bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diseases of protein aggregation and the hunt for potential pharmacological agents
Authors: Wang Steven S.‐S. , Wu Josephine W. , Yamamoto Shuichi , Liu Hwai‐Shen
Published: November 2007

Protein aggregation is a ubiquitous phenomenon significant to all aspects of science. Notably, the formation of protein aggregates is frequently encountered in biochemical research and biopharmaceutical industry. Formation of protein aggregates is generally regarded to be associated with partially folded intermediate species that are susceptible to self‐association due to the exposure of hydrophobic core. Evidence supports the concept that the formation of aggregatesin vitrois a generic property of proteins. In human etiology, more than 20 different devastating human diseases have been reported to be associated with protein aggregation. Although protein aggregation diseases have been the center of intense research, much remains to be learned regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this review, the general background information on protein aggregation is first provided. Next, we summarize the properties, characteristics and causes of protein aggregates. Finally, from the perspectives of epidemiology, pathogenesis, existing mechanisms, relevant hypotheses, and current as well as potential therapeutic approaches, two examples of protein aggregation diseases, Alzheimer's disease and cataract, are briefly discussed. Importantly, while a variety of molecules have been suggested, the effective therapeutic drugs for curing the diseases involving protein aggregation have yet to be identified. We believe that a better understanding of the mechanisms of protein aggregation process and an extensive investigation into the drug penetration, efficacy, and side effects will certainly aid in developing the successful pharmacological agents for these diseases.
Airborne particle monitoring in clean room environments for stem cell cultures
Authors: Cobo Fernando , Grela David , Conchal Aacute;ngel
Published: November 2007

Modern high‐technology industrial practices like pharmaceutical and stem cell line production demand high‐quality environmental conditions to avoid particle contamination in the final product. Particles are important because their presence can affect both the output and the productivity and because they can have repercussion on human health. In this kind of production practice it is necessary to implement optimal methods for particle management and to introduce an environmental monitoring program. This should also address the regional regulatory requirements and will depend on local conditions in each processing center. Each center must evaluate its specific needs and establish appropriate monitoring procedures.
Expression and characterization of the acidic subunit from 11S Amaranth seed protein
Authors: Luna‐Suárez Silvia , Medina‐Godoy Sergio , Cruz‐Hernández Andrés , Paredes‐López Octavio
Published: November 2007

Amarantin acidic subunit has the potential to be employed as a functional and a nutraceutical protein. To evaluate both possibilities this protein was produced in recombinant Escherichia coli Origami (DE3) harboring the expression plasmid pET‐AC6His. Three different expression factors were assayed: inductor concentration, temperature and time of the amarantin acidic subunit accumulation. The results indicated that a 0.3 mmol/L concentration of isopropyl‐β‐D‐thiogalactoside, at 37°C and 6 h after induction were favorable for high expression of amarantin acidic subunit, mostly in the form of inclusion bodies. The protein was purified from soluble fraction by immobilized metal affinity chromatography, up to 30 mg amarantin acidic subunit/L Terrific broth culture were obtained. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation analysis of the expressed soluble amarantin acidic subunit revealed that it was assembled in monomers. The expression of the amarantin acidic subunit, together with the one‐step purification will facilitate further investigation of this storage protein through site‐directed mutagenesis.
Certification to ensure sustainable production of biofuels
Authors: Schmitz Norbert
Published: November 2007

Sustainability risks increase with rising biofuel production. Environmental, social and economic sustainability issues in agricultural production and conversion processes have become a major concern. External effects of biofuel production are not covered by a market mechanism. Therefore, an instrument to address the most pressing sustainability issues of biofuel production is required.

The article provides the outline of an implementable certification concept that was elaborated in a multi‐stakeholder approach with companies and organizations from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The approach chosen for certification is beneficial for stakeholders, is market based and does not hamper international trade. The proposed certification system is focused on the most pressing sustainability issues, such as conversion of high carbon density and high nature value land. “Major must” and “minor must” criteria have been developed to assess the sustainability. The certification itself should occur through a compact and cost‐effective system. A meta system approach will allow the use of already existing standards. Two separate certificates, one for sustainability of biomass production and one for greenhouse gas emissions, are proposed. The certificates are decoupled in a book and claim system from the biomass or biofuels traded and will be traded on a market place. The general concept of this certification system for biomass and biofuels has been discussed intensively with industry and trade companies and with public sector organizations and nongovernmental organizations. The practical feasibility should be tested in a pilot phase with co‐operation of the stakeholders who are already involved.
DSM‐IV “major depression”: Are more stringent criteria needed?
Authors: Kocsis James H.
Published: November 2007

The author criticizes the criteria defining Major Depression in recent psychiatric nosologie and proposes new criteria for inclusion in DSM‐IV. A selective literature review revealed a discrepancy between older clinical concepts of Major Depression and the current operational definitions of the disorder. The latter are described as diluted and likely to be quite heterogeneous. Empirical data are reviewed which suggest that many milder and functionally impaired cases of depression might better be classified under such categories as Adjustment Disorder or Dysthymia rather than being included as Major Depression.

A rationale is given for a more stringent definition of an episode of Major Depression, and a suggestion is made for a stronger set of criteria for the disorder. The likely consequences of such a change in definition are discussed. Depression 1:24–28 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations in membrane molecular dynamics in erythrocytes of patients with affective illness
Authors: Pettegrew Jay W. , Minshew Nancy J. , Spiker Duane , Tretta Marjorie , Strychor Sandra , McKeag Dennis , Muenz Larry R. , Miller Germaine M. , Carbone Diane , McClure Richard J.
Published: November 2007

Over the past twenty years, evidence has accumulated in support of membrane alterations in bipolar affective illness. In addition there is now substantial evidence that membrane phospholipid composition and molecular dynamics can alter the activity of membrane proteins such as receptors, channels and enzymes. The present study demonstrates distinct alterations in erythrocyte membrane molecular dynamics in medication free bipolar I patients but not in recurrent depressed patients. The findings are the same for bipolar I patients whether in the manic or depressed state (inpatients and outpatients), and do not correlate significantly with depression and mania scores or with the length of illness. It also is observed that medications can modify membrane molecular dynamics but cannot produce the alterations demonstrated. These findings suggest possible enzymatic defects which could be responsible for the molecular psychobiology of bipolar illness. Depression 1:88–100 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of anergic depression in hashimoto's thyroiditis with fluoxetine and d‐amphetamine
Authors: Cohen Alan Jay
Published: November 2007

Hashimoto's thyroiditis has been known to produce symptoms of severe anergia, fatigue, and depression. The hypothyroidism impairs cerebral function causing marked motor slowing which complicates the treatment of concomitant depression. In this open trial, three patients with documented Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Major Depression responded to a combination of fluoxetine and d‐amphetamine. Despite improvement in mood with fluoxetine alone, all three patients had persistent anergia which resolved after the addition of d‐amphetamine to their regimen. A discussion of the unique aspects of anergia and depression associated with hypothyroidism follows, with a focus on the cerebral impairment and delayed reaction time that complicates this illness. The neurotransmitter enhancing properties of serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors and direct‐acting psychostimulants may, in combination, provide a unique treatment approach to anergic depression associated with hypothyroidism. Depression 1:110–114 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and theoretical implications of a possible link between obsessive‐compulsive and impulse control disorders
Authors: McElroy Susan L. , Hudson James I. , Phillips Katharine A. , Keck Paul E. , Pope Harrison G.
Published: November 2007

Studies examining the phenomenology, comorbidity, treatment response, family history, and biology of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) were compared with similar studies of DSM‐III‐R impulse control disorders (ICDs) (intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, pathological gambling, pyromania, and trichotillomania) and other possible ICDs to examine the relationship of these disorders to one another and to other psychiatric disorders. These studies suggest that OCD and the ICDs share a number of features. These include: 1) phenomenologic similiarities between the obsessions and compulsions of OCD and the irresistible impulses and impulsive actions of ICDs; 2) a strong association with anxiety, psychoactive substance use, and eating disorders; 3) frequent co‐occurrence of OCD and ICDs; 4) apparent preferential response to thymoleptic agents and behavioral therapy; 5) high familial rates of mood disorders; and 6) probable abnormalities in central serotonergic neurotransmission. However, OCD and ICDs differ in some important respects: 1) OCD symptoms are more frequently associated with harm avoidance, insight, resistance, and lack of gratification, whereas ICD symptoms are more frequently associated with sensation seeking, lack of insight and resistance, and gratification; 2) certain ICDs may show stronger associations with bipolar disorders, alcohol and substance abuse, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and antisocial behavior; and 3) OCD responds preferentially to serotonin reuptake inhibitors whereas ICDs may respond to a wider variety of antidepressant and mood‐stabilizing agents. Although the differences between OCD and ICDs might be attributable to distinct etiologic mechanisms, many differences could be caused by variation along a bidimensional continuum of different combinations of compulsivity versus impulsivity, with “pure” compulsive states (prototypic OCD) at one extreme, pure impulsive states (the protoypic ICD) at the other extreme, and various combinations of these pure states (mixed compulsive‐impulsive conditions) located in between. Depression 1:121–132 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Screening depressives for causative medical illness; the example of thyroid function testing: II. Hypothesis testing in ambulatory depressives
Authors: Briggs James , McBride Linda , Hagino Owen , Brown Walter A. , Bauer Mark S.
Published: November 2007

There are few empirical data to support the widely accepted practice of screening depressives for causative thyroid disease, as summarized in the previous article of this series. We therefore formed, as a null hypothesis, the proposal that ambulatory depressives do not comprise an enriched sample for unsuspected clinical hypo‐ or hyperthyroidism. To investigate this issue we studied a prospectively assessed sample of 166 consecutive medically healthy outpatients who a) met criteria for a current major depressive episode and b) underwent thyroid function testing consisting of determination of serum total thyroxine (T4) and free thyroxine index (FTI); 105 of the 166 patients also had thyrotropin (TSH) determination. Laboratory thyroid testing was mandated by drug treatment protocol and was therefore not influenced by clinician‐related testing factors. The clinic did not participate in thyroid related research and therefore was not likely subject to thyroid related patient selection or referral bias. Caseness was defined by abnormal FTI confirmed by subsequent testing. Prevalence rates for abnormal total T4 and TSH were also calculated. Only one case (0.6%) of hypothyroidism and no cases of hyperthyroidism were found. Four patients (2.4%) had decreased total T4 but normal FTI while two (1.2%) had high total T4 with normal FTI. Elevated TSH was found in only two (1.9%). Thus prevalence of hypo‐ or hyperthyroidism in patients with major depressive disorder does not differ from that reported for the general population. These data indicate that thyroid screening guidelines which have been developed for the general population may therefore be preferable to routinely screening all ambulatory depressives. A strategy for testing ambulatory depressives is suggested: That all ambulatory depressives be routinely screened for signs, symptoms, and specific risk factors for hyper or hypo‐thyroidism, but that routine junction testing is not indicated. Depression 1:220–224 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polysomnographic characteristics of bipolar depression
Authors: Hudson James I. , Keck Paul E. , Lipinski Joseph F. , Aizley Harlyn G. , Pope Harrison G.
Published: November 2007

Few studies have examined the polysomnographic characteristics of bipolar depression, and the relationship between the sleep disturbance in this disorder and that found in other types of mood disorders is unclear. To investigate further the characteristics of sleep in bipolar depression, all‐night polysomnograpby was performed for two to four consecutive nights in 10 bipolar depressed patients compared with age‐matched groups of unipolar depressed patients, manic patients, and healthy individuals. All patient groups displayed similar abnormalities of sleep continuity and REM measures. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the sleep disturbance in the various forms of major mood disorders is caused by the same mechanism. Depression 1:227–230 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cocaine and depression
Authors: Musselman Dominique L.
Published: November 2007

High rates of depressive symptoms and suicide have been documented with cocaine abuse. The purpose of this review is to investigate the possible relationship between cocaine use and depression. This article will examine reports investigating the prevalence of depression in cocaine users, critique studies using psychotropic medication to treat either cocaine abuse and/or depression in cocaine abusers, highlight future areas of research, and offer a unifying hypothesis to explain the disparate findings of affective symptomatology in this population of substance abusers. Depression 1:235–249 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time to remission in late‐life depression: Analysis of effects of demographic, treatment, and life‐events measures
Authors: Karp Jordan F. , Frank Ellen , Anderson Barbara , George Charles J. , Reynolds Charles F. , Mazumdar Sati , Kupfer David J.
Published: November 2007

This study examined elderly patients being treated with a combination of nortriptyline and interpersonal psychotherapy to determine what demographic, clinical, illness‐history, and treatment‐parameter variables might predict rate of remission of the index episode. The 115 patients, aged 60 to 80 years, were suffering from at least their second lifetime episode of major depression (unipolar, nonpsychotic). Proportional hazards modeling (univariate and multivariate) showed that 4 of the 28 variables examined were significant in predicting a slower rate of response to treatment: 1) the presence of a stress‐provoking agent, such as a severely threatening life event or an ongoing major difficulty during the 6 months before onset of the index episode, 2) eccentric cluster personality features (i.e., paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypalpersonality pathologies), 3) a low level of tangible social support, and 4) earlier age at first episode. Median time to remission was increased by 2.5 weeks (from 6.5 to 9 weeks) in the presence of a stress‐provoking agent. The final model retained two variables (the presence of a stress‐provoking agent and perception of diminished social support) as significantly predictive of prolonged time to remission. Thus, these findings suggest a somewhat longer expected time to response among patients with negative psychosocial circumstances. We speculate that the use of psychotherapy and/or other adjunctive pharmacotherapy may be critical to earlier successful treatment outcome in such patients. Depression 1:250–256 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atypical depression in an outpatient psychiatric population
Authors: Zisook Sidney , Shuchter Stephen R. , Gallagher Thomas , Sledge Paul
Published: November 2007

The authors were interested in the frequency and associated symptoms of atypical major depressions and dysthymia in an outpatient psychiatric population.

Of 1,000 consecutive admissions to an outpatient psychiatric clinic, 115 were given diagnoses of major depression and another 102 the diagnosis of dysthymia using DSM‐III‐R criteria. On the basis of a modified version of the Columbia criteria for atypical depression and/or complaints of both hyperphagia and hypersomnia, patients were categorized into nontypical and atypical subtypes. In addition, demographic characteristics, past personal and family histories of psychiatric illnesses, and present symptomatology were obtained.

