bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switching of membrane organelles between cytoskeletal transport systems is determined by regulation of the microtubule-based transport
Authors: Slepchenko Boris M. , Semenova Irina , Zaliapin Ilya , Rodionov Vladimir
Published: November 2007

Intracellular transport of membrane organelles occurs along microtubules (MTs) and actin filaments (AFs). Although transport along each type of the cytoskeletal tracks is well characterized, the switching between the two types of transport is poorly understood because it cannot be observed directly in living cells. To gain insight into the regulation of the switching of membrane organelles between the two major transport systems, we developed a novel approach that combines live cell imaging with computational modeling. Using this approach, we measured the parameters that determine how fast membrane organelles switch back and forth between MTs and AFs (the switching rate constants) and compared these parameters during different signaling states. We show that regulation involves a major change in a single parameter: the transferring rate from AFs onto MTs. This result suggests that MT transport is the defining factor whose regulation determines the choice of the cytoskeletal tracks during the transport of membrane organelles.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency confers susceptibility to Salmonella typhimurium infection in mice
Authors: Roy Marie-France , Riendeau Noémie , Bédard Christian , Hélie Pierre , Min-Oo Gundula , Turcotte Karine , Gros Philippe , Canonne-Hergaux François , Malo Danielle
Published: November 2007

The mouse response to acute Salmonella typhimurium infection is complex, and it is under the influence of several genes, as well as environmental factors. In a previous study, we identified two novel Salmonella susceptibility loci, Ity4 and Ity5, in a (AcB61 × 129S6)F2 cross. The peak logarithm of odds score associated with Ity4 maps to the region of the liver and red blood cell (RBC)–specific pyruvate kinase (Pklr) gene, which was previously shown to be mutated in AcB61. During Plasmodium chabaudi infection, the Pklr mutation protects the mice against this parasite, as indicated by improved survival and lower peak parasitemia. Given that RBC defects have previously been associated with resistance to malaria and susceptibility to Salmonella, we hypothesized that Pklr is the gene underlying Ity4 and that it confers susceptibility to acute S. typhimurium infection in mice. Using a fine mapping approach combined with complementation studies, comparative studies, and functional analysis, we show that Pklr is the gene underlying Ity4 and that it confers susceptibility to acute S. typhimurium infection in mice through its effect on the RBC turnover and iron metabolism.
Mode Switching Is the Major Mechanism of Ligand Regulation of InsP3 Receptor Calcium Release Channels
Authors: Ionescu Lucian , White Carl , Cheung King-Ho , Shuai Jianwei , Parker Ian , Pearson John E. , Foskett J. Kevin , Mak Don-On Daniel
Published: November 2007

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptor (InsP3R) plays a critical role in generation of complex Ca2+ signals in many cell types. In patch clamp recordings of isolated nuclei from insect Sf9 cells, InsP3R channels were consistently detected with regulation by cytoplasmic InsP3 and free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) very similar to that observed for vertebrate InsP3R. Long channel activity durations of the Sf9-InsP3R have now enabled identification of a novel aspect of InsP3R gating: modal gating. Using a novel algorithm to analyze channel modal gating kinetics, InsP3R gating can be separated into three distinct modes: a low activity mode, a fast kinetic mode, and a burst mode with channel open probability (Po) within each mode of 0.007 ± 0.002, 0.24 ± 0.03, and 0.85 ± 0.02, respectively. Channels reside in each mode for long periods (tens of opening and closing events), and transitions between modes can be discerned with high resolution (within two channel opening and closing events). Remarkably, regulation of channel gating by [Ca2+]i and [InsP3] does not substantially alter channel Po within a mode. Instead, [Ca2+]i and [InsP3] affect overall channel Po primarily by changing the relative probability of the channel being in each mode, especially the high and low Po modes. This novel observation therefore reveals modal switching as the major mechanism of physiological regulation of InsP3R channel activity, with implications for the kinetics of Ca2+ release events in cells.
Reproductive biology of the Brazilian sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) from southeastern Brazil
Authors: Motta Fabio S. , Namora Rafael C. , Gadig Otto B. F. , Braga F. M. S.
Published: November 2007

Motta, F. S., Namora, R. C., Gadig, O. B. F., and Braga, F. M. S. 2007. Reproductive biology of the Brazilian sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) from southeastern Brazil. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1829–1835. The reproductive biology of the Brazilian sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon lalandii, off southeastern Brazil was investigated using data from gillnet landings. The size-at-maturity for males and females was estimated to be 59 and 62 cm total length (LT), respectively. Ovarian fecundity ranged from 3 to 7 follicles (mean = 4.54), and uterine fecundity from 1 to 5 embryos (mean = 3.3). There was a slight positive relationship between female LT and the number of ovarian follicles, but uterine fecundity was not related to female LT. Embryonic growth is fast following fertilization during summer and autumn. Gestation requires 11–12 months, and peak parturition is between August and September. A comparison of size-at-maturity between animals from northeastern and southeastern Brazil suggests the existence of at least two stocks of R. lalandii along the Brazilian coast.
Character-based DNA barcoding allows discrimination of genera, species and populations in Odonata
Authors: Rach J , DeSalle R , Sarkar I.N , Schierwater B , Hadrys H
Published: November 2007

