bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disrupted thalamo-orbitofrontal but not fronto-temporal white matter connectivity in people with schizotypal personality disorder
Authors: Lee T.Y. , Kim S.N. , Kwon J.S. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionDespite patients with schizophrenia showed the deficits in the fronto-temporal and thalamo-frontal connectivity, the white matter connectivity in patients with schizotypal personality disorder had not been systemically investigated.MethodsThis study involved 40 neuroleptic-naïve patients with schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), 60 patients with schizophrenia (SCZ), and 100 healthy controls (HC), and scanned on the 3T MRI scanner. Probablistic tractography was performed using the FATCAT software in AFNI. The target brain regions (bilateral lateral frontal, medial frontal, orbitofrontal, temporal and thalamus) were extracted from the automated segmentation and cortical parcellation. Cross-sectional comparisons in mean fractional anisotropy (FA) performed on the thalamo-lateral frontal, thalamo-medial frontal, thalamo-orbitofrontal, lateral frontal-temporal and orbitofrontal-temporal pathway. We also analyzed the relationship between the white matter pathway and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and GAF.ResultsThe diffusion tensor imaging showed that SCZ and SPD had decreased FA in the left thalamo-orbitofrontal pathway. However, SPD showed no alteration in the fronto-temporal pathway, despite SCZ showed decreased FA in the left temporo-orbitofrontal pathway. In SCZ, there were significant correlations between FA value in the left temporo-orbitofrontal pathway and negative symptoms score in PANSS and GAF score. However, SPD showed the trend level relationship between the GAF score and FA value in the left temporo-orbitofrontal pathway.ConclusionThese results suggest that the deficits in thalamo-frontal connectivity may be a trait marker of schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and the deficits in fronto-temporal connectivity may play a key role towards the vulnerability of psychosis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Neurochemical and behavioral sensitization to d-amphetamine in healthy subjects measured with [11C]-(+)-PHNO-PET
Authors: Popovic A. , Bauer M. , Bartova L. , Sauerzopf U. , Praschak-Rieder N. , Rami-Mark C. , Nics L. , Philippe C. , Mitterhauser M. , Wadsak W. , Kasper S. , Willeit M. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionIt has been shown that patients with schizophrenia are super-sensitive towards dopamine-releasing agents such as amphetamine. Here, we studied the effects of amphetamine sensitization on amphetamine-induced dopamine release in healthy subjects.ObjectivesTo measure d-amphetamine-induced dopamine release as measured with the D2,3 agonist radioligand [11C]-(+)-PHNO-PET via change in non-displacable binding potential (BPND) and behavioral measures of d-amphetamine effects with drug effects questionnaire (DEQ) and subjective states questionnaire (SSQ).AimsTo study d-amphetamine-induced sensitization in healthy subjects on a behavioral and neurochemical level with [11C]-(+)-PHNO-PET in order to gain more knowledge on sensitization-induced changes in the dopaminergic system.MethodsTwelve stimulant-naïve healthy male subjects underwent three 90-min [11C]-(+)-PHNO-PET-scans and four oral administrations of d-amphetamine. After a naïve baseline scan, subjects underwent a PET scan with previous ingestion of 0.4 mg/kg bodyweight of d-amphetamine 90–120 minutes before scanning. Subsequently, subjects were sensitized to d-amphetamine with the same dose on two separate days. Thereafter, they underwent another PET scan with previous d-amphetamine ingestion. DEQ and SSQ were administered before, 60 min, 90–120 min, and 210 min after amphetamine ingestion.ResultsWe found significant sensitization effects on a behavioral level and on a neurochemical level after four administrations of amphetamine. Items of the SSQ, which showed significant sensitization effects were “outgoing”, “energetic”, “lively”, “alert” and “focused”.ConclusionsWe were able to induce significant behavioral and neurochemical sensitization in healthy humans, which were measured with [11C]-(+)-PHNO-PET for the first time. This sensitization model will be useful for studying the neurobiology of schizophrenia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Assessment of cognitive impairment with the cognitive assessment interview (CAI) was useful for identifying poor psychosocial functioning outcome in patients with psychosis