Of the 175 patients who were diagnosed with major depression, 62 (36%) met criteria for definite or probable atypical depression using the Columbia criteria and 71 (46%) using the reversed neurovegetative symptom criteria. Of the 102 patients who were diagnosed with dysthymia, 43 (43 %) met criteria for the atypical subtype using the Columbia criteria and 54 (54%) by the reversed symptom criteria. In general, the atypical and nonatypical groups were more similar than different. In particular, the two groups differed little in demographic characteristics or in symptoms that historically have been associated with by steroid, atypical, anxious, or endogenomorphic subtypes of depression. While there was substantial overlap between the two competing definitions of atypical depression, many patients satisfied only one or the other criteria.

Atypical major depression and dysthymia are frequently encountered forms of mood disorders seen in outpatient populations, although the prevalence is highly determined by definitions and thresholds. The pattern of symptoms are more alike than dissimilar to those observed in nonatypical mood disturbances. Depression 1:268–274 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frontal arachnoid cyst associated with depression: Case report and literature review
Authors: Jane Julio , Doraiswamy Murali , Forman Leslie , McDonald William
Published: November 2007

A 49‐year‐old woman presented with a long history of depressive symptoms and frequent exacerbations despite adequate trials of pharmacotherapy. On evaluation, she was found to have recurrent major depression as well as severe verbal memory deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large left frontal cyst with bony erosion and some mass effect on the cortex. Intracranial (arachnoid) cysts are rare and their psychiatric significance has often been minimized. However recent reports have associated temporal lobe cysts to psychotic symptoms. This case is discussed in view of these studies as well as findings linking left frontal lobe pathology to depression. Depression 1:275–277 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of computer‐administered cognitive‐behavior therapy with depressed inpatients
Authors: Bowers Wayne , Stuart Scott , Macfarlane Robin , Gorman Laura
Published: November 2007

Twenty‐two depressed inpatients were randomly assigned to treatment with either therapist‐delivered cognitive‐behavior therapy (CBT), computer‐assisted CBT, or “treatment as usual” on an inpatient psychiatric unit. All patients received antidepressant medication in addition to their assigned treatments. At discharge from the hospital, the patients receiving therapistdelivered CBT and the patients in the control group were significantly less depressed when pre‐ and post‐treatment ratings from the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were compared. Patients receiving computer‐assisted CBT did not improve significantly. Furthermore, patients receiving therapist‐delivered CBT were significantly less depressed at discharge from the hospital than those receiving computer‐assisted CBT. Patients receiving computer‐assisted CBT fared no better than those patients in the control group. Computer‐assisted CBT appeared to provide no advantage in the treatment of depressed inpatients. This study suggests that therapist‐delivered CBT should remain the standard of care for inpatients receiving CBT. Depression 1:294–299 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preclinical evaluation of the putative antidepressant nefazodone
Authors: Owens Michael J. , Dole Kenneth C. , Knight David L. , Nemeroff Charles B.
Published: November 2007

The effects of the putative antidepressant, nefazodone, which possesses prominent 5‐HT2 antagonist properties and moderate 5‐HT uptake inhibition activity, on several neurochemical measures commonly observed in clinically efficacious antidepressants and serotonergic agents were evaluated. These include: (1) the number of β‐adrenergic and 5‐HT2 receptors and (2) measures of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis function. Chronic administration of nefazodone at clinically relevant doses resulted in small but significant decreases in the density of cortical 5‐HT2 and β‐adrenergic receptors. Moreover, chronic nefazodone administration resulted in an increase in cortical CRF receptor number. Acute administration of nefazodone (1‐100 mg/kg sc) did not alter plasma ACTH concentrations. Only the 100 mg/kg dose increased plasma corticosterone concentrations. Like nefazodone, acute administration of the selective 5‐HT2 antagonist ketanserin (1.5‐10 mg/kg) did not alter plasma ACTH or corticosterone concentrations. Neither acute (3.3 mg/kg sc) nor chronic (33.3 mg/kg/day × 28 days) administration of nefazodone altered the regional brain concentration of corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) in any of 10 brain regions examined. These data suggest that the 5‐HT2 antagonist properties of nefazodone are sufficient to inhibit any stimulation of HPA axis activity that may result from the drugs' inherent agonist activity (i.e., 5‐HT uptake inhibition and agonist activity of its metabolite m CPP). Moreover, chronic administration of nefazodone at a dose which produces down regulation of conical 5‐HT2 and β‐adrenergic receptors, an effect commonly observed after administration of other clinically effective antidepressants, increased cortical CRF receptor binding density, possibly the result of diminished extra‐hypothalamic CRF release. These data, taken together, provide further neurochemical evidence for the purported antidepressant effects of nefazodone. Depression 1:315‐323 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal risk for early recurrence of unipolar depression after discontinuation of antidepressant medication
Authors: Kline Mark D.
Published: November 2007

The results of this retrospective chart review suggest that early depressive recurrence is more likely when antidepressant medications are discontinued during fall‐winter months. Forty‐one patients with non‐seasonal unipolar major depression were studied. All patients were considered markedly improved or fully remitted for at least 3 months and had a total duration of treatment between 6 and 18 months before medication was stopped. Recurrence of depression within 3 months of stopping medication was more likely among patients who discontinued their antidepressant regimen between October and March (76% vs. 29%). Patients with comorbid dysthymia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or alcohol or substance abuse were at high risk for early recurrence, but did not show a pattern of increased risk of recurrence following fall‐winter antidepressant discontinuation. Depression 1:324‐326 (1993). © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antidepressant side effects and adverse reactions
Authors: Beaumont G. , Kasper S. , O'Hanlon J. , Mendlewicz J.
Published: November 2007

A drug's side effects and adverse reactions can be assigned to one of eight general categories: direct toxicity, toxicity of metabolites, pharmacologic side effects, hypersensitivity reactions, drug interactions, idiosyncratic reactions, over‐action, and exacerbation of secondary disease. The side effects of and adverse reactions to antidepressants are considered according to this scheme.

The use of some antidepressants has been associated with cardiotoxicity, marrow toxicity, and hepatotoxicity. These effects may be more common among tricyclic antidepressants, compared with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Pharmacologic side effects are predictable on the basis of known specific reuptake inhibition and receptor blockade. Anticholinergic and antihistaminic effects, commonly associated with the tricyclic antidepressants, are most likely to impair quality of life. Serotonergic effects, particularly nausea, are the most troublesome effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported rarely following the use of most antidepressants. Drug interactions with antidepressants are many and varied, and the potential for their occurrence may be a determinant of antidepressant choice. Idiosyncratic reactions are very rare, unpredictable, and often catastrophic, and may lead to withdrawal of a drug from clinical use. “Over‐action” may occur with antidepressants, leading to the precipitation of hypomania or mania. Additionally, antidepressants may exacerbate secondary disease. Convulsions have been more frequently reported following the use of classical antidepressants, as well as the newer compounds, maprotiline and bupropion. Depression 2:138–144 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antidepressants in the prophylactic treatment of recurrent major depression
Authors: Roberts Ann G. , Montgomery S. A.
Published: November 2007

Depression is now recognized as a chronic and recurrent disorder, associated with substantial costs to the affected individual, as well as to society. Accumulating data support the use of antidepressant pharmacotherapy to prevent relapse during continuation treatment following resolution of acute symptoms, and as prophylactic treatment to prevent recurrences of depression. An important recent finding is that maintaining patients during long‐term treatment on the same dose of antidepressant medication that was used to treat the acute episode may be more effective in preventing recurrences than tapering patients to lower doses.

Clinical trials of antidepressants historically have evaluated efficacy only during acute treatment, and relatively few studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of antidepressant agents in prophylaxis. Among those agents that have been shown to be effective in prophylactic treatment, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline) may be preferred because of their improved tolerability compared with tricyclic anti‐depressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Depression 2:145–151 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrocardiographic changes of sinus bradycardia and sinus node dysfunction among patients with therapeutic levels of lithium
Authors: Joseph Mary , Vieweg Victor
Published: November 2007

We present 3 new cases of patients with mood disorders taking lithium in therapeutic doses. Each subject developed sinus node dysfunction manifested primarily as sinus bradycardia. We combine our 3 cases with 13 others from the literature to define the study population. Our findings, conclusions, and recommendations form the body of this report.

When bradycardia develops and/or patients develop cardiovascular symptoms or signs, we recommend cardiologic consultation and consideration of Holter monitor recording. Psychiatrists treating patients with lithium should have a low threshold to seek cardiologic evaluation when questions about lithium's effect on the cardiovascular system arise. Depression 2:226–231 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between dysthymia and major depression: an analysis of family study data
Authors: Goodman Daniel W. , Goldstein Rise B. , Adams Phillip B. , Horwath Ewald , Sobin Christina , Wickramaratne Priya , Weissman Myrna M.
Published: November 2007

Although there is high comorbidity between major depression (MDD) and dysthymia, the nature of this relationship is unclear. An ongoing family study provided an opportunity to examine this relationship. Data are presented on 435 directly interviewed adult first degree relatives of 45 screened normal control probands and 148 probands in three clinical diagnostic groups: panic disorder only, panic disorder plus MDD, and early onset MDD without panic. Many of the psychiatrically ill probands also had comorbid dysthymia. Best estimate diagnoses on all relatives were made blind to proband diagnostic status using direct information obtained with the SADS‐LA and/or family history information from multiple informants obtained using a modified version of the FH‐RDC. We sought to determine the relationship between DSM‐III‐R dysthymia and panic disorder and/or MDD and to assess whether or not dysthymia is specifically transmitted within families. Controlling for comorbidity in probands, we found no familial association between panic disorder and dysthymia but we did find an increased risk of dysthymia in relatives of probands with early onset MDD. Additionally we found specific transmission of dysthymia to relatives independent of presence of comorbid panic disorder and/or MDD in probands. These findings support the validity of dysthymia as a specific disorder and suggest as well that dysthymia may be on the spectrum of early onset MDD. Depression 2:252–258 (1994/1995). © 1995 Wley‐Liss, Inc.
Gender differences in seasonal affective disorder
Authors: Leibenluft Ellen , Hardin Todd A. , Rosenthal Norman E.
Published: November 2007

