bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antipsychotics and lengthening QT / QTc
Authors: Tarricone L.
Published: May 2011

Serious arrhythmias and / or sudden deaths related to the use of first-generation or typical antipsychotics have been observed for about thirty years. It is considered that the pathophysiological mechanism that causes these events may to be block the potassium and calcium channels with abnormal ventricular repolarization. The assessment of QT, QTc corrected for heart rate, is a predictor of risk for TdP. The introduction of second generation antipsychotics raised the question if these molecules can induce prolongation of the QT interval on the increased risk of arrhythmia and / or TdP. Controlled studies also argue that second-generation antipsychotics may lead to prolongation of QT / QTc. by introducing into the routine ECG and laboratory evaluations The purpose of this study is to analyze any change in ECG QTc observed in patients admitted to the SPDC, and possible correlation with antipsychotic medication.

AscoltaThe ECGs of 300 patients admitted during the period January 2009/January 2010 with QTc assessment the first day and fifteen days after the treatment with second generation antipsychotics were examined. Changes were evaluated in relation to gender, age, diagnosis, antipsychotic taken in single or co-therapy QTc value divided into three classes: 440 ≤; 441 ≥ 500 ; 501≥;). There were no significant changes in QTc in relation to medication. It is believed that second-generation antipsychotics are considered safe and effective drugs at the time and that psychiatrists should pay more attention, however, by introducing into the routine ECG and laboratory evaluations.
My pregnancy was a flash of lightning! - the impact of birth of premature babies on adolescent mothers in the southeast Brazil: A clinical-qualitative study
Authors: Chvatal V.L.S. , Varga C.R.R. , Rivoredo C.R.S.F. , Turato E.R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The pregnancy and the motherhood of adolescents are complex phenomena that happen on the trajectory of life of the young persons under physical, psychological and social aspects.

Aim

To deepen knowledge of the emotional experiences of socially disadvantaged adolescent primiparous with premature babies.

Method

qualitative-clinical. Criteria of inclusion: age group, to be primiparous with premature baby and acceptance in participating of the inquiry. The intentional sample was made up of five adolescents aged between 16 and 19. The study was carried between June/2008 to October/2009. Semi-directed interviews based on the trigger question “Tell me about your pregnancy and your baby's birth”. The data were submitted for thematic analysis and from this the following categories emerged: 1. Late discovery of pregnancy: “Mine was a lightning pregnancy”; 2. The symbolization of the child: “It was a present for me…” discussed within a theoretical framework of reference, with special emphasis on the psychodynamic approach.

Results

On a psychological perspective, the adolescents had presented feelings of omnipotence, unfamiliarity, shock, surprise, anger, fear, anguish and happiness at the birth of their child. They appeared to use immature, narcissistic and neurotic defence mechanisms such as denial, dissociation, acting out and idealization as well as revealing the desire to be good mothers and to engage in maternity.

Conclusion

These finds can subsidize the team of health responsible for the service in neonatal intensive care units, developing attitudes more effective of support and giving emotional presence aiming to reduce the fear and anguishes resulting from the situation.
Psychological meanings of silence for Brazilian working women with urinary incontinence about their health problem: A clinical qualitative study
Authors: Higa R. , Chvatal V.L.S. , Lopes M.H.B.D.M. , Turato E.R.
Published: May 2011

Objective

To interpret the meanings of the silence from Brazilian working women about their urinary incontinence (UI).

Method

A clinical-qualitative method was used with semi-directed interviews with open-ended questions. The sample consisted of eight women aged 30 to 45 from low-income brackets of the population with complaints of UI and who had never sought treatment. The resulting data was analyzed according to the thematic content analysis technique, based on psychosocial and psychodynamic approaches. The authors were aware of the polysemic character from the speeches in Human Science research.

Results

The difficulty that women with urinary incontinence face in talking about the problem is an indication of the anxiety involved. They generally avoid discussing it due to embarrassment and from fear of being judged and misunderstood. In addition, their underprivileged social, economic and cultural situation may have aggravated their limitations in expressing their feelings. In terms of psychic processes, these women’s silence can be seen as a way for them to contain the physical symptom that their UI has brought on. Since it is so hard to express themselves in words, everything remains “unsaid,” but this silence can be interpreted as a way of expressing painful and unnameable feelings.

Conclusion

The silence of Brazilian women with urinary incontinence proved to be an essential element of communication about this disorder and was as important as the words they uttered. Their silence evidenced the pain and anxiety they experienced, and it emerged as an adaptive psychosocial mechanism.
Psychological meanings of the body and sexuality reported by Brazilian working women with urinary incontinence: A clinical qualitative study
Authors: Higa R. , Cordeiro S.N. , Santos S.N. , Lopes M.H.B.D.M. , Turato E.R.
Published: May 2011

Aim

To discuss meanings associated with the body and experiences of sexuality reported by Brazilian women with urinary incontinence.

Method

Clinical-qualitative method was used with semi-directed interviews with open-ended questions. The sample consisted of eight women aged 30 to 45 from low-income brackets of a population with complaints of UI and who had never sought treatment. Resulting data was analyzed according to the thematic content analysis, based on psychodynamic approaches. The researchers paid attention to the emic perspective, that is, the insider’s point of view or the reasons for certain interviewees’ customs/beliefs.

Results

Women's experiences of living with UI are presented in two categories:

(1) A body that is damaged: They report their current body image is one that is marked by a lack of physical and emotional control, worn by time and motherhood, which has resulted in the feeling of growing old prematurely.

(2) An interrupted sexuality: They desire a sexually active life, but UI results in a constant state of unsatisfied desire, since they experience incontinence as something that inhibits sexual pleasure. They experience sexual intercourse as a means to satisfy their partner, but do not derive pleasure from intercourse themselves.

Conclusions

Women with UI - young and within their reproductive period - have reported life experiences that indicated feeling powerless, with a sense of rejection of their body. They exhibited a sense of loss in terms of inability to experience orgasm due to urinary loss, as well as feeling secondary to the satisfaction of their partner.
Emotional aspects of transiting HIV-infected adolescents to an adult health care in the southeast Brazil: A new challenge
Authors: Machado D.M. , Succi R.C.M. , Galano E. , Turato E.R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Adolescents who was born with HIV, usually followed by paediatricians, present new challenges to health care teams during transition to adult medical care.

Objective

To discuss the emotional meanings of transitioning this group to adult health care.

Method

Clinical-qualitative approach with preliminary interviews conducted with eight HIV-infected adolescents followed at Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. The data were processed through Qualitative Content Analysis and discussed based on theoretical psychodynamic frameworks.

Results

The emergent themes were feelings of loss, risk of rupture of solid ties and unpreparedness to changes perceived as threatening. The transition to adult health care points to the need for developing patient self-care: “... I have to take more responsibility, I’m not ready, I’m still a teenager.” They also mentioned concerns in moving away from their paediatricians, “here is like a family. I feel like they care about me ... they are not just doctors... kind of teacher... mother, you know, “If I have to leave, I’ll cry... “Is there a place where the paediatricians could follow us until 30 years?” On the other hand, there were testimonies showing compliance or interest in changing, it's normal, I’m older, I have to stay right there”, “I’m the oldest ... it's weird to be among children.”

Conclusions

Although adolescents understand the need of transition of health care, they manifest several difficulties. Individualized transitioning plans and increasing interaction between paediatric and adult HIV care providers could better address the needs of this unique population.
Psychological experiences related by cistectomized and/or prostatectomized outpatients in the southeast Brazil facing their leading condition in the family structure: A clinical-qualitative study
Authors: Trigo L.A.M.C. , Magdaleno R. , Ferreira U. , Turato E.R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The bladder and prostate cancer have similar invasive treatments, which imply in psychological alterations for the patient. They face changes in their way of life, have their male fragility exposed and they still charge themselves as the provider role in their families.

Objectives/aims

To discussemotional meanings related to cistectomized and/or prostatectomized outpatients who exercise the leading condition in their family structure.

Method

Clinical-qualitative with semi-directed interviews with open-ended questions and using saturation sampling closed with 9 married patients between 40 and 77 years old. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for later psychological interpretation.

Results

It is emerged five topics as patients’ biggest concerning on postoperative:

(1) Ego and Probe: There is a physiological and psychological discomfort about using a probe. They are afraid of what people will think, affecting their self-esteem and making them feel incapable;

(2) Lack of Bladder Control: They reported “moral decay” and prefer being away of their day-to-day activities instead of using a diaper and deal with limitations;

(3) Sexuality: The most important topic. There is an important loss of sexual practice and frustration. There is a connection between fear of being impotent and development of new ways to find pleasure and sexual satisfaction;

(4) Relationship: Marriages were not shaken by the situation and intimacy increased; and

(5) Escape of Reality: They said they had “lived life” as a way not to feel private about everything they had lost.

Conclusion

It is important to have a bigger emotional and psychosocial support for these patient’s postoperative.
Psychological meanings of life experiences during postpartum depression as reported by outpatients seen at a university hospital in the Southeast Brazil: A clinical-qualitative study
Authors: Bastos S.C.R. , Pereira B.G. , Turato E.R.
Published: May 2011

Background

The object of this study have covered the psychological and sociocultural experience in context of depression occurred in postpartum period. The research assumes that pregnant women have the expectation that the motherhood is one of the most important moments of their lives and thus need to feel happy in face of childbirth, while women who had postpartum depression can experience feelings of anxiety and guilt. In addiction, there could be limitations on the child care and support or false sense of support felt by these women in relation to her partners, relatives, doctors, nurses and others.

Purpose

The aim was to discuss what the perceptions and points of view brought by the women about this health problem represent or represented, emotionally and socio-culturally.

