bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Brain Abnormalities in Homicidal Patient: Forensic Case Report
Authors: Radeljak S. , Žarkovic-Palijan T. , Kovač M. , Kovačević D. 
Published: March 2009

Background:Studies have revealed that areas associated with violent behaviour are located in the prefrontal cortex, medial temporal regions and limbic regions. Key regions commonly found to be impaired in population of violent homicide offenders include prefrontal cortex, temporal gyrus, amygdala-hippocampal complex, and anterior cingulate cortex. Recent findings have confirmed link between large arachnoid cysts and psychotic symptoms. There is no scientific data in literature on the case of homicidal forensic patient with large arachnoidal cyst and lesion of frontal and temporal brain regions.Clinical presentation:We present the first forensic clinical case of male homicidal patient, age 29, with arachnoidal cyst (Galassi III) occupying large portion of the right brain hemisphere. The patient is presented with acute psychotic behavior after he killed his father and was escorted to our department for psychiatric evaluation. The patient was catatonic upon admission to the hospital and completely non-cooperative (mute). After interviewing patient's family members we have collected data regarding visible changes in his behaviour in the last two years accompanied with frequent attacks of headache. MRI study revealed large arachnoid cyst in the right brain hemisphere compressing right frontal and temporal cortex with lesions in frontal and temporal cortex and lesion of the white brain matter in insular region of both hemispheres. The patient was ordered antipsychotic therapy (clozapin) and schedulled for further psychiatric observation.Conclusion:This clinical case represents highly probable link between structural brain changes and homicidal forensic patient. We have shown multiple structural brain abnormalities supporting neuroscientific hypothesis that impulsive homicide offenders lack the prefrontal “inhibitory” machinery.
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Country in Transition with No Forensic-psychiatric Facilities
Authors: Sutovic A. 
Published: March 2009

The war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-1995), the post-war period and the period of transition had significant consequences on the structure of the population, economic and social status, on the mental health and general health of the population, and the organization of medical institutions and mental health services.On the area of forensic psychiatry, the biggest problem in Bosnia-Herzegovina after the war is the issue of complete lack of capacity for treatment and keeping mentally ill crime committers. Before the war, there existed special institutions (a combination of psychiatry and prison facilities) in the framework of former Yugoslavia. One of such hospital, something like “maximum security hospital” existed in Bosnia-Herzegovina, in territory that belongs to Republic of Srpska after Dayton Agreement. Unfortunately, even 13 years after the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, such institution simply does not exist. This results in formidable fact that crime committers who are mentally ill can not be processed or convicted of classical imprisonment. They are placed in the jurisdiction of Social Services, which is neither organized nor capable of adequate acceptance, follow up and treat these people. In practice, this means that these patients are free out of institution, often without any treatment.
Prevalence Depression in HCV - Infected Inmates Treated with Pegylated Interferon Alpha Interferon Pegilated
Authors: Tort V. , Silva A. Da , Macià L. , Prat E. , Varoucha C. 
Published: March 2009

The succes results in the pegylated interferon plus rivabarina therapy in HCV-infected people has made an increase of the prescription of this treatment in the last years. Side-effects of the pegylated inclose the neuropsychiatric symptoms as depressive and anxiety both simptoms and disorders. The prevalence of depressive disorders has been described between 22%-38%, while the depressive symptoms between 21% and 64%. In the penitentiary field, both the prevalence of HCV and depression are higher than in general population. The aim our study is to know the prevalence od depressive disorders in a population of HCV- infected inmates treatede with pegylated interferon. This inmates in the Centre Penitenciario Quatre Camins, (n:40) were administered the following depression scales. Hamilton Depression Scale (HDRS), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scal (MADRS) and Hospitalary Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). These scales were passed at basal, 1-month, 3-month, ending of treatment and 3 month after finising the treatment. Data was collected regarding HCV infection(genotype, interferon dose, etc.), comorbidity, and psychiatric background and psychopharmacological treatment. All the particpants were informed about the study and ask about their agreement.Inmates population in CP Quatre Camins (Prison) is about 1800, which 723 have positive serology to HCV. From this group 40 inmates were treated with interferon. Regarding the genotype of HCV, 55% were genotype 1, l 33% genotype 3 and 12% genotype 4. HIV Comorbidy is the l 21%.Preliminary data about depression disorder point to a prevalence of a modertae depressive disorder in 12,5% of inmates.
Risk Factors for Criminal Offending of Patients Suffered from Epilepsy
Authors: Usyukina M. , Kornilova S. 
Published: March 2009