Authors: Sánchez-Torres A. , Elosúa M.R. , Lorente-Omeñaca R. , Moreno-Izco L. , Peralta V. , Ventura J. , Cuesta M.J. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionCognitive impairments clearly impact the daily functioning of patients with psychosis.ObjectivesTo assess cross-sectionally whether there are differences in the cognitive domains assessed with the CAI, for considering the real-world functioning of a sample of patients with psychosis.MethodsThe sample consisted of 76 patients with a DSM-IV psychotic disorder. Patients were assessed with the cognitive assessment interview (CAI), which is an interview-based measure of cognitive functioning that is intermediate between cognitive functioning and daily functioning, and three subscales of the specific levels of functioning (SLOF), an informant-rated measure of functioning. The CAI was used to assess the patient and an informant, and these scores were integrated into a rater composite score. We divided the sample by a median-split procedure for each of the three functional domains, and then applied ANOVAs to compare the two groups (impaired/not impaired) in the six cognitive domains of the CAI: working memory, attention, verbal memory, problem solving, processing speed, and social cognition.ResultsWe found significant differences between the impaired vs. non-impaired groups in most of the cognitive domains assessed with the CAI (Fig. 1).ConclusionsInterview-based assessment of cognition with the CAI allows for the prediction of everyday functioning in patients with psychosis. Impairment in almost all CAI cognitive domains, except for social cognition, was associated with poorer psychosocial functioning.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Adjunctive memantine in clozapine-treated refractory schizophrenia: A one-year extension study
Authors: Veerman S. , Schulte P. , Deijen J.B. , de Haan L. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionIn a recent 26-week placebo-controlled, crossover trial (n = 52) we found significant positive effects on verbal and visual memory, and negative symptoms in clozapine-treated patients with refractory schizophrenia.ObjectivesIn this 1-year extension study, we report the long-term effects and tolerability of memantine add-on therapy to clozapine.AimsTo evaluate the persistence of improvements in cognitive functioning and symptoms of memantine add-on therapy to clozapine in schizophrenia.MethodsCompleters of the first trial who experienced a beneficial effect of memantine after 12 weeks continued memantine for one year. Primary endpoints were change from baseline to 26 weeks treatment and 26 weeks to 52 weeks treatment on memory and executive function using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and Clinical Global Impression Severity Scale (CGI-S). Secondary endpoints were change on the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) and Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS).ResultsOf 32 completers who experienced a beneficial effect of memantine 23 patients continued memantine for one year. Memory improvement was sustained, verbal recognition memory improved even further between t = 26 weeks and t = 52 weeks. Continued treatment with memantine add-on to clozapine was associated with significantly improved PANSS positive, negative and overall score, CGI-S and HoNOS scores.ConclusionsIn the extension phase the positive effect of memantine add-on therapy on verbal memory sustained and positive, negative and overall symptoms of schizophrenia, clinical global status and psychosocial functioning significantly improved. Memantine was well tolerated without serious adverse effects.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Decreased interhemispheric resting state functional connection in schizophrenic patients with auditory hallucinations
Authors: Wang H. , Wang G. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionAuditory hallucination (AH) has been always concerned as a main core symptom of schizophrenia. However, the mechanisms of AH are still unclear.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to further explore the complicated neuroimaging mechanism of AHs from a new insight by using voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC).MethodsForty-two patients with AH (APG), 26 without AHs (NPG) and 82 normal controls (NC) participated in resting state fMRI scan. Correlation analyses were used to assess the relationships between VMHC and Hoffman scores. Additionally, ROI analysis was used to further know about the functional connectivity between the brain areas with changed interhemispheric FC and the whole brain.ResultsAPG showed reduced VMHC in the parahippocapus, fusiform gyrus, rolandic operculum, insula, heschl's gyrus and superior temporal gyrus (STG). Hoffman score of APG group had negative correlation with VMHC in these regions. Besides, ROI analysis supported decreased interhemispheric FC in schizophrenia with AH and verified functional connectivity abnormalities in schizophrenia.ConclusionsThese findings suggest impairment of interhemispheric coordination and whole brain FC in schizophrenia with AH, which may be implicated to the neuroimaging mechanism of auditory hallucination. Furthermore, this research highly support dysconnectivity hypothesis that schizophrenia related to abnormalities in neuronal connectivity.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The structure of mental disorders in HIV-infected patients with syphilis
Authors: Chumakov E. , Petrova N. , Smirnova I. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThere are no data in literature on mental disorders in HIV-infected patients with syphilis.The objective of the study was to determine the structure of mental disorders in HIV-infected patients with syphilis.MethodSixty-five HIV-infected patients with syphilis were examined by a clinical method.ResultsThe sample included 45 men (average age 32.09 ± 9.83) and 20 women (average age 31.7 ± 5.97). We divided the sample into three comparison groups (according to the importance of risk factors): women, men who have sex with men (MSM), and men who have sex with women (MSW).Mental disorders were identified in most patients (83%). Opiate dependence (F11, ICD-10) was established in 55% of women (7.7% for MSW, 0% in MSM; P < 0.001). The dependence on multiple drug use (F19) was revealed with nearly the same frequency in women (25.0%) and in MSW (23.1%); but far less frequently in MSM (3.2%; P = 0.047). The dependence on stimulants (F15) was found in women (5.0%) and MSM (6.3%). The dependence on alcohol (F10) was more common among MSW (61.5%) and women (50.0%) (9.4% in MSM; P < 0.001). 20% of women had Depressive episode (F32). Adjustment disorders (F43) were found much more often in men (43.8% for MSM; 38.5% for MSW; 10% for women; P = 0.035). Personality disorders (F60) were found in all the groups.ConclusionsWe revealed a high incidence of addictions among women and MSW. Affective disorders were represented by depressive episode in women and adjustment disorders in men.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Sleep disturbances and substance use disorders: An international study of primary care and mental health specialty care patients
Authors: Fortuna L. , Noyola N. , Cook B. , Amaris A. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThere is no comprehensive evidence on the influence of sleep disturbances (SD) on substance use disorders (SUD) or treatment use patterns of individuals with comorbid disturbances.Objective/aimTo better understand comorbidities and treatment use patterns of individuals with SD and SUD.MethodsWe combine 2010–2012 electronic health record (EHR) data from healthcare system in Boston (n = 131,966 person-years) and Madrid, Spain (n = 43,309 person-years). Patients with sleep disturbances (SD) were identified in the EHR through ICD-9 codes and medical records and substance use disorders (SUD) identified by documented treatment for drug or alcohol abuse or dependence. Rates of SUD are compared between individuals with and without SD. Among those with both, adequacy of mental health treatment (defined as eight or more outpatient visits or four or more outpatient visits with a psychotropic prescription) and ER use is compared.ResultsAmong the individuals, 21.1% with SD also report SUD, compared to only 10.6% of individuals without SD (P < .01). Those with comorbidities were more likely than their specialty care counterparts without comorbidities to be seen in the ER (57.1% vs. 36.6%, respectively, P < .05). Limiting the sample to only those with both SD and SUD in specialty mental health care (n = 268 in Boston and n = 28 in Madrid), 49.2% of Boston patients received adequate care compared to 38.5% of Madrid patients, and 57.8% of Boston patients had any ER use in the last year vs. 50% of Madrid patients.ConclusionsSD is correlated with SUD and comorbid patients are more likely to use emergency services.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Demographic characteristics, medical and psychiatric history of patients with prescription opioid use disorder
Authors: Herrera S. , Riquelme A. , León T. , Babul M. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionOver the past two decades the prescription of opioid analgesics has increased with a subsequent escalating in prescription opioid misuse. It is estimated that 4.5 million (2.5%) of the United States of America population abuse of pain relievers; opioids are among the most commonly.In Chile there are few reports about the prevalence of opioid use disorder.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to describe the demographic characteristics, medical and psychiatric comorbidity of patients that suffer from opioid addiction.Patients and methodsThis transversal study examined data of 7 patients with opioid use disorder (OUD; DSM-5) that consulted at the addiction unit of “Red de Salud, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile”, between November 2013 and October 2015. Data included: demographics, medical and psychiatric history, laboratory and imaging tests.ResultsOf all the patients, 57% were men, 25 to 67 years of age, 43% between 35-40 years; 57% were married; 57% had completed studies at university. 43% had also alcohol use disorder, 28% marijuana, 28% cocaine and 28% benzodiazepines than in most cases began before OUD. In addition; 57% had medical comorbidity among which stand out obesity (17%), osteoarthritis (17%) and chronic low back pain (17%). Eighty-three percent require hospitalization. Twenty-eight percent had abnormal liver tests and one patient had positive hepatitis B core antibody. Opioids used were: morphine(14%), codeine (43%), tramadol (42%).ConclusionThese results emphasize on the misuse of prescription opioids analgesics, the complexity of patients with OUD and the prevalence of other substance use disorder that precedes and accompany OUD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Psychosis and polydrug abuse in a patient with Dandy-Walker variant
Authors: Orsolini L. , Valchera A. , Vecchiotti R. , Panichi M. , De Berardis D. 
Published: May 2016

Background and purposeDandy Walker “syndrome” (DWS) was firstly defined by Dandy and Blackfan, and then described by Hart et al. [1] as a series of neurodevelopmental anomalies in the posterior fossa, including Dandy-Walker (DW) malformation, DW variant (cerebellar hypoplasia/aplasia of the cerebellar vermis and cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle), mega-cisterna magna and posterior fossa arachnoid cyst. Mental symptoms have been associated with DWS in previous reports, but the spectrum of mental symptomatology widely varies between clinical cases, ranging from psychotic/schizophrenia-like to mood/cognitive symptoms [2].MethodsHere we describe a case of psychosis and polydrug abuse in a 27-year-old man with DW variant a 4-year history of polydrug abuse, sporadic alcohol abuse, epilepsy and psychotic symptoms including delusions of reference/persecution, suspiciousness, associated with obsessive thoughts, mood lability and persistent anxiety.ResultsHe was recovered for a 28-day program of detoxification from drug addiction/stabilization of psychiatric symptoms. Family history of Bipolar Disorder, gambling disorder (father) and depression (mother). The mental status examination at baseline revealed slowness of thought, psychomotor retardation, aboulia/anhedonia/apathy/hypomimic facies/asthenia/social withdrawal/deflected mood/poor thought content/blunted affect/self-neglect/poor insight, cognitive impairment and oppositive and partially collaborative attitude and behaviour. Borderline intelligence activity was found on WAIS-R (IQ = 79). At the baseline, he was taking carbamazepine 400 mg BID (baseline serum level: 6.720 μg/ml), gabapentin (400 mg BID), paroxetine (20 mg/d), olanzapine (10 mg/d) and methadone (70 ml/d), with a poor response/control both on psychotic and seeking drug symptomatology.References not available.ConclusionsFurther DWS clinical cases should be evaluated in order to better investigate the role of this variant to addictive and psychotic symptoms.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Improved drug-use patterns at six months post discharge from inpatient substance use disorder treatment; results from compulsory and voluntary admitted patients