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether men and women with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) differ in their clinical presentation or in their response to bright light therapy. Data from all patients who participated in our SAD clinic between 1981 and 1991 were analyzed retrospectively. A linear discriminant function analysis was performed using self‐report data from the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire and the Seasonal Screening Questionnaire (N =167 women and 43 men). SIGH‐SAD ratings (consisting of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and an addendum for atypical symptoms) were analyzed to determine if men and women differed in clinician‐rated symptoms at baseline (N = 86 women and 28 men), or in their response to phototherapy (N =43 women and 16 men). Male and female SAD patients did not differ in clinician‐rated symptoms or in their response to phototherapy. However, on self‐report scales, men reported more severe illness, while women reported more carbohydrate craving, a greater percentage increase in weight, and more hours of sleep per night in the winter. The linear discriminant function analysis correctly classified 93.4% of the women but only 27.9% of the men. Since we found significant differences only on self‐report scales, our results may reflect a gender difference in symptom reporting. Alternatively, our findings may reflect gender differences in depressive symptomatology or differences between normal men and women in the sleep‐wake cycle or in carbohydrate craving. Men with SAD may have a more heterogeneous presentation than women with SAD. There is, however, no gender difference in response to phototherapy. Depression 3:13–19 (1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc

This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

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Sex differences in thyroid axis function: Relevance to affective disorder and its treatment
Authors: Whybrow Peter C.
Published: November 2007

Throughout life the thyroid economy differs for men and women. The “set point” for TSH is higher in women, they experience more goiter and nodule formation, and autoimmune thyroid disease is greater throughout life. Excluding cancer, the lifetime prevalence of thyroid disease for women is variously estimated between 2.25‐4.0%, some 4 to 10 times the estimates for men.

Contrary to earlier interpretation, maternal thyroid hormones are now thought to be important in the early life of the fetus and the development of the CNS; however, after the first trimester maternal free thyroid hormone falls to reach a nadir post partum, a fact not to be discounted in postpartum psychosis.

Major depression is more common in women and approximately 5‐10% have some metabolic evidence of a diminished thyroid economy. Adjunctive tri‐iodothyronine has been shown to speed recovery from depression in women but not in men.

Manic‐Depressive Illness in its classic form (Bipolar I) is approximately equal in prevalence between men and women. However, the malignant variant of treatment resistant rapid cycling (RC) is predominant in women and is significantly associated with Grade I hypothyroidism. Furthermore, the use of high dose thyroxine as an adjunct to anticycling medications such as lithium and the anticonvulsants with frequently mitigate the cycling and induce clinical remission.

Studies in premenopausal women (the common sufferers of RC) suggest that this pharmacologic use of thyroxine has few side effects and is without detectable increased risk of osteoporosis.

Particularly lithium, but also other clinically employed psychotropic agents, are antithyroid as well as thymoleptic injunction. The study of the interaction of lithium and thyroid metabolism at the cellular and molecular level will help inform these clinical observations. That the c‐erb‐A family of gene products share considerable homology at the DNA binding region across nuclear T3, glucocorticoid, and estrogen receptors may be of significance in this regard.

Thyroid screening of women with affective disorder is recommended for those who are aged 45 years or older, have a history of postpartum thyroiditis, or a family history of thyroid disease. Depression 3:33‐42 (1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Review of depression in cancer: Gender differences
Authors: DeFlorio Mary L. , Massie Mary Jane
Published: November 2007

Depression is the psychiatric syndrome that receives the most attention in individuals with cancer. We review 49 studies of prevalence of depression in individuals with cancer and describe the data available on gender differences. The special fears and concerns of women with cancer are described. Depression 3:66–80 (1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Review of the diagnosis and treatment of major depression for the non‐mental health professional
Authors: Rapaport Mark Hyman , Judd Lewis L.
Published: November 2007

This paper is a review of the diagnosis and treatment of major depression for health professionals and the public. It is designed to help non‐mental health professionals understand the important health and societal consequences of major depression. And, it serves as a guide to help health professionals make the diagnosis of major depression and explore treatment options with patients. Depression 3:108–120 (1995). © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
I123‐iofetamine (IMP) spect brain imaging in depressed patients: Normalization of temporal lobe asymmetry during clinical recovery
Authors: Amsterdam Jay D. , Mozley P. David , Hornig‐Rohan Mady
Published: November 2007

Temporal lobe dysfunction may be involved in mediating some of the symptoms associated with depression. The purpose of this study was to compare temporal lobe activity during depression with activity during clinical improvement in the same patient using SPECT brain imaging with [I123]‐labeled iofetamine (IMP). Five patients with major depression who had pretreatment IMP SPECT scans were re‐imaged during clinical recovery. Regions of interest were drawn around the temporal poles on the coronal sections of SPECT images, as well as around the whole brain on the sagittal sections. The count rates of IMP activity were then compared before and during clinical recovery. In all cases, we observed a normalization in the degree of right temporal lobe IMP accumulation (i.e., temporal lobe asymmetry) during successful antidepressant therapy. Depression 3:213‐211 (1995/1996). © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of mouse CD4 T cell subsets defined by expression of KLRG1
Authors: Beyersdorf Niklas , Ding Xin , Tietze Julia K. , Hanke Thomas
Published: November 2007

The mouse killer cell lectin‐like receptor G1 (KLRG1) is an inhibitory receptor known to be expressed on a subset of NK cells and antigen‐experienced CD8 T cells. Here, we have characterized expression of KLRG1 on CD4+ T cells from normal mice. While a polyclonal TCR repertoire suggests thymic origin of KLRG1+ CD4+ cells, KLRG1 expression was found to be restricted to peripheral CD4+ T cells. Based on phenotypic analyses, a minority of KLRG1+ CD4+ cells are effector/memory cells with a proliferative history. The majority of KLRG1+ CD4+ cells are, however, bona fide Treg cells that depend on IL‐2 and/or CD28 and express both FoxP3 and high levels of intracellular CD152. KLRG1‐expressing Treg are contained within the CD38+ subset but are only partially overlapping with the CD25+ CD4+ Treg subset. In functional assays, KLRG1+ CD4+ cells were anergic to TCR stimulation with respect to proliferation, and sorted KLRG1+ CD25+ CD4+ cells were equal or superior to KLRG1+ CD25– CD4+ cells, which were more potent than KLRG1– CD25+ CD4+ cells in suppressing responder cell proliferation. Together, our results demonstrate that KLRG1 expression defines novel and distinctive subsets of senescent effector/memory and potent regulatory CD4+ T cells.
Activation‐induced cytidine deaminase induces DNA break repair events more frequently in the Ig switch region than other sites in the mammalian genome
Authors: Lee Shauna A. , Parsa Jahan‐Yar , Martin Alberto , Baker Mark D.
Published: November 2007

Activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) produces DNA breaks in immunoglobulin genes during antibody diversification. Double‐stranded breaks (DSB) in the switch region mediate class switch recombination, and contribute to gene conversion and somatic hypermutation in the variable regions. However, the relative extent to which AID induces DSB in these regions or between these and other actively expressed sequences is unknown. Here, we exploited an enhancer‐trap plasmid that identifies DSB in actively expressed loci to investigate the frequency and position of AID‐induced vector integration events in mouse hybridoma cells. Compared to control cells, wild‐type AID stimulates plasmid integration into the genome by as much as 29‐fold. Southern and digestion‐circularization PCR analysis revealed non‐uniformity in the integration sites, with biases of 30‐ and 116‐fold for the immunoglobulin κ light chain and μ heavy chain genes, respectively. Further, within the immunoglobulin μ gene, 73% of vector integrations map to the μ switch region, an enhancement of five‐ and 12‐fold compared to the adjacent heavy chain variable and μ gene constant regions, respectively. Thus, among potential highly transcribed genes in mouse hybridoma cells, the immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes are important AID targets, with the immunoglobulin μ switch region being preferred compared to other genomic sites.
The Formation of trans‐Fused Macrocycles from N3,N3′‐Polymethylenebis(hydantoins) by Ring‐Closing Metathesis
Authors: Claeys Diederica D. , Stevens Christian V. , Dieltiens Nicolai
Published: November 2007

A straightforward ring transformation giving polymethylenebis(hydantoins) was extended, as these are HMBA analogues. Firstly, ethyl or allyl pyroglutamate was carbamoylated with a diisocyanate. Upon treatment with KOtBu in allyl alcohol the bis(carbamoyllactam) rearranged to give the hydantoin, which was followed by the ring‐opening of the pyrrolidinone with formation of the allyl ester. These compounds were subsequently ring‐closed in the presence of second‐generation Grubbs' catalyst to form macrocycles containing the ester functionality in the ring. It was established by HSQC experiments with inverse detection that only the E isomers were formed in the cases of the 24‐ and 26‐membered heterocycles.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
An assessment of soil erosion and freshwater suspended solid estimates for continental‐scale environmental modelling
Authors: Pistocchi A.
Published: November 2007

In modelling the environmental fate of chemicals, suspended matter in surface water may play a relevant role as it controls the partitioning of substances between dissolved and adsorbed form. This is particularly important for hydrophobic/non‐polar chemicals with high octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow).

For a wide class of chemicals, it is then important to evaluate suspended solids concentration in surface waters in order to model the mechanisms of their transport in the environment. Reported values of suspended particulate matter (SPM) or total suspended solids (TSS) range from less than 1 to more than 200 mg l−1, with peaks even orders of magnitude higher. A number of studies highlight that a huge variability is intrinsic for this parameter. Nevertheless, predictive models and estimation methods have been proposed that can provide information on relevant spatial patterns of SPM or TSS. The paper examines two families of models, namely models oriented to sediment concentration or flux estimates and models oriented to soil erosion estimates, which have been widely used at the European scale. Predicted sediment concentration from these models is compared with available TSS and SPM measurements. The analysis points out how soil erosion oriented models can be seen as favourable to depict the fate of pollutants removed from soil, while sediment yield oriented models better fit for pollutants directly emitted to water and then subject to sequestration by solids. Based on the results of the analyses, a blueprint for description of the sediment compartment in chemical fate and transport models is proposed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A panel of multiple markers associated with chronic systemic inflammation and the risk of atherogenesis is detectable in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wu Tsu‐Lan , Chang Pi‐Yueh , Tsao Kuo‐Chien , Sun Chien‐Feng , Wu Lily L. , Wu James T.
Published: November 2007

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both lung diseases involving chronic inflammation of the airway. The injury is reversible in asthma whereas it is mostly irreversible in COPD. Both patients of asthma and COPD are known at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), nephropathy, and cancer. We measured multiple risk markers for atherogenesis in 55 patients with asthma and 62 patients with COPD. We wanted to know whether risk markers for atherogenesis corresponding to sequence of events of chronic inflammation were also detectable in the airway inflammatory diseases. Elevation of almost all markers involving inflammation of the endothelial cells in the coronary artery were detectable in asthma and COPD involving the inflammation of the epithelial cell lining of the airway. Both the level and % elevation of all markers were found mostly higher in COPD, the more severe form of the lung disease. We believe that these markers are useful for predicting risk of developing clinical complications such as CVD. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:367–371, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Q-switched operation with Fox-Smith-Michelson laser cavity
Authors: Huang X , Huang L , Gong M
Published: November 2007

A new kind of three-mirror composite cavity, Fox-Smith-Michelson cavity has been configured. This laser cavity is capable of high power output, owing to the low threshold of Michelson cavity. Also, thanks to the mode selection function of Fox-Smith cavity, stable pulses at high repetition rate can be generated. In our experiment, 15.54 W CW output at 1064 nm has been achieved, with an optic-to-optic conversion efficiency of 42.2%. At the Q-switching repetition rate of 100 kHz, the average output power is 11.92 W, with an optic-to-optic conversion efficiency of 38.2%. For Q-switching frequency from 30 kHz to 100 kHz, the pulse width variation is below 4.4% and the amplitude variation is below 4.8%.
Aggregation susceptibility on phototransformation of hematoporphyrin derivatives
Authors: Menezes P F C , Imasato H , Ferreira J , Bagnato V S , Sibata C H , Perussi J R
Published: November 2007

Photosensitizers used in PDT suffer degradation by light. In this work, photobleaching of Photogem® (PG), Photofrin® (PF), and Photosan® (PS), hematoporphyrin derivatives, were induced by light in the presence or absence of 1% Triton X-100. The degradation efficiency in the absence of 1% Triton X-100 follows the sequence: PF > PG > PS, which means that PF presented a greater degradation than PG and PS. However, in the presence of the surfactant the degradation efficiency is different: PG ≅ PS > PF. Besides aggregation susceptibility, studies in cell culture (tumor and non tumor cells) and in animals (depth of necrosis) were performed, trying to correlate the stability of these photosensitizers with their photodynamic effect. The results suggest that PF presents higher light induced photocytotoxicity than PG and PS for both types of cells. For the depth of necrosis studies, more aggregated photosensitizer showed a longer time to accumulate in liver (30 min for PG, 120 h for PF, and 720 h for PS). Then, to establish an ideal dosimetry in PDT, one must consider the intrinsic physical chemistry characteristics of the photosensitizer as well as their ability to undergo photobleaching.
LD-pumped passively Q-switched Nd:YVO4/YVO4 green laser with a MgO-PPLN and Cr4+:YAG saturable absorber
Authors: An J , Zhao S , Li G , Yang K , Li D , Wang J , Li M , Zhuo Z
Published: November 2007

A laser-diode-pumped passively-Q-switched intracavity-frequency-doubled Nd:YVO4/YVO4 green laser with a MgO-PPLN and Cr4+:YAG is realized. The dependences of pulse width, pulse repetition rate on incident pump power at different small-signal transmissions of Cr4+:YAG are measured for the green-light pulses. The corresponding pulse energy and peak power are also been obtained.