bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Italian observational study on subclinical cardiovascular risk factors and depressive symptomatology. A suggestion for the potential utility of a sinergic cardio-psychiatric perspective
Authors: Tassi S. , Rioli G. , Mattei G. , Mancini S. , Alboni S. , Roncucci L. , Sena P. , Mariani F. , Marchi M. , Fabbrizi A. , Feltri L. , Visentini C. , Pollutri G. , Artoni C. , Saraceni S. , Galli G. , Spiga G. , Minarini A. , Perrone D. , Galletti M. , Giambalvo N. , Montardi G. , Galeazzi G.M. , Ferrari S. ,   PNEI-MO Research Group
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Growing evidence has been collected over the complex, intertwined pathophysiological connection among subclinical cardiovascular (CV) disease, i.e. atherosclerosis, systemic low pro-inflammatory states and psychiatric disorders/symptomatology (anxiety, depression), with controversial results.

Aim

Aim of this study was to investigate the possible link between subclinical CV risk factors (atherosclerosis), depressive symptoms, and inflammation.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria: outpatients aged ≥40 years, attending colonoscopy after positive faecal occult blood test, negative medical history for cancer. Collected data: blood pressure, glycaemia, lipid profile, waist circumference, BMI, PCR (C reactive protein), LPS (bacterial lipopolysaccharide), ultrasound carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT). Psychometric tests: HADS, TCI, IMSA, SF36. Statistical analysis performed with STATA13.

Results

The 54 patients enrolled were equally distributed by gender. CV risk factors were common in the study population, with 33 patients (61.11%) with hypertension, 14 (25.93%) with hyperglycaemia, 20 (37.4%) with hypertriglyceridemia, 19 (35.19%) with low HDL and 64.81% with overweight. High levels of PCR were found in 24 subjects (44.44%). Right c-IMT was increased in 26.41% of the sample, and 11.32% had an atheromatous plaque. Left c-IMT was increased in 24.53% of patients, with a plaque in 7.55% of them. Clinically relevant depressive symptoms were found in the 18.87% of the sample and were statistically significantly associated with PCR (OR = 28.63; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Evidence contributing to the so-called “inflammation theory” of depression and supporting the association between mood and CV disorders was here collected, supporting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions, assuming a clinically-translated PNEI (psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunological) perspective.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Burnout and occupational accident
Authors: Kotti N. , Hajjaji M. , Kchaou A. , Sellami I. , Masmoudi M.L. , Masmoudi J. , Hammami Jmal K.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Burn out mainly occurs among healthcare employees. This professional category is exposed to a large load of emotional disturbance.

Objectives

The aim of this work was to study the levels of burnout syndrome in caregivers who were victims to occupational accident.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2014-2015 in the occupational medicine department. The target population consisted of the healthcare employees who reported their exposure to occupational accident. A semi-structured self-reported questionnaire including the Maslach questionnaire was used to collect information. Data were analyzed using SPSS-20.

Results

One hundred and sixty health professionals returned the questionnaire (58% women, mean age 31.9 years old). Occupational accidents occurred mostly in the morning (62.5%). Among the healthcare providers, 112 health professionals (70%) had had sharp injuries. Burn out was found among 23.1% of the studied population. It was defined by its three domains: a high emotional exhaustion (46.9%), high depersonalization with low personal accomplishment (36.3%) and high depersonalization without low personal accomplishment (34.4%). Professionals with less years in the function (P = 0.031) and technicians (P = 0.028) were more affected by Burnout. A significant relationship was found between traumatic accidents (P = 0.012), needle stick injuries (P = 0.009) and burnout.

Conclusion

The prevalence of burnout is high among health professionals which can increase the risk of occupational accidents and its subsequent risks. It seems that holding workshops and increasing healthcare givers’ awareness and skills to face these risks can be effective in mitigating them.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The relationship between parenting stress and parenting styles with coping strategies in adolescents: The moderating roles of emotional regulation and mindfulness
Authors: Kheradmand M. , Ghahari S.
Published: June 2017

Object

The aim of this study was to investigate the moderating role of emotional regulation and mindfulness in the relationship between parenting stress and styles with coping strategies.

Methods

The method in this study is correlation. Statistical population consists of all adolescents in 2016, from among which 400 individuals were selected in a multi-stage cluster sampling method from different areas of Tehran and completed Adolescent Coping Scales, Parenting Stress Index, Baumrind parenting styles Inventory, emotional regulation checklist of kids and adolescents and of kids’ and adolescents’ mindfulness measurement. The data were analyzed using multivariate regression and Pearson correlation in SPSS-22.

Finding

The results showed the mindfulness and emotional regulation play a moderating role in the relationship between parenting stress and coping strategies (P > 0.0001) as well as the relationship between parenting styles and coping strategies (P > 0.0001).