Authors: Pasareanu A. , Vederhus J.K. , Kristensen O. , Clausen T. , Opsal A. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThe Norwegian Municipal Health Care Act opens for mandated treatment for persons with severe and life-threatening substance use disorder. This study aims to examine substance use related outcomes at six-month following in-patient treatment and to analyse factors associated with improved outcomes and abstinence.MethodThis prospective study followed 202 hospitalised patients with SUD that were admitted voluntarily (n = 137) or compulsorily (n = 65). The European Addiction Severity Index was used at baseline and at follow-up to assess socio-demographics and substance use variables. Regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors associated with abstinence at six-month follow-up.ResultsThe frequency of use of preferred substance showed markedly improvement for both voluntary admitted (VA) and compulsory admitted (CA) patients (61% and 37% respectively) at follow-up. Seventy-five percent of VA patients using amphetamine reported improvement compared to 53% of CA patients. At follow-up, the CA group continued to have a higher rate of injection use. The CA group had experienced higher rates of overdose the past six months and lower abstinence rates (24% versus 50%) at follow-up. Lower severity of drug use at intake (non-injection drug use), voluntary treatment modality and higher treatment involvement during follow-up all were significant factors associated with abstinence at follow-up.ConclusionVoluntary treatment for SUD generally yielded better outcomes; nevertheless we found improved outcomes also for CA patients. It is important to keep in mind that the alternative to CA treatment in reality is no treatment at all and instead a continuation of life-threatening drug use behaviours.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The role of buprenorphine maintenance therapy in opioide recidive prevention: Experiences from Croatia
Authors: Radic K. , Bosnjak D. , Korpar A. , Puljic A. , Bagaric A. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionBuprenorphine, a partial agonist of mu opioid receptors and an antagonist at kappa opioid receptors, is widely used in the treatment of the opioid addiction, as it reduces cravings and effects of opioid withdrawal, decreases opioid consumption and diminishes rewarding effects of it. In University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče, the oldest psychiatric hospital in Croatia, buprenorphine maintenance therapy is a standard and important part of integrative psychiatric treatment offered to opioid drug users.AimsTo show potential benefits of buprenorphine maintenance therapy as a pharmacological agent in psychiatric care for opioid drug users.ObjectivesTo describe series of clinical cases in which the introduction of buprenorphine in therapy of opioid drug users lead to reduced number of their hospitalizations.MethodsClinical cases from University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče Addictions Treatment Department were identified and the course of patients’ treatment was analyzed. Summaries of cases, with the emphasis on protective factors for stabile maintenance, are presented.ResultsAfter switching patients from various opiates to buprenorphine in a controlled in-patient environment, our patients became more functional and their integrative psychiatric treatment could then start. After discharge, an improvement was visible in different dimensions of their lives, and the re-admittance was the exception, since recidives were rare. They continued their treatment actively, in outpatient programmes of our clinic.ConclusionsDrug-seeking behaviour of presented opioid users was avoided by buprenorphine maintenance therapy provided with intermittent psychotherapeutic interventions or usual psychiatric support in aftercare. In our experience, such integrative psychiatric care prevents re-admittances and recidives.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
New drugs: Use of everyday substances as substances of abuse
Authors: Ramirez Dominguez M.D.L.C. , Prieto Sánchez I. , Nuñez Caro M. , Hernandez Gonzalez L. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionEmerging drugs are a growing problem, of which we have little information and clinical experience and pose a challenge in everyday clinical practice because many are not detectable with the test at our disposal and its effect on cognition and behavior are not well known.MethodsConduct a thorough literature review of all the material in this regard has been published both in high impact journals and in the last International Congress of Dual Pathology.ResultsThere are many and varied new substances used for harmful/abuse consumption mainly for their sedative effects and/or hallucinogens, easily accessible since many are easily purchased online or can even be easily obtained at any pharmacy without a prescription.ConclusionThere are more and more often consumed new substances with high harmful potential and very easy to obtain. It is therefore essential knowledge to identify, treat and educate not only our patients but to the general population.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.