Study material: 148 male offenders with the proved diagnosis of epilepsy, stayed for inpatient forensic psychiatric evaluation.Risk factors could be relevant to clinical psychopathological (mechanisms of aggressive actions, primary syndrome, a course of the disorder) and different social and psychological factors such as social maladjustment (unemployed person, absence of the trade, not qualified physical work), poor living conditions, family disturbances with aggressive attitudes of patients in family and susceptibility to antisocial influence from others; alcohol abuse, repeated committing of criminal offences both before and after the onset of the disease, breach of a hospital regimen, particularly - a violent behavior. The syndromal description of the patient's condition has provided us with key data that allowed to make an opinion of the probability of committing a new crime and of its potential severity. Social dangerousness of patients with psychotic conditions (delirium, hallucinations, impairment of coinsciousness, paroxysmal states) could be found at the periods of psychotic manifestations. The social dangerousness of patients with negative symptoms (personality changes, dementia signs) is relatively stable. There has been a prevalence of situation driven negative and personality mechanisms such as affective control loss and intellectual incapacity. Assessing the dangerousness of the patients with positive psychotic mechanisms of an offence the content of delirious experience should be discovered as well and the place and the role of real persons who might be involved into the pathological delirious plot have to be found. Assessment of the dangerousness of positive psychotic mechanisms without delirious motivation requires to focus on stability on probability of the recurrence of the syndrome that produced this psychopathological mechanism.
The Effect of Life Skills Education on Mild Intellectual and Developmental Disability
Authors: Ahmadian M. , Fata L. 
Published: March 2009

Introduction and aim:This study examines the effect of life skills education on mild intellectual and developmental disabled students.Life skills education program is widely used in other disabilities but rarely utilized with children who have intellectual disabilities, possibly on the assumption that the cognitive skills on which it capitalizes are less likely to be available. The primary goal of education for this group is to increase self-sufficiency by teaching functional skills needed in everyday life across home, community, work, and leisure domains.Method:A total of 30 participants took part in this study (20 male, 10 femal). The IQ level of these participants were assessed by WISC_R. we also assessed intervention effects on three skills targeted by classroom teachers. The three target skills were self-knowledge, social and interpersonal relationships, and anger-management.Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient and factor analyses were used to examine the reliability and validity of the LSEQ in this special students sample.Results:The alpha coefficient reliability of the total scale of the LSEQ was 0.76. The total effect of Life skills education program showed positive effects ( T=-7.136 df=29, p< .001 ), Self-knowledge ( T=-5.882 df=29, p< .001 ), interpersonal relationship ( T=-7.430 df=29, p< .001 ), anger-management ( T=-4.762 df=29, p< .001 ).Cunclusion:Overall, results showed positive effects of the intervention on participants" skills. Further research on the effects of various systematic instructional strategies on the social- skills of individuals with various disabilities in multiple settings is recommended.
The Cognitive Interview: Application to Clinical Setting to Enhance Traumatic Experiences
Authors: D'Ambrosio A. , Luna M. 
Published: March 2009

