation and showed more aggressive and disruptive behavior and self-harm than non-users. These differences are likely the result of patients having used cannabis for many years. Starting or discontinuing cannabis did not lead to changes in QoL and psychosocial functioning within one year

The Anesthetic Effects on Vasopressor Modulation of Cerebral Blood Flow in an Immature Swine Model

BACKGROUND: The effect of various sedatives and anesthetics on vasopressor modulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in children is unclear. In adults, isoflurane has been described to decrease CBF to a lesser extent than fentanyl and midazolam. Most large-animal models of neurocritical care use inhaled anesthetics for anesthesia. Investigations involving modulations of CBF would have improved translatability within a model that more closely approximates the current practice in the pediatric intensive care unit. METHODS: Fifteen 4-week-old piglets were given 1 of 2 anesthetic protocols: total IV anesthesia (TIVA) (midazolam 1 mg/kg/h and fentanyl 100 μg/kg/h, n = 8) or ISO (isoflurane 1.5%–2% and fentanyl 100 μg/kg/h, n = 7). Mean arterial blood pressure, intracranial pressure (ICP), CBF, and brain tissue oxygen tension were measured continuously as piglets were exposed to escalating doses of arginine vasopressin, norepinephrine (NE), and phenylephrine (PE). RESULTS: Baseline CBF was similar in the 2 groups (ISO 38 ± 10 vs TIVA 35 ± 26 mL/100 g/min) despite lower baseline cerebral perfusion pressure in the ISO group (45 ± 11 vs 71 ± 11 mm Hg; P \u3c 0.0005). Piglets in the ISO group displayed increases in ICP with PE and NE (11 ± 4 vs 16 ± 4 mm Hg and 11 ± 8 vs 18 ± 5 mm Hg; P \u3c 0.05), but in the TIVA group, only exposure to PE resulted in increases in ICP when comparing maximal dose values with baseline data (11 ± 4 vs 15 ± 5 mm Hg; P \u3c 0.05). Normalized CBF displayed statistically significant increases regarding anesthetic group and vasopressor dose when piglets were exposed to NE and PE (P \u3c 0.05), suggesting an impairment of autoregulation within ISO, but not TIVA. CONCLUSION: The vasopressor effect on CBF was limited when using a narcotic-benzodiazepine–based anesthetic protocol compared with volatile anesthetics, consistent with a preservation of autoregulation. Selection of anesthetic drugs is critical to investigate mechanisms of cerebrovascular hemodynamics, and in translating critical care investigations between the laboratory and bedside

Cross-border collaboration, future for young professionals

Background: The international working visit of a Dutch delegation of 45 clinical psychologists (in training) and science-practitioners in September 2022 to their colleagues in Lisbon, Portugal as part of their post academic education program inspired young psychologists to realize a masterclass.Purpose: Exchanging information on specific treatment between the Dutch psychologists and the colleagues from the Portuguese Psychiatric Hospital Júlio de Matos. Method: A digital masterclass on EMDR treatment.Results: A mutual ambition for a long-term cooperation over the borders and exchange of knowledge which provides more uniformity and positive solutions for future challenges.Conclusion: Digital opportunities create positive implications for cooperation between countries which can lead to innovation and creative solutions.<br/

Data communication at the CERN computer centre

The growing interest for on-line computer service and process control at CERN decentralises certain computer activities. Small process computers, remote batch stations and user terminals are to be backed by a powerful central computer. The present data network is principally star shaped. At the centre of it is a CDC 6600-6500 computer combination. It has a front end CDC 3100 computer with a Hewlett Packard 2116 as multiplexer. Some details about the fast parallel connections between the CDC 3100 and the HP 2116B are given in the paper, as well as descriptions of some computer simulation techniques used to test the present systems. Finally some plans on a future network are given. (12 refs)

Seasonal variation of serotonin turnover in human cerebrospinal fluid, depressive symptoms and the role of the 5-HTTLPR.

Studying monoaminergic seasonality is likely to improve our understanding of neurobiological mechanisms underlying season-associated physiological and pathophysiological behavior. Studies of monoaminergic seasonality and the influence of the serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) on serotonin seasonality have yielded conflicting results, possibly due to lack of power and absence of multi-year analyses. We aimed to assess the extent of seasonal monoamine turnover and examined the possible involvement of the 5-HTTLPR. To determine the influence of seasonality on monoamine turnover, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid of 479 human subjects collected during a 3-year period. Cosine and non-parametric seasonal modeling were applied to both metabolites. We computed serotonin (5-HT) seasonality values and performed an association analysis with the s/l alleles of the 5-HTTLPR. Depressive symptomatology was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Circannual variation in 5-HIAA fitted a spring-peak cosine model that was significantly associated with sampling month (P=0.0074). Season of sampling explained 5.4% (P=1.57 × 10(-7)) of the variance in 5-HIAA concentrations. The 5-HTTLPR s-allele was associated with increased 5-HIAA seasonality (standardized regression coefficient=0.12, P=0.020, N=393). 5-HIAA seasonality correlated with depressive symptoms (Spearman's rho=0.13, P=0.018, N=345). In conclusion, we highlight a dose-dependent association of the 5-HTTLPR with 5-HIAA seasonality and a positive correlation between 5-HIAA seasonality and depressive symptomatology. The presented data set the stage for follow-up in clinical populations with a role for seasonality, such as affective disorders

Impact of COVID-19 on patients from from FACT or autism teams

BACKGROUND: Most research focuses on the impact of COVID-19 for the general population. People with mental health problems may suffer even more from its consequences.AIM: Measuring mental health, experiences with outpatient care and government measures of 105 people in mental health care in the Northern Netherlands during the first wave of COVID-19.METHOD: Anonymous, online survey among people in care with autism- or FACT-teams in the Northern Netherlands between July-September 2020.RESULTS: Few participants reported recent COVID-19-related symptoms (n=2); no participant had lab-confirmed COVID-19. Both positive (clear world, tranquility, few stimuli: 28%) and negative experiences (missing face-to-face contact with mental health care professionals: 22%) were reported. Although there was some fluctuation in happiness, the average happiness score did not change due to the first wave. Three-quarters were satisfied with their mental health care. Although in-person contact with mental health care professionals was missed, the continuation of care through (video)calling was appreciated. One third reported an increased or new care need in mental health symptoms or daily functioning. The 'physical' government measures were considered pleasant and doable, but 'social' measures were harder. Newsletters with practical information about the consequences of the measures for personal healthcare were appreciated.CONCLUSION: The results show a nuanced picture of how outpatients experienced the first wave of COVID-19. Continued monitoring is important, as long-term impact of COVID-19 cannot be predicted.</p