bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder - preliminary results of an observational study
Authors: Mangas Palma I. , Borges J. , Palha E. , Salgado H. , Alves P. , Sousa Martins P. , Moreira R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a high prevalence and causes a significative reduction in functionality and quality of life.First and second line treatment is ineffective in a variable percentage of patients. In such cases transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be considered.ObjectivesThe goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of TMS treatment on obsessive-compulsive, anxious and depressive symptomatology in patients with OCD.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted, including all patients diagnosed with OCD who underwent TMS in the Psychiatry department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João since March 2023.Symptomatology was assessed using the Yale Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) before and after treatment.Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS-Statistics program. A significance level of 0.05 was considered.ResultsAs of October 31, 2023, nine individuals with OCD completed treatment with TMS, 33% male and with a median age of 40 years (range 33-57).The median Y-BOCS score pre-TMS was 30 (range 20-33) and post-TMS 28 (range 16-34). The median difference was 2.5 (range -5-14) and was not statistically significant (p=0.128).
The median score on the HAM-A pre-TMS was 21 (range 9-41) and post-TMS 18 (range 11-24). The median difference was 0 points (range -4-21) and was not statistically significant (p=0.345).The median HAM-D score pre-TMS was 26 (range 14-40) and post-TMS 19 (range 10-32). The median difference was 2.5 (range -3-20) and was not statistically significant (p=0.225).Conclusions

Preliminary findings suggest that the impact of TMS on obsessive-compulsive, anxious, and depressive symptomatology in patients with OCD does not appear to be clinically or statistically significant.Further results are necessary to confirm this trend.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Factors associated with psychotropics adverse effects in elderly psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Abid W. , Turki M. , Ben jmeaa B. , Zribi A. , Megdiche M. A. , Ellouze S. , Halouani N. , Aloulou J. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAdverse effects (AEs) of psychotropic drugs are more frequent and potentially more dangerous in elderly subjects (ES), probably due to a greater frequency of somatic comorbidities, as well as polymedication.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of AEs of psychotropic treatment among ES hospitalized in psychiatry, and to identify the associated sociodemographic and clinical factors.Methods

We conducted a retrospective and descriptive study. It concerned male patients aged at least 60 years, hospitalized in the psychiatry B department at CHU Hedi Chaker (Sfax, Tunisia) between 2018 and 2022. We collected demographic and clinical data from their medical records using a pre-established
form.ResultsWe included 30 patients. The average age was 64 years. Addictive behaviors were reported in 60%, and somatic histories were noted in 53.3% of patients. The three most frequent psychiatric diagnoses were schizophrenia (43.3%), bipolar disorder (33.3%) and depressive disorder (13.3%). Among our patients, 10% experienced adverse psychotropic drug reactions: orthostatic hypotension 6.7%; neurological AEs 3.3%. Univariate analysis showed no significant relationship between sociodemographic variables and psychotropic drug AEs. Patients with bipolar disorder were more likely to develop AEs of psychotropic treatment (p=0.04).ConclusionsOur results suggest that special attention should be paid to avoiding psychotropic medication AEs in psychiatric inpatients ES. Indeed, extra precautions need to be taken in this population due to their reduced ability to report their symptoms.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Cytoprotective mechanism of cerebro-cognitive reserve
Authors: Sidenkova A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionConsideration of the reserve problem would be incomplete without an analysis of the cytoprotective mechanism. The predominant molecular hallmark of aging and degeneration is the accumulation of altered gene products. Moreover, several conditions, including protein, lipid, or glucose oxidation, disrupt redox homeostasis and lead to the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the aging brain in case of AD, and other neurodegenerative diseases that have as a common denominator abnormal protein production, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Some authors classify aging, pathological aging, and neurodegeneration as “protein conformational diseases”.Objectivesscientific publicationsMethodsanalytical reviewResults

The central nervous system has evolved a conserved unfolded protein response mechanism to cope with the accumulation of misfolded proteins. As one of the main intracellular redox systems involved in neuroprotection, the vitagene system becomes a potential neurohormetic target for novel cytoprotective interventions. Vitagens encode the cytoprotective heat shock proteins (Hsp) Hsp70 and heme oxygenase-1, as well as thioredoxin reductase and sirtuins. The cellular stress response is the ability of a cell to withstand stressful conditions, including the heat shock response. The production of heat shock proteins, including protein chaperones, is necessary for the folding and repair of damaged proteins, which promotes cell survival to avoid apoptosis.«Molecular chaperone» are proteins that function as part of an ancient defense system in our cells. They promote cell survival by sequestering damaged proteins and preventing their aggregation. Chaperone complexes are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial functions, assembly of the cytoplasmic proteolytic system of brain cells. The cellular response to stress requires the activation of survival pathways that are under the control of protective genes called vitagens. Vitagens are involved in the production of heat-shock protein molecules, glutathione, and bilirubin. They have antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activity and provide protection against oxidative stress.Conclusions
Studies have shown that the heat shock response contributes to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, the establishment of a cytoprotective state in a wide range of human diseases, including inflammation, cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative disorders. Endogenous proteins can be manipulated by food or pharmacological compounds, which represents an innovative approach to therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative disorders, actually influencing reserve mechanisms and adaptive capacity.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Exploratory study of a meditation intervention program on Portuguese breast cancer survivors
Authors: Torres A. , Ribeiro C. , Costa S. R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionCancer patients, namely breast cancer survivors, are highly vulnerable to psychological morbidity. Noninvasive interventions are incentivized to promote the mental health and quality of life of cancer survivors. Recent studies provided evidence supporting the use of meditation as a promising adjuvant tool for improving the mental health and quality of life of cancer survivors.Objectives
The present study aims to carry out a clinical trial to evaluate the effects of an online group of meditation program of Kundalini Yoga on breast cancer women, through a longitudinal and randomized research design, in the following variables: psychological morbidity, self-compassion, spirituality, and quality of life.MethodsThis study had the participation of 35 participants distributed randomly for 3 equivalent groups (N=11 EG, N=13 ACG, N=11 PCG), with the diagnosis of breast cancer, aged between 34 and 78 years.The sample of women with breast cancer was randomly selected from a breast cancer support association.The protocol was applied online individually on pre-test, post-test, and 1-month follow-up moments, in 3 comparison groups: 1) the Experimental Group(EG), who practiced yoga Kundalini meditation; 2) the Active Control Group(ACG) that practiced relaxation; 3) the waiting list Passive Control Group(PCG). Intervention sessions were carried out for the EG and the ACG, in an online format, lasting about 30 minutes, weekly, for 8 weeks. Statistical analyses were considered at a 0.05 significance level. All analyses were performed with IBM SPSS, version 27.ResultsThe results showed that the group that did yoga kundalini meditation (EG) had benefits, unlike the control groups, in the variables of emotional functioning, global spiritual well-being, and personal well-being. There were statistically significant differences in the overall self-compassion score when comparing the 3-time points in all groups. The sub-scale of self-kindness and transcendental well-being shows an increase significantly between the 3 moments in the active control group. The passive control group performed significantly worse over time in the self-kindness.ConclusionsBased on preliminary results, the Experimental Group (EG) exhibited improvements in Self-Compassion, Spirituality, and Emotional Functioning (as evaluated by the QLQ C-30) following eight consecutive weeks of online Kundalini Yoga Meditation practice. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting meditation’s potential to enhance life quality and spiritual well-being in individuals with breast cancer. These preliminary findings suggest that further research in this promising field is warranted.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Emotional meanings attributed to sexual experiences reported by Brazilian Men with Head and Neck Cancer seen at a Public University Oncologic Outpatient Service: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sant’Ana R. S. E. , Lima C. S. P. , Turato E. R. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction“What can and what cannot I do in a sexual relationship?” |In this way, a middle-aged man with HNC - Head and Neck Cancer, under chemotherapy or radiotherapy, asks. This doubt is raised to the oncologist, radiotherapist, nurse or psychotherapist. Apparently, his concern is objective, considering he has a severe diagnosis and important treatments. However, underlying the manifest doubt, there are symbolic constructions in his mind that generate anguish. The health professionals’ response must go beyond information. They also must understand the symbolic emotional meanings associated with the patient’s speech. This attitude will bring a psychotherapeutic effect to the ill man.ObjectivesTo interpret symbolically sexual and emotional experiences reported by male patients diagnosed with HNC under outpatient treatment in a public specialized clinical unit.MethodsWe used the CQM - Clinical-Qualitative Method (Turato. Portuguese Psychos. J, 2000 2(1): 93-108). For data collection, the main researcher used the Semi-Directed Interview with Open-ended Questions In-Depth and Field Notes. The employ of the Seven Steps of the CQCA - Clinical-Qualitative Content Analysis (Faria-Schützer et al. Cien Saude Colet. 2021; 26(1): 265-274) brings us to discussion categories. The sample was closed with 12 patients according to the information saturation strategy (Fontanella et al. Cad Saude Publica. 