bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between neuropsychological, emotional and family functioning within a group of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Maia D. , Curral R. , Silveira C. , Guerra M. , Barbosa F. 
Published: May 2011

MS is a heterogeneous entity that varies in its etiology, classification, clinical course and sequelae, and is included as part of the chronic diseases that cause limitations in many areas. This study aims to assess neuropsychological functions, anxiety and depression in patients with MS, and realize that these variables can be influenced by family functioning.This study consists of a group of 25 individuals were women with diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (ages 25 to 58 years). Data collection was done through: a demographic questionnaire and clinical, a neuropsychological assessment battery (LNNB), a range of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and a questionnaire of family functioning (FACES-III). The results suggest that the group of patients evaluated present neuropsychological deficits in several areas, as well as depression and anxiety. They also suggest that there is a higher prevalence of neuropsychological deficits associated with a higher incidence of depressive symptoms and family dissatisfaction. Taken together, these results reveal an involvement of emotional and family functioning on neuropsychological functioning. As such, these factors should be considered in the implementation of intervention programs, both in terms of individual psychotherapy, or the level of family psychotherapy as well as in neuropsychological and psychosocial rehabilitation programs and these patients.
Oxidative stress, inflammation and cognitive impairment in first psychotic patients
Authors: Martínez-Cengotitabengoa M. , Leza J.C. , Alberich S. , Barbeito S. , González-Oliveros R. , Zorrilla I. , de la Rosa I. , Celaya L. , Gubbini S. , González-Pinto A. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionBoth oxidative stress and the inflammatory chemokine MCP-1 have been linked to the pathophysiology of certain mental illnesses such as psychosis. There are previous studies in rats and dogs suggesting that oxidative stress can cause cognitive impairment.ObjectivesTo correlate oxidative stress and the chemokine MCP-1 levels with cognitive impairment in first episode psychosis.Methods28 patients with first episode psychosis and 28 healthy controls matched by sex and age were included in the study, who were given a battery of neurocognitive tests and we determined their blood levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), nitric oxide, total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione, activity of enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (cGPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the inflammatory chemokine MCP-1.ResultsHealthy controls had better TAS than patients and increased activity of enzymes cGPx and CAT.We found a statistically significant negative relationship between levels of MCP-1 and working memory, attention and verbal memory. At higher levels of chemokines, worse cognitive functioning in these areas.Verbal memory was also negatively related, in a meaningful way, with nitric oxide levels in blood.Likewise, we found that higher levels of glutathione correlated with better scores on the 3 tests performed of verbal fluency.ConclusionsIn patients with a PEP, levels of certain markers of oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with poorer cognitive functioning.
Smoking and neurocognition in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Merino T. , Balanzà V. , Selva G. , Salazar J. , Correa P. , Fuentes I. , Tabarés R. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionSeveral studies have suggested that nicotine could have beneficial effects on cognitive functioning.ObjectiveTo explore the association between smoking and cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.MethodsObservational study. We analyzed data from 184 participants in 3 groups (61 healthy controls, 47 euthymic patients with bipolar-I disorder, 76 patients with clinically stable schizophrenia) assessed by a neuropsychological battery. Statistical analysis was performed comparing subgroups of smokers and non-smokers data. Both groups were demographic and clinically comparable.ResultsSmoking rate was higher in participants with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (X 2 = 26.8, p = 0.001). Bipolar Group: neuropsychological performance was similar in smokers (n = 28) and non-smokers (n = 19) except perseverative errors of the Wisconsin test, in which smokers performed significantly worse (t = −2.1, p = 0,03). Schizophrenia group: smokers (n = 46) performed significantly better than non-smokers (n = 30) in the verbal fluency test (t = −2.46, p = 0.046), finger tapping right (t = −2.19; p = 0.03) and immediate (t = −2.84, p = 0.006) and delayed recall (t = −2.59, p = 0.01) of Rey figure test.ConclusionsThis is the first study comparing these clinical groups. The global cognitive function in euthymic state was similar in both groups despite of smoking status. However, smoking could be associated with a worse executive function in bipolar disorder. In patients with schizophrenia smoking was associated with better performance in visual memory, verbal fluency and motor speed, but not attention.