DNA barcoding has become a promising means for identifying organisms of all life stages. Currently, phenetic approaches and tree-building methods have been used to define species boundaries and discover ‘cryptic species’. However, a universal threshold of genetic distance values to distinguish taxonomic groups cannot be determined. As an alternative, DNA barcoding approaches can be ‘character based’, whereby species are identified through the presence or absence of discrete nucleotide substitutions (character states) within a DNA sequence. We demonstrate the potential of character-based DNA barcodes by analysing 833 odonate specimens from 103 localities belonging to 64 species. A total of 54 species and 22 genera could be discriminated reliably through unique combinations of character states within only one mitochondrial gene region (NADH dehydrogenase 1). Character-based DNA barcodes were further successfully established at a population level discriminating seven population-specific entities out of a total of 19 populations belonging to three species. Thus, for the first time, DNA barcodes have been found to identify entities below the species level that may constitute separate conservation units or even species units. Our findings suggest that character-based DNA barcoding can be a rapid and reliable means for (i) the assignment of unknown specimens to a taxonomic group, (ii) the exploration of diagnosability of conservation units, and (iii) complementing taxonomic identification systems.
Psychiatric morbidity in primary public health care: a multicentre investigation. Part II. Hidden morbidity and choice of treatment
Authors: Munk‐Jørgensen P. , Fink P. , Brevik J. I. , Dalgard O. S. , Engberg M. , Hansson L. , Holm M. , Joukamaa M. , Karlsson H. , Lehtinen V. , Nettelbladt P. , Stefansson C. , Sørensen L , Jensen J. , Borgquist L. , Sandager I. , Nordström G.
Published: November 2007

A total of 1281 patients were examined during consultation with their GP in a Nordic multicentre study focusing on the prevalence of psychiatric illness, hidden psychiatric morbidity, treatment and pathways to specialized care. The methodology and prevalence were reported in an accompanying paper. The present paper presents results concerning the variables hidden psychiatric morbidity, treatment and pathways to specialized care. The GPs detected 44% of the psychiatric cases compared with the result of a diagnostic interview (PSE). The distinction between psychosis and non‐psychosis did not influence the GPs' ability to detect a mental illness. According to the GPs' assessment the majority of patients suffering from a mental disorder consulted their GP about physical complaints. The GPs treated the patients themselves, and only a limited number of cases were referred to psychiatrists or psychologists.
Decline in diagnoses of schizophrenia in Tasmania during the period 1965–1990
Authors: Jones I. H. , Kirkby K. C. , Hay D. A. , Daniels B. A. , Longmore L. M.
Published: November 2007

Changes in the rates of diagnosis of schizophrenia in Tasmania, Australia during the period 1965–1990 were examined using records from the State mental health case register. Analyses were restricted to subjects with diagnoses recorded between the ages of 20 and 29 years in order to reduce possible errors caused by age‐standardized methods. There was a significant decrease in the rate of non‐paranoid subtypes of schizophrenia in female subjects, accompanied by a, commensurate rise in the rate of bipolar diagnoses in that group. Differential changes in male and female subjects support explanations of phenotypic shifts in presentation of psychosis as well as changes in diagnostic practice.
Use of mental health resources in the treatment of adult out‐patients with no diagnosable mental disorders
Authors: Siddique C. M. , Aubry T.
Published: November 2007

Comparisons of adult out‐patients diagnosed with V‐code conditions and those with mental disorders were conducted in a number of areas related to patient and treatment characteristics. Data were collected from three community mental health centres over a 6‐year period (n= 7220) in a semirural region of Nova Scotia, Canada. V‐code patients represented approximately one‐third of the psychiatric out‐patient admissions in these centres. Comparisons of the two patient groups indicated that V‐code patients were of a higher socio‐economic status than patients diagnosed with mental disorders. The difficulties of patients with V‐code conditions appeared to be less severe than those of patients with mental disorders. However, patients with V‐code conditions consumed comparable treatment resources to patients with mental disorders. Both groups of patients were evaluated by their therapists as experiencing similar levels of improvement during the course of treatment. The implications of these findings for more efficient use of resources in community mental health centres are discussed.
Seasonal variation in suicides re‐examined: no sex difference in Hong Kong and Taiwan
Authors: Ho T.‐P. , Chao A. , Yip P.
Published: November 2007

The seasonal variation in suicides in Hong Kong and Taiwan during the period 1981 to 1993 was examined using harmonic analysis. A single cycle per year with lowest incidence in the winter months was found in both locations and for both sexes. Despite the regional differences in ascertainment procedures and preferred suicide methods, the absence of a biseasonal distribution of female suicides was consistently observed. This finding was contrary to that reported in many Western countries. A non‐shared psychosocial process underlying the cross‐cultural difference in the seasonality of female suicide is suggested.
Risperidone, negative symptoms and cognitive deficit in schizophrenia: an open study
Authors: Rossi A. , Mancini F. , Stratta P. , Mattei P. , Gismondi R. , Pozzi F. , Casacchia M.
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a new antipsychotic compound on negative symptoms and cognitive deficit in schizophrenia. Psychiatric symptoms and cognition were assessed in 25 patients with schizophrenia, at baseline and after they had taken risperidone for 4 weeks. The Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and two WAIS sub‐tests were used to assess the patients. After the study period, both negative and positive symptoms and also measures of cognitive performance improved significantly. The WCST results correlated with negative symptom scores before and after treatment. This suggests that negative symptoms and cognitive deficit have a common underlying substrate which is the target of the risperidone treatment. Our data show that risperidone may have a substantial effect on complex cognitive functions in schizophrenia, and they suggest that certain cognitive deficits are relatively dependent on the negative symptoms of this disorder.
Sleeping problems at 78 degrees north: the Svalbard Study
Authors: Nilssen O. , Lipton R. , Brenn T. , Höyer G. , Boiko E. , Tkatchev A.
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of sleeping problems in two ethnically different populations living under the same extreme arctic climate. A total of 453 Norwegians (319 males and 134 females) were compared with 450 Russians (317 males and 133 females), all aged 18 years or older, living on Svalbard, the northernmost regular settlement in the world. Among Russians, 81% of the male subjects and 77% of the female subjects reported sleeping problems lasting for at least 2 weeks. The corresponding figures for the Norwegians were 22% (for males) and 25% (for females). Among Russians, sleeping problems decreased with increasing age, but no such age trend was found in Norwegians. Whereas sleeping problems among Norwegians were approximately equally frequent throughout the year, the Russians reported more problems during the polar night. ‘Problems falling asleep’, ‘not feeling rested in the morning’ and ‘waking up several times during the night’ were the most frequent types of sleeping problems in both groups. Depression, shift work, loneliness, ability to concentrate, alcohol consumption and quality of life were associated with sleeping problems in Norwegian subjects, whereas depression, shift work, ability to concentrate, and worry were associated with sleeping problems in Russians. The prevalence of sleeping problems was nearly fourfold higher among Russian subjects than among Norwegians living on Svalbard. As the Russians were recruited from a lower latitude than the Norwegians, we postulate that their problems should be interpreted in terms of inadequate acclimatization after migration to the north.
Dexamethasone augmentation in treatment‐resistant depression
Authors: Dinan T. G. , Lavelle E. , Cooney J. , Burnett F. , Scott L. , Dash A. , Thakore J. , Berti C.
Published: November 2007

A total of 10 patients who fulfilled DSM‐III‐R criteria for major depression were recruited to the study, each of whom had failed to respond to a 6‐week course of treatment with either sertraline or fluoxetine. Each subject had baseline serum cortisol measurements together with a Hamilton depression (HAMD) score. All patients were started on dexamethasone (3 mg daily) for 4 days, while remaining on their antidepressant treatment. Further Hamilton ratings were made on days 5 and 21. Six patients showed a significant improvement, whilst two showed a minimal response. A good clinical response was associated with a high baseline cortisol level.
Screening for postnatal depression in a population‐based Swedish sample
Authors: Wickberg B. , Hwang C. P.
Published: November 2007

This study surveyed the prevalence of postnatal depression and demographic factors associated with it in a Swedish population. A community sample of 1584 women was screened at 8 and 12 weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The point prevalence of depression, using a threshold of 11/12 on the EPDS, was 12.5% at 8 weeks and 8.3% at 12 weeks postpartum. The period prevalence for 8 to 12 weeks postpartum was 4.5%. A significantly increased risk of postnatal depression was found for single women. Parity, maternal age and occupational status were not found to be related to postnatal depression. The findings suggest that screening for postnatal depression is feasible at the time of postnatal checks on the baby, and that it can aid in the identification of women at risk for depression. A two‐stage screening procedure will identify women at risk for more persistent postnatal depression.
A repetition–prediction study of European parasuicide populations: a summary of the first report from Part II of the WHO/EURO Multicentre Study on Parasuicide in co‐operation with the EC Concerted Action on Attempted Suicide
Authors: Bille‐Brahe U. , Kerkhof A. , De Leo D. , Schmidtke A. , Crepet P. , Lönnqvist J. , Michel K. , Salander‐Renberg E. , Stiles T. C. , Wasserman D. , Aagaard B. , Egebo H. , Jensen B.
Published: November 2007

