Search Results (42)

Background/Objectives: Personality traits in patients with cluster headache (CH) remain understudied compared to migraine patients. This could help improve diagnosis, identify comorbidities, and provide more personalized management of CH. This study aimed to characterize the personality profiles of patients with CH and compare them with those of patients with migraine. Methods: This cross-sectional, case–control observational study was conducted at a tertiary hospital’s headache unit (May–August 2024). Patients with CH were compared with migraine patients and healthy controls. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) was administered. Results: The study included 28 CH patients (17 with episodic and 11 with chronic CH), 55 migraine patients (34 with episodic migraine and 21 with chronic migraine), and 54 healthy controls. Both patient groups reported significantly more somatic and cognitive complaints than controls (p < 0.05). Compared to controls, the migraine group exhibited greater emotional dysfunction, social avoidance, demoralization, introversion, and social anxiety (p < 0.05), while the CH group showed greater impulsivity (p < 0.05). Directly comparing patient groups, migraine patients displayed greater social avoidance, emotional dysfunction, demoralization, and introversion than the CH group (p < 0.05). CH patients also showed a non-significant trend towards behavioral disinhibition, hypomania, a favorable self-image, juvenile conduct problems, substance abuse, and aggressiveness. Patients with CH did not present a higher risk of suicide compared to migraine patients. Conclusions: This study identified distinct personality profiles: Migraine patients exhibited greater emotional and interpersonal dysfunction (internal distress and withdrawal), while CH patients exhibited greater externalizing behavioral dysfunction, predominantly involving impulsivity. Full article

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases recognized for their involvement in the degradation of the extracellular matrix and their important role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. This chronic inflammatory condition causes the degradation of dental supporting tissues, resulting in bone loss. In patients with periodontitis, the expression and activation of MMPs, especially MMP-8 and MMP-9, significantly influence tissue degradation. In periodontitis treatment, various natural or synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) and antibiotics are used in sub-antimicrobial doses. However, while the evidence supports a role for MMPIs in reducing inflammation, preserving connective tissue, and improving the results of conventional periodontitis treatment, their clinical application is limited. In this review, we summarize MMPIs, their characteristics, and the mechanisms of action that may support their use in the treatment of periodontitis. In conclusion, MMPIs are a therapeutic alternative with great potential in the management of periodontitis, especially when combined with mechanical treatments, although further research is needed to optimize their clinical use. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which, despite their shared inflammatory nature, differ markedly in clinical presentation and disease course. In this study, we aimed to explore whether these clinical differences are also reflected at the psychological level. Specifically, we sought to delineate the personality characteristics of a sample of patients with IBD and to investigate psychological and psychopathological differences between individuals with UC and CD. Methods: We enrolled 29 (44.61%) UC patients and 36 (55.39%) CD patients, all aged 18 years or older. Each participant completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), which was subsequently scored and interpreted by trained psychologists. The MMPI-2 is a 567-item inventory with dichotomous answers (true/false), providing measures of a wide range of symptoms, beliefs, attitudes, and personality traits. Results: The total sample showed clinically significant elevations on hypochondriasis (Hs), health concerns (HEA), general health concerns (HEA₃), and physical malfunctioning (D₃) scales. UC patients had statistically significant higher scores on hypomania (p = 0.043), lack of ego mastery—defective inhibition (p = 0.006), and fears (p = 0.038) scales than CD patients. On the other hand, CD patients showed statistically significant higher scores on the Overcontrolled Hostility scale (p = 0.043). Conclusions: Both groups of patients experience emotional difficulties related to their clinical conditions, leading to an increased preoccupation with bodily symptoms and illness. These aspects appear to be accompanied by shifts in mood towards a more depressive state. Notably, the UC group demonstrates a greater degree of impairment compared to the CD group, with experiences of anxiety, stress, difficulties in emotional control, and emerging relational challenges. Full article

Psychological distress and gut dysbiosis play key roles in IBD. This study investigated whether specific psychopathological and gut microbiota features predict adverse outcomes in UC patients. This retrospective cohort study included 35 UC patients recruited in 2019. Baseline assessments involved clinical interviews, psychiatric evaluations, and stool sampling. In 2024, follow-up interviews and medical record reviews assessed disease progression, including biologic therapy failure, hospitalization, surgery, and diagnosis changes. Disease activity was measured via the Mayo score. Psychological testing included MMPI-2, STAI-Y2, GSES, CD-RISC, and TAS-20. Patients with biological therapy failure showed increased levels of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Trabulsiella, while Firmicutes were less abundant. UC-related hospitalized patients had lower levels of Rikenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Faecalibacterium, Lachnospira, Methanobrevibacter, and Phascolarctobacterium compared to non-hospitalized patients. Hospitalized patients scored higher on the Sc clinical scale and the OBS and HEA content scales. Acidaminococcus and Bilophila were more abundant in patients who underwent surgery. PCA revealed differences between patients with and without biological failure. Logistic regression found that Fusobacteria were negatively correlated with the failure of three or more biologics, while Hy and Pd were positively correlated. Pa and Pt were negatively correlated with multifailure. Obsessiveness, health concerns, somatization, and reduced SCFA-producing bacteria may predict UC-related adverse outcomes. Full article

Although there is a growing body of research focused on the personality characteristics of victims and offenders, only a few studies have investigated both groups through robust and comprehensive measures of personality. The present study aimed to compare the PAI and MMPI-2-RF profiles between victims and offenders and investigate the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on their results. Samples of 107 female victims (age: M = 42.71; SD = 11.25) and 154 male inmates (age: M = 36.51; SD = 12.72) were compared, and statistically significant differences were found on several PAI and MMPI-2-RF scales. While the victims tended to score higher on scales such as Anxiety, Stress, Somatic Complaints and Thought Dysfunction, the inmates scored higher on scales related to Antisocial Traits, Drug Problems, and Aggressiveness-Revised, among others. Both groups reported a large number of ACEs, and linear regression analyses revealed that ACEs predicted PAI and MMPI-2-RF scores. A discriminant analysis also found that specific ACEs accurately discriminate psychological characteristics between victim and offender groups. In conclusion, the PAI and the MMPI-2-RF provided valuable information on the characteristics of victims and inmates, contributing to a better understanding of the nature of victimization and crime perpetration. Full article

In response to the growing demand for alternative protein sources and functional biomolecules for industrial applications, this study investigated the production of mycoprotein and extracellular (1→6)-β-D-glucan (lasiodiplodan) by the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae MMPI, establishing an integrated biotechnological platform. Soybean molasses were evaluated as a low-cost fermentation substrate and compared to a sucrose-based medium. The experimental design and response surface methodology defined conditions that maximized mycelial biomass and lasiodiplodan production. Mycelial biomass from soybean molasses was rich in essential amino acids, lipids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids like gamma-linolenic and alpha-linolenic acids, while sucrose favored higher lasiodiplodan production. Antioxidant compounds like gallic acid and catechin were also found in the biomass, showing potential for scavenging free radicals. Soybean molasses promoted lipid-rich biomass, suggesting L. theobromae MMPI’s potential for biofuel production. This study highlights the fungus’ utility in producing mycoproteins, lipids, and lasiodiplodan for food, animal feed, and industrial uses. Full article

Increasing cases of sunburn is one of the serious problems across the globe. In this connection, there is an urgent requirement for some effective sun screening agents. In the search for the same, nanoemulsions of some new synthesized and characterized chalcone derivatives were prepared and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In order to meet the said objective, in the first step, vanillin was reacted with 4-aminoacetophenone in the presence of 15% sodium hydroxide and ethanol to synthesize the target compounds (C-1 to C-5). Progress of reaction was monitored using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The crystals of purified compounds were characterized using spectroscopic techniques such as Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, ¹³C-NMR, and mass spectrometry. We prepared the nanoemulsions of the final compounds (C-1 to C-5) and subsequently evaluated them for in vitro sun protection factor activity. The concentration of the nanoemulsions, consistently ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 mg/mL across all formulations, demonstrated a high degree of consistency. The range of particle size varied from approximately 172 to 183 nm, with low polydispersity index values (approximately 0.11 to 0.15). The negative zeta potentials recorded for all the formulations (ranging from −35.87 mV to −39.30 mV) showed that the nanoemulsions are electrostatically stable enough to keep them from sticking together. The pH values of the nanoemulsions ranged narrowly from approximately 5.00 to 5.16, which indicated the compatibility of emulsion with biological systems and the potential to reduce irritation or instability during administration. The viscosity of the nanoemulsions varied between 2.00 and 2.12 cP. In silico studies were performed using MMP-I and MMP-2 as target receptors. For in vitro SPF evaluation, the Mansur equation was employed. COLIPA guidelines were compiled for in vivo SPF evaluation. The nanoemulsions derived from compounds C-3 and C-4, designated as C-3NE and C-4NE, were more effective as anti-aging agents. Findings suggested the possible scope of further synthesis of newer synthetic derivatives of chalcones for furfur development nanoemulsions for better SPF activity. Full article

Background and Objectives: Assessing pain deception is challenging due to its subjective nature. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of pain deception using machine learning (ML) analysis with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scales, considering accuracy, precision, recall, and f1-score as diagnostic parameters. Materials and Methods: This study was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Subjects were randomly allocated into a non-deception (ND) group and a deception (D) group. Pain deception, as a form of psychological intervention, was taught to subjects in the D group to deceive the physician. MMPI-2, Waddell’s sign, and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) were also measured. For analyzing the MMPI-2, the XGBoost ML algorithm was applied. Results: Of a total of 96 participants, 50 and 46 were assigned to the ND group and the D group, respectively. In the logistic regression analysis, pain and MMPI-2 did not show diagnostic value. However, in the ML analysis, values of the selected MMPI-2 (sMMPI-2) scales related to pain deception showed an accuracy of 0.724, a precision of 0.692, a recall of 0.692, and an f1-score of 0.692. Conclusions: Using MMPI-2 test results, ML can diagnose pain deception better than the conventional logistic regression analysis method by considering different scales and patterns together. Full article

According to the main international guidelines, patients with obesity and psychiatric/psychological disorders who cannot be addressed to surgery are recommended to follow a nutritional approach and a psychological treatment. A total of 94 patients (T0) completed a battery of self-report measures: Symptom Checklist-90—Revised (SCL-90-R), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), Binge-Eating Scale (BES), Obesity-Related Well-Being Questionnaire-97 (ORWELL-97), and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Then, twelve sessions of a brief psychodynamic psychotherapy were delivered, which was followed by the participants completing the follow-up evaluation (T1). Two groups of patients were identified: Group 1 (n = 65), who fully completed the assessment in both T0 and T1; and Group 2-dropout (n = 29), who fulfilled the assessment only at T0 and not at T1. Machine learning models were implemented to investigate which variables were most associated with treatment failure. The classification tree model identified patients who were dropping out of treatment with an accuracy of about 80% by considering two variables: the MMPI-2 Correction (K) scale and the SCL-90-R Phobic Anxiety (PHOB) scale. Given the limited number of studies on this topic, the present results highlight the importance of considering the patient’s level of adaptation and the social context in which they are integrated in treatment planning. Cautionary notes, implications, and future directions are discussed. Full article

The role of metalloproteinases (MMPs) in hematological malignancies, like acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), and multiple myeloma (MM), is well-documented, and these pathologies remain with poor outcomes despite treatment advancements. In this study, we investigated the effects of batimastat (BB-94), an MMP inhibitor (MMPi), in single-administration and daily administration schemes in AML, MDS, and MM cell lines. We used four hematologic neoplasia cell lines: the HL-60 and NB-4 cells as AML models, the F36-P cells as an MDS model, and the H929 cells as a model of MM. We also tested batimastat toxicity in a normal human lymphocyte cell line (IMC cells). BB-94 decreases cell viability and density in a dose-, time-, administration-scheme-, and cell-line-dependent manner, with the AML cells displaying higher responses. The efficacy in inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrests is dependent on the cell line (higher effects in AML cells), especially with lower daily doses, which may mitigate treatment toxicity. Furthermore, BB-94 activated apoptosis via caspases and ERK1/2 pathways. These findings highlight batimastat’s therapeutic potential in hematological malignancies, with daily dosing emerging as a strategy to minimize adverse effects. Full article

Suicide is an important public health issue. To examine the differences in personality characteristics between a group of adolescents with suicidal ideation (SI) and a group with a history of suicidal attempts (SA), we conducted a cross-sectional study. We enrolled 55 adolescents (51 females; 12–18 y.o.) who presented SI and/or SA. Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, we divided the sample into two groups: adolescents with SI and adolescents with SA. All participants filled in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescent (MMPI-A). Adolescents in the SA group had greater difficulties in social relations, risky behaviors, and more intense suicidal ideation compared to those in the SI group. Adolescents in the SA group scored higher in Omission, in the Lie Scale, the Conduct Problem Scale, the Less Aspirations Scale, the Repression Scale in the MMPI-A, and item 283 of the MAST compared to the other group. The results suggest that using the MMPI-A to assess certain features (e.g., tendency to lie, repression) may be helpful in identifying young people who are at high risk of suicide. However, further research is required to determine the effectiveness of using this instrument. Full article

The personality trait of social introversion refers to the individual inclination toward the inner/outer world. Moreover, adolescents who experience Gender Dysphoria (GD) can be involved in relationship conflicts with family, peers, and friends and experience stigmatization and rejection from society. This leads higher distress in females which are more sensitive to this kind of feelings. This leads in them frequently developing a negative sense of well-being and low self-esteem which increases their risk of internalizing symptoms. So, the aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the presence of significant differences in Social Introversion (SI) dimensions between an assigned-female at birth (AFAB) GD group and a cisgender female group both diagnosed with a depressive disorder, (2) to verify whether the two clinical groups may be characterized by different profiles of internalizing symptoms, (3) to investigate if the SI dimensions could promote the internalizing symptomatology. Our results confirmed the presence of significantly higher score in GD sample for MMPI-SI scale and subscales and showed no significant difference in depressive profiles. Lastly, SI could promote internalizing symptomatology in AFAB underlying a link between SI and depression in this condition which should be further investigated. Full article

Bachground In this study, we hypothesize that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may improve well-being and the related outcomes in Alzheimer’s dementia patients (AD-P) at an early stage. MBIs consist of the practice of consciously observing the psychic contents in the present moment (thoughts, sensations, feelings, and other events). This attention allows one to become aware of the psychic contents and integrate them, thus favoring the quality of life and an increase in the mood of practitioners. Methods The randomized controlled study enrolled 22 AD-P at an early stage (age ≥ 60 years) treated with MBIs and 22 patients without treatment (six months of MBI training). Tests (T0–T1 six months): Mini-Mental State Examination (MMPI); Spiritual Well-Being (SWB); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); SF36. Test-Caregiver: Everyday Cognition scales (ECOG). Results AD-P with mindfulness: Improvement of ECOG (p = 0.026), quality of life (p < 0.001), spiritual well-being (p < 0.001); decrease in depression BDI (p < 0.001). The MMSE remains unchanged. The control group of untreated patients showed a significant worsening in all these dimensions. Conclusions MBI training is effective in increasing quality of life and preventing worsening in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s dementia. Full article

The purpose of this study was to verify the relationship between the risk of smartphone dependence, mental health, and personality traits in university students using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF), and to identify the MMPI-2-RF scales that can predict the risk of smartphone dependence. Of the 772 university students who participated in the study, 163 were in the smartphone overdependence group, accounting for 21.1% of the total survey respondents, which was one in five of those surveyed. High T-scores on the measure indicate greater psychopathology. The smartphone overdependence group had significantly higher T-scores than the general user group on all but three of the MMPI-2-RF scales, and the degree of smartphone overdependence was positively correlated with scores on these scales. There was no difference between the dependent and non-dependent groups on the interpersonal passivity, aesthetic-literary interest, and aggression scales, and scores on these three were not correlated with smartphone dependence. Among the MMPI-2-RF scales, those found to predict the risk of smartphone overdependence were the emotional/internalizing problems, behavioral/externalizing problems, antisocial behavior, cognitive complaints, helplessness/hopelessness, inefficacy, juvenile conduct problems, aggression, interpersonal problems, disconstraint, negative emotionality/neuroticism, and introversion/low positive introversion/low positive emotionality scales. Based on these findings, we propose that effective prevention and intervention for smartphone overdependence must be comprehensive and holistic rather than focusing on specific aspects of mental health or personality. The implications of the findings are discussed. Full article

New organic stilbazolium family of 4-[2-(3 methoxy-phenyl)-vinyl]-1-methyl-pyridinium⁺ iodide⁻ (MMPI) was successfully synthesized using the condensation reaction method. The recrystallization process was carried out to improve the purity of the synthesized material, and MMPI and grown into a single crystal by the solvent evaporation method. The solubility of the (MMPI) material was taken at different temperatures with a mixture of solvent Methanol: Acetonitrile (1:1). The grown MMPI crystal structure and cell parameters were solved via single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structural formation of the title material was also confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopic (NMR) studies. The experimental vibrational bands in the synthesized material have been assigned by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrum analysis. From the optical analysis, the grown crystal’s lower cut-off wavelength, transmittance range, and optical band gap were calculated. Chemical etching analysis was carried out on the grown crystal surface (MMPI) to study the surface property of the grown MMPI crystal. Along with etching, atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were also used to analyses the grown MMPI crystal surface. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to analyses the intermolecular interactions. HOMO and LUMO energies were calculated theoretically using the Gaussian View 6 programmer. The chemical activity was evaluated via the molecular electrostatic potential using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The third-order nonlinear optical parameters of the title crystal were evaluated at He-Ne laser (632.8 nm) source with the single beam Z-scan technique. In addition, it shows significant reverse saturable absorption and self-defocusing. Full article