bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional formation control based on filter backstepping method for multiple underactuated underwater vehicles
Authors: Qi Xue , Cai Zhi-jun
Published: July 2016

This paper proposes a leader following formation tracking controller for multiple underactuated underwater vehicles (UUVs) which move in three dimensional space. In order to avoid the derivative of the virtual control signals, a control method based on filter backstepping is proposed. The method can significantly simplify the design process of the backstepping controller through the use of a filter rather than the analytic derivation directly to the virtual control variable. Furthermore, the influence of measurement noise is obviously weakened. The stability of the formation system of multiple UUVs has been proved based on Lyapunov stability theory. Simulation results illustrate that the designed controller can track a three-dimensional formation trajectory accurately.
The use of measurements of energy status in pregnant ewes
Authors: Russel A.J.F.
Published: July 2016

The need to assess the adequacy of nutrition arises frequently. It occurs in relation to individual animals and to groups of animals in both experimental situations and in commercial practice.

The measurement of food intake poses certain difficulties and involves a considerable amount of time and effort, particularly with grazing animals, but also with housed animals which are group–fed. Even where food intakes can be measured, the assessment of the adequacy of that nutrition necessitates a knowledge of the animal's requirements – and this too can present problems in some situations. Changes in live weight and in body condition are obvious and useful indices of the adequacy of nutrition, but in many cases the time taken for such changes to become manifest is too great. By the time an excessive rate of live–weight loss has been detected it may be either too late to effect a change in the level of feeding, or an unacceptable production penalty may have already been incurred.
Automatic Teatcup Cluster Removal
Authors: Goldsmith F.E.
Published: July 2016

Many claims are made by suppliers of automatic teatcup cluster removal equipment and this paper considers these claims and attempts to describe and compare some of the different devices available to the dairy farmer.
Control, Data Recording and Retrieval - Techniques
Authors: Burgess A.D.
Published: July 2016

Management control of a herd of animals is undertaken even at the most primitive level by recording data and subsequently recalling the information to effect decisions. This was true of the shepherd and goatherd of antiquity and the techniques used then were not much improved until the 1930's when an impetus for change came from setting up such bodies as the Milk Marketing Board. With dairy cattle, the major emphasis is now on herd control using methods equivalent to management control in industry. In management control, an aggregate of data, retrieved by suitable analysis, is used to effect a policy decision.
Automation in Dairying - Developments in the Netherlands
Authors: Rossing W.
Published: July 2016

Not only in industry but also in agriculture there is an increased use of electronics for controlling routine work.

On large dairy farms where one man milks 50 to 60 cows per hour it is no longer possible to pay due attention to infected cows, cows on heat, individual production levels and the required amount of concentrates per animal.

The IMAG research aims at providing the dairy farmer with more information about his animals, so that he is better able to make his decisions.
1.1 The desirability and implications of encouraging intensive animal production enterprises in developing countries
Authors: Payne W. J. A.
Published: July 2016

The apparent superior productivity of livestock systems in most developed countries, compared with those in most developing countries, has been well documented and is quantified for five major types of livestock production in Table 1.1.1. It is likely, however, that this productive superiority is not anything like as great as these data suggest. For example, a large number of the cattle and buffaloes producing beef in developing countries will almost certainly be also used for work purposes, the majority of the females will produce some milk for human consumption and all will produce manure that may be used as fertilizer or fuel. Also, large numbers of pigs and poultry in developing countries are reared as scavengers and are not fed highly-priced grain or other concentrate feeds.
5.8 Evaluation of protein sources in tropical fish feeds
Authors: Jackson A. , Matty A. J. , Capper B. S.
Published: July 2016

The development of nutritionally complete diets for use in tropical aquaculture is essential if the desired intensification is to occur. The diets must use locally available protein sources, preferably those unsuitable for human consumption. The work currently being undertaken at Aston University has the long-term aim of developing a compound diet using plant protein sources.
6.5 Dairy cow condition scoring
Authors: Mulvany P. M.
Published: July 2016

Records on animal performance form a basic part of management. Without records it is not possible to measure the effect of changes in management nor assess the individual performance of an animal. Condition scoring provides a means of recording body condition and may assist in monitoring changes in body reserves. However, it is of limited use if other, more significant, records are not kept. It provides an enhancement to a recording scheme in which reproduction, production health and feeding/grazing records are kept. These records should be simple. Some data are required on calvings and inseminations, milk yield and/or rate of growth, preventative and curative health measures and on the probable feed available to an animal and how this feed is utilized. Body condition scoring will provide some data for this final item.
6.8 Climate and disease problems associated with large scale dairy farming in Iran
Authors: Jordan W. J.
Published: July 2016