One of the aims of the European Study on Parasuicide, which was initiated by the Regional Office for the European Region of the World Health Organization in the mid‐1980s, was to try to identify social and personal characteristics that are predictive of future suicidal behaviour. A follow‐up interview study (the Repetition‐Prediction Study) was designed, and to date 1145 first‐wave interviews have been conducted at nine research centres, representing seven European countries. The present paper provides an abridged version of the first report from the study. The design and the instrument used (The European Parasuicide Study Interview Schedules, EPSIS I and II) are described. Some basic characteristics of the samples from the various centres, such as sex, age, method of suicide attempt, and history of previous attempts, are presented and compared. The male/female sex ratio ranged from 0.41 to 0.85; the mean age range for men was 33–45 years and that for women was 29–45 years. At all of the centres, self‐poisoning was the most frequently employed method. On average, more than 50% of all respondents had attempted suicide at least once previously. The representativeness of the samples is discussed. There were differences between the centres in several respects, and also in some cases the representativeness of the different samples varied. Results obtained from analyses based on pooled data should therefore be treated with caution.
Psychogenic (reactive) and hysterical psychoses: a cross‐system reliability study
Authors: Pitta J. C. N. , Blay S. L.
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the concepts of reactive and hysterical psychoses and how they are classified in standardized diagnostic Systems. To this end we identified all of the patients who had been admitted to a psychiatric in‐patient unit and diagnosed as suffering from psychogenic psychosis, reactive psychosis, hysterical psychosis or hysteria, using ICD‐9 criteria. The case notes of these patients were then re‐examined and diagnoses reached using DSM‐III‐R, DSM‐IV and ICD‐10 criteria and the Present State Examination (PSE)/catego computer program. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agreement between the diagnoses of reactive and hysterical psychosis obtained using ICD‐9 criteria with those obtained using the DSM‐III‐R, DSM‐IV, ICD‐10 and PSE diagnostic Systems. A total of 67 case notes were identified in which the above diagnoses had been made: 27 cases with ICD‐9 ‘hysteria’ and 26 cases with ‘other reactive and not otherwise specified psychoses’. Using the DSM‐III‐R criteria, 27 cases were diagnosed as psychotic disorder NOS, 12 as brief reactive psychosis and 11 as bipolar disorder. Using the DSM‐IV criteria, 21 cases were diagnosed as psychotic disorder NOS, 11 as mood disorder, 7 as brief disorder without stressor, and 12 as brief disorder with stressor. Using the ICD‐10 criteria, 18 cases were diagnosed as unspecified non‐organic psychosis, 12 as mood disorder, 10 as acute and transient psychotic disorder without stressor and 13 as acute and transient psychotic disorder with stressor. Using the PSE/catego program, the most common diagnoses were class ‘S’ schizophrenia (17), class ‘P?’ uncertain psychosis (16) and class ‘M+’ mixed and manic affective disorder (11). Using the kappa coefficient a very low level of agreement was found between ICD‐9 ‘hysteria’ and ‘other reactive and non‐specified psychoses’ and the corresponding categories of DSM‐III‐R and the PSE/catego program. We concluded that, although DSM‐III‐R provides operational criteria for brief reactive psychosis, and DSM‐IV and ICD‐10 provide such criteria for brief or acute psychotic disorder, these bear little relationship to the original concept of the disorder. The PSE/catego program provides a very systematic approach to symptomatology, but the diagnostic classes have little clinical usefulness.
The Primary Care Anxiety and Depression (PCAD) Scale: a culture‐oriented screening scale
Authors: El‐Rufaie O. E. F. , Absood G. H. , Abou‐Saleh M. T.
Published: November 2007

The construction of a screening scale for states of anxiety and depression among primary health care (PHC) patients is described. Most of the scale items were selected from a pool of items chosen from two international screening scales which were validated locally, namely the Self‐Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ‐20) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale. A validity study of a new sample of PHC patients indicated that the scale provided a valid measure of anxiety and depressive states, and was closely correlated with the psychiatrist's clinical judgement. The scale correlated more strongly with the psychiatrist's clinical judgement than the general practitioners' assessments. Two cut‐off points were established, one of which is more appropriate for clinical use and the other for prevalence estimation. The former threshold of the scale could be used to alert the busy general practitioner to the possibility that clinically significant anxiety or depression may be present.
Long‐term evaluation of paroxetine, clomipramine and placebo in panic disorder
Authors: Lecrubier Y. , Judge R. ,   The Collaborative Paroxetine Panic Study Investigators
Published: November 2007

Paroxetine has been shown to be effective in panic disorder in three 10‐ to 12‐week studies. This trial studied the longer term effects of paroxetine in patients with DSM‐III‐R defined panic disorder. Patients who satisfactorily completed a 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of paroxetine and clomipramine could choose to continue receiving their randomized treatment for a further 36 weeks. Efficacy assessments included the daily panic attack diary, the Clinical Global Impression Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the Marks Sheehan Phobia Scale and the Sheehan Disability Scale. In total, 176 patients were included in the intention‐to‐treat population. The number of full panic attacks decreased in all three groups during the 12‐week study, and improvements continued with long‐term therapy. Paroxetine was statistically significantly more effective than placebo throughout the long‐term study with respect to reduction from baseline of full panic attacks, and at the end of treatment with respect to the proportion of patients who eventually experienced no panic attacks. There were no significant differences between paroxetine and clomipramine. The proportion of patients who withdrew from the study due to adverse effects was greater in the clomipramine group (19%) than in either the paroxetine group (7%) or the placebo group (9%). Paroxetine was significantly more effective than placebo and as effective as (but better tolerated than) clomipramine in the long‐term treatment of panic disorder. Not only was efficacy maintained, but continued improvement was also seen, indicating the importance of long‐term treatment in patients with panic disorder.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorders: a diversified cluster of vulnerability traits to depression
Authors: Halbreich U.
Published: November 2007