Conclusion

Despite the poor parenting stress and parenting styles, if the adolescents have emotion regulation and mindfulness skills can reduce the negative effects of inappropriate parenting.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Preliminay study for the Italian validation of the screen for cognitive impairment in psychiatry (SCIP)
Authors: Malanchin D. , Caruso R. , Nanni M.G. , Grassi L. , Piazza G. , Croce E. , Leoni M. , Berretti E. , Negrelli L. , Battista S. , Faccini A. , Dall’Olio R. , Costa S. , Recla E. , Rossi G. , Colla C.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The screen for cognitive impairment in psychiatry (SCIP) is a brief, accessible scale designed for detecting cognitive deficits in psychiatric disorders.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to test the SCIP's validity as a cognitive test by comparison with standard neuropsychological scale using the Pearson's correlation.

Aims Test the convergent and discriminant validity of the SCIP within the Italian SCIP validation project.

Methods

Patients between 18 and 65 years who are in a stable phase of the disease, diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar I disorder were enrolled in this study, from the community mental health department of Ferrara.

Results

The tests were administered to 110 patients (mean age: 45 ± 11,4) and to 86 controls (mean age: 35 ± 12,6) of both sex. SCIP presents high correlation with the R-BANS total score (P < 0.01) and the subscales (verbal learning test-immediate, working memory, verbal fluency test, verbal learning test-delayed, processing speed test, P < 0.01). There are significant differences (P < 0.01) in all SCIP dimensions between patient and control group (Table 1).

Conclusions

Our analysis confirm the results of the English, French and Spanish version of the SCIP regarding convergent and discriminant validity. The SCIP represents a valid, simple and brief screening tool for the cognitive evaluation of patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Physical examination of psychiatric patients who presented at emergency department in a tertiary care hospital in Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Alhuseini S.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To examine the completeness of physical assessment of patients presenting with psychiatric problems to the emergency department (ED).

Methods

This was observational study based on a retrospective review of the medical records of patients who attended the ED of Sultan Qaboos university hospital and referred to the on-duty psychiatrist for assessment over a 12-month period. All patients aged 16 years and above, who presented to the ED with a psychiatric complaint were included in the study. A data collection sheet was designed to gather each patient's demographic data such as age and gender, past psychiatric history, nature of the presenting complaints, thoroughness of physical assessment, medications prescribed by the ED doctor prior to psychiatric assessment, and whether the patient was discharged, admitted to a psychiatry.

Results

A total of 202 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients was 34.2 years. Females represented 56% of the sample. The majority of the study group (60.4%) were patients with a documented past psychiatric history. Physical examination was conducted in the ED for 61.4% of the patients, while vital signs were recorded for 68.8% of them. Approximately, 31% of the patients required injectable psychotropic medications as tranquillizers in the ED. Patients with an isolated psychiatric complaint coupled with a documented past psychiatric history were more likely to be referred to the on-call psychiatrist without a physical examination by the ED doctors.

Conclusion

In our institution, not all patients with psychiatric presentations had a complete physical examination by the ED doctors.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
PALOMA project – developing National mental health policies for refugees
Authors: Jokela S. , Mäki-Opas J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Earlier researches have established that migrants with refugee background have increased risk for variety of mental health problems due to often traumatic reasons for leaving their home country, hazardous journey and post-migration adversity. The challenge is that mental health work with refugees is not systematically organized in Finland. PALOMA (developing National mental health policies for refugees 2016-2018) project was launched to answer these challenges. The project is carried out through the combined effort of National institute for health and welfare, The Finnish association for mental health, Helsinki and Kuopio university hospitals, and the municipality of Hämeenlinna. PALOMA Project is founded by the Asylum, migration and integration fund (AMIF).

Objectives

PALOMA project focuses on exploring existing good practices and weaknesses in mental health services in use for refugees. The objectives of the project are to develop a national model for effective mental health services for refugees and implement it nationwide in Finland.

Aims

The aim of PALOMA Project is to develop a national model for effective mental health services for refugees in Finland.

Methods

PALOMA Project includes three phases: data collection (interviews, literature review, seminars), building the model in expert groups and implementing the model.

Results

As a result of PALOMA Project, there will be guidelines for professionals working in different levels of administration with refugees in Finland.

Conclusion

Refugees’ mental health and wellbeing will be improved as a result of better prevention, recognition and appropriate care of mental health problems.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Non-verbal learning disorder: Neuropsychological profile and neural correlates. A structural magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Cervino M. , Castrillo P. , Guijarro R.
Published: June 2017

Non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD) is a neurological condition which is considered to be a learning disability. It is characterised by a specific dysfunction in motor, visuospatial and social skills in patients with a normal intellect and development of language. Warning signs in school are poor psychomotor coordination, arithmetic skills and drawing activities. Social judgment and social problem solving are also typically impaired. Furthermore, these patients seem to have increasing risk of emotional disorders. Most of imaging studies and current theories suggest that a dysfunction of white matter in the right hemisphere could be the cause. However, there is a lack of consensus among experts regarding whether NVLD exists and what could be the underlying causes for NVLD symptoms. The aim of this paper is to clarify the neural correlates underlaying the cognitive functioning of these patients. With this objective, we analyzed a sample of brains of children with and without NVLD. We used the structural MRI technique and the voxel-based morphometry analysis. The diagnosis of the children were based on neuropsychological data. The present study suggests that not only white matter of the right hemisphere is dysfunctional in these patients. Some other gray matter areas such as precuneus (superior parietal lobule) may also be affected in NVLD.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Comparison of ten-years risk of fatal cardiovascular events calculated by heartscore in diabetic patients with and without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comorbidity
Authors: Lucev N. , Vuk A. , Simunovic Filipcic I. , Filipcic I.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life years lost globally. Recent studies have shown that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) predicts higher risk of cardiometabolic diseases, specifically cardiovascular disease and diabetes type 2.

Aims

To assess cardiovascular event risk differences between diabetic patients with and without PTSD comorbidity.

Objectives

To explore a ten-year risk of fatal CVD events in diabetic patients with and without PTSD; to gain better insight in potential different functioning patterns in these patient subgroups.

Methods

We investigated a cross-sectional sample consisting of 390 psychiatric inpatients and outpatients. Ten-years risk of fatal CVD events calculated by HeartScore, European society of cardiology. Europe high-risk version was used. The risk estimation is made based on: gender, age, smoking, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol.

Results

By analysis of covariance, we controlled possible confounding effects of gender, age, education, marital status, number of household members, work status, average monthly income per household member, body mass index (kg/m2), number of somatic comorbidities, number of psychiatric comorbidities, duration of PTSD, clinical global impression scale–severity of PTSD at diagnosis. After the adjustment for all these variables, interaction of PTSD and T2DM was significantly associated with CVD risk (P < 0.001; Eta2 = 0.04).

Conclusion

A significant fatal CVD event risk differences between diabetic patients with and without PTSD comorbidity were found. Better awareness of possible underlying determinants provides better optimal individual approach planning, likewise effective prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Embitterment in war veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Authors: Sabic D. , Sabic A.
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to analyse frequency of embitterment in war veterans with Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as the potential impact of embitterment on the development of chronic PTSD.

Patients and methods

It was analyzed 174 subjects (from Health Center Zivinice/mental health center) through a survey conducted in the period from March 2015 to June 2016, of which 87 war veterans with PTSD and control subjects 87 war veterans without PTSD. The primary outcome measure was the post-traumatic embitterment disorder self-rating scale (PTED Scale) who contains 19 items designed to assess features of embitterment reactions to negative life events. Secondary efficacy measures included the clinician-administered PTSD scale–V (CAPS), the PTSD checklist (PCL), the combat exposure scale (CES), the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D), the Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAM-A) and the World health organization quality of life scale (WHOQOL-Bref). All subjects were male. The average age of patients in the group war veterans with PTSD was 52.78 ± 5.99. In the control group, average age was 51.42 ± 5.98. Statistical data were analyzed in SPSS statistical program.

Results

Comparing the results, t-tests revealed significant difference between group veterans with PTSD and control group (t = −21,21, P < 0.0001). War veterans group with PTSD (X = 51.41, SD = 8,91), control group (X = 14.39, SD = 13.61).

Conclusion

Embitterment is frequent in war veterans with PTSD.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The role of personal value preferences in predicting army stress
Authors: Tartakovsky E. , Rofe N.
Published: June 2017

Background

The military is a stressful environment, and many service persons experience army stress. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors affecting army stress and stress resiliency.

Objective

The present study examines the connections between personal value preferences and army stress, applying the value congruency paradigm.

Method

Male soldiers serving in three combat units in the Israeli Defense Forces participated in the study (n = 257).

Results

The results obtained demonstrated that personal value preferences explained a significant proportion of the variance in army stress beyond the socio-demographic variables. A lower stress level was associated with a higher preference for the values of societal security, conformity, achievement, and universalism, and with a lower preference for the face and personal security values.

Conclusions

The research promotes our understanding of the relationships between general motivational goals expressed in personal value preferences and stress in the military context. In addition, the results obtained indicate the possible relevance of using values for selecting and preparing recruits who will most likely adjust well to the army framework. Finally, some value-oriented interventions that may be used for promoting the soldiers’ psychological adjustment during their army service are suggested.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The impact of harassment and discrimination on the mental health of lesbian, gay and bisexual people
Authors: Pereira H.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Despite growing acceptance of same-sex sexuality in the Western World, identity development of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals is still restricted by negative societal attitudes, which maintain the experience of stigmatization and discrimination.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to document the frequency of discriminatory events experienced by sexual minorities and their association with indicators of mental health in a Portuguese self-identified LGB sample.

Aims

To determine the association of harassment and discrimination with levels of mental health, and to establish a predictive relation between these variables.

Methods

A total of 610 LGB participants completed an online survey (mean age = 34.48, SD = 11.54). Most participants were single and self-identified as gay (73.8%). The survey included the following categories of survey items: demographic information, mental health, and discrimination experiences. Mental health was measured using the subscale of Emotional Wellness from the SF-36 questionnaire and the K10 questionnaire.

Results

Between one-fifth and one-fourth of the participants in this sample frequently felt the need to hide their sexual orientation to prevent discrimination experiences. Close to 20% reported having suffered from verbal abuse, followed by close to 10% who suffered from written threats, harassment, and physical threats. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of anticipated and actual discrimination on mental health. The analysis explained 17% of the overall variance.

Conclusions

Stigma/discrimination create discriminatory experiences which impact LGB people's mental health.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
The regulation of orexins and their cognate receptors in two distinct rat models of depression and effects of treatments
Authors: Harpøth A.J. , Elfving B. , Wiborg O. , Wegener G. , Müller H.K.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Depression has sleep disturbances as a key symptom and recently sleep has been suggested as a new area to optimize treatment in depression. Orexin is produced in the hypothalamus and projected throughout the brain innervating a number of structures important in depression. It controls a number of physiological processes including sleep, arousal, cognitive processes and stress, which are affected during depression.

Objective

The study examines the possible implications for abnormalities in the orexinergic system in depression. We aim to determine whether treatment targeting this system relieves depressive symptoms.

Methods

Using real-time qPCR and Western blotting optimal sampling time is determined by an assessment of the diurnal variation of orexin expression. Expression of orexin and its receptors are investigated in the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex of the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) and the Chronic Mild Stress model of depression. Behavioral and molecular response to treatment with a conventional antidepressant and an orexin receptor antagonist will be addressed in FSL rats. In addition, we will include exercise as a noninvasive treatment, which has shown positive effects on both sleep and depression in humans.

Results

Real-time qPCR analysis showed increased expression of the orexin-1 receptor (40%) and the orexin-2 receptor (39%) in the prefrontal cortex of FSL rats compared to the control rats, the Flinders Resistant Line rats.

Conclusion

This study may provide a platform for screening of drugs with effects on both sleep and depressive symptoms with perspectives for the development of novel strategies for treatment of depression.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Switching to paliperidone palmitate in an outpatient sample: Preliminary results of a 43-month follow-up
Authors: Martín Gutierrez R. , Medina Blanco R. , Sierra Biddle D. , Cuesta Nuñez M.J. , Suárez Pinilla P.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Patients with psychosis are treated in outpatient community clinics during most of their lifetime. Antipsychotic treatments are commonly used in regular clinical practice. However, the non-adherence is one of the main causes of relapses. Long-acting injectables (LAIs) could be a safe option to guarantee the efficacy.

Aim and objectives

Our purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of the switch to paliperidone palmitate from other oral or LAI antipsychotics, in terms of hospital and emergency admissions.

Methods

We performed a mirror-image study in an outpatient mental health clinic, comparing patients before and after paliperidone palmitate change over 43 months. Fifty-seven patients were included, most of them (n = 47) were diagnosed with psychotic disorders (82.5%) while 4 were bipolar patients (7%), and the remained patients (n = 6; 10.6%) were classified as behavioral disorders. The following variables were studied before and after the switching: number of admissions, days of stay and emergency visits.

Results

From those 57 patients, 44 were previously treated with other LAIs, whereas 13 were taking oral antipsychotics. The median age at switch was 49 years (SD = 12.31). The reasons for switching were: inefficacy (26.3%), non-adherence (19.3%), side effects (38.6%), and non-specified (15.8%). We found significant differences between the three main variables: number of admissions (t = 4.59; P ≤ 0.001), days of stay (t = 2.27; P = 0.027) and emergency visits (t = 3.74; P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Paliperidone palmitate seems to be an effective treatment in order to guarantee the adherence. Our preliminary data show that paliperidone palmitate might reduce the sanitary cost in outpatients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Amelioration of impaired hippocampal cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease via long-term intervention with ghrelin
Authors: Sadeghi B.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Alzheimers disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of memory and cognitive deficits. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone which has been linked to neuroprotection, memory and learning processes.

Objectives

This study investigated the effects of ghrelin-induced memory retention on amelioration of cognitive deficits via restoration of long-term potentiation (LTP) and induction of synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA3, using a rat model of AD induced by amyloid-β (1-42) injection.

Methods

Five groups of male rats (230–270 g) including ghrelin-treated (200 ng/rat, [ICV], daily for two weeks), Aβ1-42 injected (5 μL/rat) and Aβ1-42 plus ghrelin-treated animals were designed. Ghrelin was administered after an ICV injection of Aβ1-42. To assess cognitive performance and the motor dysfunction, passive avoidance tests and open-field were performed, respectively. Step-through latency (STL) was evaluated as learning and memory index. Intrahippocampal field potential recordings were done.

Results

Results showed that following Aβ1-42 injection, STL and induction of LTP were significantly decreased whereas ICV injection of ghrelin significantly enhanced memory retention by improvement of STL and restitution of LTP in the CA3 with increased EPSP slope and PS amplitude, suggesting the involvement of ghrelin in postsynaptic mechanisms of hippocampal LTP.

Conclusions

It was revealed that neuroprotective effects of chronic ghrelin not only can enhance but also can restore LTP in the CA3 area in Aβ-induced AD. Results suggest that ghrelin may be considered as a promising therapeutic agent to alleviate cognitive deficits of AD.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Preserved cognition and reduced age-related cognitive decline during treatment with angiotensin II receptor blockers: A 20-year follow-up study
Authors: Wincewicz D. , Tolmunen T. , Brem A.K. , Kauhanen J. , Lehto S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Modulators of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have been shown to improve cognitive functioning in several animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, the brain RAS has been considered a new target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there are no population-based follow-up studies supporting this hypothesis.

Objectives

Cross-sectional and prospective relationships between cognitive decline and ARB treatment were examined in the population-based Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study.

Aims

To evaluate procognitive/antidementia capacity of orally delivered angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB).

Methods

The study was conducted on a sample of 1774 subjects (920 females, 854 males; age range at baseline: 42–61 years) from Eastern Finland. An established cutoff score of at least 2-point decrease in the Mini Mental State Examination over a 9-year follow-up was used to detect age-related cognitive decline in the cross-sectional setting. In the prospective setting, a hospital discharge diagnosis of dementia/AD was used as outcome variable. Cross-sectional relationships were determined with logistic regression and prospective analyses were conducted with the Cox proportional hazards model (both adjusted for relevant background variables).

Results

Cross-sectional analysis displayed a decrease of the odds of cognitive decline (n = 87; 4.9% of participants) in those with ARB treatment; OR = 0.445, 95% CI: 0.22–0.90, P = 0.024. Furthermore, in the prospective setting, the risk of dementia/AD diagnosis (n = 149; 8.4% of participants) was significantly reduced in ARB treated participants; HR = 0.621, 95% CI: 0.40–0.98, P = 0.038.

Conclusions

ARB treatment is associated with a decreased risk for age-related cognitive decline and dementia/AD manifestation.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The research of electroconvulsive therapy effect on cognitive function in rats with depressive-like disorder formed by ultrasound
Authors: Ushakova V. , Zubkov E. , Morozova A. , Gorlova A. , Pavlov D. , Inozemtsev A. , Chekhonin V.
Published: June 2017

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective method of resistant depression treatment. ECT activates neurotransmitter systems, increases neurotrophic factors production, induces neurogenesis. Nevertheless, ECT side effects, expressed as temporary amnesia, limit its application in clinical practice.

The objective of our work was to estimate rat's memory after ECT in the behavioral test: “Object recognition”, “Morris water-maze”.

The aim of the work was to research the effect of ECT on cognitive function in rats with depressive-like disorder and in normal rats.

Methods

The research was conducted with Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 41, 2 month age). Experimental stages:

– control group (n = 10) compared to control + ECT group ([70 mA, 50 Hz, 500 μsec; 10 days] n = 10);

– control group (n = 9) compared to group with depressive-like disorder, formed by ultrasound ([20–45 kHz; 21days] US, n = 6) and group with depressive-like disorder received ECT (n = 6).

Memory was estimated in the “Object recognition” and “Morris water-maze” tests.

Results

(1) ECT did not decrease cognitive function in the “Object recognition” test in normal rats (P = 0.1217). Also, it did not lead to cognitive impairments in the “Morris water-maze” test: time of platform searching did not differ significantly from the control group (P = 0.8573).

(2) ECT produced recovering effect on memory impairments of the US group in the “Object recognition” test (P = 0.0066). In the “Morris water-maze” ECT decreased time of platform searching by 7 times compared to the US group (P = 0.0025). That demonstrates the absence of ECT negative effect on rat's memory.

Conclusion

ECT does not produce negative effect on cognitive function in rats with depressive-like disorder and even recovers memory impairments.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Characterizing the inpatient care of young adults experiencing early psychosis
Authors: Kamieniecki R. , Vaughn B. , Danielson J. , Bonnie K. , Carter M. , Mihic T. , Williams S. , Puyat J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction/objectives

The available literature suggests that treatments and health services for psychosis are considered to be poorly organized and highly variable. Little is known, however, about how inpatient care is provided to individuals experiencing early psychosis. To facilitate quality improvement activities, we characterized the care this patient group receives in an inner city hospital.

