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Many countries rely on statements issued by professional associations to delimit the scope of school psychological practice. It is, however, not always clear to what extent these statements match current practices and school psychologists' self-perception of their professional role, as empirical data is often unavailable or limited. This study aims to address this gap by collecting empirical data on the scope of school psychological practice in Germany. In a mixed method study, we first applied the Delphi technique to develop a questionnaire in collaboration with school psychological experts from different federal states of Germany. Second, we collected information on federal policies through semi-structured interviews with regional experts. Third, we invited a representative sample of school psychologists to complete the questionnaire developed through the Delphi technique. In this first report, we focus on the Delphi procedure and overall results of the survey describing the scope of school psychological practice in Germany at a country-wide level. These findings provide a detailed characterization of the broad and heterogeneous scope providing an evidence-base for future research and political decision-making.

Abstract Background Acute porphyrias (APs) are a group of rare metabolic diseases related to a disturbed heme biosynthesis. Symptoms may first occur as life threatening attacks, comprising abdominal pain and/or variable neuro-psychiatric symptoms, thus leading to presentation in emergency departments (ED) first. Due to the low prevalence, diagnosis of AP is often missed, even after readmission to the ED. Therefore, strategies are needed to consider APs in ED patients with unexplained abdominal pain, especially since early and adequate treatment will avoid an unfavorable clinical course. Aim of this prospective study was to investigate the prevalence of APs in ED patients and thus, addressing feasibility of screening for rare diseases, such as APs in the real life setting. Methods From September 2019 to March 2021, patients presenting to the ED of three German tertiary care hospitals with moderate to severe prolonged abdominal pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS > 4 out of 10 points) not otherwise explained were screened and prospectively enrolled. In addition to standard of care (SOC) diagnostics a blood and urine sample for plasma fluorescence scan and biochemical porphyrin analysis were sent to a certified German porphyria laboratory. Results Overall, of 653 screened patients, 68 patients (36 females; mean age 36 years) were included for biochemical porphyrin analysis. No patient with AP was detected. The most frequent discharge diagnoses included “abdominal and digestive symptoms” (n = 22, 32%), “gastrooesophageal diseases” (n = 18, 27%), “infectious bowel disease” (n = 6, 9%) and “biliopancreatic diseases” (n = 6, 9%). Although not primarily addressed, we observed an increase in knowledge of the ED staffs at all study sites regarding our screening algorithm and thus, awareness for APs. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, we performed the first prospective screening project for APs in the ED. Although we detected no patient with AP in this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of a multicenter screening process for APs by building up a well-working infrastructure comprising laboratory testing as well as data management. This enables the set-up of a larger scale revised follow-up study with a central focus on structured education, thus, possibly acting as blueprint for other rare diseases.

Abstract Background A capable expression vector is mainly characterized by its production efficiency, stability and induction response. These features can be influenced by a variation of modifications and versatile genetic modules. Results We examined miscellaneous variations of a rhaPBAD expression vector. The introduction of a stem loop into the translation initiation region of the rhaPBAD promoter resulted in the most significant improvement of eGFP expression. Starting from this plasmid, we constructed a set of expression vectors bearing different genetic modules like rop, ccdAB, cer and combinations thereof, and tested the efficiency of expression and plasmid stability. The plasmid pWA21, containing the stem loop, one cer site and rop, attained high expression levels accompanied by a good stability, and on that score seems to be a well-balanced choice. Conclusion We report the generation of variations of the rhaPBAD expression vector and characterization hereof. The genetic modules showed a complex interplay, therefore two positive effects combined sometimes resulted in a disadvantage.

Summary: All vertebrate genomes encode for three large histone H2A variants that have an additional metabolite-binding globular macrodomain module, macroH2A. MacroH2A variants impact heterochromatin organization and transcription regulation and establish a barrier for cellular reprogramming. However, the mechanisms of how macroH2A is incorporated into chromatin and the identity of any chaperones required for histone deposition remain elusive. Here, we develop a split-GFP-based assay for chromatin incorporation and use it to conduct a genome-wide mutagenesis screen in haploid human cells to identify proteins that regulate macroH2A dynamics. We show that the histone chaperone ANP32B is a regulator of macroH2A deposition. ANP32B associates with macroH2A in cells and in vitro binds to histones with low nanomolar affinity. In vitro nucleosome assembly assays show that ANP32B stimulates deposition of macroH2A-H2B and not of H2A-H2B onto tetrasomes. In cells, depletion of ANP32B strongly affects global macroH2A chromatin incorporation, revealing ANP32B as a macroH2A histone chaperone.

Porphyrias, as most rare diseases, are characterized by complexity and scarcity of knowledge. A national registry in one of the largest European populations that prospectively collects longitudinal clinical and laboratory data are an important and effective tool to close this gap. The German Porphyria Registry (PoReGer) was founded by four centers with longstanding expertise in the field of porphyrias and rare diseases (Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Porphyria Center Saxony Chemnitz, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University Medical Center Göttingen) and the German reference laboratory for porphyria, and is supported by the largest German porphyria patient organization. A specified data matrix for three subgroups (acute, chronic blistering cutaneous, acute non-blistering cutaneous) includes data on demographics, specific porphyria-related symptoms, clinical course, general medical history, necessary follow-up assessments (including laboratory and imaging results), symptomatic and disease-modifying therapies, and side-effects. Additionally, the registry includes patient-reported outcome measures on quality of life, depression, and fatigue. PoReGer aims to broaden and deepen the understanding on all porphyria-related subjects. We expect these data to significantly improve the management and care of porphyria patients. Additionally, the data can be used for educational purposes to increase awareness, for the planning of healthcare services, and for machine learning algorithms for early detection of porphyrias.

Optimization of impact sound insulation of wooden beam ceilings in Wilhelminian style houses, Part 2: Ceiling construction and flanking transmission The research deals with the influence of various parameters in the ceiling structure, such as cavity damping, screed thickness, impact sound insulation, fill and suspended ceilings, on the standard impact sound level of typical Wilhelminian style wooden beam ceilings. The measurements show that a thicker screed, softer impact sound insulation and a heavier fill significantly improve the impact sound level. Binding the fill with polyurethane instead of cement shows a significant improvement in the frequency range from 100 to 500 Hz. While cavity damping with mineral wool only contributes to a limited reduction in the standard impact sound level, decoupling the fill on an elastic intermediate layer delivers significant improvements. The measurements also show that the thickness of the paneling and the type of hangers in suspended ceilings have a significant impact on impact sound insulation. The investigations into flank impact sound transmission make it clear that flank transmission must be taken into account when planning higher requirement levels. Especially in the frequency range between 250 Hz and 800 Hz, the sound transmission of flanking components can play a significant role in the overall transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries rely on statements issued by professional associations to delimit the scope of school psychological practice. It is, however, not always clear to what extent these statements match current practices and school psychologists' self-perception of their professional role, as empirical data is often unavailable or limited. This study aims to address this gap by collecting empirical data on the scope of school psychological practice in Germany. In a mixed method study, we first applied the Delphi technique to develop a questionnaire in collaboration with school psychological experts from different federal states of Germany. Second, we collected information on federal policies through semi-structured interviews with regional experts. Third, we invited a representative sample of school psychologists to complete the questionnaire developed through the Delphi technique. In this first report, we focus on the Delphi procedure and overall results of the survey describing the scope of school psychological practice in Germany at a country-wide level. These findings provide a detailed characterization of the broad and heterogeneous scope providing an evidence-base for future research and political decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundQuality of life (QoL) is substantially impaired in patients with anxiety disorders (AD) and depressive disorders (DD) and improvements in symptom burden after psychotherapy are not always paralleled by similar improvements in QoL. So far, little is known about treatment outcome in terms of QoL and predictors of QoL improvements following inpatient psychotherapy with a focus on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The current study aimed at investigating the relationship between changes in symptoms and QoL across different life domains. Additionally, predictors of a positive treatment outcome were evaluated.Methods122 patients with AD and/or DD undergoing an 8-weeks inpatient CBT program completed self-report measures of psychopathological symptoms and QoL at pre- and post-treatment. Mixed effects models were used to investigate changes, a confirmatory factor analysis was applied to analyze the latent factor structure of the anxiety sensitivity index and binary logistic regression analyses were performed for predictors of QoL improvements.ResultsPatients showed moderate to strong decreases in anxious and depressive symptoms and moderate to strong improvements in general QoL, particularly in the psychological and physical QoL subdomains. Changes in symptom burden correlated most strongly with psychological and physical QoL. In addition, poor QoL before treatment and low levels of specific anxiety sensitivity symptoms (items 1 and 5) significantly predicted improvement in QoL.ConclusionPatients with poor QoL who are not as inhibited to openly express their anxious feelings particularly benefit from inpatient psychotherapy (individual and group) to improve their QoL. In contrast, our research suggests that patients who are too anxious to openly express their nervousness should receive additional social skills training, more focused treatment to build sufficient self-confidence to better engage in the treatment program.