Some biological factors which have been shown to be abnormal in subgroups of women with dysphoric premenstrual syndromes (PMS) have not been limited to the symptomatic late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, but also existed during the non‐symptomatic mid‐follicular phase of the cycle. Personality, cognitive functions, α2 and imidazoline binding, sensitivity to inducement of panic attacks, relative hypothyroidism, and some but not all serotonergic functions of women with dysphoric PMS differ from those with no PMS, and also differ during a non‐symptomatic phase of the cycle. It is suggested that premenstrual symptoms are an expression of vulnerability traits that might surface in response to a trigger. Such traits are probably diverse, and the nature of the symptoms might depend upon the underlying trait. It is postulated that some vulnerability traits to specific premenstrual syndromes might also be vulnerability traits to depression or anxiety in general.
Limited utility of ICD‐10 and DSM‐IV classification of dissociative and conversion disorders in India
Authors: Alexander P. J. , Joseph S. , Das A.
Published: November 2007

Studies of psychiatric out‐patients from India have found that diagnosis of some of the subcategories of the dissociative and conversion disorders of the ICD and DSM classificatory systems are rarely made in this setting. Moreover, it was found that a significant percentage of patients seen in psychiatric practice may not fit into the defined subcategories of dissociative (conversion) disorders of these systems of classification. We studied the prevalence of various ICD‐10 and DSM‐IV categories of dissociative (conversion) disorders and our own proposed category of ‘brief dissociative stupor’(BDS), among all the in‐patients of a psychiatric unit in a general teaching hospital, over a 2‐year period. There were 18 patients who fulfilled our criteria for BDS and 18 patients in the second group which included all of the remaining subjects with a diagnosis of any other subcategory of dissociative disorder according to ICD‐10. Our analysis revealed that there were no patients with a diagnosis of dissociative amnesia, fugue, stupor, trance and possession disorders or identity disorders. There were significantly more female patients in the BDS group, and they also had significantly more comorbid Axis‐I diagnoses and panic attacks. Since 50% of our patients fulfilled the criteria for BDS, there is clearly a need for further studies to establish the prevalence of this subcategory in patients from other centres. The classification of these patients with this phenomenology is problematic. Inclusion of a subcategory of dissociative non‐epileptic seizures, instead of dissociative convulsions, should improve the classification of dissociative (conversion) disorders.
Schizophrenia: a study comparing a family therapy group following a paradoxical model plus psychodrugs and a group treated by the conventional clinical approach
Authors: De Giacomo P. , Pierri G. , Rugiu A. Santoni , Buonsante M. , Vadruccio F. , Zavoianni L.
Published: November 2007

A ‘short family therapy in schizophrenia, according to a specific systemic model (the ‘Elementary Pragmatic Model’ or EPM) with a strong paradoxical structure is presented. A total of 38 schizophrenic patients, randomly allocated, were treated according to the EPM model combined with psychotropic drugs (19 cases, each of whom underwent 10 weekly sessions of family therapy) or a traditional clinical‐pharmacological approach (19 cases). With regard to all measures (number of drop‐outs, symptoms according to the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, social activity according to the Strauss‐Carpenter Outcome Scale and an interactive test) the EPM group showed better results. It is suggested that the systemic approach could be used not only as an effective therapy model in schizophrenia but also as an intervention in addition to or integrated into an ongoing psychoeducational family therapy.
Parental communication deviance: its stability and the effect of family treatment in recent‐onset schizophrenia
Authors: Nugter M. A. , Dingemans P. M. A. J. , Linszen D. H. , Van der Does A. J. W. , Gersons B. P. R.
Published: November 2007

The influence of a behavioural family treatment on parental communication deviance (CD) was investigated in a longitudinal treatment study. Subjects were the parents of young patients with recent‐onset schizophrenia or related disorders. Parents and patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions: individual out‐patient treatment or a combination of individual out‐patient and family treatment. Parental CD was assessed with the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) both at the start of the out‐patient treatment and after completion of treatment 1 year later. Most families had high levels of CD, a finding which is in agreement with previous CD studies. These high CD levels remained stable over the 12‐month period. Family treatment was not effective in influencing the level of CD. The findings suggest that high CD is a stable trait‐marker of parents, and they support the notion that high levels of CD may precede the onset of serious psychotic disorders. Studies with more chronic patients are needed to replicate the findings.
Lower serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) in major depression and in depressed men with serious suicidal attempts: relationship with immune‐inflammatory markers
Authors: Maes M. , Smith R. , Christophe A. , Vandoolaeghe E. , Gastel A. Van , Neels H. , Demedts P. , Wauters A. , Meltzer H. Y.
Published: November 2007