2008; 24(1): 17-27). The interviews were conducted by the first author of this abstract, a male nurse, as part of his master’s research at a postgraduate course in Oncology. The findings were validated by peer reviewers from the Lab of Clinical-Qualitative Research at the State University of Campinas.ResultsTwo categories were chosen for this presentation: ‘The dyad perceived in the felt body and the experienced body’, and ‘The body re-signified between the sexual and affective dimensions’. The body symbolized before and after the illness experiences a movement in phenomenological consciousness that leads to external changes in its attitudes. The patient needs now to ask himself and others what this body can - or cannot - do. The severely ill body imposes new meanings for life and sexuality. It does not cancel the wish but asks for a new channelling of your psychic/sexual energies.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that patients with HNC want to talk about sexuality and ask about the risks of sexual activity, contrary to what the common view supposes. Traditional Balint groups met with the multidisciplinary team can be beneficial for doctors and nurses to deal with their own emotional limitations. Furthermore, the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, under the approach of psychosomatic medicine, focuses on the care of patients with behavioural and emotional manifestations, together with the work of the oncologists.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
“Esketamine” in Borderline Personality Disorder: focud on suicide ideation
Authors: Olivola M. , Mazzoni F. , Arienti V. , Civardi S. C. , Carnevale Miacca G. , Leali P. , Santilli F. , Guffanti A. , Brondino N. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionBorderline personality disorder is often associated with comorbid conditions such as eating disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. The prevalence of BPD and major depressive disorder (MDD) are about 5.9% and 8%, respectively, but up to 80% of patients with BPD experience one or more episodes of MDD in their lifetime. BPD is associated with suicidal behaviors and self-harm, thei are also fifty times more likely than the general population to attempt or die by suicide, Up to 10% of BPD patients will die by suicideObjectivesOur aim is to verify if Esketamine could be effectiveness in treating patterns of behavior that have proven to be socially disruptive like self harm, suicidal attempts in patients with BPD. Suicidal ideation is a major risk factor for suicide in patients with TRD and BPD. The interval between the onset of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt is often very short, highlighting the need for urgent intervention and the development of new rapid-onset antidepressant therapies.MethodsWe recruited 25 adult subjects referred to the outpatient clinics of Pavia suffering from TRD with current Moderate-Severe Depressive Episode (scoring ≥ 22 on the MADRS). Of them 9/25 patients has a BPD. Study duration was 8 weeks.The following evaluation scales were administered before the first drug administration (T0) and repeated after one week (T1), four weeks (T2) and eight weeks (T3) of treatment: Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS), and The Zanarini Rating Scale for BPD subgroup patients. We also collected sociodemographic and clinical information. Dosages and frequency of esketamine administration during the study period, adverse events and reasons for discontinuation were also recorded.ResultsA significant reduction of depressive symptoms was found at T1 and T2 compared to T0. Suicidal ideation disappeared as early as T1 and was maintained at T2, expecially in the BPD group. In the subgroup with borderline disorder we saw more improvement in impulsive (Self-mutilation and/or suicidal efforts; two other forms of impulsivity) and affective categories ( Inappropriate anger / frequent angry acts; chronic feelings of emptiness; mood instability) in Zanarini Rating Scale.ConclusionsOur findings support the safety and tolerability of esketamine in TRD and BPD comorbidity sample. It is noteworthy that esketamine has an action on various pathways that are considered defective in borderline patients. Glutamate plays a key role in personality traits such as impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal behavior. Treatment with esketamine could reduce the number of suicide attempts and help reduce the self-harm of BPD.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Mental health support through transcendental cinema. “Mulholland Drive” By D. Lynch as an example of a mindfulness meditation session
Authors: Nowocień J. K. , Szejko N. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionRegular practice of mindfulness has proven effectiveness in the treatment of affective disorders (Cash and Whittingham, 2010), increases the level of satisfaction in life (Brown and Ryan, 2003), as well as the level of self-esteem (Rasmussen & Pidgeon, 2010). Using “Mulholland Drive” (2001) by David Lynch as an example, we will prove that transcendental cinema, through the unique slow character, the means of expression used and the emphasis placed on the metaphysical experiences of the characters, in which D. Lynch forces us to participate, makes the screening similar to a meditation session.ObjectivesThe aim of this work is to indicate a new direction of research, linking cinema with psychoanalysis, philosophy and psychiatry and proving that a screening of transcendental cinema can be treated as a mindfulness meditation session.Methods

This work is based on the film “Mulholland Drive” by D. Lynch and the understanding of transcendental cinema according to Paul Schrader. Using J. Kabat Zinn’s scientific publications, we analyze cinema in terms of a meditation session and using the approach of first generation analysts (S. Freud, C. Gustav Jung, S. Spielrein) in terms of a therapeutic process based on psychoanalysis.Results“Mulholland Drive” subjects the protagonist to a therapy session: the woman lives guided by the unconscious, a dream that seems real and finally at the end she reaches her own true self. On screen, she undergoes successfully the therapeutic process. The transcendental cinema focuses on metaphysical sensations, has elongated scenes, creates dead time, viewer remains in the frame even when the character comes out of it, and strives for kenosis - the reduction of sensory experience. All of these qualities are crucial in mindfuless: focusing on emotions and feelings experienced in the moment, non-judgmental and calmly concentrating on single stimuli. This similarity allows us to treat a transcendental film show in the category of a meditation session.Conclusions
Recognizing the similarity between the philosophy of mindfulness and transcendental cinema allows us to conclude that a film screening enriches us not only with knowledge about disorders and the therapeutic process, but is in itself a supportive element for mental health. Our work is the first to analyze cinema in the context of mindfulness meditation. In our opinion, culture should be more widely analyzed as a tool to support mental health and the development of one’s own identity.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Uncovering the Connection: PTSD and Road Accidents
Authors: Bellafqih S. , El Fatmaoui Y. , Belbachir S. , Ouanas A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur after a traumatic event. It results in mental suffering and physical complications that profoundly alter personal, social, and professional life.One can develop PTSD after experiencing a frightening event, for example: rape, the death of a loved one, war veterans, or following a car accident. In Morocco, traffic accidents cause, on average, nearly 3,500 deaths and 12,000 serious injuries per year.ObjectivesOur main purpose is to evaluate the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients who are victims of traffic accidents and to identify key risk factors in the general population.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study through a questionnaire shared on social networks including a socio-demographic description, a clinical description, and the “Peri-traumatic Distress Inventory (PDI)” Scale to evaluate the risk of developing PTSD.ResultsThis study is based on 48 participants with 82.8% of females and 17.2% of men. The average age was 27.6. Most of the participants lived in urban areas (93%), a majority had higher education (93.1%), and 41.4% of the candidates had a physical impact of the accident.According to PDI scale, 65% showed PTSD and the average score was 20.3. A score of 15 and above indicates significant distress.ConclusionsOur results confirm the presence of PTSD in victims of accidents. We propose a clinical reflection on the possible improvement of the care of people suffering from PTSD following a public road accident.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Teaching stress reduction techniques including biofeedback for managing stress in medical students
Authors: Krishnan R. , Kósa K. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMedical students have been under immense pressure throughout their studies, impacting their mental health and academic performance. Stress reduction is a fundamental skill that all students require to manage their studies and lives efficiently. Biofeedback devices providing information about physiological states have been shown to aid stress reduction. Methods to reduce stress should be taught to medical students to help them tackle the challenges of medical school.ObjectivesOur goal was to teach stress reduction methods such as extracurricular activities and paced breathing aided by biofeedback training and its application in simulated healthcare situations to medical students.Methods15 medical students who completed medical physiology were recruited for an elective course of 7 sessions on practical techniques in stress management. One credit was offered to those who completed the course requirements consisting of participation in sessions and individual biofeedback training.
Sessions (classes) consisted of presentations on good sleeping and eating patterns, group simulations of stressful hospital environments, visiting a science centre with interactive displays, an orchestra performance, and nature walks. Before biofeedback training, heart and respiration rates were taken individually by a biofeedback device during the first week of the course. Data was processed using a code created in statistical software. Heartbeats per minute and heart rate variability (HRV) for every 10 seconds were calculated and plotted on a graph. Two measurements were taken with each student: a baseline measurement for 10 minutes and another measurement during controlled breathing paced at 6 breaths per minute for 15 minutes, of which the first 10 minutes were used for calculation and plotting. Students provided narrative feedback in an essay submitted after the course was completed.Results5 males and 10 females from years 2-5 registered for the elective, and 12 participated in individually scheduled sessions. Heart beats per minute decreased, whereas HRV increased during paced breathing sessions in 83% of them. Most students reported feeling calm and drowsy during the sessions, and 2 students fell asleep by the end.Feedback from 11 students showed that the music session and the science centre visit were the highlights throughout the elective. Improvements recommended were to have a consistent time slot for all sessions and fewer simulations.Conclusions
In concert with the literature, biofeedback training seems to be a feasible and effective method for relaxation in medical students. This method could be offered as part of mental health services for students. Data could be used to follow students’ progress and identify those requiring extra support. Providing them with avenues to de-stress while emphasizing activities outside medicine could boost their confidence and improve their coping skills.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared