bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a microglia-specific humanized P2X7 receptor knock-out mouse line: Implications for translational psychoneuroimmunology
Authors: Urbina Trevino L. , Von Mücke-Heim I.-A. , Deussing J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder and chronic stress is considered its main environmental risk factor. Recently, immune processes including adenosine triphosphate mediated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) signalling via microglia and macrophages (M/Ms) were found to play a critical role in depression genesis, by linking environmental stress to depression biology and symptoms.

Objectives

To characterize the role of human P2X7R (hP2X7R) in psychosocial and immune stress conditions, both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Several, custom designed mouse lines expressing the loxP-flanked, hP2X7R-sequence in the murine P2X7R locus were established. In addition, these mice possess a Cre-sensitive reporter and express a Cre recombinase fused to a mutant estrogen receptor
ligand-binding domain in M/Ms. This enables conditional, tamoxifen-inducible hP2X7R inactivation and simultaneous tdTomato expression. First, we established primary microglia cell cultures and characterized them at baseline and following immune stimulation. Next, we performed behavioural assessment of hP2X7Rwt and microglia-specific hP2X7RKO mice following chronic psychosocial stress. Last, we developed a novel in vivo two-photon microscopy (TPM) approach by use of frontolimbic cranial windows.

Results

Primary hP2X7RKO microglia displayed significantly lower IL-1β production, increased survival and decreased morphological activation upon immune stimulation. Although hP2X7RKO mice showed a significant increase of locomotor activity at baseline, there was no impact on anxiety- and depressive-like phenotypes. Longitudinal in vivo TPM enabled morphometric characterization of cortical M/Ms over several weeks.

Conclusions

Our results illustrate the great potential of this humanized mouse line for translational psychiatry. In the future, this system could proof useful to evaluate immunomodulatory approaches in chronic stress and depression.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Resistance or pseudo-resistance?
Authors: Zanardi R. , Attanasio F. , De Cesare C. , Fazio V. , Colombo C.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Treatment-Resistant Depression continues to represent a great challenge for clinicians.

Objectives

We investigated patients with history of resistance, assessing prognostic factors, response to treatments, and remission over time.

Methods

We recruited 202 unipolar and bipolar depressed inpatients. According to anamnestic backgrounds, patients were assigned to: A) Non-resistant
: responders, with no characteristics of resistance in the current episode. B) Resistant: resistant to two antidepressant trials of adequate doses and duration. C) Pseudo-resistant
: non-responders, not classifiable as Resistant because of inadequate trials. During hospitalization, patients were treated by clinical judgment, following a rehabilitation program.

Results

Table 1Non-resistant (111)Resistant (54)Pseudo-resistant (35)p-valueAge59.1±11.963.0±12.657.0±11.30.036*Episodes of illness3.8±2.14.0±1.93.0±1.80.036*Personality disorders27.0%18.9%48.6%0.009**Therapies:0.014**SSRI62.4%40.4%69.7%SNRI19.8%42.3%15.1%TCA17.8%17.3%15.1%Augmentation24.3%38.9%17.1%0.05**Remission76.5%59.5%81.2%CvsB:0.045** CvsA:0.587**

On the day of admission, non-responders were 44.5% of the sample, but 39.3% of them did not meet the Resistant criteria, defining the Pseudo-resistant
group. Pseudo-resistant
differed from others by younger age, fewer illness episodes, higher rate of personality disorders, and different therapies during hospitalization [Fig.1,2,3]. Pseudo-resistant
remission rate, significantly greater than Resistant one, was comparable to Non-resistant
[Tab.1]. *Kruskal-Wallis Test **Chi-Squared Test

Conclusions

This study outlines a new group of depressed patients that, apparently drug-resistant, displays the same outcome as responders when treated with first-line drugs during hospitalization, certainly taking benefit from the psychoeducational program. Quick recognition of these patients could be crucial to giving optimal care.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Is Maternity Blues a risk factor for the onset of post-partum depression? A longitudinal Study
Authors: Sollo V. , Zinno F. , Vece A. , Giallonardo V. , Sampogna G. , Luciano M. , Fiorillo A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The period after delivery is characterised by physical, hormonal and psychological changes. Up to 20% of women can present depressive and anxiety symptoms and difficulties in the interaction with the newborn, emotional lability. This condition is also called “Maternity Blues (MB)”.

Objectives

To: 1) assess the frequency of MB presentation of depressive symptoms immediately after the delivery; 2) identify those characteristics more frequently associated to the onset of depressive symptoms after the delivery; and 3) verify the hypothesis that the presence of maternity blues is a risk factor for the onset of a depressive episode in the 12 months after the delivery.

Methods

From December 2019 to February 2021 all women who gave birth at the University of Campania “Vanvitelli” were enrolled. Upon acceptance, they filled in the EPDS Scale. Sociodemographic, gynaecological, peripartum and psychiatric anamnesis was collected at baseline. Women have been reassessed after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

359 women were recruited, with a mean EPDS score of 5.51. Among these, 83 reported the presence of MB (EPDS score≥10; 23.12%). Anxiety disorders with onset prior to pregnancy (p<.000), preeclampsia (p<.01), increased foetal health rate (p<.01), conflicts with relatives (p<.001) and anxiety disorders the partner (p<.01) emerged as predictors of Mb. The presence of MB increase 7 time the risk to have higher EPDS score at follow-up assessments (p<.000).

Conclusions

The presence of MB should always be assessed in the immediate post-partum and psychosocial interventions should be provided to women with MB to reduce its potential negative effect on mental health.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Exploring the Experiences of Psychiatric Nurses During Care of Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Birtalan I.L. , Kelemen O.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The global coronavirus outbreak was viewed as a severe threat to healthcare providers, particularly nurses. COVID-19 has numerous public health management dimensions, including the reorganization of health care workers to support and assist patients.

Objectives

This study used a qualitative approach to gain an insight into the experiences of psychiatric nurses who were treating quarantined patients at various hospitals. This research aimed to investigate the experiences of reassigned psychiatric nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak in Hungary.

Methods

Using a phenomenological approach, we enrolled 7 nurses who provided care for COVID-19 patients from July 2020 to April 2021. The interviews were conducted face-to-face in the form of semi-structured interviews and were analysed using a health-psychology approach: interpretive phenomenology analysis.

Results

Our study shows that pandemic public health reorganization creates novel situations and issues that nurses are forced to address. Our findings suggest that three themes emerge from the data to describe psychiatric nursing: (1) Usage of earlier clinical experiences, (2) Recognizing mental issues, (3) Social networks.

Conclusions

This study suggests professional self-concepts and job satisfaction in relation to treating quarantine patients are affected by the identity and conflicts of psychiatric nursing in a novel situation.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Mental Health in Individuals with a History of Mental Disorder during COVID-19-Pandemic - Preliminary Results of the National Cohort Study in Germany
Authors: Riedel-Heller S.G. , Pabst A. , Stein J. , Grabe H. , Rietschel M. , Berger K.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Research of COVID-19-Pandemic mental health impact focus on three groups: the general population, (2) so called vulnerable groups (e.g. individuals with mental disorders) and (3) individuals suffering COVID-19 including Long-COVID syndromes.

Objectives

We investigate whether individuals with a history of depression in the past, react to the COVID-19 pandemic with increased depressive symptoms.

Methods

Longitudinal Data stem from the NAKO-Baseline-Assessment (2014-2019, 18 study centers in Germany, representative sampled individuals from 20 to 74 years) and the subsequent NAKO-COVID-Assessment (5-11/2020). The sample for analysis comprises 115.519 individuals. History of psychiatric disorder was operationalized as lifetime self-report for physician-diagnosed depression. Depressive symptoms were measured with the PHQ 9.

Results

Mean age of the sample at baseline was 49.95 (SD 12.53). It comprised 51.70 women; 14 % of the individuals had a history of
physician-diagnosed depression. Considering a PHQ-Score with cut-off 10 as a clinical relevant depression, 3.65 % of the individuals without history of depression and 24.19 % of those with a history of depression were depressed at baseline. The NAKO-COVID-Assessment revealed 6.53 % depressed individuals without any history of depression and a similar rate of 23.29 % in those with history of depression.

Conclusions

In contrast to that what we expected, individuals with a history of a physician-diagnosed depression, did not react with increasing depressiveness during the first phase of the pandemic in Germany. Several reasons could be discussed. Whether there medium and long-term impact remains open.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Quality of Life among General Population at Argolida regional unit
Authors: Gamvroula A. , Antonopoulos S. , Stratou E. , Toutouni C. , Aggelaina S. , Lampou G. , Saridi M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The impact of the Covid-19 on the quality of life (QOL) have been reported and highlighted by several research studies worldwide.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life among Greek general population of Argolida, taking into consideration the socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods

Information on the socio-demographic characteristics and Covid related data of the respondents was collected by a questionnaire including age, gender, education level, marital status, health status, smoking history, sedentary lifestyle, job status. A 5-point Likert scale (MVQOLI) was used to examine the QOL. Comparisons on the variables were performed using Kruskal-Wallis H Test and x2 test, using SPSS Statistics (version 20).

Results

A total of 620 Greek adults (Females n =381) were requested to answer by filling the questionnaire or Google Form. The results showed statistically significant differences in higher level QOL depending on a number of variables that are presented in the table. Table Demographic characteristics of the study with higher level QOLSample Characteristicsp ValueGender : Female0,003Marital status: Married /cohabitation0,011Level of education : High0,000Health status: Non psychiatric disease0,022Smoking status: Never smoked & ex-smoker0,043Sedentary life style0,002Non covid-19 affected0,001Confidence in the health system0,001Confidence in health workers0,001

Conclusions

The results showed that female sex, married, higher educated respondents, non smokers were significantly associated with higher QOL. The findings can certainly offer guidelines in developing programs and interventions for all domains of QOL.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Quality of sleep and health-related quality of life among health care professionals treating patients with coronavirus disease-19
Authors: Stojanov J. , Stojanov A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Health care professionals exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are facing high levels of stress.

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the quality of sleep (QoS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), among health care professionals treating patients with COVID-19, as well as quantifying the magnitude of symptoms of depression and levels of anxiety.

Methods

We included 201 health care professionals in a cross-sectional, web-based study by applying 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Scale, Zung Self-rating Depression Scale, 36-item Health Survey of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and additional survey constructed for the purpose of the study.

Results

Poor QoS and HRQoL correlated with high health anxiety and severe depressive symptoms and several demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher scores on GAD-7 (beta = .71, p < .01) and lower scores on mental health (MH) subscale on SF36 questionnaire (beta = –.69; p < .01) were independent predictors of the higher PSQI score (adjusted R2 = .61, p < .01 for overall model). Higher scores on GAD-7 (beta = .68, p < .01) and worse self-perceived mental status (beta = .25; p < .05) were independent predictors of the lower SF36 scores (adjusted R2 = .73, p < .01 for overall model).

Conclusions

The major MH burden of health care professionals treating infected patients during the COVID-19 pandemic indicates that they need psychological support.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Concomitant CNVs in healthy carriers with 7q31.1 microdeletions may suppress intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders phenotype
Authors: Belyaeva E. , Kashevarova A. , Drozdov G. , Fedotov D. , Lebedev I.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

About 66% of chromosomal microdeletions and microduplications associated with pathological conditions are inherited [Smajlagić D. et al., 2021]. The mechanisms of incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity of CNV are not fully understood. The presence of concomitant CNVs in the genome of healthy parents may have a modifying effect.

Objectives

Identification of additional CNVs in healthy carriers with 7q31.1 microdeletions.

Methods

CNVs were revealed by Agilent Technologies 60K microarray and confirmed by qPCR.

Results

We examined 3 families with inherited 7q31.1 microdeletions affecting only the IMMP2L gene, which is associated with intellectual disability, developmental delay and autism spectrum disorders. Family 1: Proband has intellectual disability, developmental delay, sensorimotor alalia. Microdeletion was inherited from the father, and a healthy sibling is also a carrier of rearrangement. In sibs, additional CNVs were identified: arr[hg19]: 4q31.21(144722583_144939143)×3; 9p12p11.2(43588066_43836428)×3; 16p11.2(32066967_33773163)×1; and 17q21.31(44199517_44577208)×3. Family 2: Proband suffers from development delay, speech disorder and autism. Microdeletion was of paternal origin. The father additionally demonstrated microduplication 16p11.2p11.1(33967926-35204414)×3. Family 3: Proband was diagnosed with development delay and cerebral palsy. The mother is a carrier of a similar 7q31.1 microdeletion; two concomitant CNVs were identified in her karyotype: 9p13.1(39176840_40614884)×3; and 16p11.2p11.1(32833891_35204414)×3. Thus, healthy parents in 3 families have CNV in a common region 16p11.2, which contains the TP53TG3 gene. It is important that TP53TG3 expression is associated with epistatic CNV-CNV interactions [Sun, Kardia 2010].

Conclusions

Multiple CNVs in apparently healthy carriers of IMMP2L microdeltions may suppress disease phenotype due to the epistatic CNV-CNV interaction. This study was supported by Russian Science Foundation, grant no. 21-75-00112.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Suicidal Behavior in Adolescent Girls with Eating Disorders
Authors: Semenova N. , Slobodskaya H. , Rezun E.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Eating disorders are associated with suicidal behavior in adolescents. But the relationship between subthreshold eating disorders and suicidality is not well understood.

Objectives

To examine suicidal behavior in adolescent girls with eating disorders (ED) and subthreshold eating disorders (SED).

Methods

The study of 917 girls aged 12–17 used the Body Image and Eating Distress scale (Koskelainen et al., 2001) and questions about intentional self-harm (burns or cuts), suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts. Adolescents were divided into three groups: girls with ED (n = 20); girls with SED (n = 88); and control group (CG, n = 809).

Results

Self-harm was reported by 55% of girls with ED, 35.2% of girls with SED and 20.2% of CG girls (χ2 = 15.82, p <0.001). Suicidal ideation was reported by 65% of girls with ED, 51.1% of girls with SED and 27.2% of CG girls (χ2 = 21.86, p <0.001). Suicidal attempts were reported by 45% of girls with ED, 17.1% of girls with SED and 7.5% of the CG. There were no differences in the prevalence of self-harm and suicidal ideation between the ED and SED groups, rates of suicide attempts were 2.6 times higher in the ED group.

Conclusions

Girls with both ED and SED have a high risk of suicidal behavior: 2.7-4.5 times higher rates of self-harm, 1.9-2.4 times higher rates of suicidal ideation, and 2.3-6 times higher rates of suicidal attempts. Management of such adolescents should include assessment of the risk of suicide.

Disclosure

The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation grant # 21-15-00033.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adult obese patients referred to bariatric surgery
Authors: Brancati G.E. , Barbuti M. , Weiss F. , Calderone A. , Santini F. , Perugi G.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which only rarely remits in adulthood[1]. A positive association between ADHD and obesity has been repeatedly observed, especially in adult samples[2]. However, only a few studies investigated the prevalence and correlates of ADHD in obese patients seeking bariatric treatment[3,4].

Objectives

Our study was aimed to examine the prevalence of probable ADHD comorbidity in a sample of obese patients referred for bariatric surgery. Secondly, we sought to characterize differences in eating behaviour between obese subjects with and without probable ADHD.

Methods

The study sample was composed of 110 adult obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) consecutively referred for bariatric surgery to the Obesity Center of the Endocrinology Unit in Pisa University Hospital between November 2010 and May 2012. Probable ADHD was identified using a recently developed screening scale based on items selected from Symptom Check‐List‐90‐R (SCL-90-R)[5]. The extent of binge-eating/purging and night-eating behaviours were respectively estimated using the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE)[6] and the Night-eating Questionnaire (NEQ)[7]. Wilcoxon test was used for statistical comparisons, with a significance level of p<0.05 set for all tests.

Results

Probable ADHD was found in 14 subjects (12.7%, 95%CI=7.1-20.4%). Patients with probable ADHD showed significantly higher BITE symptom score (20.4±9.3 vs. 12.1±7.5, r=0.31, p=0.001) and NEQ total score (16.1±9.2 vs. 9.5±3.9, r=0.27, p=0.005).

Conclusions

ADHD is a relatively common comorbidity in obese patients seeking bariatric treatment, which is positively associated with disordered eating habits, such as binge-eating/purging and night-eating behaviours.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Perinatal OCD - A Lived Experience
Authors: Wilson D.
Published: September 2022

• Diana discusses the terror of perinatal ocd undiagnosed with four small children ages six years and under

• Diana explains fearing seeking help and seeing a psychiatrist knowing she would have to disclose her thoughts and images she encountered daily

• She pinpoints what moved her forward and stresses the importance of revisiting ocd when it is not in your life

• She talks of hope and through successful CBT and Citalipram, has been free of the disorder for twenty years

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Panic Disorder Severity Scale self-report: transcultural validation and sensitivity to change of the French-Canadian adaptation
Authors: Roberge P. , Provencher M. , Norton P. , Carrier N. , Marx P. , Couture J. , Benoît A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The self-report version of the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS-SR) is a reliable and valid instrument to assess panic disorder, but is unavailable in French.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to conduct a transcultural validation of the French-Canadian PDSS-SR and examine its psychometric properties.

Methods

This study is part of a pragmatic RCT of group transdiagnostic CBT for anxiety disorders, and includes 272 adults meeting DSM-5 panic disorder diagnostic criteria. At baseline, participants completed the Anxiety and Related Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS-5), the French-Canadian PDSS-SR and self-report measures. Convergent validity was assessed with Spearman correlations, Cronbach’s α was used to analyse internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluated its factor structure. Sensitivity to change was assessed with paired sample t-tests in patients (n = 72) meeting DSM-5 criteria for panic disorder at baseline with posttreatment data.

Results

108 patients met DSM-5 criteria for panic disorder, including 58 with agoraphobia. The majority were women (85.3%) and mean age was 37.1 (SD = 12.4). Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) was 0.91. For convergent validity, the highest correlation was with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (r = 0.64). CFA suggested a two-factor model. Optimal threshold for probable diagnosis was 10. Analyses support sensitivity to change when comparing transdiagnostic group CBT and control conditions.

Conclusions

With its good psychometric properties in primary care patients, the French-Canadian self-report version of the Panic Disorder Severity Scale is an efficient and practical instrument for both clinicians and researchers working in the field of mental health.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Clinical correlates of anxiety disorders : Tunisian study about 436 subjects
Authors: Jabeur M. , Gassab L. , Ayadi A. , Ben Mohamed B. , Zaafrane F. , Gaha L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Anxiety disorders are very common and burdensome mental illnesses worldwide, characterized by exagerated feelings of worry and fear. These disorders are highly comorbid with other conditions.

Objectives

The aim of our study is to explore the physical and psychiatric comorbidities and their clinical correlates. The second objective is to identify the predictors of recurrence of anxiety disorders.

Methods

Our study concerned 436 outpatients who met DSM-V diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders and were followed in the Department of Psychiatry of Monastir (Tunisia) between 1998 and 2017. Selective mutism and seperation anxiety were excluded for lack of cases.

Results

Our results demonstrated that Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was significantly associated with cardiovascular comorbidity (OR=3.208). Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) was significantly correlated to avoidant personality disorder (OR=17). Patients with suicide attempts are more likely to have a comorbid personality disorder (OR=11.606). Being married and having a later age of onset are predictors of having comorbid depressive disorder. Furthermore, being married, having an anxiety-anxiety comorbidity and a longer duration of untreated illness (DUI) are predictors of recurrence.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the fact that comorbidities (physical and psychopathological) call for a closer follow up due to the higher risk of recurrence, the higher risk of suicide attempts and the poorer treatment response.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Primary clinical testing of the questionnaire “Brief questionary of quality of anxiety” in patients with generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Morozova M. , Rupchev G. , Burminskiy D. , Potanin S. , Lepilkina T. , Beniashvili A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The clinical differentiation of anxiety can play an important role, particularly in response to treatment. Patients with generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) reflect anxiety, therefore questionnaires are effective. Previous attempts to create a questionnaire assessing the quality of anxiety assessed only one aspect – tolerance to uncertainty (3). The new questionnaire covers such aspects of anxiety as behavioral manifestation, hypochondria, relation to cognition, personal trait and expectation from treatment.

Objectives

Clinical testing of the questionnaire.

Methods

38 GAD patients (total score of Hamilton depression rating scale 27±4.7), aged 42.5±13, 75% females and 38 healthy volunteers aged 36.5±11, 74% females. The questionnaire included 8 statements, (two of them have subparagraphs). The testing version does not include statement about expectations from treatment. It takes 10 minutes to fill it out.

Results

The difference between groups were found in following statements:

“I am often told that a am worried about small things” (χ2 22 p=0.00001)–behavioral presentation of anxiety.

“When I am anxious, I find it difficult to concentrate” (χ23,6 p=0.059)–cognitive aspect.

“My anxiety is getting worse, when I can’t complete the task strictly according to the instruction” (χ2 13.6 p=0.0002) -obsessive aspect.

“My anxiety is getting worse, when something goes wrong” (χ2=9 p=0.002)-obsessive aspect.

“My anxiety is getting worse, when I need to make my own decision” (χ29 p=0.003)- narcissism

“My anxiety is getting worse when I have to hold back irritation or discontent” (χ24.2 p=0.04)-narcissism.

Conclusions

Only part of statements differs GAD patients from healthy volunteers, but they cover different fields of mental functioning.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Somatoform disorders. Models of personification oriented therapy
Authors: Kudinova O. , Mykhaylov B. , Chorna T.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Contemporary in Ukraine the special priority has been the somatoform disorders increase. The most significant complications belong to the patient’s self-evaluation of the influence of the disease on their social functioning, influence essential part of the self-evaluation of the disease and the important point of therapeutic personality accomodate intervention.

Objectives

Develop the stages of personalized models of psychotherapy

Methods

On the basis of the examined 270 somatoform disorders patients and 190 ischemic cardial disease patients we have elaborated a formal test that allows to evaluate quantitatively the influents of the disease on various spheres of patients´ social status.

Results

It was absolutely unrespectable the common for ischemic cardial and somatoform disorders patients rise of significance of personal individual, common life factors in cases of aggravation of the main disease course. We created the personification accomodate psychotherapy system consist with CBT, suggestive and autosuggestive implementations. Elucidation of peculiarity of personal perception of the disease served as basis of elaboration of psychotherapy system, consulting, psychological support for patients with high-effectiveness 1,5 - 3 years catamnes in 85% patients.

Conclusions

The retrospective results showed the necessity the personification oriented models of psychotherapy, parted on stages. On the first stage - sedative-adapting the receptions of CBT and suggestive psychotherapy are used. There is group therapy on second stage. On the third stage-supportive elements of the autogenic training mastered.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Prevalence and clinical features of anxiety disorders: Tunisian study about 436 subjects
Authors: Jabeur M. , Gassab L. , Ayadi A. , Ben Mohamed B. , Zaafrane F. , Gaha L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Anxiety disorders represent one of the most common mental disorders following a chronic course.

Objectives

The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence, incidence and clinical characteristics of these disorders.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective and descriptive study about 436 outpatients fulfilling the DSM-V diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorder and followed in the department of psychiatry of Monastir (Tunisia) between 1998 and 2017. Selective mutism and separation anxiety were excluded for lack of cases.

Results

The overall prevalence was 5.51%. Panic Disorder was the most prevalent anxiety disorder subtype (3.2%). The incidence of anxiety disorders in the last years has increased from 3.31% in 1998 to 7.5% in 2017. The mean age at diagnosis was 37.76±12.87 years [16-77]. Female gender was the most prevalent in overall anxiety disorders with a sex ratio of 0.78, however, a significant male predominance was recorded in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) with a sex ratio of 1.85. Generalized Anxiety Disorder patients were more likely to have low educational level (OR= 1.879), to be laborers (OR=2.55), to be married (OR=2.418) and to have children (OR=2.564) whereas SAD patients were more likely to have higher education (OR=9.118), to be students (OR=5.565), to be single (OR=11.325) and have no children (OR=7.464).

Conclusions

This study highlignts the frequency of anxiety disorders and the fact that being a middle-age married woman with kids make oneself more prone to have an anxiety disorder. Specific attention should be paid to these anxiety disorders with early preventive programs.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Clinical and Molecular Determinants of Clonal Evolution in Aplastic Anemia and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Authors: Gurnari Carmelo , Pagliuca Simona , Prata Pedro Henrique , Galimard Jacques-Emmanuel , Catto Luiz Fernando B. , Larcher Lise , Sebert Marie , Allain Vincent , Patel Bhumika J. , Durmaz Arda , Pinto Andre L. , Inacio Mariana C.B. , Hernandez Lucie , Dhedin Nathalie , Caillat-Zucman Sophie , Clappier Emmanuelle , Sicre de Fontbrune Flore , Voso Maria Teresa , Visconte Valeria , Peffault de Latour Régis , Soulier Jean , Calado Rodrigo T. , Socié Gérard , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P.
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE

Secondary myeloid neoplasms (sMNs) remain the most serious long-term complications in patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). However, sMNs lack specific predictors, dedicated surveillance measures, and early therapeutic interventions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied a multicenter, retrospective cohort of 1,008 patients (median follow-up 8.6 years) with AA and PNH to assess clinical and molecular determinants of clonal evolution.

RESULTS

Although none of the patients transplanted upfront (n = 117) developed clonal complications (either sMN or secondary PNH), the 10-year cumulative incidence of sMN in nontransplanted cases was 11.6%. In severe AA, older age at presentation and lack of response to immunosuppressive therapy were independently associated with increased risk of sMN, whereas untreated patients had the highest risk among nonsevere cases. The elapsed time from AA to sMN was 4.5 years. sMN developed in 94 patients. The 5-year overall survival reached 40% and was independently associated with bone marrow blasts at sMN onset. Myelodysplastic syndrome with high-risk phenotypes, del7/7q, and ASXL1, SETBP1, RUNX1, and RAS pathway gene mutations were the most frequent characteristics. Cross-sectional studies of clonal dynamics from baseline to evolution revealed that PIGA/human leukocyte antigen lesions decreased over time, being replaced by clones with myeloid hits. PIGA and BCOR/L1 mutation carriers had a lower risk of sMN progression, whereas myeloid driver lesions marked the group with a higher risk.

CONCLUSION

The risk of sMN in AA is associated with disease severity, lack of response to treatment, and patients' age. sMNs display high-risk morphological, karyotypic, and molecular features. The landscape of acquired somatic mutations is complex and incompletely understood and should be considered with caution in medical management.
Optimization of Meloxicam Solid Dispersion Formulations for Dissolution Enhancement and Storage Stability Using 33 Full Factorial Design Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Emam Maha F. , El-Ashmawy Ahmed A. , Mursi Nadia M. , Emara Laila H.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to formulate and optimize solid-dispersion of meloxicam (MX) employing response-surface-methodology (RSM). RSM allowed identification of the main effects and interactions between studied factors on MX dissolution and acceleration of the optimization process. 33 full factorial design with 27 different formulations was proposed. Effects of drug loading percentage (A), carriers’ ratio (B), method of preparation (C), and their interactions on percent MX dissolved after 10 and 30 min (Q10min & Q30min) from fresh and stored samples were studied in distilled water. The considered levels were 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% (factor A), three ratios of Soluplus®/Poloxamer-407 (factor B). Physical mixture (PM), fusion method (FM), and hot-melt-extrusion (HME) were considered factor (C). Stability studies were carried out for 3 months under stress conditions. The proposed optimization design was validated by 3-extra checkpoints formulations. The optimized formulation was selected via numerical optimization and investigated by DSC, XRD, PLM, and in vitro dissolution study. Results showed that HME technique gave the highest MX dissolution rate compared to other techniques (FM & PM). At constant level of factor (C), the amount of MX dissolved increased by decreasing MX loading and increasing Soluplus in carriers’ ratio. Actual responses of the optimized formulation were in close consistency with predicted data. Amorphous form of MX in the optimized formulation was proved by DSC, XRD, and PLM. Selected factors and their levels of the optimization design were significantly valuable for demonstrating and adapting the expected formulation characteristics for rapid dissolution of MX (Q10min= 89.09%) from fresh and stored samples.

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Neutron Diffraction with 34S/natS Isotopic Substitution Method on the Solvation Structure of S8 Molecule in Concentrated CS2 Solutions
Authors: Kameda Yasuo , Arai Nana , Amo Yuko , Usuki Takeshi , Han Jihae , Watanabe Hikari , Umebayashi Yasuhiro , Tsuzuki Seiji , Ikeda Kazutaka , Otomo Toshiya
Published: September 2022

Neutron diffraction measurements on 34S/natS isotopically substituted (natS: natural abundance) 6.9 mol% *S8 solutions in CS2 (natural abundance for both S and C atoms) have successfully been carried out in order to examine the possibility of the 34S/natS isotopic difference method neutron diffraction for liquid samples and to obtain novel structural insights into both intramolecular structure and the solvation structure of S8 molecule in concentrated CS2 solutions. Intramolecular structural parameters within the S8 molecule as well as the intermolecular parameters concerning the nearest neighbor *S⋯CS2 interaction have been determined through the least squares fitting analysis of the observed difference interference function, ΔS(Q), which has been derived from the numerical difference between scattering cross sections observed for *S8 with 34S-enriched and natural S solutions in natural CS2. MD simulations were performed with newly developed force field parameters for sulfur atoms in S8 molecule. The results derived by the simulations adequately agree with the neutron experiments.
Belief-Dependent Motivations and Psychological Game Theory
Authors: Battigalli Pierpaolo , Dufwenberg Martin
Published: September 2022

The mathematical framework of psychological game theory is useful for describing many forms of motivation where preferences depend directly on one’s own or others’ beliefs. It allows for incorporating, for example, emotions, reciprocity, image concerns, and self-esteem in economic analysis. We explain how and why, discussing basic theory, experiments, applied work, and methodology. (JEL C70, D83, D91)
Book Review: Entrenchment by Paul Starr
Authors: Saint-Paul Gilles
Published: September 2022

Entrenchment: Wealth, Power, and the Constitution of Democratic Societies, by Paul Starr, revisits the history of political economy through the lens of a novel concept: that of entrenchment. Policies that benefit some interest groups may become entrenched and persist in spite of subsequent evolutions. Such entrenchment in turn explains why crises occur, sometimes degenerating into violent conflicts: there is a tension between entrenched custom and the need for societal change, or more simply the fact that the balance of power has shifted. (JEL D02, D31, D72, N40)
The Political Economy of Populism
Authors: Guriev Sergei , Papaioannou Elias
Published: September 2022

We synthesize the literature on the recent rise of populism. First, we discuss definitions and present descriptive evidence on the recent increase in support for populists. Second, we cover the historical evolution of populist regimes since the late nineteenth century. Third, we discuss the role of secular economic factors related to cross-border trade and automation. Fourth, we review studies on the role of the 2008–09 global financial crisis and subsequent austerity, connect them to historical work covering the Great Depression, and discuss likely mechanisms. Fifth, we discuss studies on identity politics, trust, and cultural backlash. Sixth, we discuss economic and cultural consequences of growth in immigration and the recent refugee crisis. We also discuss the gap between perceptions and reality regarding immigration. Seventh, we review studies on the impact of the internet and social media. Eighth, we discuss the literature on the implications of populism’s recent rise. We conclude outlining avenues for further research. (JEL D72, E32, G01, J15, N30, N40, Z13)
Effect of zinc ions on the lung and cutaneous diffusive respiration of the great ramshorn Planorbarius corneus allospecies (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Planorbidae) of the Ukrainian river network
Authors: Babych Yuliia , Romaniuk Ruslana , Stadnychenko Agnessa , Uvayeva Olena
Published: September 2022

Toxicological studies were performed to analyze the effect of Zn2+ in different concentrations on the lung and cutaneous diffusive respiration of great ramshorn Planorbarius corneus (Linnaeus, 1758) allospecies from the two geographically separate populations. At 0.5 MPC Zn2+ in the water containing experimental molluscs, there were no statistically significant changes in the number or duration of inspirations compared to the control. Increasing the concentration of toxicant to 2 MPC was accompanied by a sharp increase in both (p≤0.001), as also in the volume of inspirations (p≤0.05). Increasing concentrations to 5 and 10 MPC was followed by drastic and statistically significant impairments of pulmonary respiration indices. Avoidance also collapsed at these higher concentrations, and the accumulation of thick mucus inhibiting respiration resulted in heavy mortality. Trends were the same in both “western” and “eastern” allospecies, although the latter appeared marginally less resistant. The main reason for changes in respiratory function is the damage inflicted by toxicant on the lung and cutaneous respiratory epithelium. The effects are highly intensified production of mucus which completely blocks oxygen intake by cutaneous epithelium and induces cell death in the respiratory epithelium.
Μελέτη ενεργειακών υλικών και ήπιων μεθόδων δροσισμού κτιρίων για την αντιμετώπιση του φαινομένου των αστικών θερμικών νησίδων και την εξοικονόμηση ενέργειας
Authors: Βαρδουλάκης Ευτύχιος
Published: September 2022

Στα πλαίσια της έλλειψης της μελέτης του φαινομένου της ΑΘΝ σε περιφερειακές Ελληνικές πόλεις, η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή παρουσιάζει και αναλύει τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης του φαινομένου της ΑΘΝ σε δύο μικρές πόλεις της περιφέρειας, το Αγρίνιο και τα Ιωάννινα. Στόχος της εργασίας είναι να μελετήσει την ύπαρξη της ΑΘΝ, καθώς και να προσδιορίσει την ένταση και τη μορφή της. Για το σκοπό αυτό ένα δίκτυο αισθητήρων θερμοκρασίας σε συνδυασμό με μετεωρολογικούς σταθμούς αναπτύχθηκε στις δύο πόλεις και θερμοκρασιακά δεδομένα συλλέχθηκαν για το σχηματισμό του θερμικού τους προφίλ. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν έντονη παρουσία του φαινομένου κυρίως κατά τις βραδινές ώρες και ένταση θερμικής νησίδας που φτάνει και τη μέση τιμή των 3.8 οC το μήνα Αύγουστο στο Αγρίνιο ενώ στα Ιωάννινα για την ίδια περίοδο το φαινόμενο έχει πιο ήπια μορφή (1.5 οC). Για την αντιμετώπιση του φαινομένου, την εξοικονόμηση ενέργειας καθώς και τη βελτίωση της θερμικής άνεσης των κτιρίων πόλεων που αντιμετωπίζουν πρόβλημα με την ΑΘΝ, μελετήθηκε η περίπτωση χρήσης υδρόφιλων ενεργειακών υλικών ως επικάλυψη οροφών, για μείωση της ροής θερμότητας από την οροφή με εξατμιστικό δροσισμό καθώς και τα δευτερεύοντα ενεργειακά κέρδη από μια πιθανή εγκατάσταση φωτοβολταϊκών οροφής. Η μελέτη περιλάμβανε την ανάπτυξη πειραματικής διάταξης αεροσήραγγας για τη δοκιμή των υλικών, με προσομοίωση των καιρικών συνθηκών της πόλης κατά του καλοκαιρινούς μήνες, όπου και το φαινόμενο της αστικής θερμικής νησίδας είναι πολύ έντονο, καθώς και ανάπτυξη φωτοβολταϊκών σε ταράτσα πανεπιστημιακού κτιρίου. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι ο εξατμιστικός δροσισμός μπορεί να αποτελέσει μια πολλά υποσχόμενη μέθοδο για την αντιμετώπιση της ΑΘΝ, ενώ η εγκατάσταση φωτοβολταϊκών μπορεί να συνεισφέρει επίσης στην εξοικονόμηση ενέργειας για δροσισμό τους καλοκαιρινούς μήνες, επιπλέον της παραγωγής ενέργειας.
Cryptocurrencies and the State: Can They Become Disruptive Enough to Overthrow the Status-Quo?
Authors: Smyrniotaki Erofili
Published: September 2022

Cryptocurrencies have grown to be very significant during the past two decades. Starting off at the way cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin, operate, we move forward towards the discussion on their nature as currency and their disruptiveness. We navigate through the political character of Bitcoin over the years, the potential of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to threaten a state’s sovereignty and an overview of state responses to cryptocurrency. Finally, there is a number of speculations and suggestions on how Bitcoin could grow and gain a less controversial position in the global economy.
Mapping the Road of the Ethical Dilemmas Behind Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Vousinas Georgios L. , Simitsi Ilektra , Livieri Georgia , Gkouva Georgia Chara , Efthymiou Iris Panagiota
Published: September 2022

This paper aims to provide a roadmap on the major ethical dilemmas behind the application of AI, hopefully initiating a fruitful discussion on this crucial matter that is at the forefront of scientific and global attention. To achieve this the main ethical dilemmas are identified by the most recent literature review, and then are briefly analysed to provide a holistic approach on the ethical issues that arise by the use of AI systems. Furthermore, the authors provide some best practices for dealing with the existing and future challenges of AI.
Cutting-Edge Warfare: The Cases of Russia, China and Israel
Authors: Tzanetou Panagiota
Published: September 2022

According to political realism, countries are in a constant state of competition with each other. This competition ranges from markets to weapons causing the ones that wish to change the balance of power to opt for innovation in all fields. Although the concept of innovation is not new, current conditions demand that this innovation is connected to technology. The incorporation of new technologies gives states the chance to rise to the top of the power competition, while middle powers have the ability to tackle their state and non-state enemies using them. This paper focuses on what these new technologies are and what Russia, China and Israel are doing with them, providing insight regarding the way these technologies can be used to serve national interest in a security dilemma environment.
Τα προβλήματα προφορικού και γραπτού λόγου μαθητών με ειδικές εκπαιδευτικές ανάγκες
Authors: Πισσαδάκη Αγγελική , Μορφίδη Ελένη , Δημητροπούλου Παναγιώτα
Published: September 2022

Η παρούσα έρευνα εξέτασε τις δεξιότητες προφορικού και γραπτού λόγου μαθητών με Ειδικές Εκπαιδευτικές Ανάγκες. Επιπλέον, συσχετίστηκαν τα ατομικά χαρακτηριστικά των εκπαιδευτικών με το γλωσσικό και ακαδημαϊκό προφίλ των μαθητών. Το δείγμα αποτέλεσαν 65 ειδικοί παιδαγωγοί και εκπαιδευτικοί πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης. Τα υποκείμενα συμπλήρωσαν το Ερωτηματολόγιο Επικοινωνιακής Ικανότητας για 170 μαθητές, ηλικίας 6 έως 12 ετών. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι χαμηλότερες επιδόσεις στον προφορικό λόγο έχουν οι μαθητές που βρίσκονται στο φάσμα του Αυτισμού, καθώς και με Ειδική Γλωσσική Διαταραχή ή Προβλήματα Λόγου και Ομιλίας. Στο γραπτό λόγο, υψηλότερες επιδόσεις εντοπίστηκαν στους μαθητές του Αυτιστικού φάσματος, συγκριτικά με τις άλλες κατηγορίες μαθητών. Τέλος, διαπιστώθηκε ότι όσοι προετοιμάζονται και ενημερώνονται επαρκώς, έχουν περαιτέρω σπουδές και συνεργάζονται καλά με τους γονείς των μαθητών, οι μαθητές τους εμφανίζουν καλύτερες επιδόσεις στον προφορικό και γραπτό λόγο.
Το γλωσσικό λάθος στη διδασκαλία της γλώσσας στην πρωτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση: Αντιλήψεις και στάσεις εκπαιδευτικών ειδικής αγωγής
Authors: Οικονομάκου Μαριάνθη
Published: September 2022

Στόχος της ποιοτικής έρευνας είναι η εξέταση του ρόλου της γλωσσικής ιδεολογίας στη διαμόρφωση δεδομένων διδακτικών πρακτικών με σημείο αναφοράς κυρίαρχες αντιλήψεις και στάσεις απέναντι στο γλωσσικό λάθος. Διαφαίνεται πως η διαδικασία της διόρθωσης των λαθών των μαθητών/τριών, που κρίνεται επιβεβλημένη μέσα στο υφιστάμενο εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα, είναι συνδεδεμένη με ιδεολογικές παραμέτρους που σχετίζονται κατά βάση με την έννοια της γλωσσικής αλλαγής. Με τη βοήθεια της μεθόδου του ερωτηματολογίου έτσι και της συλλογικής συνέντευξης, είκοσι τρεις εκπαιδευτικοί του τομέα της ειδικής αγωγής διατυπώνουν, στο πλαίσιο επιμορφωτικής συνάντησης στο ΠΤΔΕ του Πανεπιστημίου Αιγαίου, την άποψή τους για τις δυσκολίες δημιουργικής αξιοποίησης του γλωσσικού λάθους στο πλαίσιο της επικοινωνιακής προσέγγισης, καθώς και για τη συνεισφορά εν γένει της γλωσσολογικής γνώσης στην αναθεώρηση παραδοσιακών αντιλήψεων για τη γλώσσα και τη διδασκαλία της στην πρωτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση.
Θρησκευτικότητα και κοινωνικότητα Ελλήνων με κώφωση
Authors: Καραμούζης π. Ιωάννης
Published: September 2022

Η παρούσα έρευνα έχει σκοπό να μελετήσει τις αντιλήψεις τριών ομάδων Ελλήνων με κώφωση σχετικά με τη θρησκεία, την επικοινωνία και την κώφωση. Το δείγμα ήταν 25 μαθητές Λυκείου Κωφών του Δήμου της Αγίας Παρασκευής Αθηνών, 25 χρήστες διαδικτύου και 10 ενεργά μέλη κάποιου σωματείου ατόμων με κώφωση. Χορηγήθηκαν ερωτηματολόγια κλειστού τύπου και οι απαντήσεις ερμηνεύτηκαν με την ποσοτική μέθοδο ανάλυσης. Τα κυριότερα ευρήματα είναι ότι οι μαθητές με κώφωση δε διατηρούν ενεργή σχέση με τη θρησκεία, γιατί δεν την κατανοούν. Θα ήθελαν να τη γνωρίσουν καλύτερα. Επίσης, επικοινωνούν κυρίως με άλλα άτομα με κώφωση, επειδή χρησιμοποιούν την ίδια γλώσσα, αλλά και με ακούοντες. Θεωρούν, τέλος,  ότι είναι ισότιμοι με τους ακούοντες και όχι κατώτεροι από εκείνους.