bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functionalization of Carbonyl Compounds via Photoredox Organocatalysis
Authors: Liu Yuhua , Dong Wen
Published: June 2017

In recent years, a methodology merging photoredox catalysis with organocatalysis termed “photoredox organocatalysis” has emerged to allow the direct, selective and efficient functionalization of the α/β‐C of carbonyl compounds under mild reaction condition. In this review, photophysics background of photoredox catalysis is introduced, followed by a report on recent advances in direct α‐ and β‐functionalization of carbonyls with photoredox organocatalysis methodology. With this different reaction modes, valuable synthetic targets including different α/β‐functionalized carbonyls are accessible.
Genomic patterns in Acropora cervicornis show extensive population structure and variable genetic diversity
Authors: Drury Crawford , Schopmeyer Stephanie , Goergen Elizabeth , Bartels Erich , Nedimyer Ken , Johnson Meaghan , Maxwell Kerry , Galvan Victor , Manfrino Carrie , Lirman Diego
Published: June 2017

Threatened Caribbean coral communities can benefit from high‐resolution genetic data used to inform management and conservation action. We use Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) to investigate genetic patterns in the threatened coral, Acropora cervicornis, across the Florida Reef Tract (FRT) and the western Caribbean. Results show extensive population structure at regional scales and resolve previously unknown structure within the FRT. Different regions also exhibit up to threefold differences in genetic diversity (He), suggesting targeted management based on the goals and resources of each population is needed. Patterns of genetic diversity have a strong spatial component, and our results show Broward and the Lower Keys are among the most diverse populations in Florida. The genetic diversity of Caribbean staghorn coral is concentrated within populations and within individual reefs (AMOVA), highlighting the complex mosaic of population structure. This variance structure is similar over regional and local scales, which suggests that in situ nurseries are adequately capturing natural patterns of diversity, representing a resource that can replicate the average diversity of wild assemblages, serving to increase intraspecific diversity and potentially leading to improved biodiversity and ecosystem function. Results presented here can be translated into specific goals for the recovery of A. cervicornis, including active focus on low diversity areas, protection of high diversity and connectivity, and practical thresholds for responsible restoration.
Pd0‐ and Au0‐Nanoparticles Catalyze the Reduction of Perchlorate by ·C(CH3)2OH Radicals
Authors: Benjamini Gadi , Bar‐Ziv Ronen , Zidki Tomer , Borojovich Eitan J. C. , Yardeni Guy , Kornweitz Haya , Meyerstein Dan
Published: June 2017

Catalytic water reduction to hydrogen takes place when metal nanoparticles (M0‐NPs) of gold or palladium are charged with an excess of electrons by an electron‐transfer process from strong reducing α‐alcohol radicals such as ·C(CH3)2OH. The results reported in this study indicate that the M0‐NPs also catalyze the reduction of perchlorate by ·C(CH3)2OH radicals and by BH4–. The results point out that the M0‐NPs behave as nanoelectrodes. The catalytic reduction of perchlorate competes well with the catalytic reduction of water; that is, although the concentration of perchlorate is orders of magnitude smaller than that of water, the radicals reduce the perchlorate preferentially. Thus, we have identified a new way to deal with the residual perchlorate in water, using any reducing agent forming adsorbed hydrogen. The nature of the reactive reducing agent (M0‐NPs)n–/{(M0‐NPs) – Hm}(n–m)– [n = number of excess electrons and m = number of electrons given off after the same number of H atoms have been adsorbed] and the energetic processes, which might be different for the two M0‐NPs, are discussed. The results demonstrate that M0‐NPs can be developed as simple and effective catalysts for the removal of perchlorate from polluted aqueous solutions.
Ultrasound‐Mediated Synthesis of Novel 1,2,3‐Triazole‐Based Pyrazole and Pyrimidine Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Dofe Vidya S. , Sarkate Aniket P. , Shaikh Zarina M. , Gill Charansingh H.
Published: June 2017

In the development of novel antimicrobial agents, we synthesized novel 1,2,3‐triazole‐based pyrazole and pyrimidine derivatives 6(a–f) and 7(a–f) by ultrasound‐assisted method. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. All compounds were assessed in vitro for their efficacy as antimicrobial agents against four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). In particular, compounds 6a, 6e, 7a, 7c, and 7e exhibited highly potent antimicrobial activity.
Synthesis and In Vitro Study of Hybrid Heterocyclic's as Potential Nematicidal Agents
Authors: Srinivas A. , Sunitha M. , Karthik P. , Nikitha G. , Raju K. , Ravinder B. , Anusha S. , Rajasri T. , Swapna D. , Swaroopa D. , Srinivas K. , Vasumathi Reddy K.
Published: June 2017

