bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Government Initiatives in Autism Clinical Trials
Authors: Vitiello Benedetto , Wagner Ann 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTRandomized clinical trials remain the most valid method of testing the efficacy and safety of treatments. While efforts to elucidate the genetic and neurodevelopmental bases of autism are underway, clinicians and families are in need of scientifically valid information on how to best treat patients with autism. The effectiveness of many interventions currently used in communities has not been adequately tested. Given the high public health relevance of autism treatment research and the low interest of the pharmaceutical industry in autism, the role of the National Institutes of Health in supporting this research is paramount. Among recently launched initiatives in autism clinical trials, there are the Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Autism Network and the network of centers for Studies to Advance Autism Research and Treatment. These and other government activities in the area of autism clinical trials are here briefly reviewed.
Electroretinogram B-Wave Amplitude in Panic Disorder
Authors: Castrogiovanni Paolo , Pieraccini Fulvio , Iapichino Sonia , Pacchierotti Claudia , Bossini Letizia , Truglia Elisabetta , Malpassi Claudio , Natale Bruno 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAbnormal light-related behaviors have been described for patients with panic disorder (PD). The present study was undertaken to investigate the retinal light response in PD using electroretinography (ERG). The authors conducted bwave ERG measurements with a bright light (after dark adaptation) in 28 patients with PD and 28 control subjects. There were no significant differences in the mean b-wave amplitude between the two groups, but the retinal response to light in PD patients was generally lower than in healthy subjects. A large interindividual variability was found; also noted was a significant difference in the mean b-wave amplitude between the right and left eyes in the control group. The data indicate subtle variation of retinal photosensitivity in a subgroup of patients with PD. Because dopaminergic retinal activity affects b-ERG amplitude, the authors hypothesize that the dopaminergic system is involved in the response to light in PD patients.
Recognition of Facial Emotions in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Authors: Kohler Christian G. , Turner Travis H. , Gur Raquel E. , Gur Ruben C. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTRecognition of facial emotions represents an important aspect of interpersonal communication and is governed by select neural substrates. We present data on emotion recognition in healthy young adults utilizing a novel set of color photographs of evoked universal emotions. In addition, we review the recent literature on emotion recognition in psychiatric and neurologic disorders, and studies that compare different disorders.
Neuroreceptor Imaging of Stress and Mood Disorders
Authors: Kennedy Susan E. , Zubieta Jon-Kar 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTTechniques such as positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography allow for the imaging of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters in the brain. These tools have been used to investigate serotonergic, dopaminergic, and opioidergic function in healthy subjects as well as in patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. Pharmacologic challenges, such as amphetamine challenge, and physiologic stressors, such as pain challenge, have been used to further examine the function of these neurotransmitter systems. Neuroimaging of patient populations before and after medication treatment may be useful to understand changes in neurotransmission that accompany disease remission. As new radiotracers with higher selectivity for the various receptors and transporters are developed, imaging techniques may provide new insights into the pathophysiolagy of mood disorders, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment.
Adult Psychopathology In Epilepsy
Authors: Stonnington Cynthia M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe risk of psychopathology is greater in persons with epilepsy than it is in the general population. This increased risk is related to a variety of factors including neurobiologic differences associated with epilepsy, medication-related effects, and disease-related psychosocial factors. Choice of appropriate psychoactive therapy must take into consideration effects on seizure threshold and potential interactions with antiepileptic drugs. Identification of psychopathology and effective treatment can reduce unnecessary morbidity in patients already suffering from a chronic disorder.
New Medications for Epilepsy
Authors: Kerrigan John F. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe last 4 years have seen a rapid burst of development of medications used to treat epileptic seizures. While none of these medications has replaced the “standards” in the field, they collectively offer additional treatment options for patients, particularly for those with difficult-to-control seizures. As experience with these novel medications grows, each will occupy its own niche in the treatment strategy for patients with epilepsy.
Psychological Aspects of Infertility
Authors: Bashford Robert A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe science of infertility has advanced rapidly over the past decade, in many respects without regard to the enormous demands that are placed on all participants undergoing an infertility work-up and treatment. Among these demands are a variety of potential psychological effects that must be addressed in the initial patient visit with continued counseling throughout the infertility work-up process. This article reviews the psychological factors that may affect individual patients and couples experiencing infertility, with special attention given to the common manifestations of stress. The need for physicians to provide early and ongoing attention to emotions is emphasized, and a biopsychosocial approach to infertility evaluations is outlined.
Understanding the Genetic Basis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Nicolini Humberto , Cruz Carlos , Camarena Beatriz , Páez Francisco , De La Fuente Juan Ramón 
Published: August 2016

AbstractGenetic study holds potential for understanding the etiology of a number of serious psychiatric disorders. In the case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), many investigators agree that there is a strong genetic component to its development. In this article, we review the scientific evidence gleaned from different types of studies that has led to a better understanding of the nature of the inherited factors in OCD.
Psychopharmacologic Treatments for Nonparaphilic Compulsive Sexual Behaviors
Authors: Kafka Martin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis article reviews the use of pharmacologic agents to treat nonparaphilic compulsive sexual behaviors (paraphilia-related disorders). Recent data suggest that serotonergic antidepressants, especially serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), may be effective in treating nonparaphilic sexual behaviors characterized by hypersexuality. The rationale, prescriptive use, and limitations of SRIs are reviewed, as are the proposed mechanisms of action, prescriptive use, and side effects of medications that lower serum testosterone (including triptorelin and the antiandrogens medroxyprogesterone acetate and cyproterone acetate). The potential use of psychostimulants, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics for paraphilia-related disorders in specific clinical situations is discussed. Practical guidelines, augmentation strategies with adjunctive psychopharmacologic agents, and indications regarding pharmacologic combinations of the above medications are suggested.
The Universal Field Hypothesis of Catatonia and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Authors: Carroll Brendan T. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCatatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) are uncommon disorders that can be life-threatening. Many researchers consider them as clinically divergent entities; however, they share similar and overlapping literature on causative agents, phenomenology, and treatment response. This hypothesis considers both disorders as a single entity that result from variable combinations of the following: 1) γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) hypoactivity at the GABAA receptor; 2) dopamine hypoactivity at the D2 receptor; 3) serotonin hyperactivity at the 5-HT1A receptor and hypoactivity at the 5-HT2A receptor; and 4) glutamate hypoactivity at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) receptor. In this paper, evidence to support this hypothesis is limited to retrospective human studies of catatonia and NMS. The four components of the hypothesis are: 1) GABAA agonists have been shown to alleviate catatonia and NMS; 2) D2 antagonism is proportional to the relative likelihood of NMS and catatonia; 3) 5-HT1A agonism with 5-HT2A antagonism is implicated in catatonia and NMS; 4) NMDA receptor antagonists, such as phencyclidine and ketamine, reduce glutamate transmission. This hypothesis proposes that it is the interaction of these systems that prediposes, initiates, and maintains the twin syndromes of catatonia and NMS.
Catatonic Signs in Medical and Psychiatric Catatonias
Authors: Carroll Brendan T. , Kennedy John C. , Goforth Harold W. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPatients with psychiatric catatonias vs those with medical catatonias may differ in catatonic phenomenology. To determine if these could be distinguished, the following methods were used: 1) a review of the literature; 2) a chart review; and 3) a prospective series. The literature review of 467 report of medical catatonias yielded 240 cases that met research criteria. A chart review of 47 episodes of catatonia revealed a higher frequency of negativism in patients with medical catatonias. Prospective data obtained from rating scales revealed an increased frequency of echophenomena in patients with medical catatonias; however, no discriminate pattern of catatonic signs for medical catatonias arose. Overall, catatonic signs appear to share a similar distribution. These findings suggest that psychiatric and medical catatonias are indistinguishable based upon catatonic signs.
DT-MRI of Central Nervous System: Clinical Applications
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Leclerc Xavier , Huisman Thierry , Sorensen A. Gregory 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTDiffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) represents a relatively novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique in which image contrast is related to differences in translational motion of water molecules within the tissue, rather than to differences in total water content. The rate of water motion is characterized by the apparent diffusion coefficient. In addition, full tensor DWI (diffusion tensor imaging, DT-MRI) samples the full diffusion tensor and therefore allows estimation of isotropic and anisotropic diffusion. The degree of anisotropic diffusion is thought to be determined by the local tissue characteristics or tissue architecture and can be quantified by DT-MRI. DWI has proven its clinical effectiveness in the early detection of acute cerebral ischemia. Multiple reports have discussed the value of DWI in a wide variety of other diseases of the central nervous system. DT-MRI appears to be especially promising in the evaluation of diseases that affect the integrity of white matter, in particular of white matter tracts. Herein, the current applications of DWI in clinical neurology are reviewed, with special attention to applications of DT-MRI.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Depression
Authors: Baran Alp Sinan , Richert Allen C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIs there an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and depression? OSA is a common breathing-related sleep disorder. There have been reports that depressive symptoms can be associated with this sleep disorder. A number of investigations have addressed this issue. Although some have found no correlation, most studies have concluded that there is an association between OSA and depressive symptoms. Other investigations have shown that depressive symptoms improve with treatment of OSA, and that untreated OSA may contribute to treatment resistance in some cases of mood disorders. Within the framework of current psychiatric diagnostic criteria, the depressive symptoms associated with OSA can be viewed as a combination of a mood disorder secondary to a primary medical condition and an adjustment disorder with depressed mood. The question of whether OSA causes depressive symptoms can perhaps be best answered by viewing OSA and depression as having certain symptoms that are common to both disorders.
New Lessons From Knockout Mice: The Role of Serotonin During Development and Its Possible Contribution to the Origins of Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Authors: Gingrich Jay A. , Ansorge Mark S. , Merker Robert , Weisstaub Noelia , Zhou Mingming 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTSerotonin (5-HT) modulates numerous processes in the central nervous system that are relevant to neuropsychiatric function and dysfunction. It exerts significant effects on anxiety, mood, impulsivity, sleep, ingestive behaviors, reward systems, and psychosis. Serotonergic dysfunction has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric conditions but efforts to more clearly understand the mechanisms of this influence have been hampered by the complexity of this system at the receptor level. There are at least 14 distinct receptors that mediate the effects of 5-HT as well as several enzymes that control its synthesis and metabolism. Pharmacologic agents that target specific receptors have provided clues regarding the function of these receptors in the adult brain. 5-HT is also an important modulator of neural development and several groups have employed a genetic strategy to ablate specific components of the 5-HT system in order to understand the role of different serotonergic in development of brain systems relevant to behavior. Several inactivation mutations of specific 5-HT receptors have been generated producing interesting behavioral phenotypes related to anxiety, depression, drug abuse, psychosis, and cognition. In many cases, knockout mice have been used to confirm what has already been suspected based on pharmacologic studies. In other instances, mutations have demonstrated new functions of serotonergic genes in development and behavior.
International Society for Transcranial Stimulation Consensus Statement: Managing the Risks of Repetitive Transcranial Stimulation
Authors: Belmaker Bob , Fitzgerald Paul , George Mark S. , Lisanby Sarah H. , Pascual-Leone Alvar , Schlaepfer Thomas E. , Wassermann Eric 
Published: August 2016

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), defined as the administration of a series of magnetic stimuli to the brain for the purpose of altering brain function, is an experimental medical intervention. rTMS currently is used to probe various aspects of brain function in the context of research studies approved by local ethics committees. rTMS also is under investigation as a potential treatment for various neurologic and psychiatric disorders. In light of the growing interest in using rTMS in a variety of experimental and therapeutic settings, the International Society for Transcranial Stimulation has recognized the need to formulate a consensus statement to assist the field in developing guidelines for its safe application. Whether the intended use is experimental or therapeutic, certain principles regarding the safety of rTMS apply. This statement is not aimed at guiding the therapeutic use of rTMS in any given condition or its application in any research paradigm, but rather is meant to apply broadly wherever rTMS is used.rTMS has significant risks, most importantly that of producing epileptic seizures. The degree of risk varies with the dosing parameters and individual subject factors. Therefore, rTMS should be administered only under a licensed physician's orders (ie, by prescription or through some other mechanism that makes a physician directly responsible for its administration to the individual patient or research subject). Because rTMS has potential behavior-changing effects, undesirable side effects, and therapeutic impact, careful assessment of the risk and appropriateness of rTMS in each clinical or scientific context is critical and can only be made by, or in consultation with, a physician knowledgeable and experienced in the use of rTMS and fully trained in neurology, psychiatry, or another appropriate specialty.
Relationship of Personality to Dissociation and Childhood Trauma in Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Simeon Daphne , Nelson Dorothy , Elias Rachela , Greenberg Jennifer , Hollander Eric 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTBackground:Dissociation is a prominent feature in some individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), yet our understanding of the meanings and implications of prominent dissociation in BPD remains limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dissociation and childhood trauma in BPD and to explore the relationships of dissociation and trauma to various personality features of BPD.Methods:Twenty BPD subjects and 24 healthy comparison subjects of similar age and gender were administered the Dissociative Experiences Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire—short form, the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire, the Defense Style Questionnaire, the Relationship Style Questionnaire, and the Schema Questionnaire.Results:The BPD group exhibited greater dissociation and childhood trauma, as well as greater pathology in most personality variables, compared with the healthy group. Dissociation in BPD was not significantly related to total childhood trauma, but only to emotional neglect, which accounted for 23% of the variance in dissociation scores.Conclusion:Within the BPD group, dissociation was associated with fearful attachment and immature defenses, while total childhood trauma and emotional neglect were associated with overconnection and disconnection schemata. This is a preliminary study with a small sample size, yet the correlates of dissociation in BPD merit further investigation.
