A Multi-Method Study of Interpersonal Complementarity and Mentalization.

Research finds cross-sectional relationships between mentalizing impairments and maladaptive personality traits. The current study connects mentalizing impairments to dynamic interpersonal processes using a multi-method design. A sample of 218 participants completed the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC; Dziobek et al., 2006) to assess mentalizing ability. Subsequently, participants rated their agentic and communal behavior and their perception of interaction partners' agentic and communal behavior over 21-days. Mentalizing ability moderated the within-person relationship between behavior and perception for both agency and communion. Worse performance on the MASC was associated with weaker interpersonal complementarity, suggesting that mentalizing impairments lead to deviations from expected patterns of behavior and perception across interpersonal situations. These findings confirm the assumption of Contemporary Integrative Interpersonal Theory that mentalization impairments can disrupt normative interpersonal processes (Cain et al., 2024; Pincus & Hopwood, 2012).

Validation of the pathological narcissistic inventory (PNI) and its brief form (B-PNI) in the Arabic language.

BACKGROUND: The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) is a multidimensional measure developed to assess narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability. We aimed to validate the Arabic version of the original Pathological Narcissistic Inventory (PNI) and its brief form (B-PNI) in a community sample of Lebanese adults. METHODS: The English language PNI items were translated into Arabic following a rigorous translation, back-translation, and linguistic evaluation. A total of 401 participants were administered the translated PNI, as well as previously validated Arabic versions of the Big Five Inventory-2, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Impulsivity-8 Scale. RESULTS: Exploratory and confirmatory analyses supported the existence of seven first-order and two second-order factors of the PNI and B-PNI. Except for exploitativeness where females scored lower than males, no other significant differences by gender were observed for the remaining PNI subscale scores. Additionally, scores on all the subscales exhibited good reliability, while the associations with external measures supported the concurrent validity of the translated instrument. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that scores on the PNI and B-PNI are highly reliable with satisfactory concurrent and factorial validity, providing an assessment of broadly defined pathological narcissism among the Lebanese young adult population. The availability of the Arabic PNI and its brief form should facilitate improved understanding of pathological narcissism in Arabic cultures and the different factors that govern narcissistic personality pathology.

Examining Schizotypal Personality Scales Within and Across Interpersonal Circumplex Surfaces.

Differing perspectives on the operationalization of schizotypal personality pathology (STPP) have led to numerous multidimensional assessment measures. The current study applied the interpersonal construct validation approach to self-report data from 856 undergraduate students to formally examine the interpersonal content, similarities, and differences in the subscales of four measures of STPP within and across two interpersonal circumplex surfaces using a bootstrapping methodology for computing confidence intervals around circumplex structural summary method parameters. Results suggested that negative-like expressions of STPP are prototypically and distinctively interpersonal constructs associated with cold and socially avoidant interpersonal problems and hypersensitivity to others' warmth and affection. Positive-like expressions of STPP as assessed by two out of four measures were prototypically and distinctively interpersonal constructs associated with vindictiveness. Across four measures, there was notable overlap in interpersonal correlates among related subscales, suggesting convergent validity. However, subscales containing social anxiety content were associated with more submissive (i.e., socially avoidant) interpersonal problems than subscales without social anxiety content.

Comparing English-Language and Chinese-Language Assessment of DSM-5 Personality Disorders and Interpersonal Problems in Chinese Bilingual Speakers.

A review of the literature on Chinese translations of Western self-report personality disorder assessment measures indicates the need to empirically evaluate the validity of assessing Western personality disorder constructs in Chinese language and culture. The current study presents a novel approach to examining this critical question in cross-cultural clinical assessment science and practice. One hundred and ninety-nine (199) Mandarin Chinese and English bilingual participants (92 males and 107 females) provided both English and Chinese self-report ratings on the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems - Short Circumplex (IIP-SC) and The Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire - 4+ (PDQ-4+). The similarities and differences in associations between Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th edition (DSM-5) personality disorders and interpersonal problems assessed across languages were examined. The structural summary method (SSM) for circumplex data and a bootstrapping methodology were used to compute confidence intervals around SSM parameters to analyze and compare the interpersonal problems profiles for each personality disorder scale (e.g. narcissistic) derived from English-language and Chinese-language data. The current study found highly similar interpersonal profiles for personality disorder scales assessed in English and Chinese, suggesting Western DSM-5 personality disorder constructs generally emphasize the same interpersonal problems in Chinese language and culture. The method employed in this study also has implications for understanding whether translated measures capture the same personality constructs.

Visual hallucinations associated with multimodal hallucinations, suicide attempts and morbidity of illness in psychotic disorders.

BACKGROUND: Visual hallucinations (VH) are a common, but understudied symptom of psychosis, experienced by individuals across diagnostic categories of psychotic and neuropsychiatric conditions. There are limited data on VH and associated clinical phenotypes in adult idiopathic psychotic disorders, which are needed to elucidate their relevance to psychotic illness paradigms. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, we examined clinical risk factors for VH in a well-characterized sample of 766 patients with adult psychotic disorders across diagnostic categories of schizophrenia (n = 227), schizoaffective disorder (n = 210), and bipolar I disorder (n = 329). The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR was used for diagnosis and symptom measurements. RESULTS: The prevalence of VH was 26.1% (200/766). Multivariate logistic regression showed that VH were independently associated with the presence of hallucinations in other modalities, including auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory hallucinations. History of a suicide attempt and catatonic behavior were also associated with VH. In addition, specific delusions were associated with VH, in particular, delusions of control, and religious, erotomanic and jealousy delusions. Diagnosis, negative symptoms, and family history of psychosis were not independent predictors of VH. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed the clinical and disease relevance of VH as they were associated with severe morbidity of illness, including suicide attempts and catatonic behavior. Findings also suggest a phenotype associated with hallucinations in other modalities and specific types of delusions. Based on our findings, VH may be a significant factor in assessing for suicidality and illness severity, warranting clinical attention and further study of underlying mechanisms.

Evaluation of tularaemia courses: a multicentre study from Turkey.

In this multicentre study, which is the largest case series ever reported, we aimed to describe the features of tularaemia to provide detailed information. We retrospectively included 1034 patients from 41 medical centres. Before the definite diagnosis of tularaemia, tonsillitis (n = 653, 63%) and/or pharyngitis (n = 146, 14%) were the most frequent preliminary diagnoses. The most frequent clinical presentations were oropharyngeal (n = 832, 85.3%), glandular (n = 136, 13.1%) and oculoglandular (n = 105, 10.1%) forms. In 987 patients (95.5%), the lymph nodes were reported to be enlarged, most frequently at the cervical chain jugular (n = 599, 58%), submandibular (n = 401, 39%), and periauricular (n = 55, 5%). Ultrasound imaging showed hyperechoic and hypoechoic patterns (59% and 25%, respectively). Granulomatous inflammation was the most frequent histological finding (56%). The patients were previously given antibiotics for 1176 episodes, mostly with ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitors (n = 793, 76%). Antituberculosis medications were provided in seven (2%) cases. The patients were given rational antibiotics for tularaemia after the start of symptoms, with a mean of 26.8 ± 37.5 days. Treatment failure was considered to have occurred in 495 patients (48%). The most frequent reasons for failure were the production of suppuration in the lymph nodes after the start of treatment (n = 426, 86.1%), the formation of new lymphadenomegalies under treatment (n = 146, 29.5%), and persisting complaints despite 2 weeks of treatment (n = 77, 15.6%). Fine-needle aspiration was performed in 521 patients (50%) as the most frequent drainage method. In conclusion, tularaemia is a long-lasting but curable disease in this part of the world. However, the treatment strategy still needs optimization.

Evaluation of device associated infection rates in intensive care units of Pamukkale University Hospital.

Intensive care units (ICUs) are unfortunately the epicenters of nosocomial infections. The aim of the study was to investigate device associated infection rates in a small Turkish hospital. Device utilization ratios and device associated infection rates were calculated according to definitions of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). During a period of 24 months 1,387 patients were surveyed in our ICUs. A total of 287 device associated infections were detected. In our study ventilator associated pneumonia was the most frequent nosocomial infection with a rate of 59.7 per 1,000 ventilator days. The most frequent pathogen of device associated infection was Candida spp. High rates of device associated infections in a small Turkish hospital clearly indicate the urgent need of the implementation of infection control guidelines.

Successful treatment of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii meningitis.

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of nosocomial infections in many hospitals and appears to have a propensity for developing multiple antimicrobial resistance rapidly. CASES: We report two cases with post-surgical meningitis due to multidrug resistant A. baumannii which were successfully treated with high-dose intravenous meropenem therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter spp. in intensive care units are a growing concern. High-dose meropenem is used in the treatment of these infections.

Indoor airborne fungal spores and home characteristics in asthmatic children from Edirne region of Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The contribution of indoor fungal exposure to childhood asthma is not completely clear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate airborne fungal flora within the homes of asthmatic and control children, and to assess the influence of housing characteristics regarding indoor fungi. METHODS: Forty-seven atopic asthmatic and 23 nonatopic control children were studied. Allergen sensitivity was determined by skin prick tests. A thorough assessment, using a questionnaire and inspection surveys, was carried out. Home visits were made between October 2000 and February 2001. Samples of airborne fungal spores were collected from four rooms by the "open Petri dish" method. Indoor temperature and humidity were measured. RESULTS: The total indoor fungal colony counts from the living rooms and bedrooms were significantly higher in the asthma group than in controls (p = .012 and p = .003, respectively). The most commonly isolated genus was Cladosporium. Twelve of the asthmatic patients (25.53 %) were found to be sensitive to fungal allergens. The factors found to be associated with indoor fungal growth in logistic regression were visible fungal patches in the bathrooms [(odds ratio (OR) = 5.75; 95 % CI 1.19 to 27.70)], and the age of the house [OR = 4.24; 95 % CI 1.34 to 13.45]. Total fungal colony numbers did not correlate with indoor temperature or humidity. CONCLUSION: Fungal colony numbers were higher in the homes of asthmatic children than in those of controls. Therefore, indoor fungal exposure may contribute to childhood asthma. Bathrooms were the main source of fungal propagules. Old houses were more prone to fungal growth.

Indoor airborne fungal spores and home characteristics in asthmatic children from Edirne region of Turkey

Background: The contribution of indoor fungal exposure to childhood asthma is not completely clear. Objective: To investigate airborne fungal flora within the homes of asthmatic and control children, and to assess the influence of housing characteristics regarding indoor fungi. Methods: Forty-seven atopic asthmatic and 23 nonatopic control children were studied. Allergen sensitivity was determined by skin prick tests. A thorough assessment, using a questionnaire and inspection surveys, was carried out. Home visits were made between October 2000 and February 2001. Samples of airborne fungal spores were collected from four rooms by the "open Petri dish" method. Indoor temperature and humidity were measured. Results: The total indoor fungal colony counts from the living rooms and bedrooms were significantly higher in the asthma group than in controls (p = .012 and p = .003, respectively). The most commonly isolated genus was Cladosporium. Twelve of the asthmatic patients (25.53 %) were found to be sensitive to fungal allergens. The factors found to be associated with indoor fungal growth in logistic regression were visible fungal patches in the bathrooms [(odds ratio (OR) = 5.75; 95 % CI 1.19 to 27.70)], and the age of the house [OR = 4.24; 95 % CI 1.34 to 13.45]. Total fungal colony numbers did not correlate with indoor temperature or humidity. Conclusion: Fungal colony numbers were higher in the homes of asthmatic children than in those of controls. Therefore, indoor fungal exposure may contribute to childhood asthma. Bathrooms were the main source of fungal propagules. Old houses were more prone to fungal growth (AU)