A series of novel 5‐((3aR,5S,6S,6aR)‐6‐((1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy)‐2,2‐dimethyltetrahydrofuro[2,3‐d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl)‐3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐6‐phenyl‐3,3a,5,6‐tetrahydroisoxazolo[3,4‐d]thiazoles 10a–g were synthesized by the reaction of chalcone derivatives of 2‐((3aR,5S,6S,6aR)‐6‐((1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy)‐2,2‐dimethyltetrahydrofuro[2,3‐d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl)‐3‐phenylthiazolidin‐4‐one 9 with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. The chemical structures of newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by IR, NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The compounds 10 a–g were evaluated for their nematicidal activity against Dietylenchus myceliophagus and Caenorhabditis elegans; compound 10e and 10f showed appreciable nematicidal activity. Further, the compounds 10a – g were screened for their antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Aspergillus fumigates (HIC 6094), Trichophyton rubrum (IFO 9185), and Trichopyton mentagrophytes (IFO 40996). The compounds 10b and 10f displayed notable antifungal activity against all the microorganisms employed. The activity of these compounds is almost equal to the standard. It is also interesting to note that the compounds 10b and 10f and 10g showed activity towards C. albicans at the concentration of 3.75 μM, which is less than the concentration of the standard Amphotericin B.
Proximate, mineral composition and antioxidant activity of traditional small millets cultivated and consumed in Rayalaseema region of south India
Authors: Vali Pasha Kotwal , Ratnavathi Chamarthy Venkata , Ajani Jayanna , Raju Dugyala , Manoj Kumar Sriramoju , Beedu Sashidhar Rao
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Millets are a diverse group of small seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal foods. This communication details the proximate, mineral profile and antioxidant activity of six different small millets (Finger, Foxtail, Proso, Little, Barnyard and Kodo millets) and their 21 cultivars that are traditionally cultivated and consumed in the region of Ralayaseema, south India.

RESULTS

The proximate analysis revealed that these millets are rich in protein, fat, ash (mineral), total dietary fibre and total phenols with appreciable antioxidant activity. However, starch and amylose content was comparatively lower as compared to major millet sorghum. ICP‐MS analysis of small millets demonstrated that they are rich in minerals such as Ca, P, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Mo and Se.

CONCLUSION

Finger and kodo millets were found to be nutritionally superior over other small millets. The results suggest that small millets have a potential to provide food security and can combat micronutrient malnutrition. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
The growing threat of nontuberculous mycobacteria
Authors: Titmarsh Steve
Published: June 2017

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) present a growing threat – a number of species are drug resistant and little is understood about how and where infection with these organisms occurs. A meeting organised by Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and sponsored by Insmed Inc, was held in London in March to consider the state of the art in diagnosis and treatment of NTM pulmonary disease.
Psychiatry 2017: Acknowledging Complexity While Avoiding Defeatism
Authors: Maj M.
Published: June 2017

In the past few years, it has become a sort of cliché to state that psychiatry is in a crisis. In particular, it has been repeatedly argued that: (a) psychiatric diagnoses are invalid; (b) psychiatric research has not progressed significantly (in particular, it has not been able to identify “the cause” of schizophrenia, depression or bipolar disorder); (c) psychiatric treatments are of limited value, and their widespread use has not been able to reduce the incidence of mental disorders. This perception of crisis has been at least in part generated by an identification of mainstream psychiatry with the neo-kraepelinian paradigm, so that the crisis of confidence in that paradigm has expanded into a crisis of confidence in the psychiatric discipline. According to Kuhn, the crisis of confidence in a paradigm is accompanied by a period of “extraordinary science”, marked by a proliferation of competing methodologies, the proposition of a variety of divergent solutions for the problem defining the crisis, and the recourse to philosophy and to debate over fundamentals of the discipline. The crisis of confidence in the neo-kraepelinian paradigm has generated such a period, in which we are all now immersed. In this presentation, I will summarize the main components of the neo-kraepelinian paradigm; I will illustrate why that paradigm has failed, or at least has lost people's confidence; and will summarize the main elements which are emerging in the current period of “extraordinary science”.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Assertive Interventions for First Episode Psychoses: The Italian Experience
Authors: Meneghelli A.
Published: June 2017

