bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clock genes SNP array identifies a key role of the PER1/HES7 gene in the risk of cannabis addiction and psychiatric comorbidities
Authors: Lafaye G. , Benyamina A. 
Published: June 2017

The existence of biological rhythms disruption in addicted subjects has been described including disturbances in their sleep-wake pattern, rest-activity rhythms, and feeding schedules. Circadian rhythms have also been related to psychiatric diseases, including mood and anxiety disorders and the regulation of dopaminergic transmission, especially in reward circuitry in substance abusers. The relationship between them remained enigmatic and no data on the role of clock genes variants on cannabis dependence have been documented. We aimed at exploring the role of clock gene genotypes as potential predisposing factor to cannabis addiction, using a high throughput mass spectrometry methodology that enables the large-scale analysis of all the known clinically-relevant polymorphisms of the core human clock genes. We have conducted a case-control study on 177 Caucasians categorizing between cannabis-addicted subjects (n = 83) and casual cannabis consumers (n = 94). We report here a strong association between the TT* genotype RS1442849 in PER1/HES7 gene and a significantly higher risk of vulnerability to be dependent to cannabis. Moreover, this SNP was overrepresented in the subsets of cannabis users with more severe characteristics like personal psychiatric history, unemployed status, and beginning of cannabis use early in lifetime as well as large weekly consumption. HES7 gene is a newly described gene with a circadian expression regulated by reactive oxygen species in many cell types including neural stem cells. The HES7 TT* genotype RS1442849 gene could intervene on the dopamine reward systems. This genotype thus represents the first potential biomarker for stratification of cannabis consumers for the risk to develop a true dependence.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The neural basis of cognitive control in gambling disorder: A systematic review of fMRI studies
Authors: Moccia L. , Pettorruso M. , De Risio L. , De Crescenzo F. , Di Nuzzo L. , Conte E. , Leone B. , Ferri V.R. , Martinotti G. , Di Nicola M. , Janiri L. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionDecreased cognitive control over the urge to be involved in gambling activities is a core feature of gambling disorder (GD). Cognitive control can be conceptualized as the sum of high-order cognitive faculties interacting in the achievement of goal-oriented behaviors. As such, cognitive control can be differentiated into several cognitive sub-processes, such as response inhibition, conflict monitoring, decision-making and cognitive flexibility, all of which prove to be pivotal in GD clinical phenomenology.ObjectivesOver the past few years, several studies and reviews have indicated a lack of cognitive control in GD through self-report questionnaires and neurocognitive tasks. Conversely, there are only a limited number of neuroimaging studies, which investigate the neural mechanisms underlying diminished cognitive control in GD.AimsThis research aims to systematically review functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies that target cognitive control in GD.MethodsA literature search was conducted in order to find appropriate published articles on fMRI studies in GD.ResultsFourteen fMRI studies were included. Depending on which neurocognitive task was employed, the studies were divided into five different sections: conflict monitoring, response inhibition, delay discounting, cognitive flexibility and decision-making.ConclusionsImpaired activity in prefrontal cortex may account for decreased cognitive control in GD, contributing to the progressive loss of control over gambling behaviors. However, the way in which cognitive control interacts with affective and motivational processes in GD is still matter of investigation. Among prefrontal areas, orbitofrontal cortex has been indicated as a possible nexus for sensory integration, value-based decision-making and emotional processing, thus contributing to both motivational and affective aspects of cognitive control.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Nalmefene effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption and prevention of craving: A case report
Authors: Pardo de Santayana G. , Landera R. , Juncal M. , Porta O. , Sánchez L. , Gómez M. , Nuria N. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAlcohol use disorder is a pressing problem in our society. However, only a small percentage of patients with alcohol use disorder are ever treated. Nalmefene acts as an antagonist of mu opioid receptors preventing the pleasurable sensation that often accompanies alcohol consumption, while its modulation of kappa opioid receptors can decrease the dysphoria associated with alcohol withdrawal.AimStudying the effect of nalmefene on patients with alcohol use disorder who are trying to reduce their daily alcohol consumption.MethodsThis is a descriptive study that pretends to assess the effect of nalmefene 18 mg/day on alcohol intake in a sample of five patients (3 men and 2 women) that came to our psychiatric consultation from March to September 2016. They all had tried in the past to stop or reduce their alcohol consumption but were unable to do so. We initiate follow-up with the patients in psychiatric consultation for the next three months with a monthly frequency.ResultsOut of the 5 patients, 4 reported to have reduced their alcohol consumption over the observation time, going from 32 drinks per week to 18 drinks per week on average. The fifth patient abandoned prematurely the treatment due to the appearance of side effects (nausea). No other relevant side effects were detected.ConclusionsNalmefene appears to be effective and safe reducing abusive alcohol intake and avoiding alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Therefore, nalmefene can be considered a good therapeutic option helping reduce alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol use disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
New designer benzodiazepines use in Barcelona
Authors: Pérez González S. , De Dios Felis M. , Monteagudo Gimeno E. , Sanagustín Bosqued D. , Trabsa Biskri A. , Grifell Guàrdia M. , Galindo Guarín L. , Quintana Mathe P. , Torrens Melich M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionNew designer benzodiazepines such as phenazepam, etizolam, diclazepam, clonazolam and flubromazolam have appeared in the recreational drug market due to that they provide an attractive alternative to prescription-only benzodiazepines as they are readily available over the Internet.ObjectiveTo describe the presence of new designer benzodiazepines in samples delivered to energy control since 2010 to 2016 in Barcelona.MethodsFrom 2010 to 2016, 24,551 samples were delivered to energy control. Among this samples 43 (0.175%) were analysed as benzodiazepines. They were analyzed by energy control, a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers the possibility of analyzing the substances that users report. Analysis was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom the 43 samples analyzed as benzodiazepines, 1 (2.32%) was delivered in 2010, none in 2011, 2 (4.65%) in 2012, 2 (4.65%) in 2013, 1 (2.32%) in 2014, 15 (34.88%) in 2015 and 21 (48.83%) in 2016.DiscussionThe data shows that new designer benzodiazepines use is increasing in Barcelona, especially in the last two years. Abuse an addiction to these drugs may be a new public health problem in Barcelona. Unknown side effects may appear due to lack of information about pharmacokinetic profile of these drugs.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Nootropics: Emergents drugs associated with new clinical challenges
Authors: Saiz Garcia H. , Montes Reula L. , Portilla Fernandez A. , Pereira Sanchez V. , Olmo Lopez N. , Mancha Heredero E. , Rosero Enriquez A.S. , Martinez Parreño M.E. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe “nootropic” or simplified as a “smart drug”, is a common term that will tag along with the compound responsible for the enhancement of mental performance. Certain individuals with a history of mental or substance use disorders might be particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects.MethodologyA review was conducted aiming to clarify the mechanisms associated of how these drugs increase mental functions including memory, motivation, concentration, and attention; and which kind of individuals are at risk of developing adverse effects when taking these drugs. The literature search was conducted in PubMed data reviewing articles dating between 2015 and 2016.Results– Glutaminergic Signalling, Cholinergic System, Amyloid Precursor Protein and Secondary Messenger may be related to the cognitive enhancement achieved by Nootropics. Others, like insulin and angiotensin receptor may involved too.– Some of them, like Ginkgo biloba, seem to have neuroprotective effects observed in human and animal models, acting as antioxidant and antiapoptotic, also inducing inhibition effects against caspase-3 activation and amyloid-aggregation toward Alzheimer's disease.– Synthetic nootropics, a lab created compound such as piracetam, especially in people with history of drug abuse, may be associated with psychiatric exacerbations of some patients.ConclusionsYoung adults all over Europe, especially university students, are starting to use nootropic drugs to improve their academic results. Some of them seem to have beneficial effects over mental health but others are sometimes related with sudden and unexplained exacerbations in stable psychiatric patients. It is important to early identify symptoms and to treat them properly.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Readiness to change, insight and motivation in hospitalized alcohol-dependent patients in three countries
Authors: Slepecky M. , Stanislav V. , Kotianova A. , Kotian M. , Ryniak J. , Betkovka Korpala B. , Zatkova M. , Popelkova M. , Prasko J. , Latalova K. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAlcohol dependence is a serious problem in Central Europe and the treatment effect depends on level of patient's motivation. The theory of change assumes that therapeutic approaches should be adapted to the motivation stage.ObjectivesTo examine the state of readiness to change at the beginning and the end of inpatient 6-week and 12-week therapeutic program in Slovakia, Poland, and Czechia.AimTo compare readiness to change with insight and motivation. To find out, whether patients change during the therapeutic program and how this change leads to advances in treatment.MethodsA total of 380 inpatients were examined using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES), Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RCQ), and Demographic Questionnaire.ResultsMeasured by AUDIT, single patients declared higher severity of alcohol dependence than married or divorced patients. A majority of patients were at the stage of action (68.5%) or preparation (26.3%) according to RCQ at the beginning of the treatment. Readiness to change was higher at the end of both programs in terms of taking steps in married patients and in terms of Decreasing of Ambivalence in single patients. The results of the 6-week program appear to be slightly better than 12-week treatment.ConclusionsThe intention and motivation to treatment changed during therapy. Marital status may increase the active component for readiness to change, while passive component (decreasing the ambivalence) is observed in single patients. Duration of the program does not seem to be crucial for readiness to change.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
This paper discusses the relationship between alcohol consumption and suicidal behavior in Belarus
Authors: Davidouski S. , Razvodovsky Y. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionSuicide is one of the main causes of premature mortality in Belarus. It is well recognized that drinking is among the major risk factors that are associated with suicidal behavior.AimsThis study was design to extend our understanding the relationship between alcohol and suicidal behavior.MethodsRisk factors for suicidal behavior (completed suicide and parasuicide) among residents of Minsk city and Gomel city were studied.ResultsAmong the residents of Minsk the maximum suicides risk was in the age of 46–60 years, and parasuicide at age 20–39 years. The ratio of men to women - 4:1; they were often BAC-positive (from 38.8% in 2015 to 42% in 2008). Among parasuicides sex ratio of about 1:1; 30% of men aged 20–39 years, were BAC-positive. Studies in the city of Gomel, has shown maximum number of parasuicides in the ages of 18–29 years (39.3% in women and 30.7% men). Among parasuicides the majority of men (57.8%) and a significant proportion of women (34.2%) were BAC-positive. Maximum number of those attempted suicide and dependent on alcohol were among men ages 30–39 years (66.15%) and 50–59 years (65.22%), among women in the age 30–39 years (45.45%).ConclusionsAcute alcohol intoxication is characteristic of young people who commit parasuicide. Chronic alcohol intoxication is a risk factor in middle-aged persons who commit suicide. Prolonged use of alcohol contributes to the development of comorbid mental disorders, during the crisis of middle age is manifested as an increased risk of suicides.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Sociodemographic and clinical profile in elderly suicide victims: 34 autopsy case studies
Authors: Ellouze S. , Baati I. , Ben Amar W. , Trigui D. , Abbes W. , Maatoug S. , Masmoudi J. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe elderly suicide is a major public health problem that is gaining more and more ground, given the aging population problem. This has rarely been the subject of forensic studies in Tunisia.ObjectivesTo identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of elderly suicide victims over 60 years and to determine what factors might increase suicide risk in this population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study on suicide victims aged 60 and over, autopsied in forensic medicine department of the Habib Bourguiba university hospital in Sfax (Tunisia), on a 10-year period (January 2006–December 2015).ResultsWe identified 34 cases with an average age of 66 years. The sex ratio was 2.77. Suicide victims were alone in 38.2% of cases. They were inactive professionally in 32.4% of cases. Almost half of them (44.1%) had a psychiatric history, 40% of depressed pace, 26.7% of bipolar disorder and 13.3% of schizophrenia.Three main factors were identified as precipitating the passage to suicidal act: family conflicts (26.5%), financial difficulties (11.8%) and loss of autonomy (5.9%).Suicide methods were hanging (50%), immolation and drug intoxication (11.8%), hit by train and poisoning (8.8%), jumping from height (5.9%) and drowning (2.9%). In 55.8% of cases, suicide took place at home.ConclusionElderly suicide seems to be a huge but largely preventable public health problem. Its prevention is essentially based on the identification of risk situations and the detection and treatment of depression: major suicide risk factor in this population.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Bridgend “Bebo Internet Suicide Cult” and ritual violence in Wales
Authors: Kurz R. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIn a small South Wales town 17 teenagers seemingly committed suicide through hanging in 2008 triggering national media coverage. In the same region, several “Satanist” offenders were successfully prosecuted since.ObjectivesThis paper raises awareness of this “suicide epidemic” and its possible links to ritual violence ideologies.AimsThe research explores how “mind control” through secret societies can lead to suicide and murder.MethodsThe research was prompted by client disclosures of a crime series that lead to a false “delusional” diagnosis. Review of the sparse literature and media coverage was used to ascertain themes.ResultsColin Batley, a self-styled Satanist high priest, was sentenced for child sexual abuse alongside 4 others. His son Damien had died through aspiration when filming himself in a “sexual stimulation game”.Ian Watkins, disgraced singer of “The Lost Prophets”, was sentenced for abusing two babies provided by two “super-fan” mums. Peaches Geldorf tweeted their names, got a tattoo of O.T.O, a Satanist “kinky sex” group and was found dead a year later.Albert and Carole Hickman were sentenced for sexually abusing an 11-year-old including “sucking blood”.Matthew Williams cannibalised his victim before being killed with a police taser.Conclusions“Hanging” and “Over-dosing” could be the result of suicide or of “being suicided”. The abuse crimes of all three Satanists convicted in the last 15 years in UK courts occurred in South Wales. Associated violent death in the vicinity of the cases and authority irregularities suggest the operation of an “Organised ritualised crime abuse network” posing challenges for psychiatry.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Learning by doing, learning by seeing: Does observation of clinical simulation still count?
Authors: Fernando M. , Barry T. , Chester L. , Bhat M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionRole-playing scenarios are widely used in psychiatry education, both as a means of assessment and for teaching various clinical skills. But can you get as much from them by learning vicariously as an observer? Fourth-year medical students from Queen Mary University of London were invited to a psychiatry practice OSCE (objective structured clinical examination), shortly before end of year exams. We created 96 places, approximately 40% of the year, but to maximize numbers students also rotated through the six-station OSCE circuit in pairs. For each scenario students alternated either undertaking the OSCE task or observing.Objectives and methodsWe sought to identify if there was a significant difference in student experience depending on whether they were the ‘candidate’ or ‘observer’. Students were asked to rate their learning experience in each station on a five-point Likert scale and this was analyzed using an ordinal logistic regression model.ResultsWhile students rated their experiences as ‘observers’ marginally lower than that of ‘candidates’, we found no statistically significant difference (OR = 0.629, P = 0.093). Practice OSCEs took place over six half-days with different facilitators and role-players, but we identified no interaction from these factors. For one station on depression, we found a statistically significant interaction in which ‘candidates’ rather than ‘observers’ rated better experiences (P = 0.032).ConclusionsObservation by learners is frequently used within simulated clinical scenarios and may have a number of potential advantages. However, while unable to examine the direct impact on knowledge or skills, we found no significant difference in student-reported experiences between ‘candidate’ and ‘observer’ positions.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
EMDR training's for Bosnia and Herzegovina mental health workers resulted with seven European accredited EMDR psychotherapists and one European accredited EMDR consultant
Authors: Hasanovic M. , Morgan S. , Oakley S. , Richman S. , Šabanović Š. , Habibović S. , Pajević I. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionBosnia-Herzegovina (BH) citizens, affected by 1992–1995 war, developed serious mental health posttraumatic consequences. Their needs for EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) treatment increased. The Humanitarian Assistance Programmes UK & Ireland (HAP) work in partnership with mental health professionals in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BH) from 2010.ObjectivesWe aim to build a body of qualified and experienced professionals who can establish and sustain their own EMDR training.MethodAuthors described educational process considering the history of idea and its realization through training levels and process of supervision which was provided from the Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) of UK &Ireland with non profit, humanitarian approach in sharing skills of EMDR to mental health therapists in BH.ResultsThe trainers from HAP UK & Ireland completed five EMDR trainings in BH (two in Tuzla and three in Sarajevo) for 100 recruited trainees from different BH health institutions from different cities and entities in BH. To be accredited EMDR therapists all trainees are obliged to practice EMDR therapy with clients under the supervision process of HAP UK&Ireland supervisors. Supervision is organized via Skype Internet technology. Up today seven trainees completed their supervision successfully and became European Accredited EMDR Psychotherapists, one of them became European Accredited EMDR Consultant.ConclusionFive training of Bosnia-Herzegovina mental health workers to effectively use EMDR with enthusiastic help of EMDR trainers from HAP UK&Ireland resulted with seven European accredited EMDR psychotherapists, and one of them became European accredited EMDR consultant. This will increase psychotherapy capacities in postwar BH.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Doctor–patient communication issues for international medical graduates and medical graduates of foreign origin in Ireland
Authors: Maddock C. , Kelly F. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe proportion of international medical graduates (IMGs) in Ireland has increased from 13.4% in 2000 to over 33% in 2010. Many of their countries of origin have different cultures, expectations of the doctor–patient relationship and communication styles than Ireland. These differences can adversely impact on the quality of care provided by IMGs. There is a lack of research on the impact of cultural differences on communication in the Irish context.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 IMGs in Drogheda Department of Psychiatry. Transcripts were analysed using nVivo10, a specialised computer programme for conducting qualitative analysis and analysed thematically.ResultsGeneral themes emerged relating to IMG experience of cultural differences in medicine and psychiatry and cultural differences in communication. IMGs did not find their proficiency in English to be a barrier to communication but did find accents, culture-specific sayings and non-verbal cues to be challenging. Differences in doctors’ status relative to patients and different expectations of the doctor–patient relationship were challenging and, at times, frustrating and annoying. It was generally recognised that training in cross-cultural communication skills would be beneficial to new IMGs although a small minority recognised no such issues. Significant differences in attitude to patient confidentiality in Ireland versus the country of origin were identified.ConclusionsConsideration should be given to providing specific cross-cultural communication skills training for all IMGs training in Ireland focusing not just on verbal and non-verbal communication but also differences in the doctor–patient relationship, patient and relative expectations and medical confidentiality requirements.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.