Method

We used the clinical-qualitative method, employing the technique of semi-directed interview with open-ended questions and we close the sample using the theoretical saturation of information, were sought on issues that could support better ways of managing such patients by health professionals. The researchers paid attention to the emic perspective, that is, the insider’s point of view or the reasons for certain interviewees’ customs/beliefs.

Results

In processing the data through both qualitative content analysis and free-floating readings, it emerged the following discussion categories:

(1) the escape the feeling of guilt brought by the difficulty of caring for the child;

(2) how to deal with family support upon arrival in the home;

(3) to learn to manage the strong sadness;

(4) the need for baby care.
Acyclovir-induced psychosis with manic symptoms after treating adult chickenpox
Authors: Vázquez Caubet J.C. , Bautista Garrido O. , Marín Mayor M. , Sanz Fuentenebro J.
Published: May 2011

Background

Varicella Zoster Virus infection is quite a common condition overseas, for which Acyclovir seems to specifically help reducing the duration and severity of its symptoms.

Some central nervous system side-effects have been described while receiving treatment with Acyclovir or one of its analogs Ganciclovir and Valacyclovir, and eventually psychiatric disturbances between them.

Objectives

We report the case of an Acyclovir-induced psychosis with manic symptoms in a 22 years-old woman with no previous psychiatric history.

Method

The patient presented with irritable mood and grandiose delusions 72 hours after starting oral Acyclovir for a chickenpox infection coursing with diseminated rash.

Result

The patient was admitted to the psychiatric unit 2 weeks after stopping treatment, albeit symptoms persisted. She was treated with Olanzapine in first place with modest improvement and Haloperidol in second place, finally recovering her previous mental state with no residual symptoms.

Discussion

There is a significant body of evidence warning about neuropsychiatric disturbances as a side-effect of treatment with Acyclovir and its analogs, specially when using intravenous administration, or in a renal failure condition. Although uncommon, psychosis with manic symptoms in young and healthy patients should be kept in mind in order to recognise it and offer best support.
Improving transfer from secondary to primary care: An audit of discharge letters from psychiatric outpatient clinic
Authors: Ahmed U. , Carmody E.
Published: May 2011

Aims

The discharge letter plays a crucial role in continuity of care from secondary to primary care. We found no existing study of outpatient discharge letters, including Mental Retardation services. New Ways of Working for psychiatrists has encouraged the discharge of stable outpatients to primary care in order to provide a responsive, flexible service. This study set standards for discharge communication and identified areas for improvement.

Methodology

This was a retrospective random audit of 30 service users discharged from a psychiatric outpatient clinic. Standards were set with consultant psychiatrists and general practioners. Data was collected from the service users’ last two clinic letters using a pre-developed audit tool and compared the current practice with the standards identified.

Results

Standards for status and future planning were largely achieved with reference to current mental state (97%), current medication (90%), other LD professionals involved (95%), advice and how to re-refer (90%).Standards for historical factors were partially achieved; including summary of contact with services (70%), summary (57%) and evaluation (67%) of treatments received. Some standards were not achieved; including requesting view of primary care prior to discharge (27%), statement of capacity (23%), risk factors (23%) and relapse indicators (27%).

Conclusion

The audit showed areas of good practice and areas for improvement. Results were disseminated to MDT's and a template developed for outpatient discharge letters. A re-audit has commenced to ensure progress in this important information-sharing process and to enhance the delivery of safe and effective health care.
Investigation of mental retardation etiology in romanian children using clinical, cytogenetic and array-CGH diagnostic techniques
Authors: Budisteanu M. , Arghir A. , Chirieac S.M. , Tutulan-Cunita A. , Burloiu C. , Iliescu C. , Craiu D. , Barca D. , Budisteanu B. , Minciu I. , Magureanu S. , Lungeanu A.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Mental retardation (MR) is the most common developmental disability, affecting 2–3% of the general population. A major challenge in both clinical practice and research in the field of MR is to identify the underlying causes: genetic, chromosomal and environmental factors that have an influence on a person's development and behavior.

Objective

We present the results of our study regarding genetic abnormalities associated with mental retardation in children.

Methods

A total of 180 children were studied using a diagnostic protocol based on dysmorphologic and clinical assessment. A disease, familial and personal history were noted. All patients were evaluated by clinical and paraclinical exams (including dysmorphological features, psychological tests, neurological features, neuroimagistic studies). Genetic investigations included a karyotype with GTG banding, FISH and array-CGH.

Results

A specific causes for the mental handicap was identified in 80 children (44%).

These included a chromosomal abnormality in 32 cases (17%), microdeletion syndromes in 25 children (14%), recognizable syndromes in 23 (13%). Array CGH identified a 22q11 deletion in a girl with unusual phenotype for DiGeorge syndrome, a Xp21 duplication in a girl with severe phenotype (including sever mental retardation, epilepsy, dysmorphic features, genital anomalies, glaucoma, dental anomalies), and a 4p14 deletion in a girl with moderate mental retardation, dysmorphic features, diparesis, congenital heard malformation.

Conclusions

While clinical diagnosis and conventional techniques form the mainstay of investigation of children with mental retardation, array CGH proved important diagnostic tool. Acknowledgments: National Research Program PN II, Project 42–130, CAPACITATI 29/2007–2009 Project; CNCSIS, Project 1203
Evaluation of an affection, love and sex education program for people with moderate intellectual disabilities
Authors: Couture G. , Daigle M.S.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The Programme d’éducation à la vie affective, amoureuse et sexuelle (ÉVAAS), an affection, love and sex education program for people with moderate intellectual disabilities (Desaulniers, Boucher, Boutet, & Voyer, 2001), is widely used in Quebec and is applied in several locations in Belgium, France and Switzerland.

Objectives

An implementation evaluation was recently completed as the first stage of a program evaluation.

Aims

The aim of the project was to establish the value of this program.

Methods

For the purpose, 73 ÉVAAS sessions at five different sites were observed and questionnaires and interviews with 10 group leaders and their supervisors were analyzed.

Results

It was found above all that the program was normally implemented in accordance with its spirit and objectives. However, it was also noted that follow-up to interventions carried out during ÉVAAS sessions was much less structured and sustained, particularly as regards those intended for friends and family.

Conclusions

The research team formulated seven recommendations regarding the program's implementation framework and adjustments required to ensure the achievement of its objectives. The recommendations concern the authors of the program, the educators who use it, their supervisors, as well as service managers.
A survey of the role of allied mental health services in learning disabilities at Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham
Authors: Reddy J.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Allied mental health services play important role in patients’ care in Learning Disabilities as they are more in contact with the patients. Their knowledge about common side effects of medication and relevance of routine blood investigations help Clinicians to provide appropriate care and support.

Objective

To ascertain the knowledge of Allied mental health services about common side effects of medication and relevance of routine blood investigations.

Methodology

Survey questionnaire was distributed to staff between November 09 and January 10.

The questions included about the common side effects of Lithium, Insulin, High dose Antidepressants, High dose Antipsychotics and Anticoagulant Medication. Relevance of Routine Blood Tests and Blood Pressure Monitoring were also asked. Number of questionnaire distributed - 60. Number of Respondents -30. Responses were collected anonymously.

Results

Respondent Classification -Registered Nurses- 4, Nursing Assistants- 12, Care Assistants- 10, Associate Practioner- 1, Deputy Charge Nurses- 2, Occupational Therapist -1.

Of the Registered Nurses, Associate Practioners, Deputy Charge Nurses the results were 100%. With the Nursing Assistant- 25% (3), Care Assistant- 10% (1) and OT was aware of Routine blood tests and BP.

The Nursing Assistants and Care Assistants were aware of one side effect for Lithium, Clozapine, Anticoagulants and Insulin. They were not aware of side effects of High dose Antidepressants & High dose Antipsychotics. The awareness of relevance of Routine Blood Tests and Blood Pressure Monitoring was 80% and 90% respectively.

Conclusions

•

Arrange educational meetings to the Support workers

•

Conduct the survey in a year's time
Audit of the resettlement process: Mallow ward, Muckamore Abbey Hospital
Authors: Towobola A. , McLorinan P. , Hanna H.
Published: May 2011

In accordance with The UN Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons, the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability of Northern Ireland emphasized the need to establish a new service model for people with learning disability, focusing on their integration in the community. Following the Government's Action plan, guidelines were developed to guide the process of resettlement.

This study looked at how well the standards have been met in resettling patients from Mallow ward, the Children’s Learning Disability Unit of Muckamore Abbey Hospital, Antrim, Northern Ireland, given the cost implications of resettling long-stay patients and the impact on the service users.

Objectives

1. To evaluate the resettlement process

2. To identify areas needing development

Methods

In January 2010 we identified 14 children admitted between November 2008 (guideline implementation) and March 2009 (ministerial target date). Data collection involved review of case notes and interviewing residential Care managers.

Results

The admission dates of the children (aged 13 – 19) ranged between March 2003 and March 2009. 11 (79%) children had been resettled in the community. Standards were achieved 100% in several domains including risks assessments, information sharing and patient/carer involvement. 5 (45%) children were discharged within 4 weeks of trial resettlement. Common problems included aggression, seizures, constipation and encopresis. The feedbacks from current placements were mostly positive.

