bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of socioeconomic position and distance on mental health care utilization by incident users of antidepressants. A Danish nationwide follow-up study
Authors: Packness A. , Waldorff F. , Hastrup L. , Simonsen E. , Vestergaard M. , Halling A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionEqual access to health care treatment is a highly prioritized goal in most OECD countries. Timely access has become a priority too; in Denmark now with a 4-week deadline from referral to diagnosis. When mental health services become more centralized and allocation of patients to treatment further away from home become more common, it could have a negative impact on the goal of equal access.ObjectiveTo determine the impact of socioeconomic position (SEP) and distance to provider on outpatient mental health care utilization among incident users of antidepressants.MethodA nationwide, Danish, register based, follow-up study on frequencies of contacts to out-patient psychiatric services, psychologist consultations supported by public funding and therapeutic talks by general practice.Preliminary resultsOutpatient-psychiatric services were reached more often by patients in low SEP measured by income, but their frequencies of visits were less. Contacts to psychologists were less than half for patients in low SEP and less frequent too. Mental health service by GP showed low SEP associated with low contact. No difference in use of emergency or inpatient psychiatric services was found. Distance to provider showed interaction with SEP and contact to psychologist and frequencies of contact to outpatient psychiatrists. When distance increased by 5 km, contact to psychologist fell by 11% among lowest income group and frequencies of visits to outpatient psychiatrist fell by 5%.Preliminary conclusionLower SEP is associated with lower mental health care utilization. Increased distance to provider increases inequity in mental health service utilization.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Cultivating the compassionate self against depression: An exploration of processes of change
Authors: Matos M. , Duarte J. , Duarte C. , Pinto-Gouveia J. , Gilbert P. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionCompassion and self-compassion can be protective factors against mental health difficulties, in particular depression. The cultivation of the compassionate self, associated with a range of practices such as slow and deeper breathing, compassionate voice tones and facial expressions, and compassionate focusing, is central to compassion focused therapy (Gilbert, 2010). However, no study has examined the processes of change that mediate the impact of compassionate self-cultivation practices on depressive symptoms.AimsThe aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a brief compassionate self training (CST) intervention on depressive symptoms, and explore the psychological processes that mediate the change at post intervention.MethodsUsing a longitudinal design, participants (general population and college students) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: Compassionate self training (n = 56) and wait-list control (n = 37). Participants in the CST condition were instructed to practice CST exercises for 15 minutes everyday or in moments of stress during two weeks. Self-report measures of depression, self-criticism, shame and compassion, were completed at pre and post in both conditions.ResultsResults showed that, at post-intervention, participants in the CST condition decreased depression, self-criticism and shame, and increased self-compassion and openness to receive compassion from others. Mediation analyses revealed that changes in depression from pre to post intervention were mediated by decreases in self-criticism and shame, and increases in self-compassion and openness to the compassion from others.ConclusionsThese findings support the efficacy of compassionate self training components on lessening depressive symptoms and promoting mental health.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Gender differences and temperaments affective, impulsivity, sensation seeking and traits of schizotypal personality
Authors: Ricci F. , Ventriglio A. , Pascucci M. , Bellomo A. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundIn the literature, the growing interest to the gender such as variable expression and treatment of psychiatric disorders, it is emerged in a considerable number of fields. Gender differences have become the subject of numerous investigations, in order to verify how the sex variable might affect the psychopathology.AimsWe propose to evaluate the role of gender differences in the development of traits of schizotypal personality, impulsivity, SS and their influence in the definition of temperamental component.MaterialsWe recruited 173 healthy subjects, between 18 and 65 years, who completed the following tests: BIS-11; SPQ; SDS; SAS; HCL-32; TEMPS-A; SSS.ResultsThe bivariate analysis by gender shows scores for the hyperthymic temperament significantly higher among males compared to the scores for the female sex, which, in turn, presents higher scores for cyclothymic. The levels of anxiety and depression are higher among women while levels of sensation seeking are higher among men. Although the male gender is associated with a greater sensation seeking, compared to women, it is not showed a higher correlation with the different types of impulsivity. We can find significant differences to the subscales for the SPQ between the two genders.ConclusionsThe examination of these data may suggest the existence of differential specific features of gender that, in the presence of psychopathology, become more easily detectable; particularly in the male gender, it seems to emerge more impulsive behavior and activation compared to the female gender in which instead it seems to prevail a tendency to emotionality and introversion.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Systematic risk assessment in a mother-baby unit (MBU)–Importance for maternal and infant safety
Authors: Saraf G. , Chandra P. , Desai G. , Thippeswamy H. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionSystematic assessment of risks is an essential component of care in psychiatric mother baby units. Self-harm, infant neglect and harm or the vulnerable physical health of both mother and infant may all pose risks.AimDevelopment of a risk assessment tool and risk assessment among mother-infant dyads at a MBU in Bangalore, India.MethodsBased on data from 200 admissions, doctors and nurses of the unit developed a 15-item tool for risk assessment. Risk was assessed by both nurses and doctors among 58 consecutive mothers admitted to the unit. Risk domains included risks to self, to infant, related to infant health and feeding and violence faced by mother. Frequencies of various risks were calculated. Nurses’ risk assessments were compared to the residents’ risk assessments.ResultsThe mean age of the mothers was 25 (±4) years, age of infant 4 (±4) months and duration of episode was 4 (±14) months. Diagnoses included acute polymorphic psychosis (30%), BPAD (27%) and depression (21%). 47% had high suicidal risk and 28% had made an attempt in the current episode. 22% had expressed ideas of infant harm and 24% had physically harmed the infant. 48% of mothers had been physically violent. Multiple risks were seen in 47%. Doctors were able to identify risks more often than nurses.ConclusionRisks for self-harm, infant harm and related to infant health were high. Systematic risk assessment by both nurses and doctors is important in an MBU to ensure adequate care for the mother infant dyad.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Effectiveness and tolerance of treatment with Aripiprazole LAI in a group of schizophrenics patients
Authors: Olmo López N. , García Nicolás M. , Núñez Domínguez L.A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIn the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia, more and more authors suggesting the use of injectable antipsychotics long-term these patients, since it increases adherence to treatment, one of the risk factors for relapse that argues most often to explain the failure of the treatment of these patients.In the present study, it is to observe the evolution of a group of such patients to assess efficacy and tolerability of treatment with Aripiprazole LAI.Material and methodData from 17 patients treated at a mental health center in Navarra (Spain), diagnosed with schizophrenic disorder, followed over a year after beginning treatment with Aripiprazol LAI are collected.The data collected are:– date of treatment change (month and year);– antipsychotic previous;– reason for change;– aripiprazole LAI dose;– number of income before and after the start of Aripiprazole LAI (mirror);– effects adverse pre and post start of treatment with Aripiprazole LAI: metabolic, endocrine, extrapyramidal;– treatment antipsychotic concomitant pre and post start Aripiprazole LAI.ResultsThe results show a decrease in the number of income after the start with Aripiprazole LAI, with very good retention of treatment, and a low number of side effects, which were mild.ConclusionsTreatment with Aripiprazole LAI is a good therapeutic alternative to the use of antipsychotic drugs by mouth, with good adherence, tolerability and efficacy.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Metabolic outcomes of Red yeast rice administration in patients treated with second-generation antipsychotics
Authors: Troili G.M. , Bruno A. , Pandolfo G. , Crucitti M. , Zoccali R.A. , Muscatello M.R.A. 
Published: June 2017

RationaleSecond-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are notoriously associated with a wide range of metabolic adverse effects, and their chronic use is related with an increased risk for the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). The nutraceutical approach to the management of MS might be a promising strategy in the prevention of cardio-metabolic risk. In this context, Red yeast rice (RYR) have been shown to have a lipid lowering effect in an increasing number of clinical studies.ObjectivesThe present study was aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of RYR treatment on metabolic parameters in a sample of subjects receiving atypical antipsychotics.MethodsTen outpatients treated with atypical APs assumed RYR at single daily dose of 200 mg/day for 30 days. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, fasting levels of glucose, and glycated hemoglobin were determined.ResultsRYR administration non-resulted in a statistically significant reduction of metabolic parameters in the study sample. However, a trend for total cholesterol (T0 vs. T1: 159.6 vs. 145.6) and LDL (T0 vs. T1: 94.1 vs. 77.6) decrease was observed.ConclusionsOur findings in patients receiving atypical antipsychotics did not confirm the beneficial effect of RYS on lipemic profiles previously found in subjects who do not take this class of drugs. Further clinical trials with adequately-powered and well-designed methodology are needed to better explore the RYS effectiveness on the SGAs-induced metabolic side effects.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Psychoeducational family intervention for people with eating disorders: Rationale and development
Authors: Sampogna G. , Caldararo O. , Del Vecchio V. , Luciano M. , Volpe U. , Fiorillo A. , Monteleone P. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionFamily members of patients with EDs report high levels of burden, psychological distress and the need to receive information on the disease of their ill relative. There is the need to provide family members and patients with psychoeducational family intervention in order to satisfy their care needs.ObjectiveTo develop a new psychoeducational approach for patients with Eating Disorders (EDs) and their relatives according to the Falloon model.Aims(1) To develop a family psychoeducational intervention for patients with EDs. (2) To implement the experimental intervention in the clinical routine care. (3) To evaluate efficacy of the approach in terms of reduction of family burden and improvement of relatives’ coping strategies.ResultsThe Department of Psychiatry of the University of Naples SUN has developed a new psychoeducational family intervention for patients with EDs and their family members. The intervention consists of 6 sessions, scheduled weekly. The sessions deal with several topics such as information on EDs (e.g., causes, symptoms, clinical characteristics), communication skills (e.g., how to express an unpleasant feeling) and problem solving skills. The intervention is led by trained mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists or rehabilitation technicians.DiscussionThis is the first example of psychoeducational intervention for families of patients with EDs developing according to the Falloon approach.ConclusionsFamily intervention represents an essential tool to provide to patients with EDs and their family members in order to promote a global recovery.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Lack of differential long-term metabolic profile of aripiprazole, quetapine and ziprasidone in first episode of psychosis
Authors: Vázquez Bourgon J. , Pérez-Iglesias R. , de la Foz V. Ortiz-García , Crespo-Facorro B. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe use of second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) treatments in psychosis has been associated with metabolic changes. However, there are differences in metabolic profile between SGAs. In a previous study conducted in our sample of first episode psychosis patients, we observed that the ziprasidone had a more benign metabolic profile compare to aripiprazole and quetiapine, at short-term (12 weeks). However, to detect clinically-relevant impairment in metabolic parameters a long-term follow-up is preferred.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate if the differentiated metabolic profile of aripiprazole, ziprasidone and quetiapine observed at short-term is maintained after 1 year of treatment in a sample of drug-naïve patients with a first episode of psychosis.MethodsOne hundred and sixty-eight, drug-naïve patients, suffering from a non-affective first episode of psychosis, were included in the present study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive quetiapine, ziprasidone or aripiprazole. Weight and glucemic/lipid parameters were recorded at baseline and after 1 year of treatment. Other clinical and socio-demographic variables were recorded to eliminate potential confounding effects.ResultsNo significant differences between antipsychotic groups (all F < 2.61; P > 0.05) were found in any of the metabolic parameters studied after one year of treatment.ConclusionsDespite the metabolic profile differences observed at short-term in our previous studies, we did not find significant differences in the metabolic and weight parameters studied between treatment groups after one year of treatment, concluding that they present similar metabolic profiles at long-term. Other clinical individual interventions (e.g.: diet, exercise), not here controlled, may have influenced possible differences in long-term metabolic outcomes.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Clustering and switching on verbal and nonverbal fluency in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Víchová M. , Urbánek T. 
Published: June 2017

In our study, we focus on the extent of occurrence of switching and clustering during fluency task among patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. The previous studies found that both switching and clustering were affected in patients with schizophrenia. However, it has not clear yet if the decrease is caused by the impairment of executive functions or is related to poorer vocabulary. In our study, participants were tested Verbal Fluency Task (phonological and semantic) and also the nonverbal fluency task (measured by Five Point Test) so that the effect of vocabulary would be removed. Our study included 50 participants: 25 individuals with schizophrenia and 25 healthy controls. We found significant differences in the way of organization between group of psychiatric patients and healthy controls. The absence of clustering is typical for psychiatric population, patients tell the words without closer connection, they neglect association links, switch between clusters. Due to this way of response, they achieved lower score, they told fewer words than healthy controls. However, this manner was found also in nonverbal task where the patients did not follow one-way in drawing patterns and they often change the number of connecting dots or used lines. Our study implies that this condition is probably caused by disruption of the executive functions.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to managing alcohol-dependent patients with comorbid depression in an acute hospital setting
Authors: Owens L. , Patterson K. , King G. , Richardson P. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAlcohol-dependent patients have a significantly increased risk of depression, contributing a cycle of relapse and attendance at acute hospital services seeking help. Care is often focused on the alcohol dependence treatment with little consideration of concomitant psychiatric disorders.AimTo help bridge this gap in care planning and aim toward multidisciplinary long-term support.MethodWe collected data on all patients referred to our alcohol complex patient MDT. We investigated the range of disciplines involved in patient care. We spoke to our patients about why they had chosen to attend hospital. We then developed a referral system to our alcohol MDT where a bespoke pathways of care was developed with all current and future care providers.ResultsOur patients were often being cared for by multiple services, however much of this work was happening in isolation and was at times conflicting. Importantly, the patients were unclear where to go for what, and were utilizing the ED as a fail-safe when they were troubled.Of 15 patients referred to MDT, 7 (50%) had a diagnosis of depression (DSM-IV). These patients had an average of 5.1 hospital attendances and 2.2 hospital admissions in the 3 months prior to MDT. At 3 months post-MDT, we were able to demonstrate a reduction in hospital admissions and attendances (average 2.2 & 1.4, respectively).ConclusionsAn MDT for alcohol-dependent patients with depression facilitates effective and collaborative working for the benefit of patients and services.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Outcome and characteristics of patients in methadone maintenance program depending on whether they are or not drug consumption room users
Authors: Romaguera A. , Martínez R. , Bádenas L. , Novell I. , Castillo C. , Torrens M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIn January 2012, a drug consumption room (DCR) opened in an outpatient treatment center for alcoholism and drug abuse (CADA) to reach people who inject drugs (PWID) who did not seek treatment.Objectives/aimsTo evaluate the characteristics and evolution of 76 patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) during a year in a CADA, depending on whether they are DCR users or nonusers.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted by reviewing data collected from patients in MMT during 2015, performing a statistical comparison between DCR users and nonusers. Outcome was evaluated through urine controls, considering a poor outcome when positive to heroin > 20%.ResultsOf the 76 patients in MMT, the average age was 40 years, 21% were women, mean dosage of methadone was 48.2 mg/day and more than a half were DCR users (52.63%). Of the 40 patients, which formed the DCR user subgroup, the average age was 36.4 years, 20% were women and mean dosage of methadone was 47 mg/day. The outcome of all the patients in PMM was successful in 48.68% of the cases, presenting differentially the nonusers a 91.67% of good response and the users only a 10%.ConclusionsInclusion of a drug consumption room in an outpatient treatment center for alcoholism and drug abuse, which facilitates accessibility for people who inject drugs to treatment, poses new challenges in order to improve the effectiveness of the PMM.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The moving junction protein RON4, although not critical, facilitates host cell invasion and stabilizes MJ members
Authors: WANG MING , CAO SHINUO , DU NALI , FU JIAWEN , LI ZHAORAN , JIA HONGLIN , SONG MINGXIN 
Published: June 2017

SUMMARYToxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite of phylum Apicomplexa. To facilitate high-efficiency invasion of host cells, T. gondii secretes various proteins related to the moving junction (MJ) complex from rhoptries and micronemes into the interface between the parasite and host. AMA1/RON2/4/5/8 is an important MJ complex, but its mechanism of assembly remains unclear. In this study, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to generate a derivative of T. gondii strain RH with a null mutation in TgRON4, thought to be an essential MJ component. Deficiency of TgRON4 moderately decreased invasion ability relative to that of the wild-type parasite. In addition, expression of the endogenous N-terminal fragment of RON5 decreased in the mutant. Together, the results improve our understanding of the assembly mechanism of the MJ complex of T. gondii and raise the possibility of developing new therapeutic drugs that target this complex.
DNA binding strength increases the processivity and activity of a Y-Family DNA polymerase
Authors: Wu Jing , de Paz Alexandra , Zamft Bradley M. , Marblestone Adam H. , Boyden Edward S. , Kording Konrad P. , Tyo Keith E. J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDNA polymerase (pol) processivity, i.e., the bases a polymerase extends before falling off the DNA, and activity are important for copying difficult DNA sequences, including simple repeats. Y-family pols would be appealing for copying difficult DNA and incorporating non-natural dNTPs, due to their low fidelity and loose active site, but are limited by poor processivity and activity. In this study, the binding between Dbh and DNA was investigated to better understand how to rationally design enhanced processivity in a Y-family pol. Guided by structural simulation, a fused pol Sdbh with non-specific dsDNA binding protein Sso7d in the N-terminus was designed. This modification increased in vitro processivity 4-fold as compared to the wild-type Dbh. Additionally, bioinformatics was used to identify amino acid mutations that would increase stabilization of Dbh bound to DNA. The variant SdbhM76I further improved the processivity of Dbh by 10 fold. The variant SdbhKSKIP241–245RVRKS showed higher activity than Dbh on the incorporation of dCTP (correct) and dATP (incorrect) opposite the G (normal) or 8-oxoG(damaged) template base. These results demonstrate the capability to rationally design increases in pol processivity and catalytic efficiency through computational DNA binding predictions and the addition of non-specific DNA binding domains.