Generalized and specific emotion impairments as potential markers of severity in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: a preliminary study using Facial Action Coding System (FACS).

Background: The role of emotional deficits in the poor outcomes of patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been emphasized. Generalized and specific emotional abnormalities have been reported, often related to OCD severity and functional disabilities. The objective of the present study was to assess the abilities of experiencing and displaying emotions in OCD patients in response to specific stimuli in relation with the severity of their clinical condition.

Facial expression in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in response to emotional stimuli: a partially shared cognitive and social deficit of the two disorders.

Introduction: It has recently been highlighted that patients affected by schizophrenia (SCZ) and those affected by bipolar disorder (BD) undergo gradual chronic worsening of cognitive and social functioning. The objective of the current study was to evaluate and compare (using the Facial Action Coding System [FACS]) the way by which patients with the two disorders experience and display emotions in relation to specific emotional stimuli.

Materials And Methods: Forty-five individuals participated in the study: 15 SCZ patients, 15 BD patients, and 15 healthy controls.

Comparison of facial expression in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia using the Facial Action Coding System: a preliminary study.

Background: Research shows that impairment in the expression and recognition of emotion exists in multiple psychiatric disorders. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the way that patients with schizophrenia and those with obsessive-compulsive disorder experience and display emotions in relation to specific emotional stimuli using the Facial Action Coding System (FACS).

Methods: Thirty individuals participated in the study, comprising 10 patients with schizophrenia, 10 with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and 10 healthy controls.

[Facial Action Coding System (FACS): an instrument for the objective evaluation of facial expression and its potential applications to the study of schizophrenia].

Introduction: Affective flattening and the consequent anomalous expression of emotions are considered as key elements of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The purpose of this work is to assess how a survey instrument based on objective evaluation of emotional facial expressiveness (FACS) and a method of elicitation of emotions (film clips) can provide psychopathological manifestations about schizophrenia.

Methods: Relevant literature was identified through a search of Medline, PsychInfo and PubMed.

Noninvasive near-infrared live imaging of human adult mesenchymal stem cells transplanted in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease.

Background: We have previously shown that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) can reduce toxin-induced neurodegeneration in a well characterized rodent model of Parkinson's disease. However, the precise mechanisms, optimal cell concentration required for neuroprotection, and detailed cell tracking need to be defined. We exploited a near-infrared imaging platform to perform noninvasive tracing following transplantation of tagged hMSCs in live parkinsonian rats.