bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in facial expression recognition between patients suffering from Parkinson's disease and healthy subjects
Authors: Laskowska I. , Wiłkość M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPatients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may show impairment in their ability to recognize facial expressions. It has been speculated that this deficit is linked to hypodopaminergic state which may be connected with an increase in amygdalic activity.ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to assess ability in the perception and recognition of facial expressions among thirty-eight PD subjects and thirty-eight healthy control subjects matched by age, sex, and education level.AimsTo investigate differences in perception of positive, negative and neutral facial expressions, such as sadness, happiness, anger, disgust, fear, astonishment, distrust, uncertainty, curiosity, satisfaction, tenderness, disbelief, embarrassment, disrespect.MethodsThe Polish Emotional Intelligence Scale - Faces (SIET) was used.ResultsThe results obtained indicate more deficits in recognition of sadness, anger, distrust, embarrassment and tenderness in PD subjects, while happiness was better recognized by PD subjects than by healthy control subjects. Overall, negative expressions were more poorly recognized by PD patients while there were no differences in recognition of positive and neutral emotions in both groups. In addition, astonishment, embarrassment and distrust were more poorly recognized in females with PD when compared with female control subjects. Whereas in male PD subjects, the recognition of disbelief and negative expressions was more impaired when compared with male subjects from the control group.ConclusionsThe results suggest that a hypodopaminergic state affects ability to recognize facial expressions, particularly those expressing negative emotions.
Remission of poststroke cognitive impairment no dementia: Clinical and imaging correlates
Authors: Chen Y.K. , Lee E. , Ungvari G.S. , Lu J.Y. , Chu W.C.W. , Mok V.C.T. , Wong K.S. , Tang W.K. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionCerebral microbleeds (CMBs) may contribute to cognitive deficits in stroke. Cognitive impairment that does not meet the criteria for dementia (cognitive impairment no dementia [CIND]) is common in stroke, and patients with such impairment can revert to normal cognition.ObjectiveTo investigate the association of CMBs and remission of poststroke CIND.AimTo understand the evolution of poststroke cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) is bi-directional.Methods143 patients with CIND at three months after stroke were recruited and followed up for one year. Remission of CIND was defined as a conversion of cognitive status from CIND to cognitively intact at follow-up. MRI variables in terms of infarction, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and hippocampal volume were analyzed. Logistic regression was performed to find the predictors of the remission of poststroke CIND.Results30 (21.0%) out of the 143 patients converted to cognitive intact at follow-up. In univariate comparisons, subjects with remission of CIND had younger age (67.1 ± 9.5 vs.73.6 ± 7.6 years, p < 0.001) and higher education years (5.1 ± 4.0 vs.3.6 ± 4.0, p = 0.039). They also had lower WMHs volume (8.2 ± 8.2 vs. 18.6 ± 19.7 cm3, p < 0.001), lower frequency of CMBs (10.0% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.021) and lower volume of the lateral ventricle (33.3 ± 16.5 vs.42.6 ± 19.4 cm3, p = 0.017). In logistic regression, age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.913, 95%C.I. = 0.866–0.962, p = 0.001) and absence of CMBs (OR = 4.292, 95%C.I. = 1.174–15.625, p = 0.028) were significant predictors of remission of CIND.ConclusionsYounger age and absence of CMBs predict the remission of poststroke CIND.
Atrophy of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is associated with poor performance in verbal fluency in elderly poststroke women
Authors: Chen Y.K. , Lee E. , Ungvari G.S. , Lu J.Y. , Shi L. , Wang D.F. , Chu W.C.W. , Mok V.C.T. , Wong K.S. , Tang W.K. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPrefrontal cortex and sex difference are involved in verbal fluency network described in normal participants. Stroke patients often have prefrontal cortex atrophy.ObjectivesTo investigate whether atrophy in subdivisions of prefrontal cortex and sex difference contribute to verbal fluency in non-aphasic stroke patients.AimTo understand the relationship between the atrophy of left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and verbal performance in elderly poststroke women.Methods30 elderly (age> = 60 years old) women with non-aphasic ischemic stroke and 30 age-controlled stroke men recruited. Automatic segmentation methods were used to assess the volume of both sides of the whole prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, orbital frontal cortex and dorsalateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), as well as white matter lesions (WMLs) volume. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and semantic verbal fluency test (VFT, category: foods and animals) were administered at 3 and 15 months after the index stroke.ResultsThe mean (s.d) age was 73.3 ± 7.2 in women and 72.1 ± 6.9 in men. Men had higher education years, less diabetes and higher MMSE scores (p < 0.05). At 3 months after stroke, volume of the left DLPFC was significantly correlated with VFT score in women rather than men, even after controlled by age, education years, neurological deficit, diabetes, WMLs volume and infarct location (partial r = 0.477, p = 0.018). At 15 months, this correlation remained significant (partial r = 0.548, p = 0.006) in women.ConclusionSex difference may be present in the neuropsychological mechanism of verbal fluency impairment in patients with cerebrovascular disease.
Anxiety and depression in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Masmoudi J. , Mnif L. , Damak R. , Charfi N. , Zouari H. , Zouari N. , Jaoua A. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveThe objective of this work was to study the prevalence of anxiety and depression in a population of elderly diabetics and their impact on the glycemic control and the disease evolution.MethodsIt was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study on 62 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data to describe the participants and aspects of their diabetes. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsThe patients’ mean age was 66.82 years with a standard deviation of 4.8. The diabetes study population was predominantly female (74.2%). Average duration of diabetes was 12 years with a standard deviation of 8.11. Prevalence of anxiety and depression in diabetic elderly patients was respectively 40.3% and 22.6% with a female dominance. 67.7% of elderly diabetes had poor glycemic control. Comparing anxiety mean scores, patients with worse glycemic control had significantly higher scores (9 06 ± 3. 14 vs 6.55; p = 0. 017). We didn’t found a relationship between depression and glycemic control. In our population, the presence of complications were significantly associated with anxiety and depression.ConclusionSeveral studies have shown that the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in elderly patients with diabetes is considerably higher than in general population samples. Depression represent a risk factor for morbidity specially in elderly subjects, which justify a detection of psychiatric symptoms in order to improve the quality of life and the evolution of the disease.
Depression and obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) in the elderly: Study on a population of elderly patients recovered in acute setting
Authors: Santangelo A. , Albani S. , Atteritano M. , Cappello A. , Pavano S. , Testai M. , Tomarchio M. , Maugeri D. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe obstructive sleep-apnea (OSAS) is a syndrome common in elderly, dangerous and frequently misunderstood by the superficiality of the evaluation of nonspecific symptoms of onset.Objectives and aimsIn this study we studied the prevalence of sleep-apnea (OSAS) in a sick elderly population admitted to a Acute Geriatrics, the correlation with cardiovascular disease and the effects on performaces psychometricMethods62 subjects were examined in Acute Cure of Geriatrics of University of Catania. All subjects, after a careful medical history, were administered MMSE to cognitive and affective aspect for GDS. Also consider the autonomy and self-reliance by Barthel-Index, IADL and ADL. All subjects also performed 24-hour Holter-ECG examination and examination for Holter blood pressure in 24 hours, made basic spirometric assessments and finally carried out the examination with polysomnography VitalNight-8.ResultsThe results in this study have ample evidence on the prevalence of OSAS in the elderly population admitted to the ward for acute cases. Shall also be significant correlations with cognitive status and mood, both largely influenced negatively by the presence of OSAS. They seem much more depressed elderly patients with OSAS compared with the general population. Finally, the highly statistically significant correlation with the presence of OSAS arrhythmias, high pressure is not controlled by drug therapy, obesity and Chronic Bronchitis.ConclusionsThis study reports the evidence of higher correlation between OSAS and Depression in population studied. All these data make us conclude the obvious danger of this disease still so 'little studied in the elderly population.
