Electric-Field-Controlled Cold Dipolar Collisions between Trapped CH_{3}F Molecules.

Reaching high densities is a key step toward cold-collision experiments with polyatomic molecules. We use a cryofuge to load up to 2×10^{7} CH_{3}F molecules into a boxlike electric trap, achieving densities up to 10^{7}/cm^{3} at temperatures around 350 mK where the elastic dipolar cross section exceeds 7×10^{-12} cm^{2}. We measure inelastic rate constants below 4×10^{-8} cm^{3}/s and control these by tuning a homogeneous electric field that covers a large fraction of the trap volume. Comparison to ab initio calculations gives excellent agreement with dipolar relaxation. Our techniques and findings are generic and immediately relevant for other cold-molecule collision experiments.

Cell-biological effects of zinc oxide spheres and rods from the nano- to the microscale at sub-toxic levels.

Zinc oxide particles were synthesized in various sizes and shapes, i.e., spheres of 40-nm, 200-nm, and 500-nm diameter and rods of 40∙100 nm2 and 100∙400 nm2 (all PVP-stabilized and well dispersed in water and cell culture medium). Crystallographically, the particles consisted of the hexagonal wurtzite phase with a primary crystallite size of 20 to 100 nm. The particles showed a slow dissolution in water and cell culture medium (both neutral; about 10% after 5 days) but dissolved within about 1 h in two different simulated lysosomal media (pH 4.5 to 4.8). Cells relevant for respiratory exposure (NR8383 rat alveolar macrophages) were exposed to these particles in vitro. Viability, apoptosis, and cell activation (generation of reactive oxygen species, ROS, release of cytokines) were investigated in an in vitro lung cell model with respect to the migration of inflammatory cells. All particle types were rapidly taken up by the cells, leading to an increased intracellular zinc ion concentration. The nanoparticles were more cytotoxic than the microparticles and comparable with dissolved zinc acetate. All particles induced cell apoptosis, unlike dissolved zinc acetate, indicating a particle-related mechanism. Microparticles induced a stronger formation of reactive oxygen species than smaller particles probably due to higher sedimentation (cell-to-particle contact) of microparticles in contrast to nanoparticles. The effect of particle types on the cytokine release was weak and mainly resulted in a decrease as shown by a protein microarray. In the particle-induced cell migration assay (PICMA), all particles had a lower effect than dissolved zinc acetate. In conclusion, the biological effects of zinc oxide particles in the sub-toxic range are caused by zinc ions after intracellular dissolution, by cell-to-particle contacts, and by the uptake of zinc oxide particles into cells. Graphical headlights • The cytotoxicity of zinc oxide particles is mainly due to the intracellular release of zinc ions. • The size and shape of zinc oxide micro- and nanoparticles has only small effects on lung cells in the sub-toxic range. • Zinc oxide particles are rapidly taken up by cells, regardless of their size and shape. • Zinc oxide particles rapidly dissolve after cellular uptake in endolysosomes.

A case report of cholinesterase inhibitor poisoning: cholinesterase activities and analytical methods for diagnosis and clinical decision making.

Suicidal ingestion of organophosphorus (OP) or carbamate (CM) compounds challenges health care systems worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asia. The diagnosis and treatment of OP or CM poisoning is traditionally based on the clinical appearance of the typical cholinergic toxidrome, e.g. miosis, salivation and bradycardia. Yet, clinical signs might be inconclusive or even misleading. A current case report highlights the importance of enzymatic assays to provide rapid information and support clinicians in diagnosis and rational clinical decision making. Furthermore, the differentiation between OP and CM poisoning seems important, as an oxime therapy will most probably not provide benefit in CM poisoning, but-as every pharmaceutical product-it might result in adverse effects. The early identification of the causing agent and the amount taken up in the body are helpful in planning of the therapeutic regimen including experimental strategies, e.g. the use of human blood products to facilitate scavenging of the toxic agent. Furthermore, the analysis of biotransformation products and antidote levels provides additional insights into the pathophysiology of OP or CM poisoning. In conclusion, cholinesterase activities and modern analytical methods help to provide a more effective treatment and a thorough understanding of individual cases of OP or CM poisoning.

A conceptual framework for an oral cancer awareness campaign in Northern Germany - Challenges in campaign development and assessment.

Initial impetus for action: Oral cancer is still an underestimated disease in terms of incidence as well as mortality rates; it requires urgent prevention and early detection. At present, there is no best-practice systematic approach to raising awareness and informing the public about about this type of cancer in Germany. This article describes a framework that covers the significant stages of conceptual development and campaign design to promote oral cancer awareness in Germany. Solution: The challenges of the development, as well as evaluation of an oral cancer awareness campaign are shared in this article. Four key stages of the campaign are defined: (1) mass media, (2) target groups, (3) health care professionals, and (4) epidemiology. For each section, the following levels of assessment are proposed: (a) campaign development (formative assessment), (b) controlling and optimising campaign implementation (process assessment) and (c) measuring outcomes (summative assessment). Outcome: A process-oriented assessment concept for each of the four campaign sections was developed and merged to form a matrix, which includes each of the above sections regarding the prevention and early detection of oral cancer, as well as the three stages of campaign assessment. Future implications and learning points: The conceptual framework demonstrated that systematic planning and evaluation of different components helped to describe and evaluate an oral cancer campaign: For future campaigns, the use of a matrix covering different campaign targets as well as the entire campaign process, is recommended as a basis for campaign design and evaluation.

Adherence and health literacy as related to outcome of patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis : Analyses of a large-scale observational study.

BACKGROUND: Disabilities in daily living and quality of life are key endpoints for evaluating the treatment outcome for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Factors possibly contributing to good outcome are adherence and health literacy. METHODS: The survey included a representative nationwide sample of German rheumatologists and their patients with RA. The physician questionnaire included the disease activity score (DAS28) and medical prescriptions. The patient questionnaire included fatigue (EORTC QLQ-FA13), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), quality of life (SF-12), health literacy (HELP), and patients' listings of their medications. Adherence was operationalized as follows: patient-reported (CQR5), behavioral (concordance between physicians' and patients' listings of medications), physician-assessed, and a combined measure of physician rating (1 = very adherent, 0 = less adherent) and the match between physicians' prescriptions and patients' accounts of their medications (1 = perfect match, 0 = no perfect match) that yielded three categories of adherence: high, medium, and low. Simple and multiple linear regressions (controlling for age, sex, smoking, drinking alcohol, and sport) were calculated using adherence and health literacy as predictor variables, and disease activity and patient-reported outcomes as dependent variables. RESULTS: 708 pairs of patient and physician questionnaires were analyzed. The mean patient age (73% women) was 60 years (SD = 12). Multiple regression analyses showed that high adherence was significantly associated with 5/7 outcome variables and health literacy with 7/7 outcome variables. CONCLUSION: Adherence and health literacy had weak but consistent effects on most outcomes. Thus, enhancing adherence and understanding of medical information could improve outcome, which should be investigated in future interventional studies.

[Temporary arthrodesis of the knee in two-stage septic prosthesis exchange : In vitro analysis of adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus on steel and carbon fiber rods]. / Temporäre Arthrodese des Kniegelenks bei zweizeitigem septischen Prothesenwechsel : In-vitro-Analyse der Adhäsion von Staphylococcus aureus auf Stahl- und Kohlefaserstäben.

