bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facilitating effect of the hypnotically altered state of consciousness on decision-making in a situation modeling real-life
Authors: Kovács Z. A. , László S. , Albert A. , Janka Z. , Szendi I. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionNumerous studies have shown a link between hypnotic susceptibility, the hypnotically altered state of consciousness, and the intensity of experienced emotions (De Pascalis et al., 1987; De Pascalis, Marucci, & Penna, 1989; Bryant & McConkey, 1989; Crowson, Conroy, & Chester, 1991; Crawford, Kapelis, & Harrison, 1995). One of the most suitable experimental psychological methods for modeling real-life decisional conditions is the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) (Bechara, Tranel, & Damasio, 2000). Hypnosis has the potential to provide several benefits in decision-making, although there is limited scientific research on the subject.ObjectivesThe main goal of this study was to determine if a hypnotically altered state of consciousness could affect decision efficacy in a real-life modeling situation.MethodsForty-eight healthy students (including 28 females and 20 males) from the University of Szeged participated in both the delayed punishment and delayed reward versions of the Iowa Gambling Task under alert and hypnotic states.ResultsDuring the mid-phase of the tasks while in hypnosis, notably higher performance levels were recorded compared to the alert state. In a simulated real-life scenario, the delayed reward had a more pronounced effect on decision-making efficiency than the delayed punishment. It became evident that the efficient decision-making strategy evolved more rapidly under hypnosis than in an alert state.ConclusionsThe hypnotic state of consciousness in an experimental decision situation modeling real life may accelerate the development of somatic markers, leading to earlier correct decision-making.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Exploring Exercise Intervention as a Therapeutic Catalyst within the Mental Health and Addiction Program in Nova Scotia: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Obeng Nkrumah S. , da Luz Dias R. , Eboreime E. , Agyapong B. , Sridharan S. , Agyapong V. I. O. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMany mental health conditions, including anxiety, mood disorders, and depression, can be effectively treated at a relatively low cost. Exercise interventions can be a therapeutic strategy, but even though exercise has consistently been shown to improve physical health, cognitive function, and psychological well-being, as well as reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, this intervention is often neglected in mental health care services.ObjectivesThe study aims to assess the feasibility of incorporating an Exercise Intervention Program (EIP) as a therapeutic pathway within the Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) in Nova Scotia, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the program on mental health outcomes and incremental costs, and the patient acceptability and satisfaction with the program.Methods
This proof-of-concept study has a pragmatic, prospective, controlled observational design with an embedded one-phase qualitative component. Patients with a primary diagnosis of depression or anxiety attending the Rapid Assessment and Stabilization Program (RASP, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) will be offered to receive 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week, per 12 weeks. Patients with similar mental health conditions that have opted to wait for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the community provider and declined from the EIP will be part of the control group. A certified recreational therapist will conduct the EIP. Participants of both groups (EIP and control condition) will be assessed at baseline and then weekly for four weeks, six weeks and then at 12 weeks post-enrollment. Primary outcomes include differences in the mean change in functional (well-being, resilience, and recovery) and symptom variables (depression, anxiety, and suicidal risk), which will be assessed through online validated scales/questionnaires. Service variables (patient acceptance and satisfaction) and health care utilization (crisis calls, emergency department visits, hospital admissions and readmissions, length of stay for each admission) will comprise the secondary outcomes.Results
The results of the study will provide information about the effectiveness of EIP in the treatment of anxiety and depression compared to those only wait-listed to receive CBT or counselling from a CMHA provider. The study will also inform about the acceptability and satisfaction of the EIP, as well as the incremental cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to the control condition.ConclusionsThis proof-of-concept study will demonstrate the effectiveness of EIP as an adjunctive or alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients seeking mental health support from the MHAP in Nova Scotia.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Factors Driving the Emigration Intentions of Young Tunisian Medical Professionals
Authors: Haouari W. , Omri S. , Labyadh A. , Feki R. , Gassara I. , Charfi N. , Ben Thabet J. , Maalej M. B. , Smaoui N. , Zouari L. , Maalej M. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionEmigration has a substantial impact on Tunisia’s healthcare sector. Graduates, including medical students at different educational levels, as well as general practitioners and specialists, often choose to emigrate. Some do so to pursue further studies abroad, while others seek careers and settlement primarily in Europe. This phenomenon exerts a significant influence on the quality of healthcare systems in their home countries.ObjectivesTo evaluate the inclination to emigrate among medical residents employed in Tunisian healthcare institutions and to identify the factors associated with this intention.MethodsThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among medical residents undergoing their training in various healthcare facilities in Tunisia. The study employed an online questionnaire to assess the degree of satisfaction with various aspects of their professional life and the socio-economic situation in the country, as well as their intention to emigrate. Satisfaction levels were measured using a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from “very dissatisfied” to “very satisfied”.ResultsA total of 50 physicians participated in the survey. Among them, 72% were female, 80% were single, with an average age of 27.72 years at the time of the study. Regarding their professional status, 84% worked in university hospitals, 16% specialized in surgery, 40% specialized in medicine, and 44% were family physicians. The majority were students from the Faculty of Medicine in Sfax (56%), with 30% in Monastir, 8% in Tunis, and 6% in Sousse. The study found that 68% of medical residents expressed an intention to emigrate. Among the participants, 74% were dissatisfied with their working conditions, and 68% were dissatisfied with workplace safety. Additionally, 84% were dissatisfied with their salaries, 40% with their workload, 54% with supervision, and the quality of training provided in their hospitals. The political situation in the country and social security were considered unsatisfactory by 92% and 90% of the participants, respectively. Among the potential reasons studied to explain this emigration phenomenon, working conditions were a factor in 54% of cases, salary in 56%, training in 36%, and quality of life in 56%.ConclusionsThe emigration of young Tunisian medical professionals is driven by a range of factors, including working conditions, salaries, training opportunities, and quality of life. To counteract this phenomenon, it is crucial to enhance these aspects in order to retain these talented individuals in the country and thereby bolster the Tunisian healthcare system.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
A thematic analysis of the introduction of smart-hub technology to a rural Psychiatry of Old Age Service during Covid-19 lockdowns
Authors: Patel S. , Gannon A. , Cryan M. , Dolan C. , McDonald C. , Houghton C. , McCarthy G. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe use of smart technology in supporting older adults is a growing field of research. However, there is little qualitative research on the experiences of patients utilizing this technology, particularly those attending psychiatry services.ObjectivesTo explore the experiences of staff and patients utilizing smart-hubs implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide remote audio/visual communication and smart AI personal assistant technology for the management of patients in a rural Psychiatry of Old Age service.MethodsSmart hubs were installed in patient homes and in the Psychiatry of Old Age base during the Covid-19 pandemic when lockdown restrictions limited in-person service provision. Patients and staff utilized the smart hubs for its assistive technology and to engage with each other. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted of 10 staff and 15 patients at 6-12 months following the introduction of the smart hubs and thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes.ResultsThree themes were generated from the thematic analysis: 1) Openness to SMART hub technology, 2) Getting set-up and 3) Keeping SMART. The majority of participants did not have much experience using smart technology prior to the intervention. However, many participants reported that they would be comfortable using technology. The Covid-19 pandemic contributed to the rapid adoption of this intervention within the service with mixed views regarding the smart hub prior to implementation. The role of key individuals such as staff and family was highlighted in supporting older persons with setting-up the smart hub. Technical needs included the need for a strong internet connection and technical limitations were driven by privacy, cost and regional considerations. Many patients were able to utilize the smart hub independently to access interests, therapeutic activities and as a memory aid. The smart hub offered a novel way to connect to services and families and was also seen as a companion by some patients and staff to help address loneliness and isolation. The majority of participants found the use of smart hubs acceptable and were willing to utilize the smart hub in the future as an adjunct to face to face psychiatric interventions. However, suggestions for future use included the need for additional training as users felt that there was more they could do with the smart hub, continued support to manage any challenges and improved information leaflets to better engage users.ConclusionsSmart hub technology offers an alternate means of providing remote and inclusive psychiatric care to older patients unable to access services in person and at risk of deterioration without intervention in the community.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Longitudinal amygdala resting state functional connectivity develops differently in adolescents with internalising disorders compared to healthy peers
Authors: Roelofs E. , Bas-Hoogendam J. M. , van der Wee N. , Vermeiren R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionLongitudinal neuroimaging studies focused on adolescents with internalising psychopathology (i.e. with clinical anxiety and/or depression) are scarce, even though anxiety and depression are highly prevalent mental illnesses in adolescence. Often linked to comorbidity with anxiety disorders, a large proportion of depressed adolescents displays more severe symptoms and poorer response to treatment. Previous longitudinal resting-state fMRI (RS-fMRI) studies of intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) in depressed adolescents point to dysregulation of underlying neural networks such as the corticolimbic network, including among others the amygdala and frontal regions, which are involved in emotion processing and regulation.ObjectivesThis naturalistic study investigates longitudinal changes in resting-state iFC in adolescents with internalising disorders, compared with healthy peers.Methods23 treatment naïve adolescent patients with clinical depression and comorbid anxiety (INT) and 24 healthy controls (HC) participated in RS-fMRI scans at baseline and after three months. Questionnaires measuring anxiety and depression were completed at both timepoints. Imaging analyses were conducted using independent component analysis (ICA) to extract 7 networks, being the default mode, frontoparietal (bilateral), affective, salience, executive control and dorsal attention network. Additional iFC of amygdala subregions, being laterobasal (LB) and centromedial (CM), was investigated using seed-based analyses. To investigate changes over time between groups, voxelwise analyses were conducted using FSL’s PALM.ResultsNo significant results within ICA defined networks were found. iFC between the left LB amygdala and left frontal pole significantly increased over time in patients and decreased in HC. iFC between the right LB amygdala and right pre- and postcentral gyrus also significantly increased over time in patients and decreased in HC, and was significantly associated with reduction in depressive symptoms within patients.ConclusionsThis study provides initial evidence that iFC between the laterobasal amygdala and frontal regions develops differently over time in adolescents with internalising disorders compared to healthy peers and that it is associated with reduction in depressive symptoms.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Nicotinamide Riboside Attenuates Memory Impairment and Depressive-like Behavior in an Alzheimer’s Disease Animal Model
Authors: Aytulun A. , Cimen B. , Sara Y. , Erden Aki S. Ö. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionDepression in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) differs from major depression in terms of clinical features and treatment. Antidepressants do not provide the expected benefits in depressive symptoms accompanying cognitive decline in AD, suggesting distinct mechanisms. Emerging research suggest that compromised mitophagy, the selective removal of damaged mitochondria, may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. However boosting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to induce mitophagy reduces amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation and enhances cognitive function in AD models (Kerr
et al.,Trends Neurosci 2017;40:151-66). Nevertheless, data on NAD’s impact on depression in AD remains limited.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the impact of the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) on cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in a AD rat model.MethodsTo induce the AD, a single dose of 5 μl Aβ1-42 was injected into each lateral ventricle of rats (day 0), while the control group received an intracerebroventricular (icv) saline (0.9%NaCl).Four experimental groups were designed: control (icv saline+po saline), NR (icv saline+po NR), Aβ (icv Aβ+po saline), and Aβ+NR (icv Aβ+po NR).After the injection, to reduce Aβ clearance (Kang et al. Science. 2009;32 1005-7.) rats were subjected to 96 hours of sleep deprivation.Starting from day 6, rats were given either 700 mg/kg oral NR or saline, and handling test scores were recorded daily.The procedures were repeated daily until the rats were sacrificed on day 28.Behavioral experiments were randomly conducted at the end, and statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA, followed by the Tukey post hoc test.ResultsPassive avoidance test results showed that the Aβ group had the shortest latency to enter the dark area. However, the Aβ+NR group exhibited a prolonged latency compared to the Aβ group (F(3,2)=5.5;p<0.05). Aβ injection induced depressive-like behavior in rats, as indicated by the forced swim test (FST) for behavioral despair and the sucrose preference test (SPT) for anhedonia. In AD rats treated with NR (Aβ+NR), Aβ-induced depressive-like behavior was reduced, with lower FST immobility scores (F(3,2)=6.2;p<0.05) and increased sucrose preference in the SPT (F(3,2)=7.5;p<0.05). There were no significant differences in anxiety-like behaviors among the groups, assessed by the time spent in the open arm in the elevated plus maze test (F(3,2)=1.9;p>0.05). During the 28-day monitoring period, the Aβ+NR group of rats exhibited a more rapid decrease in aggression levels compared to the other groups in the handling test. This decrease was significant between days 7 and 10 compared to the Aβ group (F(48,5)=1.5;p<0.05).ConclusionsNR improved memory, reduced depressive behavior, and lowered aggression in AD rats. This suggests that NAD+ precursor NR effectively treats cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric symptoms in an AD model.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Treatment effect of trauma-focused treatment and/or integrated trauma-focused and personality disorder treatment on brain activation during an emotional face task
Authors: Aarts I. , Vriend C. , Van Den Heuvel O. A. , Thomaes K. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and personality disorders are highly comorbid. There is some evidence that trauma-focused treatment normalises activation in brain areas involved in the fear circuit and regions involved in emotion regulation in people with PTSD. Although we assume that working mechanism of personality disorder treatments relies on improving emotion regulation and associated brain regions, there is as of yet little evidence of neurobiological effects of personality treatment on people with PTSD and comorbid PD.ObjectivesTo 1) study the effect of trauma-focused and/or trauma-focused and personality disorder treatment n brain activation in participants with PTSD and comorbid personality disorders and 2) relate change in brain activation to symptom improvement.MethodsParticipants with PTSD and comorbid borderline and/or cluster c personality disorders from the PROSPER-trials (Prediction and Outcome Study for PTSD and personality disorders) were randomized to either trauma-focused treatment (TFT) or TFT with personality disorder treatment (TFT+PT). Brain activation was measured with an emotional face task during functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning before and after treatment. Regions of interest for the analyses were the amygdala, dorsal ACC, insula, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (PFC), ventrolateral PFC and dorsolateral PFC. Bayesian multilevel analyses were conducted to analyze change in brain activation. Clinical measures were clinician-administered PTSD severity, self-rated emotion regulation problems, depression severity and dissociation severity.ResultsWe included 42 participants with a pre- and posttreatment scan (24 with TFT, 18 TFT+PT). Analyses on the pre-post data are currently being run and will be presented in April.ConclusionsThis is one of the first studies to conduct functional MRI analyses on treatment in participants with both PTSD and personality disorders.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The association between glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Krone B. , Newcorn J. , Manor I. , Merzon E. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked genetic enzymopathy that impacts 4.9% of the population, with greater prevalence among Mediterranean, East Asian, and African populations. G6PD deficiency results in levels of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and glutathione (GSH) that are insufficient for maintaining the balance of oxidation-reduction in the body. This results in elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress on proteins and lipids, damage to DNA, and potential activation of chemokine and cytokine pathways by astrocytes and microglia. We propose that these direct and indirect effects of G6PD deficiency are associated with development of ADHD.ObjectivesThis study investigated the association between G6PD deficiency and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).MethodsThe study involved 7,473 G6PD-deficient patients and 29,892 matched case-controls (selected at a 1:4 ratio) from a cohort of 1,031,354 within the Leumit Health Services database. Clinical characteristics were analyzed using Fisher’s Exact Tests for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U tests for continuous variables.ResultsThe average age of patients was 29.2 ± 22.3 years, with 68.7% being male. The mean follow-up duration was 14.3 ± 6.2 years. Individuals with G6PD deficiency showed a significant 16% higher risk of being diagnosed with ADHD (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.16 [95% CI, 1.08-1.25], p < 0.001) on follow up. Furthermore, G6PD deficiency was associated with a 30% greater likelihood of seeking care from adult neurologists (OR = 1.30 [95% CI, 1.22-1.38], p < 0.001) and a 12% higher probability of consulting adult psychiatrists (OR = 1.12 [95% CI, 1.01-1.24], p = 0.048). The use of stimulant medications among G6PD deficient individuals was 17% higher for methylphenidate class drugs (OR = 1.17 [95% CI, 1.08, 1.27], p < 0.001), and use of amphetamines elevated by 16% (OR = 1.16 [95% CI, 1.03, 1.37], p = 0.047).ConclusionsThis study establishes a significant association between G6PD deficiency and an increased risk of ADHD diagnoses. These findings suggest potential opportunities for the development of culturally sensitive interventions.Disclosure of InterestB. Krone Consultant of: HIPPO T&C, Signant Health, J. Newcorn: None Declared, I. Manor: None Declared, E. Merzon: None Declared