Variability of trace elements in bodies of scrapers (Ephemeroptera) and predators (Plecoptera) from mountain rivers of Dzungarian Alatau (Kazakhstan) and Western Carpathians (Slovakia).

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in aquatic environments can be influenced by local environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations, pH levels, sediment composition, dissolved organic matter content, and the presence of other chemical substances. We analyzed the differences in trace elements accumulation (S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba, and Pb) between two trophic guilds-scrapers (Ephemeroptera) and predators (Plecoptera)-of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates collected from mountain streams in Kazakhstan and Slovakia. Trace elements in dried insect bodies were analyzed using an X-ray spectrometer, and physicochemical parameters of stream water were investigated at each sampling site.

Validation and assessment of the self-injurious behavior scale for tic disorders (SIBS-T).

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a well-known phenomenon in patients with chronic tic disorders (CTD). To investigate prospectively symptomatology of SIB in adults with CTD, we developed and validated the self-injurious behavior scale for tic disorders (SIBS-T). Patients completed the SIBS-T and a variety of assessments for tics and comorbidities.

Functional Tic-Like Behaviors: A Common Comorbidity in Patients with Tourette Syndrome.

Background: Comorbid functional tic-like behaviors (FTB) have been described only rarely in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS).

Objectives: We present the first large sample of patients suffering from TS and FTB to raise awareness of this clinical presentation and to guide how to differentiate one from the other.

Methods: We analyzed clinical data of 71 patients (n = 27 [38.

Contribution to ecological environmental factors and the occurrence of haemosporidians in birds in Zhongar Alatau National Park, Kazakhstan.

In addition to the presence of a suitable host and vector, the prevalence of haemosporidians is influenced by several important factors, including the environmental conditions of the habitat, which depend on broader geographic characteristics. The aim of this study is to perform a preliminarily assessment of the distribution of blood parasites in birds from the mountainous area of Zhongar Alatau NP and to find potential new sites for research on their ecology in Kazakhstan. The results of this research constitute the first report on the occurrence of blood parasites from this area.

What distinguishes patients with mass social media-induced illness presenting with Tourette-like behavior from those with Tourette syndrome? Results of a prospective cohort study.

Since 2019, a global increase in patients presenting with functional Tourette-like behaviors (FTB) has been observed. This has been related to the exposure of tic-related content in social media, although other factors seem to further fuel this phenomenon. Recently, we, therefore, proposed the term mass social media-induced illness (MSMI) as, in our opinion, this phenomenon constitutes a new type of mass sociogenic illness (MSI) that is in contrast to all recent outbreaks spread solely via social media.

The Rush Video-Based Tic Rating Scale-Revised: A Practice-Oriented Revision.

Background: The Modified Rush Video-Based Tic Rating Scale (MRVS) is the most widely used video-based scale for assessing tic severity in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS). However, shortcomings of the MRVS, including a lack of clear instructions, a time-consuming recording procedure, and weak correlations with the gold standard for tic assessment, the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale-Total Tic Score (YGTSS-TTS), limits its use in research settings, although video assessments are generally considered objective, reliable, and time-saving measurements.

Objectives: We aimed to revise the MRVS (MRVS-R) to simplify and standardize the assessment procedure and improve the correlation with the YGTSS-TTS.

CANNA-TICS: Efficacy and safety of oral treatment with nabiximols in adults with chronic tic disorders - Results of a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, phase IIIb superiority study.

Preliminary data suggest that cannabis-based medicines might be a promising new treatment for patients with Tourette syndrome (TS)/chronic tic disorders (CTD) resulting in an improvement of tics, comorbidities, and quality of life. This randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled, phase IIIb study aimed to examine efficacy and safety of the cannabis extract nabiximols in adults with TS/CTD (n = 97, randomized 2:1 to nabiximols:placebo). The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as a tic reduction of ≥ 25% according to the Total Tic Score of the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale after 13 weeks of treatment.

Implications for blinding in clinical trials with THC-containing cannabinoids based on the CANNA-TICS trial.

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) are regarded as the gold standard for clinical trials. While there are established standards to avoid unblinding, in RCTs using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) containing cannabinoids, however, accidental unblinding and intentional self-unbinding must be considered as a particular issue, since THC tests are widely available. To investigate unblinding rates in an RCT using a THC-containing cannabinoid, we re-contacted 54 out of 97 participants of the CANNA-TICS trial who had participated in our study center in Hannover.

Mass social media-induced illness presenting with Tourette-like behavior.

Currently, we are facing a new manifestation of functional neurological disorder presenting with functional Tourette-like behavior (FTB). This study aimed to show characteristics of this phenotype presenting as an outbreak of "mass social media-induced illness" (MSMI) and to explore predisposing factors. Between 5-9/2021, we prospectively investigated 32 patients (mean/median age: 20.

ONLINE-TICS: Internet-Delivered Behavioral Treatment for Patients with Chronic Tic Disorders.

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is considered a first-line therapy for tics. However, availability of CBIT is extremely limited due to a lack of qualified therapists. This study is a multicenter ( = 5), randomized, controlled, observer-blind trial including 161 adult patients with chronic tic disorders (CTD) to provide data on efficacy and safety of an internet-delivered, completely therapist-independent CBIT intervention (iCBIT Minddistrict) in the treatment of tics compared to placebo and face-to-face (f2f) CBIT.

Lead content in soil, plants, rodents, and amphibians in the vicinity of a heating plant's ash waste.

This study supplements previous research focused on environmental condition in the vicinity of waste ash material. The main aim of our study was the comparative analysis of lead levels in soil, plant, and animal organisms in the area of the tailings pond and surroundings, using x-ray. Findings confirm that the level of Pb in the top layer of soil is in the range of 20-135 ppm.

Validation of the Rage Attack Questionnaire-Revised (RAQ-R) in a Mixed Psychiatric Population.

Rage Attacks (RA) represent a clinically relevant symptom in patients with different psychiatric disorders. However, only recently the Rage Attack Questionnaire Revised (RAQ-R, 22 items, range, 0-66) has been developed as a new instrument for the assessment of RA. This study aimed to validate the RAQ-R in a large mixed psychiatric and psychosomatic sample.

Ecotoxicology of alpine streams in the West Carpathians-Alpine Bullhead (Cottus poecilopus) and high mountain flash flood effects.

Flash floods represent a serious threat to wildlife, water biota, and human life in pre-alpine regions, particularly in recent historical memory. The alpine bullhead is an established bioindicator of water quality in mountain streams, which can be adversely affected by an increased propensity for flash flooding. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of flash flooding on the variation of chemical elements found in the skull of alpine bullheads, with a focus on inter-annual effects.

Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS): Psychometric Quality of the Gold Standard for Tic Assessment Based on the Large-Scale EMTICS Study.

The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) is a clinician-rated instrument considered as the gold standard for assessing tics in patients with Tourette's Syndrome and other tic disorders. Previous psychometric investigations of the YGTSS exhibit different limitations such as small sample sizes and insufficient methods. To overcome these shortcomings, we used a subsample of the large-scale "European Multicentre Tics in Children Study" (EMTICS) including 706 children and adolescents with a chronic tic disorder and investigated convergent, discriminant and factorial validity, as well as internal consistency of the YGTSS.

The CANNA-TICS Study Protocol: A Randomized Multi-Center Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial to Demonstrate the Efficacy and Safety of Nabiximols in the Treatment of Adults With Chronic Tic Disorders.

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (TS) is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. First-line treatments for tics are antipsychotics and tic-specific behavioral therapies. However, due to a lack of trained therapists and adverse events of antipsychotic medication many patients seek alternative treatment options including cannabis.

The Rage Attack Questionnaire-Revised (RAQ-R): Assessing Rage Attacks in Adults With Tourette Syndrome.

Introduction: Although defined by the presence of tics, most patients with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (TS) also suffer from different psychiatric disorders. While much is known about clinical characteristics of comorbidities such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and anxiety disorders, only very little is known about rage attacks. Most of this data is based on small studies in children.

Alpine accentors as monitors of atmospheric long-range lead and mercury pollution in alpine environments.

Mercury and lead are deposited in the West Carpathians as long-range transported air pollution. The Alpine accentor (Prunella collaris) was recognized as a cost-effective biomonitor, and used to investigate the bioavailability of contaminants in large alpine areas. The outer tail feathers and blood of the alpine accentors were used for assessment of atmospheric mercury and lead contamination, respectively.

Occurrence of blood parasites and intensity of infection in Prunella modularis in the montane and subalpine zone in the Slovak Carpathians.

The objective of this study was to obtain primary information on the occurrence of blood parasites and intensity of infection in the Dunnock Prunella modularis in the montane region of Slovakia. Altogether 109 birds were examined during the years 2006-2010. The occurrence of Haemoproteus sp.

Yersinia species in the dunnock (Prunella modularis) in sub-alpine habitats of the Western Carpathians.

The study presents the prevalence of Yersinia species in dunnok Prunella modularis from the sub-alpine zone of the Western Carpathians. Bacteria were detected from cloacal and pharyngeal swabs from 97 specimens using PCR assay. Yersinia enterocolitica showed the highest prevalence (47.

Microfilariae in birds in the Czech Republic, including a note on adult nematodes Eufilaria delicata in a song thrush Turdus philomelos.

Blood samples of more than 1,100 passerineform birds of 40 species were investigated for the occurrence of microfilariae. In the year 2005, 3 out of 677 birds of 31 species (prevalence 0.4%) were infected with microfilariae during the post-nesting period.