Patients with chronic bipolar disorder show impairments in interpreting literary fiction - A preliminary explorative study with the short story task.

Introduction: Theory of mind (ToM) is a crucial skill in navigating and functioning in the social world. Significant ToM impairment was consistently found in bipolar disorder; it can be both a state and trait marker of the disorder. However, most of the ToM tests are not sensitive enough to detect subtle individual differences, which would be necessary for an individualized treatment plan.

The effect of reading literary fiction on the theory of mind skills among persons with schizophrenia and normal controls.

Introduction: Recent research data suggest that theory of mind (ToM) skills may improve after reading literary fiction. However, beside this short term favorable effect, regular long-term reading of literary fiction may also support ToM development or may improve ToM performance. The presence of impaired ToM abilities is well-documented in schizophrenia; however, the role of reading in these deficits is unknown.

Awake, sedated or anaesthetised for regional anaesthesia block placements?: A retrospective registry analysis of acute complications and patient satisfaction in adults.

Background: Whether adults should be awake, sedated or anaesthetised during establishment of regional anaesthesia is still debated and there is little information on the relative safety of each. In paediatric practice, there is often little choice but to use sedation or anaesthesia as otherwise the procedures would be too distressing and patient movement would be hazardous.

Objective(s): The objective of this study was to evaluate complications related to central and peripheral regional block and patient satisfaction in awake, sedated and anaesthetised adult patients.

Diabetes: a risk factor for catheter-associated infections.

Background And Objectives: The incidence of infectious complications associated with continuous regional anesthesia techniques is a matter of concern. Our objective was to determine whether patients suffering from diabetes are at an increased risk of catheter-related infectious complications.

Methods: The German Network for Regional Anaesthesia database was analyzed between 2007 and 2012.