bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms and mutations of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes are associated with COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Li Jingwei , Wang Yali , Liu Yong , Zhang Ziqu , Zhai Yuyun , Dai Yan , Wu Zijian , Nie Xiang , Du Lunfei
Published: February 2022

Objective

To determine the effect of polymorphisms and mutations in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Type 2 transmembrane serine proteases (TMPRSS2) genes on susceptibility to corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and patient prognosis.

Introduction

From December 2019 to the current time, an outbreak of epidemic of COVID-19, characterized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has occurred around the world. It is now clear that SARS-CoV-2 binds to human ACE2 receptors, with expression of these receptors correlated with the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality. Polymorphisms in individual patient factors, such as ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes have been linked with an increase in negative outcomes, although evidence to affirm remains debatable.

Methods

Here, we performed a systematic review, based on guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, with the aim of assessing whether polymorphisms in ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes affect the COVID-19 condition. We extensively searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, for relevant articles and reports published in English between December 2019 and December 2021.

Results

A total of 495 full-text articles were downloaded, of which 185 were excluded after preliminary examination as they were duplicates. Finally, 310 articles were evaluated, by reading their titles and abstracts, and 208 of them eliminated based on our selection criteria. Finally, 33 articles met our inclusion criteria and were included in the final assessment. Genetic data from 33,923 patients with COVID-19 drawn from the general population and deriving from over 160 regions and 50 countries, as well as approximately 560,000 samples from global-public genetic databases, were included in our analysis. Ultimately, we identified 10 SNPs and 21 mutations in the ACE2 gene, along with 13 SNPs and 12 variants in the TMPRSS2 gene, which may be associated with COVID-19.

Conclusions

ACE2 and TMPRSS2 play vital roles in the onset, development, and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and have both been strongly associated with vulnerability, intensity, and the clinical result of COVID-19. Overall, these genetic factors may have potential for future development of personalized drugs and vaccines against COVID-19.

Trial registration:CRD42021239400 in PROSPERO 2021.
Analysis of capability, motivation and opportunity to prevent substance abuse in sensation seeking students on the outskirts of a city in Eastern Iran: a qualitative study
Authors: Mazloomy Mahmoodabad Seyed Saeed , Zareei Mahmoodabadi Hassan , Mazhari Majd Hssein , Miri Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2022

Background

Usually, substance abuse begins in adolescence in Iran. Young people who score high on the sensation-seeking trait tend to be more prone to substance abuse and an early experience in using. According to the COM_B model, substance abuse can be observed in situations where a person has the necessary physical and mental abilities, the necessary opportunities, and competing motivations. Therefore the study aimed to deeper understand of capability, motivation, and opportunities of substance abuse behavior to design educational programs.

Methods

This study was conducted based on content analysis approach. Data were collected through a focus group discussion with 18 participants (high school male students) from the outskirts of Birjand, who received a positive score from the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Questionnaires' summary form. The group discussion was conducted using a guide to semi-structured questions based on COM-B model constructs.

Results

Students' knowledge of substance cognition, side effects, and consequences of addiction were incomplete. Some students believed that substance use was a way to control or vent emotions and that smoking was a sedative, and private spaces and uncrowded public places were physical environments that students cited for engaging in substance use. In the analysis, 24 subcategories and 11 categories were identified for the capability analysis section, 16 subcategories and 7 categories for the motivation section, and 21 subcategories and 6 categories for the opportunity section.

Conclusions

In order to achieve more precise prevention interventions against adolescents' tendency for substance abuse and to have a more significant impact on their behaviors, it is beneficial to study the three identified factors in some of the target individuals before intervention.
Paradigm versus paradox on the prairie: testing competing stream fish movement frameworks using an imperiled Great Plains minnow
Authors: Steffensmeier Zachary D. , Wedgeworth Maeghen , Yancy Lauren , Santee Noah , Brewer Shannon K. , Perkin Joshuah S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Movement information can improve conservation of imperiled species, yet movement is not quantified for many organisms in need of conservation. Prairie chub (Macrhybopsis australis) is a regionally endemic freshwater fish with unquantified movement ecology and currently considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The purpose of this study was to test competing ecological theories for prairie chub movement, including the colonization cycle hypothesis (CCH) that posits adults must make upstream movements to compensate for downstream drift at early life stages, and the restricted movement paradigm (RMP) that describes populations as heterogeneous mixes of mostly stationary and few mobile fish.

Methods

We tagged prairie chub with visible implant elastomer during the summer (May–August) of 2019 and 2020 to estimate net distance moved (m) and movement rate (m/d). We tested the hypotheses that observed prairie chub movement would be greater than expected under the RMP and that prairie chub movement would be biased in an upstream direction as predicted by the CCH.

Results

We tagged 5771 prairie chub and recaptured 213 individuals across 2019 and 2020. The stationary and mobile components of the prairie chub population moved an order of magnitude further and faster than expected under the RMP during both years. However, we found only limited evidence of upstream bias in adult prairie chub movement as would be expected under the CCH.

