bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in prescribing patterns of benzodiazepines after training of general practitioners
Authors: Alves-dos-Reis T. , Papoila A.L. , Gusmão R. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionBenzodiazepines are the most utilized anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs. The high consumption of benzodiazepines has been a concern due to reported side effects of long-term use and dependence. Portugal has the highest benzodiazepine utilization in Europe.ObjectivesTo analyze the change in general practitioners’ (GPs) benzodiazepine prescription pattern after an intervention period.MethodsAn educational session was delivered to a group of intervened GPs. The benzodiazepine prescription pattern of intervened group was compared to the pattern of a non-intervened matched group from the same region, and of another non-intervened matched group from a different region. The research time frame was 12 months before and after intervention. The analysis of the prescription trends used the defined daily dose (DDD) and defined daily dose per 1000 patients per day (DHD) methodology. The statistical methods consisted of segmented regression analysis.ResultsThere was a decrease in benzodiazepine prescription pattern of intervened GPs after intervention (P = 0.005). There was also a decrease in benzodiazepine prescription pattern for the non-intervened group from the same region (P = 0.037) and for the non-intervened group from a different region (P = 0.010). Concerning an analysis by gender, female gender prescribed a higher amount of benzodiazepines. The intervened female gender prescribers presented the highest decrease in prescription trend after intervention (P = 0.008).ConclusionsIntervention was effective in reducing benzodiazepine prescription after intervention. It demonstrates that a single intervention has a positive impact on improving prescription trends. The replication of this intervention might be an opportunity for changing the worrying benzodiazepine utilization in Portugal.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Alteration in creatine phosphate behavior in excited visual cortex of early-stage schizophrenia patients measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Manzhurtsev A. , Semenova N. , Ublinskiy M. , Akhadov T. , Varfolomeev S. , Lebedeva I. , Kaleda V. 
Published: May 2016

Introduction31P MRS is a unique way of in vivo energy metabolism research. This method allowed revealing schizophrenia-induced disturbances of energy exchange in resting state [1]. We use 31P MRS in presence of visual stimulation that allows neuronal energy-consuming processes studying.ObjectiveRevealing of stimulation effects on high-energy phosphates (PCr, ATP) in early-stage schizophrenia.AimDiscovery of energy processes contribution in schizophrenia pathogenesis.MethodsTwelve right-handed 18–26 years old male patients with early-staged schizophrenia (F20, ICD-10) and 20 age-matched healthy right-handed controls. Spectra were acquired on Philips Achieva 3.0 T using Rapid Biomed 31P/1H birdcage coil and 2D ISIS pulse sequence. fMRI was used for accurate 2D slice positioning, spectroscopy voxels containing primary visual cortex (V1) were averaged (see Fig. 1). Two 31P spectra of V1 were obtained: firstly in resting state and then during 6 minutes of continuous stimulation by 6 Hz flashing checkerboard. Spectra were processed in jMRUI.ResultsExcitation reduced PCr in the norm and had no effect on schizophrenia (see Fig. 2). No excitation-induced ATP changes in both groups were revealed.ConclusionAlteration in PCr behavior in this study witnesses for deviations in energy-consuming processes in schizophrenia. A new scheme of neuronal response to stimulation in schizophrenia is offered.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Trimodal approach (PET/MR/EEG) of response inhibition as a possible biomarker for schizophrenia
Authors: Wyss C. , Heekeren K. , Del Guerra A. , Shah N.J. , Neuner I. , Wolfram K. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThe aim of the FP7-European funded project TRIMAGE is to create a trimodal, cost-effective imaging tool consisting of PET/MR/EEG to enable effective early diagnosis of schizophrenia.ObjectiveIn the scope of this project we are interested in the multimodal assessment of response inhibition. The loudness dependence of auditory evoked potential (LDAEP) is a suitable biomarker of inhibitory action in signal processing. Variations in response inhibition can have great impact on different aspects of life. Individuals with reduced capability of inhibitory control have a tendency to impulsive behavior. Studies showed that they have stronger LDAEP values. Patients with schizophrenia may exhibit alterations in the responsiveness to sensory stimuli. Thus, a reduced LDAEP was found in these patients. However, these deviances differed in clinical features of the disorder. Therefore, we would like to further elucidate the relationship between multimodal neuroimaging methods and dimensions of symptoms, observable behavior, personality traits and general psychopathological dysfunction.MethodsA sample of 20 healthy controls and 20 patients with manifest schizophrenia will be examined with the LDAEP paradigm in a trimodal approach with customary imaging tools. PET measurements with the radiotracer [11C]-flumazenil will be used to assess the binding potentials of GABA-A receptors. MRS will provide data about GABA concentrations. Simultaneously recorded EEG-fMRI data will permit new insight in the relationship between LDAEP and impulsivity.DiscussionThe project will use alternative approaches to psychiatric classification. Response inhibition in sensory processing will be investigated from different angles (biochemical, neurophysiological, and neuroanatomical) and combined with psychological characteristic values.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Actions speak louder than words: Enhanced action tendencies in obsessive-compulsive disorder: An ERP study
Authors: Dayan Riva A. , Berger A. , Anholt G. 
Published: May 2016

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repeated thoughts and behaviors. Several studies have detected deficient response inhibition ability in individuals with OCD, leading researchers to suggest this deficit as an endophenotype of OCD. However, other researchers maintain that the effect size of this deficit is modest and that it lacks clinical significance. The current investigation examines a potential alternative explanation for difficulties in response inhibition, namely enhanced action tendencies in response to stimuli. Therefore, early processes of motor response preparation preceding action performance (or inhibition) were studied with the event-related potential (ERP) component of readiness potential (RP). RP measures brain reactions related to motor activity in response to external stimuli. ERPs were recorded while 15 participants with OCD and 16 healthy controls performed a variation of a go/no-go task and a stop-signal task using schematic faces (angry and neutral). The OCD group presented with a greater RP slope gradient and amplitude over bilateral parietal areas corresponding to the motor cortex. The amplitude effect was further enhanced under negative valence, compared with the neutral condition. Differences in RP between the OCD and control groups remained significant when controlling for levels of trait anxiety. Results support the hypothesis that a stronger readiness for action might characterize OCD, especially in the presence of threatening stimuli. This finding, specific to OCD and not to anxiety symptoms, may underlie habitual tendencies in OCD. This study suggests that early-stages of motor preparation might be important to the etiology and maintenance of OCD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The net suppression effect of pain catastrophic cognition on anxiety sensitivity
Authors: Wong W. , Lam J. , Lim H. , Wong S. , Chen P. , Chow Y. , Fielding R. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThe existing literature on chronic pain points to the effects anxiety sensitivity, pain hypervigilance, and pain catastrophizing on pain-related fear; however, the nature of the relationships remains unclear. The three dispositional factors may affect one another in the prediction of pain adjustment outcomes. The addition of one disposition may increase the association between another disposition and outcomes, a consequence known as suppressor effects in statistical terms.ObjectiveThis study examined the possible statistical suppressor effects of anxiety sensitivity, pain hypervigilance and pain catastrophizing in predicting pain-related fear and adjustment outcomes (disability and depression).MethodsChinese patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (n = 401) completed a battery of assessments on pain intensity, depression, anxiety sensitivity, pain vigilance, pain catastrophizing, and pain-related fear. Multiple regression analyses assessed the mediating/moderating role of pain hypervigilance. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate suppression effects.ResultsOur results evidenced pain hypervigilance mediated the effects of anxiety sensitivity (Model 1: Sobel z = 4.86) and pain catastrophizing (Model 3: Sobel z = 5.08) on pain-related fear. Net suppression effect of pain catastrophizing on anxiety sensitivity was found in SEM where both anxiety sensitivity and pain catastrophizing were included in the same full model to predict disability (Model 9: CFI = 0.95) and depression (Model 10: CFI = 0.93) (all P < 0.001) (see Figs. 3 and 4, Figs. 1 and 2).ConclusionsOur findings evidenced that pain hypervigilance mediated the relationship of two dispositional factors, pain catastrophic cognition and anxiety sensitivity, with pain-related fear. The net suppression effects of pain catastrophizing suggest that anxiety sensitivity enhanced the effect of pain catastrophic cognition on pain hypervigilance.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Prevalence, mortality and healthcare utilization of cluster B personality disorders in Quebec: A province cohort study, 2001–2012
Authors: Cailhol L. , Pelletier E. , Rochette L. , Villeneuve E. , Laporte L. , David P. , Lesage A. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundCluster B personality disorder (PD) is a highly prevalent mental health condition in general population (1 to 6% depending on the subtype and study). Patients affected are known to be heavier users of both mental and medical healthcare than other clinical conditions such as depression. Few studies have highlighted their elevated mortality rate compared to general population.MethodsThe estimates were produced using data from the integrated monitoring system for chronic disease of Quebec. It provides annual and life prevalence, mortality rate, years of and healthcare utilization profile Quebec inhabitants.ResultsA total of 7,995,963 people were included in the study. The life prevalence of cluster B PD is 2.6%. The mean years of lost life is 13 for men and 9 for women when they are compared to general population. The 3 most important causes of death are: suicide (20.4%), cardiovascular diseases (19.1%) and cancers (18.6%). The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for each medical condition is superior in cluster B personality disorders than general population. The most important SMR is for suicide (male: 10.2 and female: 21). In the year 2011–2012, 78% had consulted a general practitioner, 62% a psychiatrist, 41% were admitted in an emergency department and 21% were hospitalized.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients at risk of psychosis
Authors: Cordes J. , Bechdolf A. , Moebus S. 
Published: May 2016

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most frequent reasons for the higher mortality in patients with schizophrenia. It is difficult to separate between effects of medication or the disorder itself on the development of MetS. In the present study, patients at clinical high risk for first-episode psychosis (CHR) were examined and the prevalence of the MetS was assessed. One hundred and sixty-three unmedicated antipsychotic naïve CHR patients aged between 18 and 42 years and suffering from unmanifested prodromal symptoms were compared to 35,869 patients of the “German Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Study” (GEMCAS). We observed a slightly higher prevalence of single MetS criteria in CHR group compared to the GEMCAS sample, in particular: high blood pressure (35.0 vs. 28.0%), waist circumference (17.6 vs. 15.1%), and high fasting blood glucose (9.4 vs. 4.0%). We assume the higher risk for MetS in schizophrenia patients or CHR patients to derive from genetic factors.Disclosure of interestIn cooperation with Joachim Cordes, Andreas Bechdolf, Christina Engelke, Kahl KG, Chakrapani Balijepalli, Christian Lösch, Joachim Klosterkötter, Michael Wagner, Wolfgang Maier, Andreas Heinz, Walter de Millas, Wolfgang Gaebel, Frank Schneider, Martin Lambert, Georg Juckel, Thomas Wobrock, Michael Riedel, Susanne Moebus.
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade diminishes negative effect of chronic stress on memory via upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Wincewicz D. , Juchniewicz A. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionA critical need exists for progress in the characterization of targets for pro-cognitive drug discovery. We previously demonstrated that Telmisartan (TLM), an angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1) blocker and partial agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), alleviates cognitive decline in chronically stressed rats. Understanding of mechanistic background of this phenomenon is hampered by both dual binding sites of TLM and limited data on the molecular consequences of central AT1 blockade and PPARγ activation.ObjectivesTo discriminate molecular effects of AT1 blockade and PPARγ activation in stress induced memory impairment.AimsIn this study, we investigated mechanism of neuroprotection provided by TLM in chronic psychological stress.MethodsWe analyzed BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus (HIP) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in chronically restrained stressed Wistar rats (2.5 h, 21 days), repeatedly treated with TLM (1 mg/kg), GW9662 (0.5 mg/kg) – a selective PPARγ receptor antagonist, or both in combination. TATA box binding protein (Tbp) was an internal control for expression studies.ResultsAlterations of mRNA expression of BDNF are shown on Figs. 1 and 2.ConclusionsAT1 receptor blockade restores cognitive functions in chronically stressed subjects, which is associated with changes in primarily cortical gene expression.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Neuropsychiatric consequences of deep brain stimulation surgeries in the patients affected by chronic movement disorders: A brief report
Authors: Mahdavi S. , Malakouti S.K. , Naji B. , Asadi M. , Kahani S. 
Published: May 2016

The main surgical procedure for PD and other chronic movement disorders is deep brain stimulation. DBS has been reported to have specific consequences such as decline in verbal fluency and episodes of depression.We designed an interventional study in 12 patients affected by Parkinson, dystonia and tic who underwent DBS surgery. Patient assessed before surgery, one month and one year after surgery.The results proved a significant improvement in SF36. The Hamilton's anxiety scale showed an overall but insignificant improvement. The mean of scores of the BDI had a great drop one month after surgery but a raise at the 12th month (insignificant pattern).Pearson's correlation test showed a significant negative correlation between age and the SF36 scores. The BDI's scores were assessed in relation with age. Although there was no actual relation between them before surgery, we detected a positive correlation between them after one year.ConclusionThe pattern of changes can be related with the differences between perioperative expectations and real long-term outcomes. Correlations between changes seen in BDI and SF36 scores with age can be considered as a confirmatory evidence for this idea.All cases showed an insignificant gradual decline in digit span test, which may be independent of the surgical procedure. Although the COWA test could not prove a significant deterioration in verbal fluency but a slight decline after one year was obvious, in addition to one patient who turned aphasic during this period.The outcomes showed that the benefits of DBS outweigh the slight risk of developing depression.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Differential serum acute-phase biomarker profile in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Arranz B. , Sanchez M. , Garriga M. , Safont G. , Garcia-Portilla P. , Sierra P. , San L. 
Published: May 2016

There is a growing interest in inflammation and immune dysfunction in severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This dysfunction seems to consist in abnormal blood levels of cytokines and acute-phase proteins, with increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, homocysteine and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Higher levels can be found in acute episodes and in patients with a higher cardiovascular risk.Acute-phase protein serum parameters were determined in a sample of 100 outpatients with schizophrenia (n = 50) or bipolar disorder (n = 50) so as to assess differences in pro-inflammatory state. Metabolic state was assessed through BMI, waist circumference, glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.The whole sample showed higher levels of fibrinogen (mean 4 ± 0.9 g/L), triglycerids (mean 2.9 ± 8.5 mmol/L), cholesterol-LDL (mean 3 ± 0.9 mmol/L), and homocysteine (mean 16.2 ± 7.3 umol/L) than our laboratory reference values from healthy individuals.After correcting for gender and pharmacological treatment, patients with schizophrenia showed higher levels of ESR, fibrinogen, glucose and CRP, while homocysteine was not statistically different between patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (see Table 1).These results may suggest a different biomarker profile in bipolar and schizophrenic outpatients, with a more severe pro-inflammatory state in schizophrenia. Serum homocysteine levels could be a state marker in both disorders.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Lifetime antipsychotic use and brain structures in schizophrenia and other psychoses – 43-year study of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
Authors: Huhtaniska S. , Korkala I. , Heikka T. , Tohka J. , Manjon J. , Coupe P. , Remes J. , Moilanen J. , Kiviniemi V. , Björnholm L. , Isohanni M. , Veijola J. , Murray G. , Jääskeläinen E. , Miettunen J. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThe effects of long-term antipsychotic medication use on structural brain changes in psychoses are still unknown. Severity and duration of illness are key confounders when evaluating antipsychotic effects on brain morphology.ObjectivesUnderstanding the role of antipsychotic medication on brain morphology in psychoses.AimsTo analyze whether cumulative lifetime or current antipsychotic medication dose relates to brain morphology in schizophrenia and other psychoses at age of 43 years.MethodsForty-four schizophrenia cases and 35 with other psychoses from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 were scanned on a 1.5T GE Signa scanner and brain structures were extracted using volBrain automated volumetry system (http://volbrain.upv.es). Data of antipsychotic medication were collected from medical records and interviews. We used linear regression model to analyze the effect of antipsychotic medication on brain volumes and used intracranial volume and onset age as covariates. We also performed additional analyses adding psychotic symptoms (PANSS Total score) as a covariate.ResultsHigher lifetime and current dose associated to left lateral ventricle increase (b = 0.33, P = 0.033; b = 0.307, P = 0.042, respectively) and right and left accumbens decrease (b = −0.405, P = 0.013, b = −0.404, P = 0.010; b = −0.302, P = 0.027, b = −0.282, P = 0.036, respectively) in schizophrenia but not in other psychoses. When PANSS was added to the model, the findings remained regarding right and left accumbens, but not regarding left lateral ventricle.ConclusionsIt seems that antipsychotic medication affects the brain in schizophrenia, but not in the heterogeneous group of other psychoses. In schizophrenia, brain changes associated to antipsychotic medication cannot be explained by illness duration or symptom severity.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Affectivity during social behaviour in a schizophrenic-like rat
Authors: Kai L. , Gill D. , Wegener G. , Tasker A. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionRats are social animals that produce high-frequency whistles said to reflect their underlying affective state. Injecting rats with a glutamate agonist (domoic acid) at a sensitive period of brain development, models aspects of schizophrenia. This is known as the neonatal DOM model.AimsWe investigated whether DOM rats display altered social behaviour – as seen in patients with schizophrenia – using their high-frequency whistles as a proxy for the emotional valence of social situations.MethodsWe used 19 male Sprague Dawley rats, injected with either a low-dose of domoic acid or saline at postnatal days 8 to 14. The social behaviour of the rats was investigated at four levels:– anticipation of social interaction;– dyadic encounter;– three-chamber test;– tickling.Tests were carried out at postnatal days 34 to 40 and 50 to 56. Rat whistles were recorded on all days of testing.ResultsIn progress.ConclusionsThe interest in rat whistles as a supplement to traditional behavioural tests has increased. New software allows for detailed qualitative analysis of the whistle subtypes and thus new complexity to their interpretation. This study can help unravel information encoded in the whistles and shed light on the social behaviour of the DOM rat thus investigating it is applicability as a model of schizophrenia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.