Recently, there have been some reports that changes in serum lipid composition may be related to suicide, major depression and immune‐inflammatory responses. Findings from our laboratory suggest that major depression is accompanied by reduced formation of cholesteryl esters and perhaps by impairment of reverse cholesterol transport. The latter is reportedly accompanied by lower serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). The aim of this study was to examine whether (i) major depression is accompanied by lower serum HDL‐C or by abnormal levels of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein‐C (LDL‐C) or vitamin E, (ii) suicidal attempts are related to lower serum HDL‐C and (iii) there are significant associations between serum HDL‐C and immune/inflammatory markers. A total of 36 subjects with major depression, of whom 28 patients showed treatment resistance, as well as 28 normal control subjects, had blood sampled for the assay of the above lipids, serum zinc (Zn), albumin (Alb) and flow cytometric determination of the T‐helper/T‐suppressor (CD4+/ CD8+) T‐cell ratio. In total, 28 depressed subjects had repeated measures of these variables both before and after treatment with antidepressants. Serum HDL‐C and total cholesterol, as well as the HDL‐C/cholesterol ratio, were significantly lower in subjects with major depression than in normal controls. Serum HDL‐C levels were significantly lower in depressed men who had at some time made serious suicidal attempts than in those without such suicidal behaviour. Treatment with antidepressants for 5 weeks did not significantly alter either serum HDL‐C or other lipid variables. Serum HDL‐C levels were significantly and negatively correlated with the (CD4+/CD8+) T‐cell ratio, and positively correlated with serum Alb and Zn. These results suggest that (i) lower serum HDL‐C levels are a marker for major depression and suicidal behaviour in depressed men, (ii) lower serum HDL‐C levels are probably induced by the immune/inflammatory response in depression and (iii) there is impairment of reverse cholesterol transport from the body tissues to the liver.
Depression and disability pension in Finland
Authors: Salminen J. K. , Saarijärvi S. , Raitasalo R.
Published: November 2007

During the period 1987‐1994 there has been a threefold increase in disability pensions granted to individuals with affective disorders in Finland. Possible reasons for this development include a deep economic recession, changes in the diagnostic system, and better recognition of affective disorders. Against this background, it seems relevant to ask why, over the same period, the functional capacity of depressive patients has markedly deteriorated, causing an increase in disability pensions, despite the fact that many new drugs and other treatments have become available.
Factors associated with multiple admissions to a public psychiatric hospital
Authors: Vogel S. , Huguelet P.
Published: November 2007

The purpose of this study was to identify the psychiatric and social factors associated with multiple admissions, especially for psychotic patients. Demographic and diagnostic information (based on the DSM‐III‐R) was collected on a computerized database for all patients admitted to the only psychiatric hospital in Geneva, Switzerland. Patients who had had at least three admissions over a period of 1 year were compared with a control group drawn from the total clinic population. In 1994, a total of 1575 patients were hospitalized, and 18% of these patients were readmitted for the third or more time. The principal diagnoses were psychotic disorders (25%), affective disorders (35%) and substance‐related disorders (24%). The predictors of multiple admissions for psychotic patients were a comorbidity of substance‐related disorder, longer duration of illness, female sex, younger age and poorer psychosocial adjustment during the past year. These results highlight the usefulness of a computerized psychiatric database. Indeed, early identification of the types of psychiatric patient who are likely to be readmitted is necessary to enable the planning and implementation of specific programmes of ambulatory care to prevent rehospitalization.
Beck's Depression Inventory as a screening instrument for adolescent depression in Sweden: gender differences
Authors: Olsson G. , von Knorring A.‐L.
Published: November 2007

Beck's Depression Inventory was administered in a study of all students aged 16–17 years in the first year of high school in a Swedish town, and was completed by 93% of them (n=2270). Cronbach's reliability coefficient alpha was 0.89, and there were strong correlations between item scores and total scores. A diagnostic interview focused on depressive diagnosis during the last year was conducted with 88% (n=199) of all students with high scores (≥16), and with the same number of controls with low scores. A depressive diagnosis was confirmed in 73% of high scorers and 13% of low scorers. The questionnaire performed better with girls than with boys. The mean score was significantly higher for girls, and the proposed limit for moderate depression (a score of 16) was reached by 14.2% of girls and 4.8% of boys. All symptoms were significantly more frequent and more severe in girls. It was found that 20% of girls and 6% of boys reported suicidal ideation. In a factor analysis the strongest factor that emerged differed between the sexes. For boys it included sadness, crying and suicidal ideation, and for girls it included failure, guilt, self‐dislike and feeling unattractive, combined with suicidal ideation. The gender differences are discussed.
Drugs taken in fatal and non‐fatal self‐poisoning: a study in South London
Authors: Neeleman J. , Wessely S.
Published: November 2007

This study compared the number and type of substances taken in deliberate self‐poisoning with fatal (n= 127) and non‐fatal (n=521) outcome. The aims were (i) to describe substances typically involved in self‐poisoning in England and Wales, (ii) to examine the role of drug ‘cocktails’ and (iii) to examine whether toxic substances are over‐represented in cases with fatal outcome. Over‐the‐counter (OTC) analgesics, minor tranquillizers and antidepressants accounted for about 70% of substances taken, irrespective of outcome. Compared with survivors, cases who died had taken a higher mean number of substances. Among self‐poisonings with a single substance, antidepressants and paracetamol‐opiate combinations were over‐represented in fatal‐outcome cases. This report emphasizes the role of OTC analgesics and antidepressants in overdose‐related mortality in England and Wales.
Differences between urban and rural suicides
Authors: Isometsa E. , Heikkinen M. , Henriksson M. , Marttunen M. , Aro H. , Lonnqvist J.
Published: November 2007

As part of a nation‐wide psychological autopsy we examined the differences in DSM‐III‐R mental disorders, recent life events and other characteristics between urban (n=143) and rural (n=85) completed suicides in a random sample of 229 cases from the National Suicide Prevention Project in Finland for the period 1987‐1988. Psychoactive substance use disorders (48% vs. 34%), cluster B personality disorders (24% vs. 9%) and psychiatric comorbidity (66% vs. 42%) were found more commonly among urban than rural suicides. Urban suicides were also more often reported to be preceded by a recent separation (25% vs. 8%), whereas rural suicide victims tended to have lacked a close companion of the opposite sex (36% vs. 18%) and to have had physical disorders (56% vs. 40%). Overall, urban and rural suicides may vary with regard to the prevalence of some mental disorders, their comorbidity, and physical disorders, as well as the preceding life situation. This variation may also imply the need for differences in strategies for suicide prevention in each setting.
Criminal and psychiatric histories of Finnish arsonists
Authors: Repo E. , Virkkunen M. , Rawlings R. , Linnoila M.
Published: November 2007

We investigated psychiatric and demographic variables and lifetime criminality among arsonists referred for a pre‐trial psychiatric assessment. The medical and criminal records of 282 arsonists were studied in order to compare first‐time and repeat offenders with regard to diagnostic, demographic and biological variables. Alcohol dependence and antisocial personality disorder were common among recidivist offenders. This finding was especially prominent among offenders who committed violent crimes. Recidivist offenders commonly had a history of long‐lasting enuresis during their childhood. They were younger at the time of their first offence, and were more often intoxicated with alcohol during the arson attempt. Among arsonists, lifetime criminal recidivism was primarily associated with alcohol dependence and antisocial personality disorder. Psychosis was a common diagnosis among subjects who had no record of recidivist criminal offences.
The combat of non‐compliance during prophylactic lithium treatment
Authors: Schou M.
Published: November 2007

Non‐compliance is the most frequent cause of recurrence during prophylactic lithium treatment and is associated with poor response and high levels of suicidality. Non‐compliance is a complex phenomenon and may have a number of causes. When manic‐depressive patients fare badly under the conditions of so‐called ‘naturalistic' trials, this usually indicates that such conditions are inadequate for long‐term maintenance treatment. Prophylactic lithium treatment must be accompanied by measures to sustain compliance and counteract drop‐out, and these measures build on three cornerstones, namely information, support and supervision.
Early self‐experienced neuropsychological deficits and subsequent schizophrenic diseases: an 8‐year average follow‐up prospective study
Authors: Klosterkötter J. , Schultze‐Lutter F. , Gross G. , Huber G. , Steinmeyer E. M.
Published: November 2007

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential predictive value of early self‐experienced neuropsychological deficits for the subsequent development of schizophrenia. A total of 96 patients with DSM‐III‐R diagnoses of personality disorders (formerly called ‘neurotic disorders’) who had been examined for the presence of such subjective experiences of deficits with standardized instruments were re‐examined for the possible development of schizophrenic symptoms. After an average follow‐up period of about 8 years, more than 50% of the patients had developed schizophrenia according to DSM‐III‐R criteria. In 77% of cases the outcome ‘schizophrenia vs. no schizophrenia’ was correctly predicted by the earlier presence or absence of self‐experienced disturbances of thought, speech, memory, perception and action. These findings suggest that certain self‐experienced neuropsychological deficits are able to indicate susceptibility to psychosis.
Schizophrenia and neurotrophin‐3 alleles
Authors: Jönsson E. , Brené S. , Zhang X. R. , Nimgaonkar V. L. , Tylec A. , Schalling M. , Sedvall G.
Published: November 2007

