bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of CRAFT in two‐dimensional NMR data processing
Authors: Krishnamurthy Krish , Sefler Andrea M. , Russell David J.
Published: May 2016

Two‐dimensional (2D) data are typically truncated in both dimensions, but invariably and severely so in the indirect dimension. These truncated FIDs and/or interferograms are extensively zero filled, and Fourier transformation of such zero‐filled data is always preceded by a rapidly decaying apodization function. Hence, the frequency line width in the spectrum (at least parallel to the evolution dimension) is almost always dominated by the apodization function. Such apodization‐driven line broadening in the indirect (t1) dimension leads to the lack of clear resolution of cross peaks in the 2D spectrum. Time‐domain analysis (i.e. extraction of frequency, amplitudes, line width, and phase parameters directly from the FID, in this case via Bayesian modeling into a tabular format) of NMR data is another approach for spectral resonance characterization and quantification. The recently published complete reduction to amplitude frequency table (CRAFT) technique converts the raw FID data (i.e. time‐domain data) into a table of frequencies, amplitudes, decay rate constants, and phases. CRAFT analyses of time‐domain data require minimal or no apodization prior to extraction of the four parameters. We used the CRAFT processing approach for the decimation of the interferograms and compared the results from a variety of 2D spectra against conventional processing with and without linear prediction. The results show that use of the CRAFT technique to decimate the t1 interferograms yields much narrower spectral line width of the resonances, circumventing the loss of resolution due to apodization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of melamine phosphate modified MoS2 on the thermal and flammability of poly(butylene succinate) composites
Authors: Zhou Keqing , Liu Jiajia , Gui Zhou , Hu Yuan , Jiang Saihua
Published: May 2016

This work reported a facile fabrication method to modify molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets with common flame retardant melamine phosphate (MAP) and then were incorporated into poly(butylene succinate) by melt blending method with the purpose of improving the thermal and flame retardancy properties. MAP modified MoS2 nanosheets dispersed well in poly(butylene succinate) composites with intercalated structure. The incorporation of MAP modified MoS2 nanosheets led to an increase of thermal degradation temperature and char formation as well as reduction of the peak heat release rate. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunological Reconstitution in Children After Completing Conventional Chemotherapy of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is Marked by Impaired B‐cell Compartment
Authors: Koskenvuo Minna , Ekman Ilse , Saha Emmi , Salokannel Ellinoora , Matomäki Jaakko , Ilonen Jorma , Kainulainen Leena , Arola Mikko , Lähteenmäki Päivi Maria
Published: May 2016

Humoral and cellular immunity were studied in 28 children completing conventional treatment of standard‐risk (SR) or intermediate‐risk (IR) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Both naïve and memory B cells were most severely affected and showed slow recovery during the 2‐year follow‐up, while the T‐cell compartment showed only minor changes. Immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses, components, and antibodies against vaccine‐preventable diseases were not significantly affected. In conclusion, immune recovery after conventional chemotherapy for SR and IR ALL is marked by B‐cell depletion, but otherwise did not show any severe deficiencies in lymphocyte function.
SEM and TEM for structure and properties characterization of bacterial cellulose/hydroxyapatite composites
Authors: Arkharova Natalia A. , Suvorova Elena I. , Severin Alexander V. , Khripunov Albert K. , Krasheninnikov Sergey V. , Klechkovskaya Vera V.
Published: May 2016

Preparation of composites with different properties and gradient of components is aimed at better performance of materials for bone substitution. Bacterial cellulose‐hydroxyapatite (BC‐HAP) composites with various mass ratio of the components (BC‐25HAP, BC‐4HAP, and BC‐HAP) were prepared by a novel method of growing HAP nanocrystals (the linear size ≤30 nm) in water solutions in the presence of the BC gel‐film micro‐fragments. Varying the BC‐HAP ratios leads to a gradual change of the physical properties of the materials. It was found that an increase in the BC content results in a decrease of the HAP crystal length and specific surface area, porosity, and pore volume while the values of density and Young's modulus values increase. SCANNING 38:757–765, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A universal method for realizing non‐repudiable provable data possession in cloud storage
Authors: Wang Hongyuan , Zhu Liehuang , Xu Chang , Lilong Yijia
Published: May 2016

Provable data possession (PDP) and proofs of retrievability (POR) are techniques for a client to verify the integrity of outsourced data on an untrusted server, and numerous PDP/POR schemes with public or private verification have been proposed so far. However, existing schemes cannot handle the following issue satisfactorily: Driven by profits, a malicious client may accuse an honest server and repudiate the correct proof of data possession. Based on the commitment function, we present a universal method that can reform any private verification PDP/POR scheme into a non‐repudiable PDP (NRPDP)/POR scheme. As a case study, we propose a concrete NRPDP scheme with private verification, which allows both the client and the server to prove their innocence and verify whether the other side is honest. Moreover, we prove the security of both the method and NRPDP in the random oracle model and implement a prototype based on the NRPDP scheme in a realistic cloud platform. Experimental results on large dataset (10GB) show that the NRPDP can be executed efficiently as private verification schemes and outperforms the public schemes more than 60% in terms of verification time. Foremost, non‐repudiation can be guaranteed efficaciously in NRPDP. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Event-based run-time adaptation in communication-centric systems
Authors: Di Giusto Cinzia , Pérez Jorge A.
Published: May 2016

Communication-centric systems
are software systems built as assemblies of distributed artifacts that interact following predefined communication protocols.
Session-based concurrency
is a type-based approach to ensure the conformance of communication-centric systems to such protocols. This paper presents a model of
session-based concurrency
with mechanisms for
run-time adaptation
. Our model allows us to specify communication-centric systems whose session behavior can be dynamically updated at run-time. We improve on previous work by proposing an
event-based
approach: adaptation requests, issued by the system itself or by its context, are assimilated to events which may trigger adaptation routines. These routines exploit type-directed checks to enable the reconfiguration of processes with active protocols. We equip our model with a type system that ensures
communication safety
and
consistency
properties: while safety guarantees absence of run-time communication errors, consistency ensures that update actions do not disrupt already established session protocols. We provide soundness results for binary and multiparty protocols.
Cortisol, life events and cognition in non-demented subjects: A population-based study
Authors: Ouanes S. , Castelao E. , Von Gunten A. , Preisig M. , Popp J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Older people are particularly exposed to stressful events, known to activate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Many studies highlighted the possible deleterious effects of elevated cortisol on cognition, assuming a likely role of stressful events. Yet, very few studies actually examined these assumed links between life events, cortisol and cognition.

Objective

To examine associations between salivary cortisol, cognition and life events in a population of non-demented old individuals.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from Colaus/PsyColaus, a longitudinal population-based study involving 6733 Lausanne residents. Salivary cortisol samples (upon waking, 30 minutes after waking, at 11 am and at 8 pm) were obtained from 799 non-demented participants aged at least 60.

Life events, activities of daily life along with depressive symptoms were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was used to determine the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR).

For multiple comparisons, P values were adjusted (P′) according to Holm-Bonferroni's method.

Results

Cortisol at 11 am and cortisol area under the curve (AUC) were positively correlated with CDR sum of boxes (CDRSOB) scores (P′ = 0.035; Rho = 0.097 and P′ = 0.024; Rho = 0.110, respectively). The association between cortisol AUC and CDRSOB remained significant after controlling for age, sex, body mass index, education, smoking and depression (P = 0.001; β = 0.001; R2 change = 0.016).

The number and the total impact of life events were associated neither with cortisol nor with CDRSOB.

Conclusions

Elevated cortisol was associated with poorer cognitive functioning yet independently of life events. This suggests that the increased cortisol associated with poorer cognition might be not a mere reflection of stressful events but rather explained by other factors, yet to be elucidated.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Clinical features in insulin-treated diabetes with comorbid diabulimia, disordered eating behaviors and eating disorders
Authors: Deiana V. , Diana E. , Pinna F. , Atzeni M.G. , Medda F. , Manca D. , Mascia E. , Farci F. , Ghiani M. , Cau R. , Tuveri M. , Cossu E. , Elena L. , Mariotti S. , Carpiniello B.
Published: May 2016

Adherence to self-management and medication regimens is required to achieve blood glucose control in diabetic patients. Therefore, diabulimia, the deliberate insulin restriction/omission to lose weight, and other disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) or eating disorders (EDs), place these patients at risk of complications.

We aimed to establish the frequency of diabulimia, DEBs and EDs among patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes (T1DM and T2DM) and their association with other clinical features.

A total of 211 insulin-treated diabetic patients (13–55 years old) answered the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R), a diabetes-specific screening tool for DEBs, and the Eating Disorders Inventory-3 (EDI-3). SCID-I modified according to DSM-5 criteria was used to diagnose EDs.

At the DEPS-R, 20.8% of the sample scored above the cutoff, more frequently females (P = 0.005), patients with T1DM (P = 0.045), with a diagnosis of ED (P < 0.001), positive to the EDI-3 (P ≤ 0.001), with physical comorbidities (P = 0.003), with HbA1c > 7% (P = 0.020). Combining data from the interview with the results at the DEPS-R, 60.2% of the sample presented diabulimia. Dividing the sample by gender, we found that diabulimic females more frequently used diet pills (P = 0.006), had significantly higher HbA1c (P = 0.019) and STAI-Y1 scores (P = 0.004). Other DEBs comprised dietary restraint (51.8% of the sample), binge eating (42.2%), vomiting (6.2%), diet pills (7.1%) or laxatives (1.9%) or diuretics use (4.3%). Overall, 21.8% of the sample, mostly females (P < 0.001) met criteria for at least one DSM-5 diagnosis of ED.

Diabetic patients, especially women, should be carefully monitored for the presence of diabulimia, BEDs and EDs.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Peripheral sub-inflammation is associated with antidepressant consumption in schizophrenia. Results from the multi-center FACE-SZ dataset
Authors: Fond G. , Godin O. , Llorca P.M. , Leboyer M.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The relation between C-reactive protein (CRP), depression and antidepressant consumption has been well explored in major depressive disorders but not in schizophrenia, which has a high rate of depression comorbidity. The objectives of this study were:

– to determine the prevalence of abnormal CRP levels, depression and antidepressant consumption in a multi-center community-dwelling sample of subjects with schizophrenia;

– to determine the association between abnormal CRP levels, depression and antidepressant consumption in schizophrenia.

Method

Two hundred and nineteen stable patients with schizophrenia (mean age = 31.6 years, 75.3% male gender) were systematically included in the multicentre network of FondaMental Expert Center for schizophrenia (FACE-SZ) and assessed with Calgary Depression Scale for depression. High sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) was measured with an assay using nephelometry (Dade Behring). Abnormal CRP level was defined by levels > 3 mg/L. Current medication was recorded.

Results

Overall, 63 subjects (28.8%) were found to have abnormal CRP levels, 43 (20.1%) received a diagnosis of comorbid current depression, and 51 (31.9%) had ongoing antidepressant treatment. In univariate analysis, abnormal CRP levels were found to be significantly associated with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.0011) and with antidepressant consumption (P = 0.01), while depression, psychotic symptomatology, age of onset, illness duration, sociodemographic characteristics, current tobacco or cannabis status were not (all P > 0.05).

In a multivariate model, abnormal CRP was highly associated with antidepressant consumption independently of other confounding variables (adjusted odd ratio = 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2–6.8).

Conclusion

Abnormal CRP levels in schizophrenia were found to be associated with antidepressant consumption, but not with depression.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Substance use disorders: Baclofen as a promising drug
Authors: Gomes da Costa S. , Yanina Pasini O. , Maside Oliete B. , Balcells Olivero M.M.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Baclofen, a drug currently used in the treatment of spasticity, has been reported to be useful in reducing the intensity of withdrawal symptoms of substance use disorders of alcohol or other psychotropic drugs.

Objectives

With our clinical case we aim to demonstrate that baclofen reduces severe withdrawal symptoms and also helps to achieve and maintain abstinence in severe cases, in agreement with the current literature.

Aims/methods

We present a clinical case of a 68 year-old patient with alcohol use disorder since his childhood, with familiar antecedents, multiples relapses and associated organic pathology such as alcoholic polyneuropathy and Wernicke syndrome. We used to high doses of baclofen to reduce the craving and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, we searched in PubMed for more case reports and for a systematic review of the efficacy and tolerability of baclofen.

Results

We were able to demonstrate that high doses of baclofen can be useful in resistant cases of substance use disorders like alcoholism. For our case study, we obtained positive results with a large remission, in comparison with the previous detoxications, with doses up to 150 mg/day.

Conclusions

We conclude that baclofen is an interesting alternative for resistant cases, with a good outcome and tolerability, in complicated patients, with important organic repercussions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The effects of the last global economic crisis on the suicide rate in Europe
Authors: Dumitru M.M. , Constantin B.S.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Since 1897, Émile Durkheim noted that suicides occur more often during the economic changes that disrupt the social structure of society.

Objective and aims

The objective of this study is to analyze the consequences of last global economic crisis on mortality by suicide in the EU countries in period 2007–2012.

Material and method

We extracted data on mortality from the WHO database and unemployment trends from the EUROSTAT database. We had used this data to calculate the effect of unemployment on suicide rate, in pre-2004 and post-2004 EU countries.

Results

If the number of suicides from 2007 was maintained in 2008–2012 period, EU 27 countries would have registered with 16,572 fewer suicides. The increase of suicides is based on the increasing number of suicides in men. The small increase in the suicide rate was recorded in Austria, France, Hungary and Slovenia. Luxembourg was the only country where the number of suicides was lower compared to 2007. In 2008, we can notice a slight decrease in the unemployment rate compared to 2007 and an increase in suicide by 3% in both groups of countries, followed by increasing suicide only in the post-2004 EU, where reach 10% in 2010, followed by a slight decrease in the coming years, while the unemployment rate gradually increases to 46% compared with 2007.

Conclusions

In European Union countries, suicides have increased both before and during the crisis, in periods in which unemployment rose. States that joined the EU after 2004 are more vulnerable in times of crisis.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
What triggers help-seeking behaviour in “early stage” alcohol-dependent drinkers
Authors: Ponizovskiy P. , Gofman A.
Published: May 2016

In early stages of alcohol addiction negative effects of alcohol often remain invisible to the patient or underestimated and considered “normal” by him. However, there is a cohort of alcohol drinkers who seek outpatient treatment in early stages of addiction.

The study was conducted in order to investigate the triggers for seeking therapy in early stages of alcohol dependence when compulsive drinking, impaired control and increased alcohol tolerance are developed, but withdrawal symptoms followed by relief drinking are not yet observed. Fourty-six out-patients (31 men and 15 women, mean age 38 ± 7 years) were studied by means of audit and clinical interview.

The average duration of alcohol abuse was 8,7 ± 5 years, the mean daily dose of alcohol was 10 ± 4 standard drinks. Most of the patients were drinking alcohol from several times a week to several times a month.

The decision to seek treatment in most cases was pushed by patients’ family members because of the recurrent interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol – 70% (n = 32). Other triggers included: job instability – 35% (n = 16); alcohol blackouts – 26% (n = 12); exacerbations of symptoms of existing physical conditions – 24% (n = 11); legal problems – 7% (n = 3).

Alcohol consumption in early stages of alcohol addiction can affect nearly every aspect of a patient's life. The triggers which promote treatment-seeking behaviour should be addressed in the course of the treatment in order to encourage recovery and prevent transition to more severe stages of the disease.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Related factors with substance use in old adults
Authors: Ros-Cucurull E. , Daigre C. , Grau-Lopez L. , Barral C. , Abad A.C. , Ortiz M.B. , Martinez-Arias R. , Garcia E. , Cardona C. , Jacas C. , Casas M. , Roncero C.
Published: May 2016

Intro

Substance use disorder is a growing phenomenon among the elderly. It is undervalued, misidentified, underdiagnosed and poorly treated.

Aim

Study prevalence, characteristics and risk factors associated with drug use among the elderly.

Method

A 6-month prospective study of substance use in elderly patients (65+) who attended the addiction and dual diagnosis unit, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital.

Results

Fifty-nine patients evaluated, mean age 70.04 years, 60% men. A total of 49.1% are married, 35.8% divorced and 53.8% live with a partner and/or children. A total of 67.3% have basic studies and 78.8% are pensioners. A total of 82.7% have no criminal record.

Medical comorbidity presents in 90.4% of the sample, psychiatric and addictive family background in 42.3% and 37.3%. A total of 67.3% have comorbid Axis I (mainly affective disorders) and 25% Axis II (cluster B most). A total of 7.7% attempted suicide at least once.

The main substance is alcohol (76.9%), followed by prescription drugs (19.3%). A total of 28.8% are multi-drug users. A total of 67.3% have used tobacco in their life and 63.5% are currently dependent. The average age of onset for a disorder for any substance consumption is 28.19, being lower for alcohol and illegal substances and higher for prescription drugs.

A total of 61.5% have gone through treatment before but only 32.7% has been admitted because of addiction. The adherence rate is 90.4% and the relapse rate 8.3% at first month and 13% at 6 months.

Conclusions

Old adults present differences compared to overall drug user population: prevalence by gender is almost equal, lower Axis II, less multi-drug consumption and both dropout and relapse rate are drastically lower.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Dissociative disorder – unraveling the mystery
Authors: Sousa L. , Antunes A. , Oliveira S.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Dissociative disorders are among the most enigmatic and controversial psychiatric pathologies. In the last decades, great interest has emerged in understanding its pathophysiology, nonetheless, problems in recognition and management of these disorders are still challenging the psychiatric community.

Objectives

We describe a paradigmatic case of a dissociative disorder illustrating the “choice” of dissociation as a strategy for coping with a traumatic reality.

Aim

Call attention to problems that interfere with the recognition, diagnosis and management of dissociative disorders.

Methods

Bibliographic research was conducted through the PubMed in the Medline library and clinical information was obtained through medical records and clinical interviews with the patient.

Results

A 51-year-old Brazilian woman with no psychiatric history presented to the psychiatric outpatient care with apparent dissociative symptoms, these consisted of amnesia for episodes of agitation and aggressive behavior that occurred mainly at bed time. She had been previously on general practice and neurology consultations but none organic diagnose was made. Already in psychiatry, it was recognized that those symptoms developed together after a car accident and the beginning of a romantic relationship. It was also recognized that she has sexual dysfunction and a history of sexual abuse by a family member during her childhood, a known risk factor to dissociative disorders.

Conclusions

Skepticism and lack of understanding might be the reason for late psychiatric referral after the realization of various expensive and time-consuming medical exams. Improving the recognition of dissociative disorders will conduce not only to better clinical outcomes but also improve cost effectivity of medical interventions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Predictors for readmission within one year after discharge from an alcohol rehabilitation program
Authors: Müller M. , Weniger G. , Prinz S. , Vetter S. , Egger S.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Alcohol use disorders have been associated with an increased risk of frequent readmissions. This study aimed to examine factors that contribute to the risk for readmission within one year after discharge from an alcohol rehabilitation program.

Methods

Rehospitalization status was assessed for all patients with an alcohol use disorder as primary diagnosis (n = 468) admitted to our inpatient unit between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2014. All patients were followed up for one year after their first hospitalization (index hospitalization) within this period. Time to readmission within one year after discharge was measured using the Kaplan–Meier method. Risk factors for readmission were examined using Cox proportional hazard regression models. Three set of variables were selected to be included in the analyses:

– demographic features at time of admission of index hospitalization;

– comorbid conditions at time of admission of index hospitalization;

– treatment-related variables in relation to the index hospitalization including observer-rated outcome measures.

Results

Readmissions within one year after discharge from an alcohol rehabilitation program as well as the corresponding time to readmission were linked to higher numbers of previous hospitalizations and the presence of comorbid opioid use disorders.

Conclusion

Higher numbers of past treatments for AUD are indicators for a chronic course of the disorder, which, in turn, increase the risk of further relapses. Our findings further confirmed previous findings suggesting high rates of comorbidity among alcohol and opioid use disorders, and their link with poorer clinical outcomes.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Frontotemporal dementia and psychosis: Literature review
Authors: Brandão D. , Massano J.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease especially sporadic. About 30–40% have positive family history, with an identifiable genetic mutation in a percentage of cases increasing. Although the FTD psychosis has been recognized for many years, it is not included in the clinical criteria.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence and characteristics of psychotic symptoms in FTD, compare the presence of psychosis in FTD C9+ versus C9− and analyze the occurrence of wrong diagnoses in FTD with psychosis.

Methods

Literature review, using computerized databases (Pubmed®). Articles were selected based on the content of their abstract and their relevance.

Results

It is frequently the presence of psychotic symptoms in FTD associated with C9+ versus C9−. These may arise as initial symptom often leading to a psychiatric diagnosis years before obtaining diagnosis of FTD. There is no conclusive evidence about the anatomical correlation of psychotic features in the FTD, although there is the possible association with the right brain degeneration.

Conclusions

The existence of psychotic symptoms do not argues against the diagnosis of FTD verifying a high frequency of psychosis in FTD – C9+. As can be the first symptom in FTD is critical to differentiate psychiatric disorders. Further studies are needed in order to obtain a better characterization of psychotic symptoms in FTD – C9+.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The relationship between language deficit, severity and structure of cognitive decline and BPSD in patients with dementia and MCI
Authors: Kralova M. , Meszaros Hideghety B. , Markova J. , Csefalvay Z. , Hajduk M.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Comprehensive language testing shows a strong relationship between overall severity of cognitive decline and language deficit. Moreover, the language performance can be affected also by neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia.

Aim

To detect the language deficits in sentence comprehension in patients with MCI and dementia and to determine the relationship between them, the severity and the structure of cognitive impairment and independently between them and BPSD.

Method

In the sample of 46 cognitively declined patients (MCI and dementia, majority of them with Alzheimer's disease), we evaluated the severity and the structure of cognitive impairment by means of MoCA instrument, language deficits by our own sentence comprehension test and BPSD by means of NPI-Q.

Results

The average performance in the sentence comprehension test was about 90% of normal in the group of MCI patients, about 75% in mild, about 60% in moderate and only about 20% in the group of severe dementias. According to individual cognitive domains, their impact on language performance was different. We found a strong correlation between the overall severity of BPSD and the language performance, too.

Conclusion

At earlier stages of cognitive disorders/dementias, the language specific test should be used to discover comprehension deficits, because at the simple level of word the language skills are preserved. BPSD are also associated with language deficits even when the severity of dementia is controlled for. Identification of these communication disturbances can help to detect cognitive decline earlier and to start preserving treatment in time.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The advantage of fear stimuli in accessing visual awareness
Authors: Gomes N. , Silva S. , Silva C. , Azevedo J. , Soares S.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Several studies have shown that evolutionary relevant fear stimuli hold a privileged access to the fear module, an independent behavioral, psychophysiological and neural system that is automatically and selectively activated, and is relatively encapsulated from more advanced human cognition. However, to the best of our knowledge no study has yet directly assessed whether such stimuli are granted a facilitated access to visual awareness, compared to stimuli without such evolutionary relevance.

Objective

In the present study we used an interocular suppression technique, the Continuous Flash Suppression, known to reduce the activity along the geniculostriate pathway and to strongly suppress processing in the visual cortex.

Aim

Our goal was to investigate whether ecologically relevant fear stimuli (snakes and spiders) overcame suppression and accessed awareness to a larger extent than non-evolutionary relevant animal stimuli (birds).

Method

Thirty university students volunteered to participate. Participants were asked to identify the screen quadrant in which the stimulus was presented in order to ensure that there was indeed a conscious processing.

Results

The results confirmed our hypothesis by showing an advantage of fear stimuli (snakes and spiders) over the control stimulus (birds) in emerging from suppression into awareness, which was evidenced by significantly shorter response times.

Conclusions

Our findings support the notion that evolutionary relevant stimuli hold a privileged access into awareness, most likely involving a direct brainstem-thalamic route to the amygdala. Importantly, they contribute to elucidate the functions and mechanisms of the fear system and may have important implications for understanding emotional disorders, since many of these involve the fear system.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Neurocognitive deficit in first-episode, drug-naive obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Kim S.N. , Lee T.Y. , Yoon Y.B. , Kwon J.S.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most common psychiatric chronic disorders (prevalence 2–3%) and has been associated with various neurocognitive impairment, including visual memory function. Although the relapse rate of OCD is highly considerable, little is known regarding the relationship between neurocognitive dysfunction and the chronicity of the illness, mainly because there are confounding factors as the medication effect. Therefore, we compared the difference of neurocognitive functions of the first-episode, medication-naive OCD patents to chronic, medication-naïve OCD patients.

Method

We defined the first-episode (FEOCD) if the illness duration was less than 3-year by DSM-IV criteria. Twenty-one FEOCD and 28 chronic OCD patients performed Korean version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (K-WAIS), the Trail Making Test (TMT). All the participants were medication-naïve.

Results

There was no differences in the severity of illness (YBOCS), depressive symptoms (Hamilton depression rating scale), general anxiety symptoms (Hamilton anxiety rating scale). FEOCD group showed significant impairment on the block design subtest of the K-WAIS (P = 0.04, t = 1.294).

Conclusions

These results suggest that visual spatial cognitive dysfunction in patients with OCD may deteriorate as the untreated duration of illness get longer.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Prevalence and clinical correlates of comorbid drug use and ADH
Authors: Reula L. , Portilla Fernández A. , Manrique Astiz E. , Núñez Domínguez L.A. , Arbeo Ruiz O. , Gracía Nicolás M. , Fernández de la Vega O.
Published: May 2016

The prevalence of drug use in patients suffering ADH is very high.

The main purpose of this paper is to make a review of the recnet literatura in this field.

We make a review in PUB Med using “ADH” and “drug abuse”, selecting papers not older than 5 years.

The conclusions are that adult patients suffering ADH presents higher prevalence of drug use and/or dependence, showing that ADH is a risk factor for this comorbidity.

This conclusion implies the neccesity of strat the treatment in young people, treating to avoid drug use and/or dangerous behaviors in this group of patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Anxiety disorders and substance abuse
Authors: Prieto Sánchez I. , Ramírez Domínguez M.D.L.C. , Fernández León S. , Reina Domínguez M. , Garrido Torres N. , Rodríguez Martínez A. , Biedma Martín A.S. , González Macías C.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Patients with anxiety disorders are more vulnerable to develop other comorbid conditions. In particular, large epidemiological studies show a strong association between different anxiety disorders and substance use disorders.

Objectives

To show the prevalence of major anxiety disorders and the consumption of different substances. As well as the particular characteristics of this dual diagnosis and treatments that have proven more effective.

Methods

Exhaustive review of all the material published on this topic in the recent years.

Conclusions

Nearly 24% of patients with anxiety disorder suffer from a comorbid substance disorder use in their lifetime (17.9% diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence diagnosis and 11.9% of abuse or dependence on other drugs). Dual patients show a number of distinctive features, such as more frequency in males, family history of alcohol or other substances abuse and behavioral problems, early parental loss among others.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Liaison psychiatry as a part of a multifocal treatment in a general hospital
Authors: Goujon D. , Muto R. , Vayssier-Belot C. , Masson H. , Grandin P.
Published: May 2016

We report here three clinical cases as exemples of our rich and frequent collaboration between the department of psychiatry and the department of medecine, nephrology and hemodialysis. This work can serve as a basis for further reflection in order to improve mutual demands. We based our description on three patients chosen for their homogeneity in demand, rapidity of evaluation, the same clinician who evaluated the demand. Either case: a 42-year-old woman, who was admitted for alteration of general state, severe headaches and chronic addiction to alcohool, 71-year-old woman sufferring from recurrent unipolar depression who came for somatic exploration and severe weight loss or 55-year-old man who was transferred from cardio-pulmonary intensive care unit after a volontary ingestion of neuroleptic- were reevaluated by the psychiatrist and the special follow-up was indicated as the patient was discharded from internal medecine department. We were interested in studying how important to the patient this indication turned to be on time.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Psychological syndrome analysis (Vygotsky – Luria School) in psychosomatics: Clinical and psychological study of patients with mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Pervichko E. , Zinchenko Y. , Martynov A.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

One of the dominant methodological principles of Russian clinical psychology (the Vygotsky-Luria School) is the principle of Psychological syndrome analysis (PSA). It can also be heuristically applied to psychosomatics.

Objective

To identify a psychosomatic syndrome in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP).

Materials and methods

We applied various techniques for a qualitative and statistical data analysis of clinical and psychological study. We explored our patients’ individual personality profiles, anxiety level (Spielberger et al., 1983), features of achievement motivation (Heckhausen, 1963), emotion regulation strategies (ERS) (Zinchenko, Pervichko, 2014; Pervichko, 2015), dynamics of the patient's emotional state in stress conditions, and degrees of manifestation of MVP clinical symptoms. The study comprised 134 MVP patients, mean age was 24.8 ± 1.2 years, and 73 healthy subjects, mean age was 27.5 ± 1.3 years.

Results

MVP patients proved to be more prone to emotional stress; they were also inclined to choose less effective ERS as compared to healthy subjects. ANOVA data revealed dependence of intensity of such clinical symptoms as cardialgia, tension headaches and psychogenic dyspnea on the degree of anxiety level and the presence of dysfunctional ERS in MVP patients. The interpretation of the study results with PSA method suggested that the patients’ psychological and clinical characteristics form into a psychosomatic syndrome. The first syndrome-generating factor is the presence of the approach – avoidance motivational conflict in achievement settings. Dysfunctions of emotion regulation appear as a second syndrome-generating factor in psychosomatic syndrome in MVP patients.

Conclusions

PSA (the Vygotsky-Luria School) can be used as a means to approach diagnostic and prognostic tasks in Clinical psychology and Psychosomatic medicine.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Stress factors and mental disorders in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Veltishchev D. , Kovalevskaya O.B. , Seravina O.F. , Starovoitova M.N. , Lisitsyna T.A.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, multisystem disease of unknown etiology characterized by autoimmune inflammation, abnormalities in small blood vessels, and progressive fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. Mental disorders (MD), especially depression, occur quite often with SSc. The influence of childhood experience, relations’ traumatic events with SSc and MD, and MD's clinical specific have not investigated carefully still. The investigation has been realized in accordance with the interdisciplinary program “stress factors and mental disorders in auto-immune inflammatory rheumatic diseases”.

Methods

Sixty SSc patients (4 male and 56 female mean age 49.9 ± 13.5) were included. ICD-10 criteria were used for MD semi-structured interview. The stress factors were analyzed with the specially elaborated scale. The cognitive disorders and their severity were diagnosed by neuropsychology tests.

Results

Early traumatic childhood experiences (parental deprivation mainly) observed in 90% cases. The significant stress factors were preceded SSc symptoms in 80% and MD in 70% cases. Most patients self-reported connection between stressful life events and exacerbation of SSc. MD preceded SSc in 76.6% cases. MD were diagnosed in 48 (80%) SSc patients: depressive episode (mild, moderate) − 26.6%, recurrent depressive disorder − 16.6%, dysthymia – 23.3%, adjustment disorder − 6.6% and schizotypal disorder – 40%. The mild or moderate cognitive impairments were diagnosed in all MD cases.

Conclusion

Individual history of stressful life events is important factor for the predisposition and provocation of the rheumatic disease and MD in SSc patients. Depressive, schizotypal and cognitive disorders are the common MD in SSc patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Clinical status after two-weeks of antidepressant treatment: A prognostic factor in unipolar major depression?
Authors: Domínguez I. , Nuño L. , Oriolo G. , Quintero R. , Navarro V. , Gastó C.
Published: May 2016

Although most unipolar depression clinical guidelines advise against evaluating the efficacy of antidepressant pharmacological treatment until it has been administered in therapeutic doses for a minimum of 4–6 weeks, there is an increasing tendency to make therapeutic decisions after only 2 weeks of treatment. We present a study which aim is to determine whether the clinical course, following 2 weeks of antidepressant treatment, allows therapeutic decisions to be made for patients affected by a moderate/severe depressive episode. The study has an 8-week, prospective, observational design in which all consecutive in- and outpatients with moderate/severe unipolar major depression aged over 17 years received antidepressant treatment based on a standardized treatment protocol. Clinical status was assessed at baseline and at 2-, 4-, and 8-weeks. The final sample consisted of a total of 114 subjects. In our sample, the rate of remitters versus non-remitters was similar between the 2-week improvers and the 2-week non-improvers. It should also be emphasized that it was not possible to explain, based on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics assessed, which 2-week non-improvers would tend towards remission and which would show a partial or full response. Based on these results, for patients affected by a moderate/severe unipolar depressive episode, it would not be appropriate to make new therapeutic decisions following 2 weeks of anti-depressive pharmacological treatment depending on whether the patient has shown clinical improvement or not.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Telemedicine and bipolar disorder
Authors: García-Alocén A. , Bermudez-Ampudia C. , Martínez-Cengotitabengoa M. , González-Ortega I. , Ruiz de Azua S. , Zorrilla I. , Lopez P. , González-Pinto A.
Published: May 2016

Show the efficacy of an innovate telemedicine psyeducational invention based on a psychoeducational intervention treatment with a group of bipolar patients.

Objetives

To assess the efficacy of an innovate telemedicine psyeducational treatment (TPT) based on a psychoeducational intervention (21 sessions) with an additional support through telemedicine which has 12 videos versus treatment as usual (TAU) based on psychiatry reviews. Specifically, the objective was to evaluate patients’ efficacy of psyeducational treatment with telemedicine (TPT) in the fuctionalitity, depressive symptoms and manic symptoms.

Methods

Thirty-eight patients with bipolar disorder were included in the study and randomly distributed in the two groups. The telemedine treatment is performed through a www.puedoser.es web platform provided by Astra Zeneca. In the web platform is available forums, emails and digital-course with the sessions worked as a reminder. In order to assess the effectiveness of treatments, FAST scale was administered at baseline and 6 months after the intervention. To obtain the results we used coparative data analysis.

Results

In patients, we found a low daily functionality. The main issues were: interpersonal cognitive area (t = –2.611; P = 0.014) and interpersonal-area (t = –2.617; P = 0.014). We found, at baseline, that TPT group had worse overall results in daily functionality (t = –2.876; P = 0.008). After intervention, there is an improvement in the daily functionality of the TPT group. This improvement occurred in cognitive area (z = –3.24; P < 0.001), leisure area (z = –1.85; P = 0.065) and interpersonal area (z = –1.72; P = 0.086).

Conclusions

The psychoeducational program combined with telemedicine shows to be more effective than TAU in the improvement of general patient functioning in bipolar disorder patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Dermatological manifestations in pregnancy with primary psychiatric findings
Authors: Wahab A. , Kalar N. , Hassan F. , Alzaabi M. , Hira Bibi K. , Jamal A. , Kalar M.U. , Wahab G. , Usman T. , Suriya M.O. , Mujeeb E.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Even though the association between dermatological conditions in pregnancy with psychiatric findings is vital for patient management, studies on these issues are limited.

Objective

To determine the frequency and nature of dermatological problems in pregnant women having primary psychiatric illness.

Aim

To establish an association between cutaneous manifestations in pregnancy with the hypothesis that psychiatric illness also has a role in pregnancy.

Methods

This was a case control study and non probability convenient sampling was used on 50 pregnant patients with cutaneous manifestations along with psychiatric illness and 50 age matched non pregnant patients free from dermatological conditions and psychiatric illness. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) Criteria was used to diagnose psychiatric illness and for skin manifestations patients underwent a physical examination of skin.

Results

Pregnant patients with depressive disorders were associated with atopic eruption of pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) 1.19; 95% (CI): 1.13–1.49], pruritic urticarial papules [(OR) 2.89; 95% (CI): 2.55–2.97], plaques of pregnancy [(OR) 2.14; 95% (CI): 2.01–2.39], prurigo of pregnancy [(OR) 1.33; 95% (CI): 1.17–1.45], intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy [(OR) 2.45; 95% (CI): 2.29–2.67], pemphigoid gestationis [(OR) 1.57; 95% (CI): 1.50–1.68], impetigo herpetiformis [(OR) 1.83; 95% (CI): 1.65–2.24], and pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy [(OR) 2.34; 95% (CI): 2.20–3.62], psoriasis [(OR) 1.75; 95% (CI): 1.64–2.37], melasma [(OR) 1.88; 95% (CI): 1.63–2.49], intrahepatic cholestasis [(OR) 2.77; 95% (CI): 2.14–3.48].

Conclusion

The results of the study support the hypothesis, that there is an association between psychiatric and skin diseases in pregnancy.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Food, Body Image, Perfectionism
Authors: Alonso Díaz R. , Cortázar Alonso E. , Guillén Rodrigo H. , Fuentes Márquez S. , Remesal Cobreros R.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The eating disorder (ED) are anorexia nervosa, bulimia and unspecified eating disorder behavior according to ICD-10. Currently the ED have become a social and health problem of the first kind that require specialized and interdisciplinary approach to the response of such disorders.

The growing demand observed in different assistive devices is associated with increased incidence of eating disorders in recent decades.

Case description

She is a woman of 23 years old, single. It is the small two brothers. He lives with his parents and brother 25 years. It is fourth-year student of law. It is derived from primary care by their GP after significant weight loss by decreasing the intake of foods high in calories and low mood. It is defined as a very responsible person, controller and is always looking for perfection in every activity performed. He began to try to lose weight about a year that relates to start time of stress ago. She speaks that had many exams and wanted to get top marks in all. With good adherence to psychotherapy and monitoring by nurses. Aspects of body image as well as traits such as perfectionism work.

Conclusions

These clinical conditions are characterized by their complexity and diversity symptomatology, which involves a significant interference in their functioning in different vital areas and clinically significant distress. After the psychotherapeutic approach, a significant reduction in the clinic that she had at the beginning and an improvement in mood was observed.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.