In Italy, despite the favourable conditions created by the 1978 reform law and the community psychiatry, at the end of the past century there were no culture or initiatives oriented to innovative and evidence-based founded interventions in early psychosis. The watershed was the setting up in the MHD of Niguarda (Milan) of Programma 2000, addressed to FEP and HR mostly inspired by the knowledge of existing studies and experiences and with the recommended characteristics of specificity, multicomponentiality, assertiveness and doctrinal orientation. From the very start, one fundamental aim was to disseminate information, training, supervision, and to raise consensus and initiatives throughout Italy, as well as to improve international links. In many ways, the consequences have been extremely positive. In 2005, Angelo Cocchi and Programma 2000 team founded the AIPP (Italian Association for Early Intervention in Psychosis), now named Italian Association for Prevention and Early Intervention in Mental Health. Over the years, the Association has organized conferences, scientific days, working network, two national surveys on EIS and produced a document to favour their development. The results of the second survey are the more updated and articulated about the number of early interventions services, their characteristics and distribution in the different Italian regions. The survey conclusion is that EI Services implementation in Italy has been proceeding, albeit slowly. Nevertheless, there is still a great variability of therapeutic strategies and further efforts are then necessary to stimulate resources allocation as well as to assess and address adherence and fidelity to guidelines recommendations.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Barriers to Gender Equality in Career Advancement and Leadership
Authors: Wasserman D.
Published: June 2017

Life as a researcher includes a large amount of competition and a heavy workload. Professor's tasks comprise, besides their own research, to lead your research team, to have the responsibility for higher education, expertise in diverse contexts, review of scientific articles, to seek financial support, to work with national and international committees, to serve in administrative posts at the university and in international associations, to write articles, books and book chapters, to attend meetings and conferences, and to address the many other tasks that may arise throughout one's career. This makes one dependent on skillful co-workers, which should not be taken for granted. Given the constant flow of incoming requests, one has to think and choose before agreeing to commit to a task at hand, in order to not set aside your own research. This demands a high capability to prioritize. The choice of a life partner who can share both professional and private interests, a partner who understands, encourages and supports, while at the same time gives the necessary critical feedback, is a treasure. Freud said “love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness”, but work must be pleasurable thus try to combine work, love, and play.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Gender Identity Issues in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Steensma T.D.
Published: June 2017

Gender identity issues in children and adolescents.

Gender dysphoria (GD) refers to the significant distress due to the incongruence between assigned gender at birth and experienced gender. Over the last decade, the care for prepubescent children and adolescents with GD is rapidly changing and there is a growing number of specialized gender clinics for youth. However, the offered care between countries is very different and the best clinical practice in this population is still controversial and under debate among dedicated professionals.

The current presentation will focus on providing a clinical picture of children and adolescents referred to gender identity clinics. For prepubescent children the focus will be on the present knowledge about the psychosexual development of these children and treatment & counseling approaches are presented and discussed. With regard to the adolescents, medical treatment approaches are presented and discussed, followed by the results from the only follow-up study on medical treatment in adolescents with GD.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Developing a Curriculum and Standards for Psychiatric Training in Perinatal Mental Health
Authors: McDonal E.
Published: June 2017

This presentation will inform the audience about the workforce issues in England in relation to Perinatal Psychiatry. The talk will illustrate the methods being utilised within the Royal College of Psychiatrists to develop the skills and competencies of clinicians. Intensive training courses, curriculum development and an innovative bursary scheme for consultant psychiatrists will be described.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
A Reinforcement-learning Account of Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Maia T.
Published: June 2017

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) has long been thought to involve dopaminergic disturbances, given the effectiveness of antipsychotics in diminishing tics. Molecular-imaging studies have, by and large, confirmed that there are specific alterations in the dopaminergic system in TS. In parallel, multiple lines of evidence have implicated the motor cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical (CBGTC) loop in TS. Finally, several studies demonstrate that patients with TS exhibit exaggerated habit learning. This talk will present a computational theory of TS that ties together these multiple findings.

Methods

The computational theory builds on computational reinforcement-learning models, and more specifically on a recent model of the role of the direct and indirect basal-ganglia pathways in learning from positive and negative outcomes, respectively.

Results

A model defined by a small set of equations that characterize the role of dopamine in modulating learning and excitability in the direct and indirect pathways explains, in an integrated way: (1) the role of dopamine in the development of tics; (2) the relation between dopaminergic disturbances, involvement of the motor CBGTC loop, and excessive habit learning in TS; (3) the mechanism of action of antipsychotics in TS; and (4) the psychological and neural mechanisms of action of habit-reversal training, the main behavioral therapy for TS.

Conclusions

A simple computational model, thoroughly grounded on computational theory and basic-science findings concerning dopamine and the basal ganglia, provides an integrated, rigorous mathematical explanation for a broad range of empirical findings in TS.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
Mental Health of Child & Adolescent Refugees: The Hidden Momentum for a Paneuropean Call for Action
Authors: Kanellopoulos A.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Over one percent of the world's population are currently uprooted. Over half of the world's displaced population are children.

Objective

There is considerable evidence that refugee children are at significant risk of developing psychological disturbance as they are subject to a number of risk factors.

Aim

Consistent research findings show that as the number of risk factors accumulates for children, the likelihood that they will develop psychological disturbance dramatically increases.

Methods

Traumatic events can have an effect on a child's emotional, cognitive and moral development because they influence the child's self-perceptions and expectations of others. The multidimensional effects of trauma on children and their families are compounded by forced uprooting, multiple losses and the myriad changes brought about by migration. Mental health services can be key to restoring basic psychological functioning and to supporting resilience and positive coping strategies for children, adolescents and adults.

Results

Refugee children are a silent group that are easily overlooked. Our attitude toward young refugees and their families will determine the burden of trauma, not only on their adult future but also on our community.

Conclusions

An empathic and mentalizing attitude, secure sheltering, addressing health and educational needs will create a sense of stability and confidence. This is the very first step to favour, for these future adults.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
The Perceptions of Greek Immigrants in Germany About the Health Illness and Pain in the Context of Mental Health
Authors: Kotrotsiou S. , Tsoumani A. , Kotrotsiou E. , Gouva M. , Dragioti E. , Paralikas T.
Published: June 2017

Aim

This study aims to investigate the perceptions of health, disease and pain issues among Greek immigrant, living in Germany, as they were formed through their previous experiences, their immigration routes and their experiences in a new sociocultural environment, while taking under consideration their varying cultural backgrounds.

Material-method

This research was based on the personal interpretations of ten Greek immigrant (6 women and 4 men). As to methodology, qualitative research was employed. The methodological tools used for the collection of the material were semi-structured interviews (face to face), participant observation and a field diary. Finally, the method of analysis used for the empirical material was content thematic analysis.

Results

All participants experienced immigration as an especially stressful period of their lives that changed their state of health (these changes extend from physical complaints to manifestation of depression). Most person describe life in Germany as difficult due to various problems (loss of relatives and friends’ social networks, poor language knowledge, isolation, etc.). However, the public health system's organization (regardless any flaws), which ensures their access to health services, positively contributed in changing their attitudes regarding the issues under question. Lastly, the reference to psycho-traumatic situations, transitional life phases, as well as to stimuli in the difficult everyday life feed person's meaning-makings about pain.

Conclusions

The research's results showed that health and disease are not only biologically determined phenomena. They also are socially determined situations, given that they are not only related to changes in the individual's psychology but are influenced by the broader sociocultural environment in which the individual lives and works.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Examining the clinical utility of neuroimaging on an inpatient psychiatric unit
Authors: Gonzalez L. , Mashayekh M. , Gu W. , Korenis P. , Khadivi A.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Recent developments in neuroimaging have revolutionized medicine and aided in our understanding of how biological abnormalities may contribute to clinical presentation. While such advances have begun to enhance our knowledge about the timing of abnormalities, it remains unclear at this time how neuroimaging impacts the clinical course of the patient. In addition, much debate exists regarding the clinical necessity of neuroimaging for psychiatric conditions, and there are contradictory reports and guidelines for the application of conventional brain imaging (MRI and CT) in the evaluation of patients with mental illness.

Objective

We aim to review the clinical utility of neuroimaging in an acute psychiatric setting, and hypothesize that there will be no significant differences between the outcome of neuroimaging and clinical course for patients.

Method

We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients who were diagnosed and treated for psychiatric conditions on an inpatient psychiatric service over a period of 36 months July 1, 2013–June 30, 2016.

Conclusions

While imaging advances have added to our understanding of biological abnormalities and can aid in ruling out organic causes of psychiatric illness, at this time it is not guiding clinical management for patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Dynamic of NAA and BOLD After Single Short Stimulus in Motor Cortex of Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Ublinskiy M. , Semenova N. , Lebedeva I. , Akhadov T.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was the analysis of dynamics of motor cortex metabolite in the norm and in early stage of schizophrenia in period of BOLD response to event related single stimulus.

Objectives

The patients group consisted of 9 mails of 16–28 years old in initial stage of schizophrenia and in remission. The group of 9 age matched healthy mails was used as a control.

Methods

Phillips Achieva 3.0 T scanner was used for the study. Volume of interest in motor cortex was localized on the base of fMRI. 1Н МR spectra were run using synchronization of FID signals acquisition (PRESS, TE = 30 ms TR = 3000 ms) with dynamics of BOLD response at the same paradigm.

Results

The BOLD signal in both groups demonstrated maximum at the 6th s after target stimulus, however its value was reliably lover in schizophrenia in comparison with the control. The only [NAA] in normal motor cortex was changed after stimulation. The stable values of [NAA], [Cr] and [Cho] were observed in dynamic of resting state as well. [NAA] in normal cortex statistically significantly decreased at the 12th s after stimulus presentation and returned to initial value at the 15th s.

Conclusion

Different behavior of [NAA] in the norm and schizophrenia might be related with a difference in location (or activity) of aspartoacylaze (ASPA). Decreased expression of glutamate transporters in schizophrenia could also reduce consumption of NAA as a source of acetate in synthesis of AcCoA which is used for restoration of ATP.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Zoophilia in a Patient with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Fornelos A. , Roque M.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder characterized by Bradykinesia, muscle rigidity and resting tremor. Non-motor symptoms like neuropsychiatric manifestations can also cause significant morbidity. Common medications used in anti-Parkinsonian treatment such as dopaminergic agonists, may help motor symptoms but can also cause or contribute to adverse behavioral manifestations. These include dementia, depression, anxiety, insomnia, psychosis and paraphilic disorders. There are sporadic reports of zoophilia in association with dopaminergic therapy.

Objectives

Report of a clinical case of PD and zoophilia.

Aims

clinicians must be aware of paraphilic disorders, namely zoophilia, in patients with dopaminergic medication.

Method

Search of the Pubmed database was conducted for articles published that had “zoophilia [All Fields] and Parkinson [All Fields]”, resulting in 3 eligible articles through October 2016. The patient's clinical records were also reviewed.

Case Report

A 77-year-old man, living in a rural area and with a low educational background, with akinetic–rigid PD in an advanced stage and followed by neurology since 2003. His family physician sent him to a psychiatric assessment for hyper-sexuality with zoophilia. The psychiatrist found that these behaviors had begun a week after levodopa was increased along with the introduction of selegiline. The psychiatrist has introduced quetiapine with significant decrease of the hyper-sexuality and the end of zoophilic episodes.

Conclusion

Despite hyper-sexuality is found in just 2–6% of PD patients in connection with dopaminergic treatment. This case report emphasizes how crucial it is to evaluate PD patients’ sexuality as well as to explain these adverse effects to the families involved.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Comparative Study of the Frontal EGG Activity After Superficial Neuro-stimulation Application, Mindfulness and Other Attentional Techniques
Authors: Rico P. , Aranguren P.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Changes in the electrical cerebral activity, especially in frontotemporal regions, have been described after using the Superficial Neurostimulation Application (SNSA) in upper and lower limbs. The use of this technique is associated with emotional equilibrium and predisposition for a positive mood. Its application clinically improves hostility and anxiety symptoms.

Aims

To compare the electrical changes observed after the use of SNSA with other techniques of mental concentration: Mindfulness (mental attention without judgment) and a technique based on the emission of a sound.

Materials and methods

SNSA topology system: uses electricity through superficial electrodes placed on feet and hands and an electrode over the 7th cervical vertebra; Digital encephalogram; Faraday cage.

Results

Mindfulness and SNSA techniques show similarities regarding the alpha rhythm's frequency in frontal regions (Figs. 1 and 2) compared to a different mental concentration technique (Fig. 3).

Conclusion

Further analysis would be required.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Application of Cognitive-behavioral Therapy in a Case of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Authors: Rodríguez Andrés L. , Rodriguez Campos A. , Sevillano Benito I. , Red Gallego H. De la , Noval Canga C. , Marques Cabezas P. , de Cegama F. Uribe Ladron
Published: June 2017

We present the case report of a 46-year-old woman who experienced obsessive-compulsive symptoms for over twenty years, with multiple relapses, severe depressive symptoms and many hospitalizations in the psychiatric Inpatient Unit. Treatment with different SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics and even electroconvulsive therapy were administered with poor results.

After her last hospitalization a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, including exposure and response prevention and cognitive therapy, is initiated combined with medication, improving depressive symptoms, the ritual behaviors and levels of anxiety.

Modern treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have radically changed how the disorder is viewed. While in the past OCD was regarded as chronic and untreatable, a diagnosis of OCD may now be regarded with hope. Cognitive and behavior therapy and antidepressant medications are currently used to treat the disorder. They can be used to control the symptoms and enable people with OCD to restore normal function in their lives.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Stress Hormone System and Epigenetics in Depression
Authors: O’Keane V. , Farrell C. , Doolin K. , Chai J. , O’leary N. , Frodl T. , Booji L. , Tozzi L.
Published: June 2017

Background

Exposure to early life adversity (ELA) has been identified as a major risk factor in the development of major depressive disorder (MDD). It is hypothesized that a mediating mechanism may be environmentally induced alterations in gene function. In our REDEEM (Research in depression: endocrinology, epigenetics and neuroimaging) project we are examining possible epigenetic difference in some previously investigated target genes relevant to depression. To this end, methylation of the following genes were measured: NR3C1 (HPA axis), SLC6A4 (serotonin neurotransmitter function), and CD3ɛ (T cell receptor gene). We also looked at possible trans-generational transmission of epigenetic markers in a mother-baby sample.

Methods

DNA was isolated from depressed patients and controls and babies and a portion of the above genes, encompassing our regions of interest, were amplified by PCR. Percentage methylation levels were measured by pyrosequencing. mRNA was also measured for some gene products to see if function was related to methylation. HPA axis function was measured with serial saliva samples throughout the day.

Results

to date: Methylation was increased in the CD3ɛ promoter in depressed subjects relative to controls. In the total group, those exposed to ELA had significantly increased methylation at this site. Levels of CD3ɛ mRNA levels were inversely related to methylation. There were some relationships between maternal ELA and baby methylation at the sites examined.

Conclusions

Consistent with an allostatic model of ELA damage, our findings suggest an alteration in epigenetic function in acquired immunity and the HPA axis, mediated by ELA. Findings will be discussed.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Behavioral Symptoms as Predictor Factor of Disease Progression Across Different Neurocognitive Disorders. A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Santamaría García H. , Santacruz Escudero J.M. , Matallana D. , Ibañez A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Previous works highlight the importance of neurocognitive symptoms over cognitive and functional dependency in neurocognitive disorders. However, little is known regarding to what extent presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms predicts disease progression, cognitive and functional impairments in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and in Alzheimer dementia.

Methods

We performed two different evaluations (T1 and T2) with 3 years of difference in a group of bvFTD (n = 18), AD (n = 20) and controls (n = 22). Neuropsychological, clinical and cognitive correlates were measured in each time T1 and T2. By using different multiple regression models, we explored if behavioral symptoms (measured by Columbia, Yesavage at T1) predict disease progression as measured by changes over T1 and T2 in cognitive (MoCA, IFS, and clock figure) and functional dependency (Lawton).

Results

Behavioral symptoms, in particular depression, psychosis, apathy and disihinibition were factors able to predict cognitive and functional progression in bvFTD. By contrast, regression model revealed that depression and insomnia were behavioral factors able to predict progression in AD.

Conclusion

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are crucial to predict disease progression in bvFTD and AD patients in differentiated ways. Our results suggest tha tracking early behavioral symptoms in neurocognitive disorders playing an important role in the early detection, disease tracking, and neuroanatomical specification of bvFTD, as well as in future research on potential disease-modifying treatments.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A Study on the Factors that Contribute to Older Adults’ Sexual Unwellness
Authors: Von Humboldt S. , Leal I.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Older adults may remain sexually interested and capable into their 90s.

Objectives

To analyze the contributors to sexual unwellness (SU) and to explore the latent constructs that can work as major determinants in SU for a cross-national older community-dwelling population, and to analyze the explanatory mechanisms of a SU model, in an older cross-national sample.

Methods

A socio-demographic and health questionnaires were completed, assessing participants’ background information. Interviews were completed, focused on the contributors to SU. Complete data were available for 109 English and Portuguese older adults, aged between 65–87 years (M = 71.6, SD = 6.95). Data was subjected to content analysis. Representation of the associations and latent constructs were analyzed by a Multiple Correspondence Analysis.

Results

The most frequent response of these participants was ‘lack of intimacy and affection’ (25.1%) whereas ‘poor sexual health’ was the least referred indicator of SU (11.2%) A two-dimension model formed by ‘poor affection, intimacy and sexual health’, and ‘poor general health and financial instability’ was presented as a best-fit solution for English older adults. SU for Portuguese older adults were explained by a two-factor model: ‘daily hassles and health issues’, ‘poor intimacy and financial instability’.

Conclusions

These outcomes uncovered the perspective of older adults concerning SU and the need of including these factors when considering the sexual well-being of older samples.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The Study and Comparison of the Severity of Coping Strategies and Defense Mechanisms in Prostate Cancer Patients, Healthy Individuals and Patients with Similar Localization Oncology
Authors: Gardanova J. , Abdullin I. , Chernov A. , Khritinin D.
Published: June 2017

This project deals with the problem of emotional response to their disease in prostate cancer patients compared with healthy people and patients with similar localization of oncology diseases. As a result, it was found that in patients with prostate cancer pronounced such defense mechanisms as repression, denial and reaction formation, which may lead to psychosomatic disease. The coping strategies of the system in patients with prostate cancer is most pronounced, such a mechanism as a “distancing”. The results may contribute to the creation of a specific psychological rehabilitation for this group of patients the program.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Severe Mental Illness and Cancer – A Program for Psychiatric Patients in a Cancer Center
Authors: Graça J. , Silva Carvalho F. , Ramos Coutinho R. , Ribeiro A. , Monteiro L.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The prevalence of severe mental illness (SMI) is estimated to be 4%. There are increased risk factors for cancer in SMI patients. People with SMI have deficient access and referral to routine cancer screening and psychiatric illness is often associated to late oncological diagnosis.

Objectives

Characterize the population of SMI patients that undergoes oncological treatment; establish a comparison with the general population in terms of stage at the time of diagnosis and the type of follow-up that ensued; characterize the psychiatric care available to these patients; propose the necessary changes to ensure adequate healthcare for SMI patients.

Aims

To assess and improve the quality of oncological care for SMI patients in our hospital.

Methods

We analyzed the data from SMI patients suffering from SMI observed by our group during a 12 month period.

Results

Low percentage of SMI patients being treated in our center regarding general rates; surprisingly high referral time to psychiatry unity; good compliance with treatments and appointments; have mostly been submitted to the standard oncological protocols of treatment.

Conclusion

In spite of serious psychiatric co-morbidity and psychosocial deficits, our SMI patients are able for standard cancer treatment and present sufficient compliance. We value the help of family members and social workers. We have to insist in educational sessions and psychiatric screening procedures for oncological teams. It is also fundamental to implement educational programs for mental health centers in Lisbon in order to sensitize for cancer risks among SMI and alert for the pivotal role of mental health staff, namely the psychiatrists.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Chemobrain and Anxiety in a Patient with Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Case Report and Literature Discussion
Authors: Silva M. , Roque M. , Macedo P. , Fornelos A.
Published: June 2017

Impaired cognitive function is a common complaint among oncologic patients. Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI), also called “chemobrain” or “chemofog” is currently recognized as a relatively common adverse effect of chemotherapeutic agents and is defined as the impairment of patients’ memory, learning, concentration, reasoning, executive function, attention, and visuospatial skills during and after discontinuation of chemotherapy. In particular, it is apparent that a subset of chemotherapy-treated haematological malignancy survivors experience cognitive impairment. On the other hand, the emotional distress associated with the disclosure of cancer diagnosis and/or the administration of chemotherapy represents a strong reason for psychosomatic manifestations in patients with cancer. The authors report a case of a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma, cognitive impairment and symptoms of anxiety and they propose to discuss the controversies around the factors implicated on cognitive impairment in oncological patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Postnatal depression: Can visual media and dramatisation of a young woman's experiences, enable student health care professionals develop knowledge to enhance clinical practice skills?
Authors: Lyons A. , Church S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Since the presentation of the symptoms of postnatal depression (PND) can vary; healthcare professionals must receive the appropriate level of training to develop the knowledge required for the effective assessment and referral of women. Yet, healthcare professionals may have limited knowledge in perinatal mental health and students may lack practice opportunities to develop the knowledge and clinical skills. For these reasons, the use of alternative learning resources within perinatal mental health education is vital.

Objectives

To explore the use of visual media in perinatal mental health education.

Aims

Against the background of increasing concerns about the ability of professionals to assess women with PND, this paper will consider how using dramatisation as a teaching approach can enable students to develop their knowledge and guide clinical skill development.

Methods

Three separate groups of senior student midwives and health visitors were asked to evaluate a dramatisation developed from women's lived experience of PND. Pre and post verbal evaluation of the drama were undertaken with the use of focus groups guided by semi-structured questions. Ethical approval was granted by the university.

Results

Following thematic analysis three issues were identified:

–the role of the healthcare professional;

–improvements needed in care;

–issues of education and training.

Conclusions

Against the background of limited placement experience and opportunity for assessment of PND, the use of visual media can improve student healthcare professionals’ learning; with the use of structured facilitation, there is a great potential for multidisciplinary learning.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Characteristics of 23 cases of animal hoarding in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: González C. , Calvo P. , Bowen J. , Bulbena A. , Cirac R. , Holloway A. , Fatjó J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Animal hoarding is considered an under-reported problem, which affects the welfare of both people and animals. Few reports on animal hoarding are available in scientific literature, particularly outside North America.

Objectives

We designed a study to analyse cases of animal hoarding in Catalonia.

Aims

We wanted to expose the presence and consequences of this disorder in our area and to check for cross-cultural similarities with previous studies in other countries.

Methods

Data was obtained retrospectively from 23 case reports of animal hoarding in Catalonia collected by city councils and the Catalonian police from 1992 to 2015.

Results

Thirty-three people (20 women and 13 men) and 1521 animals, mainly dogs and cats, were involved. Most cases (n = 13) involved a sole animal hoarder. Most cases (n = 14) were chronic (lasting longer than 5 years). Object hoarding co-morbidity was found in most cases (n = 17). All hoarders were over 40-years-old, with half of them aged over 65. Only in 4 cases was an intervention by the healthcare system reported. Most of the hoarders (9 out of 13) actively opposed animal removal. In more than 50% of cases, the hoarder's personal care, health and financial situation were precarious. No awareness of the impaired welfare of the animals was found in most cases.