Discussion

Compliance with standards ensured smooth resettlement. 45% discharged within 4 weeks of trial resettlement reflects the appropriate focus on patient safety rather than targets. Limited resources impacted on delayed discharge.
Mental retardation and long- acting injectable risperidone: Clinic evidence during 7 years
Authors: Venegas N. , Guerra A. , Siles I.
Published: May 2011

Antipsychotics are frequently used in the Intellectual Disability when displayed conduct disorder or specific psychiatric disorders such as disruptive behavior disorder as disruptive disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, various psychotic disorders, disorder Impulse Control Disorders, etc. The long-acting Injectable risperidone is a drug which by its nature from the beginning makes the maintenance treatment of these patients. In a study conducted by our team in 2007 was described the good therapeutic response to long-acting injectable risperidone (LAIR) in psychiatric disorders in this population.

Objectives

In depth study of the use of long-acting injectable risperidone in this specific population on the basis of a previous study on a sample of 60 Pack. To describe the demographic characteristics of the new sample of 80 patients, type of Mental Retardation and the most common psychiatric diagnoses. To analyze the therapeutic response to treatment by comparing the clinical course before and after treatment with long-acting injectable risperidone (episodes of aggression, hospitalization, emergency room visits, mechanical restraint, disruptive behavior ...). The dose of long-acting injectable risperidone used, the presence of antipsychotic combination therapy, side effects, etc. are analized. We analyze the information on family overload in relation to treatment with Long- acting injectable Risperidone in a part of the sample.

Results

The study of a sample of 80 patients of both sexes, with diagnosis of mental retardation treated with LAIR is in the process of statistical analysis. But it is possible to appreciate the good therapeutic response and high tolerability of patients to treatment.
BDNF plasma levels in bipolar and unipolar depression
Authors: Dell’Osso L. , Piccinni A. , Carlini M. , Veltri A. , Baroni S. , Marazziti D.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

There is increasing evidence that Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression and the actions of antidepressants.

Aims

The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between the BDNF plasma levels and clinical variables in unipolar versus bipolar depressed patients.

Methods

Thirty-three outpatients (17 with unipolar and 16 with bipolar depression) and 15 healthy controls were included in the study. BDNF concentrations were measured with an ELISA assay method. Severity of depression was assessed by means of the 21-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) Severity of Illness scale.

Results

The BDNF plasma levels were significantly reduced in patients with unipolar or bipolar depression, with no significant difference between the two groups. Significant and negative correlations were found in the total sample between BDNF levels and the HRSD total scores, the retardation factor scores and CGI “severity of illness” scores. When the same analyses were repeated in each group separately, these findings were confirmed only in patients with bipolar depression.

Conclusions

Our results show that lower BDNF levels may be related to both severity of depression and retardation symptoms in bipolar depression. Further studies need to ascertain whether and how the BDNF levels may be associated with any psychopathological dimensions of the depressive state and be used as a biological marker to differentiate bipolar from unipolar depression.
Action-inhibition hierarchies: Using a simple gastropod model to investigate serotonergic and dopaminergic control of action selection and reinforcement learning
Authors: Hodgkinson S. , Steyer J. , Jandl M. , Kaschka W.P. ,   Biological Research Group
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Basal ganglia (BG) activity plays an important role in action selection and reinforcement learning. Inputs from and to other areas of the brain are modulated by a number of neurotransmitter pathways in the BG. Disturbances in the normal function of the BG may play a role in the aetiology of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Aims

Develop a simple animal model to evaluate interactions between glutamatergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic and GABAergic neurones in the modulation of action selection and reinforcement learning.

Objectives

To characterise the effects of changing dopaminergic and serotonergic activity on action selection and reinforcement learning in an animal model.

Methods

The food seeking / consummation (FSC) activity of the gastropod Planorbis corneus was suppressed by operant conditioning using a repeated unconditioned stimulus-punishment regime. The effects of elevated serotonin or dopamine levels (administration into cerebral, pedal and buccal ganglia), on operantly-conditioned FSC activity was assessed.

Results

Operantly-conditioned behaviour was reversed by elevated ganglia serotonin levels but snails showed no food consummation motor activity in the absence of food. In contrast, elevated ganglia dopamine levels in conditioned snails elicited food consummation motor movements in the absence of food but not orientation towards a food source.

Conclusions

The modulation of FSC activity elicited by reinforcement learning is subject to hierarchical control in gastropods. Serotoninergic activity is responsible establishing the general activity level whilst dopaminergic activity appears to play a more localised and subordinate ‘command’ role.
Studies of suppression of epileptic seizures with serotonin-modulating anticonsolidation protein (SMAP)
Authors: Panahova E.N. , Mekhtiev A.A.
Published: May 2011

Earlier studies revealed that tandem of brain amygdala complex and visual system is related directly to development of a number of the brain pathologies. In the present study the model of amygdala epilepsy in rabbits was formed and on its background the evoked activity in the visual cortex, colliculus superior (CS) and retina was analyzed. Tentative studies showed that penicillin-induced epileptic locus in the basolateral amygdala led to sharp (to 200–300%) enhancement of the evoked potentials (EP) in the cortex and retina, whereas in the CS the responses were suppressed significantly. During seizure fit of V-VI stage, according to Racine scale, in the visual cortex, CS and (that is especially interesting) in the retina the regular interictal spikes were fixed. Intramuscular administration (1 mg/kg) of SMAP, purified earlier from rat brain and being in linear relationship with serotonin, into rabbit led to suppression of seizures 30–40 min later. Administration of polyclonal anti-SMAP antibodies into amygdala (10 μl; 1.5 mg/ml) originally induced clear interictal spikes in the visual cortex, CS and retina, while after 30 min inverse effect was observed: elimination of the initial positive component and strong enhancement of the negative phase in the visual cortex. The latter, probably, indicates to switching on compensatory SMAP synthesis after antibody-mediated SMAP inactivation. So, the results indicate to inhibitory activity of SMAP in cessation of epileptic seizures, while its downregulation may bring to seizure initiation.
Protective effect of nigella sativa extract and thymoquinone on serum/glucose deprivation-induced PC12 cells death
Authors: Sadeghnia H.R. , Mousavi S.H. , Tayarani-Najaran Z. , Asghari M.
Published: May 2011

The serum/glucose deprivation (SGD)-induced cell death in cultured PC12 cells represents a useful in vitro model for the study of brain ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders.

Nigella sativa L. and its active component, thymoquinone (TQ) have been known as a source of antioxidants. In the present study, the protective effects of N. sativa and TQ on cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cultured PC12 cells were investigated under SGD conditions. PC12 Cells were pretreated with different concentrations of N. sativa extract (15.62–250 μg/ml) and TQ (1.17–150 μM) for 2 h and then subjected to SGD for 6 or 18 h. Cell viability was quantitated by MTT assay. Intracellular ROS production was measured by flow cytometry using 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-DA) as a probe. SGD induced significant cells toxicity after 6, 18, or 24 h (p < 0.001). Pretreatment with N. sativa (15.62–250 μg/ml) and TQ (1.17–37.5 μM) reduced SGD-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells after 6 and 18 h. A significant increase in intracellular ROS production was seen following SGD (p < 0.001). N. sativa (250 μg/ml, p < 0.01) and TQ (2.34, 4.68, 9.37 μM, p < 0.01) pretreatment reversed the increased ROS production following ischemic insult. The experimental results suggest that N. sativa extract and TQ protects the PC12 cells against SGD-induced cytotoxicity via antioxidant mechanisms. Our findings might raise the possibility of potential therapeutic application of N. sativa extract and TQ for managing cerebral ischemic and neurodegenerative disorders.
Neurotransmitters related to depression and psychosis in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Scherer E.A. , Gitaí D.L.G. , Brusco J. , Lucio-Eterovic A.K.B. , Andrade V.D.S.S. , Carlotti Junior C.G. , Hallak J.E.C. , Leite J.P. , Moreira J.E. ,   FAPESP/CNPq
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Epilepsy affects between 1 and 2% of the world population. Drug refractoriness is common and about 40% of patients suffer from psychiatric disorders.

Objective

Knowing noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin and substance P receptors’ role in hippocampi removed from people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with or without psychiatric comorbidity.

Aims

To assess whether there are differences in different neurotransmitters’ roles in TLE with or without psychiatric comorbidity.

Method

TacMan real-time PCR assay to quantify the receptors’ mRNA in 48 TLE patients without (Epilepsy-24) or with psychosis (Psychosis-10) or depression (Depression-14) and 8 necropsies (Controls).

Results

AD2A and AD2C showed differences and more expression in the Epilepsy group when compared with Control and Psychosis. AD2A showed significance in the Antiepileptic variable, a substance that activates AD2A in the hippocampus. AD2A and AD2C without difference for Epilepsy and Depression indicate a two-way relation or common pathogenesis between these illnesses; and their minor expression in the Psychosis group suggests different adrenergic mechanisms connected with psychosis and epilepsy. D2 showed a significant difference in the Psychiatric Diagnosis Subtype and Epileptic Seizures frequency, probably due to chronicity and number of depressive episodes. The role of 5-HT2A in TLE is indicated by its greater expression in the Epilepsy group when compared with the Control, with significance for the Epileptic Seizures frequency. No significant results were found for D4, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2C and NK1.

Conclusion

Prospective research with complementary methods (immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, electronic microscopy and neuroimaging) is suggested to identify, locate and visualize the receptors’ distribution.
Membrane lipid rafts are required for D2 dopamine receptor signaling
Authors: Sibley D. , Hazelwood L. , Roof R. , Free R.B. , Han Y. , Javitch J.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Lipid rafts are specialized membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids and are important in the organization of receptor-protein complexes and the regulation of signaling.

Objective/aims

Given the emerging significance of lipids with respect to receptor structure and activation, we investigated the role of lipid rafts and membrane cholesterol on D2 dopamine receptor (DAR) signaling. As the D2 DAR is the molecular target for all antipsychotic drugs, more information about its signaling may help refine therapeutics for schizophrenia.