Conclusions

Our findings are partly inconsistent with the RMP and the CCH, and instead closely follow the drift paradox (DP), in which upstream populations persist despite presumed downstream drift during early life stages and in the apparent absence of upstream bias in recolonization. Previous mathematical solutions to the DP suggest organisms that experience drift maintain upstream populations through either minimization of drift periods such that small amounts of upstream movement are needed to counter the effects of advection or increasing dispersal regardless of directionality. We conclude that the resolution to the DP for prairie chub is an increase in total dispersal and our results provide insight into the spatial scales at which prairie chub conservation and management may need to operate to maintain broad-scale habitat connectivity.
Aortic arch calcification affects causes of death in patients on hemodialysis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hashiba Toyohiro , Tanaka Mototsugu , Honda Tomoko , Kishi Satoru , Ogura Yoshiyasu , Takenaka Yuto , Furuse Satoshi , Nishio Kyosuke , Masaki Kazunobu , Kano Tatsuya , Mise Naobumi
Published: February 2022

Background

Aortic arch calcification (AAC) is a well-known risk factor for death in patients on hemodialysis (HD); however, the causes of death among them have not been well studied. The study aimed to investigate the distribution of causes of death and long-term prognosis among different degrees of AAC in HD patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing HD at two clinics in Japan. AAC grades 0 to 3 were categorized by chest radiograph at baseline, and mortality and causes of death were collected. A subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between causes of death and age, diabetes mellitus, and dialysis vintage in each AAC grade.

Results

A total of 321 patients were included in the analysis. During 5.2 ± 2.1 years, 117 patients died, and the death rates in AAC grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 19.3% (17/88), 35.2% (51/145), 46.3% (25/54), and 70.6% (24/34), respectively. The major causes of death were cardiovascular disease (CVD, 39.3%), infection (20.5%), and malignancy (15.4%) in the entire cohort. In AAC grade 3, CVD mortality (33.3%) remains as the most common cause of death, although death of infection (29.2%) and malnutrition (16.7%) increased markedly. A subgroup analysis showed that AAC grade 3 was mostly old, non-diabetic patients with a long dialysis vintage and was susceptible to death of infection or malnutrition.

Conclusions

CVD was the most common cause of death among all AAC grades, although death of infection and malnutrition markedly increased in those with severe AAC. Attention should be paid to CVD, infection, and malnutrition in HD patients with severe AAC.
Metaproteomic profiling of fungal gut colonization in gnotobiotic mice
Authors: Pettersen Veronika Kuchařová , Dufour Antoine , Arrieta Marie-Claire
Published: February 2022

Background

Eukaryotic microbes can modulate mammalian host health and disease states, yet the molecular contribution of gut fungi remains nascent. We previously showed that mice exclusively colonised with fungi displayed increased sensitivity to allergic airway inflammation and had fecal metabolite profiles similar to germ-free mice. This marginal effect on the host metabolome suggested that fungi do not primarily use metabolites to modulate the host immune system.

Methods

To describe functional changes attributed to fungal colonisation, we performed mass spectrometry-based analyses of feces (Label-Free Quantitative; LFQ) and the small intestine (labeling with Tandem Mass Tag; TMT) of gnotobiotic mice colonised with defined consortia of twelve bacterial species, five fungal species, or both. We also evaluated the effect of microbiome perturbances on the metaproteome by analysing feces from mouse pups treated with an antibiotic or antifungal.

Results

We detected 6675 proteins in the mice feces, of which 3845 had determined LFQ levels. Analysis of variance showed changes in the different gnotobiotic mouse groups; specifically, 46% of 2860 bacterial, 15% of 580 fungal, and 76% of 405 mouse quantified proteins displayed differential levels. The antimicrobial treatments resulted in lasting changes in the bacterial and fungal proteomes, suggesting that the antimicrobials impacted the entire community. Fungal colonisation resulted in changes in host proteins functional in innate immunity as well as metabolism, predicting specific roles of gut fungi on host systems during early developmental stages. Several of the detected fungal proteins (3% of 1492) have been previously reported as part of extracellular vesicles and having immunomodulating properties. Using an isobaric labelling TMT approach for profiling low abundant proteins of the jejunal tissue, we confirmed that the five fungal species differentially impacted the host intestinal proteome compared to the bacterial consortium. The detected changes in mouse jejunal proteins (4% of 1514) were mainly driven by metabolic proteins.