Executive function performance as neurocognitive differentiating marker between schizophrenia and psychotic depression
Authors: Rady A. , Elsheshai A. , Elkholy O. , Abou el Wafa H. 
Published: May 2011

Background and aimSchizophrenia and psychotic depression are two psychiatric disorders sharing in common the presence of psychotic features, delusion, hallucinations or both and severe impairment in occupational functions. Added to that the diagnostic dilemma to differentiate between severe psychomotor retardation, which is not uncommon in psychotic depression, and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Our work aims at utilizing Wisconsin Card Sorting Test WCST performance as a differentiating diagnostic tool helping in differentiating between both diagnosis.Subjects and methodsPatients are recruited randomly from the outpatient service of Alexandria University Hospitals, three groups are included;Group I patients with psychotic depression,Group II schizophrenic patients andGroup III control group.Patients recruited in both group I and II score 4 or higher on the Clinical Global Impression for Severity CGI-S scale, all participants were subjected to Brief Psychiatric Rating scale and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test WCST 128 card computerized version.ResultsThe study showed severe impairment in executive functions in all parameters assessed by the WCST including number of administered trials, percentage of errors and perseverative errors as well as failure to maintain categories. Such cognitive dysfunction was significantly more severe in schizophrenia than both other groups. Both schizophrenic and psychotically depressed groups showed poorer performance compared to healthy control.ConclusionPerformance on WCST may be of great help as a differentiating diagnostic tool to distinguish between schizophrenia and psychotic depression.
Normative data for Russian population and standardization of the scale “Brief assessment of cognition in schizophrenia”
Authors: Sarkisyan G. , Gurovich I. , Keefe R.S.E. 
Published: May 2011

Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia play an important role in the social and functional outcome in patients with this disorder. The ways of assessing cognitive functions are particularly important. Similar approaches among researchers may help compare data from different centers.The aim of the study was to provide normative data for the Russian population for the internationally validated tool - the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. The BACS was developed especially for the assessment of cognition in patients with schizophrenia. It has a brief administration and scoring time, portability, repeatability and availability of alternate forms. The BACS has been already validated in English, French, Japanese, Italian, German, Hindi and Spanish. The English version of the BACS was translated into Russian. The Russian version was back-translated into English by a mother tongue speaker and it was approved by the author (R.Keefe).204 healthy subjects from the general population were included in the study. The sample was comparable to the population distribution on the variables of sex and educational level as determined by all-Russia census of 2002. The raw cognitive data collected in the study were then converted into standard values (in the form of z- and T-values) which allow estimation of standard scores and a composite index adjusted for age and sex.The normative data obtained on this scale will allow the BACS to be used effectively in national clinical practice and research and will provide an opportunity to evaluate cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy people.
Rehabilitation aspects in neurocognitive treatment
Authors: Spikina A.A. 
Published: May 2011

Neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia patients is a major health and social problem of modern psychiatry nowadays.ObjectiveTo study the influence of neurocognitive training on higher cortical functions in schizophrenia patients and to evaluate their effectiveness in the treatment of schizophrenia.Material and methodsWe formed groups of patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia undergoing treatment in the departments of rehabilitation and day hospital. All patients received adequate pharmacotherapy with atypical neuroleptics. Patients of the main group additionally participated in the training of cognitive deficits. Patients included in the comparison group received only pharmacotherapy.MethodsClinical (advanced clinical psychopathological interview), paraclinical (psychological study of neurocognitive deficits in a battery of standard tests, the study of social functioning of patients - the scale of PSP).Study designInitial evaluation of patients was carried out at the first call, prior to the neurocognitive training. Follow-up study was conducted one month after completion of training programs and the final examination, after a year. In the comparison group surveys were conducted with the similar frequency.ResultsAfter training the cognitive processes in schizophrenia patients were obtained by increasing the tempo of the performance, improving concentration, improving the adequacy of long-term thinking and memory have been identified trend towards an increase in operational short-term memory.ConclusionThe neurocognitive training showed itself as an effective method of correcting neurocognitive deficits. Inclusion of these trainings in the rehabilitation program helps to reduce the term of the patients stay in hospital and rapid integration into society.
Effects of cholinergic system of dorsal hippocampus of rats in the MK801-induced anxiolytic-like behavior
Authors: Zarrindast M.R. , Nasehi M. , Heidari N. , Torkaman Boutorabi A. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionSome investigations showed that the glutamate receptors have critical role for cognition such as learning and anxiety in the brain.ObjectivesThe possible involvement of cholinergic system of dorsal hippocampus in the anxiolytic-like response induced by NMDA receptor antagonist, MK801 has been investigated in the present study.MethodsThe male wistar rats were used and the elevated plus maze apparatus has been used to test parameters (%OAT, %OAE, locomotor activity, grooming, rereading and defection) of anxiety-like behaviors.ResultsThe data indicated that intra-CA1 administration of MK801 (2 μg/rat) increased %OAT and %OAE but did not other exploratory behaviors, indicating an anxiolytic-like response. Moreover, intra-hippocampal injection of cholinergic receptor antagonists, mecamylamine (2 μg/rat) and scopolamine (4 μg/rat) by itselves, 5 min before testing increased %OAT and %OAE, but did not alter locomotor activity and other exploratory behaviors, suggesting anxiolytic-like behavior. On the other hand, intra-CA1 co-administration of ineffective doses of scopolamine (3 μg/rat), but not mecamylamine (1 μg/rat) with ineffective dose of MK801 (1 μg/rat) increased %OAT and %OAE.ConclusionThe data may indicate that the possible involvement of cholinergic system of CA1 on anxiolytic-like response induced by MK801.
The effect of cognitive flexibility on skill rehabilition training of schizophrenics in community
Authors: Weidong J. , Guoquan Z. , Hua T. , Peirong H. , Yunqing G. , Hao C. , Donghua W. , Guoyuan C. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveTo study the effect of cognitive flexibility on skill rehabilition training of schizophrenics in community.Methods150 schizophrenic outpatients in their rehabilitation stage were randomly divided into skills training group (100 cases) and control group (50 cases with five drop of). The training lasted for 24 weeks and the patients were followed up for 12 weeks. The assessing instruments included PANSS (positive and negative symptom scale), MRSS (morning. side rehabilitation stage scale) and cognitive flexibility (WCST, Stroop test and Trail making).Results133 subjects completed the trial. The scores of PANSS, the negative subscale, the General Psychopathology subscale in both groups decreased signifieantly after treatment (P < 0.05∼P < 0.01). The scores of MRSS, Dependency subscale, Inactivity subscale, effects of Current Symptoms and Deviant Behavior Subscale in the skills training group decreased significantly after treatment (P< 0.05∼P < 0.01); the reductions of PANSS, MRSS between two groups were not significant different; Relapse rate was lower in the skills training group than that in the control group, without a statistical significant. Within skills training group, the numbers of continuous error (WCST) and correct error in effective group was better than those in ineffective group.ConclusionCommunity reintegration skill is of benefit to rehabilitation of schizophrenics in decreasing symptoms, improving social function and decreasing defect. The cognitive flexibility and the effect of skill training rehabilitation in chronic schizophrenia patients has certain relations.