Conclusions

To the author's knowledge, this is the first study on animal hoarding in Catalonia and one of the few available in Europe. Our results are aligned with previous research, adding evidence of cross-cultural common elements of animal hoarding.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Oxytocine and early and current trauma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Donadon M. , Martin Santos R. , De Lima Osório F.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Oxytocin has been related to traumas and sociability.

Objective

To do a systematic review on the relationship between oxytocin and early (ET), current trauma (CT) and PTSD.

Methods

The Pubmed, Psycinfo, Web of Science, Lilacs and Scielo database were researched until to April 2016, using the keywords: oxytocin, early trauma, childhood maltreatment, emotional trauma, emotional stress, neglect, adversity, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse and PTSD, and Boolean operators. We used a priori protocol based on PRISMA to select observational and quasi/experimental studies in both gender subjects, who suffer ET, CT, or PSTD. A full review was done, and meta-analysis was carried out when possible to estimate the strength of the association. Strobe, trend and consort statements were used for qualitative assessment.

Results

Twenty-eight studies where included:15 observational, 3 quasi/experimental and 10 RCT. Quality assessment was 60–70%. Due heterogeneity between studies we analysed them in four groups. Meta/analysis of studies of oxytocin endogenous concentration showed a negative correlation with ET (r = -0.35; 95%CI = -0.46/–0.22). Association studies of genetic polymorphism of oxytocin gene receptor (rs53576) showed that subjects with ET, CT and GG genotype had higher vulnerability to develop later psychopathology (P < 0.05). Quasi/experimental studies measuring pre/post oxytocin concentration after a stress reactivity test in subject with ET, CT or PTSD showed any significant results. Finally, RCT studies showed that acute administration of oxytocin increased the levels of anxiety and flashback in subjects with CT; and decreased in PTSD or ET. These results were in parallel with brain and connectivity activation.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Associations between gender and obesity among adults psychiatric outpatients in the town of Gabes (Tunisia)
Authors: Ghanm L. , Zitoun K. , Hachaichi I. , Hamrouni S. , Salem O. , Zouari L. , Maalej M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Patients with severe mental illness (SMI) suffer from two to three times higher rates of obesity, and this has translated into much higher rates of obesity-related morbidity and premature mortality in this population.

Aims

Measuring the frequency of obesity and its associations with gender, and others socio-demographics factors among 115 adults psychiatric outpatients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study, was conducted to assess frequency of obesity among 115 adults attending public mental health department in the regional hospital of Gabes (south of Tunisia). For the diagnosis of mental disorders, we used the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-V). Obesity was estimated by body mass index (BMI). This index is defined as the ratio of weight (kg) to squared size (m2). Overweight is defined as a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2 and obesity by a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. BMI was measured directly and other information was gathered by interview.

Results

The mean BMI was 25. In our patients, 40.9% were overweight, 49.6% (n = 57) were obese including 8.7% (n = 10) who were morbidly obese. Obesity was significantly more frequent in women (63.8% vs 39.7%, P = 0.009), living in a couple (60.9% vs 42%, P = 0.03) and having a medium or high socioeconomic level (53.3% vs 30.4%, P = 0.03). There were no differences between obese and non-obese regarding age, level of education and professional status.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of obesity among women suggests that targeted approaches are needed to promote optimal physical health in this population.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Justinus Kerner and mesmerism
Authors: Häfner S.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The German physician and poet Justinus Kerner (1786–1862), Swabian public health officer in Weinsberg, is well known as an allround, even an epoch-making personality in his time and a natural scientist typical for late romanticism. His greatest merit is not due to his poetic scripts, but to his scientific work. This begins with his medical dissertation “Observata de functione singularum partium auris”, a mine of experimental behaviourism.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of Franz Anton Mesmer (1734–1815) on Kerner's way of treating patients.

Methods

A literature research was done on Kerner and mesmerism.

Results

Kerner's first contact with animal magnetism was in 1797, when he was magnetized and healed by Dr. Eberhard Gmelin, one of the first mesmerian doctors in Germany, because of his nervous stomach. With the “Seeress of Prevorst” the author ventured to advance into deep layers of the soul unknown so far. During the years 1826–1829 Justinus Kerner treated Friederike Hauffe (1801–1829), the “Seeress of Prevorst”, at his Weinsberg domicile. In the year 1829 he published the description of her life and disease with the title “The Seeress of Prevorst, being revelations concerning the inner-life of man, and the interdiffusion of a world of spirits in the one we inhabit”.

Conclusions

Kerner was very much influenced by Mesmer and left volumes of psycho-pathological case histories that helped to prepare a way for a medicine more psychotherapeutically founded.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.