[Problematic online gaming. A review of the literature]

In parallel with the increasing popularity of online games, researchers have reported an increasing number of problematic users. For this reason there is a growing amount of literature analyzing the effects of online games. The present review described the evolution of online games as well as their types and specific characteristics of these types. This review examines (i) the question of definition, (ii) symptoms of problematic use, (iii) the measurement instruments (iv) prevalence data, (v) issues of etiology, (vi) the results of comorbidity, and (vii) the main trends and results in the area of prevention and treatment.

[The Hungarian version of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI-HU)]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The growing availability of gambling is accompanied by the increased level of gambling related problems. As result, reliable and valid measurement tools that could quickly identify problem/pathological gambling are necessary. The goal of the study was the psychometric evaluation of the Hungarian version of Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI-HU) as well as the presentation of the first data gained by this instrument.

METHODS

The administration of the instrument was conducted in Budapest on an adult sample. The sample (N=777) was recruited in lottery stores and other gambling venues. The sample consisted of 466 males and 311 females. The structural validation of the instrument was executed by confirmatory factor analysis and the concurrent validation was tested with the South Oaks Gambling Screen.

RESULTS

The instrument's psychometric properties are appropriate. The majority of the sample (61.6%) is considered as non-problem gambler; 20.2 % of the sample is in the low-problem group; 11.8% is in the moderate level problem gambler category and 6.3% could be considered as pathological gambler. The results of the assessment of the concurrent validity indicate strong significant correlation among the PGSI and SOGS (r=0.802; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The PGSI-HU is a valid and reliable instrument to identify problem and pathological gambling. The measure is recommended to be used both in clinical and research settings due to its appropriate properties.

The contribution of dominance and inbreeding depression in estimating variance components for litter size in Pannon White rabbits

In a synthetic closed population of Pannon White rabbits, additive (VA ), dominance (VD ) and permanent environmental (VPe ) variance components as well as doe (bF d ) and litter (bF l ) inbreeding depression were estimated for the number of kits born alive (NBA), number of kits born dead (NBD) and total number of kits born (TNB). The data set consisted of 18,398 kindling records of 3883 does collected from 1992 to 2009. Six models were used to estimate dominance and inbreeding effects. The most complete model estimated VA and VD to contribute 5.5 ± 1.1% and 4.8 ± 2.4%, respectively, to total phenotypic variance (VP ) for NBA; the corresponding values for NBD were 1.9 ± 0.6% and 5.3 ± 2.4%, for TNB, 6.2 ± 1.0% and 8.1 ± 3.2% respectively. These results indicate the presence of considerable VD . Including dominance in the model generally reduced VA and VPe estimates, and had only a very small effect on inbreeding depression estimates. Including inbreeding covariates did not affect estimates of any variance component. A 10% increase in doe inbreeding significantly increased NBD (bF d  = 0.18 ± 0.07), while a 10% increase in litter inbreeding significantly reduced NBA (bF l  = -0.41 ± 0.11) and TNB (bF l  = -0.34 ± 0.10). These findings argue for including dominance effects in models of litter size traits in populations that exhibit significant dominance relationships.

Hungarian adaptation of the long and the short form of the drinking motives questionnaire (DMQ-R)