Conclusions

We used quantitative proteomic profiling of gnotobiotic conditions to show how colonisation with selected fungal species impacts the host gut proteome. Our results suggest that an increased abundance of certain gut fungal species in early life may affect the developing intracellular attributes of epithelial and immune cells.
The endocannabinoid system in zebrafish and its potential to study the effects of Cannabis in humans
Authors: Bailone Ricardo Lacava , Fukushima Hirla Costa Silva , de Aguiar Luis Kluwe , Borra Ricardo Carneiro
Published: February 2022

Zebrafish is considered an unprecedented animal model in drug discovery. A review of the literature presents highlights and elucidates the biological effects of chemical components found in Cannabis sativa. Particular attention is paid to endocannabinoid system (eCB) and its main receptors (CB1 and CB2). The zebrafish model is a promising one for the study of cannabinoids because of the many similarities to the human system. Despite the recent advances on the eCB system, there is still the need to elucidate some of the interactions and, thus, the zebrafish model can be used for that purpose as it respects the 3Rs concept and reduced time and costs. In view of the relevance of cannabinoids in the treatment and prevention of diseases, as well as the importance of the zebrafish animal model in elucidating the biological effects of new drugs, the aim of this study was to bring to light information on the use of the zebrafish animal model in testing C. sativa-based medicines.
An unusual case report on intracranial hydatid cyst with intraventricular extension
Authors: Singh Rohan Kumar , Patwa Prerna Anup , Mishra Gaurav Vedprakash , Dhande Rajasbala Pradeep , Kashikar Shivali Vaibhav , Unadkat Bhavik Sunit
Published: February 2022

Background

We report an interesting case of a primary isolated intraventricular and intracranial hydatid cyst in 20-year-old female that mimicked bleeding cystic tumor presenting as intraventricular hemorrhage with hydrocephalus.

Case presentation

Patient presented with headache and giddiness for 1 month. On magnetic resonance imaging, there was multiloculated multi-cystic lesion in left lateral ventricle and adjacent left periventricular deep white matter. Lesion was causing compression of the body of the left lateral ventricle with temporal horn dilatation and midline shift of 17–18 mm toward right side. On investigation, it was diagnosed intracranial hydatid cyst with intraventricular extension. Patient underwent complete removal of cerebral hydatid cyst. Follow-up postoperative computed tomography scan done which revealed no residual hydatid cyst.

Conclusion

In this case, larvae of echinococcus might have passed through capillaries of liver and lungs and entered systemic circulation reaching brain. Intracerebral hydatid cysts are rare and hence, dangerous if the diagnosis and treatment is not prompt. Intracerebral hydatid cysts have slow growth rate with late-stage symptoms, morbidity and mortality are high. So, take home message is whenever intracranial cystic lesion are found on magnetic resonance imaging hydatid cyst with possible intracranial extension should be considered in differential diagnosis.
Anatomical variations in posterior part of the circle of Willis and their associations with brain infarct in different vascular territories
Authors: Haghighimorad Maryam , Bahrami-Motlagh Hooman , Salehi Elahe , Radmanesh Alireza
Published: February 2022

Background

The relationship between anatomical variations in circle of Willis and brain infarction is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between anatomical variations in posterior portion of the circle of Willis assessed by MR angiography (MRA) and ischemic infarction in different brain territories.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent brain MRI and MRA for suspected cerebrovascular accident. The frequency of anatomical variations including persistent fetal origin of posterior cerebral artery (fPCA) and hypoplastic/aplastic posterior communicating artery (PCoA) and their association with infarction in different intracranial vascular territories was assessed.

Results

In total, 298 patients (155 male/143 female with mean age ± SD of 57 ± 15) were enrolled in the study and categorized into two groups with infarction (n = 142) and without infarction (n = 156). Sixty-three patients (21/1%) had fPCA and 231 (77.5%) had PCoA hypoplasia/aplasia. No significant correlation was identified between fPCA or PCoA hypoplasia/aplasia and presence of infarction. However, regarding the territories involved by infarction, the frequency of thalamus infarction was higher in subgroup with PCoA hypoplasia/aplasia, 17/101 (16.8%) compared to 1/41(2.4%) in the subgroup without ipsilateral PCoA hypoplasia/aplasia (p = 0.024). In two subgroups with and without ipsilateral fPCA variation, frequency of infarction in brain territories was not different significantly.

Conclusions

In patients with brain infarction, aplastic/hypoplastic ipsilateral PCoA is associated with higher incidence of thalamic territory infarction.
Evaluation of fracture risk in Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients by the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool
Authors: Ismail Zahraa Nour Eldine
Published: February 2022

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a risk of fractures due to secondary osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate the probability of fractures in the next 10 years in Egyptian RA patients by the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX).

Results

The study was a case–control study. It included a hundred RA patients as well as 51 apparently healthy volunteers. Bone mineral density (BMD) means of lumbar vertebra, femoral neck, and total femur were significantly lower in the RA patient group. Additionally, FRAX of the major osteoporotic and hip fractures means were significantly higher in the RA group than in the control group. It was also found that age, body mass index (BMI), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and BMD of the femoral neck were significant predictors of FRAX of major osteoporotic and hip fractures (P ≤ 0.05). The cumulative dose of steroids was a significant predictor for FRAX of major osteoporotic fractures; however, the 28 joints disease activity score calculated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (DAS28-ESR) was a significant predictor for FRAX of hip fractures.

