bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic profile and prescribing pattern of antipsychotic medication in patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Palushaj A. , Kola V. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionSchizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder that changes the patient’s life by influencing how they think, behave, express emotions, percept reality and their interpersonal relationships.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate sociodemographic and therapeutic factors that act as risk and protective factors in the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.MethodsThis was an observational retrospective study including patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, treated at the “Xhavit Gjata” Psychiatric Hospital, Tirane, Albania, who were discharged between May 1-
October 30, 2022. The follow-up period was six months. Data on further hospitalizations during the follow-up were obtained from the Department of Statistics, QSUT, and confirmed by family members for hospitalizations in other psychiatric hospitals in the country. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify potential factors associated with emergency room stays, length of stay, and time until the next admission.ResultsA total of 158 patients were included in the study, 63 women and 95 men (p=0.03). The average age of the patients was 42.9 years, with women averaging 45.3 years and men 40.6 years (p=0.01). 43.7% of them had elementary education. The average age of disorder onset was 24.7 years. Haloperidol was the ambulatory therapy used in 54.3% of patients, while atypical antipsychotics were used in 75.1% of patients. The most commonly used atypical antipsychotic was Risperidone in 34.1% of patients, followed by Olanzapine in 17% of cases. Depo antipsychotics were used in 35.1% of patients. Clozapine was administered to 29.3% of patients, where 12.8% for the first time. 54.2% of patients starting Clozapine for the first time had three or more admissions. Clozapine was more frequently used in men, showing a significant difference from women (p=0.05). In 44.7% of cases, monotherapy was prescribed. The average hospital stay was 21.9 days, ranging from 2-68 days. Living with a family member, male gender, and being “married” helped reduce the length of hospital stay. In the 6-month follow-up period, 31.4% were re-hospitalized. Significant factors affecting the reduction of time spent outside the hospital until the next hospitalization were social problems, the number of previous hospitalizations, civil status “not married,” living arrangements, negative symptoms, and alcohol use (nearly significant). Protective factors included Clozapine, which reduced the prevalence of hospitalization by 57% compared to patients not taking it. Additionally, the use of Clozapine and Haloperidol increased the time spent outside the hospital.ConclusionsSocial and family support, positive compliance, and antipsychotic therapy such as Clozapine serve as protective factors for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Predictors of Adherence and Response to Exercise Interventions in Schizophrenia
Authors: Röll L. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Exercise can be considered a feasible and efficient add-on treatment in schizophrenia. However, there remain two major challenges with regard to feasibility and efficiency: First, drop-out rates during exercise programs appear to be relatively high, ranging between 30 to 80 percent. Second, only between 30 and 50 percent of patients clinically respond to exercise interventions. Hence, we aimed to identify factors that predict adherence and response to exercise programs in people with schizophrenia. Based on data from 180 patients with schizophrenia enrolled in the Enhancing Schizophrenia Prevention and Recovery through Innovative Treatments (ESPRIT) C3 study, we examined clinical baseline characteristics that may predict study completion and number of attended trainings (adherence), as well es clinically relevant improvements in symptomatology and functioning (response). We found that only levels of functioning at baseline, but not symptom severity, cognitive functioning, or physical health, predicted adherence. Further, we provide preliminary evidence suggesting that patients with higher cognitive abilities and higher education who performed regular exercise already prior to the study participation were more likely to respond. To conclude, our findings indicate that exercise is particularly helpful for a subgroup of patients characterized by higher levels of functioning, higher cognitive abilities and education, and more pronounced affinity to exercise. Future studies should additionally include environmental, genetic, and neural data to predict adherence and response to exercise.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
DNA methylation signatures support the role of neutrophils and monocytes in depression
Authors: Atil E. , Van Assche E. , Hohoff C. , Baune B. T. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionResearch repeatedly linked inflammation with major depressive disorder (MDD). The presence of an inflammatory subtype of depression is supported by molecular findings as well as imaging reports. We investigated the cell type composition estimated by using epigenome-wide DNA methylation markers in a sample of depressed individuals showing high or low inflammation levels measured by hsCRP. We aimed to understand the connection between depression and inflammation, specifically differences in cell type compositions between high and low inflammation groups at baseline.Objectives119 individuals with MDD were included for this analysis. Following quality control procedures, 113 participants were included in the analysis (Mage= 47 years, 57.98% women). The sample consisted of 37 individuals with high hsCRP (hsCRP > 1.5, Mage=45, MhsCRP=8.2, MMADRS=28, 70% women) and 76 individuals with low hsCRP (hsCRP < 1.5, Mage= 44, MhsCRP=0.99, MMADRS=28, 49% women).MethodsThe Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC 850k BeadChip was used for analyzing whole blood derived DNA. Data processing and cell type estimation was conducted using the