Historial: La contribución al asma infantil a causa de la exposición a hongos de interior no está totalmente clara. Objetivo: Intentamos investigar la flora de hongos que se encuentra en el aire dentro de los hogares de los niños asmáticos y los niños controlados, así como determinar la influencia de las características de la casa respecto a los hongos de interior. Métodos: Cuarenta y siete niños asmáticos y veintitrés niños controlados no alérgicos. La reacción alérgica se determinó mediante pruebas de alergia. Se llevó a cabo una evaluación exhaustiva utilizando un cuestionario y encuestas de inspección. Las visitas domiciliarias fueron realizadas entre octubre de 2000 y febrero de 2001. Las muestras de las esporas de hongos aerotransportadas fueron recogidas en cuatro habitaciones por el método de la "placa de Petri abierta". Se midió la temperatura y la humedad interior. Resultados: El número total de hongos de interior en las salas de estar y en los dormitorios era notablemente más elevado en el grupo de asmáticos que en el otro grupo (p = ,012 y p = ,003, respectivamente). El género aislado más común fue el Cladosporium. Doce de los pacientes asmáticos (25,53 por ciento) resultaron ser sensibles a los hongos. La regresión logística puso en evidencia que las manchas de hongos visibles en los cuartos de baño [(cociente de las probabilidades (O) = 5,75; 95 por ciento del ci 1,19 a 27,70)], y la antigüedad de la casa [O = 4,24; 95 por ciento del ci 1,34 a 13,45], estaban correlacionados con el crecimiento de los hongos de interior. El número total de hongos de la colonia no está relacionado con la temperatura o la humedad interior. Conclusión: El número de hongos de la colonia era más elevado en los hogares de niños asmáticos que en los controlados. Por lo tanto, la exposición a hongos de interior puede contribuir al desarrollo del asma infantil. Los cuartos de baño eran la fuente principal de propagación de hongos. Las casas viejas eran más propensas al crecimientote los hongos (AU)

Spectrophotometric determination of copper(II) at low mug l(-1) levels using cation-exchange microcolumn in flow-injection.

A simple spectrophotometric flow-injection method is reported for the highly sensitive and fast determination of copper(II). The method is based on the formation of coloured Cu(II)-(4-methylpiperidinedithiocarbamate)(2) complex when the copper solutions are introduced into a tertiary reagent stream containing 4-methylpiperidinedithiocarbamate. The coloured complex is then selectively monitored at 435 nm. To increase interactions between copper(II) and colour forming reagent and preconcentrate of copper(II), a microcolumn containing strong cation exchange resins was placed between injection manifold and spectrophotometer. The system required no mixing chamber and allowed a sample throughput >60 sample h(-1). The calibration graph was linear in the range 5-100 mug l(-1). The detection limit was <0.5 mug l(-1) for 20 mul injection volume of copper(II) ion solution. The developed method was applied to environmental, copper processing water, and ore samples.

Simultaneous detection of monovalent anions and cations using all solid-state contact PVC membrane anion and cation-selective electrodes as detectors in single column ion chromatography.

The overall efficiency of ion chromatographic procedures allows the possibility of routine separation and detection of common inorganic and organic anions and cations at low levels in a simultaneous system. A simple and rapid independent separation, and sensitive simultaneous detection of monovalent common anions and cations were achieved using 2 mM copper sulfate, (at pH: 5.40), as eluent with low cell-volume potentiometric detectors. This was established using all-solid state contact, tubular, PVC-matrix membrane anion and cation-selective electrodes in series as detectors with mixed-bed ion-exchange column in ion chromatography. The developed method is reproducible and highly selective to monovalent anions and cations, and takes less than 8 min. Under all operation conditions, the detection limits of the developed method, for potassium, rubidium, cesium, thallium(I), nitrite, nitrate, benzoate and bromide, were of the order of tens of ppb, for sodium, ammonium, chloroacetate, cyanate and chloride ions, values were of the order of hundreds of ppb for an injected volume of 20 mul. The method was flexible since most of anions do not interfere the detection of cations and most of cations do not affect the detection of anions, so that the method can be applied to many sample types e.g. environmental. The application of the method for river, sea and tap water samples were illustrated.

[The colors produced by Fusarium Link ex Fr. 1821 (Deuteromycetes) species in various carbohydrate cultures. I. Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Sacc. 1886]. / Bazi Fusarium link ex Fr. 1821 (Deuteromycetes) türlerinin çesitli karbohidratlar içeren besiyerlerinde meydana getirdikleri renk olusumlari üzerinde arastirmalar. I. Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Sacc. 1886.

In this study, Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Sacc. 1886 fungus was inoculated in cultures containing glucose, maltose, galactose, mannitol, sucrose, fructose, lactose and starch and control media cultures and were observed at intervals of five days. In most of the cultures various tones of brown were observed. Our results showed a correlation when compared with literature in general no different results were observed. Three color catalogs were used for the identification of these colors.

[Bacterial classification]. / Bakterilerin siniflandirilmasi.

In this paper, the essential points in classification of bacteria were given. In addition, a short history of the classification and the medical importance of the bacteria were listed.