Conclusions

RA patients have a high fracture risk probability. Regular annual screening for BMD and FRAX of major osteoporotic and hip fractures is necessary for those patients.
Microplastics in the Mediterranean marine environment: a combined bibliometric and systematic analysis to identify current trends and challenges
Authors: Papadimitriu Marija , Allinson Graeme
Published: February 2022

In recent decades, the potential toxicological and environmental effects of microplastics (MPs) in the Mediterranean Sea region have received growing attention. The number of studies in this area has increased; however, presently there is no scientometric perspective addressing this topic. The purpose of this study was to identify the intellectual base and research front using the visualization and analysis software, CiteSpace, in combination with a systematic review. We retrieved 150 articles, published in print or online as an early-access article between 1979 and 2020, from the Web of Science with a topic search related to MPs, environment, and uptake by biota. We then analysed synthesized networks of co-authorship (author, institution, country), co-citation (author document, journal) and co-occurring keywords. The annual publication output has trended upwards since 2011, with interest in MP abundance in the Mediterranean Sea particularly high in the past 5 years (2016–2020). Authors based in Italy accounted for 25% of the total publications, followed by Spain (16%); but overall publications from Belgium and the Netherlands were more influential. Major research themes identified include the abundance of MPs on beaches, in surface waters, sediments and biota. Secondary microplastics, such fibres and fragments, of a wide range of sizes and chemical composition were dominant in scientific reports, albeit citizen science collection of plastic resin pellets for International Pellet Watch suggests such primary MPs are also widespread, even if their numerical abundance from such collections is unclear. Few studies reported chemical contamination of MPs in the Mediterranean albeit a significant amount of information on the level of chemical contamination of plastic resin pellets is available on the International Pellet Watch website.
Limitation of therapeutic effort in pychiatric patients. about a case
Authors: Villarroel C. Martín , Garcia L. Carpio , Cutanda J. Dominguez , García G. Belmonte , Matsuura J. , Revuelta M. Sánchez , Daza M. Fernández-Torija , García E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Thanks to advances in medicine, more diseases are being cured, but this benefit can become a problem when it causes a worsening of quality of life.

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to analyze, regarding the following case, the convenience of treating or to limit the therapeutic effort (LTE) in psychiatric patients who are in situations at the end of life.

Methods

62-year-old woman begins with depressive symptoms from financial problems. In 4 months ago she makes four suicide attempts (drug overdose, cuts, self-stabbing, and precipitation), being hospitalized in ICU after latter because of multiple trauma and shock. During that time, she had a bad evolution with several complications that made LTE be evaluated. A bibliographic search was performed from different database (Pubmed, TripDatabase) about LTE and ethical implications.

Results

Trying to prolong life by disproportionate means in a patient with a poor prognosis or poor quality of life is bad practice. We must assess the severity, quality of life, capacity and preferences of the patient to decide to treat or not, thus guaranteeing the principle of beneficence. It is also important to respect the principle of autonomy, accepting patients can refuse treatment. All this is equally applicable to psychiatric patients, whom we should not stigmatize but rather evaluate their ability to decide, as in any person.

Conclusions

In conclusion, in situations of high suffering and near death, it is necessary a complete evaluation of the patient (psychiatric or not) is carried out in order to act in the most ethical way.
The characteristics of homicide perpetrators in a medium secure forensic hospital: A study from dundrum hospital
Authors: Basrak N. , Kennedy H. , Davoren M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The majority of homicides in society are not associated with mental illness, however there is an established association between homicide and schizophrenia. Homicide perpetrated by mentally disordered offenders is a leading reason for admission to secure forensic psychiatric hospitals.

Objectives

To investigate the clinical characteristics of those with a history of completed homicide in the CMH Dundrum.

Methods

This study was a cross sectional study of a cohort of patients in the Central Mental Hospital who had completed homicide (n=63).

Results

A total of 136 patients were included, 46.3% (n=63) of whom had committed homicide. Mean age of homicide perpetrators at admission was 34.6 years old (median 33.4, s.d. = 9.72). The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia (n=40, 63.5%). 73.0% (n=46) had a history of substance misuse. 36.5% (n=23) had a diagnosis of a personality disorder, including traits only. The most common victim type was a family member (n=32, 50.8%). Patients with a history of homicide had better scores on dynamic risk of violence (F=8.553, p=0.004), programme completion (F=8.258, p=0.005) and recovery (F=3.666, p=0.058) compared to non-homicide offenders, however they also had significantly longer mean length of stay, 12.7 years v 7.5 years (F=9.634,p=0.002).

Conclusions

Homicide perpetrators with a mental illness constitute a significant portion of the forensic mental health population and a high number of these offences were against family members. A history of homicide among forensic in-patients is associated with a longer length of stay which has implications for service development into the future.
The difficult problem of the crime of impetus: A proposal for an integrated analysis of complex cases
Authors: Sperandeo R. , Cioffi V. , Annunziata S. , Muzii B. , Maldonato N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The evaluation of the crime of impetus poses problems in seeking clinical elements that configure the total or partial defect of mind. Even in the presence of acute psychotic syndromes it is difficult to identify a psychopathological picture that almost overlaps with the times and methods of the crime itself.

Objectives

From a longitudinal perspective, this contribution intends to propose a method of integrating data derived from psychopathological, criminological and forensic psychiatric analyzes, in order to identify the link between them and the criminal act that qualifies or excludes the mental defect.

Methods

In the analysis of a criminal event generated during an acute psychotic episode, it’s described the logic and methodology of integrating criminological, psychopathological and psychiatric forensic data for which it was possible to identify the pathological nature of the event.

Results

The psychopathological analysis allowed the identification of psychotic manifestations before and after the crime. The criminological analysis included the decision to commit the crime, within a framework of alteration of the reality examination and recognized the delusional purpose in the same methods of carrying out the crime. So, the forensic psychiatric analysis clarified the continuity of the psychopathological manifestations in the time frame in which the crime was planned, organized and committed and to codify such manifestations as an acute psychotic episode.

Conclusions

Although it’s not sufficient to circumscribe the criminal act between two pathologically relevant moments, this contribution shows how integrating different methods of analysis makes it possible to identify the quality of the behavior intended as a crime.
Care & custody: E-sport and patient-professional power-relations in forensic psychiatry. A qualitative study
Authors: Terkildsen M. , Kennedy H. , Lieto A. Di , Jensen B. , Uhrskov L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Recovery orientated care emphasizes equality in relations. Forensic psychiatric professionals need to engage in care-relationships with patients in ways where power is symmetrically distributed among them. However, professionals also need to focus on security at the ward. This promotes patient-professional power-relations that are asymmetrically skewed towards professionals. New practical ways of balancing between the power-relations defined by a care and custody dichotomy in forensic care need to be developed and studied to guide clinical practice.

Objectives

To study how power-relations are articulated between patient-professional within a social gaming activity (E – sport) in a Danish medium secure forensic psychiatric ward.

Methods

Three months of observational data, collected via anthropological fieldwork Interviews with 3 professionals and 6 patients Data was analyzed using sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s notions of field, capital and power

Results

The E-sport intervention consists of two fields “in-game” and “over-game” In-game concerns the practice of gaming Over-game concerns the interventions organization Power in each field is driven by specific values and access to certain competencies Power in-game was equally open to patients and professionals leading to symmetric power relations Power over-game was open to professionals only leading to asymmetrical power relations Professionals may allow power distribution to patients during gameplay, while still retaining the overall power over the intervention

Conclusions

It is possible to balance between care-and-custody in forensic psychiatry. This study provides important insights to guide further practice.
Psychiatric treatment of mentally ill persons in custody – legal, medical and ethical issues
Authors: Jengic V. Sendula , Bujan A. Jengic
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The most recent legal regulations in the Republic of Croatia govern the process of criminal procedure for persons in pre-trial detention who have a temporary mental disturbance for which psychiatric treatment is needed. The Prison Director is in this case obliged to seek psychiatric treatment for such persons who are then hospitalized in a psychiatric institution instead of a prison hospital or prison that meets the requirements prescribed by law for the accommodation of pre-trial detainees. Forensic departments of the five psychiatric hospitals in Croatia accept mentally incapable persons subject to court order, but not persons in custody, i.e. in pre-trial detention. Pre-trial detention is a measure imposed in the previous proceedings to ensure that the person to whom the measure is imposed is present during the pre-trial stage and the hearing stage, i.e. after the final judgment has been rendered until it becomes final. According to Croatian laws, a person who has been sentenced to pre-trial detention and who has mental disorders is entitled to a range of rights that must be respected, and at the same time, there are strict restrictions in exercising those same rights for the reason of sentencing to pre-trial detention.

Objectives

The article points to several problems that have arisen in practice due to the under-regulation of pre-trial detention measures.

Methods

Perspective, opinion, and commentary article.

Results

Perspective, opinion, and commentary article.

Conclusions

The authors discuss legal, medical, and ethical issues, but also the financial framework of such a process.
Changes in BMI and blood pressure after implementing a complete smoking ban in a medium secure forensic setting: A study from dundrum hospital dublin
Authors: Roarty A. , Kennedy H. , Davoren M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In February 2020, the Central Mental Hospital Dundrum moved to a complete ban on cigarette smoking. Concerns were raised that this might represent a ‘restrictive practice’ and that patients might gain weight or see changes in their blood pressure if they were not permitted to smoke.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to ascertain if there were changes in the blood pressure readings or body mass index of a group of patients in a secure forensic hospital after the implementation of a complete campus-wide smoking ban

Methods

All patients (n=20) working with one medium cluster team were included in the study. Demographic details and data pertaining to legal status, diagnosis and length of stay in the hospital were obtained. BMI, blood pressure and medications were reviewed at the time of introduction of the smoking ban, 1st February 2020 and again 5 months later.

