Biomedical subjects
R Blank
Publications and source records attributed to R Blank.
[Anticonvulsants and their psychological effects--a review].
In a review of more than 200 studies over the last three decades, the manifold psychic effects of anticonvulsives on healthy persons, on patients with and without epilepsy, on patients with mental disorders with or without cerebral damages are analysed and summarized. The following results are mainly shown: 1. Carbamazepine: a positive effect on "expansive" behaviour and mood can be observed in about 50-60% of the patients. The cognitive and psychomotor performance is almost unchanged. 2. Valproinate: Negative psychic effects can rarely be seen for a longer time (exception: reversible encephalopathy). The behaviour can similarly be influenced as with carbamazepine. 3. Phenytoin: Cognitive and psychomotor performance is negatively influenced. The effects on behaviour are contradictory. 4. Phenobarbitone and Primidone: Diverse negative effects on performance and behaviour, especially as "expansive" disorders in children and adolescents, seemed to be proven. 5. Ethosuximide: Beside the drug specific provocation of psychotic disorders, both, positive and negative effects on behaviour and cognitive functions are discussed. 6. The psychic effects of other anticonvulsives such as Benzodiazepines, Sulthiame and Pheneturide are shortly summarized. 7. Polytherapy: Negative influences on psychic functions are significant. Finally the results are discussed concerning their clinical relevance.
Single-case evaluation of sleep-deprivation effects by means of nonparametric time-series analysis (according to the HTAKA model)
Modern statistical approaches to the analysis of single cases have so far been rarely employed in psychiatric therapy research. The recently developed Hierarchical Trend-Segment Component Analysis (HTAKA) seems to be an adequate and practicable method for the field of therapy evaluation, not only under sophisticated research conditions, but also under routine treatment conditions, but analysis data of the effects of sleep-deprivation therapy as an example, the results of nonparametric time-series analyses performed according to HTAKA are presented. The statistical agglomeration of the single case results demonstrated that in most cases undergoing repeated sleep deprivation a long-term antidepressive effect related to this therapy could be proven.
[Psychopathology and performance behavior in anticonvulsant treatment of children and adolescents].
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[Principle symptoms of delayed language development and behavioral disorders. 2 case studies on the topic of fragile X syndrome].
Case reports of two boys (5 1/2 and 3 1/2 years old) with fragile X syndrome are presented. In both cases, the typical somatic signs were absent. On the other hand, the psychopathology, with delayed language development and behaviour problems (especially hyperactivity and autistic behavior), provided the indication for a chromosome analysis. Fragile X syndrome was diagnosed in both cases, but in case 2 two subsequent controls were negative. The conclusions are that a diagnosis of fragile X syndrome must be viewed with skepticism until it has been confirmed by a second chromosome analysis in another experienced laboratory and/or with a different laboratory method. In spite of the genetic etiology (case 1), a marked improvement in the symptoms was possible with an intensive remedial program. Hence the fragile X chromosome appears to predispose to certain psychopathological changes, and these changes are apparently strongly influenced by psychosocial factors. Awareness of the genetic diagnosis can have positive effects on a family's compliance concerning further therapeutic programs for the child.
Structural changes of mitochondria in Chlamydomonas reinhardii after chloramphenicol treatment.
Ultrastructural and morphological alterations of mitochondria in the phytoflagellate Chlamydomonas reinhardii have been studied by use of serial sections after treatment with chloramphenicol. Remarkable volume changes could be observed as well as alterations in the internal fine structure of mitochondria. Under certain conditions, megamitochondria are formed with volumes exceeding 1 mum3. The changes, probably due to inhibition of mitochondrial protein synthesis, are described in some detail.
Psychosomatic factors in oral disease.
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[Measurement of activities of daily living in children--standardisation of a screening questionnaire].
BACKGROUND: Especially at preschool age, but also at school age, it is a major issue to what extent developmental problems are relevant for activities of daily living. This should be important for the prescription of therapeutic interventions. Previous instruments require training and/or they are time-consuming (e. g. interviews, direct observation and testing) or they are not suitable for the target group. The objective of the presented screening questionnaire for parents and professionals is a quick and standardised instrument for the status of everyday activities, particular in children with physical and mental delays or handicaps. The study examines the interrater and the retest reliability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire (M-ADL) with the subscales eating and drinking, hand skill in everyday life, toiletting and mobility was tested. The ratings were carried out on two levels: first, a global rating from 0 to 10 had to be given on each subscale. Secondly, a rating based on a defined scale had to be given. The average time for evaluation is about 5 minutes. We examined 28 children with cerebral palsy for the test-retest-reliability, and 48 children for the interrater reliability. The children had all types of cerebral palsy and all degrees of severity rated according to the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale cerebral palsy. RESULTS: The M-ADL total scores showed an excellent interrater reliability (r=0.84 to r=0.89) and test-retest-reliability (r=0.91 to r=0.97). Each subscale had a good reliability (at least r=0.73). CONCLUSION: The M-ADL is a reliable, economic measure for activities of daily living for children with physical and mental delays or handicaps. The instrument may serve as a tool for quick information on the level of activities according to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF).