Optimized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation techniques for the treatment of major depression: A proof of concept study

Although effective in major depressive disorder (MDD), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is costly and complex, limiting accessibility. To address this, we tested the feasibility of novel rTMS techniques with cost-saving opportunities, such as an open-room setting, large non-focal parabolic coils, and custom-built coil arms. We employed a low-frequency (LF) 1 Hz stimulation protocol (360 pulses per session), delivered on the most affordable FDA-approved device. MDD participants received an initial accelerated rTMS course (arTMS) of 6 sessions/day over 5 days (30 total), followed by a tapering course of daily sessions (up to 25) to decrease the odds of relapse. The self-reported Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) was used to measure severity of depression. Forty-eight (48) patients completed the arTMS course. No serious adverse events occurred, and all patients reported manageable pain levels. Response and remission rates were 35.4% and 27.1% on the BDI-II, respectively, at the end of the tapering course. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant changes of BDI-II scores over time. Even though our protocol will require further improvements, some of the concepts we introduced here could help guide the design of future trials aiming at increasing accessibility to rTMS.

Schematic maps: cognitive tools for enhancing the early stages of counseling

The purpose of the present studies was to explore the utility of schematic maps as tools for the early stages of both peer and self-counseling. In experiment 1 (self-counseling), 42 students from undergraduate general psychology classes participated to fulfill course requirements. Participants were assigned to either a schematic map or essay group. They first extracted information about their alcohol-related behavior patterns and then analyzed the patterns from the perspective of a counselor. In experiment 2 (peer counseling), 38 students from upper-division psychology courses participated for extra credit. Participants were asked to evaluate behavior patterns, in the form of maps or essays, which were presented either in the same form as they were extracted or were transposed to the other format. In both studies, assessment consisted of questionnaires that addressed the usefulness of the tools in the counseling process. Schematic maps are potentially powerful tools for both self- and peer counseling. For self-counseling, maps were preferred over traditional essay writing. In addition, the subjective reaction to maps as tools for peer counseling was positive.

Identifying the best scenario for using schematic organizers as integration tools for alcohol-related information

The goal of the present study was to examine scenarios for using two schematic organizers--schematic knowledge maps and conceptual matrices--in integrating episodic and semantic knowledge about alcohol. Seventy students from undergraduate general psychology classes participated for course credit. Participants were assigned to either a schematic organizer group or an essay writing group. These groups were subdivided further into two treatment sequences: episodic/semantic and semantic/episodic. The episodic activity required participants to complete materials using their own alcohol-related experiences, whereas the semantic activity required participants to annotate expert materials. Assessment measures used were consumer-satisfaction questionnaires and free-recall tests. While no preferences were established for any one scenario, the episodic activities were rated higher than the semantic activities regardless of integration sequence. The semantic/episodic integration scenario did produce higher recall scores for the expert information.

Cellular fatty acid composition of group IVe, a nonsaccharolytic organism from clinical sources

The cellular fatty acid composition of a group of gram-negative nonfermentative organisms designated group IVe was studied by gas-liquid chromatography. Strains of this group are isolated most frequently from urine and most closely resemble the Alcaligenes in conventional biochemical tests. On the basis of cellular fatty acids, however, we found these organisms to be strikingly different from Alcaligenes and other gram-negative species with similar phenotypic characteristics. The gas-liquid chromatography procedure offers an additional diagnostic test for rapid identification of unclassified bacteria like group IVe.