bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Connectivity differences between bipolar disorder, unipolar depression and schizophrenia
Authors: Metin S. , Metin B. , Tas C. , Tarhan N. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is used frequently to explore white matter tract morphology and connectivity in psychiatric disorders. Connectivity alterations were previously reported for bipolar disorder, unipolar depression and schizophrenia. However, there is limited data on how these disorders differ from one another in terms of connectivity.AimsIn this study, we aimed to explore connectivity differences between these disorders.MethodsWe analyzed DTI data of 37 patients with schizophrenia, 41 patients with bipolar disorder and 46 patients with unipolar depression. Group analyses were performed for schizophrenia versus bipolar and bipolar versus unipolar contrasts with using age as a covariate.ResultsThreshold corrected results showed that connectivity at internal capsule and corpus callosum were most distinctive between groups. For corpus callosum (splenium), unipolar group showed the highest connectivity and schizophrenia group showed the lowest connectivity (Fig. 1). For internal capsule, schizophrenia group had the highest connectivity and unipolar group had the lowest connectivity (Fig. 2). Bipolar group had intermediate values for both tracts.ConclusionsThese results indicate that connectivity analysis may be helpful for differentiating psychiatric disorders.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Frontal cortex myo-inositol is associated with sleep and depression in adolescents : A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Urrila A.S. , Hakkarainen A. , Castaneda A. , Paunio T. , Marttunen M. , Lundbom N. 
Published: June 2017

AimThis study used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) to evaluate neurochemistry of the frontal cortex in adolescents with symptoms of sleep and depression.Methods19 non-medicated adolescent boys (mean age 16.0 y; n = 9 clinical cases with depression/sleep symptoms and n = 10 healthy controls) underwent 1H MRS at 3 T. MR spectra were acquired from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and frontal white matter. Concentrations of N-acetyl aspartate, total creatine, choline-containing compounds, total glutamine plus glutamate, and myo-inositol (mI) were compared between the two subgroups and correlated with sleep and clinical measures in the total sample. Sleep was assessed with self-report questionnaires and ambulatory polysomnography recordings.ResultsConcentrations of mI were lower in both frontal cortical regions among the depressed adolescents as compared to healthy controls. No statistically significant differences in other metabolite concentrations were observed between the subgroups. Frontal cortex mI concentrations correlated negatively with depression severity, subjective daytime sleepiness, insomnia symptoms, and the level of anxiety, and positively with total sleep time and overall psychosocial functioning. The correlations between mI in the ACC and total sleep time as well as daytime sleepiness remained statistically significant when depression severity was controlled in the analyses.ConclusionLower frontal cortex mI may indicate a disturbed second messenger system. Frontal cortical mI may thus be linked to the pathophysiology of depression and concomitant sleep symptoms among maturing adolescents. Short sleep and daytime sleepiness may be associated with frontal cortex mI independently from depression.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Cognitive disturbances and mood disorders in ischemic stroke
Authors: Davidescu E.I. , Sasu D.A. , Buraga I. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIschemic stroke is in increasing incidence, so that long term sequels are of great importance for management of quality of life and economics issues.ObjectivesTo determine risk factors associated with cognitive disturbances, after ischemic stroke.AimsAssessment of social and medical risk factors in outcome of cognitive disturbances.MethodsDuring 6 months, 268 patients with antecedents of ischemic stroke and associated cognitive disturbances installed in first year after major stroke, were assessed in neurology department. We performed neuropsychological tests as mini mental state examination, sunderland clock test and beck depression inventory. Patients and caregivers were also assessed for quality of life. 53% were males, from urban areas (69%) and mean age was 72.2 years.ResultsWe found risk factors as hypertension (88%), dyslipidemia (63%), diabetes mellitus (22%), atrial fibrillation (11%), smoking (35%) and drinking (55%). According to DSM-5 criteria, 62.5% of our lot had major cognitive disorder and 37.5% had a minor one; most of the patients with major dysfunction had ischemia in left middle cerebral artery (31.71%) associated with language deficits and executive dysfunctions, and on the second place was the vertebro-basilar localization of stroke (29.86%). Ischemia in right middle cerebral artery was present only in 20.52% of the lot. 27% of our patients developed depression, more in patients with major neurological deficits.ConclusionsEfforts must be done for primary prevention of stroke, early detection of risk factors and correct treatment, and for cessation of toxic habits. Treating associated depression may improve patients’ quality of life and increase comfort for caregivers.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A case series: Efficacy of short term EMDR on patients with persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD)
Authors: Usta F.D. , Yasar A.B. , Abamor A.E. , Caliskan M. 