Methods

We performed chart reviews of individuals admitted to psychiatric inpatient units at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia between 01/04/2014 and 31/03/2016. Those who were 17–25 years of age and hospitalized for psychotic symptoms at the time of admission were included. Demographic and health service use were summarized using descriptive characteristics.

Results

We identified 73 inpatients (mean age = 22; males = 78%; Caucasian = 41%) that met study inclusion criteria, having a combined total of 102 care episodes and an average length of stay of 30.7 days (median = 18; min = 3; max = 268). Half of the care episodes were repeat admissions, with up to 30% of the patients readmitted within 28 days of discharge. Physical and mental status examinations (MSE) were performed in virtually all care episodes, although frequency is low (31.4% had daily physical examinations and 18.6% had MSE every nursing shift). In 49% and 50% of care episodes, patients were given oral antipsychotics and discharged on depot medications. Even when indicated, not all care episodes had follow-up appointments (60%) or referrals to income assistance (35%), community mental health teams (61%), and housing support (38%).

Conclusions

Specific programs are needed to address current gaps in inpatient care for patients with early psychosis.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A randomized controlled study: The effects of self-referral to inpatient treatment on patient activation
Authors: Moljord I.E.O. , Lara-Cabrera M.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Self-referral to inpatient treatment (SRIT) has recently been implemented in Norway in several community mental health centers (CMHC) in an effort to increase activation and to improve access to mental health services and timely treatment.

Objective

To examine the effect of having a contract for self-referral to inpatient treatment (SRIT) in patients with severe mental disorders. This intervention was based on personalized care planning, legislation regarding patients’ rights and is intended to enhance user participation.

Aims

To assess the 12-month effect on patient activation measure-13 (PAM-13).

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with 53 adult patients; 26 participants got a SRIT contract which they could use to refer themselves into a CMHC up to five days for each referral without contacting a doctor in advance. Preliminary results on the primary outcome after 12 months with the self-report questionnaires Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13), will be analyzed using linear mixed and regression models.

Results

The preliminary results showed no significant effect on PAM-13 (estimated mean difference [emd] −0.41, 95% CI [CI]: −7.49 to 6.67). A post hoc analysis found an effect of SRIT on PAM-13 in those with baseline PAM-13 scores below ≤ 47.

Conclusion

There were no group differences.

Trial design

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01133587.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Psychosis – Different presentation for designer drugs compared to cannabis abusers?
Authors: Dumitrescu F.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

“Bath salts” target the endocannabinoid system in a similar manner to cannabis. In the case of designer drug misuse, subjects seem to be at higher risk of psychotic symptoms.

Aims

To investigate the nature and frequency of psychotic symptoms associated with cannabis and/or bath salts misuse in a male inpatient population.

Method

The files of 107 patients admitted to the department of addictions, “Al. Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital Bucharest July 2015–July 2016 were reviewed. Cases had a diagnosis of psychotic disorder with recorded cannabis/bath salts abuse.

Results

Mean age was 26.65 years old (STDV = 5.9). Mean duration of use was of 83.94 months – cannabis; 60.48 months – bath salts and 33.75 months – both substances (BS). Sixty-three patients (73.3%) presented disorganised behaviour; 55.8% (n = 48) formal thought disorder; 45% (n = 39) paranoid delusions. A strong positive association between the length of use of cannabis and disorganised behaviour (n = 33; r = 0.05; P < 0.05) was found. Grandiose ideation was frequent in cannabis users. (X2 = 4.1; n = 0.03; P < 0.05). Multidrug abuse was associated with increased formal thought disorders compared to subjects with cannabis abuse (X2 = 10.9; n = 0.001; P < 0.05). Negative symptoms were more frequent with bath salts users than with users of both substances (X2 = 13.4; X2 = 23.21; X2 = 16.8; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Positive psychotic symptoms were associated with cannabis and BS abuse, while bath salts promoted negative symptoms.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Risk factors for multiple suicidality in Hungary
Authors: Toth M.D. , Osváth P. , Vörös V. , Futó K. , Ágnes N. , Székely A. , Purebl G. , Fekete S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Suicide rate in Hungary is among the highest in the European Union (2015: 18.9/100,000 inhabitant). Although there is no national registration system of suicide attempts in Hungary, according to previous studies Hungarian Romas have three times higher suicide attempt rate than non-Romas.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore socio-demographic and mental health risk factors of multiple suicide attempts in Hungary.

Methods

A total of 1547 suicide attempts were assessed via retrospective data analysis using patient records. Data on socio-demographic variables, psychiatric diagnoses, methods and reported reasons of suicide attempts were investigated. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for multiple suicide attempts.

Results

The ratio of multiple attempters were 37.7% in the sample, with a Roma predominance (Roma: 51.8%, non-Roma: 34.8%, χ2(1) = 27.64; P < 0.001). Of the potential factors examined, Roma ethnicity (OR: 2,03; CI: 1.53–2.70; P < 0.001), economic inactivity (OR: 1.7; CI: 1.36–2.18; P < 0.001), mood disorders (OR: 1.58; CI: 1.25–1.99; P < 0.001), personality disorders (OR: 2.09; CI: 1.45–3.01; P = 0.00), organic mental disorders (OR: 1.76; CI: 1.01–3.07; P = 0.44) and mistreatment as reported reasons (OR: 3.95; CI: 1.17–13.32; P = 0.02) were found as significant risk factors of multiple suicide attempts.

Conclusion

National registration of suicide attempts would be necessary for a more thorough analysis. Beside the more advanced treatment of mental health disorders, increased efforts in prevention are recommended with a special focus of low SES groups and Roma ethnicity. The specific background factors in Roma ethnic group should be further examined.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Current indication for hematopoietic cell transplantation in adults
Authors: Okamoto Shinichiro
Published: June 2017

With advances in transplantation technology and supportive care practices, hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has become relatively safer and the applicability of HCT continues to expand. However, appropriate selection of transplant candidates remains challenging. Identifying adult patients who may benefit from HCT involves consideration of patient and disease factors, including overall health, prior therapies, age, comorbidity, and disease/disease risk. The eligibility of transplants should be decided on a case by case basis, based upon a riskbenefit assessment. The advent of the tools for assessing patient factors such as HCT- specific comorbidity index and disease factors such as disease risk index serve as assets for the decision-making process. Besides those approaches, psychosocial assessment to know the candidates’ personalities and related issues are crucial in order to maximize patients’ participation in their own care and to lay the foundation for a successful return to their personal and professional life after HCT.
“Mi reino es grande como el mundo”: El conde de Montecristo en Mérida y la Ciudad de México
Authors: Canto Mayén Emiliano
Published: June 2017

Este artículo analiza la recepción de El conde de Montecristo en Mérida y la Ciudad de México, con base en la hemerografía de la época y fuentes de archivo. El estudio se propone comprender las prácticas de lectura de las sociedades receptoras y las causas por las cuales esta novela francesa fue un best-seller en la República Mexicana.
La Guerra de Castas en La rebelión de los Cruzoob, de Miguel Ángel Suárez Caamal: de la veracidad histórica a la ficción novelesca
Authors: Vadillo Buenfil Carlos
Published: June 2017

En este texto se analiza la novela La rebelión de los Cruzoob (1997), del campechano Miguel Ángel Suárez Caamal, desde una doble perspectiva discursiva: como realidad histórica y como realidad ficcional. En esta narración, que tiene como trasfondo histórico el conflicto armado denominado Guerra de Castas, la focalización del narrador se centra en la visión de los vencidos: los insurrectos mayas y su Cruz Parlante, por lo que este relato constituiría una representación de quienes se rebelaron contra la consuetudinaria opresión de los blancos yucatecos. Esta breve novela sobre el pasado peninsular mexicano actualiza y cuestiona temas vigentes en la contemporaneidad, ya que la problemática planteada no ha sido del todo resuelta; de este modo, concluimos, la lucha de la raza maya clama ser novelada para que su gesta no se pierda y permanezca en la memoria histórica.
El mundo hispanoamericano colonial en la Revista de Filosofía
Authors: Beatriz Fernández Cristina
Published: June 2017

En la extensa colección de la Revista de Filosofía (Buenos Aires, 1915- 1929) hay algunos artículos cuyo tema es la historia, la sociedad o la cultura en la América Hispana colonial. Si bien el número de estos artículos no es dominante en relación con otros temas de esa publi- cación, interesa esclarecer qué clase de mirada ofrece la revista sobre ese campo del saber, sobre todo teniendo en consideración que el perfil ideológico de la publicación es predominantemente cientificista y modernizador. En consecuencia, la mirada sobre el mundo colonial americano, presente en estos trabajos, amerita ser analizada y sistema- tizada para establecer su función en el seno de la publicación así como las relaciones mutuas y jerarquías de las disciplinas desde las cuales se aborda la cuestión.
Desde el corazón del Puuc: narrativas de retorno de migrantes yucatecos
Authors: Solis Lizama Mirian
Published: June 2017

El trabajo aborda el retorno de jóvenes migrantes originarios de Xohuayán, localidad rural ubicada al sur del estado de Yucatán, quienes emigraron a Santa Rosa y San Francisco, California, a partir de 2000. Después de estancias de entre tres y 10 años, los migrantes decidieron regresar a su lugar de origen. A través de distintas narrativas se muestra que el retorno de los xohuanes estuvo mediado por tres razones prin- cipales: el logro de los objetivos que propiciaron la partida, el escape de una vida de cansancio y estrés y los deseos de contraer matrimonio. Por otra parte, también se explica que la reinserción sociocultural de los retornados se favorece por los fuertes vínculos que mantienen con su localidad, así como por su sentido de pertenencia socioterritorial.
Gozona y fandango: fuentes de legitimidad de la alianza matrimonial en Yalálag, Oaxaca
Authors: Ramos Gil Irene
Published: June 2017

