bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FC28-01 - Psychosocial interventions for people with dementia in Irish residential settings: What nurses and health care assistants know, do and want to learn
Authors: Hunter A. 
Published: May 2011

Introduction35.6 million people are living with dementia worldwide. Up to 40% of people with a dementia go into residential care. There is a need to understand PSI practice and training requirements of practioners.ObjectivesInterview and observe stake holders (service users, carers, educationalists and practitioners). Participants were asked to explore their understanding of the value of PSIs. Develop grounded theory to inform the development of a structured education programme for PSIs.AimsIdentify current practice and the potential to develop PSI training. Contribute to a structured education programme. Develop a framework for the implementation of PSIs.MethodsClassical Grounded theory.ResultsDelivery of PSIs is dependent upon the influence of: attributes, experience and education. These factors are affected by the need to be flexible and individual ideas of what is effective. All of these factors are shaped by the need to make the most of limited resources and complete basic physical tasks.ConclusionsA complicated range of influences impact upon the delivery of PSIs. Theory developed indicates that PSI education must address practitioner attitude and emphasise the benefits to staff efficiency and reducing agitation in people with dementia along with improving the quality of life of people with dementia.
FC28-02 - Generalized anxiety disorder in the elderly. An Italian population-based study
Authors: Forlani M. , Atti A.R. , Attili T. , Morini V. , Forlani C. , Cimino L. , Dalmonte E. , De Ronchi D. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe longevity of population is an evidence over the past decades. Elderly physical and mental health are imperative. Despite anxiety is common and has adverse consequences, literature is meagre.ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in elderly and to investigate the association with physical comorbidity, depression, daily habits.Methods426 subjects from the population-based Faenza Community Aging Study (De Ronchi et al 2005), mean age 85,1 (Standard Deviation = 6,9). The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory short-form (GAI-sf) was utilized to define GAD (score ≥ 3). Logistic-regression were used to estimated odds ratio and 95%Confidence Intervals (CI).ResultSubjects with anxiety were 84 (21,2%), 63,1% were women. For age < 80 the prevalence of GAD was 38,1% while for age> 95 was 4,8%. When we compared elderly with GAD to elderly not affected we found the following results: no hobbies (83,3% vs 79,6%) p = 0,124, no friendship (21,8% vs 15,8%) p = 0,425, they don’t make physical activity (53,7% vs 45,6%) p = 0,214 than subjects without anxiety. To have comorbidity was associated with anxiety: one disease OR (CI95%) = 2,71 (1,15–6,24), two or three OR (CI95%) = 2,57 (1,07–6,16) and > three OR (CI95%) = 7,5 (1,81–31,05). Hypertension was positively associated with anxiety OR (CI95%) = 1,94 (1,04-3,62). Depression was highly correlated with anxiety OR (CI 95%) = 5,82 (3,39–9,98). Moderate alcohol consumption was negative associated with anxiety OR(CI 95%) = 0,49 (0,25–0,95).ConclusionAnxiety in elderly is frequent and should be actively investigated especially in elderly with comorbidity.
FC28-03 - Are there effective strategies for communicating with Alzheimer patients?
Authors: Trascu R. , Spiru L. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionDiagnosing Alzheimer Disease (AD) is a long-lasting process, mainly due to the variability of initial symptoms (i.e. memory problems, speech difficulties, behavioral changes). Patients are usually either unaware of their difficulties or attempting to conceal them.AimsWe wanted to establish whether, based on existing knowledge, a better understanding of the leading causes of miscommunication can overcome communication barriers for AD patients.ObjectivesWe tried to summarize the existing recommendations and gold-practices and to contract them into key messages in order to improve quality of communication.MethodWe performed a systematic overview of medical literature (PubMed search, disclos* OR communic* NOT communicate AND Alzheimer), selecting of the 516 resulting titles those papers focused on doctor/patient and doctor/caregiver communication issues.ResultsSpecific communication requirements were identified for effective collaboration between(1)physician and patient,(2)physician and patient's caregivers/family and(3)caregivers/family and patient.A minimal set of communication skills and predictable courses of action was further developed, depending on(a)best practices and(b)recommended practices.ConclusionsAlthough communicating with people with Alzheimer is difficult, quite often the communication barriers are mainly due to an inaccurate perception of the disease and of patient limitations and disabilities. Understanding the mechanisms involved and acquiring certain interpersonal habits may significantly improve communication effectiveness, particularly in mild and moderate AD.
FC28-04 - Quality of life assessment after cardiac surgery in octogenarians: Is it really feasible?
Authors: Pontoni G. , Ferrari S. , Gabbieri D. , Pedulli M. , Gambetti D. , Ghidoni I. , Rigatelli M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionCardiac surgery is being performed more frequently in octogenarians with huge pressure on health care resources. Quality of Life (QoL) improvement should be the primary goal in this high-risk patients.Aims/objectivesThis study evaluates the feasibility of QoL assessment in octogenarians after cardiac surgery.MethodsQoL was assessed by three self-administered psychometric tests: modified Seattle Angina Questionnaire, SF-36, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. QoL was evaluated after a mean time of 5.5 years after operation in 86 patients, and before and 6 months after surgery in 21 patients.ResultsRetrospective evaluation of QoL showed absence of physical limitation in 50% of patients, treatment satisfaction in 80%, symptoms-free conditions in 62%, poor or absent disease perception in 94%, satisfactory wellbeing and enjoyment of life in 78%. QoL six-month variance analysis showed significant improvement in 4 of 5 modified SAQ domains (except of Treatment Satisfaction), 6 of 8 SF-36 domains (except of Emotional Role Limitation and Vitality), and in both depression and anxiety HADS subscales. However, test's self-administration failed, always necessitating physician and relatives’ help. Moreover, several questions showed to be unfit for this subset of patients.ConclusionsDespite the emerged limitations using these tests, cardiac surgery seems to improve QoL in octogenarians with cardiac disease. After 5 years the prevalence of physical disability, cardiac symptoms and functional limitation due to cardiac symptoms, are comparable to the overall octogenarian population. QoL improvement appears more evident 6 months after the operation. New suitable tests are required for old patients.
FC29-01 - Reduced cortical inhibition in violent offenders: A study with transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Philipp-Wiegmann F. , Römer K.D. , Retz W. , Rösler M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionAggression and violent behaviour are often noticed as a threat of society. Therefore, the understanding of violent behaviour has high social relevance.ObjectivesThe investigation sample comprised 80 right-handers: 40 prisoners who committed severe violent crimes and 40 controls with no history of violence. All subjects were male and matched for age.AimesWe performed a study with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a sample of violent offenders in order to measure cortical inhibition in the motoneural system which is part of the frontal cortex.MethodsTo investigate the intracortical inhibition and the intracortical facilitation we conducted paired-pulse stimulation according to the technique of Kujirai et al. (1993). The investigation sample comprised 80 right-handers: 40 prisoners who committed severe violent crimes and 40 controls with no history of violence. All subjects were male and matched for age.ResultsUsing the paired-pulse paradigm with interstimulus intervals (ISI) of 1–15 ms, a reduced cortical inhibition (ISI 3 ms) was found in violent offenders compared with control subjects in the left cortex.ConclusionsThese findings corroborate the hypothesis of inhibition deficits in violent offenders when compared with control subjects due to a lack of impulsive control.
FC29-02 - Is prenatal exposure to alcohol a factor which re-program the brain?
Authors: Sliwowska J.H. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionFetal programming refers to the concept that early environmental factors, including prenatal exposure to stress and drugs, can permanently organize or imprint physiological and behavioural systems and increase vulnerability to disorders such as depression and anxiety later in life.AimsIs prenatal exposure to alcohol a factor which re-programs the brain?ObjectivesEffects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on:1)the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis;2)the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis;3)serotonergic (5-HT) system and4)adult hippocampal neurogenesis are presented.MethodsOffspring from prenatal ethanol (PAE), pair-fed (PF) and ad lib-fed control (C) dams are studied across the development or in adulthood. Immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques are used.ResultsIn term of the HPA axis: PAE alters the balance of mineralocorticoids/glucocorticoids (MRs/GRs) receptor levels in the hippocampus of adult females. In the case of the HPG axis: PAE delays puberty and changes hormonal profiles in males and females. PAE also decreases numbers of 5-HT-immunoreactive neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus of the brainstem in ovariectomized rats and estradiol and progesterone modulate those effects. Finally, in adult PAE males, but not females stress-induced decrease in neurogenesis is altered.ConclusionsIn our animal model PAE re-programs the brain. Effects of PAE are long-lasting, affect HPA and HPG axes, 5-HT system and adult hippocampal neurogenesis and if seen in humans could contribute to increased vulnerability to depression and anxiety.
FC29-03 - Effects of chronic oral treatment with aripiprazole on expression of nmda receptor subunits and binding sites in rat brain
Authors: Zink M. , Segnitz N. , Ferbert T. , Schmitt A. , Gass P. , Gebicke-Härter P.J. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe glutamatergic theory of schizophrenia proposes a dysfunction of ionotropic N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptors (NR). Several therapeutic strategies address NR function and effects of antipsychotic agents on NR expression have been described.ObjectivesThe partial dopaminergic and serotonergic agonist aripiprazole (APZ) was able to counteract behavioural effects of NR antagonists, but effects of APZ on NR expression have not been investigated.AimsTo evaluate effects of APZ on NR mRNA and protein expressionMethodsWe treated Sprague-Dawley rats for 4 weeks or 4 months with APZ in daily oral doses of 10 and 40 mg per kg body weight. Expression of the NR subunits NR1, NR2A, NR2B, NR2C and NR2D was assessed by semiquantitative radioactive in situ-hybridization, and in parallel receptor binding using 3H-MK-801 receptor autoradiography.ResultsIncreased expression levels of NR1 (4 weeks), NR2A (4 weeks), NR2C (4 weeks and 4 months) and NR2D (4 months) were observed in several hippocampal and cortical brain regions. The parallel reduced expression of NR2B mRNAs (4 months) resulted in a relative increase of the NR2A/NR2B ratio. Marked differences between specific brain regions, the doses and time points of assessment became obvious. On the receptor level, increased MK-801-binding was found after 4 weeks in the 40 mg-group and after 4 months in the 10 mg-group.ConclusionsThe effects of APZ converge in enhanced NMDA-receptor expression and a shift of subunit-composition towards adult-type receptors. Our results confirm regulatory connections between dopaminergic, serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission with relevance for cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
FC29-04 - Gene-brain -environment interactions in violent behavior
Authors: Staniloiu A. , Markowitsch H.J. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe prediction, prevention and treatment of violence pose several challenges that are partly due to incompletely described neurobiological underpinnings of human violent behavior.ObjectivesThis work's objectives are establishing greater recognition of the neurochemical substrates of violent behavior and importance of the gene-environment interplay in the development of violence, distinguishing the components of the functional neural networks involved in violent behavior and facilitating the interpretation of relations between brain damage and alterations in social behavior from a perspective that takes into account variables such as developmental phase, brain-environment interactions and neuroplasticity.AimsWe provide an overview of the neurobiological underpinnings of violence and the roles and advantages of using static and functional brain imaging in studying violent behavior.MethodsA comprehensive review of the scientific literature on the neurobiology of violence was performed. A theoretical framework for the possible role of epigenetic factors in mediating the predisposition for violence is advanced.ResultsResearch data from various fields (such as genetics, cognitive and affective neurosciences, static and functional neuroimaging) suggest that the predisposition for violent behavior is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms underlying lasting environmentally-induced modifications in gene expression have recently been implicated in the pathogeny of various psychiatric and non-psychiatric diseases and social behavior disturbances.ConclusionsThe genetic, neurochemical and neuroimaging findings from various studies emphasize the complex role of the gene-environment interplay in the pathogenesis of violence and open a path of hope for the development and optimal timing of violence prevention strategies.
FC29-05 - Season, sunlight, and brain serotonin function
Authors: Praschak-Rieder N. , Willeit M. , Sitte H. , Meyer J.H. , Kasper S. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionMany experience low mood and energy during winter. Brain serotonin is involved in the regulation of many physiologic and pathologic functions that vary with season. Seasonal variations in peripheral serotonergic markers have been described in clinical and nonclinical populations, and a postmortem study shows seasonal differences in hypothalamic serotonin concentration.AimWe investigated the molecular background of seasonal changes in serotonin function by conducting a series of studies on serotonin transporter (5-HTT) density and function in depression and health.MethodsIn a large study in drug-free patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) we aimed at detecting state-related alterations in 5-HTT-mediated inward and outward transport in platelets. Another study in healthy subjects aimed at detecting seasonal variations in 5-HTT binding in the living human brain using [11C] DASB positron emission tomography. Regional 5-HTT binding, an index of 5-HTT density, was assessed in a large sample of drug-naïve healthy volunteers, and was related to meteorological and astronomical data.ResultsIn patients with SAD we showed that the 5-HTT is in a hyperfunctional state during winter depression, and normalizes after light therapy and in natural summer remission. In healthy subjects, 5-HTT binding was higher in autumn/winter as compared to spring/summer. Regional 5-HTT binding correlated negatively with daily sunshine, such that higher values occurred at times of lesser light.ConclusionsSince high 5-HTT density is associated with low synaptic serotonin levels, regulation of 5-HTT density and 5-HTT function by light is a mechanism that may explain seasonal changes in normal and pathologic behaviours.
FC29-06 - Psychological stress causes relative infertility through direct change in the frequency pattern of GnRH release from the hypothalamus
Authors: Pirkalani K.K. , Talaee Rad Z. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectivesEvaluation of oscillation pattern of GnRH release by the hypothalamus in different mental statesMaterials and methodsTwenty two patients were evaluated by a computer algorithm to find oscillation of LH/GnRH pulsation measured on four sessions (day 6 and 14) every 10 minutes within two consecutive cycles in addition to the MCMI-III and Hamilton test.ResultsThe pattern of oscillation was indirectly correlated with Hamilton scale and the anxiety state and showed statistically significant lowering of frequency during anxiety and depression states. Besides, the slope of GnRH between two consecutive sessions (d0GnRH0/GnRH1dt) showed also a prominent reduction and even flattening. In addition the time to ovulation was also postponed in cycles with prominent anxiety.Conclusions1.Psychological stress exerts its effect through a reduction of pulsation frequency in GnRH release.2.Pattern of GnRH pulsation changes in the range of ¼ to 1/15 of the baseline and external stimuli have strength of changing hormonal milieu in this range.3.MCMI-III is an excellent tool for evaluating psychological state of the patient.4.Patients with borderline, schizoid, dependent, depressed and passive aggressive personality suffer most from irregularity of menstruation cycles.5.Patients with chronic major depression are subject to menstrual irregularity highest during stabilization of disease and in the early phases of recovery after treatment with SSRI.6.Treatment of depression/anxiety causes a reduction of menstrual cycles length.7.Measurement of GnRH, FSH, LH and Estradiol on two sessions one week apart is a nice marker for regularity and ovulation.
FC30-01 - Severe mental illness is an HIV indicator disease
Authors: Ferrara M. , Solignani G. , Ferrari S. , Rigatelli M. , Guaraldi G. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionHIV testing is not yet a routine procedure in most mental health settings although adults with severe mental illness (SMI) are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.ObjectivesWe focused our attention to explore if the appropriate care of patients with SMI may include a routine HIV testing offering and thus contribute to diagnose HIV-infected persons earlier in the course of their infection.MethodsWe present three case histories related to primary HIV diagnosis in patients presenting with different psychiatric disorders, admitted to Modena teaching Hospital in the passed two years.ResultsPsychiatric symptoms delayed HIV diagnosis in all of the three reported cases.ConclusionsThe case histories here presented suggest that HIV testing is appropriate in the care of people with SMI, avoiding delay in HIV diagnosis with an obvious clinical benefit for the patient. Further studies are needed to assess the prevalence of HIV in those patients. These will be able to validate psychiatric diseases within a specific HIV indicator diseases list and help identifying a segment of the population in which HIV test must be routinely offered as a public health strategy, to face the burden of undiagnosed HIV infection.
FC30-02 - Common mental disorders in TB/HIV co-infected patients in Ethiopia
Authors: Deribew A. , Tesfaye M. , Michael Y.H. , Apers L. , Duchateau L. , Colebunders R. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundThe relationship between TB/HIV co-infection and common mental disorders (CMD) has been scarcely investigated. In this study, we compared the occurrence of CMD in TB/HIV co-infected and non-co-infected HIV patients in Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted a cross sectional study in three hospitals in Ethiopia from February to April, 2009.The study population consisted of 155 TB/HIV co-infected and 465 non-co-infected HIV patients. CMD was assessed through face to face interviews by trained clinical nurses using the Kessler 10 scale. Several risk factors for CMD were assessed using a structured questionnaire.ResultsTB/HIV co-infected patients had significantly (p = 0.001) greater risk of CMD (63.7%) than the non-co-infected patients (46.7%). When adjusted for the effect of potential confounding variables, the odds of having CMD for TB/HIV co-infected individuals was 1.7 times the odds for non-co-infected patients [OR = 1.7, (95%CI: 1.0, 2.9)]. Individuals who had no source of income [OR = 1.7, (95%CI: 1.1, 2.8)], and day labourers [OR= 2.4, 95%CI: 1.2, 5.1)] were more likely to have CMD as compared to individuals who had a source of income and government employees respectively. Patients who perceived stigma [OR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.5, 3.2)] and who rate their general health as “poor” [OR = 10.0, 95%CI: 2.8, 35.1)] had significantly greater risk of CMD than individual who did not perceive stigma or who perceived their general health to be “good”.ConclusionTB/HIV control programs should develop guidelines to screen and treat CMD among TB/HIV co-infected patients.
FC30-03 - Cognitive functioning in young, professionally active men after CABG operation
Authors: Krysta K. , Woznica A. , Krzych L.J. , Pawlak A. , Skarysz J. , Eysmontt Z. , Krupka-Matuszczyk I. , Bochenek A. , Cisowski M. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe development of operation techniques and care of the patients treated with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) has an influence on the reduction of mortality, the frequency of post-operation myocardial infarctions and other important side-effects. Still a certain remaining problem are cognitive dysfunctions.AimsThe purpose of this study was to the analysis of selected cognitive functions before the operation and shortly after the operation.Methods120 men aged below 65 were invited to the study. Finally 50 patients were recruited to the study, who underwent CABG with extra-corporeal circulation. The examined group consisted of 50 men with a mean age of 54.4 ± 5.6. 36% of the examined patients had a myocardial infraction in the past, 76% suffered from hypertension, 60% from diabetes. The cognitive assessment was done with a standardized Vienna Test System (VTS) battery. Following cognitive functions were examined visuo-spatial short-term memory (CORSI test), precise and continuous attention (COGNITRON), psychomotor speed and co-ordination (MLS test).ResultsAfter the operation the visuo-spatial memory and continuous attention improved. The learning abilities did not change, and the psychomotor performance decreased. Statistically significant positive correlations were found referring to visuo-spatial memory and continuous attention before and after the operation.ConclusionsCoronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with the use of extra-corporeal circulation in young men with no comorbid diseases aged below 65 has no significant impact on such cognitive functions like visuo-spatial memory, continuous attention and learning abilities. However the decrease of psychomotor performance was observed.