Impact sound insulation in renovated Wilhelminian‐style buildings – Part 1: Problem statement and renovation options Gassner & Partner Baumanagement GmbH, in collaboration with TU Wien, conducted a study to optimize impact sound insulation in Wilhelminian‐style building renovations. Historical renovations lacked specific sound standards, causing resident disruption. The research varied parameters like screed thickness, impact sound insulation, aggregate, and suspended subceilings to assess impact sound protection per ÖNORM B 8115‐5. Initial analysis of three properties showed reasonable protection in existing wooden beam ceilings. Suspended subceilings significantly improved sound levels, with the spectrum adaptation value CI,50‐2500 crucial for higher classification. Measurements during multiple renovations demonstrated that these measures are reproducible and can exceed new construction standards, significantly enhancing living comfort in historic buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Perfectionism represents an important transdiagnostic predisposing and maintaining factor in a number of psychological disorders. Moreover, perfectionism can complicate the treatment of psychological disorders and contribute to treatment resistance. In the present article, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions to reduce perfectionistic patterns are explained. In addition, specifics of the therapeutic relationship with perfectionists as well as the etiology and possible functionalities of perfectionistic patterns are discussed. Summary: The effectiveness of classical CBT interventions for reducing perfectionism has been demonstrated in a number of studies. Recent research furthermore points to the (potential) benefit of interventions that fall into the third wave of CBT (such as mindfulness-based, schema therapeutic or self-compassion-based approaches) – however, there is still a lack of studies with sufficient methodological quality. Key Messages: While a number of different CBT approaches are available for the treatment of perfectionism, future studies should increasingly examine which interventions are particularly indicated for which patient characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the latest Ladinian to earliest Carnian, the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform evolution led to the formation of the first rimmed platforms in the Western Tethys Realm after the Permian/Triassic mass extinction. The overall demise of the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform is related to the Lunz event (Reingraben event, Mid-Carnian Pluvial Episode or Mid-Carnian Wet Intermezzo - Julian 2). However, several questions remain open when comparing the platform demise in the Eastern Alps, the Southern Alps, and the Western Carpathians (ALCAPA) with its demise in the Dinarides/Albanides/Hellenides, where these siliciclastics are practically unknown, except the Outer Dinarides in Croatia or Montenegro (High Karst). Prior to the drowning of the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform in the ALCAPA region with siliciclastics, the platform emerged due to a sea-level drop around the Julian 1/2 boundary (Carnica event). The underfilled accommodation space between the platforms is characterized by restricted deep basinal areas with deposition of organic-rich siliceous limestones, followed by the deposition of fine-grained siliciclastics (Reingraben claystones). In contrast to the ALCAPA region a long-lasting stratigraphic gap is common in the Carnian in the Dinarides/Albanides/Hellenides. Carbonate deposition resumed during the Late Carnian after the demise and uplift of the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform. In northern Montenegro, near the village Pliješevina, the final demise of the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform around the Julian 1/2 boundary can be dated by conodont faunas (Carnica conodont zone) in a newly detected Carnian basinal sequence. Above the fine-grained resediments of the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform (Zlošnica Formation), less then 3 m of grey "filament"- and radiolarian-rich biomicrites were deposited, followed upsection by a ~6 m-thick sequence of siliceous claystones, black cherts and silicified volcanic ashes (Džegeruša Formation). The carbonate-free intercalated metabentonites of Julian 2 to Tuvalian age are composed of (biogenic) quartz, and clay minerals of the mica-group (mainly illite), montmorillonite, the smectite group, and mixed layer clay minerals. A controversially discussed environmental change around the Julian 1/2 boundary resulted in the demise of the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform and carbonate deposition was replaced by deposition of siliciclastics. Carbonate production reflecting the onset of a precursor of the Dachstein Carbonate Platform evolution started again during the latest Carnian as dated by conodonts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]