Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR Systems to Detect SARS-CoV-2.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked at Yokohama Port on February 3, 2020, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing using nasopharyngeal swab samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 individuals has been the main way to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in almost all clinical laboratories in Japan. With the diffusion of sets containing the primers and probe, the gold standard real-time RT-PCR test has permeated throughout the country. To prevent the spread of infection, real-time RT-PCR testing is important to confirm whether people are positive, asymptomatic, or negative for COVID-19. Now, in addition to pharyngeal swab, saliva and blood samples can be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Here, we introduce a clinical laboratory test performed using the High Pure viral nucleic acid kit and subsequent real-time RT-PCR system to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in serum, plasma, or whole blood in a hospital in Yokohama, Japan.

Possible effectiveness of intervention using a self-teaching workbook in adolescent drug abusers detained in a juvenile classification home.

AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the possible effectiveness of the juvenile version of the Serigaya Methamphetamine Relapse Prevention Program (SMARPP-Jr.) self-teaching workbook we developed for relapse prevention of drug abuse depends on the severity of the subject's drug-related problems. METHODS: Subjects were 85 adolescent drug abusers who were detained in a juvenile classification home. We compared changes between the subjects' scores on rating scales administered both before and after interventions with the self-teaching workbook, and we examined associations between the effectiveness of the intervention and the severity of the subjects' drug-related problems. RESULTS: Regardless of the severity of their drug-related problems, the subjects' rating scale scores were significantly different after the intervention, which suggests that use of the workbook increased their awareness of the problems caused by drug dependence and their motivation to obtain treatment. However, use of the workbook did not significantly change their confidence in their capacity to resist drug craving. CONCLUSION: Although the self-teaching workbook is a convenient intervention tool that can increase subject awareness and motivation for treatment, it is likely that continuous community-based support systems are required to prevent relapse.

[Factor structure and validity of the Japanese version of SOCRATES (Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale) in adolescent delinquents placed in detention home].

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the degree of motivation for change in drug abusers is important in determining the optimal treatment modality for each patient. The Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) is a 19 item instrument designed by Miller and Tonigan to provide quantitative assessment of the motivation for change in substance abusers. The object of the present study is to examine the factor structure and validity of the Japanese version of SOCRATES-8D (version 8 for drug abusers). METHODS: One hundred and five adolescent delinquents (81 male and 24 female) in a detention home were included in the study. The most frequently abused drug was cannabis in 43 percent of the delinquents, followed by methamphetamine in 20 percent and organic solvent in 18 percent. Exploratory factor analysis and validity analysis was performed to determine the factor structure and criterion-related validity. RESULTS: The two factor structure of the 13 item Japanese version was confirmed, namely 6 item "Ambivalence" and 7 item "Taking steps". Internal consistency was acceptable with the value of a over 0.85. Criterion-related validity was confirmed with significant negative correlation between the Self-Efficacy Scale (Morita et al.) and "Ambivalence" factor, and significant positive correlation with "Taking steps" factor. Also, there was significant positive correlation between the Japanese version of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (Skinner) and "Ambivalence" factor. The external validity of "Recognition" factor was not confirmed. Presumably the factor related to the recognition of oneself as an addict was absorbed in "Ambivalence" factor, due to the relatively less severe degree of drug dependence that is characteristic of the juvenile delinquents in detention homes. CONCLUSION: The 13 item Japanese version of the SOCRATES-8D is valid and applicable to the substance abusing juvenile delinquents in detention homes. Further research with the inclusion of adult samples from addiction clinics is necessary to confirm the generalizability of the version.

[Development and evaluation of a relapse prevention tool for drug-abusing delinquents incarcerated in a juvenile classification home: a self-teaching workbook for adolescents, the "SMARPP-Jr].

AIMS: The purpose of the present study is to develop a relapse prevention tool for drug-abusing delinquents incarcerated in a juvenile classification home, and to evaluate effectiveness of the tool. METHODS: We prepared a self-teaching workbook for drug-abusing adolescents named "SMARPP-Jr." referring to the workbook used in the "SMARPP (Serigaya Methamphetamine Relapse Prevention Program)", and consulted about the contents of the workbook to the director, the medical doctor, and the psychologists of a juvenile classification home. After establishing the final version, we provided 59 drug-abusing delinquents incarcerated in the juvenile classification home with a relapse prevention program by this workbook, and conducted pre- and post-evaluations by the Self-efficacy Scale for Drug Dependence and the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES). RESULTS: The scores of SOCRATES were remarkably elevated after finishing the self-teaching workbook, while those of the Self-efficacy Scale for Drug Dependence were hardly changed. Additionally, over 60% of the participants reported that the contents of the workbook were not difficult to be understood, and approximately 90% of them also answered that this workbook was useful. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study suggest that intervention in drug-abusing delinquents incarcerated in a juvenile classification home using the self-teaching workbook "SMARPP-Jr." may be effective to obtain insights of their drug-abuse problems and to become aware of necessity of treatment for their drug abuse.

Comparative study of the prevalence of suicidal behavior and sexual abuse history in delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents.

The present study examined the prevalence of suicidal behavior and sexual abuse history in delinquent and non-delinquent adolescents aged 15-17 years. Results showed that delinquent adolescents, particularly girls, more frequently reported histories of suicidal behavior and sexual abuse than non-delinquent adolescents.

Analgesia during self-cutting: clinical implications and the association with suicidal ideation.