Published: June 2017

Grief is a normal response to loss of someone to whom a bond was formed; however, prolonged grief is considered pathological. Persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) is defined as a persistent longing for the deceased over 12 months. Several treatment ways have been used for traumatic loss including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). In the current case series, effectiveness of EMDR on three PCBD patients will be indicated. Three patients applied to the clinic with similar complaints based on different traumatic backgrounds; commonly, all experienced death of a first-degree relative. Complaints of the patients were over-thinking about the deceased, sleep disturbances, self-blaming, social isolation, avoiding talks about lost relative, and loss of interest in activities. After pre-interviews, they were advised EMDR therapy. One session of EMDR was applied to two of the patients, and two EMDR sessions were conducted on one of them. After the sessions, the patients reported not feeling guilty about the loss anymore, returning their normal routines, feeling better, and showing decreased avoidance. Additionally, the scores of scales (CAPS, BAI, BDI, and IES-R) significantly declined. EMDR therapy can show successful results in a shorter time than other treatment ways used for PCBD treatment [1].Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the perinatal depression screening scale-24
Authors: Azevedo J. , Xavier S. , Marques C. , Bento E. , Marques M. , Soares M.J. , Mota D. , Macedo A. , Pereira A.T. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionPereira et al. (2013) adapted to the antenatal period and validated a shorter version of the original 35-items Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS [1]), composed of 24 items, selected from the exploratory factor analysis matrix. In their study, the researchers considered this version a useful alternative to evaluate depressive symptoms in pregnancy, taking into account its reliability, concurrent validity and satisfactory combinations of sensitivity and specificity to screen for antenatal depression.AimTo confirm the four dimensions’ structure of the PDSS-24 using confirmatory factor analysis.Methods616 women (mean age: 32.29 ± 4.466) in the second trimester of pregnancy (mean weeks of gestation = 17.13 ± 4.929), with uncomplicated pregnancies, completed the PDSS-24 while waiting for their routine prenatal consultation at local health medical centers.ResultsThe 4-dimensional model of PDSS-24 presented good fit (χ2[242] = 893,275; RMSEA = 0.067, CFI = 0.934, TLI = 0.94, PGFI = 0.717; P<.001). The PDSS-24 Cronbach's alpha was α=0.90; all factors presented good/excellent reliability: Derealization and failure (a = 0.87); Concentration difficulties and anxiety (a = 0.81), Suicidal ideation (a = 0.94), and sleeping difficulties (a = 0.89).ConclusionThis further validation study emphasizes that PDSS-24 in an adequate measure of antenatal depressive symptoms. To better distinguish it from the version to use in the postpartum (PDSS-21 [2]), from now on, we will denominate it perinatal depression screening scale-24.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors or dual antidepressants and syndrome of inapropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion: A systematic search
Authors: Alberdi-Paramo I. , Montero G. , Niell L. , Baena R. , Tenorio M. , Carabias A. , Fuentes D. , Jurado A. , Perez C. , Carrillo R. , Fraga A. , Fernandez De Aspe M. , Soto M. , Gonzalez B. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionDepression is a disease with high prevalence all over the world. Selective serotonine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and dual antidepressants (DA) are worldwide used to treat the different types of depressive episodes. Between the adverse events of these compounds, an unusual but potentially severe side effect is the syndrome of inapropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).Results and discussionSeveral cases published, and an amount of cases series have documented the association of SIADH to the use of SSRIs and DA. All SSRIs and DA are at risk of producing SIADH (fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, venlafaxine and duloxetine). Old age has been found as a risk factor for developing SIADH. There are not enough data to conclude that other risk factors can play a role in the development of this adverse event. Treatment should include the immediate withdrawal of the antidepressant. The introduction of other antidepressants is controversial, as SIADH has been related with all antidepressive treatments; but the risk of relapse into a depressive episode must be considered also. Between symptomatic treatments, the control of water intake and the use of low doses of loop diuretics can be recommended. Severe cases can be treated with higher doses of loop diuretics and saline hypertonic solution.ConclusionsSIADH has been related with SSRIs and DA antidepressants and it is an infrequent but severe adverse event. Its risk must be considered when prescribing treatment with them. If this adverse event is produced, the substitution of the antidepressant should be done.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Prescribing patterns of psychiatric drugs in major depressive disorder – Findings from a large European multicenter, cross-sectional study
Authors: Dold M. , Kautzky A. , Bartova L. , Rabl U. , Souery D. , Mendlewicz J. , Serretti A. , Porcelli S. , Zohar J. , Montgomery S. , Kasper S. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe multicenter, cross-sectional survey summarizes the current prescription patterns of psychopharmacological medications in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated in European university psychiatric centers.MethodsThe study included a total of 1181 MDD patients who were recruited in 9 academic sites across 8 European countries. Socio-demographic, clinical, and psychopharmacological characteristics were collected within a detailed clinical interview and the current depressive symptom severity was measured by the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Symptom reduction during the present MDD episode was analyzed by calculating retrospective MADRS scores. Descriptive statistics, analyses of variance (ANOVAs), and Spearman correlation analyses were performed to examine the impact of various features on the applied pharmacological strategies.ResultsRegarding first-line antidepressant medication, the most frequently prescribed drug classes were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (53.4%), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (23.6%), noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs) (8.2%), tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) (5.1%), and the melatonergic antidepressant agomelatine (5.0%). The most commonly used individual antidepressants were escitalopram (18.4%), venlafaxine (15.2%), sertraline (12.9%), paroxetine (9.1%), mirtazapine (8.2%), duloxetine (7.0%), and fluoxetine (6.5%). Among the patients, 59.4% were treated with polypsychopharmaceutical medications (mean: 2 drugs) and for the number of individual drugs, we found a significant correlation with the present MADRS total score and the MADRS total score change during the current depressive episode.ConclusionConsistent with surveys investigating primarily municipal psychiatric treatment centers, we could replicate the observation that SSRIs are the most commonly used antidepressants in MDD for the first time for European university centers.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Underreporting of adverse drug reactions: Results from a survey among physicians
Authors: Gahr M. , Eller J. , Connemann B.J. , Schönfeldt-Lecuona C. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionDrug safety surveillance strongly depends on the spontaneous and voluntary reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADR). A major limiting factor of spontaneous reporting systems is underreporting (UR) which describes incorrectly low reporting rates of ADR. Factors contributing to UR are numerous and feature country-dependent differences.Objectives/aimsUnderstanding causes of UR is necessary to facilitate targeted interventions to improve ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based telephone survey was performed among physicians in outpatient care in a federal state of Germany.ResultsFrom n = 316 eligible physicians n = 176 completed the questionnaire (response rate = 55.7%). Most of the physicians (n = 137/77.8%) stated that they report ADR, which they have observed to the competent authority rarely (n = 59/33.5%), very rarely (n = 59/33.5%) or never (n = 19/10.8%); the majority (n = 123/69.9%) had not reported any ADR in 2014. Frequent subjective reasons for ADR non-reporting were (specified response options): lack of time (n = 52/29.5%), the subjective evaluation that the required process of reporting is complicated (n = 47/26.7%) or requires too much time (n = 25/14.2%) or the assessment that reporting of an ADR is needless (n = 22/12.5%); within free answers the participants frequently stated that they do not report ADR that are already known (n = 72/40.9%) and they only report severe ADR (n = 46/26.1%).ConclusionsOur results suggest a need of interventions to inform physicians about pharmacovigilance and to modify the required procedure of ADR reporting or to offer other reporting options.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Changes in the cytokine profile in first episode, drug-naïve patients with psychosis after short-term antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Petrikis P. , Voulgari P. , Boumba V. , Archimandriti D. , Skapinakis P. , Mavreas V. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAn increasing body of evidence suggests that antipsychotic medication can cause immunological changes that could be attributed to the amelioration of psychotic symptoms or the metabolic side effects of the drugs. So far, the results of the studies remain controversial.ObjectiveOur aim was to compare the levels of interleukin (IL) IL-2, IL-6 and transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) in drug-naïve, first-episode patients with psychosis before and after six weeks of antipsychotic medication.MethodsThirty-nine first episode patients with psychosis were enrolled in the study. Serum levels of IL-2, IL-6 and TGF-β2 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and six weeks after the initiation of antipsychotic medication. In addition, clinical psychopathology was assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) before and after treatment.ResultsSerum levels of IL-2 were significantly higher in the study group six weeks after the initiation of antipsychotic treatment (P < 0.001) while TGF-β2 levels were decreased (P < 0.001) and IL-6 levels were slightly reduced (P < 0.004).ConclusionThe changes in cytokine levels may be attributed to the action of antipsychotic medication and the remission of psychopathology. The reduction in TGF-β2 levels is observed in all patients and with all antipsychotic medications used. TGF-β2 may be a marker of clinical efficacy.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Relationship between taste thresholds and antidepressant response: Preliminary findings
Authors: Srivastava S. , Kumar A. , Agarwal V. , Chubey P. , Donaldson L. , Potokar J. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIn healthy volunteers, light acting through serotonin pathways, decreases the threshold for sweet, but not salt taste; similar to SSRI paroxetine. In depressive disorders, there is deficiency of serotonin throughput, which is remedied by SSRI medications, and results in improvement in symptoms of depression. Thus, we report on taste thresholds before and after SSRI treatment.ObjectivesTo study the variation in thresholds for sweet with SSRI treatment in depressed patients in short- and long-term.AimsTo compare the threshold for sweet (test) and salt (control) after 1 and 4 weeks of SSRI escitalopram therapy in depressed patients.MethodsThe project was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Following informed consent, depressed patients were initiated on escitalopram 10 mg/d (increased to 15 or 20 mg, if required after 1 week,). Taste recognition threshold, intensity and pleasantness were measured for sweet and salt. Each tastant was made −1 to −3 (100 mM–1 mM). Regional recognition thresholds were determined at the tip of the tongue using a cotton bud well soaked in the tastant.ResultsThree males and 4 females of mean ages 39.1 years completed the study. There was significant shift to the left for sweet thresholds between days 0 and 7, and 7 and 28 [F(Dfn, Dfd) = 9.242 (4.162) P < 0.0001]. A similar shift to the left was seen for salt but day 7 only [F(Dfn, Dfd) = 6.213 (4.162)].ConclusionThe increase in serotonin throughput as envisaged through SSRI treatment was paralleled by decrease in sweet thresholds.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Prolonged theta burst stimulation: A novel rTMS paradigm in neuropsychiatry
Authors: Klírová M. , Hejzlar M. , Novák T. , Rokyta R. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has important role in treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Theta burst stimulation (TBS), a modification of rTMS, seems to produce greater changes in cortical excitability (CE) than those observed in conventional rTMS protocols. TBS is used in different protocols: intermittent TBS (iTBS) and continuous TBS (cTBS). While iTBS facilitates CE, cTBS leads to CE inhibition. However, a prolonged cTBS produces facilitatory effect similar to that of iTBS. Prolonged TBS (pTBS), a novel rTMS paradigm, is of great clinical interest for its short duration, but also because it may induce stronger effect.AimTo prove the effect of pTBS of motor cortex on changes of motor threshold (MT), CE and pain threshold (PT) in healthy volunteers (HV). To compare the effects of two different forms of active pTBS (pcTBS, piTBS) with placebo.MethodsA double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study compared the effects of different pTBS of contralateral M1 area on MT, CE and PT. We enrolled 24 HV to the study, who underwent all types of pTBS in randomized order and were assessed before and after each pTBS application. We used MagPro R30 (with coil focused to contralateral M1 area, 1200 pulses/session, 90% MT).ResultsA significant changes in CE and MT were found after application of continuous pTBS. Intermittent and placebo pTBS did not confirm the effect. There were no significant changes on PT after pTBS. Continuous pTBS was better tolerated than intermittent pTBS.ConclusionpTBS should be considered as an effective and safe treatment option for neuropsychiatric disorders.Disclosure of interestSupported by AZV 16-31380A.
From theory to practice: The contribution of John Farquhar Fulton (1899–1960) to psychosurgery
Authors: Michielsen P. , De Jonge L. , Petrykiv S. , Arts M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionJohn Farquhar Fulton was an American neurophysiologist and historian, who pioneered psychosurgery based on animal experiments. Together with psychologist Carlyle Jacobsen, Fulton presented the results of bilateral frontal lobe ablation in chimpanzees. This study prompted neurologist Egas Moniz and neurologist Walter Freeman to perform similar brain surgery on human subjects.ObjectivesTo present the scientific papers of John Farquhar Fulton on psychosurgery.AimsTo review available literature and to show evidence that John Farquhar Fulton made a significant contribution to the development of psychosurgery.MethodsA biography and research papers are presented and discussed.ResultsFulton and Jacobsen experimented with ‘delayed response tasks’ in chimpanzees. The aim was to test the animal's capability to memorize the correct location of the food. They found that after sequential ablations of the left and right frontal association cortices these memory tasks became significantly difficult for the monkeys to perform. The researchers saw parallel conclusions in clinical cases of human frontal lobe damage.ConclusionsAn investigation into the role of the limbic system is one of the crowning achievements of John Farquhar Fulton, as this has influenced even today's thinking about the role of the limbic system. We should thank Fulton for his pioneering work as modern psychosurgery has gradually evolved from irreversible ablation to reversible stimulation techniques, including deep brain stimulation.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.