We report the development of a time-resolved fluorometry-based immunoassay concept for the rapid measurement of three cardiac markers from whole blood, serum or plasma. Using a universal all-in-one (AIO) dry reagent concept, all the analyte specific reagents are built into a single microtire well, to which an identical assay protocol is applied. Addition of 5-20 microL sample (whole blood, serum or plasma) together with a universal buffer initiates the reaction, which is brought close to equilibrium in 15 min. After the wash step the Eu chelate-derived signal is measured directly from the dried surface. Application of this concept to the three cardiac markers illustrates its ability to provide rapid, highly sensitive and fully quantitative results over a large dynamic range with good reproducibility. Such a performance, especially when using whole blood specimens, is largely a consequence of the inherently fluorescent and stable Eu-chelate employed in the system. Correlation to commercial assays was excellent for all three analytes, as was between-sample matrix correlation using the AIO assays. The presented assay concept enabling a simple automation is particularly suited for point-of-care applications, where the performance characteristics are fully comparable to state-of-the-art central laboratory immunoassays.
The implementation of effective psychotherapies in community mental health care is challenging. This study aimed to create a well-structured and easily applicable treatment model for patients with severe borderline personality disorder (BPD). We integrated a schema therapy based psycho-educational group into an available individual therapy. Two groups were formed: (1) community treatment by experts (CTBE) patients (n = 24) receiving new treatment and (2) treatment as usual (TAU) patients (n = 47). Changes in symptoms were measured by Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index-IV interview and quality of life by the 15D health-related quality of life questionnaire. After 1 year the CTBE patients showed a significant reduction in a wider range of BPD symptoms and better quality of life than TAU patients. The results of this study are encouraging. A well-structured treatment model was successfully implemented into community mental health care with improved patient adherence to treatment and superior treatment outcomes compared to TAU patients.
The elevated serum phospholipase A2 level at admission is an independent predictor of long-term atherosclerotic mortality in patients with suspected AMI. The prognostic significance of phospholipase A2 weakens during hospitalisation concomitant to the onset of the acute inflammatory response to myocardial injury.
The present study aimed to examine which early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and schema modes emerged in parasuicidal and non-parasuicidal patients with BPD participating in the Oulu BPD study. The patients' EMSs were assessed using the Young Schema Questionnaire, and schema modes using the Young Atkinson Mode Inventory. Sixty patients with BPD responded to both the schema and schema mode questionnaires; of these, 46 (76.7%) fulfilled the criteria for parasuicidality. In BPD patients with parasuicidality, the EMSs of emotional deprivation, abandonment/instability, mistrust/abuse and social isolation were the most prevalent, and the schema modes of vulnerable child, angry child, detached protector and compliant surrender were prominent. In patients without parasuicidality, the schema modes of healthy adult and happy child were the most prevalent. Significant correlations were observed between the schema modes of detached protector, vulnerable child, punitive parent and angry child and almost every EMS in BPD patients with parasuicidality. Our preliminary findings suggest that associations between certain EMSs and schema modes to parasuicidality in BPD patients may provide valuable information when planning and implementing their treatment.
The BPDSI-IV interview was applied for the first time in a Finnish sample of BPD patients. It appears to be a useful instrument for measuring and following the severity and the change of symptoms of patients with BPD.
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