Háttér: Az alkoholmotiváció kutatása mindeddig kevés figyelmet kapott Magyarországon. Jelen tanulmány célja, hogy ismertesse az Alkoholfogyasztás Motivációi Módosított Kérdőív hosszú (DMQ-R-HU) és rövid (DMQ-R-SF-HU) változatának hazai alkalmazásáról szóló tapasztalatokat. Módszer és minta: Egyéb, az alkoholfogyasztáshoz kapcsolódó kérdésekkel kiegészítve egy középiskolás (N=922, átlagéletkor=16,6, szórás=1,44), valamint egy egyetemista (N=346, átlagéletkor=21,6, szórás=2,61) mintán alkalmaztuk a DMQ-R-HU kérdőívet. Mivel a konfirmációs faktorelemzés eredménye nem volt kielégítő, így a DMQ-R-SF-HU illeszkedését is megvizsgáltuk. Ezt követően a DMQ-R-SF-HU alkalmazhatóságát egy harmadik, speciális populációs, fiatal felnőtt mintán (N=390 fő, átlagéletkor=23,6, szórás=4,4) is ellenőriztük. Ezen vizsgálat további célja az volt, hogy a korábbi nemzetközi vizsgálatoktól eltérően egy idősebb, rekreációs mintán is vizsgáljuk a kérdőív alkalmazhatóságát. A vizsgálatok során a motivációk és az alkoholhasználati indikátorok közötti kapcsolatot a többváltozós strukturális egyenlet modelljeinek segítségével elemeztük. Eredmények: Az alkoholmotivációk átlagértékeinek rangsora mindhárom minta esetében ugyanúgy alakult (szociális > fokozásos > megküzdéses > konformitás). A motivációk és az alkoholhasználati indikátorok közötti kapcsolatokat vizsgálva az egyetemisták esetében a fokozásos motivációk jelezték előre az alkoholfogyasztás és a részegség gyakoriságát, a középiskolások esetében a szociális és konformitás motivációk jelezték előre az alkoholfogyasztás gyakoriságát, a konformitás és fokozásos motivációk pedig a részegség gyakoriságát. A fiatal felnőtt rekreációs populációban is a szociális motivációk jelezték előre az alkoholfogyasztás gyakoriságát, míg a részegség gyakoriságát mind a négy motiváció megbízhatóan előrejelezte. Az alkoholhasználattal összefüggő problémáknak a megküzdéses motiváció volt minden esetben a szignifikáns magyarázója a fiatal felnőttek között. Ezen kívül a szociális motiváció az iskolai, illetve munkahelyi problémákat, a konformitás motiváció pedig a verekedést jelezte előre. Következtetések: A DMQ-R-SF-HU kiváló statisztikai tulajdonságai és illeszkedési mutatói miatt széles körben, különböző sajátosságokkal bíró mintákon jól alkalmazható kérdőív. Az alkoholmotivációk fontos előrejelzői az alkoholfogyasztás különböző indikátorainak. Az eltérő korosztályokban eltérő motivációk játszanak kitüntetett szerepet, amelyek figyelembe vétele a prevenció során meghatározó jelentőséggel bírhat.

The binding of phenanthrene to engineered silver and gold nanoparticles

The steadily rising production and use of engineered nanoparticles (ENP) leads to their entry into the aquatic environment. In addition to the various adverse effects that have been seen for different organisms, ENP are suspected to influence the transport, bioavailability and toxic properties of a range of environmental contaminants that may adsorb to their surface. In this study, the binding properties of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon phenanthrene to stabilized silver and gold ENP were investigated using a novel mass balance based single-equilibrium approach. Only citrate coated gold ENP (AuNP(CIT)) were found to bind phenanthrene. No binding was observed for polyvinylpyrolidone coated silver ENP (AgNP(PVP)) nor citrate coated silver ENP (AgNP(CIT)) suggesting that the properties of the core material have a major influence on binding reactions. A binding coefficient K(b) was defined as the ratio between the concentration of phenanthrene associated to the AuNP(CIT) and that freely dissolved in the exposure medium. Temperature was not seen to significantly influence K(b) within an environmentally relevant range (4-25 °C). The presence of methanol significantly reduced or prevented the formation of the AuNP(CIT)-phenathrene complex. Results suggest that the binding is a low energy physio-sorption, likely associated to a partial displacement or specific arrangement of the citrate capping on the gold core.

The development of the Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire (POGQ)

Background

Online gaming has become increasingly popular. However, this has led to concerns that these games might induce serious problems and/or lead to dependence for a minority of players. Aim: The aim of this study was to uncover and operationalize the components of problematic online gaming.

Methods

A total of 3415 gamers (90% males; mean age 21 years), were recruited through online gaming websites. A combined method of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied. Latent profile analysis was applied to identify persons at-risk.

Results

EFA revealed a six-factor structure in the background of problematic online gaming that was also confirmed by a CFA. For the assessment of the identified six dimensions – preoccupation, overuse, immersion, social isolation, interpersonal conflicts, and withdrawal – the 18-item Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire (POGQ) proved to be exceedingly suitable. Based on the latent profile analysis, 3.4% of the gamer population was considered to be at high risk, while another 15.2% was moderately problematic.

Conclusions

The POGQ seems to be an adequate measurement tool for the differentiated assessment of gaming related problems on six subscales.

This kind of general spectrum questionnaire was born from two early initiatives [11,20]. However, psychometric characteristics of these tools were revealed only to a very limited extent. Research exploring problems in connection with video games [12,21], either offline or online, can be regarded as related attempts. Characteristics of these games and the gamer populations differ greatly from those of Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG) [22]. It is therefore both essential and necessary to develop a questionnaire that (i) measures problems related to these games, (ii) is differentiated from offline games, (iii) covers all online games, and (iv) has adequate psychometric characteristics.

[Changes in psychosocial symptoms of opiate users over six months with buprenorphine/naloxone substitution therapy]

AIMS

The main target of our research was to measure the changes in psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, craving) of patients receiving buprenorphine-naloxone substitution treatment for six months, and the evaluation of the changes using the clients' dependency parameters (ASI).

METHODS

The level of dependency was investigated using the Addicton Severity Index (ASI). The psychiatric symptoms related to Axis I and II disorders were examined using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, SCID I and SCID II. The degree of craving was measured using the Heroin Craving Questionnaire, the assessment of the symptoms of depression using BDI and HAM-D, recorded by the medical attendant of the patient. To survey the extent of anxiety, we used STAI-S, and HAM-A. All patients receiving Suboxone therapy in Hungary between November 2007 and April 2008 were included in the study (n=80). During this time, Suboxone therapy was available in 6 locations.

RESULTS

We found significant improvement in almost all observed fields of behavioural and symptomatic dimensions during the first month. The only exception was the dimension of subsistence/livelihood of ASI, the changes were only at the tendency level. During the next five months of therapy, there was no further sign of improvement or decline in the observed fields, the only exception was again the subsistence/livelihood dimension of the ASI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that buprenorphine/naloxone treatment is a promising possibility for patients in need of opiate-substitution treatment.

Genetic parameters and genetic trends of reproduction traits in synthetic Pannon rabbits using repeatability and multi-trait animal models

Abstract. Genetic parameters and genetic trends of total number of born kits (TNB), and number of kits born alive (NBA) were estimated in Pannon White and Pannon Ka rabbits for the first four parities. REML and BLUP procedures were applied using repeatability and multi-trait animal models (PEST and VCE software). Heritability estimates were low for both traits and breeds and ranged between 0.060.43–0.07 (0.010.43–0.02) and 0.040.43–0.06 (0.020.43–0.02) for TNB and NBA, respectively (standard errors of estimates are given in brackets). The estimated permanent environmental effects showed higher relative importance compared to the additive genetic effects and they ranged between 0.070.43–0.13 (0.010.43–0.02) and 0.080.43–0.14 (0.010.43–0.02) for TNB and NBA, respectively. High genetic correlation coefficients were found between TNB and NBA (0.97±0.02, 0.96±0.02) for Pannon White and Pannon Ka, respectively. The genetic correlation coefficients estimated between TNB and between NBA of the successive parities (as separate traits) ranged between 0.640.43–0.97 (0.040.43–0.11) and 0.560.43–0.99 (0.030.43–0.10) for Pannon White and Pannon Ka, respectively. The estimated genetic trends for TNB and NBA were negligible for the Pannon White and small (0.030.43–0.02 [0.010.43–0.01]) for Pannon Ka. The mean squared errors (MSE) of the repeatability and multi-trait models were similar but the correlation coefficients of between the observed and predicted values were lower for the multi-trait (0.270.43–0.61) than for the repeatability models (0.43–0.65).

Half-life measurement of 66Ga with γ-spectroscopy

The half-life of (66)Ga, an isotope very important for high-energy efficiency calibration of γ-detectors, has been measured using γ-spectroscopy. In order to reduce systematic uncertainties, different source production methods and γ-counting conditions have been applied. A half-life value of t(1/2)=(9.312±0.032)h has been obtained in agreement with a recent measurement but in contradiction with some of the earlier results.

Integration of Multi-Level Copper Metallization into a High Performance Sub-0.25μM Technology

We report the integration of six levels of Cu interconnects using dual inlaid patterning in a 0.2 μm logic technology. A review of process technology as well as device performance shortcomings using conventional aluminum metallization has been presented. Two tantalum based barriers, TaNx and Ta-Si-N as well as a titanium based barrier, CVD TiN, have been evaluated for their applicability. The use of embedded barriers wherein the barrier is formed below the surface of the dielectric has also been discussed as a potential option. No degradation to the device front-end parametrics were found with the choice of an appropriate barrier. Planarization by Cu CMP introduces surface topography that needs to be minimized in order to process multiple levels of interconnects within specified sheet resistance distributions for a range of line widths. Excellent results with highly planarized levels of metallization have consistently been achieved through an optimization of the unit processes and device integration.

