bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left Renal Vein Anatomical Anomalies: Radiological and Surgical Implications
Authors: Martínez-León J. I. , Doménech-Pérez C. , Martínez-León J. , Martínez-Castillo C. , Martínez-Almagro A. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To emphasize the incidence and clinical, diagnostic and surgical implications of left renal vein developmental anomalies. Design: Retrospective analysis of case notes. Setting: Clinical Anatomy Department and Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Spain. Patients, participants: Standard radiological examinations (CT scan) performed on 745 patients; surgical findings at operation in 128 patients with aorto-iliac atherosclerotic disease, and 72 donor cadavers for transplantation. Main outcome measures: Incidence of left renal vein anomalies (retro-aortic left renal vein and peri-aortic renal venous collar), based on radiological (CT scan) and surgical observations. Analysis of implications to surgical management. Results: The radiological series disclosed a 2.68% incidence of left renal vein anomalies: 1.33% retroaortic left renal vein, and 1.33% peri-aortic renal venous collar. The surgical series showed a 1.5% incidence of both anomalies. Conclusions: The importance is stressed of these relatively uncommon but hazardous conditions, which should be familiar to anatomists, radiologists and surgeons.
Combined Administration of Thioridazine and Nicotinic Acid in the Treatment of Geriatric Patients
Authors: Ananth J V , Saxena B M , Lehmann H E , Ban T A 
Published: January 2017

Fifteen chronic geriatric female patients aged 67 to 92 years were included in a twelve week uncontrolled study to test the efficacy of a thioradazine and nicotinic acid combination in the treatment of psychiatric ailments in the elderly. Doses ranged from 300 mg of nicotinic acid and 25 mg of thioridazine to 1500 mg of nicotinic acid and 75 mg of thioridazine daily. Each patient was regularly assessed on a number of psychiatric rating scales and a battery of psychometric tests. Routine haematological and biochemical tests were performed. The combined treatment brought about improvement in symptoms of emotional withdrawal, conceptual disorganisation and uncooperativeness, and preoccupation with self. Symptoms of somatic concern, irritability and autonomic reactions deteriorated. Improvement in the performance of certain psychometric test procedures was observed. Numerous adverse reactions including two cases of severe leucopenia occurred.
Urinary Electrolyte Profiles after Amiloride, Hydrochlorthiazide and the Combination
Authors: Lammintausta R , Kanto J , Mäntylä R 
Published: January 2017

Acute effects of amiloride (5 mg) (A), hydrochlorthiazide (50 mg) (H) and the combination (50 + 5 mg) (HA) on urinary electrolyte excretion and pH of ten healthy volunteers – taking placebo five times and twice randomly A and HA and once H – were studied during one day. Amiloride showed a natriuretic effect, which in combination was additive to that of hydrochlorthiazide, but the excretion of water did not increase significantly after A. The urinary excretion of potassium decreased with amiloride below normal levels and was at the level of placebo after the combination (HA). There was a striking linear correlation between urinary sodium and potassium with all the drugs, although showing with A a higher potassium retention during high sodium excretion. Urinary pH rose after A and HA during the first 8 hours, but this effect was not seen, however, after H. No significant differences in the effect of the two brands of A (Medamor® and Puritrid®) on the urinary electrolyte excretion and pH, nor in those of the two brands of HA (Moduretic® and Amitrid®) were found. Similarly, the plasma concentrations of hydrochlorthiazide, determined gas chromatographically, were equal after Moduretic® and Amitrid® tablets. The systemic availability of H was faster in the combination of HA than alone. In the AUC value of H, however, there was no significant difference between HA and H tablets.
Pirenzepin in Gastric and Duodenal Ulcer: A Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Čerlek S , Papa B , Katičić M , Čolić-Cvrlje V , Mielenz H 
Published: January 2017

In seventy-five out-patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer a comparative double-blind trial with pirenzepin against placebo was performed. The dose was 50 mg pirenzepin daily or placebo respectively, the duration of treatment being 4 weeks. The healing effect of pirenzepin in duodenal ulcer patients could be proven endoscopically and was statistically significant when compared with placebo (p ≤ 0.05). Strong evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of pirenzepin could be further demonstrated in both duodenal and gastric ulcer patients by measuring the marked reduction of ulcer size, even though statistical difference against placebo in gastric ulcers was not fully achieved. Pirenzepin was well tolerated by all patients, except for a mild case of diarrhoea which occurred in one patient. No patient complained of dryness of the mouth or of blurred vision.
Agonist-Induced Release of Neuropeptide Y by Platelets
Authors: Duarte A. Torres , Zukowska-Grojec Z. , Myers A.K. 
Published: January 2017

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a multi-functional peptide localized in a number of tissues besides the brain, and its expression is high in strains of mice with autoimmune disease. Functionally, along with its neurotransmitter role, NPY has multiple effects on both vascular tissues and tissues involved in immune responses. Previous studies demonstrated that immunoreactive NPY (i-NPY) exists in large quantities in platelets and bone marrow of some species, and suggested its release during platelet aggregation by collagen. Because NPY has been hypothesized to have a role in a number of pathophysiological states in which platelets are involved, including immune responses, hypertension and vascular smooth muscle proliferation, we sought to further characterize platelet i-NPY content and release by a diverse group of physiological platelet agonists. Platelet rich plasma and gel filtered platelets were prepared from citrated whole blood of male Sprague Dawley rats. Platelet content and concentration of i-NPY were quantified by RIA. Platelet aggregation responses (turbidometric method) and release of i-NPY were measured in rat platelet preparations stimulated by a thromboxane agonist (U44069), collagen, thrombin and ADP. All agents induced dose-dependent aggregation, although ADP and U44069 were weak agonists in citrated platelet rich plasma, ADP only inducing primary aggregation. Total i-NPY content in platelet rich plasma of Sprague-Dawley rats was 32.1±3.8 pmol/ml; more than 20 pmol/ml was released into supernatant of aggregating platelets stimulated with high dose thrombin or collagen during secondary, irreversible aggregation. Although U44069 and ADP both stimulated i-NPY release in a dose-dependent manner, release was substantially lower than with the other agonists. We conclude that i-NPY release from rat platelets is associated mainly with secondary, irreversible aggregation, and can be produced by a variety of platelet stimulating agents as part of the platelet release reaction. The present study and other recent studies demonstrate wide variability in platelet i-NPY content between and within species. Investigation of the genetic regulation of i-NPY content in platelets could offer new insights into the relationship between NPY and pathophysiology of the immune and cardiovascular systems.
An Abstinence-Oriented Program for Substance Use Disorders: Poorer Outcome Associated with Opiate Dependence
Authors: Paraherakis Antonios , Charney Dara A , Palacios-Boix Jorge , Gill Kathryn 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To evaluate the characteristics of patients with various substance-related disorders, and to examine rates of retention in treatment. Methods: We assessed the demographic characteristics, substance abuse, and psychological distress of 239 men and women at admission. Six-month performance was evaluated, using as criteria length of stay in treatment, abstinence, attendance in therapy sessions, and completion status at discharge. Results: Moderate to severe psychological distress was observed among these individuals. Higher levels of depression were found among women and in individuals with alcohol and sedative use disorders. The primary drug of abuse, frequency of use, and reason for entering treatment were the most significant predictors of retention. Conclusions: Opiate-addicted clients had the worst prognosis and treatment profiles. Further research is needed to identify factors that would optimize treatment for opiate dependence.
Traumatismes, Stress Traumatique, et Dépression à La Suite de Catastrophes Aériennes
Authors: Birmes Philippe , Ducassé Jean-Louis , Warner Barbara A , Payen Alain , Schmitt Laurent 
Published: January 2017

Objectifs: Les réactions de stress aigu à la suite de traumatismes représentent des indices de vulnérabilité à l'état de stress post-traumatique (ESPT); d'autre part, la comorbidité ESPT et dépression est fréquemment observée. Une exposition traumatique antérieure peut être un facteur de risque supplémentaire de développement de l'ESPT. Méthode: Huit blessés, hospitalisés à la suite d'une catastrophe aérienne, sont suivis et évalués pendant un mois. Les symptômes d'état de stress aigu (ESA), d'ESPT et de dépression sont évalués selon les critères du DSM-IV immédiatement après l'accident, puis chaque semaine. La passation de l'échelle de l'impact de l'événement (IES) est effectuée au 30e jour (J30). Résultats: Quatre sujets présentent un ESA, 3 d'entre eux présentent un ESPT à J30. Parmi ces 3 sujets « ESPT », 2 présentent une dépression associée. Ces 2 sujets avaient été exposés à un événement traumatique antérieur à la catastrophe aérienne; une relation significative est observée entre l'anamnèse d'un traumatisme antérieur et un ESPT avéré associé à une dépression. Conclusion: Les victimes traumatisées ayant des antécédents d'événements traumatiques antérieurs semblent plus vulnérables au développement d'un ESPT associé à une dépression.
Prescription Medication Use among an Aboriginal Population Accessing Addiction Treatment
Authors: Wardman Dennis , Khan Nadia , el-Guebaly Nady 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: Inappropriate prescription medication use can have significant consequences. Although it is suspected that Aboriginal populations within Canada have high rates of inappropriate use, published information is lacking. To better understand this issue, we studied an Aboriginal population seeking addiction treatment. Methods: We surveyed Aboriginal clients who accessed addiction treatment in Calgary, Alberta, for prescription medication use in the previous year, frequency of medication use, and medication source(s), if inappropriately used. Results: Sixty-nine percent of the clients completed the survey ( n = 144). Most respondents were aged 31 to 50 years (56%), and 52% were male. Of the respondents, 48% reported that they used prescription medication inappropriately, 8% indicated appropriate use, and the rest indicated no medication use. Sedatives or relaxants were most frequently used inappropriately. Among those who inappropriately used medication, 47% used medication more than 10 times in the previous year. Common sources for those who used medication inappropriately included medication given by a friend or a stranger (52%), medication bought on the street (45%), and medication prescribed by a physician (41%). Age greater than or equal to 30 years was associated with inappropriate use. Sex, residence, and Aboriginal status were not found to be associated with inappropriate use. Conclusion: Inappropriate prescription medication use was a significant problem among an Aboriginal population that sought addiction treatment, and many of these individuals accessed medication from a prescribing physician.
Preliminary Assessment of Intrahemispheric QEEG Measures in Bipolar Mood Disorders
Authors: Oluboka OJ , Stewart SL , Sharma V , Mazmanian D , Persad E 
Published: January 2017

Objective: This study assessed the quantitative electroenchephalographic (QEEG) absolute power and coherence differences between a group of patients with bipolar I mood disorder (BMD I) and a group of patients with schizophrenia. We also examined the correlation between QEEG measures and family history of BMD. Method: Using the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) Global Rating Scale, we rated 18 adult inpatients with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of BMD I for the severity of the current episode. We also collected data on the family history of the illness. This group was then matched for age, sex, and handedness with an equal number of inpatients with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of schizophrenia. QEEG absolute power and coherence was calculated for the alpha bandwidth (8.0 to 12.0 Hz), assessed at 18 pairs of electrodes in both hemispheres during resting, eyes-closed condition in all the patients. Results: The patients with schizophrenia showed significantly higher coherence ( P = 0.047) at 6 pairs of electrodes on the right side. The group with BMD showed significantly higher power ( P = 0.042) at 2 pairs of electrodes on the right side. Correlational analysis showed that QEEG measures were significantly correlated ( P = 0.01) with positive family history of BMD. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the patients with BMD are more disorganized in the right anterior hemisphere and that there is a significant positive correlation between the QEEG measures and the presence of family history of BMD. Further studies in a larger sample are required to confirm these preliminary findings.
Medication Strategies in Childhood Aggression: A Review
Authors: Bassarath Lindley 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To review studies of psychopharmacological management of aggression in common childhood psychiatric disorders. Method: Using OVID software, we searched Medline for studies that were undertaken in the last 30 years. Controlled and uncontrolled data are summarized for each condition. Results: A paucity of evidence-based information currently exists. Even so, specific indications from the existing literature can be suggested for several classes of psychotropics, particularly in conduct disorder (CD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, and other conditions. Conclusions: Clinicians can use findings from reviewed controlled and, where necessary, uncontrolled studies to inform pharmacologic practice. This review offers suggestions for future research directions that will aid clinical practice.
Lithium Augmentation Therapy in Refractory Depression: Clinical Evidence and Neurobiological Mechanisms
Authors: Bauer Michael , Adli Mazda , Baethge Christopher , Berghöfer Anne , Sasse Johanna , Heinz Andreas , Bschor Tom 
Published: January 2017

Objective: This systematic review examines the evidence and discusses the clinical relevance of lithium augmentation as a treatment strategy for refractory major depressive episodes. It also examines hypotheses on the mode of action of lithium augmentation, with a focus on serotonin (5-HT) and neuroendocrine systems, and proposes recommendations for future research. Method: We searched the Medline computer database and the Cochrane Library for relevant original studies published in English from January 1966 to February 2003. The key words were as follows: lithium, augmentation strategies, lithium augmentation, major depression, refractory depression, treatment-resistant depression, neuroendocrinology, and serotonin. Results: Of 27 prospective clinical studies published since 1981, 10 were double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, 4 were randomized comparator trials, and 13 were open-label trials. Five of 9 acute-phase placebo-controlled trials demonstrated that lithium augmentation had substantial efficacy. In the acute-treatment trials, the average response rate in the lithium group was 45%, and in the placebo group, 18% ( P < 0.001). One placebo-controlled trial showed the efficacy of lithium augmentation in the continuation-phase treatment. Summarizing the open and controlled data, approximately 50% of patients responded to lithium augmentation within 2 to 6 weeks. Animal studies offer robust evidence that lithium augmentation increases 5-HT neurotransmission, possibly by a synergistic action of lithium and the antidepressant on brain 5-HT pathways. Conclusions: Augmentation of antidepressants with lithium is the best-documented augmentation therapy in the treatment of refractory depression. Emerging data from animal studies suggest that the 5-HTergic system is involved in the augmentatory effect of lithium.
Prophylaxis Latency and Outcome in Bipolar Disorders
Authors: Baethge Christopher , Tondo Leonardo , Bratti Irene M , Bschor Tom , Bauer Michael , Viguera Adele C , Baldessarini Ross J 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To analyze new and reviewed findings to evaluate relations between treatment response and latency from onset of bipolar disorder (BD) to the start of mood-stabilizer prophylaxis. Method: We analyzed our own new data and added findings from research reports identified by computerized searching. Results: We found 11 relevant studies, involving 1485 adult patients diagnosed primarily with BD. Reported latency to prophylaxis averaged 9.6 years (SD 1.3), and follow-up in treatment averaged 5.4 years (SD 3.1). Greater illness intensity and shorter treatment latency were closely associated, resulting in a greater apparent reduction in morbidity with earlier treatment. However, this finding was not sustained after correction for pretreatment morbidity, and treatment latency did not predict morbidity during treatment. Therefore, assessments based on improvement with treatment, or without correction for pretreatment morbidity, can be misleading. Conclusions: Available evidence does not support the proposal that delayed prophylaxis may limit response to prophylactic treatment in BD and related disorders.