Methods

D2 DAR constructs were expressed in HEK293T cells. Sucrose density fractionation resolved lipid rafts from other membrane components. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD) was used to deplete membrane cholesterol and to disrupt lipid rafts.

Results

Detergent solubilization followed by sucrose gradient centrifugation resolved lipid rafts from heavier membrane fractions. The D2 DAR was equally distributed amongst both the lipid raft and heavier membrane fractions. Pretreatment with MCD, however, eliminated both lipid raft markers and the D2 DAR from lipid raft fractions, although the receptor was still found in heavier membrane fractions. We also found that MCD treatment abolished D2 DAR-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation. In contrast D1 DAR-stimulated cAMP accumulation was unaffected by MCD treatment.

Conclusions

Our current results show that the D2 DAR is distributed in multiple membrane microdomains, including cholesterol-rich lipid rafts. We found that extraction of cholesterol disrupted lipid rafts and also an eliminated D2 DAR-mediated signaling. Thus, we hypothesize that lipid rafts are critical for D2 DAR signaling to occur.
Alpha2C-adrenoceptor activation reduces dopa uptake in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Vieira-Coelho M.A. , Serrão M.P. , Moura E.
Published: May 2011

Alpha2C-adrenoceptor antagonists have been proposed has having therapeutic value in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and drug withdrawal. Mice with targeted deletion or selective pharmacological inhibition of alpha2C-adrenoceptors presented higher brain tissue levels of dopamine and its precursor 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). In this study we investigated the effect of alpha2C-adrenoceptor activation on DOPA uptake in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). DOPA levels in cells were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Results are presented as arithmetic mean ± standard error. SH-SY5Y cells take up DOPA in a time dependent (linear until 6 minutes) and concentration dependent (2.5–2500 μM) manner. Non-linear analysis of the saturation curves revealed for DOPA a Km (in μM) of 435 ± 91 and a Vmax (in nmol/ mg protein/6 min) of 465 ± 30. The uptake of DOPA was inhibited by BCH and neutral amino acids but no by MeAIB and the acidic and basic aminoacids. DOPA uptake was unaltered by lowering the pH. In the absence of sodium there was a 20% reduction in the Vmax values for DOPA uptake. For a single concentration of DOPA, incubation with different concentrations of the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist medetomidine (0.1–1000nM) produced a concentration dependent decrease in DOPA uptake (IC50 in nM: 8 ± 0.3; Emax in % of inhibition: 55 ± 5). Pre-incubation with the selective alpha2C-antagonist JP-1302 (300nM) abolished the reduction produced by incubation medetomidine. In conclusion, in SH-SY5Y cells DOPA uptake is promoted by the LAT (sodium independent) and B0 (sodium dependent) systems and is inhibited by activation of alpha2C-adrenoceptors.
Perinatal exposure to alcohol disturbs spatial learning and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus
Authors: Zink M. , Ferbert T. , Frank S.T. , Seufert P. , Gebicke-Härter P.J. , Spanagel R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Perinatal exposure to alcohol (PEA) induces general developmental and specific neuropsychiatric disturbances in association with disturbed synaptic plasticity and functions of the amino acid neurotransmitter glutamate.

Objective

We were interested in effects of ethanol during the terminal neurodevelopmental differentiation on glutamatergic neurotransmission.

Aims

To establish an animal model based on vapor chamber exposure and to assess the expression of vGluT1, EAAT1 to 4, NMDA receptor (NR) subunits 1, 2A to D and NR binding with 3H-labeled MK 801.

Methods

After delivery, female Wistar Han outbred rats (N = 4) and their pups were exposed until postnatal day 8 (P8). At the age of 5 months, the animals were behaviorally characterized. Both, at P8 and after the testing we performed in situ-hybridizations receptor binding assays.

Results

PEA-pubs showed a pronounced and highly significant retardation of body weight and length. Behavioral testing revealed no differences in locomotion and anxiety (open field and elevated plus maze) as well as T-maze-learning, but significantly impaired hippocampus-dependent spatial learning (MWM). We observed significant inductions of vGluT1, EAAT1, EAAT3, NR2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, as well as trends of increased NR1 mRNA. NR binding was found increased in hippocampus (P8) and parietal cortex (P8 and 5M).

Conclusions

The observed inductions of glial glutamate transporters validate previous in vitro data. Altered glutamatergic neurotransmission in general might be considered a molecular correlate of the learning deficit in our PEA model. This further supports the glutamatergic theory of PEA and suggests new targets for therapeutic interventions.
Are there structural brain changes following 10 days of SSRI administration investigated by voxel-based morphometry?
Authors: Baldinger P. , Savli M. , Kranz G.S. , Höflich A. , Kraus C. , Windischberger C. , Kasper S. , Lanzenberger R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

There is evidence that psychiatric diseases are accompanied by structural alterations in the human brain, partly reversible by pharmacological treatments. Several studies including Tost et al. (Nat.Neurosci.2010;13(8):920-2) investigated the effect of psychotropic drugs on neuronal plasticity pointing towards rapid pharmacologically induced brain grey matter variations, apart from already presumed slow structural changes within weeks. Here, we investigated the short-term (days) structural effects of SSRIs.