Hemodynamic activation in infant's prefrontal and occipital cortices when viewing maternal facial expressions: A near-infrared spectroscopic study
Authors: Yamamoto H. , Yoshikawa T. , Ito H. , Nomura K. , Yasunaga K. , Kaneko H. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionConsidering that infants are brought up by their mothers, we believe that they learn emotional interaction and facial expressions from their mothers. However, brain activation in infants while they view maternal facial expressions has rarely been studied.ObjectivesThis preliminary study aimed at investigating the peculiarity of infants’ perception of maternal facial expressions by measuring hemodynamic activations in an infant's brain.MethodsParticipant was one healthy 6-month-old infant. Facial expression images of 2 persons (participant's mother, an unknown woman [stranger]) were used as test stimuli and 2 vegetable images were used as control. In each trial, initially, neutral face of the persons or vegetable was presented to the child, followed by her expressional face or another vegetable. While trials, we recorded the hemodynamic responses of his prefrontal and occipital cortices using near-infrared spectroscopy.ResultsThe oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentration was calculated. In the prefrontal cortex, the levels showed a greater increase when viewing the mother's expressions than the stranger's expression or control. In contrast, no difference was found in the occipital cortex.Fig. 1ConclusionsOur findings suggest that infants are peculiarly sensitive to their mothers’ expressions. Thus, mother-infant interaction may appear important in the development of interpersonal recognition.
Effects of dopaminergic drugs in the dorsal hippocampus of rats in the MK801-induced anxiolytic-like behavior
Authors: Zarrindast M.R. , Nasehi M. , Pournaghshband M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionExcitatory transmission through glutamate receptors constitutes the main mode of synaptic signaling in the brain regions that are critical for cognition such as learning and anxiety.ObjectivesThe possible involvement of dorsal hippocampal (intra-CA1) dopaminergic receptor mechanism on the anxiolytic-like response induced by NMDA receptor antagonist, MK801 has been investigated in the present study.MethodsThe male wistar rats were used and the elevated plus maze apparatus has been used to test parameters (%OAT, %OAE, locomotor activity, grooming, rereading and defection) of anxiety-like behaviors in the present study.ResultsThe data indicated that intra-CA1 administration of MK801 (2 μg/rat, intra-CA1) increased %OAT and %OAE but not other exploratory behaviors, indicating an anxiolytic-like response. Moreover, intra-CA1injection SCH23390 (0.25, 0.5 and 1 μg/rat) and sulpiride (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 μg/rat) by itselves, 5 min before testing have no effect on exploratory behaviors. On the other hand, co-administration of ineffective dose of SCH23390 (0.5 μg/rat) with ineffective dose of MK801 (1 g/rat) increased %OAT but not other exploratory behaviors, suggestion anxiolytic-like behaviors. Furthermore, intra-CA1 administration of different doses of sulpiride (0.12, 0.5 and 0.75 μg/rat) 5 min before injection of effective dose of MK801 (2 μg/rat) decreased %OAT and %OAE but did not other exploratory behaviors induced by MK801.ConclusionThe results may indicate modulatory effect dopaminergic system of CA1 in the anxiolytic-like response induced by MK801.
Do psychiatric journals reflect universal representation?
Authors: Helal M.N. , Ahmed U. , Vostanis P. 
Published: May 2011

AimsOur aim was to describe the contribution of ‘Low and middle-income’ (LAMI) countries to six leading general psychiatric journals; Archives of General Psychiatry, American Journal of Psychiatry, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, British Journal of Psychiatry, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica and Psychological Medicine.MethodsWe surveyed the journals from January 2005 to December 2009. We searched all research articles, reviews and identified potential candidate articles, defined as an article containing original data collected from one or more low or middle-income countries, as defined by the World Bank criteria. We also compared our findings with the similar reviews of the periods 2002–2004 and 1996–1998ResultsOur search identified a total of 3791 research articles; less than 7% (n = 259) were from low and middle-income countries. The three European journals published more articles from LAMI countries than the three American journals. Compared with the findings of a similar review of the period 1996–1998 and 2002–2004, there has been little change. The British Journal of Psychiatry and Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica provided the major contribution from the LAMI countries of 8.7% and 9.6% respectively.ConclusionIt is interesting that almost all journals describe themselves as International; however, our findings clearly suggest that there is a nine-to-one rule with most of the articles coming from richer countries. We suggest that there is a need to break the barriers, so that there should be no more under-representation of research from LAMI countries; which will lead towards the development of a truly international psychiatry.
The main factors that influences on university student's attitudes about religious believes
Authors: Allahyarahmadi R. 
Published: May 2011

AimThe study investigated the role of social and economic factors on religion beliefs in university students.MethodParticipants were 150 students from Babol Payame Noor University that were randomly selected and Religious Beliefs Inventory (RBI) administered on them. The data were analyzed with correlation coefficient formula.ResultsFindings showed significant relationship between student and their father's level of income and literacy, culture, gender, resident place, social category, mass media with religion believes.
Ethnic variation in emotion regulation: do cultural differences end where psychopathology begins?
Authors: Arens E.A. , Balkir N. , Barnow S. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionEmotion regulation (ER) via cognitive reappraisal (CR) has been shown to be superior to the use of expressive suppression (ES) in terms of several aspects of mental well-being. However, a cultural perspective suggests that the consequences of ES may be moderated by cultural values (Western/individualistic vs. Eastern/collectivistic values).ObjectiveTo test this hypothesis that ES may be associated with better outcomes in collectivistic cultures (e.g. Turkey) than in individualistic cultures (e.g. Germany) not only in healthy individuals but also in patients with mental disorders.AimThis study aims to gather knowledge to what extent associations of ER strategies and mental health are universal or rather culturally specific.MethodsWe investigated healthy (n = 30) and depressed (n = 30) German women and healthy (n = 30) and depressed (n = 30) Turkish immigrants living in Germany. Groups were compared in terms of frequency of ER strategies (CR and ES) and their consequences for different aspects of mental well-being.ResultsHealthy Turkish immigrants exhibited a greater ER flexibility (frequent use of ES plus frequent use of CR) what was associated with more positive outcomes of ES in Turkish than in German women. None of these differences were found between patient samples, both of which showed a greater use of ES than CR.ConclusionsResults suggest that cultural moderation of ES consequences are associated with a greater ER flexibility in healthy Turkish individuals. Depressed Turkish patients may not profit from ES due to their more rigid use of ES.
Basic psychological needs, culture and well-being: A comparison of turkish immigrant and German women in Germany
Authors: Balkir N. , Arens E.A. , Barnow S. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionSelf-determination theory posits that autonomy and relatedness are innate and universal psychological needs and that when satisfied well-being is enhanced. Contrarily, some cross-cultural perspectives suggest that the degree of autonomy and relatedness satisfaction necessary for well-being within a particular society is mediated by cultural orientations.ObjectiveGiven the existing debates on cultural universality of basic needs, we examined the influence of culture on the relationship between basic needs and well-being within healthy and depressed subjects.AimOur aim was to unravel the relationship between culture, basic needs and well-being.MethodsBy sampling German (depressed n = 27, healthy n = 26) and Turkish immigrant (depressed n = 29, healthy n = 28) women in Germany, data were gathered by structured clinical interviews and self-report questionnaires in both languages.ResultsAutonomy and relatedness satisfaction were found lower in depressed groups compared with healthy controls in both cultures. No difference was found in the level of need satisfaction when we compared German vs. Turkish controls and German vs. Turkish patients. In German controls, well-being was positively associated with autonomy satisfaction but not with relatedness satisfaction. Conversely, in Turkish controls, well-being was positively associated with relatedness satisfaction but not with autonomy satisfaction. Within depressed groups satisfaction of both needs yielded positive impact on well-being regardless of culture.ConclusionsThe relation between basic needs satisfaction and well-being was largely determined by cultural background in healthy subjects. However, this cultural variation disappeared within depressed patients, which could be accounted by mean level differences in need satisfaction between healthy and depressed subjects.