RnBeads package. We applied the Houseman method to estimate cell type composition through epigenome-wide DNA methylation signatures, resulting in six cell types: neutrophils, natural killer cells, B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and monocytes. Comparisons between both groups were tested using ANOVA.ResultsHigh and low hsCRP groups were compared for each of the six cell types estimated. A statistically significant difference was seen for monocytes (p=0.0316) and a trend for neutrophils (p=0.0742). The mean values for neutrophils in patients without inflammation were found to be 60%, while in patients with inflammation, it was 63%. For monocytes, the mean values for patients without inflammation and those with inflammation were 10% and 9.4%, respectively, with a smaller range (4.5%-14.3%) for individuals with inflammation as compared to patients without inflammation (5.3%-20.7%). None of the other four cell types showed a statistically significant difference.Conclusions
We identified differences in the cell type composition between groups of depressed patients with high versus low inflammation. These results align with the existing body of knowledge reported in established academic literature. Our study emphasizes the role of specific cells like neutrophils and monocytes in inflammation and depression. These findings offer valuable insights for improving depression treatment strategies as inflammation state may be relevant for treatment response. We also show the merit of DNA methylation signatures for the profiling of patients’ inflammation status, i.e., immunomethylomics.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Clozapine and the Risk of Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yaich I. , Touiti A. , Ben Said C. , Bram N. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionClozapine is the standard treatment for managing treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). However, concerns arise due to potential hematologic side effects, such as agranulocytosis, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the association between clozapine treatment and an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection in patients with TRS.MethodsA retrospective study reviewed clinical records of forensic patients with TRS from 2020 to 2022 at Razi Hospital’s forensic psychiatry department in Tunisia. Twenty-five patients, including 18 on clozapine treatment, were included.Results
All patients were male, with an average age of 39.7 years. Twenty-three patients received at least one vaccine dose. Twenty-two patients contracted COVID-19. Among those treated with clozapine, two required intensive care unit admission and oxygen therapy without intubation. Clozapine treatment remained uninterrupted, with no dose escalation during infection episodes. Lymphopenia was the most commonly reported hematologic abnormality.ConclusionsWhile there may be an association between clozapine use and an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, no clear correlation with infection severity and antipsychotic treatment was established in this study. Further research is needed to explore this potential association comprehensively.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The causes of negative countertransference in its cultural aspect among psychiatric residents in Tunisia
Authors: Mezri D. , Walha S. , Hamzaoui S. , Mahfoudh K. , Ouertani A. , Ouali U. , Aissa A. , Jomli R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionNegative countertransference in psychiatry refers to the therapist’s unfavorable emotional reactions to the patient, such as anger and frustration, which can hinder the therapeutic relationship and the client’s progress. This is why it is imperative to study the causes of this negative counter-transference, such as cultural causes, to ensure effective treatment, appropriate care and better comfort for psychiatry residents during their professional practice.ObjectivesTo study the cultural causes of negative countertransference among psychiatric residents in Tunisia and their coping behavior.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out among Tunisian residents working in psychiatric departments, using a questionnaire deployed via Google Forms.Results
The study involved 26 residents with 23 females. The average age was 27.57 years with extremes ranging from 26 to 32. The participants were family doctors practicing in psychiatric wards (26.9%), first year psychiatry residents (15.4%), second year psychiatry residents (23.1%), third year psychiatry residents (19.2%), fourth year psychiatry residents (11.5%) and child psychiatry residents (3.8%). The majority of residents admitted having had a negative transference towards a patient (88.5%). The level of frustration felt by residents during this counter-transference on a scale of 100 varied from 1 to 100 with an average of 61.9. Substance abuse was the primary cause in 52.17% of cases. The second cause was the patient’s ideology, with a percentage equal to 43.47%. The same percentage of 17.39% was for traditions, socio-economic level and membership of a particular political group. In 82.6% of cases, residents tried to analyze this counter-transference and 65.2% of them managed to deal with their frustration. The feeling of guilt was experienced by 56.52% of practitioners and the same number of residents tried to avoid the patient. Among the participants, 43.47% discussed this difficulty with their supervising physician and only 4 residents asked to change patients.Conclusions
In conclusion, our study identified the cultural causes of negative countertransference in Tunisian psychiatry residents, including substance abuse, ideology, traditions, socio-economic level and politics. Understanding these causes is essential to resident training but also to the delivery of quality care in psychiatry. By integrating this knowledge into training, we can help residents recognize and manage negative countertransference, in order to improve the quality of care they provide to their patients.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychological and Pharmacological Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the inpatient units. A General Review.
Authors: Owusu E. , Shalaby R. , Nnamdi N. , Mobolaji L. A. , Agyapong V. I. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAccording to the World Health Organization, around 2 billion people worldwide are estimated to drink. Alcohol intake results in 25% of the 3.8% of worldwide fatalities and 4.6% of global disability-adjusted life years that may be attributed to alcoholObjectivesThis review seeks to synthesize data on psychological and pharmacological treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) available in the inpatient setting.MethodsA comprehensive and narrative review of studies and research on psychological and pharmacological interventions for patients with alcohol use disorders in inpatient treatment units was performed. Data was extracted from electronic bibliographic databases, including Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, HealthSTAR, and Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) via EBSCOhost. This review included both qualitative and quantitative studiesResultsOverall, after an initial title, abstract screening, and subsequent full-text screening, seven out of 1245 extracted studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. This review suggests that a combination of pharmacological interventions such as naltrexone, nalmefene, acamprosate and brief psychological interventions were effective in treating AUD.ConclusionsThis review suggests that pharmacological and psychological approaches, when used together, are efficacious in treating AUD. There is a need to adopt both pharmacological and psychological interventions in the treatment of AUD.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
How digital technology can contribute to timely and effective recognition and response to opioid overdose events
Authors: Baldacchino A. M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo discuss novel approaches in the development early detection, response and interventions of drug overdoses.Rationale
There is an urgent need to research and develop novel strategies to rapidly and accurately detect, respond, and treat them with the ultimate goal of reducing drug deaths secondary to fatal drug overdose incidents. This should be additional to supporting communities and networks able to intervene utilizing novel public health approaches.Methods
We will describe technologies and associated systems that are able to accelerate detection and result in a timely response to potential overdose with effective and timely intervention to these occurrences using digital technologies and therapeutics. This will be contextualised around novel public health approaches.ResultsWe will describe 11 protypes as part of a £5 million UK inititiative. The themes will include:–Use of discrete digital technology for easy use by people who use drugs in clinical and non-clinical settings–Simple alert / responder pathways that created effective responses to potentially fatal overdose events–
Enhance innovative therapeutics as antidotes to overdose episodes–Novel public health approaches
ConclusionThe use of remote monitoring devices like wearables and smartphone applications, paired with artificial intelligence and innovative therapeutics is an emerging field of research. This needs to be balanced around novel public health approaches.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Conduct problems, hyperactivity, and screen time among community youth: Can mindfulness help?
Authors: Kim S. , Munten S. , Kolla N. J. , Konkoly-Thege B. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionWhile technology continues to evolve and the prevalence of screen-based activities is rising, limited studies have investigated the effect of various types of screen time on youth behavioural problems. Further, the influence of mindfulness intervention programs on behavioural problems beyond hyperactivity is largely understudied.ObjectivesThis study aims to address a research gap by examining the associations between four types of screen time and hyperactivity and conduct problems among community youth during the pandemic. The current study also aimed to investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention in reducing hyperactivity and conduct problems.MethodsCommunity youth aged 12-25 from Ontario, Canada, were recruited between April 2021 and April 2022 (n=117, mean age=16.82, male=22%, non-White=21%). The Mindfulness Ambassador Program, a structured, 12-week, evidence-based intervention program, was offered live, online and led by two MAP-certified facilitators. We conducted linear regression analyses using pre-intervention data to examine the unique association between the four types of screen time and behavioural problems (hyperactivity and conduct problems). The efficacy of the MAP on adolescent hyperactivity and conduct problems was examined considering the three survey time points (pre-, post-, and follow-up) using a series of linear regression models utilizing the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) Maximum Likelihood (ML), unstructured model.ResultsThe average score for conduct problems was classified within the normal range, while the average score for hyperactivity was considered borderline at baseline. More than 5 hours of playing video games were significantly associated with increased conduct problems [β= -1.75, 95% CI=-0.20 – 3.30, p=0.03]. Accounting for age, sex, baseline mental health status, and screen time, the mindfulness intervention program significantly contributed to decreased hyperactivity at post-intervention compared to the baseline [β=-0.49, 95% CI=-0.91 to -0.08, p=0.02]. It was maintained at follow-up [β=-0.64, 95% CI=-1.26 to -0.03, p=0.04].Conclusions
Our findings suggest an adverse impact of excessive video gaming on behavioural problems among community youth and confirm that the trend remains the same. Considering the simplicity, brevity, non-invasive nature and other mental health benefits of the mindfulness intervention, we argue that the results are promising and worthy of further study and larger-scale implementation. Clinicians, parents, and educators should work collaboratively to provide developmentally appropriate strategies to moderate screen time spent on video games among youth.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity of antibodies in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Smirnova L. , Kazantseva D. , Kornetova E. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe development of oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia is associated with changes in the level of activity of antioxidant enzymes. It is likely that catalytically active antibodies (abzymes) can take on these functions. Abzymes are antibodies with enzymatic activity. Catalase and SOD activity of abzymes was previously detected in patients with schizophrenia. But NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity has not been studied. The present work discusses the protective role of abzymes against reactive oxygen species within the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity of IgG in patients with paranoid schizophrenia in the exacerbation phase and in the remission phase.MethodsA total of 124 patients were examined during the work. Of them, 82 patients with paranoid schizophrenia (F20.0) had a mean age of 33.6±5.12 years (52 males, 30 females), disease duration averaged 8.9± 4.62 years. Patients with schizophrenia included 42 patients with acute schizophrenia and 40 patients with schizophrenia in therapeutic remission. The control group included 42 sex- and age-matched patients. IgG was purified by affinity chromatography on columns with proteinsepharose on an AKTA purifier chromatograph (GE). The homogeneity of isolated IgG preparations was checked by Lemilly electrophoresis in a gradient of 4-18% PAAG. Gel filtration under pH-shock conditions was performed on a Superdex-200 HR 10/30 column. NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity of IgG was determined on a SPECORD M-40 spectrophotometer (Carl Zeiss) at 340 nm by NADPH oxidation in the conjugated glutathione reductase reaction of tertiary butyl hydroperoxide reduction. Statistical processing of data was performed in Statistica 12.0 program.ResultsIt was proved that IgG from patients with schizophrenia had NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity, and this activity is an intrinsic property of the investigated antibodies. The NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity in IgG patients in the exacerbation stage was increased 3-fold (p=0.0001) compared to the studied activity in the group of healthy individuals, and it was increased 2-fold (p=0.017) in the group of patients in therapeutic remission compared to the activity in healthy individuals. Also NADPH-dependent IgG peroxidase activity in patients in remission was 1.7 times lower than in patients during the exacerbation period (p=0.012).ConclusionsIt was established for the first time that abzymes from patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals have NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity and can decompose lipo and hydroperoxides. We hypothesize that these abzymes help cope with generalized oxidative stress. Under the influence of neuroleptic therapy in patients in remission, the level of oxidative stress and NADPH-dependent peroxidase activity of abzymes decrease.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared