bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-verbal learning disorder: Neuropsychological profile and neural correlates. A structural magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Cervino M. , Castrillo P. , Guijarro R. 
Published: June 2017

Non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD) is a neurological condition which is considered to be a learning disability. It is characterised by a specific dysfunction in motor, visuospatial and social skills in patients with a normal intellect and development of language. Warning signs in school are poor psychomotor coordination, arithmetic skills and drawing activities. Social judgment and social problem solving are also typically impaired. Furthermore, these patients seem to have increasing risk of emotional disorders. Most of imaging studies and current theories suggest that a dysfunction of white matter in the right hemisphere could be the cause. However, there is a lack of consensus among experts regarding whether NVLD exists and what could be the underlying causes for NVLD symptoms. The aim of this paper is to clarify the neural correlates underlaying the cognitive functioning of these patients. With this objective, we analyzed a sample of brains of children with and without NVLD. We used the structural MRI technique and the voxel-based morphometry analysis. The diagnosis of the children were based on neuropsychological data. The present study suggests that not only white matter of the right hemisphere is dysfunctional in these patients. Some other gray matter areas such as precuneus (superior parietal lobule) may also be affected in NVLD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Comparison of ten-years risk of fatal cardiovascular events calculated by heartscore in diabetic patients with and without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comorbidity
Authors: Lucev N. , Vuk A. , Simunovic Filipcic I. , Filipcic I. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionCardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life years lost globally. Recent studies have shown that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) predicts higher risk of cardiometabolic diseases, specifically cardiovascular disease and diabetes type 2.AimsTo assess cardiovascular event risk differences between diabetic patients with and without PTSD comorbidity.ObjectivesTo explore a ten-year risk of fatal CVD events in diabetic patients with and without PTSD; to gain better insight in potential different functioning patterns in these patient subgroups.MethodsWe investigated a cross-sectional sample consisting of 390 psychiatric inpatients and outpatients. Ten-years risk of fatal CVD events calculated by HeartScore, European society of cardiology. Europe high-risk version was used. The risk estimation is made based on: gender, age, smoking, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol.ResultsBy analysis of covariance, we controlled possible confounding effects of gender, age, education, marital status, number of household members, work status, average monthly income per household member, body mass index (kg/m2), number of somatic comorbidities, number of psychiatric comorbidities, duration of PTSD, clinical global impression scale–severity of PTSD at diagnosis. After the adjustment for all these variables, interaction of PTSD and T2DM was significantly associated with CVD risk (P < 0.001; Eta2 = 0.04).ConclusionA significant fatal CVD event risk differences between diabetic patients with and without PTSD comorbidity were found. Better awareness of possible underlying determinants provides better optimal individual approach planning, likewise effective prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Embitterment in war veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Authors: Sabic D. , Sabic A. 
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to analyse frequency of embitterment in war veterans with Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as the potential impact of embitterment on the development of chronic PTSD.Patients and methodsIt was analyzed 174 subjects (from Health Center Zivinice/mental health center) through a survey conducted in the period from March 2015 to June 2016, of which 87 war veterans with PTSD and control subjects 87 war veterans without PTSD. The primary outcome measure was the post-traumatic embitterment disorder self-rating scale (PTED Scale) who contains 19 items designed to assess features of embitterment reactions to negative life events. Secondary efficacy measures included the clinician-administered PTSD scale–V (CAPS), the PTSD checklist (PCL), the combat exposure scale (CES), the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D), the Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAM-A) and the World health organization quality of life scale (WHOQOL-Bref). All subjects were male. The average age of patients in the group war veterans with PTSD was 52.78 ± 5.99. In the control group, average age was 51.42 ± 5.98. Statistical data were analyzed in SPSS statistical program.ResultsComparing the results, t-tests revealed significant difference between group veterans with PTSD and control group (t = −21,21, P < 0.0001). War veterans group with PTSD (X = 51.41, SD = 8,91), control group (X = 14.39, SD = 13.61).ConclusionEmbitterment is frequent in war veterans with PTSD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The role of personal value preferences in predicting army stress