Increased prevalence of depression in cohorts of elderly. A longitudinal epidemiological study: The hunt-study
Authors: Solhaug H.I. , Johansen E.B. , Romild U. , Stordal E. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionAs the elderly population is growing world-wide, depression in the elderly is becoming an increasing health problem. Studies of depression shows varying results in development patterns with age (1, 2).AimsTo study changes in prevalence and new cases of depression in elderly age cohorts.MethodsThe Nord-Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT) is a general health survey conducted in Nord-Trøndelag County with a follow-up after 11 years. The participants aged 45 years or above at baseline were included. Depression was covered by the depression sub-scale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D; 3). Prevalence and incidence of depression was estimated in the different age cohorts.Results16517 participants were included and divided in age cohorts based on their age at baseline. A significant increase in depression was found in all age cohorts from 76 years at follow-up. The oldest age cohort (86–90 years at follow-up) had the greatest increase with a change from 11.3% to 20.9%. New cases of depression is increasing with age, with over 10% new cases in all age cohorts aged 81 years and above at follow-up.ConclusionsWe found increased prevalence of depression and a large number of new cases of depression in the oldest age cohorts.
Higher depression score in recurrent miscarriage patients is associated with the level of anti-double-stranded-DNA-antibody, soluble-gp130, soluble-leptin-receptor and hookah smoking
Authors: Bagheri K. , Ebadi P. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionDepression stands out as an important health issue that affects the entire family.Objectivesto assess the prevalence and level of depression and its relationship with autoantibodies, individual, environmental, laboratory and lifestyle parameters in miscarriage-patientsAimsto evaluate the causes or effects of depression in recurrent miscarriage-patients.Methods50 variables containing sociodemographics, health-related habits, depression, serum molecules and blood parameters were evaluated in recurrent miscarriage-patients and healthy women with natural childbirth.ResultsAlthough no significant differences for 4 sociodemographic and 18 health-related lifestyle parameters were found between patients and controls but depression score and its prevalence was higher in patients than controls. Depression scores were higher in miscarriage-patients (ranging 3–36, mean = 11.92 ± 1.37) than controls (ranging 0–8, mean = 3.05 ± 0.63) which 80.96% of them had no or mild, 2.38% mild-moderate, 4.76% moderate and 11.9% severe depression. There was also a significant association between anti-double-stranded-DNA-antibody (anti-dsDNA) or rheumatoid-factor (RF) level and depression in miscarriage-patients. Interestingly, depression score was inversely correlated with the level of soluble-leptin-receptor (sLeptinR) and soluble-glyeoprotein-130 (sgp130) after controlling for covariates in patients. Depression of miscarriage-patients was correlated with hookah consumption rate. Surprising that, the association between abortion histories and depression in miscarriage-patients become not significant after controlling for age.ConclusionsDepression score and its prevalence are higher in miscarriage-patients than controls. The depression levels are correlated with certain autoantibodies such as anti-dsDNA or some habits like hookah smoking in miscarriage-patients. Inverse association between depression and some soluble molecules like sgp130 or sLeptinR in recurrent miscarriage-patients also remained to be elucidated.
Higher depression score is associated with the level of antinuclear-antibody, soluble-gp130, soluble-leptin-receptor, hookah and cigarette smoking in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bagheri K. , Ebadi P. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionDepression stands out as an important health issue. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disorder with possible involvement of each body organ and system.Objectivesto determine prevalence and level of depression and its relationship with autoantibody titers, individual, environmental, laboratory and lifestyle parameters in SLE-patientsAimsto evaluate the causes or effects of depression in SLE-patients.Methods50 variables containing sociodemographics, health-related habits, depression, serum molecules and blood parameters were evaluated in SLE-patients and healthy controls.ResultsAlthough no significant differences for 4 sociodemographic and 18 health-related lifestyle parameters were found between patients and controls but depression score and its prevalence in SLE-patients was higher. SLE-patients had higher depression score than controls. 94.12% of SLE-patients had no or mild depression, while the rest had mild-moderate or moderate depression. Furthermore, more depressed SLE-patients had higher level of autoantibodies. Between lupus-related-parameters such as autoantibodies, complement level and other hematological parameters, only the correlation of antinuclear-antibody (ANA) titer and depression score remained significant after controlling for variables. Interestingly, depression score was inversely correlated with the level of soluble-leptin-receptor (sLeptinR) and soluble-glyeoprotein-130 (sgp130) after controlling for variables in SLE-patients. Depression of SLE-patients had a direct association with alcohol, cigarette and hookah consumption.ConclusionsDepression score and its prevalence are higher in SLE-patients than controls. These depression levels are correlated with ANA or some habits like hookah smoking in patient group. Inverse association between depression and some soluble molecules like sgp130 or sLeptinR in SLE-patients also remained to be elucidated.
Psychosis and autoimmune disorders
Authors: Oliveira S.G. , Pereira S.M. , Mendes J.C. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPsoriasis is a common, chronic, erythematous dermatosis with prevalence estimates ranging from 0, 3% to 2, 5%. This recurring disorder is associated with significant psychological distress, a decrease in health-related quality of life and psychiatric morbidity. The most common psychiatric comorbidities are mental retardation, personality disorder and affective disorders.ObjectivesThe authors’ aim is to present a clinical vignette of a 27-year-old male suffering from psoriasis who was admitted to the psychiatric yard exhibiting psychotic symptoms. A literature's review about the association between psychosis and autoimmune disorders, particularly with psoriasis vulgaris, was also made.Case reportThe patient is a 27-year-old single male with normal IQ. He had no physical ilnesses during childhood and adolescence. There was no history of psychiatric or developmental disorders in the patient and his family. In early adulthood he was diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris. The patient's father also suffered from the same skin disorder. At the age of 27 he began to hear voices commenting on his behaviour and he exhibited psychomotor agitation, delusions of persecution, and sexual disinhibition. Admission in psychiatric yard was necessary to treat psychotic symptoms.ConclusionsThe skin and the brain are embryologically related. Consequently, a relationship between psychological factors and skin diseases has long been hypothesized. Schizophrenia has been associated with nearly 50% higher lifetime prevalence of one or more autoimmune disorders but further studies are necessary to elucidate the possible association between psoriasis vulgaris and psychosis.
Significant decreases of circulating endothelial cells but no changes of endothelial progenitor cells or mesenchymal stem cells during antidepressant treatment
Authors: Kollmar R. , Herrmann M. , Stöckl T. , Weinzierl U. , Schwab S. , Kornhuber J. , Kalb R. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveWe examined leukocyte numbers, circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CD34+, CD133+), circulating mesenychmal stem cells (CD105+) and circulating endothelial cells (CD146+) at the beginning, after 4 weeks and at the end of an inpatient antidepressant treatment.Methods24 insufficiently pretreated inpatients with major depression were included. At admission, after four weeks and at demission blood samples were obtained, and cell numbers were counted by flow cytometric analysis (FACS). At each examination the severity of the depression was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). We were especially interested in the changes of cell numbers during the antidepressant treatment. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 14.0.ResultsThe mean BDI score fell from 34 ± 7 at the beginning to 26.5 ± 6.6 after four weeks and 13.5 ± 5.7 at demission. The longer the overall duration of the depressive illness, the higher the number of leukocytes at admission (P < 0.0001). The lower the depression score at demission, the lower the final number of leukocytes (P < 0.001). During the antidepressant treatment the BDI depression score improved significantly (P < 0.0001). The number of CD146+ cells showed a significant decrease (P < 0.006). We did not find any significant changes of circulating CD34+, CD105+, or CD133+ cells during the antidepressant treatment.ConclusionsThe leukocyte results suggest an activation of the immune system in major depression and a deactivation due to antidepressant treatment.
The impact of wildfires on mental health of residents in a rural area of Greece. A case control population based study
Authors: Adamis D. , Papanikolaou V. , Mellon R.C. , Prodromitis G. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPsychopathological disturbances are common in the aftermaths of a disaster. The consequences of these disorders can be long lasting. In August of 2007 an intense and destructive wildfire broke out in the Peloponnesus peninsula in Greece.ObjectivesTo investigate psychological and psychiatric morbidity in individuals who had experienced severe exposure to a wildfire disaster in a part of Greece and to indentify risk factors for the post disaster psychological problems.AimsTo investigate a broader spectrum of mid-term psychological and psychiatric morbidity in victims, to evaluate the proportion of psychopathology that could be accredited to the disaster, to estimate the association of losses with different psychological symptoms, to indentify risk factors for psychopathology.MethodsA Cross sectional case control study of adult population (18–65 years old). Data collected among others were demographic, Symptom Checklist 90-Revised for assessment of psychological difficulties, type and number of losses.ResultsThose damnified from the disaster scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the symptoms of somatisation, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoia, and had significantly more symptoms (PST) and were more distressed by them (GSI) compared to controls. In addition risk factors for someone to be a psychiatric case were to be a victim from the fire, to have finished primary school, to be windowed and to have damages to his property.ConclusionsWildfires can cause considerable psychological symptoms in victims and there are reasons for public health policy makers to create services in order to help and improve the mental health of those affected.
Bringing “simple steps” -a multimedia package for autism specific behaviour therapy- to Europe
Authors: Röttgers H.R. , Brugger B. , Keenan M. , Gallagher S. , Dillenburger K. , Stromgren B. , Perez Gonzales L.A. , Martin N. 
Published: May 2011

Individualised behavioural interventions are known to promote development, enhance skills and communication and reduce rigid and stereotypical patterns in children with autism spectrum disorder especially if they start in early pre-school age and are offered in high intensity. In many countries, however, these interventions are not available to families with autistic children. This may be due to lack of funding, lack of qualified staff and/or insufficient traditions of evidence-based procedures in institutions working with autistic children.Facing this situation, the European Union Leonardo Transfer of Innovation Programm funded the adaptation and localisation of a highly successful Northern Irish multimedia tool for England and Scotland, Norway, Spain and Germany.The multimedia package consists of a brochure with basic information on ASD, diagnostics and intervention. In addition, a DVD offers expert interviews, parents’ testimonials and an introduction to autism specific behavioural therapy, well established as Autism Applied Behaviour Analysis in the anglo-american countries. An accompanying CD-ROM contains additional background information and practical tools for therapy implementation.It can be used by parents, kindergarten and school special needs staff and therapeutic institutions for education and for therapy planning and evaluation. In Germany, Spain, Norway and the UK it is offered free of charge under EU funding.
Hypokalemia-induced psychosis
Authors: Ali S. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionHypokalemia can induced Psychotic symptoms even before the physiological manifestations appears. An association is established between hypokalemia and acute psychosis in this case.AimTo Identify the clinical, physiological and metabolic risk factors for all the patients presenting with psychiatric disturbances.ObjectiveTo do medical and base line laboratory investigations to all the patients presenting with acute psychiatric disturbances.MethodA 74 years old gentleman assessed in emergency department following emergency refferal by a general practioner, for an acute psychotic decompensation and suicidal ideation. Patient had a histroy of psychotic episode 30 years ago with one week hospitalization and six month priscription of psychotropic medication. Patient had a relatively stable functioning without any further contact with the psychiatric services till the current episode. After psychiatric assessment patient was discharge home with a priscription of olanzapine 2.5 mg and citalopram 10 mg, for further assessment and investigations by psychiatry of old age.ResultsOne week later patient presented to Emergency Department with shortness of breath and chest dyscomfort. Detailed medical and laboratory investigations revealed Hypokalemia with potassium level at 2.0 mmol/L.The patient showed a prompt improvement in psychosis following intravenous potassium replacement.ConclusionThis case highlights the importance of thorough medical and laboratory evaluation when assessing a psychotic patient. A narrow focuss on psychosis and ignoring organic and metabolic factors can be potentially dangerous to a patient.