BACKGROUND: In two-stage septic revision arthroplasty of the knee, a temporary intramedullary fixation with an antibiotic-containing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) spacer is often performed in cases of extensive bone defects after endoprosthesis explantation. A common method is the use of conventional steel or carbon fiber rods, which are connected via a tube-to-tube connector and finally reinforced near the joint with bone cement. OBJECTIVE: As the surface of foreign materials plays a critical role in the colonization and biofilm formation in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), the steel and carbon fiber rods were examined and compared with respect to bacterial surface adhesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Carbon fiber and steel rods of external fixator systems were used for this experimental study. The sample material was placed in a substrate enriched with S. aureus. The adherent bacteria were examined both by fluorescence microscopy and quantitatively after ultrasonic detachment (sonication) in a smear preparation. In addition, scanning electron micrograph (SEM) images were taken to analyze the topography of bacterial adhesions. RESULTS: The fluorescence microscopy revealed a uniform surface distribution for both materials. The observation of the SEM images showed that for carbon fiber rods the growth of bacteria ran in unison with the direction of the fiber, while for the steel rods an arbitrary arrangement was found. With the help of sonication a significant difference in the number of adherent micro-organisms between the two materials could not be determined using the Wilcoxon test (significance level p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both materials can be used to perform PMMA-reinforced intramedullary fixation without fear of sacrificing therapeutic success. From an economic point of view, the use of steel rods seems reasonable as the material costs are significantly lower.

[After the reform is before the reform : Results of the amendment processes of mental health law in German federal states]. / Nach der Reform ist vor der Reform : Ergebnisse der Novellierungsprozesse der Psychisch-Kranken-Hilfe-Gesetze der Bundesländer.

BACKGROUND: On the basis of mental health law, which differs between the federal states in Germany, courts can order the involuntary commitment of people with severe mental disorders in psychiatric hospitals, if they present a danger to themselves or to others. Due to decisions of the highest courts, these laws have been subject to revision since 2011. The aim of this paper is to analyze and compare the results of the revision processes in order to define the need for action for federal and state legislature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Research of the current status of the revision processes in the federal states and a comparative analysis. The state laws were compared on the basis of selected particularly relevant areas with respect to human rights and treatment. RESULTS: In spite of the revisions the state laws are extremely heterogeneous and in many states do not fully comply with the requirements of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD) or the highest courts' decisions. CONCLUSION: The state laws should be harmonized, particularly where they restrict basic and human rights, e. g. regarding prerequisites and objectives of involuntary commitment and coercive measures.

Clostridium difficile infection is associated with graft loss in solid organ transplant recipients.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of infectious diarrhea in solid organ transplant recipients (SOT). We aimed to assess incidence, risk factors, and outcome of CDI within the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS). We performed a case-control study of SOT recipients in the STCS diagnosed with CDI between May 2008 and August 2013. We matched 2 control subjects per case by age at transplantation, sex, and transplanted organ. A multivariable analysis was performed using conditional logistic regression to identify risk factors and evaluate outcome of CDI. Two thousand one hundred fifty-eight SOT recipients, comprising 87 cases of CDI and 174 matched controls were included. The overall CDI rate per 10 000 patient days was 0.47 (95% confidence interval ([CI] 0.38-0.58), with the highest rate in lung (1.48, 95% CI 0.93-2.24). In multivariable analysis, proven infections (hazard ratio [HR] 2.82, 95% CI 1.29-6.19) and antibiotic treatments (HR 4.51, 95% CI 2.03-10.0) during the preceding 3 months were independently associated with the development of CDI. Despite mild clinical presentations, recipients acquiring CDI posttransplantation had an increased risk of graft loss (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.15-4.37; P = .02). These findings may help to improve the management of SOT recipients.

Focusing on cancer patients' intentions to use psychooncological support: A longitudinal, mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVE: Distress screening programs aim to ensure appropriate psychooncological support for cancer patients, but many eligible patients do not use these services. To improve distress management, we need to better understand patients' supportive care needs. In this paper, we report the first key finding from a longitudinal study that focused on patients' intentions to use psychooncological support and its association with distress and uptake of the psychooncology service. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational study in an Oncology Outpatient Clinic and assessed distress, intention to use psychooncological support, and uptake of the psychooncology service by using the Distress Thermometer, a semistructured interview, and hospital records. We analyzed data with a mixed-methods approach. RESULTS: Of 333 patients (mean age 61 years; 55% male; 54% Distress Thermometer ≥ 5), 25% intended to use the psychooncology service (yes), 33% were ambivalent (maybe), and 42% reported no intention (no). Overall, 23% had attended the psychooncology service 4 months later. Ambivalent patients reported higher distress than patients with no intention (odds ratio = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [1.06-1.32]) but showed significantly lower uptake behavior than patients with an intention (odds ratio = 14.04, 95% confidence interval [6.74-29.24]). Qualitative analyses revealed that ambivalent patients (maybe) emphasized fears and uncertainties, while patients with clear intentions (yes/no) emphasized knowledge, attitudes, and coping concepts. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a vulnerable group of ambivalent patients with high distress levels and low uptake behavior. To optimize distress screening programs, we suggest addressing and discussing patients' supportive care needs in routine clinical practice.

