A candidate projective neuron type of the cerebellar cortex: the synarmotic neuron.

Previous studies on the granular layer of the cerebellar cortex have revealed a wide distribution of different subpopulations of less-known large neuron types, called "non-traditional large neurons", which are distributed in three different zones of the granular layer. These neuron types are mainly involved in the formation of intrinsiccircuits inside the cerebellar cortex. A subpopulation of these neuron types is represented by the synarmotic neuron, which could play a projective role within the cerebellar circuitry. The synarmotic neuron cell body map within the internal zone of the granular layer or in the subjacent white substance. Furthermore, the axon crosses the granular layer and runs in the subcortical white substance, to reenter in an adjacent granular layer, associating two cortico-cerebellar regions of the same folium or of different folia, or could project to the intrinsic cerebellar nuclei. Therefore, along with the Purkinje neuron, the traditional projective neuron type of the cerebellar cortex, the synarmotic neuron is candidate to represent the second projective neuron type of the cerebellar cortex. Studies of chemical neuroanatomy evidenced a predominant inhibitory GABAergic nature of the synarmotic neuron, suggesting that it may mediate an inhibitory GABAergic output of cerebellar cortex within cortico-cortical interconnections or in projections towards intrinsic cerebellar nuclei. On this basis, the present minireview mainly focuses on the morphofunctional and neurochemical data of the synarmotic neuron, and explores its potential involvement in some forms of cerebellar ataxias.

The effects of sustained COVID-19 emergency and restrictions on the mental health of subjects with serious mental illness: A prospective study.

Few longitudinal studies have so far investigated the impact of sustained COVID-19 among people with pre-existing psychiatric disorders. We conducted a prospective study involving people with serious mental illness (n = 114) and healthy controls (n = 41) to assess changes in the Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Specific Psychotic Experiences Questionnaire scores 18 months after the COVID-19 pandemic outset. Subjects underwent interviews with a mental health professional in April 2020 and at the end of the local third wave (October 2021). A significant increase in perceived stress was found in healthy controls, especially females. Psychiatric patients showed a significant worsening of anxiety symptoms compared to baseline records (t = -2.3, p = 0.036). Patients who rejected vaccination had significantly higher paranoia scores compared to those willing to get vaccinated (U = 649.5, z = -2.02, p = 0.04). These findings indicate that COVID-19's sustained emergency may cause enduring consequences on mental health, soliciting further investigations.

The Cerebellar Dopaminergic System.

In the central nervous system (CNS), dopamine (DA) is involved in motor and cognitive functions. Although the cerebellum is not been considered an elective dopaminergic region, studies attributed to it a critical role in dopamine deficit-related neurological and psychiatric disorders [e.g., Parkinson's disease (PD) and schizophrenia (SCZ)]. Data on the cerebellar dopaminergic neuronal system are still lacking. Nevertheless, biochemical studies detected in the mammalians cerebellum high dopamine levels, while chemical neuroanatomy studies revealed the presence of midbrain dopaminergic afferents to the cerebellum as well as wide distribution of the dopaminergic receptor subtypes (DRD1-DRD5). The present review summarizes the data on the cerebellar dopaminergic system including its involvement in associative and projective circuits. Furthermore, this study also briefly discusses the role of the cerebellar dopaminergic system in some neurologic and psychiatric disorders and suggests its potential involvement as a target in pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments.

Cognitive correlates of borderline intellectual functioning in borderline personality disorder.

Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is highly prevalent in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but their relationship remains poorly understood. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the cognitive profile of BIF among people diagnosed with BPD. Clinical, demographic, and neuropsychological data of fifty-five outpatients with BPD were analyzed. The sample split into two groups: BPD with BIF (BIF+: n = 25; intelligence quotient - IQ - range: 71-84) and BPD without BIF (BIF-: n = 30; IQ range: 86-124). Between-group comparisons employed either parametric and non-parametric descriptive statistics, as necessary. Neuropsychological measures (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised - WAIS-R IQ, factor index, subtest scores) and cognitive performance deficits in the two groups were likewise compared aside, followed by Spearman's correlation test conducted on relevant metrics. The cognitive, but not the clinical and demographic profiles differed significantly between the two groups. BIF+ was associated with a specific pattern of verbal, attentive, and planning dysfunctions. The verbal comprehension index had the highest discriminative value for the presence of BIF in patients with BPD, and it was tightly associated with adaptive and social functioning. The neuropsychological assessment of BPD may be relevant to plan targeted interventions based on measures of cognitive functioning which could also serve to evaluate treatment efficacy and outcomes. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.

The relationship between emotional regulation and eating behaviour: a multidimensional analysis of obesity psychopathology.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to show that the differences among eating behaviours are related to the emotional dysregulation connected to the mental dimensions being part of the obese psychopathology. Eating behaviours can be considered a diagnostic feature at the initial screening for determining the obesity treatment: nutritional or bariatric surgery. METHODS: 1828 Obese subjects underwent psychiatric assessment before entering obesity nutritional treatment or bariatric surgery following the multidisciplinary programme. 1121 subjects were selected and enrolled in this study: 850 were inpatients visited or hospitalised at the Obesity Centre or at the Bariatric Surgery Units, 271 were outpatients visited at the Eating Disorder and Obesity Unit. Psychiatric examination was used to exclude psychiatric disorders and investigate eating behaviours distinguished on the basis of food intake rhythm in: gorging, snacking, grazing and binge. They are related to the mental dimensions: impulsiveness, body image, mood and anxiety, taking part in the emotional regulation system. Specific psychometric tools were used to investigate the different mental dimensions of the single eating behaviours and their differences. Statistical analysis of the psychopathological features was performed using ANOVA, ANCOVA, Levene test, Bonferroni's and Tamhane post hoc test. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Data analysis shows significant differences of psychopathology among all the eating behaviours and an increase in the emotional dysregulation determining maladaptive behaviours. DISCUSSION: Eating behaviours are connected to the balance of the different features of mental dimensions implicated in the emotional regulation system. They could provide significant clinical information and therefore be part of the obesity diagnostic criteria and therapeutic programme.

[Personality disorder and penal imputability: a case of uxoricide in a expert's report]. / Disturbo di personalità e imputabilità: intervento peritale in un caso di uxoricidio.

The personality disorders are generally described as a persistent pattern of inner experience that deviates strongly from the expectations of the culture of an individual in terms of cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning and impulse control. They are a complex area of defining and understanding for the clinical and forensic psychiatrist. A recent ruling by the Court of Cassation stated that personality disorder may be a result of reduction or cancellation of the ability to understand and will, if so serious as to affect the same. In the present work is explored, using a psycho-diagnostic protocol, the psychological profile of a person with a narcissistic personality disorder, charged for uxoricidio.