Toward Benchmarks for Tertiary Care for Adults with Severe and Persistent Mental Disorders
Authors: Lesage Alain D , Gélinas Daniel , Robitaille David , Dion Éric , Frezza Diane , Morissette Raymond 
Published: January 2017

Background: Scarce attention has been paid to establishing benchmarks for tertiary care for adults with severe mental disorders. Yet, the availability and efficient utilization of residential resources partly determines the capacity of a comprehensive system of care to avoid clogging ever-shrinking acute care bed facilities. Objectives: To describe the actual utilization of and projected needs for residential resources, one part of tertiary care, in the catchment area of a psychiatric hospital in east-end Montreal. To compare results obtained against actual utilization and projected needs evaluated in other Canadian provinces and in other countries, with a view to establishing national benchmarks. Methods: Two surveys were undertaken to establish the number of places in these facilities that were utilized and needed for adults aged 18 to 65 years with severe mental disorders, without a primary diagnosis of mental retardation or organic brain syndrome, and originally from the catchment area. A first survey ascertained the number of places utilized and of those needed for residential care among all long-stay inpatients and all adults in supervised residential facilities. A second survey identified the need for such long-stay hospitalization, nursing homes, and supervised facilities as an alternative or as a complement to hospitalization among acute care inpatients. Results: The actual ratio of places in long-stay hospital units, nursing homes, and supervised residential facilities was 150:100 000 inhabitants. The ideal ratio, according to estimated needs, is 171:100 000. The figure breakdown is as follows: 20:100 000 for long-stay hospital units, 20:100 000 for nursing homes, 40:100 000 for group homes, 40:100 000 for private hostels or foster families, and 51:100 000 for supervised apartments. The needs of this urban, blue-collar population for supervised residential places hovered in the upper range of utilization and standards for European countries and within the proposed standards for Canadian provinces. Discussion: Needs for long-stay hospitalization or for supervised residential facilities cannot be treated as absolute. For example, evaluation conducted in this hospital-led system of psychiatric care may produce higher estimates of institutional care. Comparing actual utilization and projected needs in this urban catchment area with current utilization in other jurisdictions in Canada and Europe should contribute to establishing sound national benchmarks within ranges. Conclusions: It is possible to establish benchmarks that guide the development of supervised residential settings to best meet the needs of the population of adults with severe and persistent mental disorders. The methods used here to assess needs should serve as guidelines for future research, because they were designed to contain the bias of over- or underprovision of care in the current utilization.
Stigma and the Daily News: Evaluation of a Newspaper Intervention
Authors: Stuart Heather 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To evaluate a media intervention designed to improve one newspaper's portrayal of mental illnesses, specifically, schizophrenia. The project was part of an international antistigma program, Open the Doors, organized by the World Psychiatric Association. Methods: The media intervention attempted to influence news content directly by providing reporters with more accurate background information and helping them develop more positive story lines. The evaluation compared story content and length over a 24-month period: 8 months prior to the antistigma intervention and 16 months postintervention. Results: Positive stories outnumbered negative stories by a factor of 2 in both pre- and postperiods. Positive mental health stories increased by 33% in the postintervention period and their word count increased by an average of 25%. Stories about schizophrenia also increased by 33%, but their word count declined by 10%. At the same time, negative stories about mental illness increased by 25% and their word count by 100%. The greatest increase was in negative news about schizophrenia. Stigmatizing stories about schizophrenia increased by 46%, and their length increased from 300 to 1000 words per story per month. Conclusion: The immediate effects of the media intervention were positive, resulting in more and longer positive news stories about mental illness and more positive news stories about schizophrenia. However, when considered from a broader perspective, locally focused efforts yielded meager results in light of the larger increases in negative news, particularly in negative news concerning people with schizophrenia—the target group for the program.
Psychiatric Distress among Road Rage Victims and Perpetrators
Authors: Smart Reginald G , Asbridge Mark , Mann Robert E , Adlaf Edward M 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To investigate the relation between psychiatric distress and road rage, paying particular attention to the potential link between psychiatric illness and frequent involvement in serious forms of road rage. Method: This study reports data on road rage involvement, demographic characteristics, and mental health for a representative sample of 2610 adults in Ontario. The mental health indicator was the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Results: A cluster analysis revealed 5 distinct groups of people affected by road rage. The most serious offenders (referred to hereafter as the hard core road rage group), representing 5.5% of those affected, exhibited frequent involvement in the most severe forms of road rage and were the most likely (27.5%) to report psychiatric distress. Conclusions: Road rage, particularly experiences of victimization, is related to psychiatric distress. Evidence of psychiatric distress was highest among hard core road rage perpetrators, individuals noted for frequent involvement in serious aggressive and violent conduct. Further research is needed on violence and road rage and its link to mental health.