Results

All those included in the study were male. The median age was 35 years, most common diagnosis was schizophrenia and mean length of stay was 4.23 years. 20% of patients were prescribed anti-hypertensives at the time of introduction of the smoking ban. All of the patients on anti-hypertensives were overweight. At follow up there was no increase in BMI noted in the patient group. Two patients had dose reductions in anti-hypertensives, three had discontinuation of bronchodilators.

Conclusions

Introducing a campus wide smoking ban in a secure forensic psychiatric hospital is both clinically positive and practically possible. There was no noted increase in incidents in the hospital during this period.
Systematic review of economic evaluation studies in psychiatric pharmacogenomics
Authors: Mitropoulou C. , Karamperis K. , Koromina M. , Papantoniou P. , Skokou M. , Kanellakis F. , Mitropoulos K. , Vozikis A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Nowadays, many relevant gene-drug associations have been discovered, but pharmacogenomics (PGx)-guided treatment needs to be cost-effective as well as clinically beneficial to be incorporated into standard health-care.

Objectives

To address current challenges, this systematic review provides an update regarding previously published studies, which assessed the cost-effectiveness of pharmacogenomics testing for the prescription of antidepressants and antipsychotics.

Methods

Our initial screening revealed 1159 articles, which was subsequently reduced to 32 articles, deducted by analysis of their abstract. Full-text analysis performed by all authors resulted in 18 papers that were further included in the analysis.

Results

Of the 18 studies evaluations, 16 studies (88.89%) drew conclusions in favor of PGx testing, of which 9 (50%) were cost-effective and 7 (38.9%) were less costly based on cost analysis. In brief, we found sufficient evidence on the cost-effectiveness of PGx in psychiatric disease care. More precisely, supportive evidence exists for CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 gene-drug associations and for combinatorial PGx panels, but evidence is limited for many other drug–gene combinations. Amongst the limitations of the field are the unclear explanation of perspective and cost inputs in many economic studies, as well as the underreporting of study design elements, which can influence significantly the economic evaluations.

Conclusions

Overall, this systematic review highlights the need for additional research on economic evaluations of PGx implementation with an emphasis on psychiatric pharmacogenomics.
Mitochondrial ATP production is impaired in neural stem/progenitor cells derived from olfactory neuroepithelium of patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Idotta C. , Tibaldi E. , Favaretto N. , Pagano M. , Peruzzo R. , Pigato G. , Cazzador D. , Meneguzzo P. , Solmi M. , Leanza L. , Favaro A. , Brunati A.M. , Toffanin T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Neural stem/progenitor cells derived from olfactory neuroepithelium (hereafter OE-NS/PCs) are emerging as a viable proxy and a valuable tool for translational studies on severe mental illnesses (SMI). In this respect, the use of OE-NS/PCs as a surrogate cellular model of schizophrenia (SZ) has enabled insights into cell signaling and cell cycle dynamics in this disease.

Objectives

We explored whether mitochondrial dysfunction, which has been already associated with SZ, may have a role in the altered proliferation pattern previously observed in OE-NS/PCs of SZ patients.

Methods

OE-NS/PCs were collected from 20 patients and 20 healthy controls (Hcs) by nasal brushing, cultured in proper medium and expanded. Fresh OE-NS/PCs at passage 3 of both groups underwent BrdU proliferation assays or were frozen for later use. Mitochondrial ATP production was measured in both fresh and thawed OE-NS/PCs by using the ATPlite Luminescence Assay kit.

Results

Fresh OE-NS/PCs of patients grew at a higher rate than those of HCs (M-W U=0; p<0.001), whereas the proliferation of thawed OE-NS/PCs of both groups exhibited an opposed pattern (at passage 6, p=0.002). Mitochondrial ATP production was significantly lower in OE-NS/PCs of patients than in those of HCs (M-W U=0; p=0.02), regardless of freeze-thaw conditions (M-W U=6; p=0.77).

Conclusions

Mitochondrial ATP production is negatively affected in OE-NS/PCs of SZ patients as compared to those of HCs. This evidence does not differ in fresh OE-NS/PCs and OE-NS/PCs undergoing freeze-thaw cycles, which instead perturb the proliferation pattern of SZ OE-NS/PCs.
Drug-induced metabolic syndrome hasn’t associations with 5-HT receptor genes polymorphisms in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Paderina D. , Pozhidaev I. , Bocharova A. , Kornetova E. , Boiko A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Metabolic disturbances are common in patients maintained on neuroleptics. These abnormalities significantly increase the physical comorbidity and mortality rates due to cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that 5-HT receptor genes polymorphisms have associations with drug-induced metabolic syndrome development in schizophrenic patients.

Objectives

To investigate the role of polymorphic variants of serotonin receptors genes in the development of antipsychotic-induced metabolic syndrome.

Methods

467 patients with schizophrenia receiving long-term antipsychotic therapy were investigated. The mean age was 40.0±11.6 years. The standard phenol-chloroform method for DNA isolation was used. Genotyping was carried out on eight SNP’s of genes HTR1A, HTR2A, HTR3A and HTR2C with the MassARRAY® Analyzer 4 (Agena Bioscience™) using the set SEQUENOM Consumables iPLEX Gold 96 on the base The Core Facility “Medical Genomics”, Tomsk NRMC.

Results

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 26.1%. In the study sample, there were significantly more women with metabolic syndrome (56.6%) than men (43.4%) (p=0.002). The majority of patients with metabolic disturbances were aged >40 years (62.3%), versus 40.9% in the group without metabolic disorders (p<0.001). The duration of the disease was statistically significantly higher in the group of patients with metabolic syndrome (p=0.003). We did not find statistically significant associations of polymorphic variants of the studied genes with the development of the drug-induced metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

Our results do not demonstrate any significant association between allelic variants of serotonin receptor genes and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest. Supported by Grant of RSF 19-75-10012.
Intellectual disability and antipsychotics
Authors: Iñiguez I. Cuevas , Lietor M.D.C. Molina
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Intellectual disability is a condition of cognitive impairment and deficit in adaptive skills. Mental illness is frequent in people with intellectual disability. As a result antipsychotics are often prescribed to treat not only mental illness but also problem behaviors.

Objectives

Perform a literature search about intellectual disability and antipsychotics.

Methods

A non-systematic literature review was performed on PubMed using the keywords “intellectual disability” and “antipsychotics”. All papers published between 2015 and 2020 were evaluated.

Results

A review of the literature reveals that antipsychotics are the most frequently prescribed psychotropic drugs in people with intellectual disability. However, results from the studies are ambiguous. Several studies showed that antipsychotics are effective in improving problem behaviours, nevertheless some recent studies showed no significant difference in the outcomes between antipsychotics and placebo

Conclusions

Even though antipsychotics are prescribed in people with intellectual disability, evidence to support their use is lacking. In consequence, clinicians should consider the pharmacological approach as a part of an integrative treatment. Assessing adverse events, drug effects and the possibility of decreasing dose of antipsychotics is crucial.
The effect of exercise on the cognitive and physical function of patients with dementia
Authors: Papatsimpas V. , Vrouva S. , Bakalidou D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Dementia is characterized by a decrease in mental functions, while disorders of balance, coordination of movements and gait are gradually added. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the role of exercise as a therapeutic strategy for people with dementia.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different types of exercise and its parameters on cognitive and physical function in patients with dementia after reviewing the relevant literature.

Methods

Review of the literature based on the research of original scientific articles published in the electronic databases PubMed / Medline and Google scholar using as keywords the terms dementia, cognitive function, physical function, functionality, aerobic exercise, resistance exercise.

Results

A review in the literature highlights the beneficial effect of exercise on patients with dementia. Aerobic exercise and mixed interventions have been studied more, while resistance interventions have been less studied. All three types of exercise have shown positive effects. The methodology differences of the studies make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the optimal intervention in the cognitive and physical function for the optimal result, the type of exercise, the duration, the frequency and the intensity.

Conclusions

Exercise (physical) may help maintain or improve cognitive function and functionality in patients with dementia but additional study is needed to clarify optimal intervention and establish guidelines.
Setting up a clinical psychology service for reception department with consultative care
Authors: Semenova N. , Shport S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is a plenty of literature on providing psychological services for psychiatry inpatients and outpatients. Seeing a psychiatrist for the first time can be stressful.

Objectives

This paper will identify challenges in setting up a clinical psychology service for consultees seen in Reception Department with consultative and primary specialized health care. ‘Clinical psychology service’ is a project in Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry providing services within the Reception Department setting. A need to address mental ill health issues (getting a diagnosis and treatment plan) within the broader psychosocial needs of consultees has been identified.

Methods

Clinical psychology established a brief intervention ‘service’ for consultees. Issues of establishing trust within this population suggested the need to provide a ‘named’ male or female psychologist. The psychologist accompanied psychiatric consultants’ recommendations to familiarize a consultee of the availability of the service. Evaluation of the service, including uptake, client satisfaction, and outcome, is ongoing using quantitative and qualitative methods. Data is presented on key themes identified in providing psychological services to consultees.

Results

Key themes identified included: 1. Service development: establishing trust, ensuring confidentiality, close between consultants working, flexibility, crisis management, safety, establish links with other agencies; 2. Complex psychological and social needs: mental health issues, trauma, substance misuse, domestic and sexual violence.