The present study examined the association of suicidal ideation in self-cutters with clinical features of self-cutting, using a sample of subjects from juvenile correctional institutions. Multivariate analysis revealed that male self-cutters and analgesia during self-cutting were significantly associated with a history of suicidal ideation. These results suggest that male analgesic self-cutters should be regarded as a high-risk subgroup for suicide.

Prevalences of lifetime histories of self-cutting and suicidal ideation in Japanese adolescents: differences by age.

We examined differences in the prevalence of a lifetime history of self-cutting and suicidal ideation by age among junior and senior high-school students. Histories of self-cutting and suicidal ideation were reported by 9.9% and 40.4% of the students. Among early teens, females were more likely to report suicidal ideation than males, and among late teens, females were more likely than males to report self-cutting.

[Association between substance abuse problems and antisocial tendencies in male juvenile delinquents: A study using the Psychopathy Checklist, Youth Version].

AIMS: We examined an association between substance abuse problems and antisocial tendencies in male juvenile delinquents. METHODS: Subjects were 57 male adolescents consecutively incarcerated between December 2004 and February 2005 in a juvenile classification home. A self-reporting questionnaire was used to assess substance abuse problems in the subjects: Drug abuse problems were assessed by the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-20), and alcohol abuse problems were assessed by the Quantities-Frequencies Scale (QFS). A semi-structured interview was also preformed according to the Psychopathy Checklist, Youth Version (PCL: YV). Associations between questionnaire responses and interview findings were examined using Pearson's correlation or Spearman's rank correlation test. RESULTS: Of our subjects, the 17.5% were recognized as a problematic drug abuser, and the 52.6% as a problematic drinker. Neither of the total DAST-20 nor QFS score was significantly correlated with the total PCL: YV score, and also with each score of the four PCL: YV subfactors. However, significant correlations were found between some items on the PCL: YV and the DAST-20 or QFS score. The DAST score was significant correlated with the PCL: YV item, "impression management" (rs=0.35, p<0.001), and the QFS score was significant correlated with "serious violations of conditional release" (rs=0.33, p<0.05) and "criminal versatility" (rs=0.48, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: More than a half of male juvenile delinquents had alcohol abuse problems. Alcohol intake may be considered to promote repetition and diversification of their antisocial behaviors, although overall antisocial tendencies were not associated with drug and alcohol abuse problems in male juvenile delinquents.

Self-burning versus self-cutting: patterns and implications of self-mutilation; a preliminary study of differences between self-cutting and self-burning in a Japanese juvenile detention center.

The purpose of the present paper was to examine the differences in clinical features between self-cutters and self-burners, to clarify clinical implications of self-mutilating behaviors other than self-cutting. Subjects were 201 delinquent adolescents consecutively entering a Japanese juvenile detention center from February 2003 to March 2003. The subjects were assessed using a self-reporting questionnaire to evaluate self-mutilation, traumatic events, and problematic behaviors. Beck Depression Inventory-2 (BDI-2) and Adolescent Dissociative Experience Scale (A-DES) were also tested. Subjects were classified into four groups according to self-mutilating behaviors: non-self-cutting or -burning (NSCB), self-cutting (SC), self-burning (SB), and self-cutting and self-burning (SCB). The questionnaire answers and scores of the BDI-2 and A-DES were compared between the four groups. Of 201 subjects, 33 (16.4%) had cut their wrists or forearms at least once, and 72 of 201 (35.8%) had burned themselves at least once. The SC and SCB group had traumatic events, problematic behavior, and various types of self-mutilating behavior more frequently than the other two groups. The SCB group reported additional types of self-mutilating behavior more than the SC group. The SCB group also experienced multiple body customizations compared to the SC group, and exhibited higher scores on the BDI-2 and A-DES than the other three groups. The self-burning without self-cutting may have limited clinical implications. However, the self-burning with self-cutting may suggest depression and dissociation, as well as possible indication of self-mutilating behavior.

Patterns of self-cutting: a preliminary study on differences in clinical implications between wrist- and arm-cutting using a Japanese juvenile detention center sample.

The present study was aimed to clarify the differences in clinical implications between wrist- and arm-cutting. Subjects were 201 delinquent adolescents (178 males and 23 females) who had been admitted to a detention center from February to March 2003. A self-reporting questionnaire and the Adolescent Dissociative Experience Scale (ADES) were given. Traumatic events and other self-injurious behavior were compared among four groups. In total, 33 (16.4%) subjects reported wrist- and/or arm-cutting. Of the females, 60.9% (n = 14) had experienced self cutting behaviors compared to 10.7% of males (n = 19). Subjects were divided into four groups; 'non-cutting' (NC: n = 168, 83.6%), 'wrist-cutting' (WC: n = 5, 2.5%), 'arm-cutting' (AC: n = 19, 9.5%), and 'wrist- and arm-cutting' (WAC: n = 9, 4.5%). WC, AC, and WAC groups reported early separation, bulling in school, and histories of sexual/physical abuse more frequently than NC group. WC and WAC groups reported suicidal ideation and suicide attempts more frequently than NC and AC groups. The ADES scores in AC and WAC groups were significantly higher than in those in NC group (P < 0.001), while the scores in WC were not different from NC groups. WC and WAC groups self-cut due to suicide idea more frequently than the AC group, while AC group self-cut due to anger expression more frequently than WC or WAC groups. Self-cutters experienced early separation, bullying in school, and sexual/physical abuse more frequently than-non-self-cutters. Arm-cutting behavior may predict dissociation, while wrist-cutting may involve with suicidality.