Patient-reported health outcomes in patients with non-melanoma skin cancer and actinic keratosis: results from a large-scale observational study analysing effects of diagnoses and disease progression.

BACKGROUND: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and actinic keratosis (AK) are very common among fair-skinned individuals. A disease continuum from AK to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been frequently postulated. AK and NMSC may influence quality of life (QL) of patients, and it can be suspected that disease progression entails a QL reduction. The purpose of this study was to document QL in patients with NMSC and AK using the health-outcome questionnaire EQ-5D-5L. METHODS: The study was designed as a non-interventional, prospective, cross-sectional study. Patients with AK, SCC, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or multiple diagnoses were enrolled in this study in 29 dermatological centres across Germany. Patients were asked to complete the EQ-5D-5L (compromising EQ Index and EQ VAS), and the dermatologists provided diagnosis, disease history and treatment data. RESULTS: A total of 1184 patients were enrolled and diagnosed as follows: 73% AK, 49% BCC and 17% SCC. 66% had a single diagnosis, 28% two different diagnoses and 6% three different diagnoses. QL was strongly associated with patients' diagnosis. Patients with a single AK diagnosis had significantly higher mean EQ VAS (78) than patients with BCC (74), SCC (72), and BCC plus SCC (69), P < 0.050. When the effects of disease progression were calculated, patients with AK plus SCC reported significantly less mean EQ VAS (71) than patients with a single AK diagnosis (78), P < 0.011. CONCLUSIONS: While rarely being imminently life-threatening, NMSC and AK have an impact on QL as quantified by the EQ-5D-5L. This impact is associated with diagnosis (AK vs. NMSC) and clinical progression (AK vs. AK plus SCC). Both lead to a clear decline in QL. This shows that disease progression is perceived and judged as detrimental by patients and that AK and NMSC should be diligently treated to preserve and restore QL.

[Treatment against the patient's will exemplified by electroconvulsive therapy : Clinical, legal and ethical aspects]. / Behandlung gegen den natürlichen Willen am Beispiel der Elektrokonvulsionstherapie : Klinische, juristische und ethische Aspekte.

BACKGROUND: Severe affective and psychotic disorders may be accompanied by legal incapacity. If in this case the patient refuses treatment and in parallel there is a risk of serious damage to health, treatment can be carried out against the patient's non-autonomous will under defined prerequisites. Due to its good and partly superior effectiveness in the treatment of severe and pharmacotherapy-resistant affective and psychotic disorders, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an important treatment option in such constellations. AIM: Description of the general principles and prerequisites of therapeutic measures against the patient's will. METHODS: Based on a case report, the application of ECT as a medical measure against the patient's will is discussed and assessed in an interdisciplinary approach from clinical, legal, and ethical perspectives. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The (empirical) evidence on the general effectiveness of ECT, as well as its application against the will of patients with legal incapacity, clearly shows a positive benefit-risk ratio. When performed against the patient's will, ECT as all compulsory medical interventions, represents a severe encroachment on the individual's fundamental rights of both physical integrity and self-determination. Nevertheless, its application may be medically indicated, legally admissible and ethically appropriate in individual cases to prevent the threat of serious damage to the patient's health. Ethical and legal prerequisites of treatment against the patient's will should be evaluated by a multiprofessional team and the patient's legal guardian should be involved from an early stage.