Conclusions

Consultees present with a range of complex psychosocial needs. While this population may have reservations about accessing ‘standard’ mental health services, a flexible psychology service working in close liaison with psychiatric consultants may be effective in addressing these needs.
Prevalence and risk factors of compulsory admissions in athens region: Are there any differences between psychiatric and general hospitals?
Authors: Peppou L.E. , Drakonakis N. , Stylianidis S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Concerns have been raised about Europe facing a reinstitutionalization process. Thus, research and policy interest in prevalence and determinants of involuntary hospitalizations has recently rekindled. In Greece, heightened rates of compulsory admissions have been partly ascribed to the incomplete psychiatric reform. Psychiatric hospitals remain the mainstay of inpatient care, as opposed to the more community-oriented psychiatric departments of general hospitals.

Objectives

To investigate differences between a psychiatric and a general hospital with respect to rates and determinants of involuntary hospitalizations in Athens.

Methods

All admissions in one psychiatric and one general hospital between May – September 2020 were considered. Information about patients’ socio-demographic characteristics and mental health status was garnered through clinical records and patient and physician interviews. Symptom severity was assessed with the Health of Nations Outcome Scale and diagnosis was assigned in accordance with the ICD-10 criteria.

Results

A total of 600 admissions were analysed. In the general hospital, 52.5% of admissions were involuntary, as opposed to 63.1% in the psychiatric hospital (OR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.43 – 0.97). In the general hospital, the sole risk factor for compulsory admission was aggression (OR= 3.23, 95%CI = 1.24-8.4). Interestingly, in the psychiatric hospital, sex, age, nationality, education, diagnosis and the severity of symptoms tapped by HoNOS were not found to predict involuntary status.

Conclusions

In psychiatric hospitals, no patient subgroups appear to be at elevated risk of civil detention. Therefore, further research is warranted as to what drives the decision there.
Psychosocial risks and the occurrence of work-related accidents
Authors: Rmadi N. , Kotti N. , Masmoudi R. , Dhouib F. , Loukil K. , Hammami K. Jmal , Masmoudi M. Larbi , Masmoudi J. , Hajjeji M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Psychosocial risks (PSR) represent a new scourge of risks at work. The direct links between these risks and occupational accidents (OA) are not well documented, but some work restraints such as time pressure are common factors for both stress and accidents.

Objectives

To establish a relationship between different PSR perceived by health staff and the occurrence of OA.

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted among staff working at Habib Bourguiba Hospital in Sfax from 1st January to 31 March 2015. The evaluation of mental health was performed by using the validated French version of questionnaire KARASEK.

Results

The study involved 326 care staff (115 men and 211 women). The average age was 36 years old. The participants were mainly nurses (30.6%) and trainee physicians (35.6%). Blood exposure accidents were predominant (66.1% of cases) and were associated with high psychological demands at work with OR = 2.539 (95% CI [1.037 - 6.219]). Health care workers had a high psychological demand in 85.3% and a low latitude in 78.8% of cases. According to the Karasek model, tense employees accounted for 68.7% and assets 16.6%. OAs occurring during care were associated with night work and working in the emergency and resuscitation department (OR = 5,772 (95% CI [1,227-27,146] and OR = 5,778 (95% CI [1,702 -19,619]) respectively).

Conclusions

The prevention of OA goes through the management of PSR, which remains a major concern for health and safety workers at work via the application of preventive strategies based on in-depth analysis of work situations.
The effects of illness perceptions on their medication attitudes among patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Syu J.-Y. , Lin E.C.-L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Antipsychotics are the primary treatment for patients with schizophrenia. However, medication non- adherence rate of schizophrenia patients is high. Illness perceptions have been identified as critical indicators to influence patients’ medication adherence and treatment process. Knowledge remains unclear about the effects of illness perceptions on medication attitudes among patients with schizophrenia.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effects of illness perceptions on medication attitudes among patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan with a convenience sample of 200 patients with schizophrenia recruited. Two self-reported scales, Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ - R) and Drug Attitude Index - 10 (DAI - 10), were used to assess patients’ illness perceptions and medication attitudes. Positive illness perceptions mean patients believe their illness acute, noncyclical, fewer consequences and emotional representation. And have more personal control, treatment control, and illness coherence.

Results

Patients’ illness perceptions were negative, with a little illness identity. Most of them believed that illness is more chronic and cyclical, causing negative consequences, lower self-control, and negative emotional expression. However, they thought treatment is moderately helpful for illness control, and the treatment effect is moderate. Multiple regression analysis showed that positive illness perceptions and negatively emotional representation could predict better medication attitudes.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that psychiatric mental health professionals could assess the illness perceptions of schizophrenia patients to influence their medication attitudes. Moreover, developing evidence-based interventions to improve their positive illness perceptions and decrease negative illness perceptions is needed.