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The Neurotrophic Hypothesis of Depression: Treatment Implications for Erythropoietin
No full textA purely neurotransmitter-based explanation of major depression and antidepressant action, such as the monoamine hypothesis, falls short to explain the delayed clinical onset of most agents in reference to the immediate neurochemical effects. Recently, in attempts to understand the psychobiological underpinnings of depression, the focus shifted to an involvement of intracellular signaling cascades, gene expression and protein translation. This review discusses evidence for the so-called neurotrophic hypothesis of depression, which emphasizes stress-induced disruption of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), second messenger systems, gene expression and subsequent neural atrophy and network changes that manifest as depressive symptoms in the etiology of depression. Additionally, within the framework of the neurotrophic hypothesis, the treatment potential of the cytokine Erythropoietin is discussed
Audit Market Dynamics: Effects on Audit Quality
Get PDFThis study researches the effects of market share dynamics on audit quality in the U.S. audit market from fiscal years 2005 to 2013. Thus far, the audit market has only been researched in terms of static market share mobility. This research reflects competition more accurately by using market structure dynamics to map the U.S. audit market. The study finds that there is in fact a rather high degree of market share instability within the audit market, which indicates a high degree of competition. Moreover, two out of three models show a significant influence of market share instability on proxies for audit quality. The directions of these effects indicate that market share instability has a positive effect on audit quality. The paper therefore concludes that audit market share dynamics have a positive effect on audit quality.
Framing the Right to Be Forgotten: A Transatlantic Cultural Clash? A Comparative Newspaper Analysis
Get PDFThis research tests the presence of a difference of approaches to the Right to Be Forgotten (RTBF), as introduced in Article 17 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in the media and public sphere. The focus is put on how European and US newspapers have framed the Right between 2010 and 2018. The objective is to understand how news media have presented and described the RTBF to their readers at the national level in Italy, the UK, and the US, and how such discourses reflect alleged cultural disparities. The RTBF is hereby conceptualized as a multi-dimensional notion. It is argued that the Right can be seen from perspectives other than those related to free speech and privacy, as advanced by the academic literature. The umbrella concept of transparency is introduced as a new way to frame the RTBF, concerning transparency for and from the people, on an individual level. On the one hand, Article 17 GDPR refers to a right to transparency for the people, to know and access lawful online information about, in particular, public figures or criminals. The notion also entails a form of transparency from the people: individuals should be transparent about their past, in real life and online. On the other hand, the RTBF can also refer to a right to be “not fully transparent” online, or a right to non-transparency from the people. This implies that not all information should be published on the Internet, especially when it represents personal and sensitive data.
Effects of Methylphenidate on Memory and Attention in Healthy Adults
Get PDFMethylphenidate (MPH) is the most prescribed medicinal drug for people diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, the off-label use by healthy adults has increased over the last year due to the potential beneficial effects on cognitive performance. It causes augmented catecholaminergic neurotransmission by blocking dopamine and norepinephrine’s reuptake mainly in prefrontal cortex and striatum. The aim of this review was to examine the effects of MPH on memory and attention in healthy adults. The results were ambiguous, however, MPH’s beneficial effects on memory were found more consistently than effects on attention. In addition, individuals whose baseline performance was lower than average benefitted more than others. Optimal dosing seems to be dependent on the task and cognitive domain tested. The controversy about cognitive enhancing drugs arises when taking side effects, as well as ethical aspects, into consideration. Common adverse effects are insomnia and appetite loss. In conclusion, despite the positive effects of MPH on memory and attention, the use of MPH as cognitive enhancer in healthy adults is not recommended based on the lack of longitudinal studies and the risks of adverse effects. MPH self-medication is not recommended
From Ceramic Centre to Creative Hub
Get PDFThis paper investigates how the concept of the Creative Hub – a term employed to define spaces of creativity that foster knowledge, innovation and economic growth – can form a positive addition to the creative redevelopment of the former Sphinx factory buildings in Maastricht. The policy of the European Creative Hub Network initiated by the British Council with support of the European Commission in the beginning of 2016 is applied to the policies of the Maastricht municipality with respect to the former Sphinx Factory. After setting up preliminary categories from the policy documents of the British Council, a research method of coding is employed to investigate the policy documents of the municipality of Maastricht. Similarities and differences are then highlighted. It is concluded that the Sphinx could benefit from more community involvement, individual initiative, a bottom up approach, a broader definition of creativity, less focus on regeneration, more flexibility and more inclusiveness
Reminscences of Morals
No full textIn atrocities, bystanders might find themselves in a limbo-like state where it is extremely difficult to react responsibly to an occurring injustice. This article investigates the complex bystander character through a social-psychological analysis of Ari Folman\u27s animated documentary film, Waltz with Bashir (2008). Theories of norm learning and delinquent behaviour are used to understand the unconscious self-perception of the protagonist, Ari, of his bystander role in the Sabra and Shatila Massacre of 1982. It is claimed that while Ari sees himself as a perpetrator of the massacre unconsciously, his behaviour as an innocent witness bearing no ethical responsibility creates a disruptive tension that endlessly haunts him
Can mindful doctors take better care of their patients? How mindfulness can benefit medical care beyond serving as a clinical intervention for patients
Get PDFThe potential of mindfulness as a clinical intervention is increasinglyrecognized, yet less attention has been paid to how mindfulnesscan contribute to medical care when cultivated by physicians.This paper examines how mindfulness in practitioners can alleviatethree problems arising in contemporary medical care. Firstly,mindfulness could prevent flaws resulting from mindless medicalpractice by allowing practitioners to become more aware of theirpatients and their own cognitions. Secondly, mindfulness can alleviatethe problem of chronic stress and burnout in medical practitioners,thereby enhancing their care of patients. Finally, mindfulnesscan contribute to improving patient-practitioner-relationshipswhich often suffer in contemporary healthcare. In sum, mindfulnessin practitioners holds great potential for medical care; hence mindfulness-programs for physicians should be implemented
Review: The Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD) as Potential Antipsychotic Medication
Get PDFPsychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are widespread and severely disabling; however, current pharmacological treatments are unsatisfactory due to major side effects. The current review discusses the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, as an antipsychotic drug. Research lines including studies based on animal models of psychosis, human experimental studies, neuroimaging studies, epidemiological studies, and clinical studies are reviewed. The studies described provide empirical support for the antipsychotic effects of CBD and indicate reduced side effects, high tolerability, and superior cost-effectiveness compared to regular antipsychotic medication. It is concluded that CBD may prove a safe and attractive alternative treatment for psychotic conditions. However, current evidence largely stems from experimental, non-clinical studies. Large-scale randomized clinical trials are needed before this can be implemented in practice