Authors: Tartakovsky E. , Rofe N. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundThe military is a stressful environment, and many service persons experience army stress. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors affecting army stress and stress resiliency.ObjectiveThe present study examines the connections between personal value preferences and army stress, applying the value congruency paradigm.MethodMale soldiers serving in three combat units in the Israeli Defense Forces participated in the study (n = 257).ResultsThe results obtained demonstrated that personal value preferences explained a significant proportion of the variance in army stress beyond the socio-demographic variables. A lower stress level was associated with a higher preference for the values of societal security, conformity, achievement, and universalism, and with a lower preference for the face and personal security values.ConclusionsThe research promotes our understanding of the relationships between general motivational goals expressed in personal value preferences and stress in the military context. In addition, the results obtained indicate the possible relevance of using values for selecting and preparing recruits who will most likely adjust well to the army framework. Finally, some value-oriented interventions that may be used for promoting the soldiers’ psychological adjustment during their army service are suggested.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The impact of harassment and discrimination on the mental health of lesbian, gay and bisexual people
Authors: Pereira H. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionDespite growing acceptance of same-sex sexuality in the Western World, identity development of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals is still restricted by negative societal attitudes, which maintain the experience of stigmatization and discrimination.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to document the frequency of discriminatory events experienced by sexual minorities and their association with indicators of mental health in a Portuguese self-identified LGB sample.AimsTo determine the association of harassment and discrimination with levels of mental health, and to establish a predictive relation between these variables.MethodsA total of 610 LGB participants completed an online survey (mean age = 34.48, SD = 11.54). Most participants were single and self-identified as gay (73.8%). The survey included the following categories of survey items: demographic information, mental health, and discrimination experiences. Mental health was measured using the subscale of Emotional Wellness from the SF-36 questionnaire and the K10 questionnaire.ResultsBetween one-fifth and one-fourth of the participants in this sample frequently felt the need to hide their sexual orientation to prevent discrimination experiences. Close to 20% reported having suffered from verbal abuse, followed by close to 10% who suffered from written threats, harassment, and physical threats. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of anticipated and actual discrimination on mental health. The analysis explained 17% of the overall variance.ConclusionsStigma/discrimination create discriminatory experiences which impact LGB people's mental health.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.
The regulation of orexins and their cognate receptors in two distinct rat models of depression and effects of treatments
Authors: Harpøth A.J. , Elfving B. , Wiborg O. , Wegener G. , Müller H.K. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionDepression has sleep disturbances as a key symptom and recently sleep has been suggested as a new area to optimize treatment in depression. Orexin is produced in the hypothalamus and projected throughout the brain innervating a number of structures important in depression. It controls a number of physiological processes including sleep, arousal, cognitive processes and stress, which are affected during depression.ObjectiveThe study examines the possible implications for abnormalities in the orexinergic system in depression. We aim to determine whether treatment targeting this system relieves depressive symptoms.MethodsUsing real-time qPCR and Western blotting optimal sampling time is determined by an assessment of the diurnal variation of orexin expression. Expression of orexin and its receptors are investigated in the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex of the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) and the Chronic Mild Stress model of depression. Behavioral and molecular response to treatment with a conventional antidepressant and an orexin receptor antagonist will be addressed in FSL rats. In addition, we will include exercise as a noninvasive treatment, which has shown positive effects on both sleep and depression in humans.ResultsReal-time qPCR analysis showed increased expression of the orexin-1 receptor (40%) and the orexin-2 receptor (39%) in the prefrontal cortex of FSL rats compared to the control rats, the Flinders Resistant Line rats.ConclusionThis study may provide a platform for screening of drugs with effects on both sleep and depressive symptoms with perspectives for the development of novel strategies for treatment of depression.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Switching to paliperidone palmitate in an outpatient sample: Preliminary results of a 43-month follow-up
Authors: Martín Gutierrez R. , Medina Blanco R. , Sierra Biddle D. , Cuesta Nuñez M.J. , Suárez Pinilla P. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionPatients with psychosis are treated in outpatient community clinics during most of their lifetime. Antipsychotic treatments are commonly used in regular clinical practice. However, the non-adherence is one of the main causes of relapses. Long-acting injectables (LAIs) could be a safe option to guarantee the efficacy.Aim and objectivesOur purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of the switch to paliperidone palmitate from other oral or LAI antipsychotics, in terms of hospital and emergency admissions.MethodsWe performed a mirror-image study in an outpatient mental health clinic, comparing patients before and after paliperidone palmitate change over 43 months. Fifty-seven patients were included, most of them (n = 47) were diagnosed with psychotic disorders (82.5%) while 4 were bipolar patients (7%), and the remained patients (n = 6; 10.6%) were classified as behavioral disorders. The following variables were studied before and after the switching: number of admissions, days of stay and emergency visits.ResultsFrom those 57 patients, 44 were previously treated with other LAIs, whereas 13 were taking oral antipsychotics. The median age at switch was 49 years (SD = 12.31). The reasons for switching were: inefficacy (26.3%), non-adherence (19.3%), side effects (38.6%), and non-specified (15.8%). We found significant differences between the three main variables: number of admissions (t = 4.59; P ≤ 0.001), days of stay (t = 2.27; P = 0.027) and emergency visits (t = 3.74; P ≤ 0.001).ConclusionsPaliperidone palmitate seems to be an effective treatment in order to guarantee the adherence. Our preliminary data show that paliperidone palmitate might reduce the sanitary cost in outpatients.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Amelioration of impaired hippocampal cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease via long-term intervention with ghrelin
Authors: Sadeghi B. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAlzheimers disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of memory and cognitive deficits. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone which has been linked to neuroprotection, memory and learning processes.ObjectivesThis study investigated the effects of ghrelin-induced memory retention on amelioration of cognitive deficits via restoration of long-term potentiation (LTP) and induction of synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA3, using a rat model of AD induced by amyloid-β (1-42) injection.MethodsFive groups of male rats (230–270 g) including ghrelin-treated (200 ng/rat, [ICV], daily for two weeks), Aβ1-42 injected (5 μL/rat) and Aβ1-42 plus ghrelin-treated animals were designed. Ghrelin was administered after an ICV injection of Aβ1-42. To assess cognitive performance and the motor dysfunction, passive avoidance tests and open-field were performed, respectively. Step-through latency (STL) was evaluated as learning and memory index. Intrahippocampal field potential recordings were done.ResultsResults showed that following Aβ1-42 injection, STL and induction of LTP were significantly decreased whereas ICV injection of ghrelin significantly enhanced memory retention by improvement of STL and restitution of LTP in the CA3 with increased EPSP slope and PS amplitude, suggesting the involvement of ghrelin in postsynaptic mechanisms of hippocampal LTP.ConclusionsIt was revealed that neuroprotective effects of chronic ghrelin not only can enhance but also can restore LTP in the CA3 area in Aβ-induced AD. Results suggest that ghrelin may be considered as a promising therapeutic agent to alleviate cognitive deficits of AD.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Preserved cognition and reduced age-related cognitive decline during treatment with angiotensin II receptor blockers: A 20-year follow-up study
Authors: Wincewicz D. , Tolmunen T. , Brem A.K. , Kauhanen J. , Lehto S. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionModulators of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have been shown to improve cognitive functioning in several animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, the brain RAS has been considered a new target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there are no population-based follow-up studies supporting this hypothesis.ObjectivesCross-sectional and prospective relationships between cognitive decline and ARB treatment were examined in the population-based Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study.AimsTo evaluate procognitive/antidementia capacity of orally delivered angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB).MethodsThe study was conducted on a sample of 1774 subjects (920 females, 854 males; age range at baseline: 42–61 years) from Eastern Finland. An established cutoff score of at least 2-point decrease in the Mini Mental State Examination over a 9-year follow-up was used to detect age-related cognitive decline in the cross-sectional setting. In the prospective setting, a hospital discharge diagnosis of dementia/AD was used as outcome variable. Cross-sectional relationships were determined with logistic regression and prospective analyses were conducted with the Cox proportional hazards model (both adjusted for relevant background variables).ResultsCross-sectional analysis displayed a decrease of the odds of cognitive decline (n = 87; 4.9% of participants) in those with ARB treatment; OR = 0.445, 95% CI: 0.22–0.90, P = 0.024. Furthermore, in the prospective setting, the risk of dementia/AD diagnosis (n = 149; 8.4% of participants) was significantly reduced in ARB treated participants; HR = 0.621, 95% CI: 0.40–0.98, P = 0.038.ConclusionsARB treatment is associated with a decreased risk for age-related cognitive decline and dementia/AD manifestation.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The research of electroconvulsive therapy effect on cognitive function in rats with depressive-like disorder formed by ultrasound
Authors: Ushakova V. , Zubkov E. , Morozova A. , Gorlova A. , Pavlov D. , Inozemtsev A. , Chekhonin V. 
Published: June 2017

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective method of resistant depression treatment. ECT activates neurotransmitter systems, increases neurotrophic factors production, induces neurogenesis. Nevertheless, ECT side effects, expressed as temporary amnesia, limit its application in clinical practice.The objective of our work was to estimate rat's memory after ECT in the behavioral test: “Object recognition”, “Morris water-maze”.The aim of the work was to research the effect of ECT on cognitive function in rats with depressive-like disorder and in normal rats.MethodsThe research was conducted with Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 41, 2 month age). Experimental stages:– control group (n = 10) compared to control + ECT group ([70 mA, 50 Hz, 500 μsec; 10 days] n = 10);– control group (n = 9) compared to group with depressive-like disorder, formed by ultrasound ([20–45 kHz; 21days] US, n = 6) and group with depressive-like disorder received ECT (n = 6).Memory was estimated in the “Object recognition” and “Morris water-maze” tests.Results(1) ECT did not decrease cognitive function in the “Object recognition” test in normal rats (P = 0.1217). Also, it did not lead to cognitive impairments in the “Morris water-maze” test: time of platform searching did not differ significantly from the control group (P = 0.8573).(2) ECT produced recovering effect on memory impairments of the US group in the “Object recognition” test (P = 0.0066). In the “Morris water-maze” ECT decreased time of platform searching by 7 times compared to the US group (P = 0.0025). That demonstrates the absence of ECT negative effect on rat's memory.ConclusionECT does not produce negative effect on cognitive function in rats with depressive-like disorder and even recovers memory impairments.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Characterizing the inpatient care of young adults experiencing early psychosis
Authors: Kamieniecki R. , Vaughn B. , Danielson J. , Bonnie K. , Carter M. , Mihic T. , Williams S. , Puyat J. 
Published: June 2017

Introduction/objectivesThe available literature suggests that treatments and health services for psychosis are considered to be poorly organized and highly variable. Little is known, however, about how inpatient care is provided to individuals experiencing early psychosis. To facilitate quality improvement activities, we characterized the care this patient group receives in an inner city hospital.MethodsWe performed chart reviews of individuals admitted to psychiatric inpatient units at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia between 01/04/2014 and 31/03/2016. Those who were 17–25 years of age and hospitalized for psychotic symptoms at the time of admission were included. Demographic and health service use were summarized using descriptive characteristics.ResultsWe identified 73 inpatients (mean age = 22; males = 78%; Caucasian = 41%) that met study inclusion criteria, having a combined total of 102 care episodes and an average length of stay of 30.7 days (median = 18; min = 3; max = 268). Half of the care episodes were repeat admissions, with up to 30% of the patients readmitted within 28 days of discharge. Physical and mental status examinations (MSE) were performed in virtually all care episodes, although frequency is low (31.4% had daily physical examinations and 18.6% had MSE every nursing shift). In 49% and 50% of care episodes, patients were given oral antipsychotics and discharged on depot medications. Even when indicated, not all care episodes had follow-up appointments (60%) or referrals to income assistance (35%), community mental health teams (61%), and housing support (38%).ConclusionsSpecific programs are needed to address current gaps in inpatient care for patients with early psychosis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A randomized controlled study: The effects of self-referral to inpatient treatment on patient activation
Authors: Moljord I.E.O. , Lara-Cabrera M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionSelf-referral to inpatient treatment (SRIT) has recently been implemented in Norway in several community mental health centers (CMHC) in an effort to increase activation and to improve access to mental health services and timely treatment.ObjectiveTo examine the effect of having a contract for self-referral to inpatient treatment (SRIT) in patients with severe mental disorders. This intervention was based on personalized care planning, legislation regarding patients’ rights and is intended to enhance user participation.AimsTo assess the 12-month effect on patient activation measure-13 (PAM-13).MethodsA randomized controlled trial with 53 adult patients; 26 participants got a SRIT contract which they could use to refer themselves into a CMHC up to five days for each referral without contacting a doctor in advance. Preliminary results on the primary outcome after 12 months with the self-report questionnaires Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13), will be analyzed using linear mixed and regression models.ResultsThe preliminary results showed no significant effect on PAM-13 (estimated mean difference [emd] −0.41, 95% CI [CI]: −7.49 to 6.67). A post hoc analysis found an effect of SRIT on PAM-13 in those with baseline PAM-13 scores below ≤ 47.ConclusionThere were no group differences.Trial designClinicaltrials.gov NCT01133587.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.