BK Polyomavirus-Specific 9mer CD8 T Cell Responses Correlate With Clearance of BK Viremia in Kidney Transplant Recipients: First Report From the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study.

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) causes premature kidney transplant (KT) failure in 1-15% of patients. Because antivirals are lacking, most programs screen for BKPyV-viremia and, if positive, reduce immunosuppression. To evaluate the relationship of viremia and BKPyV-specific immunity, we examined prospectively cryopreserved plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells at the time of transplantation (T0) and at 6 mo (T6) and 12 mo (T12) after transplant from 28 viremic KT patients and 68 nonviremic controls matched for the transplantation period. BKPyV IgG seroprevalence was comparable between cases (89.3%) and controls (91.2%; p = 0.8635), but cases had lower antibody levels (p = 0.022) at T0. Antibody levels increased at T6 and T12 but were not correlated with viremia clearance. BKPyV-specific T cell responses to pools of overlapping 15mers (15mer peptide pool [15mP]) or immunodominant CD8 9mers (9mer peptide pool [9mP]) from the early viral gene region were not different between cases and controls at T0; however, clearance of viremia was associated with stronger 9mP responses at T6 (p = 0.042) and T12 (p = 0.048), whereas 15mP responses were not informative (T6 p = 0.359; T12 p = 0.856). BKPyV-specific T cells could be expanded in vitro from all patients after transplant, permitting identification of 78 immunodominant 9mer epitopes including 50 new ones across different HLA class I. Thus, 9mP-responses may be a novel marker of reconstituting CD8 T cell function that warrants further study as a complement of plasma BKPyV loads for guiding immunosuppression reduction.

An international study to revise the EORTC questionnaire for assessing quality of life in lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-LC13 was the first module to be used in conjunction with the core questionnaire, the QLQ-C30. Since the publication of the LC13 in 1994, major advances have occurred in the treatment of lung cancer. Given this, an update of the EORTC QLQ-LC13 was undertaken. METHODS: The study followed phases I to III of the EORTC Module Development Guidelines. Phase I generated relevant quality-of-life issues using a mix of sources including the involvement of 108 lung cancer patients. Phase II transformed issues into questionnaire items. In an international multicenter study (phase III), patients completed both the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the 48-item provisional lung cancer module generated in phases I and II. Patients rated each of the items regarding relevance, comprehensibility, and acceptance. Patient ratings were assessed against a set of prespecified statistical criteria. Descriptive statistics and basic psychometric analyses were carried out. RESULTS: The phase III study enrolled 200 patients with histologically confirmed lung cancer from 12 centers in nine countries (Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Israel, Spain, Norway, Poland, Taiwan, and the UK). Mean age was 64 years (39 - 91), 59% of the patients were male, 82% had non-small-cell lung cancer, and 56% were treated with palliative intent. Twenty-nine of the 48 questions met the criteria for inclusion. CONCLUSIONS: The resulting module with 29 questions, thus currently named EORTC QLQ-LC29, retained 12 of the 13 original items, supplemented with 17 items that primarily assess treatment side-effects of traditional and newer therapies.

Screening-relevant age threshold of 70 years and older is a stronger determinant for the choice of adjuvant treatment in breast cancer patients than tumor biology.

PURPOSE: The 70-year threshold determines whether patients are eligible or not for the breast cancer screening program in Germany. It is not known whether this age threshold also influences the choice of adjuvant treatment and ultimate outcome. METHODS: 3463 patients were analyzed from the clinical cancer registry Regensburg (Germany) with primary, non-metastatic invasive breast cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. The distribution of tumor biological subtypes was evaluated in breast cancer patients both in those eligible for screening (ESG, 50-69 years) and those not eligible for screening (NESG, ≥70 years). Local and systemic therapies in different subtypes as well as overall survival (OS) were analyzed. RESULTS: 2171 patients (62.7%) pertained to the ESG and 1292 patients (37.3%) referred to the NESG. The distribution of the common subtypes Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-like, and Basal-like was comparable in both groups. Treatment varied considerably with less systemic therapies in all subtypes in patients in the NESG. Regarding local therapies, patients in the NESG also received less surgery and less radiotherapy. As to Luminal A patients, best OS was seen in patients receiving endocrine therapy (ET) (7-year OS of 95.6%) and CHT plus ET (7-year OS of 93.1%) in the ESG. In the NESG, best OS was seen in patients receiving CHT plus ET (7-year OS of 95.2%), whereas patients receiving only ET had a 7-year OS of 73.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar tumor biology, elderly patients are undertreated regarding both systemic and local therapies compared to younger patients, leading to reduced OS.

Photodynamic therapy using intense pulsed light for treating actinic keratoses and photoaged skin of the dorsal hands: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intense pulsed light (IPL) has been shown for treating actinic keratoses (AK) and improving photoaged skin on the face but not yet on the dorsal hands. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of PDT with IPL for treating AK of the dorsal hands, inducing neocollagenesis and improving photoaged skin. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, monocentric, within-patient, observer-blinded trial, patients with one to four mild-to-moderate AK on the dorsal hands were randomly allocated to two different treatment groups: methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL) and IPL (λ ≥ 600 nm, 16·2 J cm-2 , three passes, Ellipse Flex PPT) (MAL-IPL) or placebo and IPL (λ ≥ 600 nm, 16·2 J cm-2 , three passes, Ellipse Flex PPT) (placebo-IPL). Patients received three treatments at 6-week intervals, and follow-up was 10 weeks after the last treatment. Thirty-seven patients aged 68·84 ± 9·28 years were randomized. The primary study end points were complete AK clearance per hand and neocollagenesis of subepidermal collagen 10 weeks after the last treatment. RESULTS: Ten weeks after the last treatment, complete AK clearance rates per hand were 54·5% after MAL-IPL and 3·0% after placebo-IPL (P < 0·0001); complete AK clearance rates per lesion were 69% and 15%, respectively (P < 0·001). The thickness of the subepidermal collagen band had increased by 290·6% (± 327·4%, P < 0·001) after MAL-IPL and by 215·5% (± 215·3%, P < 0·001) after placebo-IPL without any significant difference between the two groups. Ratings regarding mottled pigmentation and overall appearance by the blinded investigator were significantly higher for MAL-IPL than for placebo-IPL. Wrinkle size (MAL-IPL, -23·5%, P = 0·006; placebo-IPL, -17·7%, P = 0·010) and skin roughness (MAL-IPL, -18·3%, P < 0·001; placebo-IPL, -12·4%, P = 0·009) were significantly reduced in both groups without any significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: On the dorsal hands, MAL-IPL reduced AK more efficaciously than placebo-IPL; both treatment modalities significantly improved photoaged skin.

Daylight photodynamic therapy versus cryosurgery for the treatment and prophylaxis of actinic keratoses of the face - protocol of a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, two-armed study.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy with daylight (DL-PDT) is efficacious in treating actinic keratosis (AK), but the efficacy of field-directed, repetitive DL-PDT for the treatment and prophylaxis of AK in photodamaged facial skin has not yet been investigated. METHODS/DESIGN: In this multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, two-armed, observer-blinded trial, patients with a minimum of 5 mild-to-moderate AK lesions on photodamaged facial skin are randomly allocated to two treatment groups: DL-PDT with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) and cryosurgery. In the DL-PDT group (experimental group), 5 treatments of the entire face are conducted over the course of 18 months. After preparation of the lesion and within 30 min after MAL application, patients expose themselves to daylight for 2 h. In the control group, lesion-directed cryosurgery is conducted at the first visit and, in the case of uncleared or new AK lesions, also at visits 2 to 5. The efficacy of the treatment is evaluated at visits 2 to 6 by documenting all existing and new AK lesions in the face. Cosmetic results and improvement of photoaging parameters are evaluated by means of a modified Dover scale. Primary outcome parameter is the cumulative number of AK lesions observed between visits 2 and 6. Secondary outcome parameters are complete clearance of AK, new AK lesions since the previous visit, cosmetic results independently evaluated by both patient and physician, patient-reported pain (visual analogue scale), patient and physician satisfaction scores with cosmetic results, and patient-reported quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index). Safety parameters are also documented (adverse events and serious adverse events). DISCUSSION: This clinical trial will assess the efficacy of repetitive DL-PDT in preventing AK and investigate possible rejuvenating effects of this treatment. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02736760). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02736760 . Study Code Daylight_01. EudraCT 2014-005121-13.

