Medienberichte als Konjunkturindikator

Die Studie untersucht, in wie weit neben den klassischen monatlichen Konjunkturindikatoren, wie dem ifo Geschäftsklimaindex, der Industrieproduktion oder den Auftragseingängen in der Industrie, auch die Medienberichterstattung über die konjunkturelle Entwicklung selbst als Indikator der realen Konjunktur dienen kann. Es werden Indikatoren auf Basis von Medienberichten generiert und bezüglich ihrer Eigenschaft als Prognoseinstrumente der konjunkturellen Entwicklung analysiert. Ein Vergleich mit dem ifo Geschäftsklimaindex zeigt, dass die auf Medienberichte basierenden Indikatoren durchaus Prognosequalitäten für reale gesamtwirtschaftliche Entwicklungen aufweisen können

Medienberichte als Konjunkturindikator

Die Studie untersucht, in wie weit neben den klassischen monatlichen Konjunkturindikatoren, wie dem ifo Geschäftsklimaindex, der Industrieproduktion oder den Auftragseingängen in der Industrie, auch die Medienberichterstattung über die konjunkturelle Entwicklung selbst als Indikator der realen Konjunktur dienen kann. Es werden Indikatoren auf Basis von Medienberichten generiert und bezüglich ihrer Eigenschaft als Prognoseinstrumente der konjunkturellen Entwicklung analysiert. Ein Vergleich mit dem ifo Geschäftsklimaindex zeigt, dass die auf Medienberichte basierenden Indikatoren durchaus Prognosequalitäten für reale gesamtwirtschaftliche Entwicklungen aufweisen können.Konjunkturindikator, Konjunktur, Kommunikationsmedien, Prognose, Probit-Modell, Deutschland

Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis of Survival and Psychosomatic Self-regulation from Published Prospective Controlled Cohort Studies for Long-term Therapy of Breast Cancer Patients with a Mistletoe Preparation (Iscador)

Mistletoe preparations such as Iscador are in common use as complementary/anthroposophic medications for many cancer indications, particularly for solid cancers. The efficacy is still discussed controversially. This paper presents an individual patient data meta-analysis of all published prospective matched-pair studies with breast cancer patients concerned with long-term application of a complementary/anthroposophic therapy with the mistletoe preparation Iscador. Six sets of data were available for individual patient meta-analysis of breast cancer patients, matched according to prognostic factors into pairs with and without mistletoe (Iscador) therapy. The main outcome measures were overall survival and psychosomatic self-regulation. Overall survival was almost significant in favor of the Iscador group in the combined data set of the randomized studies: estimate of the hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval 0.59 (0.34, 1.02). Overall survival was highly significant in the combined data set of the non-randomized studies: 0.43 (0.34, 0.56). In the combined analysis of the randomized studies, improvement of psychosomatic self-regulation, as a measure of autonomous coping with the disease, was highly significant in favor of the Iscador group: estimate of the median difference 0.45 (0.15, 0.80), P = 0.0051. The analyzed studies show that therapy with Iscador might prolong overall survival and improve psychosomatic self-regulation of breast cancer patients

Das bedingungslose Grundeinkommen in der Diskussion

Das bedingungslose Grundeinkommen wird kontrovers diskutiert. Die Auswirkungen des Ansatzes erscheinen für den Einzelnen als kaum überschaubar. Bei der Beurteilung von Argumenten kommt es darauf an, dass sie den Einzelnen direkt ansprechen, er sie diskutieren und dazu Stellung beziehen kann

Viscum album L. extracts in breast and gynaecological cancers: a systematic review of clinical and preclinical research

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Viscum album </it>L. extracts (VAE, European mistletoe) are a widely used medicinal plant extract in gynaecological and breast-cancer treatment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Systematic review to evaluate clinical studies and preclinical research on the therapeutic effectiveness and biological effects of VAE on gynaecological and breast cancer. Search of databases, reference lists and expert consultations. Criteria-based assessment of methodological study quality.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>19 randomized (RCT), 16 non-randomized (non-RCT) controlled studies, and 11 single-arm cohort studies were identified that investigated VAE treatment of breast or gynaecological cancer. They included 2420, 6399 and 1130 patients respectively. 8 RCTs and 8 non-RCTs were embedded in the same large epidemiological cohort study. 9 RCTs and 13 non-RCTs assessed survival; 12 reported a statistically significant benefit, the others either a trend or no difference. 3 RCTs and 6 non-RCTs assessed tumour behaviour (remission or time to relapse); 3 reported statistically significant benefit, the others either a trend, no difference or mixed results. Quality of life (QoL) and tolerability of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery was assessed in 15 RCTs and 9 non-RCTs. 21 reported a statistically significant positive result, the others either a trend, no difference, or mixed results. Methodological quality of the studies differed substantially; some had major limitations, especially RCTs on survival and tumour behaviour had very small sample sizes. Some recent studies, however, especially on QoL were reasonably well conducted. Single-arm cohort studies investigated tumour behaviour, QoL, pharmacokinetics and safety of VAE. Tumour remission was observed after high dosage and local application. VAE application was well tolerated. 34 animal experiments investigated VAE and isolated or recombinant compounds in various breast and gynaecological cancer models in mice and rats. VAE showed increase of survival and tumour remission especially in mice, while application in rats as well as application of VAE compounds had mixed results. <it>In vitro </it>VAE and its compounds have strong cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>VAE shows some positive effects in breast and gynaecological cancer. More research into clinical efficacy is warranted.</p

Posttraumatic stress symptoms in breast cancer patients: Temporal evolution, predictors, and mediational models

This longitudinal study (N = 102 women with nonmetastatic breast cancer) evaluated the time course of PTSD symptomatology (PTSDs) at different stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment: during treatment, at the end of treatment, and at a 6-12 months follow-up. We also investigated probable predictors of PTSDs and fit of models of mediation. Results indicated that PTSDs remained relatively constant across all phases, showing only a significant decrease in avoidant symptoms at follow up at 6-12 months. There was a relation between PTSDs and psychosocial variables but not with sociodemographic or medical factors. Regression analyses showed that symptoms of acute stress, Type C behavioral pattern, trait dissociation, and the coping strategies of anxious preoccupation, cognitive avoidance, and hopelessness/helplessness were the best predictors of PTSDs. Of the mediation models tested, one fitted the data: the coping strategies of anxious preoccupation, cognitive avoidance, and helplessness/hopelessness mediated the relationship between Type C behavioral pattern and the onset of PTSD symptomatology. These results can help identify recently diagnosed cancer patients who are likely to benefit from psychological assistance.Perez, S.; Galdon, M.; Andreu, Y.; Ibanez, E.; Dura, E.; Conchado Peiró, A.; Cardena, E. (2014). Posttraumatic stress symptoms in breast cancer patients: Temporal evolution, predictors, and mediational models. Journal of Traumatic Stress. 27(2):224-231. doi:10.1002/jts.21901S224231272American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Andreu, Y., Galdón, M. J., Durá, E., Martínez, P., Pérez, S., & Murgui, S. (2012). A longitudinal study of psychosocial distress in breast cancer: Prevalence and risk factors. 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Psycho-Oncology, 10(1), 1-18. doi:10.1002/1099-1611(200101/02)10:13.0.co;2-tBrewin, C. R., Andrews, B., & Valentine, J. D. (2000). Meta-analysis of risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in trauma-exposed adults. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 68(5), 748-766. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.68.5.748Briere, J., Scott, C., & Weathers, F. (2005). Peritraumatic and Persistent Dissociation in the Presumed Etiology of PTSD. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(12), 2295-2301. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.162.12.2295Cardeña, E., & Carlson, E. (2011). Acute Stress Disorder Revisited. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 7(1), 245-267. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032210-104502Cardeña, E., Koopman, C., Classen, C., Waelde, L. C., & Spiegel, D. (2000). Psychometric properties of the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire (SASRQ): A valid and reliable measure of acute stress. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 13(4), 719-734. doi:10.1023/a:1007822603186Cardeña , E. Maldonado , J. 2001 Translation into Spanish of the SASRQ Unpublished manuscriptCarver, C. S., & Connor-Smith, J. (2010). Personality and Coping. Annual Review of Psychology, 61(1), 679-704. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.093008.100352Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310-357. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.98.2.310Eckhardt , J. R. 1998 Coping style and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among women with primary breast cancer. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, California School of Professional Psychology at AlamedaFoa, E. B., Steketee, G., & Rothbaum, B. O. (1989). Behavioral/cognitive conceptualizations of post-traumatic stress disorder. Behavior Therapy, 20(2), 155-176. doi:10.1016/s0005-7894(89)80067-xGreen, B. L., Krupnick, J. L., Rowland, J. H., Epstein, S. A., Stockton, P., Spertus, I., & Stern, N. (2000). Trauma History as a Predictor of Psychologic Symptoms in Women With Breast Cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 18(5), 1084-1084. doi:10.1200/jco.2000.18.5.1084Greer, S. (1991). Psychological response to cancer and survival. Psychological Medicine, 21(1), 43-49. doi:10.1017/s003329170001463xGROSSARTH-MATICEK, R. (1990). PERSONALITY, STRESS AND DISEASE: DESCRIPTION ANDVALIDATION OF A NEW INVENTORY. Psychological Reports, 66(2), 355. doi:10.2466/pr0.66.2.355-373Gurevich, M., Devins, G. M., & Rodin, G. M. (2002). Stress Response Syndromes and Cancer: Conceptual and Assessment Issues. Psychosomatics, 43(4), 259-281. doi:10.1176/appi.psy.43.4.259Ho, S. M. Y., Chan, C. L. W., & Ho, R. T. H. (2004). Posttraumatic growth in chinese cancer survivors. Psycho-Oncology, 13(6), 377-389. doi:10.1002/pon.758Kangas, M., Henry, J. L., & Bryant, R. A. (2005). Predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder following cancer. Health Psychology, 24(6), 579-585. doi:10.1037/0278-6133.24.6.579Kangas, M., Henry, J. L., & Bryant, R. A. (2005). The Relationship Between Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Cancer. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73(2), 360-364. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.73.2.360Kangas, M., Henry, J. L., & Bryant, R. A. (2007). Correlates of acute stress disorder in cancer patients. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 20(3), 325-334. doi:10.1002/jts.20253Lanius, R. A., Brand, B., Vermetten, E., Frewen, P. A., & Spiegel, D. (2012). THE DISSOCIATIVE SUBTYPE OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: RATIONALE, CLINICAL AND NEUROBIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE, AND IMPLICATIONS. Depression and Anxiety, 29(8), 701-708. doi:10.1002/da.21889Mehnert, A., & Koch, U. (2007). Prevalence of acute and post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid mental disorders in breast cancer patients during primary cancer care: a prospective study. Psycho-Oncology, 16(3), 181-188. doi:10.1002/pon.1057Mehnert, A., & Koch, U. (2008). Psychological comorbidity and health-related quality of life and its association with awareness, utilization, and need for psychosocial support in a cancer register-based sample of long-term breast cancer survivors. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 64(4), 383-391. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2007.12.005Mosher, C. E., & Danoff-Burg, S. (2006). A Review of Age Differences in Psychological Adjustment to Breast Cancer. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 23(2-3), 101-114. doi:10.1300/j077v23n02_07Norris, F. H., & Kaniasty, K. (1996). Received and perceived social support in times of stress: A test of the social support deterioration deterrence model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 71(3), 498-511. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.71.3.498Rokach, A., Moya, M. C., Orzeck, T., & Exposito, F. (2001). LONELINESS IN NORTH AMERICA AND SPAIN. Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal, 29(5), 477-489. doi:10.2224/sbp.2001.29.5.477Shek, D. T. L., & Ma, C. M. S. (2011). 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Defensive coping and health-related quality of life in chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Coping with the stresses of chronic disease is considered as a key factor in the perceived impairment of health related quality of life (HRQL). Little is known though about these associations in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present study aimed to investigate the relationship of defensive coping and HRQL among patients in different CKD stages, after adjusting for psychological distress, sociodemographic and disease-related variables.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The sample consisted of 98 CKD patients, attending a university nephrology department. Seventy-nine (79) pre-dialysis patients of disease stages 3 to 4 and 19 dialysis patients were included. HRQL was assessed by the 36-item Short-Form health survey (SF-36), defensive coping by the Rationality/Emotional Defensiveness (R/ED) scale of the Lifestyle Defense Mechanism Inventory (LDMI) and psychological distress by the depression and anxiety scales of the revised Hopkins Symptom CheckList (SCL-90-R). Regression analyses were carried out to examine the association between SF-36 dimensions and defensive coping style.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Patients on dialysis had worse scores on SF-36 scales measuring physical aspects of HRQL. In the fully adjusted analysis, a higher defensive coping score was significantly associated with a lower score on the mental component summary (MCS) scale of the SF-36 (worse mental health). In contrast, a higher defensive score showed a small positive association with the physical component summary (PCS) scale of the SF-36 (better health), but this was marginally significant.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results provided evidence that emotional defensiveness as a coping style tends to differentially affect the mental and the physical component of HRQL in CKD. Clinicians should be aware of the effects of long-term denial and could examine the possibility of screening for defensive coping and depression in recently diagnosed CKD patients with the aim to improve both physical and mental health.</p

Joint Effects of Febrile Acute Infection and an Interferon-γ Polymorphism on Breast Cancer Risk

BACKGROUND: There is an inverse relationship between febrile infection and the risk of malignancies. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) plays an important role in fever induction and its expression increases with incubation at fever-range temperatures. Therefore, the genetic polymorphism of IFN-γ may modify the association of febrile infection with breast cancer risk. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Information on potential breast cancer risk factors, history of fever during the last 10 years, and blood specimens were collected from 839 incident breast cancer cases and 863 age-matched controls between October 2008 and June 2010 in Guangzhou, China. IFN-γ (rs2069705) was genotyped using a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry platform. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression. We found that women who had experienced ≥1 fever per year had a decreased risk of breast cancer [ORs and 95% CI: 0.77 (0.61-0.99)] compared to those with less than one fever a year. This association only occurred in women with CT/TT genotypes [0.54 (0.37-0.77)] but not in those with the CC genotype [1.09 (0.77-1.55)]. The association of IFN-γ rs2069705 with the risk of breast cancer was not significant among all participants, while the CT/TT genotypes were significantly related to an elevated risk of breast cancer [1.32 (1.03-1.70)] among the women with <1 fever per year and to a reduced risk of breast cancer [0.63 (0.40-0.99)] among women with ≥1 fever per year compared to the CC genotype. A marked interaction between fever frequencies and the IFN-γ genotypes was observed (P for multiplicative and additive interactions were 0.005 and 0.058, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a possible link between febrile acute infection and a decreased risk of breast cancer, and this association was modified by IFN-γ rs2069705