The cognitive interview is a very powerful technique to facilitate the recall of eye witness, so far it was used only in forensic psychology.The cognitive interview focuses on two major component of testimony: memory and comunication. The core memory priciple of this technique is the notion of guided retrieval. Because all of the relevant information resides in the eye mind, the goal is to assist her to access that. Each person is the Eye Witness of own Traumatic experiences. The Cognitive Interview enhances memory by:assisting the doctor to infer the patient"s mental representation of the event,suggesting techniquesto ensure that the patient becomes the central personality of the interview and providing retrieval strategies to facilitate the person"s accessing specific memories.in this study we apply this technique in the clinical setting to improve the retrieval of the patient"s traumatic experiences.We considered two classes of subjects (age and sex mached), assessed with psychopatological rating scales:1.using cognitive interview2.using structured interviewafter was evaluated the quality and the quantity of past traumatic experiences.
The use of MMSE to Identify Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). A Population-Based Study
Authors: Moretti F. , Atti A.R. , Cesano S. , Morini V. , Forlani C. , Bernabei V. , Modenese A. , Dalmonte E. , De Ronchi D. 
Published: March 2009

Aims:To evaluate the prevalence of MCI and its subtypes in the Faenza Project, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).Methods:Subjects living in the municipality of Faenza were clinically assessed. The diagnosis of MCI was achieved according to international criteria using a double-step procedure: first, we excluded subjects with dementia, functional impairment and MMSE< 24, leaving 6,745 persons. Then, the performance in different cognitive domains was considered and scores less than 1.5 standard deviations below the age- and education-adjusted norms on MMSE were settled as cut-offs. Four subtypes were identified: amnestic MCI, single non-memory MCI, multidomains non-amnestic, multidomains amnestic MCI.Results:2,720 (40.3%) participants met MCI criteria. Prevalence were 4% (amnestic MCI), 26.5% (single non-memory MCI), 4.4% (multidomains amnestic MCI), and 5.4% (multidomains non-amnestic MCI).Conclusions:MCI is common among Italian elderly. In our study prevalence are higher than reported in other population-based studies. The use of MMSE with different operational criteria, diverse sampling and assessment procedure might explain such discrepancy. The role of MMSE to identify persons with mild cognitive deficits deserves concerns. However, MMSE is largely used in both clinical practice and research and has been suggested as a useful screening tool for assessing the degree of cognitive impairment in the guidelines for the Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.
Corticobasal Degeneration Presenting with Depression and Dystonia: A Case Report
Authors: Cerejeira J. , André R. , Batista P. , Carriço P. , Ferreira A.M. , Firmino H. , Januário C. 
Published: March 2009

Corticobasal degeneration is a rare neurodegenerative disorder affecting both cortex and basal ganglia with clinical and underlying pathological heterogeneity. Although motor features of CBD were emphasized in earlier descriptions psychiatric symptoms, including cognitive impairment and mood disorders, have been consistently reported during the course of the disease. Clinical diagnosis of CBD is challenging and can be difficult to differentiate from other neuropsychiatric disorders with overlapping features. This can lead to significant underdiagnosis of CBD particularly during its early stages.We report a case of a 48 year-old female patient presenting with insidious orofacial dystonia co-occurring with depression which remained controlled for five years. Later, while experiencing major psycho-social stress factors, she presented with a rapidly progressive clinical syndrome compatible with the diagnosis of cortico-basal degeneration with severe motor, cognitive and behavioural symptoms, including alien limb phenomenon, nonfluent aphasia and personality changes. Neuropsychological assessment revealed significant frontal lobe dysfunction and SPECT imaging showed asymetrical fronto-parietal hypoperfusion.This case illustrates the difficulties in the clinical diagnosis of CBD both in early and late stages due to its clinical overlap with mood and movement disorders as well as with Fronto-Temporal Dementia. At the same time, it highlights the influence of psycho-social stress factors in the manifestation of degenerative disorders.
Physical Health Co-Morbidity in Patients with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Receiving in-Patient Neurobehavioural Rehabilitation
Authors: Tajer A. , Faruqui R. , Moffat B. , Haider S. , El-Kadi K. , Haider K. 
Published: March 2009

Background:Patients with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) present with a range of physical health problems. Co-morbid physical conditions can complicate these patients’ rehabilitation and also may lead to secondary disabilities. The medical literature provides limited information on the prevalence of physical health issues in patients with ABI.Methods:We surveyed health records of 64 patients receiving multi-disciplinary rehabilitation at a tertiary Brain Injury Rehabilitation service. The data was collected in an anonymized fashion and analyzed using SPSS version 16.Results:We analysed data from 64 patients (51 Male, 13 Female). The age range was 21-61 years (Mean 39, S.D. 10.6). Epilepsy was the commonest co-existing physical health condition (47%) amongst these patients. Chronic constipation (20%), peptic ulcer disease (14%), Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (11%), Asthma/COPD (9%), recurrent urinary tract infection (8%) and hypothyroidism (8%) were the co-existing conditions for which the patients needed treatment. Also dysphasia (38%), dysartheria (34%), dysphagia (28%) and mobility difficulties (37%) were common in this patient group.Conclusions:These findings have implications for continuing medical education needs for psychiatrists and other health care professionals working in this field. The findings also highlight the need for improved communication and working relationship between psychiatric and general hospital based specialities in order to implement holistic delivery of care for patients with ABI.
Amnesia or Simulation? - Case Report
Authors: Ferreira J. , Santos T. , Mesquita A. 
Published: March 2009

The boundaries of simulation and dissociative amnesia are thin and not rarely unclear. Diagnostic criteria and a thorough clinical history are sometimes not enough to shed light on the nature and essence of one's will and conduct. Throughout history, psychiatry has been challenged to testify before society over patients’ truth and deceit. Do they share common grounds or must we accept that uncertainty is the inevitable price of truth?The authors present a clinical case of a young man coming to the emergency services with multiple lacerations in the upper abdomen and limbs, referring “amnesia” for the last five years of his life. The patient had no previous psychiatric record or any known family or social dysfunction. Approach, management and diagnosis are discussed.
Intra-Dorsal Hippocampal Microinjection of Lithium and Scopolamine Induce a Cross State-Dependent Learning in Mice
Authors: Ghorbanalizadeh-Khalifeh-Mahaleh B. , Taheri S. , Sahengharani M. , Rezayof A. , Haeri-Rohani A. , Zarrindast M.-R. 
Published: March 2009

Background:Lithium a mood stabilizer may exert adverse effects on memory. We have previously shown that lithium induces state-dependent learning. Cholinergic systems of the brain may play an important role in memory function and mood regulation. In the present study, effects of intra-dorsal hippocampal (intra-CA1) injections of lithium and scopolamine on memory and cross state-dependent learning between two drugs were investigated.Methods:For memory assessment, a one-trial step-down inhibitory avoidance task was used in adult male NMRI mice.Results:Intra-CA1 administration of lithium (0.5 and 1 μg/mouse) after training or injection of the drug (0.5μg/mouse) before testing impaired memory when retrieval was tested 24 h later. The memory impairment by post-training lithium was reversed by pre-test administration of the drug (0.5μg/mouse, intra-CA1) suggesting lithium state-dependent learning. On the other hand, intra-CA1 administration of scopolamine (0.5, 1 and 2 μg/mouse) after training or injection of the drug (2μg/mouse) before testing impaired memory when retrieval was tested 24 h later. The impairment of memory by post-training injection of scopolamine (2μg/mouse) was restored by the pre-test injection of the drug (1 and 2 μg/mouse). Furthermore, memory impairment induced by post-training injection of lithium (0.5 μg/mouse) and scopolamine (2 μg/mouse) were reversed by pre-test administration of scopolamine (0.5, 1 and 2 μg/mouse) and lithium (0.5 and 1 μg/mouse) respectively. The impairment by lithium was also reversed by physostigmine.Conclusion:The results suggest that microinjection of both lithium and scopolamine induce state-dependent memory and there may be a cross state-dependency between two drugs.
Comparative Effects of Captopril, Losartan and PD123319 on the Memory Processes in Rats
Authors: Bild W. , Hritcu L. , Ciobica A. , Artenie V. , Haulica I. 
Published: March 2009

Aims:Renin-angiotensin system in the central nervous system participates in the processing of sensory information, learning and memory processes. Inhibitors of renin-angiotensin system, particularly angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists are reported to have potential effects in various learning and memory processes. In the present study we assessed the effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril and the angiotensin AT1 receptors antagonists, lostartan and PD123319, in learning and memory processes by means of Y-maze and passive avoidance tasks. The anxiety state was measured in elevated plus maze.Methods:Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: 1. sham-operated; 2. Captopril; 3. Losartan; 4. PD123319. All drugs were stereotaxically icv injected, rather than captopril (i.p.). Learning and memory tests began 2 weeks after the operation, and the ability of the rats to acquire the operant task was studied by means of Y-maze task and passive avoidance task, respectively. The anxiety state was measured in elevated plus maze.Results:Captopril, losartan and PD123319 significantly impaired spatial memory in Y-maze task, suggesting significant effects on short-term memory. In passive avoidance task, all drugs, significantly decreased step-through-latency, suggesting significant effects on long-term memory. In elevated plus maze measuring anxiety, all drugs diminished anxiety state.Conclusions:These results suggest the involvement of the brain renin-angiotensin system in learning and memory formation.
Intensity of Depressive Symptoms and Disorders of Working Memory and Executive Functions in Hyperthyroidism in the Course of Graves’ Disease and Toxic Nodular Goitre
Authors: Jabłkowska K. , Nowakowska K. , Adamiak G. , Borkowska A. 
Published: March 2009

Current data show an association between thyroid diseases and cognitive dysfunction and depression. Depression may affect the clinical picture and the course of thyroid diseases, while also certain correlations are seen between depression and an increased risk of the incidence of these diseases.The aim of this study was tracing associations among depression and hyperthyroidism in the course of Graves’ disease and toxic nodular goitre in particular stages of the disease and frontal cognitive function.Eighty persons (63 females and 17 males) with diagnosed hyperthyroidism, their age ranging between 18 and 55 years, were qualified into the study, fifty (50) of them with Graves’ disease and thirty (30) with toxic nodular goitre.Following performed hormonal evaluations, patients with overt or subclinical hyperthyroidism were identified, together with patients in euthyroidism.The control group included thirty-one (31) healthy volunteers, matched with the study group, regarding their age, sex and education.In the evaluation of working memory and executive functions, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used, while Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was applied to determine the degree of depression symptoms.The obtained results showed impairment of WCST performance in patients with Graves’ disease and with toxic nodular goitre. Any significant associations between the degree of depression symptoms and the efficiency of either working memory or executive functions were found.Acknowledgements:This research was supported by grant 502-16-683 Medical University of Lodz.
Mild Cognitive Impairment and Quality of Life
Authors: Mila C. , Podea D.M. , Chenderes R.M. 
Published: March 2009

Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of cognitive enhancers on quality of life to patients with MCI.Material and methods:The study comprises a number of 40 elderly patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. These patients were divided in two groups:group A that comprises 20 patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment that were treated with piracetamum (daily dose: 1600mg),group B that comprises 20 patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment that were treated with antioxidants Coenzima Q10 (daily dose: 15mg).MMSE score between 28-21points is considered mild cognitive impairment. The inclusion criteria were:patients over 65 years,patients with mild cognitive impairment.The exclusion criteria were:patients with mild cognitive impairment due to major depressive disorder and schizophrenia,patients with moderate and severe cognitive impairment.The patients were evaluated with MMSE (Mini Mental State Evaluation) and GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning Scale) at the inclusion and after 6 months of treatment.Results:The average of MMSE scores in group A was 25.9 and for group B 25.5. The patients treated with nootropics have had a better outcome, cognitive performance improving with 2,6 points for group A and with 1,8 points for group B. Improvement of cognitive performance improve the quality of life of this patients, the GAF scores improving from 45.4 points to 67.3 in group A and from 44.8 points to 55.3 in group B.Conclusions:The patients treated with nootopics have had a better outcome regarding cognitive functions and quality of life also. Improvement of cognitive performance improve the quality of life.