bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yes Sir, no Sir, not much difference Sir
Authors: Clarke Mike , Clarke Lorcan , Clarke Thomas 
Published: July 2017

Objective To assess whether making the sender's knighthood explicit in a series of letters would have any detectable effect on the response. Design A random sequence was generated by flipping a coin to determine whether a letter would have ‘Sir Iain Chalmers’ or ‘Iain Chalmers’ typed under the signature. This sequence was prepared independently of the preparation of an alphabetic list of the intended recipients and was then used to determine which letter would be sent. The allocation could not be influenced by prior knowledge of the recipient. Two batches of letters were sent. Setting Medical royal colleges and associated faculties, and postgraduate medical and dental schools in the UK. Participants Presidents and deans of medical royal colleges and deans of postgraduate medical and dental schools in the UK. Main outcome measures Rates of response and the mean number of days between the posting of the original letter and the date on the response. Results No differences between the groups were detected in the response rates: 91% and 90% for ‘Sir Iain Chalmers’ and ‘Iain Chalmers’ (relative rate for response of 1.01, 95%CI 0.83–1.23, P=0.92), or in the mean number of days to response (‘Sir’: 32 days; ‘no Sir’: 33 days). Conclusions This finding is consistent with a systematic review of responses to postal surveys, in which the effect of the status of the signatory was investigated. Combining our result with the two trials that are most comparable to our study, in which letters from professors were compared with letters from students, gives a relative response rate of 1.00 (95% CI 0.91–1.10, P=0.99). There is, therefore, no evidence from the existing randomized experiments that the status of the signatory has any impact on the likelihood or promptness of response—even if the status was conferred by the British monarch.
Brain ‘imaging’ in the Renaissance
Authors: Paluzzi Alessandro , Belli Antonio , Bain Peter , Viva Laura 
Published: July 2017

During the Renaissance, a period of ‘rebirth’ for humanities and science, new knowledge and speculation began to emerge about the function of the human body, replacing ancient religious and philosophical dogma. The brain must have been a fascinating mystery to a Renaissance artist, but some speculation existed at that time on the function of its parts. Here we show how revived interest in anatomy and life sciences may have influenced the figurative work of Italian and Flemish masters, such as Rafael, Michelangelo and David. We present a historical perspective on the artists and the period in which they lived, their fascination for human anatomy and its symbolic use in their art. Prior to the 16th century, knowledge of the brain was limited and influenced in a dogmatic way by the teachings of Galen 1 who, as we now know, conducted his anatomical studies not on humans but on animals. 2 Nemesus, Bishop of Emesa, in around the year 400 was one of the first to attribute mental faculties to the brain, specifically to the ventricles. He identified two anterior (lateral) ventricles, to which he assigned perception, a middle ventricle responsible for cognition and a posterior ventricle for memory. 2 , 3 After a long period of stasis in the Middle Ages, Renaissance scholars realized the importance of making direct observations on dissected cadavers. Between 1504 and 1507, Leonardo da Vinci conducted experiments to reveal the anatomy of the ventricular system in the brain. He injected hot wax through a tube thrust into the ventricular cavities of an ox and then scraped the overlying brain off, thus obtaining, in a simple but ingenious way, an accurate cast of the ventricles. 2 , 4 Leonardo shared the belief promoted by scholarly Christians that the ventricles were the abode of rational soul. We have several examples of hidden symbolism in Renaissance paintings, but the influence of phrenology and this rudimentary knowledge of neuroanatomy on artists of that period is under-recognized. In the absence of documentary or scientific evidence as to the real intentions of these painters, the notion of such commixture of sacred and profane remains speculative and probably controversial, but at the same time fascinating and provocative. Here we present three examples of Renaissance masterpieces where such symbolism may have been used, although probably many more exist. Conducting an artistic, philosophical and anatomical analysis of the paintings can be an intriguing exercise, but the interpretation will inevitably be conjectural.
Hypnotherapy in Palliative Care
Authors: Finlay I G , Jones O L 
Published: July 2017