Este artículo trata sobre la alianza matrimonial en el pueblo de Yalálag, en la Sierra Norte de Oaxaca. Por una parte, se observan las transfor- maciones de las normas y prácticas matrimoniales a lo largo del siglo xx. Por otro lado, se examinan las categorías locales gozona y fandango, empleadas para describir cómo se establece la alianza y que designan las fuentes de legitimidad del matrimonio. Si bien los criterios de legitimidad de la alianza no son inteligibles sino a través de un conoci- miento preciso de los sistemas normativos locales, también pueden ser analizados a partir de una perspectiva antropológica más general, como hecho social total, a través de categorías analíticas como don, prestación matrimonial y dote.
Extrapolating body masses in large terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Campione Nicolás E.
Published: June 2017

Despite more than a century of interest, body-mass estimation in the fossil record remains contentious, particularly when estimating the body mass of taxa outside the size scope of living animals. One estimation approach uses humeral and femoral (stylopodial) circumferences collected from extant (living) terrestrial vertebrates to infer the body masses of extinct tetrapods through scaling models. When applied to very large extinct taxa, extant-based scaling approaches incur obvious methodological extrapolations leading some to suggest that they may overestimate the body masses of large terrestrial vertebrates. Here, I test the implicit assumption of such assertions: that a quadratic model provides a better fit to the combined humeral and femoral circumferences-to-body mass relationship. I then examine the extrapolation potential of these models through a series of subsetting exercises in which lower body-mass sets are used to estimate larger sets. Model fitting recovered greater support for the original linear model, and a nonsignificant second-degree term indicates that the quadratic relationship is statistically linear. Nevertheless, some statistical support was obtained for the quadratic model, and application of the quadratic model to a series of dinosaurs provides lower mass estimates at larger sizes that are more consistent with recent estimates using a minimum convex-hull (MCH) approach. Given this consistency, a quadratic model may be preferred at this time. Still, caution is advised; extrapolations of quadratic functions are unpredictable compared with linear functions. Further research testing the MCH approach (e.g., the use of a universal upscaling factor) may shed light on the linear versus quadratic nature of the relationship between the combined femoral and humeral circumferences and body mass.
Voice onset time production in Ecuadorian Spanish, Quichua, and Media Lengua
Authors: Stewart Jesse
Published: June 2017

In Ecuador there exists a dynamic language contact continuum between Urban Spanish and Rural Quichua. This study explores the effects of competing phonologies with an analysis of voice onset time (VOT) production in and across three varieties of Ecuadorian highland Spanish, Quichua, and Media Lengua. Media Lengua is a mixed language that contains Quichua systemic elements and a lexicon of Spanish origin. Because of this lexical-grammatical split, Media Lengua is considered the most central point along the language continuum. Native Quichua phonology has a single series of voiceless stops (/p/, /t/, and /k/), while Spanish shows a clear voicing contrast between stops in the same series. This study makes use of nearly 8,000 measurements from 69 participants to (i) document VOT production in the aforementioned language varieties and (ii) analyse the effects of borrowings on VOT. Results based on mixed effects models and multidimensional scaling suggest that the voicing contrast has entered both Media Lengua and Quichua through Spanish lexical borrowings. However, the VOT values of voiced stops in Media Lengua align with those of Rural and L2 Spanish while Quichua shows significantly longer prevoicing values, suggesting some degree of overshoot.
Diagnosis and molecular detection of Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood in honey bees in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ansari Mohammad Javed , Al-Ghamdi Ahmad , Nuru Adgaba , Ahmed Ashraf Mohamed , Ayaad Tahany H. , Khan Khalid Ali , Al-Waili Noori
Published: June 2017

Apis mellifera jemenitica, the only indigenous honey bee race of Saudi Arabia, is well adapted to the harsh local environmental conditions. A large-scale field survey was conducted to screen major Saudi Arabian beekeeping locations for infection byPaenibacillus larvae. Paenibacillus larvaeis one of the major bacterial pathogens of honey bee broods and is the causative agent of American foulbrood disease. Larvae from samples suspected of infection were collected from different apiaries and homogenized in phosphate-buffered saline. Bacteria were isolated on MYPGP agar medium. Two bacterial isolates, ksuPL3 and ksuPL5 (16S rRNA GenBank accession numbers, KR780760 and KR780761, respectively), were subjected to molecular identification usingP. larvae-specific primers. A BLAST sequence analysis revealed that the two isolates wereP. larvaewith more than 98% sequence identity. This detection ofP. larvaein the indigenous honey bee is the first recorded incidence of this pathogen in Saudi Arabia. This study emphasizes the need for the relevant authorities to take immediate steps towards treating and limiting the spread of this disease throughout the country.