[Coercive measures in German hospitals for psychiatry and psychotherapy : A pilot study by the DGPPN to evaluate a uniform assessment instrument]. / Zwangsmaßnahmen in deutschen Kliniken für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie : Eine Pilotstudie der DGPPN zur Erprobung eines einheitlichen Erfassungsinstrumentes.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: A simple instrument to record case-related coercive measures was tested as part of a pilot project of the German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (DGPPN). METHODS: To assess coercive measures data were collected for 3 months in 8 German hospitals for psychiatry and psychotherapy. The type of measures used, the main diagnosis and the legal basis for the coercive measures were documented. RESULTS: In the sample studied, coercive measures were applied in 8% of cases. Coercive measures were most commonly used in patients with a schizophrenic disorder. The principle of justifiable necessity according to § 34 of the German Penal Code was used particularly often as the legal basis for justifying the coercive measures. CONCLUSION: Suitable measurement instruments and reliable data that enable the learning of best practices represent the basis for a reduction of coercive measures.

[Standards for treatment in forensic committment according to § 63 and § 64 of the German criminal code : Interdisciplinary task force of the DGPPN]. / Standards für die Behandlung im Maßregelvollzug nach §§ 63 und 64 StGB : Interdisziplinäre Task-Force der DGPPN.

People who have been convicted of a crime due to a severe mental disorder and continue to be dangerous as a result of this disorder may be placed in a forensic psychiatric facility for improvement and safeguarding according to § 63 and § 64 of the German Criminal Code (StGB). In Germany, approximately 9000 patients are treated in clinics for forensic psychiatry and psychotherapy on the basis of § 63 of the StGB and in withdrawal centers on the basis of § 64 StGB. The laws for treatment of patients in forensic commitment are passed by the individual States, with the result that even the basic conditions differ in the individual States. While minimum requirements have already been published for the preparation of expert opinions on liability and legal prognosis, consensus standards for the treatment in forensic psychiatry have not yet been published. Against this background, in 2014 the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology (DGPPN) commissioned an interdisciplinary task force to develop professional standards for treatment in forensic psychiatry. Legal, ethical, structural, therapeutic and prognostic standards for forensic psychiatric treatment should be described according to the current state of science. After 3 years of work the results of the interdisciplinary working group were presented in early 2017 and approved by the board of the DGPPN. The standards for the treatment in the forensic psychiatric commitment aim to initiate a discussion in order to standardize the treatment conditions and to establish evidence-based recommendations.

Reducing stigma in high school youth.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated 21 contact-based education interventions in 5047 Canadian high school students and identified student characteristics associated with success. METHODS: We used a one-group pretest/posttest design with standardized instruments to measure changes in behavioural intent. Variability across interventions was assessed using meta-analysis, and a mixed-effects logistic regression was used to identify student characteristics. RESULTS: Interventions were heterogeneous (I(2)  = 62.4%) but generally successful. The odds of getting an A grade was 2.57 times greater on the posttest than the pretest (95% CI = 2.18, 3.03). Males were less likely to achieve a passing score overall; however, males who self-disclosed a mental illness were more likely to pass. Three percent of students experienced a large drop in social acceptance following the intervention. These were more likely to be male [OR = 1.5 (95% CI = 1.0, 2.1)]. CONCLUSION: Contact-based education is a promising practice for reducing stigma in high school students, although the field would benefit from fidelity criteria to reduce variation across interventions. Males and females react differently to antistigma programming; particularly those with self-reported mental illnesses and a small proportion may become more intolerant.