Brief Report on the Psychophysiological Effects of a Yoga	Intervention for Chronic Stress
Authors: Harkess Kaitlin N. , Delfabbro Paul , Mortimer Jane , Hannaford Zara , Cohen-Woods Sarah 
Published: August 2016

Abstract. This paper evaluates the results of a longitudinal investigation of the potential benefits of yoga in a nonclinical sample of chronically stressed women (N = 116). Women undertook a twice weekly, hour-long yoga class for a period of 2 months, measuring psychological and physical indicators of health periodically. Changes in both areas were compared against a wait-list control group. The reported energy expenditure between groups was estimated to be similar, which suggests that the control group engaged in physical activities other than yoga. Of the six psychological outcomes measured, we found improvements in three. Specifically, those in the practicing yoga group experienced increases in positive affect, decreases in levels of distress and stress, as well as a decrease in waist circumference and increased flexibility. No between-group differences were found in mindfulness, well-being, and negative affect. These findings are generally consistent with an emerging literature, suggesting that yoga may provide both psychological and physiological effects that extend beyond its more obvious physical benefits, and are discussed in terms of the body’s allostatic load. These results should be considered in light of this study’s limitations, which include its small sample size, lack of an “active” control group, and female-only participants.
Facile fabrication of large-grain CH3NH3PbI3−xBrx films for high-efficiency solar cells via CH3NH3Br-selective Ostwald ripening
Authors: Yang Mengjin , Zhang Taiyang , Schulz Philip , Li Zhen , Li Ge , Kim Dong Hoe , Guo Nanjie , Berry Joseph J. , Zhu Kai , Zhao Yixin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractOrganometallic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown great promise as a low-cost, high-efficiency photovoltaic technology. Structural and electro-optical properties of the perovskite absorber layer are most critical to device operation characteristics. Here we present a facile fabrication of high-efficiency PSCs based on compact, large-grain, pinhole-free CH3NH3PbI3−xBrx (MAPbI3−xBrx) thin films with high reproducibility. A simple methylammonium bromide (MABr) treatment via spin-coating with a proper MABr concentration converts MAPbI3 thin films with different initial film qualities (for example, grain size and pinholes) to high-quality MAPbI3−xBrx thin films following an Ostwald ripening process, which is strongly affected by MABr concentration and is ineffective when replacing MABr with methylammonium iodide. A higher MABr concentration enhances I–Br anion exchange reaction, yielding poorer device performance. This MABr-selective Ostwald ripening process improves cell efficiency but also enhances device stability and thus represents a simple, promising strategy for further improving PSC performance with higher reproducibility and reliability.
Cellular tagging as a neural network mechanism for behavioural tagging
Authors: Nomoto Masanori , Ohkawa Noriaki , Nishizono Hirofumi , Yokose Jun , Suzuki Akinobu , Matsuo Mina , Tsujimura Shuhei , Takahashi Yukari , Nagase Masashi , Watabe Ayako M. , Kato Fusao , Inokuchi Kaoru 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBehavioural tagging is the transformation of a short-term memory, induced by a weak experience, into a long-term memory (LTM) due to the temporal association with a novel experience. The mechanism by which neuronal ensembles, each carrying a memory engram of one of the experiences, interact to achieve behavioural tagging is unknown. Here we show that retrieval of a LTM formed by behavioural tagging of a weak experience depends on the degree of overlap with the neuronal ensemble corresponding to a novel experience. The numbers of neurons activated by weak training in a novel object recognition (NOR) task and by a novel context exploration (NCE) task, denoted as overlapping neurons, increases in the hippocampal CA1 when behavioural tagging is successfully achieved. Optical silencing of an NCE-related ensemble suppresses NOR–LTM retrieval. Thus, a population of cells recruited by NOR is tagged and then preferentially incorporated into the memory trace for NCE to achieve behavioural tagging.
Predictive decision making driven by multiple time-linked reward representations in the anterior cingulate cortex
Authors: Wittmann Marco K. , Kolling Nils , Akaishi Rei , Chau Bolton K. H. , Brown Joshua W. , Nelissen Natalie , Rushworth Matthew F. S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn many natural environments the value of a choice gradually gets better or worse as circumstances change. Discerning such trends makes predicting future choice values possible. We show that humans track such trends by comparing estimates of recent and past reward rates, which they are able to hold simultaneously in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Comparison of recent and past reward rates with positive and negative decision weights is reflected by opposing dACC signals indexing these quantities. The relative strengths of time-linked reward representations in dACC predict whether subjects persist in their current behaviour or switch to an alternative. Computationally, trend-guided choice can be modelled by using a reinforcement-learning mechanism that computes a longer-term estimate (or expectation) of prediction errors. Using such a model, we find a relative predominance of expected prediction errors in dACC, instantaneous prediction errors in the ventral striatum and choice signals in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex.