Translation and Psychometric Testing of the Hägerbäumer Presenteeism Scale in English

PURPOSE

Interest in presenteeism has increased in research. Presenteeism is a behaviour of going to work despite illness. It has been predominantly measured using single items, which introduce limitations to validity. To overcome these limitations, Hägerbäumer developed a German multi-item presenteeism scale.

METHODS

The aim of the study was to provide an English translation and psychometric testing of the scale. This was conducted in two phases with native English-speaking employed adults. Phase 1 includes translation and cognitive debriefing, phase 2 testing construct validity and internal consistency reliability.

RESULTS

Cognitive debriefing with 10 employees revealed no problems with understanding or answering the translated items. In total, 487 employed adults participated in the study, of which data from 287 were included in the analysis. For structural validity, the goodness-of-fit indicators all reached their thresholds (TLI = 0.98, CFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.02). The scale does not show differences between sexes and age groups but between sectors (F6,70.95 = 5.53, p < 0.001). The internal consistency reliability was satisfactory with α = 0.89 (CI 95%, 0.87-0.91).

CONCLUSION

The translated multidimensional scale for measuring presenteeism at the behavioural level demonstrated good psychometric properties in an initial validation. Further psychometric testing is required before using this scale in cross-national comparison in research and international companies.

Threshold Photoelectron Spectrum of m-Benzyne

Due to their unusual electronic structure, the biradical m-benzyne, C₆H₄, and its cation are of considerable interest in chemistry. Here, the photoion mass-selected threshold photoelectron spectrum of the m-benzyne biradical is presented. An adiabatic ionization energy of 8.65 ± 0.015 eV is derived, while a vibrational progression of 0.10 eV is assigned to the ν₉⁺ ring breathing mode, in excellent agreement with computations. The experimental spectrum was reproduced well by Franck-Condon spectral modeling of the ²A₁ ← X ¹A₁ transition, in which the cation retains a monocyclic C₆ framework. The energetically close-lying bicyclic ²A₂ cation state exhibits low Franck-Condon factors, due to the large change in geometry, and thus cannot be observed.

Therapeutic drug monitoring in children and adolescents with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders using risperidone

Risperidone is commonly used to treat different psychiatric disorders worldwide. Knowledge on dose–concentration relationships of risperidone treatment in children and adolescents with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders is, however, scarce and no age-specific therapeutic ranges have been established yet. Multicenter data of a therapeutic drug monitoring service were analyzed to evaluate the relationship between risperidone dose and serum concentration of the active moiety (risperidone (RIS) plus its main metabolite 9-hydroxyrisperidone (9-OH-RIS)) in children and adolescents with psychotic disorders. Patient characteristics, doses, serum concentrations and therapeutic outcomes were assessed by standardized measures. The study also aimed to evaluate whether the therapeutic reference range for adults (20–60 ng/ml) is applicable for minors. In the 64 patients (aged 11–18 years) included, a positive correlation between daily dose and the active moiety (RIS_am) concentration was found (r_s = 0.49, p = 0.001) with variation in dose explaining 24% (r_s² = 0.240) of the variability in serum concentrations. While the RIS_am concentration showed no difference, RIS as well 9-OH-RIS concentrations and the parent to metabolite ratio varied significantly in patients with co-medication of a CYP2D6 inhibitor. Patients with extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) had on average higher RISam concentrations than patients without (p = 0.05). Considering EPS, the upper threshold of the therapeutic range of RIS_am was determined to be 33 ng/ml. A rough estimation method also indicated a possibly decreased lower limit of the preliminary therapeutic range in minors compared to adults. These preliminary data may contribute to the definition of a therapeutic window in children and adolescents with schizophrenic disorders treated with risperidone. TDM is recommended in this vulnerable population to prevent concentration-related adverse drug reactions.

Effectiveness of parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogues on fracture healing: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis evaluated the evidence for the use of parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogues to improve fracture healing. Eligible studies were prospective randomised controlled trials of adults with acute fractures treated with a PTH analogue. PTH improved functional outcomes but did not affect fracture healing rate or reduce pain.

PURPOSE

This meta-analysis evaluated the evidence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogues in fracture healing. The use of PTH analogues to prevent osteoporotic fractures is well investigated, and studies are emerging on extended indications. One such indication receiving increasing attention is the effect of PTH in fracture healing; however, the overall degree of efficacy remains inconclusive.

METHODS

A systematic electronic database search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was conducted for relevant articles in August 2019 with no date restrictions. Randomised controlled trials of adults with acute fractures treated with a PTH analogue were included. PTH was compared with a comparator intervention, placebo or no treatment.

RESULTS

PTH analogue treatment improved functional outcomes in a range of fracture types but did not affect the fracture healing rate or reduce pain. Most trials included in this review were in elderly patients with osteoporosis. There was no evidence that PTH treatment caused harm or impeded fracture healing.

CONCLUSIONS

Meta-analysis of published data supports the use of PTH analogues to improve functional outcomes but not fracture healing rate or pain for different fracture types. The evidence for PTH analogue use in fracture healing is less clear in younger, non-osteoporotic patient populations. Trial design was heterogeneous and of limited quality, justifying further original trials.

Global and Extended Coagulation Monitoring during Extracorporeal Lung Assist with Heparin-Coated Systems in ARDS Patients

Heparin-coated systems for extracorporeal lung-assist (ECLA) were developed to reduce hemorrhagic risk by lowering the systemic heparinization, monitored by global tests, e.g. activated coagulation time (ACT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Since this strategy gives no insight into procoagulant states, five ARDS patients receiving ECLA with heparin-coated systems were investivated for changes in coagulation using both global and extended tests. During ECLA onset the APTT and ACT were within or near normal ranges, platelets decreased 76.5% within 48h, fibrinogen decreased 28.7%, thrombin-antithrombin-III complexes were elevated before ECLA (53 μg/L), but demonstrated an additional peak (238 μg/L), plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-1 increased 12-fold, and the C1-inhibitor dropped 14.1%. In conclusion, after the onset of ECLA from a previous prethrombotic state, the precoagulant, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic and complement systems were activated in a similar way to that reported for non-heparinized systems with high-dose heparin. This was however only monitored by an extended test panel which was unable to predict thromboembolic events during ECLA.

Reduction of Platelet Trapping in Membrane Oxygenators by Transmembraneous Application of Gaseous Nitric Oxide

Bleeding during extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is often induced and/or aggravated by thrombocytopenia due to platelet-trapping in hollow fiber membrane oxygenators (HFMO). Nitric oxide (NO) has platelet anti-aggregating and dis-aggregating properties. In a paired system we tested whether gaseous NO, added to the gas compartment of one of two parallel running heparin-bonded HFMO attenuated platelet-trapping. Platelet consumption was markedly reduced in the NO-treated HFMO. These data strongly indicate that the application of gaseous NO could prove a new therapeutical approach to reduce bleeding during ECC, serving as a new way of preventing platelet loss, thus reducing the need for high systemic heparinization.

Ist ein Parkinson-Syndrom als Spätfolge einer Methylphenidatbehandlung im Kindesalter möglich?

Die Wirksamkeit von Psychostimulanzien wie Methylphenidat (MPH) in der Therapie von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit einer Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/ Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) wurde in zahlreichen klinischen Studien belegt. Bislang wurde bei sachgemäßer Anwendung von keinen schwerwiegenden Nebenwirkungen berichtet. Dennoch gibt es immer wieder Bedenken, dass diese Arzneimittel auch bei sachgemäßer Anwendung eine Abhängigkeit auslösen und möglicherweise Spätfolgen auf die Gehirnentwicklung haben könnten. Durch diese Mutmaßungen, die, wie im Folgenden detailliert dargelegt, durch die bisher vorliegenden wissenschaftlichen Befunde nicht gerechtfertigt sind, sind nicht nur Kinderärzte sowie Kinder- und Jugendpsychiater stark verunsichert, sondern vor allem auch die ADHS-Patienten und deren Angehörigen. Die bisher vorliegenden tierexperimentellen Ergebnisse rechtfertigen auf keinen Fall Spekulationen hinsichtlich irgendwelcher Spätfolgen. Aufgrund methodischer Grenzen lässt sich aus den Ergebnissen nicht schlussfolgern, dass MPH das Auswachsen dopaminerger Axone unterdrückt und/oder eine reduzierte Bildung von dopaminergen Synapsen hervorruft. Tierexperimentelle und klinische Untersuchungen lassen dagegen den Schluss zu, dass die Gefahr, nach einer MPH-Therapie im Kindes-und Jugendalter in späteren Jahren an einem Parkinson-Syndrom zu erkranken, mit höchster Wahrscheinlichkeit als nicht gegeben angesehen werden kann.

Prospective quality control study of a novel gravity-driven whole blood separation system suitable for humanitarian crises

Centrifugation-based whole blood (WB) separation represents the worldwide standard but it depends on electricity and infrastructure. We have prospectively evaluated a novel hollow-fibre WB separation system that does not require manual priming or blood flow regulation (n = 29). RBC units contained sufficient Hb (50·4 g ± 4·3), low leucocytes (90 000 ± 0·008), exhibited low haemolysis (0·57% ± 0·49) and robust ATP content (51·47% ± 8·2) after 43 days storage. Plasma units contained low leucocytes and mean coagulation factor activities for FV, FVIII and FXI were 47%, 90% and 68%, respectively. RBC met quality specifications but plasma units exhibited reduced FV and FXI activity.

Consensus Guidelines for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Neuropsychopharmacology: Update 2017

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is the quantification and interpretation of drug concentrations in blood to optimize pharmacotherapy. It considers the interindividual variability of pharmacokinetics and thus enables personalized pharmacotherapy. In psychiatry and neurology, patient populations that may particularly benefit from TDM are children and adolescents, pregnant women, elderly patients, individuals with intellectual disabilities, patients with substance abuse disorders, forensic psychiatric patients or patients with known or suspected pharmacokinetic abnormalities. Non-response at therapeutic doses, uncertain drug adherence, suboptimal tolerability, or pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions are typical indications for TDM. However, the potential benefits of TDM to optimize pharmacotherapy can only be obtained if the method is adequately integrated in the clinical treatment process. To supply treating physicians and laboratories with valid information on TDM, the TDM task force of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Neuropsychopharmakologie und Pharmakopsychiatrie (AGNP) issued their first guidelines for TDM in psychiatry in 2004. After an update in 2011, it was time for the next update. Following the new guidelines holds the potential to improve neuropsychopharmacotherapy, accelerate the recovery of many patients, and reduce health care costs.