Complementary therapies have found increasing vogue in the management of patients with cancer, although little formal evaluation has been undertaken. We report on our experience of offering hynotherapy to palliative care outpatients in a hospice day care setting. During 2½ years, 256 patients had hypnotherapy, all singly; two-thirds (n=104) were women. Only 13% (n=21) had four or more treatment sessions. At the time of survey, the 52 patients still alive were mailed an evaluation sheet, of whom 41 responded. 61 % reported improved coping with their illness. 7% (n=3) reported harmful or negative effects from hypnotherapy. Amongst those whose coping was unchanged, many found the therapy a pleasant experience. 35 respondents (85%) appended positive comments to their questionnaire returns. Despite the limitations of a retrospective questionnaire, our findings suggest that hypnotherapy, used within strict guidelines in patients with advanced cancer, is a safe complementary therapy to enhance coping.
Efficacy of steroids and hyperbaric oxygen on survival of dorsal skin flaps in rats
Authors: Esclamado Ramon M. , Larrabee Wayne F. , Zel Gerald E. 
Published: July 2017

This study was designed to determine if steroids improved skin flap survival in rats, and if steroids and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) showed an additive beneficial effect. Cranially based, 3 × 9 cm dorsal skin flaps were raised in 60 adult rats. All animals received either intramuscular methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg) or an equal volume of intramuscular saline solution placebo 24 hours and 1 hour before, and 24 hours and 48 hours after, flap elevation. Treatment for animals receiving HBO was begun within 5 hours after flap elevation. The regimen consisted of two 90‐minute treatments of 100% oxygen at 2.4 atm separated by 5‐hour intervals of room air per day for 3 consecutive days. The 60 rats were divided equally into four treatment groups, as follows: group A, flap elevation alone (control); group B, flap plus steroids; group C, flap plus HBO; and group D, flap plus steriods plus HBO. Surviving flap length was measured by visual inspection 7 days after flap elevation. The mean surviving flap length for group A was 4.9 cm, for group B it was 6.4 cm, for group C it was 6.7 cm, and for group D it was 6.5 cm. The approximately 30% to 36% improvement in surviving flap length was highly statistically significant (p 0.006) when compared with controls. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the three treatment modalities. These findings indicate that in a rat dorsal skin flap model, perioperative steriods improve skin flap viability, and that steroids alone are as efficacious as HBO and as steroids combined with HBO.
Pathology of Locoweed Poisoning in Sheep
Authors: Van Kampen Kent R. , James Lynn F. 
Published: July 2017

Three locoweeds, Oxytropis sericea, Astragalus pubentissimus, and A. lentigimosus were fed experimentally to yearling wethers for 60 days. Clinical signs were central nervous impairment resulting in diminished control or loss of motor function and proprioception. Cytoplasmic vacuolar degeneration was a constant finding in the neurons of the central nervous system, and of the plexuses of Auerbach and Miessner. Cytoplasmic vacuoles were also present in reticuloendothelial cells, liver, kidney, and other parenchymatous organs. The contents of the vacuoles was not determined.
Changes of biological rhythms in primary headache syndromes
Authors: Ferrari Ettore , Canepari Claudio , Bossolo Pier Angelo , Vailati Alberto , Martignoni Emilia , Micieli Giuseppe , Nappi Giuseppe 
Published: July 2017

The circadian periodicity of some endocrine (PRL, cortisol, GH) and vegetative (oral temperature, blood pressure) functions has been studied in cluster headache, common migraine, atypical facial pain, and “mixed” headache. Changes in several biological rhythms have been found not only in cluster headache (CH) but also in other kinds of headache. Although a great individual variability of rhythometric changes has been observed, particularly in CH, the dysrhythmic condition seems to be more evident in chronic than in episodic CH. The clinical and chronobiological effects of lithium administration and of a short-term sleep deprivation have been studied in CH. La périodicité circadienne de plusieurs fonctions biologiques endocriniennes (PRL, cortisol, GH) ou bien végétatives (température orale, tension artérielle) a été étudiée au cours de différents syndrômes de céphalée primaire. Les altérations de plusieurs rythmes biologiques observées soit dans la céphalée en grappe (CH) soit au cours d'autres syndrômes céphalalgiques peuvent être expression de troubles des neuro-médiateurs centrales. On a observé une considérable variabilité individuelle des troubles rythmiques, surtout dans la CH, même si dans la varieté chronique l'on trouve en général un desordre rythmometrique plus important que dans la forme épisodique de la CH. On a étudié aussi dans la CH les effets cliniques et chronobiologiques de l'administration de lithium et de la privation du sommeil pour une nuit. E’ stato studiato il ritmo circadiano di diverse funzioni endocrine (PRL, cortisolo, GH) e vegetative (temperatura orale, pressione arteriosa) in corso di cefalee primarie. Sia nella cefalea a grappolo (CH) che in altre sindromi cefalalgiche sono state evidenziate diverse alterazioni ritmometriche, probabilmente in rapporto al disordine neurotransmettitoriale cerebrale presente in tali situazioni. I disturbi della ritmicità circadiana di diverse funzioni bio-periodiche presentano una notevole variabilità individuale, soprattutto nella CH. Tuttavia nella forma cronica della CH l'alterazioni disritmica sembra essere più marcata che nella forma episodica. Sono stati infine studiati nella CH gli effetti clinici e cronobiologici del trattamento con lito carbonato e della privazione di sonno per una notte.
On the treatment of migraine. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships for a programmed release formulation of dihydroergotamine administered orally in the human
Authors: Aylward M. , Davies D. E. , Maddock J. , Robinson P. R. , Jones M. 
Published: July 2017

With the combined pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic approach, the bioavailability and venoconstrictor effects of two DHE formulations (programmed release capsules and oral solution) have been compared after acute oral dose administrations in the healthy volunteer subjects. The bioavailability of DHE from programmed release capsules has been significantly greater than that shown by the oral solution. DHE capsules formulation has seemed to provide appropriate plasma concentrations for at least 10 h after administration. That may well account for its efficacy in the treatment of morning migraine. Par les actions pharmacocinétique et pharmacodynamique combinées, la disponibilité biologique et les effets de constricteur veineux de deux formules de DHE (capsules à libération programmée et solution orale) ont été comparé après l'administration d'une dose orale massive sur des sujets volontaires en bonne santé. La disponibilité biologique du DHE des capsules à libération programmée a été plus élevée d'une façon remarquable que celle qui est due à la solution orale. La formule de DHE des capsules parait fournier des concentrations appropriées dans le plasma pendant au moins 10 heures après l'administration. Cela peut mieux expliquer son efficacité dans le traitement de la migraine matinale. Sono stati confrontati la biodisponibilità e l'effetto venocostrittore di 2 preparazioni di DHE (capsule a liberazione programmata e gocce) dopo una singola dose orale in volontari sani. La biodisponibilità di DHE con le capsule si è mostrata significativamente superiore a quella della preparazione in gocce, formando concentrazioni ematiche adeguate per almeno dieco ore dopo la somministrazione. Ciò spiega l'efficacia di questa preparazione, a liberazione programmata, della DHE nel trattamento dell'emicrania ‘del risveglio’.
Ergot derivatives in the prophylaxis of migraine: a multicentric study with a timed-release dihydroergotamine formulation
Authors: Martucci N. , Manna V. , Mattesi P. , Troiani G. , Manzoni G. C. , Lanfranchi M. , Bono G. , Micieli G. 
Published: July 2017

In this multicentric random double-blind study versus placebo, the therapeutic activity of timed-release dihydroergotamine preparation 10 mg/per os/day has been tested in 90 patients affected by common migraine. The drug presented a prophylactic effect on recurrent headache, mainly on night and awakening migraine. A low incidence of side-effects with no weight changes or other effects on physiologic events was registered. Les résultas obtenus dans cette étude contrôlée, en double aveugle, sur une serie de 90 malades porteurs de ‘migraine commune’, montre que la dihydroergotamine retard est active. Cette substance sembre réellment prévenir les crises du réveil et de la nuit. La tolérance clinique a été exellente. In questo studio multicentrico in doppio cieco randomizzato versus placebo è stata valutata l'attività terapeutica di una diidroergotamina a liberazione programmata (10 mg/per os/die) in 90 pazienti affetti da emicranie comune. Il farmaco ha dimostrato di possedere un effetto sulle cefalee ricorrenti e soprattutto sulla emicrania notturna e del risveglio. Sono state registrate una bassa incidenza di effetti collaterali e nessuna variazione del peso corporeo e di altri parametri fisiologici.
Long-acting ergot: clinical and neuroendocrinological aspects in migraine patients
Authors: Bussone G. , Boiardi A. , Mantia L. La , Frediani F. , Vescovi A. , Parati E. A. 
Published: July 2017

The possible interaction between long-acting ergot and the opiate system has been studied in 12 migraine patients, evaluating the PRL releasing effect of morphine. Our data suggest the integrity of the opiate system in migraine patients and demonstrate that long-acting ergot does not interact with the dopaminergic system. We hypothesize that the effect of ergot on migraine pain may be related to the interaction with non-opiate substances with central analgesic action. Chronic treatment with long-acting ergot significantly reduces the peak of pain intensity of the migraine attack. Sur un groupe de 12 sujets souffrant de migraine on a étudié l'éventuelle intéraction de ergot à cession programmée sur système opiacé, au moyen d'une série d'études neuro-endocrinologiques, en particulier en prenant comme paramètre l'effect dégageant la PRL d'une stimulation morphinique. Nos donnèes suggèrent l'intégrité du système opiacé chez les patients souffrant de migraine et démontrent que le mécanisme d'action de ergot à cession programmée n'interfère pas avec le système dopaminergique. De cette étude on peut tirer l'hypothèse que l'action de ergot sur le symptòme “douleur” de la migraine est liée à l'interférance avec des substances non opiacées à action analgésique centrale. Du point de vue clinique il a été remarqué un avantage de la thérapie chronique avec ergot encore à cession programmée, avantage tendant à réduire le pic d'intensité douloureuse de l'attaque de la migraine. E’ stata studiata l'eventuale intearzione dell'ergot a cessione programmata sul sistema oppiaceo su un gruppo di 12 pazienti affetti da emicrania, per mezzo di una serie di studi neuroendocrinologici, in particolare prendendo come parametro l'effetto liberante la PRL della stimolazione morfinica. I nostri dati suggeriscono l'integrità del sistema oppiaceo nei pazienti emicranici e dimostrano che l'ergot a cessione programmata non interagisce con il sistema dopaminergico. Noi ipotizziamo che l'effetto dell'ergot sul sintomo dolore dell'emicrania sia correlato alla interazione con sostanze non oppiacee ad azione analgesica centrale. Da un punto di vista clinico, il trattamento cronico con ergot a cessione programmata riduce in maniera statisticamente significativa il picco d'intensità del dolore nell'attacco emicranico.
Psychological aspects of migraine in childhood
Authors: Lanzi Giovanni , Balottin Umberto , Gamba Nerina , Fazzi Elisa 
Published: July 2017

Experimental data indicate that certain unconscious emotions cause modifications of the brain stem neurotransmitters, inducing neurohumoral and vascular changes which underlie the migraine attack in biologically predisposed subjects. The present study investigates, with patient interviews, psychodiagnostic tests (Rorschach, Blacky pictures, Thematic Apperception test, drawings, Wechsler) and parental interviews in 20 pediatric migraine subjects. In 85% of the cases, a condition of repressed anger preceding the attack is seen. In 40% of the subjects, events such as a death in the family, separations, angry quarrels among parents, and scholastic problems, are seen just before onset of the disease. In conclusion, migraine may be considered a psychosomatic disorder, with the phenomenon of pain as a somatic extrinsication of psychological distress. Les données expérimentales induisent à penser que, chez les sujets biologiquement prédisposés, certains sentiments inconscients causent des modifications des neurotransmetteurs, au niveau du tronc cérébral, telles qu'elles induisent les modifications neuro-humorales et vasculaires qui sous-tendent la crise de migraine. Au cours de cette étude nous avons mené une enquête, au moyen de conversations et de tests psycho-diagnostiques (Rorschach, Blacky Pictures, Thematic Apperception Test, dessins, Wechsler) et d'entretiens avec les parents, sur 20 sujets migraineux en âge évolutif. Dans 85% des cas on découvre une condition de rage réprimée qui pŕecède la crise; dans 40% des sujets, des évènements tels qu'un deuil familial, des disputes graves entre les parents ou leur séparation, des échecs scolaires, etc . . . ont souvent lieu juste avant le début de la maladie. Pour conclure nous pensons que l'on doit considérer la migraine comme une maladie psychosomatique et que le phénomène douleur est un symptôme d'expression somatique de conditions de malaise psychologique. Dati sperimentali inducono a pensare che, in soggetti biologicamente predisposti, determinati sentimenti inconsci causino modificazioni dei neurotrasmettitori a livello del tronco cerebrale, tali da indurre le modificazioni neuromorali e vascolari che sottendono l'attacco emicranico. Nel presente lavoro si sono indagati con colloqui e tests psicodiagnostici (Rorschach, Blacky Pictures, Thematic Apperception Test, disegni, Wechsler) e coloqui con i genitori, 20 soggetti emicranici in età evolutiva. Nell'85% dei casi si individua una condizione di rabbia repressa che precede l'attacco; nel 40% dei soggetti eventi come un lutto familiare, separazione o gravi litigi fra i genitori, insuccessi scolastici ecc. si verificano appena prima dell'inizio della malattia. In conclusione si ritiene che l'emicrania sia da considerarsi una malattia psicosomatica e che il fenomeno dolore sia un sintomo, ad estrinsecazione somatica, di condizioni di disagio psicologico.
Managing Schizophrenia during the Stable Phase: Is There Consensus among Practice Guidelines?
Authors: Bhanji Nadeem H , Tempier Ray mond 
Published: July 2017

Method: We per formed a lit era ture search us ing Med line and Psycinfo da ta bases and Goo gle Inter net search en gine. Results: We iden ti fied 6 clini cal prac tice guide lines (CPGs). All stress the need for an tipsychotic ther apy and psy cho so cial in ter ven tions. Dif fer ences lie in types of an tipsy chot i cs recom mended, du ra tion of an tipsy chotic trial, man age ment of ex tra py ra mi dal symp toms, and types of psy cho so cial in ter ven tions. Ar eas poorly ad dressed by all guide lines in clude defi n ition of the sta ble phase of schizo phre nia, man age ment of ad verse ef fects with atypi cal agents, man age ment of clo zap ine non re spond ers, and man age ment of per son al ity is sues. Conclusion: Pub lished CPGs are help ful in the man age ment of the sta ble phase of schizo phrenia, al though no sin gle CPG se ries ap pears to ad dress all treat ment needs faced by prac tising clinicians.
Seasonal Affective Disorders: Relevance of Icelandic and Icelandic-Canadian Evidence to Etiologic Hypotheses
Authors: Axelsson Jóhann , Stefánsson Jón G , Magnússon Andrés , Sigvaldason Helgi , Karlsson Mikael M 
Published: July 2017

Objective: This study tests the suggestion of earlier studies concerning the importance of genetic factors in the etiology of win ter seasonal affective disorders (SADs) and sub syndromal win ter SAD (S- SAD). Method: Two study populations of Winnipeg, Manitoba residents were canvassed: 250 adults of wholly Icelandic de scent and 1000 adults of non-Icelandic de scent. We distributed the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire by mail to these 2 populations, yielding 204 and 449 valid responses, respectively. Results: Rates of SAD and S- SAD proved markedly lower in the Icelandic population than those in the non-Icelandic population. Conclusions: These differences seem unexplained by differences in ambient light or climate, thus indicating that genetic factors contribute to the expression of SADs. Compared with earlier findings from a group of adults of wholly Icelandic de scent living in nearby rural Manitoba, the etiologic importance of as-yet-undetermined environmental factors unrelated to latitude or ambient light is also indicated.
Canadian Psychiatric Inpatient Religious Commitment: An Association with Mental Health
Authors: Baetz Mar i lyn , Larson Da vid B , Marcoux Gene , Bowen Rudy , Grif fin Ron 
Published: July 2017

Background: Research indicates that religion may have a positive effect on coping and possibly enhance clinical outcomes. This study aims to de ter mine the level of religious interest of psychiatric in patients and to assess whether religious commitment has an impact on selected outcome variables. Methods: There were 88 consecutive adult patients (50% men) who were admitted to a Canadian tertiary care psychiatry in patient unit and were in ter viewed about their religious beliefs and practices. Patients with a Beck Depression score of 12 or more were included for out come analysis. Results: A total of 59% believed in a God who re wards and punishes, 27% had a high frequency of worship at ten dance, and 35% prayed once or more daily. More frequent worship at tenders had less severe depressive symptoms, shorter cur rent length of stay, higher sat is faction with life, and lower rates of cur rent and life time al cohol abuse ( P < 0.05), when com pared with those with less frequent or no worship at ten dance. In contrast, private spirituality was as sociated with lower depressive symptoms and cur rent al co hol use only ( P < 0.05), and prayer frequency had no significant as sociations. Discussion: This study indicates that certain religious practices may protect against se verity of symptoms, hospital use, and enhance life sat is faction among psychiatric in patients. This is the first known Canadian study that examines religious commitment among psychiatric in patients.