bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frontotemporal Dementia: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Crisan C.A. , Parau I. , Perju-Dumbrava L. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionFrontotemporal dementia (FTD), the second commonest cause of degenerative dementia after Alzheimer's disease in patients aged 65 years or less is characterized clinically by progressive changes in social, behavioural, and language function.ObjectivesTo do a complete psychiatric and neurological examination of a case with pick dementia.AimsThis case report wants to highlight the combination of psychiatric and neurological symptoms in FTD in order to improve the early diagnosis and therapeutical management.MethodsWe report the case of a 62-years-old male who was admitted in psychiatric clinic, I Cluj-Napoca after he was transferred from neurology clinic I for distractibility, impersistence, apathy, loss of interest, emotional blunting, hyperorality, dietary changes, stereotyped behaviour, decline in personal hygiene. The delay in diagnosis was approximately 3 years, probably because his MMSE total score was 30 points and because he presented behavioural and verbal disinhibition, irritability, inappropriate emotional reacting and a CT with minimal changes.ResultsPsychometric evaluations revealed: Frontal Assessment Batery (13/18), Frontotemporal Dementia Rating Scale (50% impairment, moderate severity level), ADL (activities of daily living) (Katz score = 4/7, moderate dependence, low self-care) and IADL (instrumental activities of daily living) (2/8 = high dependency level, low self-maintenance). MRI: fronto-temporal atrophy. The anamnesis, heteroanamnesis, para-clinical investigations led us to a diagnosis of FTD (Pick dementia).ConclusionsWe should acknowledge that behavioural changes progress whatever the presentation, that cognitive decline occurs later and that FTD is a disease with a longer delay in onset of cognitive symptoms and diagnosis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Telomere Length and Depressive and Anxiety Disorders: Longitudinal Associations and Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Penninx B. , Verhoeven J. 
Published: June 2017

Many psychiatric disorders have been associated with increased risk of mortality and various aging-related somatic diseases. In addition to unhealthy lifestyles, also various stress-related physiological processes likely play a role in explaining these detrimental health consequences of psychiatric disorders. The impact could be visible at the cellular level, with psychiatric patients presenting more signals of physiological aging for instance as determined by measuring telomere length. In this talk we will first highlight the current state-of-the art evidence that various psychiatric conditions, including e.g. depression, anxiety and PTSD, are associated with shorter telomere length. Second, we will provide results from the Netherlands Study of depression and anxiety (n = 2981) that tested longitudinal associations using 6 year data on psychiatric status and telomere length. These results indicate that the association between depressive and anxiety disorders with telomere length is stable over time, and doesn’t show many dynamic associations. Finally, in the same study we have also tested to what extent lifestyle and dysregulations of physiological stress systems such as the immune, HPA-axis and autonomic nervous systems are partly responsible for the observed shorter telomere length in depressed or anxious patients. Results indicate that especially smoking behavior and systemic inflammation partly contribute to the shorter telomere length, but can’t completely explain found associations.In sum, this talk will highlight the current state-of-evidence for an association between various psychiatric conditions with shorter telomere length, and will provide insights into its dynamics and its contributing mechanisms.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Decrease Selected Graphomotor Skills in Early Stages of Alzheimer's Dementia
Authors: Gorzelańczyk E.J. , Pasgreta K. , Walecki P. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIn the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) motor and cognitive dysfunctions has been observed.ObjectivesIn previous studies we have shown that AD patients present abnormalities of selected graphomotor skills, but results were vary and not conclusive. In this study, we conducted more extensive tests on a larger study group.AimsThe aim of the study is to identify which graphomotor functions are impaired in the early stages of AD.MethodsSeventy-one patients with mild and moderate AD (F.00.0, F.00.1, F.00.2) (MMSE 20.3 ± 3.8; age 79.1 ± 5.21) were examined. Forty-four healthy ones (C) without symptoms of dementia, matched for demographic characteristics (MMSE 29 ± 1.1; age 78.3 ± 4.7) were examined. Graphomotor skills were assessed by the original drawing test (the eight figures and the signature) performed in a magnetic field (resolution 2540 dpi and 1024 pressure levels). These test were implemented on a graphic tablet (Wacom Intuos) with the specialized software. The length and time of drawing, the average and maximum speed of drawing, the average and maximum momentary speed, the amplitude and frequency (with FFT spectrum analysis) of hand tremors were measured.ResultsStatistical analysis of the graphomotor signal revealed differences between the AD group and the C group with respect to various parameters. The largest differences have been observed in partially automated skills such as signature, and not drawing shapes (lines, spiral, etc.). The average speed of signature and maximum momentary speed of signature is lower in the AD group.ConclusionsThis method allows for quantitative and objective measurement of the biophysical signal and assessment of the graphomotor skills.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Pupillometric Assessment of Cholinergic Functioning in People with Alzheimer Disease: A Study from India
Authors: Jilani A.Q. , Srivastava S. , Shukla D. , Tiwari S.C. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundDiagnosis of Alzheimer disease is mainly clinical, based on longitudinal history and clinical criteria due to lack of specific biochemical tests and neuroimaging studies. Deficient central cholinergic activity of AD pathology is said to be reflected as decreased peripheral cholinergic activity. Assessing peripheral cholinergic function with pupillometer for diagnostic and prognostic purpose may be beneficial, as it may be a non-invasive, acceptable, and easily administered diagnostic tool if proven so.MethodThis is a single point case control pilot study with sample size of 45 (25 AD patient and 20 controls). CAMDEX-R based interview, HMSE, and DSM-IV criteria were used for detailed assessment and diagnosis. The pupillometric parameters (Horizontal and vertical diameters of pupil) were measured by Oasis Colvard pupillometer (SKU-0401A) under three conditions namely after 5 minute of dark adaptation in dark room (PD-5min-DA i.e. Baseline PD); after 5 minutes (PD-5min-T) and 15 minutes (PD-15min-T) of instillation of 2–3 drops of 1.0% Tropicamide.ResultsThere was no difference in baseline pupil diameter (horizontal + vertical) of AD patients and age matched healthy controls. 1% tropicamide induced significant increment in pupil diameters from baseline to after 5 (‘PD-5min-T’) and 15 minutes (‘PD-15min-T’) of its instillation in both AD patients and age matched healthy controls. But tropicamide induced increment in pupil diameters were approximately equal in cases and controls.ConclusionThe study did not find the role of 1% tropicamide induced pupillary hypersensitivity in AD patients for diagnostic purpose.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Attitudes Toward Euthanasia: Contradictory Views and Ideas of Alzheimer Patients’ Relatives
Authors: Nikolaev E. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAlzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the pressing social problems as the negative effects of the disease often manifest on patients’ relatives. Relatives of AD patients experience physical and psychological burden during the care.ObjectivesTo clarify what kind of views on euthanasia are more common among relatives of patients with AD.MethodsThe study involved 23 AD patients’ relatives (mean age 60, SD = 2). There were 5 men (22%) and 18 women (78%). All participants were directly involved in caring for their relatives with AD. A 19-item structured questionnaire (E. Nikolaev, 2016) was used for measuring medical, legal, ethical, socio-cultural, spiritual and personal aspects of attitudes to euthanasia.ResultsThe respondents were less likely to see euthanasia as medical issue. They also referred it to kind of ethical and legal problems. Legal aspects were determined by greater consent to its legalization and by awareness of imperfections of legal basis for its immediate implementation. Ethical issues according to which euthanasia practice was related to the development of humanity complemented this vision. These settings were in conflict with socio-cultural perceptions of euthanasia. Respondents were convinced in possibility of various forms of abuse during euthanasia. Supporting the ideas of euthanasia in general, many respondents on a personal level were not ready to apply them to their relatives with AD in practice.ConclusionsAttitudes to euthanasia in AD patients’ relatives was contradictory. It was determined by divergent ideas about euthanasia in field of legal, social, cultural, spiritual and personal issues of this interdisciplinary phenomenon.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
The Association of Recurrent Affective Disorders with Functional Capabilities in the Subjects Over 60 Yeras of Age. a Preliminary Findings
Authors: Rachel W. , Krupnik S. , Datka W. , Dudek D. , Zak M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionMajor depressive disorder (MDD) in the older adults is correlated with a significant decline in daily physical activity, consequently resulting in chronically impaired quality of life and an increased exposure to falls-risk.ObjectivesEstablishing whether geriatric depression Scale (GDS) scores, found correlated with dual motor tasks (TUGTMAN), are also correlated under the cognitive test constraints (TUGCOG).AimsThe study aimed to analyse the relationship of MDD symptoms, the number of depressive episodes and hospitalisations, with the efficiency of gait in single and dual task conditions, motor and cognitive, functional capabilities.MethodsThe study was conducted in the outpatient clinic, university hospital, department of psychiatry, Krakow, on 30 patients over 60 years of age presenting recurrent MDD. The assessment consisted of GDS, MMSE, TUGT, TUGMAN, TUGCOG, 30sChS, SLS. Spearman rho rank correlation was applied to determine the relationship between the variables.ResultsStatistical analysis showed a significant association between the intensity of depressive symptoms expressed in the GDS and the number of completed episodes and depression and TUGT. The number of hospitalisations was associated with gait under motor (TUGMAN) and cognitive (TUGCOG) constraints.ConclusionDuration of the disorder and the number of hospital admissions are related to the functional efficiency of the single and dual-task performance in the persons suffering from this disorder for at least 10 years. Aged persons should effectively be encouraged to undertake physical activities.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A Comparative Study of Elder Mistreatment Between Community-dwelling Elders and Those Residing in Long-term Care Facilities
Authors: Saguem B. , Saoussen B. , Béchir B.H.A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionElderly who live in settings other than their own homes or those of relatives have received little attention from researchers in Tunisia.AimsTo compare sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with elder abuse between community-dwelling elders and those residing in nursing home.MethodsA comparative study was conducted, including 50 subjects aged 65 years and older living in the community and 20 age- and sex-matched subjects living in a nursing home. Cognitive status, depressive symptoms and autonomy were assessed using mini-mental state examination (MMSE), geriatric depression scale (GDS) and activities of daily living scale (ADL). Elder abuse was evaluated with Indicators of Abuse Screen (IOA).ResultsElder abuse was more prevalent in elderly residing in nursing home (P = 0.009) with a prevalence of 35% and 8% and a mean IOA score of 12.75 and 7.74. Psychological, physical, financial abuse and neglect were reported by elderly residing in nursing home. Those living in community reported exclusively psychological abuse. The victim's reactions were passive in all cases.Elders living in nursing home were more single or divorced (0.000) and financially independent (0.003). They had lower scores of MMSE (0.002) and ADL (0.014), and higher scores of GDS (0.022). A binary logistic regression confirmed that elder abuse was significantly more prevalent in nursing home after eliminating these confounding variables: age, gender, MMSE, GDS and ADL scores (P = 0.018).ConclusionOur results confirm that elderly who live in long-term care facilities are at particular risk for abuse and neglect.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Clinical Personality Patterns in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Waiting for Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Vybornykh D. , Khrushchev S. , Rasskazova E. , Kuzmina L. , Parovichnikova E. , Tkhostov A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionPersonality disorders are rather widespread in oncology settings demanding special attention of clinician. Serious illness threatening person's life as well as severe treatment and side effects lead to specific self-regulatory emotional and cognitive efforts. Personality could both play an important role in this process predicting adjustment and survival and change in line with illness pathogenesis.ObjectivesThe personality patterns could be important predictors of operation success and further adjustment for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) waiting for bone marrow transplantation.AimTo reveal personality patterns specific for patients with ALL.MethodsTwenty-five patients with ALL (11 males, 37.4 ± 9.5 years old) filled Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–III and Big Five Questionnairie–2. Comparison group included 180 people of the same age and gender without history of mental or severe somatic disorders.ResultsMale patients comparing to healthy males were lower on emotional control and higher in negativistic personality pattern (P < .05). Female patients were higher on dynamism but lower in openness to culture and antisocial pattern (P < .05). They rarely expressed patterns of borderline disorder and drug dependence but reported more compulsive traits (P < .05).ConclusionsSevere illness could increase likelihood of emotion regulation difficulties and passive-aggressive coping in male patients while stimulate activity and compulsive behaviour in females. These patterns should be taken into account in psychological support of patents to bone marrow transplantation.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Carry on: Study of Psychosocial Needs of Oncological Patients of the Azores–Proposal for a Support Model
Authors: Sousa M. , Carvalho C. Barreto , Moreira H. , Canavarro M.C. 
