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Objectives The use of synthetic cannabimimetics (SC; “spice” drugs) is increasing, especially among teenagers and young adults. In parallel with this, the number of studies describing intoxication episodes associated with psychotic symptoms in SC users is growing. We present both a systematic review of the related literature and a case report, which seems to highlight the existence of a possible association between SC use and psychosis. Methods Some 223 relevant studies were here identified and reviewed. Out of these, 120 full text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 41 were finally included in the systematic review. Results According to the available data from the studies here identified, SC's average age of users was 22.97 years, and the male/female ratio was 3.16:1. SC compounds most often reported in studies using biological specimen analysis were JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-122, CP-47,497, and JWH-250. Mounting evidence seemed to suggest that psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions may occur in acute/chronic SC users. Conclusions Although a clear causal link may not be here identified, the available evidence suggests that SC can trigger the onset of acute psychosis in vulnerable individuals and/or the exacerbation of psychotic episodes in those with a previous psychiatric history. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Aims: This article aims to (1) explore the levels of perceived insecurity in a sample of patients with mood or anxiety disorders and (2) assess whether living in ‘big cities’ can influence the levels of patients’ perceived insecurity and social contacts compared to living in a non-urbanized context. Methods: A total of 24 Italian mental health centers (MHCs) have been invited to participate. Twenty patients consecutively accessing the MHC have been recruited. All patients have been assessed using validated assessment tools. Results: The sample consisted of 426 patients, mostly female, with a mean age of 45 years. Globally, 52.2% of patients had a diagnosis of mood disorders, and 37.8% had anxiety disorders. Half of the sample declared that the main feeling toward life is uncertainty; higher levels of pessimistic views toward life have been detected in patients living in urban areas. A positive association between negative attitudes toward life and higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms, poor social functioning and higher levels of perceived psychological distress has been found. Conclusion: Our findings confirm the presence of a common sense of perceived uncertainty among our sample. Such attitude toward life can have a detrimental impact on patients’ psychological and physical well-being, contributing to high levels of distress.

Introduction The suicidal behaviours constitute a significant problem in terms of public health, thus a major goal of the WHO is to reduce these behaviours. In the '80s suicide rates and suicide attempts in the Trieste were the highest in Italy, comparable with those of Central Europe. Since the '90s a project was launched to prevent suicidal behaviour and suicide rates and non-lethal self-harm gestures have plummeted. Objectives We study the sociodemographic variables of this phenomenon. Aims The aim of our study is to monitor the performance of non-lethal self-harm over time and identify evidences to implement prevention strategies Methods We conducted retrospective study in the period 01.01.2000- 31.12.2007. We analyzed the records of hospital emergency rooms in Trieste, screened according to the keywords that indicate the diagnosis of access “self-harm” and “voluntary intoxication”. Socio-demographic variables were stratified by age and gender. Outcome variables were evaluated. Data were compared with those of a study conducted from 1993 to 1990. Results The study showed a mean of 85/100,000 inhabitants. The methods most frequently used were drug intoxication and cutting. There was a reduction in hospitalisations rates and an increased number of appointments in the Mental Health Department by the subjects with a suicide attempt history. Conclusions The rates of non-lethal self-harm in the period considered decreased compared to the '80s, while the average age of those who commit the act increased. These data can be used to enhance the primary and secondary prevention strategies.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the level of satisfaction with 3 types of formal care systems of the elderly: (1) a day care center, (2) a nursing home, and (3) telecare service in a group of oldest frail elderly, and to describe the characteristics of the population using the services. The study involved a population of 162 oldest elderly using 3 different types of formal care services. Study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire, investigating socio-demographic characteristics and degree of overall satisfaction with the service, as well as eliciting possible suggestions for improvement. In our study, nearly all subjects using the telecare service were satisfied or very satisfied (98.5%), as compared to 75.3% of those residing in a nursing home, and 76.5% of those attending the day care center. This result confirms the findings of previous studies on elderly subjects satisfaction with telecare services. Telecare, therefore, seems to be the service achieving the greatest levels of satisfaction, a service that can also be used by low-income subjects, by whom it is also perceived as a source of social support.

Introduction Sporting practice for psychotic patients have been demonstrated to be efficacious as a rehabilitation tool at various levels, improving social interaction, self esteem, body self consciousness, reduce anxiety and depression, reduce stigma, improve compliance, reduce admission rates, reduce aggressiveness, reduce family burden. Since 1999 the Fuoric'entro Polisportiva was founded in Trieste, with the support of the Department of Metal Health, with the aim of influencing recovery at several levels. Objectives Evaluate the impact on participants' health. Aims Demonstrate the outcome of the rehabilitation program based upon the sporting activity. Methods The research is a descriptive, case-control study, led on 40 patients (20 cases and 20 controls) followed by the Trieste's Metal Health Department. We considered as items living situation, professional condition, gender and age, diagnosis, therapy and its compliance, admissions’ number and duration, main therapeutic interventions, following up a previous study on the same rehabilitation program. Results In the cases’ group there is a stable improvement of the professional and living conditions, compliance and a reduction of admissions’ number and duration. Conclusions A rehabilitation program based on sporting can improve coping abilities, psychopathological conditions, person's 'social functioning”, family burden.

Introduction Spices-use is continuously increasing in Western Countries, especially for legal reasons. Intoxication has been widely associated with psychotic symptoms. Objectives Here we present a case-report that seems to highlight this possible association between canabimimetics and psychosis, stressing the use of 'Spices” as an instrument of auto-determination in the young patient's opinion. Aims Find if the supposed relation between certain Life Events and Spices use for people with a use consequent to a Dependent Personality traits can lead to an unmasking of a psychosis. Methods Clinical interviews, Eri-Raos, drug-use and literature revision. Results Diagnostically, these patient presented right after a Spice intoxication psychotic symptoms like delusions, strong distress, the feeling of being observed and considered 'mad”, self-isolation that strengthened the need of Spice use and more difficulty (but self-reported need) to stay with others and to self-determinate herself in meaningful relationships. These symptoms have had a strong relief after the establishment of a relationship with our community mental health center (CMHC) and its multidisciplinary staff, that took care whit the patient of the whole life, in particular of the details that were stressful for her. Conclusions This report, being in accordance with others, suggests the necessity of further studies on the relation between Spice-use and psychotic symptoms, in particular for patients with a use that has roots to Dependent Personality Traits.

Introduction Trieste is a city characterized by a high mean age of the resident population, with 6,000 people with a cognitive impairment. Evidences show that is necessary to have a multidisciplinary approach, making alliances with the social network and families, while dealing with people with cognitive impairment. Because of this, the 3rd catchment district has developed a Mobile Daily Centre that aims to promote health, abilities and socialization giving the possibilities for these people to stay in a social context. Objectives Evaluating the impact of the Mobile Daily Centre on QoL of people with Cognitive Impairment. Aims Considering the rate of hospitalization and access to the first aid unit at the general hospital. Methods Retrospective Observational Study for the period between 01.01.2012 and 30.04.2014 on people in charge to the MDC. We have considered socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, care-givers; clinical variables such as psychopharmacotherapy and acetylcolinesterase-inhibitors drugs; rates of hospitalization, number of accesses to the first aid unit and of interventions of the MDC. Results in the period of the study 20 patients have been followed by the MDC; half of them had a psycho-pharmacological prescription. Very low rates of institutionalization have been detected. Conclusions MDC, in these small numbers, has shown to reduce the number of improper institutionalizations while guaranteeing to the elder people to maintain their abilities and socialization and to their care-givers periods of relief. Moreover, it promotes social inclusion and destigmatization. These results suggest that more territorial work and further studies should be done.

Introduction Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) has a prevalence of 6,2% on general population, with greater rates for men (7,7%) than women (4,8%). It has been frequently associated with substance misuse, Bipolar Disorder (type I and II), anxiety and other personality disorders, but seldom it has been associated with Major Depressive Disorder. Objectives The emphasis put on sex by elder people with NPD hasn't been widely studied in Literature. Frustration on the maintenance of a fixed rate of weekly sexual intercourse with their partners has led to a MDD in two outpatients that, for this reason, came to our Community Mental Health Center (CMHC). Aims Find if the supposed relation between certain Life Events for people with a well-controlled NPD can lead to a MDD can be detected. Methods Both completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-II) that confirmed the co-existence. Results Diagnostically, these patients presented an exaggerated self-appraisal even during the depressive phases, attempts to gain others’ approval and attention, very little interest on others’ thoughts and efforts to gain personal advantages in a depressive frame. Conclusions This report suggest the necessity of further studies on the relation between NPD and MDD when a kind of frustration in important fields of patients’ life occurs.

Introduction Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder which severely limits the social and occupational functioning. Employment, education, relationships, housing and health are among the most frequently stated life and treatment goals among persons suffering from schizophrenia. Rehabilitation for persons with schizophrenia aims at preservation and improvement of psychosocial functions, promotes recovery-oriented interventions and, therefore, serves the central goals of affected persons. Objectives The goals of these models focus on improving knowledge, coping, self-care, social support and self-management strategies. Aims The aims of this cases report is to underline the effectiveness of multidimensional approach, which included drug treatment, psychosocial therapeutic interventions, supported employment, peer-supported housing. Methods We report 8 patients with a early onset psychosis, detected with EriRaos and clinical interview. Results Diagnostically, these patients had a real improvement of their psychosocial functions in areas such as work, social relationship and independent living skills. Conclusions Cognitive functioning, education, negative symptoms, social support and skills, age, work history and rehabilitation service to restore community functioning have proven to be strong predictors for successful psychiatric rehabilitation.

Introduction The rate of non fatal self-injurious behaviour in young people has increase in recent years. Non fatal self-injurious behaviour such as cutting oneself and abuse of substance is often performed without suicidal intent to cope with emotional distress although it is well known to have a close association with future suicidal behaviour. Objectives Evaluating people under 29's suicidal behaviours' rates. Aims Monitoring developments in not lethal self injurious behaviour in the population of adolescents and young adults in Trieste to identify strategies that will guide the prevention of suicidal behaviour in this age group. Methods Retrospective study based on verbal access to emergency, extracts under the headings “self-harm” and “poisoning” during period 2000-2007. We considered as variables the calculation of rates for the age groups 15-19 and 20-29 years, mode of self-injurious act coded according to the parameters of the ICD-10. Results The average rate for the age group 15-19 years was found to be 0.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, while for ages 20-29 was found to be 1.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. There wasn't a significant difference between the two genders. The methods most frequently adopted were found to be voluntary intoxication and cutting. Conclusions To counter the fragility and risk of self-harm and suicide in adolescents and young adults, our Local Health Company launched in 2014 a dedicated website. The site provides information on the types of conditions that may affect the target population and the self-destructive behaviors.

Introduction A review of the literature shows that the self-injurious behaviours are more common among females, and suicides among male subjects. A significant difference between the two genders is also reflected in the choice of means used to commit the act of self-injuring, considering the male gender predilection for more violent means. Some recent studies indicate trends that deviate from the above data in the literature or indicate a tendency to an attenuation of these differences. Objectives Reasons for engaging in self-harm behaviours include to regulate emotion and to elicit attention. Correlates of these practices include a history of sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, alexithymia, hostility, smoking, dissociation, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behaviors. Aims: the aim of this study is to evaluate the gender difference in self-injurious behaviour. Methods Our retrospective study was conducted making a comparison between a period of time before and after the start of an articulated program of prevention of suicidal behaviors in Trieste, from 1983 to 2007. Results In the '80, the self-injurious behavior were more common among males; after 2000 years this difference has continuously attenuated. This trend is in contrast with findings in the international literature. Even the repeated acts of self-harm were more common among males. Regarding the data on suicides, they were more frequent in male subjects, and this fact has remained stable over time, in accordance with international data. Conclusions More studies are necessary to evaluate gender difference in self-injurious behaviour.

Introduction The Compulsory Health Treatment (TSO) is an action applicable in case of justified need and clinic emergency, in presence of the refusal to Health Treatment Volunteer (TSV) in a subject suffering from specific illnesses, among which there are severe psychiatric illnesses. Objectives The TSO is the subject of discussion, because it's actually an action that violates – even if only temporarily – the free will of the person. It's a procedure justified by the impossibility of applying alternative practices that ensure a speedy recovery to the subject of his psychic integrity, consistent with the need of the person. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology of TSO in Trieste between 2011 and 2013. Methods This retrospective study was conducted on 74 TSO performed at the CMHC and the Emergency Unit of Trieste, on 71 people (22 women, 49 men). Data analysis were on gender, diagnosis, TSO's days' number, frequency and significant changes during the TSO, with a comparison of these variables between the data of 2011, 2012 and 2013. Results The number of people under TSO was the same in the three years, with a countertrend of gender (decrease of 30% of women; increase of 46% of men). There was a decrease about days of TSO in the three years. Conclusion It's necessary to implement practices that promote good cooperation from the subject, to establish a contractuality which allows to limit TSO only for time strictly necessary.

Background The lack of compliance is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and switching or augmentation of therapy when compared with being compliant. A synergy of drug therapy and psychosocial interventions can give more benefits in treatment. Methods A perspective study was conducted on 150 patients with schizophrenia over 15 centers in Italy. The experimental group was treated with drug therapy, traditional psychosocial and psychoeducation for the patients and their families, while the control group received traditional psychosocial and drug intervention over 1 year. Results The experimental group showed a significant statistical improvement (p < 0,05) in almost all the scales that have been assessed (BPRS, SAPS, SANS, SIMPSON-ANGUS SCALE, LANCASHIRE QL SCALE). Significant was the reduction of the number of hospitalizations and of days of hospital stay. Conclusion As it is shown in international literature, psychoeducational intervention with schizophrenic patients and their families can reduce the occurrence of relapse.

Chlorophylls a/b ratio in seedlings of CUSCUTA AUSTRALIS. — The ratio between chlorophylls a/b in seedlings of Cuscuta australis increases after a 12 hr. period of darkness preceding the extraction, owing to for a decrease of chlorophyll b greater than chlorophyll a.

Cuscuta australis was found to contain β- and γ-carotene, α-carotene-5,6-epoxide and two xanthophylls, taraxanthin and lutein. Two unknown carotenes in small amounts are also present. The pigment ratios are of the same order as the non-parasitizing plants.

E stato per la prima volta dimostrata che la spermina (10−4M) ha un effetto di crescita simile a quello dell'acido indolacetico sugli esplanti diHelianthus tubarous in vitro.

When 10 p.p.m. and 1,000 p.p.m. of the sodium salts of 2,4-D (2,4-DNa) and DNOC (DNOCNa) and ofo-isopropyl-N-phenyl carbamate (IFC) are mixed together in binary and ternary combinations, a potentializing (synergistic) effect on wheat and tomato seedlings is observed, judged by the number of days elapsing from treatment to complete wilting. Both in binary and ternary combinations the greatest effect has been ascertained from the interaction of low concentrations of DNOCNa on 2,4-DNa (on tomatoes) and on IFC (on wheat). The practical importance of these preliminary results is briefly sketched.

The application of diphenylilacetic acid has shown favorable effects on the growth of tobacco plants. Solutions containing 10 p.p.m. and 20 p.p.m. produce, in weight, an almost double growth in treated plants in comparison with the controls. Diphenylilacetic acid can be considered as a growth-promoting substance. The data are not definite.

The applications ofMacht's test, slightly modified, for the quantitative study of the phytodynamic activity of chemical compounds has been proposed. It is based on measuring the elongation of hypocotyledons of white lupine seedlings, grown inShive's nutritive solution. The conditions of reliability of the method are established, and examples based on the phyto-inhibitory power of technical hexachlorocyclohexane and the phyto-exciting power of diphenylil acetic acid are given.