bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MR defecography in obstructed Defecation syndrome
Authors: Elfiky S M , Sheha A S , Idris M Y 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
ODS is an emerging clinical problem, especially for adult female patients (80%–90%). The pathophysiology of ODS remains to be clearly defined. This is because anatomic defects, such as internal rectal prolapse and rectocele, may be associated with functional alterations, such as paradoxical puborectalis contraction and spastic external sphincter contraction.

Aim of the Work
Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is a type of constipation characterized by fragmented stools, need for straining at defecation, sense of incomplete evacuation, tenesmus, urgency and pelvic heaviness. This study is aimed to assess and compare and matching the role of Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI defecography) with the cilincal diagnosis in such patients.

Pateints and Methods
This retrospective, case-control study was conducted on twenty patients suffering from obstructive defecation syndrome that have been diagnosed clinically. The patients age is ranged between 16 and 69 years old.

Results
Statistically MRI study showed significant anatomical defects (p &lt; 0.05) as the followings: Most of patients had Rectocele (65%), Disenergic Pelvic Syndrome (DPS) because of pelvic floor descents in (55%) of patients. Intossusception(45%),Cystocele (30%), interocele(25%), Anismus(15%) and uterine prolapsed (15%)

Conclusion
MRI has good value to detect abnormalities pertinent to posterior compartment in pelvis. Results of MR imaging showed positive agreement with clinical diagnosis of ODS in65% of patients. MRI showed 90% sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values as well as accuracy. MRI assessment of the posterior pelvic compartment can be indicated to detect the anatomical defects and lead to more successfully patient management and subsequently decreases the rate of postoperative recurrence.
Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Evaluation of post traumatic Vertebral Column
Authors: Gamaleldin M M , Osman A M , Fadol N A 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Trauma of the vertebral column is potentially devastating as they may lead to significant neurological damage as the clinical and prognostic spectrum of the effects of spinal injuries is vast. Timely imaging studies can help mitigate these possibly life threatening complications. There is a dearth of studies that purely evaluate the role of MR imaging after spinal trauma.

Aim of the work
Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the ability of MRI in identifying traumatic injuries to the tissue structures of the spine.

Methods
The study performed over 20 cases after spinal vertebral traumatic injuries then underwent MR imaging in the period 2016 till March 2018. The osseous and non-osseous structures namely; Para vertebral tissues, Vertebrae, Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL), Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL), Intervertebral Disc, Ligamentum Flavum, Interspinous Ligament and the Spinal Cord were evaluated. The data were classified to; patient's age, sex, mode of trauma, region of imaging, main findings, associated findings and others. The statistically significant and non-significant relations between primary data and different post-traumatic findings of MRI were thus calculated.

Results
Of the 20 patients, 85% of patients were male, common ages affected were 20-30 and &gt;40 years with 30% for each. The site of injury was the cervical spine (30%) and thoracolumbar spine was the next highest in occurrence with 25%. L1 was the commonest level exposed to fracture (30%). Cord compression was the commonest MRI main finding in post trauma (60 %), but syrinx was (5%). In associated findings; the spinal muscles spasm was the commonest (40%) and ligamentum flavum injury comprised (15%). Bone marrow edema was the highest (35%) as other findings. There were statically significant relations between age and T12 vertebral fracture and between mode of trauma and facet joint affection.

Conclusion
MRI was found to be the best modality in detecting injuries to the spinal cord and the ligaments and as well as for detection of vertebral fractures and also bone marrow edema. Though more studies required for further highlight the advancing ability of the MRI.
Bond Risk Premiums with Machine Learning
Authors: Bianchi Daniele , Büchner Matthias , Tamoni Andrea 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
We show that machine learning methods, in particular, extreme trees and neural networks (NNs), provide strong statistical evidence in favor of bond return predictability. NN forecasts based on macroeconomic and yield information translate into economic gains that are larger than those obtained using yields alone. Interestingly, the nature of unspanned factors changes along the yield curve: stock- and labor-market-related variables are more relevant for short-term maturities, whereas output and income variables matter more for longer maturities. Finally, NN forecasts correlate with proxies for time-varying risk aversion and uncertainty, lending support to models featuring both channels.
T73. COGNITIVE CLUSTERING IN SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDER AND THE ASSOCIATION WITH BRAIN VOLUME
Authors: Oomen Priscilla , Begemann Marieke , de Muinck Keizer Hannah , Sommer Iris 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD), and appears in both mild and severe forms. As cognition is crucial for functioning in daily life, it is important to understand these impairments. Large heterogeneity exists within these cognitive impairments, and different cognitive profiles may be associated with dissimilar structural brain volumes. Such cognitive brain profiles may be relevant biomarkers for more homogeneous subclasses to be used for both prognosis and choice of optimal care.