Investigation of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide in human gynecological and other biological fluids by using MALDI TOF mass spectrometry

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a multifunctional and pleiotropic neuropeptide. PACAP has diverse effects in the endocrine system, among others, it plays important roles in oogenesis, implantation and development of the nervous system. However, it is not known whether PACAP is present in the fluids of the human reproductive organs. The aim of the present study was to determine, by means of mass spectrometry and radioimmunoassay, whether PACAP is present in human amniotic fluid, ovarian follicular fluid and cervico-vaginal fluid. Samples were obtained from healthy adult volunteers. Our MALDI TOF and MALDI TOF/TOF spectrometry results show that PACAP38 is present in all of the follicular fluid samples, and PACAP-like immunoreactivity was also measured by radioimmunoassay. However, we did not find the characteristic peak representing the unmodified 38 amino acid form of the peptide in normal cervico-vaginal smear and amniotic fluid samples. Furthermore, we analyzed other body fluids for comparison, such as human nasal fluid, saliva and aqueous humor. PACAP was not found in these latter samples. In summary, the present study provides evidence for the presence of PACAP in human follicular fluid, suggesting a role in oocyte function, but determination of the exact physiological significance awaits further investigation.

Genetic diversity and population structure of the synthetic Pannon White rabbit revealed by pedigree analyses

Demographic history, current status, and efficiency of the mating strategy were analyzed using the pedigree of Pannon White (PW) rabbits born between 1992 and 2007. Potential accumulation of detrimental effects and loss of genetic diversity were also considered. Calculations and estimates were done most often for rabbits born in 2007, whereas other reference populations (REFPOPXXXX) were specified explicitly. The pedigree contained 4,749 individuals and 580 founders, and its completeness was 82.1% up to 10 and 94.5% up to 5 generations, respectively. Generation intervals through different pathways averaged 1.2 yr. When adjusted to the pedigree completeness, the amount of inbreeding (F(i)) of rabbits was comparable (5.54%) with that of other livestock populations, whereas the 10 (30) founders contributing the most to inbreeding explained a large part of the population inbreeding [i.e., 42.24% (73.18%)]. The ancestral inbreeding coefficient of REFPOP2004 (10.67%) was one-half that of REFPOP2007 (20.66%), showing its strong dependence on pedigree length. Family variance, inbreeding, and realized effective population size were 84.18 (REFPOP2006; this variable could not be calculated for the last year examined), 37.19, and 91.08, respectively. The effective numbers of ancestors, founders, and founder genomes were 48, 26, and 7.33, respectively. Although the circular mating scheme applied was generally effective, the large accumulated reduction in genetic variability indicates the need to revise and improve the current breeding strategy.

Early experience with Suboxone maintenance therapy in Hungary

BACKGROUND

Suboxone (Buprenorphine/naloxone) is a novel drug used in opiate substitution therapy. In Hungary, it was introduced in November 2007. Suboxone is a product for sublingual administration containing the partial mu-receptor agonist buprenorphine and antagonist naloxone in a 4:1 ratio.

OBJECTIVE

Objectives of our study were to monitor and evaluate the effects of Suboxone treatment.

METHOD

6 outpatient centers participated in the study, 3 from Budapest and 3 from smaller cities in Hungary. At these centers, all patients entering Suboxone maintenance therapy between November 2007 and March 2008, altogether 80 persons (55 males, 35 females, mean age = 30.2 years, SD=5.48) were included in the study sample. During the 6-month period of treatment, data were collected 4 times; when entering treatment, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after entering treatment. Applied measures were the Addiction Severity Index, SCID-I, SCID-II, Hamilton Depression Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, STAI-S State Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Heroin Craving Questionnaire, WHO Well-being Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, ADHD retrospective questionnaire, TCI short version, and Ways of Coping questionnaire.

RESULTS

Nearly fourth of the altogether 80 heroin dependent patients (18 persons, 22.5%) dropped out of treatment during the first month (the majority, 12 persons [15%] during the first week) or chose methadone substitution instead. Following this period however, dropout rate decreased and the six-month treatment period was completed by 32 patients (40%). During the first month of treatment significant positive changes were experienced in all studied psychological and behavioral dimensions that proved to be stabile throughout the studied period.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the early experience with Suboxone treatment, it is a well tolerable and successfully applicable drug in the substitution therapy of opiate addicts. A critical phase seems to be the first one or two weeks of treatment. Dropout rate is high during this early period, while after a successful conversion clients presumably remain in therapy for a long period. At the beginning of administration special emphasis must be put on informing patients, especially concerning withdrawal symptoms that might be present during the first week, which highly contributes to better retention in treatment.

Selected achievements of the Central Food Research Institute, Budapest, from its establishment until the turn of the 21 st century

The treatise provides selected examples on the activities and main results of the research and development work during the first forty years of history of the Central Food Research Institute, Budapest.