Objective

To identify structural changes of grey and white matter following 10d of oral administration (citalopram/escitalopram vs. placebo) in 18 healthy subjects investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using voxel-based morphometry (VBM).

Methods

Study design: Randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.

Subjects: 18 healthy caucasian subjects (6 female 24.8 ± 2.5 years, 12 males 28.9 ± 6.7 years) MRI: 3 MRI scans/subject (3 Tesla scanner)

Treatment: 10d of oral medication intake of either 20 mg citalopram/d, 10 mg escitalopram/d or placebo in alternating order of administration

Data analysis: VBM, as implemented in SPM8.

Statistical analysis: analysis of variance (ANOVA, FWE corrected), post-hoc pair-wise comparisons.

Results

ANOVA (grey matter: F(2,48) = 18.85, p < 0.05; white matter: F(2,48) = 17.79, p < 0.05) did not reveal suprathreshold clusters in grey or white matter.

Conclusion

This VBM-study does not support previous short-time (days) MR findings of pharmacologically-induced structural alterations in the brain, considering the lack of significant changes in grey and white matter volumes following 10d of SSRI administration. This divergence may be caused by dissent pharmacological effects of SSRIs compared to other psychotropic drugs.
Increased functional coupling between basalganglia and cingulate and prefrontal cortex during resting state conditions in remitted major depressive disorder
Authors: Boubela R. , Kalcher K. , Pail G. , Huf W. , Scharinger C. , Hartinger B. , Windischberger C. , Filzmoser P. , Moser E. , Kasper S. , Pezawas L.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Converging evidence suggests alterations of neural activation in the basal ganglia to represent neural correlates of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). While a previous study reported increases of functional connectivity in resting state activity between the caudate nuclei and the posterior cingulate cortex in acutely depressed patients, it remains unclear whether this finding persists during full remission once antidepressant treatment has been discontinued.

Objectives

To investigate patterns of functional coupling between the basal ganglia and cortical regions during resting-state conditions.

Aims

To determine whether increases of functional connectivity between caudate nuclei, putamen, and pallidum with cortical regions, in particular the cingulate cortex, pertain during remission of MDD.

Methods

Forty-three remitted depressed (rMDD) patients and thirty-five healthy controls were recruited at Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, and performed a six minute resting-state fMRI scan. Seed time series were extracted from the preprocessed data using individual masks for the basal ganglia and correlated with all nodes in a surface based analysis using FreeSurfer, AFNI and SUMA. The resulting correlation coefficients were then Fisher-transformed, group results were determined by comparing group mean smoothed z-scores with a two-sample t-test.

Results

Increased resting-state functional connectivity was revealed between basal ganglia and cingulate as well as prefrontal cortex in the rMDD group compared to healthy controls.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results revealed increased functional coupling between the basal ganglia and wide parts of the cingulate and prefrontal cortex to possibly represent a specific neural pattern during remission of MDD.
Neural correlates of cognitive behavioural therapy in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Cabanis M. , Krug A. , Pyka M. , Walter H. , Winterer G. , Müller B. , Herrlich J. , Wiedemann G. , Vogeley K. , Rapp A. , Klingberg S. , Kircher T.
Published: May 2011

There is evidence that patients with persecutory delusions tend to attribute excessively hypothetical positive events to internal causes and hypothetical negative events to external causes, arrive at hasty conclusions and fail in gathering and assessing adequate feedback, particularly when emotionally salient material is involved. Research on the neural correlates of the corresponding neural correlates and even more so on the potential effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the associated cerebral networks is almost unavailable.

The first and preliminary results of a multicentre fMRI study will be presented.

In this study eighty schizophrenia patients from the POSITIVE clinical trial and eighty healthy subjects were recruited at six German university hospitals (Bonn, Duisburg-Essen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Cologne, Tubingen). After nine months of therapy (either with CBT or Supportive Therapy) patients and controls were re-examined enabling the study correlates of cerebral reorganization processes.

We found reliable differences in brain activation relating to phenomena of decision making under uncertainty, and biased attribution (self- vs. external reference of emotional events).

The comparison of both groups revealed significant decreased activation in key areas for decision making, self-reflection, self-relevance and agency attribution of patients with schizophrenia.

The preliminary data analysis of the still blinded treatment arms shows significantly increased activations in these areas after nine months of CBT. This suggest neuroplasitic changes according to relearning strategies in psychotic patients with schizophrenia and will hopefully give rise to a more widespread application of CBT in treatment of schizophrenia.