Studies of brain anatomy and premorbid functioning indicate that schizophrenia may be of neurodevelopmental origin. In the neurotrophic factor neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) gene, the A3/147‐bp allele in a dinucleotide repeat polymorphism located in the promoter region was found to be associated with schizophrenia in a Japanese study. Another NT‐3 polymorphism (Glu63Gly) indicated an association with schizophrenic patients with a putative neurodevelopmental form of the disease. We examined Swedish schizophrenic patients (n=109) and control subjects (n=78) for the same two NT‐3 polymorphisms, as well as a third silent exonic polymorphism (at Pro55). No significant difference was found between the two groups. However, in a meta‐analysis including the present and previous studies of Caucasian subjects, the A3/147‐bp allele frequency was found to be significantly higher in the schizophrenic patients. In the present study, carriers of the A3/147 bp allele tended to have an earlier age of onset and to display more extrapyramidal symptoms. In the silent exonic polymorphism (at Pro55), female schizophrenic patients had higher adenine and lower guanine allele frequencies than control female subjects. Together with previous studies, the results provide some support for an association between the NT‐3 gene and certain forms of schizophrenia. This warrants further investigation of NT‐3 and other neurotrophic factors with additional polymorphisms and larger patient samples.
Phototherapy is a useful adjunct in the treatment of depressed in‐patients
Authors: Beauchemin K. M. , Hays P.
Published: November 2007

Phototherapy is regularly used in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. There is evidence that it is also useful in the treatment of non‐seasonal depression, but relevant controlled experiments are difficult to design. In this study we randomly assigned depressed in‐patients to high and low levels of artificial light, the high levels exceeding those most commonly used in earlier reported trials. Both unipolar and bipolar depressions responded when phototherapy was used as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy, and mood improvement was related to the intensity of illumination, that is, patients treated with high levels of illumination improved significantly more than those who received low levels (P < 0.02). Our findings suggest that light therapy is generally applicable to depressive illnesses, and that the light intensities commonly used are suboptimal.
The prevalence of early postpartum psychiatric morbidity in Dubai: a transcultural perspective
Authors: Abou‐Saleh M. T. , Ghubash R.
Published: November 2007

There have been numerous studies of the prevalence of postpartum psychiatric illness and its putative risk factors in Western Europe and North America, but very few studies have been undertaken in developing countries, including the Arab world. A total of 95 women admitted to the New Dubai Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for childbirth were studied. All subjects were assessed in the postpartum period using clinical and socio‐cultural instruments, namely the Self‐Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) on day 2 and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) on day 7 after delivery. The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity was 24% according to the SRQ and 18% according to the EPDS. A number of psychosocial factors emerged as putative risk factors for postpartum psychiatric disturbance, including depressive illness. It is concluded that the prevalence of postpartum psychiatric morbidity and its risk factors in this Arab culture are similar to the results obtained in numerous previous studies conducted in industrialized countries. These findings have implications for the early detection and care of women at risk for postpartum psychiatric illness.
Attribution in somatizers: stability and relationship to outcome at 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: García‐Campayo J. , Larrubia J. , Lobo A. , Pérez‐Echeverría M. J. , Campos R. ,   Grupo Morbilidad Psiquica y Psicosomática de Zaragoza (GMPPZ)
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to determine whether attributional style is a stable pattern in somatizers, to analyse the sociodemographic and psychopathological characteristics that can modify it, and to study the relationship between attributional pattern and outcome. A total of 147 somatizers and 46 psychologizers from a representative sample (n=1559) of primary care patients in Zaragoza, Spain were followed up for 1 year. Attribution of somatic symptoms was a stable construct in somatizers. Patients who modified attribution were younger (by 15 years on average), tended to be without a partner, and had a shorter illness duration (by 20 months on average) than those who maintained it. Attribution showed no correlation with outcome at the 1‐year follow‐up.
Observations on switching patients with schizophrenia to risperidone treatment
Authors: Kirov G. K. , Murray R. M. , Seth R. V. , Feeney S. ,   the Risperidone Switching Study Group
Published: November 2007

This study examined one possible strategy for switching patients to treatment with risperidone involving immediate cessation of current neuroleptics and gradual withdrawal of anticholinergic treatments. All patients received risperidone monotherapy for at least 4 weeks. Side‐effects and symptoms were rated and successful switching was defined as completion of the study with no consistent worsening in any rating scales. Of the 41 patients entered, five withdrew for reasons unconnected with the study. Of the remaining 36 patients, 64% (23 patients) were switched successfully. Overall, the rating scales showed significant improvements (mean score on Krawiecka scale, 11.0 to 6.6, P < 0.001), and side‐effects decreased (mean score on Simpson & Angus scale, 5.1 to 2.9, P= 0.004). The strategy appeared to be successful for most patients, especially those who had previously received depot medication. However, more gradual withdrawal of previous treatments, including anticholinergics, may be advisable in some cases.
Expressed emotion from the Five‐Minute Speech Sample and relapse of out‐patients with schizophreniaa
Authors: Uehara T. , Yokoyama T. , Goto M. , Kohmura N. , Nakano Y. , Toyooka K. , Ihda S.
Published: November 2007

We investigated the relationship between 9‐month relapse of 40 outpatients with schizophrenia and expressed emotion (EE) evaluated by the Five‐Minute Speech Sample (FMSS). The results of this study suggest that the FMSS is suitable for use as a convenient instrument to measure EE, although it shows more false‐positive results. Therefore borderline EE of the FMSS might have to be regarded as high EE.