This paper is based on experience in Iran where, with only twenty five million people in a land the size of Western Europe, space is not a problem. It is 3 200 km across its longest axis and nearly 2 400 km from north to south. It is one of the highest countries in the world, consisting mainly of a large plateau, 1 500–1 800 m above sea level, which is ringed by huge mountains running for the most part north-west to south-east except for the Elburz Chain running east to west and dividing the lush sub-tropical Caspian littoral from the arid plateau. In the centre, ringed by mountains, are two vast and confluent deserts, the salt and sand deserts, into which many rivers flow, all the time weakening and drying in the shimmering heat and dryness. The Zagros and Elburz ranges rise in places to 4 500 m and are snow covered for half the year.
7.2 Meat production from goats in developing countries
Authors: Devendra C.
Published: July 2016

In animal production systems, a particular species is utilized for two main reasons. First, because of its ability to adapt to a particular environment and use the existing resources efficiently. Second, and more particularly, its economic importance both actual and potential, which can be achieved by adjustment of the environment to suit this production. In this context, these factors are of significance to goats since they represent an important component of the livestock economies and are valued for a variety of reasons in developing countries (Devendra and Burns, 1970; Devendra, 1979a).
Carcass composition and tissue weight distribution in purebred lambs from six breeds
Authors: Brown A. J. , Butler-Hogg B. W. , Wood J. D.
Published: July 2016

Future improvements in British lamb sales depend on increasing the lean to fat ratio in cuts and joints offered for sale, since numerous surveys have shown an aversion to fat on the part of consumers. This ratio can be changed by manipulating breed and live weight at slaughter, since breeds of large mature size slaughtered at light weights are considerably leaner than those of small mature size slaughtered at heavy weights. However, there are other aspects of carcass value than overall lean and fat content. These include factors such as the proportions of individual joints and their composition. This study was carried out to examine carcass composition and carcass quality changes between 12 and 24 kg cold carcass weight (CCW) in 317 castrated males and 238 females from six pure breeds.
Selecting finished stock for slaughter
Authors: Smith C. P.
Published: July 2016

With the emphasis on producing finished stock to a required specification, it is important that the producer should be able to estimate the potential carcass characteristics of his stock.

MLC has produced two slide tape presentations for use with farming audiences which take a step-by-step approach to this subject. The slide tapes concentrate on the assessment of fat level, which is very much under the control of the producer. Carcass shape, on the other hand, is strongly related to breed and is far less manipulatable by short-term management.
Producing and selling beef in scotland (match or mismatch?)
Authors: Aitken R. G.
Published: July 2016

A study was carried out during 1981-82, to assess how far the present production of prime beef in Scotland coincided with the declared preferences of the meat trade.

Three main buyer groups were identified, namely, independent butchers, multiple retailers and wholesalers. Each group had differing needs, which can be summarized under the headings of live weight, sex, conformation/fatness and breed type of cattle (Table 5.15.1). Multiple retailers preferred steers between 451 and 550 kg or, in some cases, heavier and there was a general reluctance to accept heifers. Many butchers on the other hand preferred heifers to steers. The weight of heifer preferred was up to 450 kg (to avoid overfatness). The needs of wholesalers, which are not shown in the Table, were best met by a wider weight range of steers — reflecting the need to satisfy different customers and their role in clearing the market.
Transmittable diseases: the lessons from bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
Authors: Bradley R.
Published: July 2016

BSE was first discovered in November 1986 and by July 1991 about 60 000 cases had been confirmed in Great Britain with a low incidence being reported in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland and France. The origin of the extended common source epidemic appears to have been food containing meat and bone meal which contained the causal agent. Recycling of infected cattle waste was significant in increasing exposure, at least from the time of the first unrecognized clinical appearance of the disease in 1985. Small numbers of five species ofBovidaein British zoos, domestic cats, a puma and a cheetah have also succumbed to a newly described spongiform encephalopathy. It is anticipated that as a result of the imposition of a ruminant food ban in countries affected by BSE new infections from food have ceased and the incidence of BSE will fall to zero provided there is no other source of infection. Effective controls are in place in Great Britain and Northern Ireland to protect animal and public health. These include disease notification, compulsory slaughter of suspect animals and incineration of the carcasses, a ban on the feeding of specified bovine offals from cattle over 6 months of age or protein derived from them to man, or any species of animal or bird, and a ban on the feeding of ruminant protein to ruminant animals. Genetic studies are still in progress but there is no epidemiological evidence supporting breed predisposition and bovine PrP gene polymorphisms have not been linked with disease occurrence. The lessons from BSE include: the need to retain an animal health surveillance system to detect new and emerging diseases; a strong veterinary research base in unconventional agent disease; and a powerful epidemiology discipline with access to computerized data recording systems, analytical and modelling expertise. Major changes to the composition or processing of animal food, particularly that derived from sources which are not natural for the consuming species, should be carefully monitored for safety before being permitted.
Veterinary drug residues: an overview of the current position in the European Community
Authors: Heitzman R. J.
Published: July 2016

Information and legislation on the regulation of residues of veterinary drugs within the European Community (EC) is aimed at harmonizing the actions by member states to improve intra-community trade and provide meat and meat products safe for consumption in the EC. The information comes from many different sources. The aim of this paper is to coordinate the separate information.

The key areas of interest are: use and abuse of veterinary drugs in meat production; EC Directive 86/469 on residues and associated legislation; development of methodology for residue analysis; preparation of reference materials (RMs) through the research programme of the Bureau of Community Reference (BCR); the establishment of maximum residue limits (MRLs) by the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP); the rôle of the Community and National Reference Laboratories (CRL, NRL); the rôle of the Reference Manual on Residues of Veterinary Drugs.

The relationships between the above are discussed; in particular the important rôles of the CRL and the Reference Manual to disseminate and coordinate information.
The Welsh lamb premium scheme in practice
Authors: Zalick N.
Published: July 2016

The topography and climate of Wales dictate that there is no realistic alternative to livestock production; sheep rearing is a virtual necessity. The output value of the Welsh sheep industry, with approximately 5.5 million breeding ewes, is well in excess of £200 million.

Welsh Lamb Enterprise (WLE) was established in 1982 by a group of lamb producers in Wales who recognized the importance of efficient promotion and marketing. In 1985, WLE launched a Quality Assurance Scheme to identify Premium Quality Welsh Lamb, and to ensure a regular supply of Welsh lamb that was guaranteed to be of a consistently high specification. In setting up the scheme, there was close co-operation with Food From Britain to ensure that it had a meaningful standard.

All participating abattoirs have to comply with strict regulations and undergo rigid independent inspections. Only lean carcasses of the highest quality are given the stamp of approval. Under WLE specifications, Premium Quality Welsh lambs must not be above fat class 3L and have conformation levels of E, U and R. Certified carcasses are clearly identified, and retail packs of fresh, chilled meat must carry a ‘use by’ date and full instructions for domestic storage. A network of wholesalers has been established so that orders for Premium Quality Welsh Lamb may be processed rapidly for immediate delivery anywhere in England and Wales.

During its first year of operation, approximately 67 000 lambs were accepted into the Quality Assurance Scheme; currently, the number is closer to 500 000.
The Influence of housing on pig health
Authors: Smith W. J.
Published: July 2016

Within typical pig buildings highly specialized sub-units have been created, each design to cater for a different age group or function, or both. These systems of housing have been developed from a desire by the farmer to overcome welfare problems as they have arisen and also for sound economic reasons. Unfortunately, although new housing systems have solved some problems they have created others. Pig health may be influenced in a direct simple way by housing but more often by the outcome of complex interactions between organisms, the pig and its environment. Examples of typical problems which may arise because of the influence of housing systems on the pig are outlined and discussed.
Climate control systems and equipment — heating, energy conservation and system failure
Authors: Jamieson M.
Published: July 2016

Conventionally heat consumption forms a small proportion (about 002) of the total cost of producing finishing pigs. Heating costs are incurred from farrowing to about 20 kg live weight and generally represent about 0–05 of production costs to this stage.

Apart from the incorporation of adequate insulation in the building structure, the main means of restricting heating costs is by good control of minimum ventilation rate. Efficient control systems are available but operators do not always fully understand how they are intended to work, so effective training is as important as clear operating instructions.

Techniques exist for the reduction of fossil fuel consumption but all involve the expenditure of additional capital and have running costs of their own. In relation to the current low costs of fossil fuels, oil and propane, even the simplest of these methods are difficult to justify in commercial practice. They include: heat recovery by static recuperator from ventilation exhaust air; and heat recovery by heat pump from low temperature sources such as aerobically treated slurry, ground water and exhaust air.

Alternative non-fossil fuels include biogas and straw. Biogas production by anaerobic digestion of slurry is expensive in capital and is only feasible where the slurry must be treated for other reasons, such as odour control. Heat production from straw may be economical where the straw is available at low cost and simple stoking aids (e.g. existing tractor fore-loaders) are used.

Fail-safe equipment to protect stock in the event of forced ventilation system breakdown must be carefully designed and installed to be reliable. Methods are available to suit the range of ventilation and housing systems. Failure of natural ventilation systems is less likely to cause problems, and indications to the stockman of abnormal temperature conditions should be sufficient to prevent loss of stock.
Improving the quality of lamb meat — taste, fatness and consumer appeal
Authors: Wood J. D. , Fisher A. V.
Published: July 2016

Lamb has some positive attributes so far as consumers are concerned i.e. high levels of tenderness and flavour, a low incidence of quality problems (such as PSE muscle in pigs) and a ‘natural’ image. However, a major reduction in fatness of the meat on display in supermarkets is seen as essential to maintain sales in the UK and increase them abroad. Analyses of lamb cuts on retail sale shows that insufficient trimming is or can be done to produce a lean product. An increase in carcass weight would allow more scope for new methods of butchery and presentation. Changes in the way that lamb is marketed are essential in order to reduce carcass fatness. More use of carcass classification and an objective scheme can provide the basis for grading which penalizes over-fat carcasses. Tenderness and flavour can both be modified by changes on the farm and in processing. Chilling rate and ageing/conditioning are major factors controlling tenderness and diet is important in producing desirable flavour. There is considerable scope for improving eating characteristics by ensuring that the factors which affect them are at appropriate levels. However, the major factor in increasing consumer appeal remains a reduction in the fat content of lamb.
Immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Brinar Vesna
Published: July 2016

Immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis is a complex process involving T cell mediated autoimmunity at initial stage of disease. A long standing view that Th1 cells are critical for early inflammatory development of lesions is challenging by recent findings that Th1 helper cells with Th17 phenotype are even more important. A complex autoimmunity of MS is further complicated with evidence that CD8 cells, regulatory T cells, clonal expansion of B cells, cells of myelin lineage, antibodies and complement, as well as process intrinsic to central nervous system contribute to the tissue destruction. Although there are a lot of evidences about inflammatory phase of MS, far less is known about mechanisms involved in degenerative phase of disease. It is not known weather quantitative, or qualitative differences in inflammatory response contributes to destruction of the tissue, or as it was shown experimentally demyelination may sometimes occur independent of T cells.

Understanding of immunopathogenesis of MS especially regarding various stages of disease is necessary for clinicians in choosing optimal therapy of MS in individual patients. Influences of immunomodulatory treatment on various stages of MS immuno-pathogenesis are presented.
Clinical and neurochemical characteristics of pediatric multiple sclerosis – CSF analysis as knowledge base for differential diagnosis and pathophysiology
Authors: Rostasy Kevin , Reiber Hansotto
Published: July 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system affecting young adults. Although adults and children share important features of the disease, they also differ in some clinical, radiological and laboratory aspects. This review focuses on the neuroimmunological findings in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with MS pointing out that there is already at earliest time of clinical manifestation a neuroimmunological pattern, which differs only in intensity of the humoral immune response but not in frequency and does not support a neuroimmunological difference between early onset from adult onset MS. The humoral immune response with intrathecal IgG and IgM class response and the polyspecific production of antibodies against a wide range of antigens (MRZ antibody response) further helps to differentiate childhood MS from ADEM as the main differential diagnostic challenge.
Toxicology and the vulnerable brain
Authors: Uges D.R.A.
Published: July 2016

Toxicology is one of the eldest areas of special attention in medicine and pharmacy. In the past, forensic toxicology was the most important part, but nowadays, at least in the Netherlands, the clinical, occupational and environmental toxicology have the centre of attention.

The brain plays its own role in the clinical toxicology. There the intoxication can take place, it can be the basis of the peripheral symptoms of the intoxication or it can be the cause of the intoxication, e.g. at a suicidal attempt or the hospital addiction syndrome.

The somatic treatment of an intoxicated patient includes in the first place the stabilization of the patient (cardio-vascular, ventilation and central effects); then the removal of the poison from the surroundings and out of the patient by different suitable methods and finally the symptomatic treatment, sometimes with antidotes.

In the Netherlands, hardly any intoxication is fatal, when the patient arrives in the hospital in time, or euthanasia took place on purpose.
Recent developments in the psychopharmacology of social phobia
Authors: Boer Den J.A. , Vliet I.M. Van , Westenberg H.G.M.
Published: July 2016

The last two decades have witnessed an upsurge in the interest in anxiety disorders. Much research effort has been dedicated to panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, it is only very recently that we have begun to understand some of the basic principles about the psychopharmacology of social phobia. Drug classes so far studied include beta-blockers, non-selective and irreversible MAO-inhibitors (MAOI's) and benzodiazepinen. Beta-blockers appear to be of use in specific social phobias, like public speaking. There is considerable evidence suggesting that MAOI's are effective in reducing both social anxiety as well as social avoidance. A disadvantage of the conventional irreversible MAOI's is their risk for hypertensive crises when combined with dietary tyramine.

So far only a small number of studies with selective MAOI-A inhibitors such as moclobemide and brofaromine have been conducted in social phobia, and the results indicate that both compounds are effective.

Drugs exerting selective and specific actions on certain components of e.g. the serotonergic system can now be studied and it is hoped that the role of serotonin and other neuronal systems in social phobia can be elucidated.

In order to gain more information about selective serotonergic drugs the first double blind placebo-controlled study with fluvoxamine in social phobia is here reported. Preliminary results indicate a reduction of social anxiety.

Finally the role of peptides in the treatment of social phobia is critically reviewed. The MSH/ACTH analog Org 2766 was investigated in patients suffering from social phobia. No anxiolytic effects of this peptide could be observed.
Psychofarmakologika X
Authors: Korf J.
Published: July 2016

Sinds mensenheugenis wordt dementie gevreesd als een ziekte van de ouderdom. Dementie treedt vooral op bij zestigers en zeventigers en wel bij meer dan 10%. Demente bejaarden kunnen moeilijk iets nieuws leren. Wat ook opvalt is een algemene traagheid: misschien worden daardoor leerproblemen en vergeetachtigheid zo centraal gezien. De bekendste vormen van dementie zijn de ziekte van Alzheimer en de multi-infarct dementie (MID). Als puntje bij paaltje komt, blijken de histopathologische kenmerken van MID (diffuus of juist strategische gelegen infarcten) weinig te worden gevonden, misschien omdat een mogelijk kenmerk van MID, n1. verdwenen zenuwcellen uit het CA1-gebied van de hippocampus, niet gezien werden. In proefdiermodellen leidt milde ischaemie tot beschadiging van deze cellen en tot siechte leerprestaties; reden genoeg om deze pathologie in verband te brengen met dementie.
Central 5-HT2 antagonists: A preclinical evaluation of a therapeutic potential
Authors: Meert T.F. , Awouters F.
Published: July 2016

A preclinical evaluation is presented of the serotonin 5-HT2 antagonists ritanserin and risperidone. Whereas ritanserin is a relative selective 5-HT2 antagonist, risperidone is a potent 5-HT2 and catecholamine antagonist. The pharmacological differences between both drugs are also observed in the drug discrimination test procedure. Using DOM, d-amphetamine and cocaine. Ritanserin was found active in animal models of anxiety using natural aversive stimuli; and in animal models of depression. Clear differences were observed between ritanserin and the benzodiazepines and between ritanserin and the tricyclic antidepressants. Risperidone was active in animal models of psychosis. Risperidone has, as opposed to classical neuroleptics such as haloperidol, less risks of inducing a dopamine D2 overblockade. Clinically, ritanserin is described as a thymostenic agent.

Risperidone is an antipsychotic with therapeutic effects on both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and with a reduced risk of extrapyramidal side-effects.
Psychofarmakologika XI
Authors: Korf J.
Published: July 2016

Inleiding

In deze rubriek zal worden ingegaan op recente observaties betreffende de psychofarmakologie in de breedst mogelijke zin. Vaak zullen zaken uit de literatuur worden behandeld. De gekozen onderwerpen dienen altijd klinische relevantie te hebben. Ook zal deze rubriek gaan over gewoontes die in psychofarmakologische behandeling of in onderzoek zijn geslopen die volgens de auteur lang niet altijd logisch zijn. Soms zal deze rubriek een oproep bevatten om te reageren op een bijdrage gepubliceerd in dit of in een ander tijdschrift. Ook zal de lezer worden aangemoedigd hier zijn eigen ervaringen mee te delen. Het is niet de bedoeling in deze rubriek onderzoeken uitvoerig te rapporteren. Daarvoor staan andere pagina's van de Acta Neuropsychiatrica voor u open.
Neuropeptides and anxiety disorders
Authors: van Megen H.J.G.M. , den Boer J.A. , Westenberg H.G.M.
Published: July 2016

In this review article four neuropeptides: adrenocorticotrope hormone (ACTH), corticotrope releasing hormone (CRH), neuropeptide- Y(NPY) and cholecystokinin (CCK) are discussed with respect to their possible role in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders. First the presumable working mechanism of these peptides in the brain is mentioned. In addition, the relationship of these peptides and anxiety is outlined using neuroanatomical and electrophysiological research data. Subsequently, animal experiments and human research findings are discussed. Most of the research findings so far are obtained from animal data. Only with respect to CCK, there is increasing evidence, also from human studies, that this peptide might play a role in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders. The putative role of the other peptides remains to be estab lished in future research.
Neuropeptides as psychotropic drugs
Authors: de Wied D.
Published: July 2016

Neuropeptides are endogenous substances present in nerve cells and involved in nervous system functions. Neuropeptides are synthetized in large precursor proteins and several are formed in the same precursor. Neuropeptides affect learning and memory processes, social, sexual and maternal behavior, pain and addiction, body temperature, food and water intake e.a. In addition, neuropeptides possess trophic influences on the nervous system, neuroleptic-like andpsychostimulant-like activities. Disturbances in classical neurotransmitter activity as found in Parkinson's disease, psychoses, and dementia, may also be caused by disturbances in neuropeptide activity. In fact, alterations in the concentration of a number of neuropeptides in schizophrenia, depression, and dementia have been found.

Much work has been done during the last decade on the influence of neuropeptides in schizophrenia, autism, depression, and in various disorders associated with memory disturbances. These studies concern neuropeptides related to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), vasopressin- and endorphin-type neuropeptides, thyrotropic releasing hormone (TRH), and the C-terminal part of oxytocin Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 (PLG). Several of these exert positive effects but in not more than 25% the response is clinically relevant. This may have to do with the severity of the disease and its chronicity. The modest effects may also be caused by the poor bioavailability of peptides and insufficient pharmacotherapeutic experience regarding dose, and duration of treatment.
Psychomotor retardation in depression, a pilot study
Authors: Hoof J.J.M. van , van Bavel L.P. , van den Berg A.J.M.
Published: July 2016

Several studies have demonstrated that psychomotor retardation is an important sign of the major depressive episode, both from a diagnostic point of view and as a predictor of treatment outcome. However, it is uncertain to what extent psychomotor retardation is specific for the major depressive episode. A heterogeneous group of psychiatric patients (n=26) was studied using a rating scale developed specifically to assess psychomotor retardation (RRS). The 13 patients suffering from a major depressive episode had a significantly higher RRS score than patients with another diagnosis. Furthermore, in the depressive subjects the severity of the depression (measured by means of Hamilton's depression rating scale) appeared to correlate with the severity of the psychomotor retardation. Cognitive features of psychomotor retardation were mainly responsible for the more severe psychomotor retardation in the depressive patients. Surprisingly. Hamilton's depression scale which was used in this study does not pay much attention to these aspects.
Sleep and wake disorders in shift workers. Part I: Prevalence, clinical phenomena and pathogenesis
Authors: Roeck J. De , Steenkiste M. Van , Cluydts R.
Published: July 2016

The present review summarizes the prevalence, clinical phenomena, and pathogenesis of sleep and wake disorders in shift workers. Insomnia and hyper-somnolence occur in more than 50% of shift workers, mainly in association with the night shift. Circadian rhythm disruption is the major determinant of these disorders. Furthermore they are frequently associated with psycho-social problems and somatic diseases. In more than 20% of the shift workers problems are so pronounced, that they fail to adapt to the rotating schedules. This is defined as ‘shift maladaptation syndrome’.
Sleep and wake disorders in shift workers. Part II: Prevention and treatment strategies
Authors: Roeck J. De , Cluydts R. , Leroy B.
Published: July 2016

The present review deals with preventive and treatment strategies for sleep and wake disorders, and the other problems of shift workers. Management must take into account the direction, speed and other parameters of the rotation schedule. Good sleep-wake hygiene may alleviate the problems. Further, additional napping may compensate – at least partially – for sleep deprivation and fatigue. Hypnotics must be avoided as much as possible. Finally, new techniques for manipulation of circadian rhythms are discussed: light, melatonin and benzodiazepines.
Psychobiological research on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): A methodological note
Authors: Merckelbach H. , Rasquin S.
Published: July 2016

Background: To a large extent, discussions about dissociative identity disorder (DID) revolve around the way in which identity states (alters) that are thought to be typical for this condition should be interpreted: are they metaphors or are they genuine actors? Recent literature offers some fine examples of studies demonstrating that alters differ in their physiological profile. On the basis of this type of evidence, some authors have concluded that alters are more than just metaphors.

Objective: Drawing upon an experimental example, we argue that such a line of reasoning is highly problematic.

Method & Results: Our example demonstrates that normal subjects are perfectly able to simulate alters such that these alters are accompanied by different physiological profiles.

This is especially true for subjects scoring high on fantasy proneness.

Conclusions: Psychobiological research on DID should include normal controls, preferably controls who are fantasy prone. Unless such a strategy is adopted, psychobiological research on alter activity will not be very informative.
Descriptive diagnostic assessment of depression Categorical diagnosis, dimensional assessment, and instruments
Authors: Schotte C.K.W. , Maes M.
Published: July 2016

The descriptive diagnostics constitute the first step, the base and the prerequisite for the psychodiagnostic process and the treatment of depression. Within the descriptive diagnostics, two approaches are distinguished, namely (1) the differentiation between dimensional and categorical levels of measurement and (2) the consideration of the influence of the applied method: questionnaire versus interview. Departing from these approaches, a review of the most widely used instruments on depression is given, with a focus on the reliability and validity of the dimensional depression instruments, based on the findings of our research group. The importance of the differentiation between dimensional and categorical levels of measurement can also be recognised within the discussion on quantitative/dimensional versus qualitative/categorical taxonomic views on depression. The Integrated Threshold Model, which integrates both the quantitative and the qualitative view on the classification of depressive disorders, is considered. By way of conclusion, a diagnostic multi level/modality/method strategy is discussed and a specific test battery, which can be particularly useful within a research context, is presented.
Psychiatric complications of drug treatment of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lemey L. , Godderis J. , van den Ameele H.
Published: July 2016

Drug-induced psychiatric conditions are a common and severe problem in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease. Psychotic symptoms are the most frequent reason for nursing home placement of patients with Parkinson's disease. The psychotic symptoms seem to present themselves in a continuum where alterations in dreaming patterns often precede visual hallucinations, which often progress into delusional syndromes and, finally, into confusional organic syndromes. When evaluating a patient on dopaminergic treatment, it is important to inquire systematically about abnormal sleep related phenomena, for these are important clues in the early detection of psychotic symptoms. The pathogenesis of the psychotic symptoms is not yet fully understood but complex adaptations of various neurotransmitter systems seem to be involved. In the treatment of these drug-induced psychotic symptoms, the atypical antipsychotic drug clozapine plays an important role. Drug-induced mania, hypersexuality and anxiety, although less frequent than the psychotic symptoms, also occur as a complication of dopaminergic treatment. Depressive symptoms, although common in Parkinson's disease, are less likely to occur as a side effect of the drug treatment.
Efficacy of risperidone, olanzapine and clozapine in the treatment of therapy resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Wardenier M. , Slooff C.J. , Arends J.
Published: July 2016

Therapy-resistance for positive symptoms is one of the most important problems that occurs with the medical treatment of schizophrenia. In the past years, clozapine has proven its effectiveness in this area and has been included in the treatment protocols and guidelines. Because of the risk of agranulocytosis with this compound and the intensive laboratory controls to be done, several studies have been performed with the new antipsychotics risperidone and olanzapine as alternative treatments. A review of the literature suggests that both drugs are as effective as the classic antipsychotics for therapy-resistant patients. A switch to risperidone or olanzapine possibly would be a alternative for those patients who have favourable effects on a low dose of clozapine. Furthermore the new antipsychotics have less side effects and ameliorating effects on negative and cognitive symptoms, so contributing to overall improvement in chronic schizophrenic disorders. However, in case of persistent positive symptopathology, clozapine remains the golden standard. The new antipsychotics should be included in treatment protocols before clozapine.
The epidemiology of bipolar affective disorder; a review of the literature and introduction to work in progress
Authors: Lloyd T. , Jones P.B.
Published: July 2016

The past 20 years have seen much research into affective disorders, reflecting advances in both pharmacological and psychological treatments. However, there has been little basic epidemiological research into bipolar illness. This is particularly apparent regarding its basic occurrence and possible epigenetic causes. This presentation will attempt to bring together and integrate the available evidence regarding the basic epidemiology of bipolar disorder, define areas where further research is needed, and outline a large epidemiological study including bipolar affective disorder that has been supported by the Stanley Foundation.
Antidepressieve onderhoudsbehandeling na elektroconvulsieve therapie Een overzicht van de recente literatuur en een enquête onder de Nederlandse ECT-centra
Authors: Hilderink P.H. , Hodiamont P.P.G.
Published: July 2016

The different forms of antidepressive continuation therapy, used in the Netherlands, to prevent relapse after electroconvulsive therapy, were examined by sending a questionaire to all ECT centers. Common practice is in agreement with the results of current research. However, recent studies suggest that pharmacological continuation therapy is less usefull to prevent relapse when pharmacotherapeutic resistance has been proven in the past. In these cases ECT-continuation therapy might bring a solution. On the effect of ECT-continuation therapy are few valid research results available.
Strategies for identification of disease genes
Authors: Camp G. Van
Published: July 2016

Many genetic disorders are caused by mutations in single genes (monogenic diseases), and the inheritance pattern of these diseases follows simple rules. If a mutation in both copies of the gene on both chromosome homologues is necessary to cause the disease, the inheritance pattern is recessive, and a patient is the offspring of two clinically unaffected carriers. However, if a mutation in a single homologue is sufficient, the inheritance pattern is dominant and the disease is transmitted from generation to generation. Monogenic diseases are responsible for only a small fraction of all patients with genetic diseases. Many common diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and several psychiatric diseases, are the results of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. However, these diseases can have important genetic components and can therefore still be considered genetic diseases. The identification of genes involved in complex genetic diseases can be very important for the understanding and treatment of these diseases. Over the last 15 years, much progress has been made in the identification of genes responsible for monogenic diseases, but the identification of genes involved in complex diseases has been more difficult, and at this moment little is known about the genes involved in most common diseases.
Serotonergic gene variation: implications for personality traits and psychopathology
Authors: Lesch K.P.
Published: July 2016

Serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is an important regulator of morphogenetic activities during early central nervous system development, including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation as well as synapto-genesis. Serotonergic raphe neurons diffusely project to a variety of brain regions (e.g. cortex, amygdala, hippocampus) and play known roles in integrating emotion, cognition, motor function as well as in food intake, sleep, pain, and sexual activity. The diversity of physiologic functions is due to the fact that 5-HT acts as a master control neurotransmitter within a highly complex system of neural communication mediated by multiple pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT receptors, thus orchestrating the activity and interaction of several other neurotransmitter systems. Since proteins involved in the regulation of central serotonergic activity (e.g. enzymes, receptors, transporter) play pivotal role in brain 5-HT homeostasis, polymorphisms in the regulatory regions of their genes resulting in variation of expression and function are likely to influence complex traits, such as temperament/personality and psychopathology.
The genetics of anxiety disorders
Authors: van de Wetering B.J.M. , van den Heuvel O.A. , Pauls D.L.
Published: July 2016

The common denominator of anxiety disorders is that they share inappropriate levels of emotions and cognitions that affect rather than enable adaptive behaviours. The variety of symptoms include ‘spontaneous’ panic attacks with mental and physical symptoms, stimulus bound anxiety associated with avoidance behaviour, and almost constant ‘generalized’ anxious feelings. According to the DSM-IV criteria the anxiety disorders are classified as shown in Table I.
Molecular genetic findings in mood disorders
Authors: Souery D. , Mendlewicz J.
Published: July 2016

Traditional methods used to asses genetic effects, such as twins, adoption and family studies, have demonstrated the role genetic vulnerability factors in the etiology of major psychiatric diseases such as affective disorders and schizophrenia. It remains however impossible, using these methods, to specify the genetic variables involved and the exact mode of transmission of these diseases. New genetic approaches in psychiatry include the use of DNA markers in sophisticated strategies to examine families and populations. Genetic linkage (in families) and allelic association (in unrelated subjects) are the most frequent techniques applied searching for genes in psychiatric diseases. Advances in these methods have permitted their application to complex diseases in which the mode of genetic transmission is unknown. Affective disorders and, in particular, bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) have been examined in many molecular genetic studies which have covered a large part of the genome, specific hypotheses such as mutations have also, been studied. Most recent studies indicate that several chromosomal regions may be involved in the aetiology of affective disorders. Large multi-centre and multi-disciplinary projects are currently underway in Europe and in the US and hopefully will improve our understanding of the genetic factors involved in affective disorders. In parallel to these new developments in molecular genetics, the classical genetic epidemiology, represented by twin, adoption and family studies, have been improved, providing validated models to test the gene-environment interactions.
Diagnosis and dimensional pharmacotherapy of challenging behaviour in mental retardation
Authors: Verhoeven W.M.A. , Tuinier S.
Published: July 2016

Classical psychiatric taxonomy appears to be increasingly inadequate in the diagnostic process of mentally retarded subjects. The reasons for this are the atypical presentation of classical psychiatric disorders, special diagnostic entities like cycloid psychosis and unstable mood disorder and the existence of so-called behavioural phenotypes related to syndromes with a known genetic etiology. In addition, disturbed behaviour may be the result of somatic or neurologic comorbidity and induced to adverse drug events.
The crossroads of anticipatory attention and motor preparation
Authors: Brunia C.H.M.
Published: July 2016

Samenvatting

In een drietal artikelen wordt de overeenkomst besproken tussen Processen die ten grondslag liggen aan twee verschillende functies: anticipatoire attentie en motorische preparatie. Beide functies zijn van belang voor een optimale afstemming op onze omgeving. Het achterste gedeelte van de hersenschors houdt zieh voornamelijk bezig met binnenkomende informatie uit de buiten-wereld en het eigen lichaam, terwijl het voorste deel essentieel is voor onze acties en readies. Als bekend is wanneer wij met relevante informatie worden geconfronteerd en vermoed kan worden hoe daarop moet worden gereageerd, worden modali-teitsspeeifieke sensorische en motorische kanalen geopend om zo een snelle en adequate reactie te garanderen. In deze tekst wordt gepostuleerd dat de achterste en voorste cortexhelften op vergelijkbare wijze vanuit de thalamus worden geactiveerd als onder-deel van anticipatoire attentie en motorische preparatie. Cruciaal is de inhiberende invloed die de nucleus reticularis (NR) uitoefent op de onderliggende thalamuskernen. De NR staat onder een dubbele controle: exciterend vanuit de prefrontale cortex en inhiberend vanuit het neostriatum. Aangegeven wordt hoe selectie in de informatieverwerking via deze balans kan worden gerealiseerd, zowel in het sensorische als het motorische domein. Nadat in Deel I een overzicht is gegeven van de relevante anatomische structuren, wordt hier het model voor anticipatoire attentie en motorische preparatie gepresenteerd. In het volgende artikel wordt neuropsychologische evidentie gepresenteerd, waarna het psychofysiologisch onderzoek aan de orde komt dat heeft geleid tot de formule ring van het model.