Methods
The population consisted of 85 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (mean age 27 years, 64 males) and 40 healthy controls (mean age 24 years, 31 males). To identify cognitive clusters, hierarchical clustering analyses were conducted using performance on the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) battery. The emerging cognitive clusters were compared in performance on the BACS, diagnosis and whole brain volume.

Results
Hierarchical clustering analyses revealed three cognitive profiles: cluster 1 “relatively intact” cluster 2 “mild-moderate impairment” and cluster 3 “severe impairment”. Cluster 1 comprised of 68% healthy controls vs 32% SSD patients, whereas clusters 3 comprised of 89% SSD patients vs 11% healthy controls. Cluster 2 was a rather mixed cluster with 25% healthy controls and 75% SSD patients. Whole brain volume shows a continuum towards smaller brain volume in the more impaired clusters with a significant difference shown in whole brain volume between cluster 1 and 3.

Discussion
These findings support the concept that cognitive heterogeneity among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder can be reduced by using cognitive clustering methods. Furthermore, cognitive clusters are associated with brain volume sizes, indicating different underlying brain structure. Future research should focus on the predictive power of such clusters.
T98. CHARACTERIZING THE CLINICAL COURSE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA WITH DIGITAL PHENOTYPING
Authors: Torous John , Wisniewski Hannnah , Camacho Erica , Henson Philip , Rodriguez-Villa Elena , Hays Ryan , Lagan Sarah , Vaidyam Aditya , Keshavan Matcheri 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Digital phenotyping methods offer the potential to better understand the lived experiences of patients with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Yet to date it is unclear if the digital biomarkers offered from this method are unique to certain conditions like schizophrenia, or rather are shared by diverse populations, and to what degree digital phenotyping data are correlated with patient and clinician assessments.

Methods
50 patients with schizophrenia and 50 matched healthy controls collected smartphone digital phenotyping data for a three month duration including measures of geolocation, physical activity, screen use, cognition, and self reported surveys. In-clinic assessments at study start and at three months assessed cognition (Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia), psychosis symptoms (Positive and Negative Symptom Scale; PANSS) and other measures. Clustering and correlational methods were utilized to compare active and passive data streams both within and across groups.

Results
Adherence to active data (surveys and cognitive assessments) on the phone was roughly 50%, both for those with schizophrenia as well as for the healthy controls. Four unique clusters that included both active and passive data emerged for each group and the clusters were distinct with unique symptoms, cognition, and passive data metrics. Each group also possessed distinct correlations between active and passive data, with the schizophrenia group having more statistically significant findings especially around sleep.

Discussion
Digital phenotyping methods offer the potential to identify unique clusters of patients based on both their self reported as well as passive data. Future research will explore the utility of these clusters in predicting functional outcomes and offering personalized treatment.
T110. CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FORMAL THOUGHT DISORDER IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
Authors: Lee Euijin , Park Jong-Ik , Jung Han-Yong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Our study aimed to present the distinctive correlates of formal thought disorder in patients with schizophrenia, using the Clinical Language Disorder Rating Scale (CLANG)

Methods
We compared the formal thought disorder and other clinical characteristics between schizophrenia patients with (n = 82) and without (n = 80) formal thought disorder. Psychometric scales including the CLANG, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Calgery Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and Word Fluency Test (WFT) were used

Results
After adjusting the effects of age, sex and total scores on the BPRS, YMRS and WFT, the subjects with disorganized speech presented significantly higher score on the poverty of contents of abnormal syntax (F = 7.08, P = 0.01), lack of semantic association (F = 8.02, P =0.01), disclosure failure (F = 60.97, P &lt; 0.001), pragmatics disorder (F = 11.94, P = 0.01), dysarthria (F = 13.61, P &lt; 0.001), and paraphasic error (F = 8.25, P = 0.01) items than those without formal thought disorder. With defining the mentioned item scores as covariates, binary logistic regression model predicted that disclosure failure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.88, P &lt; 0.001) and pragmatics disorder (aOR = 2.17, P = 0.04) were distinctive correlates of formal thought disorder in patients with schizophrenia.

Discussion
Disclosure failure and pragmatics disorder might be used as the distinctive indexes for formal thought disorder in patients with schizophrenia.
T134. THE ROLE OF THE DEFAULT MODE NETWORK IN SCHIZOPHRENIA AND AUDITORY VERBAL HALLUCINATIONS – AN INVESTIGATION OF DYNAMIC FMRI RESTING STATE CONNECTIVITY
Authors: Weber Sarah , Johnsen Erik , Kroken Rune , Løberg Else-Marie , Kandilarova Sevdalina , Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Kompus Kristiina , Hugdahl Kenneth 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
There is a wealth of evidence showing aberrant functional connectivity (FC) in schizophrenia but with considerable variability in findings across studies. Dynamic FC is an extension of traditional static FC, in that such analyses allow for explorations of temporal changes in connectivity. Thereby they also provide more detailed information on connectivity abnormalities in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.

Methods
The current study investigated dynamic FC in a sample of 80 schizophrenia patients and 80 matched healthy control subjects. Furthermore, relationships with auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), a core symptom of schizophrenia, were explored. Two measures of AVH were used, one measure of current AVH severity assessed on the day of scanning, and one trait-measure where AVH were assessed repeatedly over the course of one year.

Results
Compared to healthy controls, schizophrenia patients showed increased dwell times in states with high connectivity within the default mode network (DMN). Current AVH severity did not show a significant relationship with dynamic FC. However, the trait-measure of AVH proneness over one year showed a significant relationship with dynamic FC. Patients with high AVH proneness spent less time in connectivity states characterized by strong anti-correlation between the DMN and task-positive networks.

Discussion
The results provide further evidence for a DMN dysfunction in schizophrenia, which could be linked to thought disturbances in relation to an increased internal focus of cognitive processing. The effects of AVH proneness on dynamic FC support theoretical models of AVH which have proposed an instability of the DMN and impaired cognitive control in AVH patients. The results also point to AVH proneness as a potential marker for identifying distinct subgroups of schizophrenia patients.
T137. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CORTICOSTRIATAL CONNECTIVITY AND STRIATAL DOPAMINE FUNCTION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA: AN 18F-DOPA PET AND DIFFUSION TENSOR IMAGING STUDY
Authors: Shin Sangho , Kim Euitae 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Striatal dopamine dysfunction caused by cortical abnormalities is a leading hypothesis of schizophrenia pathophysiology, which underlies in majority of treatment-responsive patients. Although supported by findings that prefrontal cortical lesions lead to striatal dopamine dysregulation and that recently, prefrontal structural volume is negatively correlated with striatal dopamine synthesis, the relationship between corticostriatal connectivity and striatal dopamine synthesis has not been tested in patients with schizophrenia. We therefore investigated the relationship between corticostriatal connectivity and striatal dopamine synthesis capacity in treatment-responsive patients with schizophrenia, and compared them to treatment-resistant patients and healthy control subjects.

Methods
Twenty-four patients with schizophrenia and twelve matched healthy control subjects underwent 18F-DOPA PET scans to measure dopamine synthesis capacity (indexed as the influx rate constant Kicer), structural and diffusion 3T MRI. Connectivity(indexed as Fractional anisotropy, FA) were assessed in 3 major corticostriatal tracts (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-associative striatum, ventromedial prefrontal cortex-limbic striatum, and pre/primary motor cortex-sensorimotor striatum). Furthermore, these measures were tested whether they were correlated with a measure of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST).

Results
Treatment responsive patients showed a negative correlation between connectivity of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-associative striatum and striatal dopamine synthesis capacity of associative striatum, but this was not evident in treatment-resistant patients. Furthermore, WCST negatively correlated with Kicer in associative striatum and positively correlated with FA in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-associative striatum in whole subjects and treatment responsive patients but not in treatment-resistant patients.

Discussion
These findings demonstrate that different mechanisms underlie the pathophysiology of treatment-responsive and treatment-resistant schizophrenia and especially, connectivity of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-associative striatum is a core part for the different pathophysiology.
T145. EFFECTS OF CANNABIDIOL ON EMOTION PROCESSING IN PSYCHOSIS RISK: AN FMRI INVESTIGATION
Authors: Davies Cathy , Wilson Robin , Appiah-Kusi Elizabeth , Brammer Michael , Perez Jesus , Murray Robin , Allen Paul , Bossong Matthijs , McGuire Philip , Bhattacharyya Sagnik 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
There is currently a lack of effective pharmacological treatment for people at Clinical High Risk of Psychosis (CHR), who present with emotional dysregulation and high levels of anxiety. These individuals also show altered neural responses to emotional stimuli in key brain regions implicated in psychosis onset, including the striatum and medial temporal lobe. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating constituent of the cannabis plant, is thought to have antipsychotic and anxiolytic properties. The effects of CBD on brain function in CHR individuals during emotion processing has not been tested before.

Methods
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design, 33 CHR individuals received a single oral 600mg dose of CBD or matched placebo, while 19 healthy controls did not receive any drug. Participants were studied using an emotion processing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm. Using a region-of-interest approach, we examined the differences in brain activation related to the CHR state and the effects of CBD, indexed using the blood oxygen level-dependent haemodynamic response fMRI signal.

Results
Compared to controls (n=19), CHR participants receiving placebo (n=15) showed significantly greater activation in the medial temporal lobe and less activation in the striatum during emotion processing. Within these same regions, activation in the CBD group (n=15) was (significantly) intermediate between that of the placebo and control groups. That is, CBD attenuated medial temporal and enhanced striatal activation in CHR participants.

Discussion
These findings suggest that CBD modulates the function of brain regions strongly implicated in psychosis onset and altered emotion processing. Further research is required to examine whether these neurofunctional effects translate into clinical efficacy after a period of treatment.
T151. THE FINDINGS OF CAROTID AND CARDIAC ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN YOUNG SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS
Authors: Tsai Shangying , Hsiao Cheng-Yi , Chen Pao-Huan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) are at high risk of cardiovascular disease before reaching geriatric age and tend to prematurely die from CVD. Data of the direct measurement of cardiac function in patients with SCZ before middle age remain limited. We attempt to compare the results of carotid and cardiac ultrasonography of young schizophrenic patients with those of mentally healthy adults.

Methods
We recruited 27 physically healthy adults with schizophrenia (DSM-IV) aged less than 45 years and 27 age-matched controls to undergo the carotid and cardiac ultrasound echo-color Doppler to obtain the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT, to detect the presence and extent of atherosclerosis in an artery) and cardiac function. Blood pressure, body mass index, and clinical information were also obtained.

Results
Among the echocardiography parameters, SCZ patients had significantly higher heart rate (p&lt; 0.005) and ejection fraction (EF, parameter of pumping ability of the heart) (p&lt;0.001), and lower right ventricular diastolic pressure (RVSP, equaling the pulmonary artery pressure) (p&lt;0.05) and pulse pressure (the systolic minus the diastolic pressure, predicting the risk of CVD) (p&lt;0.01) than those of control subjects. The mean CPZ equivalent of second generation antipsychotics (SGA) taken by SCZ patients was significantly positively correlated to the RVSP (γ= 0.046, p=0.029). There were no differences in body mass index, cIMT, and other echocardiography parameters between these two groups.

Discussion
Higher heart rate and EF may reflect the autonomic over-activity in SCZ patients. Contrary to our hypothesis, the risk of pre-clinical cardiac dysfunction and vascular atherosclerosis is not elevated in SCZ patients before midlife. However, higher dosage of SGA may increase the risk of pulmonary hypertension.
T155. PROGRESSION OF NEUROANATOMICAL ABNORMALITIES AFTER FIRST-EPISODE OF PSYCHOSIS: A 3-YEAR LONGITUDINAL STRUCTURAL MRI STUDY
Authors: Akudjedu Theophilus , Tronchin Giulia , McInerney Shane , Scanlon Cathy , Kenney Joanne , McFarland John , Barker Gareth , McCarthy Peter , Cannon Dara , McDonald Colm , Hallahan Brian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
The extent and location of longitudinal morphometric changes after first-episode of psychosis (FEP) remains unclear. We investigated the progressive profile of ventricular and cortico-subcortical regions over a 3-year period in FEP patients compared with healthy controls (HC), and whether any progressive neuroanatomical changes were related to clinical factors.

Methods
High resolution 1.5T T1-weighted MR images were obtained from 28 FEP patients and 28 HCs shortly after presentation to services and again after 3-year follow-up. The longitudinal FreeSurfer pipeline (v.5.3.0) was used for regional volumetric and cortical reconstruction image analyses. Repeated-measures ANCOVA and vertex-wise linear regression analyses were used to compare progressive changes in relation to subcortical structures/ventricles and thickness across the cortical mantle, respectively, between groups. Partial correlations were used to determine associations of progressive neuroanatomical change with clinical and functional characteristics.

Results
Compared with controls, patients displayed progressively reduced volume of the caudate [F(1,51)=5.86, p=0.02, Hedges’ g=0.66], putamen [F(1,51)=6.06, p=0.02, g=0.67] and thalamus [F(1,51)=6.99, p=0.01, g=0.72], with a trend for increased lateral ventricular volume [F(1,51)=3.37, p=0.07, g=0.50] more prominent on the right [F(1, 51)=4.03, p=0.05], and significantly increased rate of cortical thinning [F(1,52)=5.11, p=0.028)] at a mean difference of 0.844% [95% CI (0.095, 1.593)] in the left lateral orbitofrontal region (LLOFR) over the 3-year period. In FEP individuals, greater reduction in putamen volume over time was associated with low cumulative antipsychotic medication dose (r=0.49, p=0.01), and increasing lateral ventricular volume over time was associated with worsening negative symptoms (r=0.41, p=0.04) and poorer global assessment of functioning (r=-0.41, p=0.04).

Discussion
Our results demonstrate existence of localised progressive structural disturbance in the subnetwork of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuitry after the onset of psychosis. Furthermore, increasing ventricular volume is a neuroanatomical marker of poorer clinical and functional outcome. These findings lend weight to the evidence of early progressive brain changes in psychotic disorders and thus, this knowledge could potentially contribute to the identification of imaging biomarkers for timely intervention.