Published: June 2017

The number of new cases of cancer in Azores and the transfer of oncological patients to mainland Portugal for specialized treatment raise concerns about psychological adaptation and suitable support care. Further studies regarding the lack of support interventions available to meet the needs of Azorean oncological patients and survivors are required. The main objectives of this study are: (1) to evaluate psychosocial needs and other psychological adaptation variables among adult oncological survivors from the Azores; and (2), ensuing from objective (1), to develop a pilot study to test a model of support with a group of oncological patients from the Azores. Two studies will be performed. The first deals with objective (1) as described. Based on results obtained, a randomized control trial assessment will be run to test a support model based on the patient advocacy movement with oncological patients. The assessment protocol will be administrated three times: before and after the model's implementation and, again, as a follow-up. Results should enhance knowledge of assessing psychological adaptation variables involved in disease trajectory while testing a support model addressing this study major concerns. These, as suggested, relate to lack of support interventions to meet the psychosocial needs of oncological patients and survivors from the Azores. Given the peculiar experience of Azorean oncological patients’, while away from their homes, there is a need to ensure adequate health care services on their behalf. Hence, the importance of devising ways to monitor their psychosocial needs in order to overcome some of these constraints.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Neuronal Potassium Channel Openers Flupirtine (SNEPCO) in the Treatment of the Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy
Authors: Aliyev N.A. , Qafarov T.A. , Aliyev Z.N. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionFlupirtine is used in many European countries for the treatment of different pain states because of its analgesic attributes. It is a centrally acting, non-opioid analgesic.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate an entire study the possibility of applying flupirtine (ktadolona) – selective neuronal potassium channel activators in the treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy and related non-psychotic depressive disorder in adults.Material and methodsA total of 20 patients with the diagnosis of primary – generalized idiopathic epilepsy (IGE) and “non-psychotic depressive disorder due to epilepsy (F06.362)”. Before applying katadolon forte, patients received standard antiepileptic and antidepressant drugs (Depakine-Chrono 1000 mg/day, 150 mg lamotrigine/day, levitiratsetam 3000 mg/day of citalopram 20 mg/day). Assigning a first katadolon fote 14 days 200 mg 2 times a day, followed by 200 mg three in day inside.ResultsOf the 20 patients, 10 had no seizures, 8 marked decrease in the frequency of seizures in 2 patients therapy was not effective.ConclusionOur data should be considered preliminary, because small sample of patients and duration of follow-up (18 months). The next phase of work will be carried out on a large sample of patients and a longer observation, placebo – controlled, double blind study.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Emotional and personal development of preschool age children with speech disorders: Drawing test study
Authors: Burlakova N. , Fedorova Y. , Pechnikova L. , Oleshkevich V. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionDrawing tests provide good opportunity to research potential risks in emotional and personal development of a child with speech disorder, because drawing tests almost do not involve speech.Aims and objectsThe research was aimed at detecting potential risks in emotional and personal development of children with speech disorders. The study involved 28 children (15 girls and 13 boys) with moderate speech disorders and 30 normally developing children. All the children attended kindergarten and were of age 5.5 years at the moment of the research.MethodsThe following methods were used: non-participant and participant observation, expert assessment, structured interview with educators, individually conducted family drawing test.ResultsMost children (86%) expressed willingness to perform a task, in some cases (14%) children failed to perform a task because of emotional numbing. The children's perception of a specialist was marked by increased anxiety and stress, in some cases it was expressed in a drawing by filled areas (38%) or by barely visible figures (62%). Most children (87%) tried to demonstrate their abilities and were diligent, but their drawings were generally poorer than that of normally developing children. This phenomenon reflects deficit of skills, imagination deficit and low level of aspiration. Quality of drawings and their visible from differ from the drawings of normally developing children that indicates low self-esteem and feeling of personal incapacity formed by speech disorder.ConclusionIncreased anxiety, constriction and imagination deficit characterize children with speech disorders. Their emotional attitude to speech behavior influences their graphical self-fulfilment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
What happened with the homeless during economical crisis? Evolution of the prevalence of homelessness in north-Catalonia (2006–2015)
Authors: Calvo F. , Giralt C. , Carbonell X. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThere exists a great number of empirical studies which refer as causes of homelessness not only individual factors such as mental disorders or addictions, but also structural factors such as poverty rates or unemployment.ObjectiveTo describe the evolution of the prevalence of homelessness in Girona from 2006 to 2015, and compare it with the evolution of unemployment in the same region.MethodsThe absolute number of homelessness is obtained from the official records in the city of Girona, which include the data of the open medium intervention team, the local police, and the specific municipal hostel. The rates are calculated on the annual totals of population. Correlations are used to compare quantitative variables.ResultsThe yearly homelessness rates increased progressively from 2006 to 2014, the year in which they began to decrease. Similarly, unemployment both in Spain and in the city of Girona in particular evolves in a similar way, with the burden of the worldwide economic crisis. There exists a positive correlation between the evolution of homelessness in Girona and unemployment both in Spain (r = 9.4, P < .001) and in Girona (r = 9.5, P < .001).ConclusionThe effect of the economic crisis affects the people who are socially excluded in a direct way. These results prompt the investigation of the causes of homelessness, which in many cases are attributed to the responsibility of the individuals.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.