bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life and its association with insight, adverse effects of medication and use of atypical antipsychotics in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in remission
Authors: Yen Cheng‐Fang , Cheng Chung‐Ping , Huang Chi‐Fen , Yen Ju‐Yu , Ko Chih‐Hung , Chen Cheng‐Sheng 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  The present study aimed: (i) to compare the level of quality of life (QOL) among subjects with bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia who were in remission and healthy control subjects and (ii) to examine the association of QOL with insight, adverse effects of medication and use of atypical antipsychotics among subjects with BD and schizophrenia who were in remission by controlling other confounding factors.Methods:  The QOL on the four domains of the World Health Organization Questionnaire on Quality of Life: Short Form – Taiwan version (WHOQOL‐BREF) were compared between 96 subjects with BD in remission, 96 subjects with schizophrenia in remission and 106 healthy control subjects. The association between the four QOL domains and subjects’ insight, adverse effects of medication and use of atypical antipsychotics were examined using multiple regression analyses in the subjects with BD and schizophrenia in remission.Results:  The results demonstrated that the subjects with BD in remission had similarly poor levels of QOL in all four domains as those subjects with schizophrenia in remission, and both subjects with BD and schizophrenia had poorer QOL than those in the control group. For both subjects with BD and schizophrenia in remission, insight was negatively associated with QOL on the physical domain, and adverse effects of medication were negatively associated with QOL on the physical and environment domains. Use of atypical antipsychotics was not associated with QOL, but subjects with BD receiving olanzapine perceived better psychological QOL than those receiving risperidone and better psychological and social relationship QOL than those receiving no atypical antipsychotic.Conclusions:  The results of the present study indicate that subjects with BD are dissatisfied with their QOL, even when they are in a remitted state. Clinicians must consider the negative influences of insight and adverse effects of medication on QOL of patients with BD and schizophrenia in remission.
Gender influences the detection of spatial working memory deficits in bipolar disorder
Authors: Barrett Suzanne Lucia , Kelly Christopher , Bell Robert , King David John 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Despite evidence that gender may influence neurocognitive functioning, few studies have examined its effects in bipolar disorder (BD) a priori. The aim of this study was to examine how gender influences executive‐type functions, which are potentially useful as endophenotypes for BD.Methods:  The performance of 26 euthymic patients (12 males, 14 females) with DSM‐IV BD (20 BD type I and six BD type II) was compared to that of 26 controls (12 males, 14 females) on tests of executive function. Controls were matched to patients on an individual basis for sex, age and premorbid IQ. Tests assessed spatial working memory (SWM), planning, attentional set‐shifting and verbal fluency.Results:  Overall, patients showed deficits in SWM strategy (p < 0.001) and made more SWM errors relative to controls (p < 0.001). These deficits were more apparent in male‐only comparisons (both p < 0.001) than in female‐only comparisons (both p < 0.05). When examined in isolation, male controls were significantly better at performing the SWM task than female controls (both p < 0.05). This pattern was not observed in the patient cohort: male patients had poorer strategy scores than female patients (p < 0.05), but made a similar number of SWM errors.Conclusions:  These findings provide evidence that gender can influence the detection of SWM deficits in the euthymic phase of BD, as the sex‐related disequilibrium in SWM identified in healthy controls was disrupted in BD.
Metabolic syndrome in bipolar disorder: a cross‐sectional assessment of a Health Management Organization database
Authors: Sicras Antoni , Rejas Javier , Navarro Ruth , Serrat Josep , Blanca Milagrosa 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) included in a Health Management Organization (HMO) database.Methods:  A cross‐sectional analysis of the administrative claim database of Badalona Serveis Assistencials (BSA) was performed. All patients of either sex over 16 years of age and receiving treatment for BD for more than three weeks were included in the study group. The reference group comprised the rest of patients in the BSA database without BD. MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III modified criteria and required fulfillment of at least three of the following five components: body mass index (BMI) ≥28.8 kg/m2, triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol <40 mg/dL (males)/<50 mg/dL (females), blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg, and fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression models were applied.Results:  We identified 178 patients with BD out of 86,028 subjects (50.5% women; 45.5 ± 17.8 years, mean ± SD) included in the BSA database. MS prevalence was significantly higher in BD: 24.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 18.6–31.7] versus 14.4% (CI: 14.2–14.7) with no statistically significant differences between genders; age‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.65 (1.11–2.44, p = 0.013). All MS components were higher in the BD group, particularly BMI >28.8 kg/m2 [33.1% (26.3–40.6) versus 17.9% (17.7–18.2), adjusted OR = 2.05 (1.46–2.87, p < 0.001)], high triglyceride levels [23.0% (17.1–29.9) versus 11.3% (11.1–11.5), adjusted OR = 2.09 (1.45–3.02, p < 0.001)], and low HDL cholesterol levels [54.5% (46.9–62.0) versus 29.4% (29.1–29.7), adjusted OR = 2.77 (2.02–3.80, p < 0.001)]. Furthermore, patients with BD showed a significantly higher frequency of obesity [41.4% (32.3–50.9) versus 27.1% (26.6–27.5); adjusted OR = 1.83 (1.24–2.68, p = 0.002)].Conclusions:  Compared with the general population managed by the BSA, the prevalence of MS was significantly higher in patients with BD, mainly due to a higher prevalence of obesity, high triglyceride levels, and low HDL cholesterol levels. These findings strongly support the development of health policies addressing this problem in BD patients.
Rapid switching of mood in families with familial bipolar disorder
Authors: Nwulia Evaristus A , Zandi Peter P , McInnis Melvin G , Raymond DePaulo Jr J , MacKinnon Dean F 
Published: July 2008

Objective: Rapid switching of moods in bipolar disorder has been associated with early age at onset, panic comorbidity, and suicidality. This study aims to confirm these associations and investigate other potential correlates of rapid switching of mood using families from a multisite bipolar linkage study.Methods: The subjects were comprised of 1,143 probands and relatives with diagnosis of bipolar disorder. All subjects were interviewed directly with a standard diagnostic instrument, and all subjects who met criteria for bipolar disorder were asked if their moods had ever switched rapidly.Results: Individuals with rapid mood switching had significantly earlier age at onset (18 versus 21 years, p < 0.00001), higher comorbid anxiety (47% versus 26%, p < 0.00001) and substance use disorders (52% versus 42%, p = 0.0006), higher rate of violent behavior (6% versus 3%, p < 0.004), suicidal behavior (46% versus 31%, p < 0.00001), and nonsuicidal self‐harm (13% versus 6%, p < 0.0002). Multiple logistic regression analysis found significant net effects on rapid mood switching for early emergence of symptoms [odds ratio (OR) = 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45–0.85]; anxiety comorbidity (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.34–3.98); and hypersensitivity to antidepressants (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.49–2.83) as the strongest predictors.Conclusions: This confirms earlier reports associating rapid switching with a more complex clinical course, in particular early emergence of bipolar symptomatology, antidepressant activation, and anxiety comorbidity. These results support a clinical differentiation of bipolar disorder into subtypes based on symptom stability.
Association between brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene and a severe form of bipolar disorder, but no interaction with the serotonin transporter gene
Authors: Vincze Ilona , Perroud Nader , Buresi Catherine , Baud Patrick , Bellivier Frank , Etain Bruno , Fournier Claire , Karege Felicien , Matthey Marie‐Louise , Preisig Martin , Leboyer Marion , Malafosse Alain 
Published: July 2008

Background:  Recent data suggest that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the serotonergic system are involved and interact in major depressive disorder and suicidal behavior (SB). Several family and population‐based studies have reported associations between the BDNF gene and serotonin‐related genes, specifically the serotonin transporter (5HTT) gene, with bipolar disorder (BD) and SB. However, despite the fact that gene‐by‐gene interaction between BDNF and 5HTT has been demonstrated in monoamine deficiencies in animals, this kind of interaction has never been tested in humans. Our hypothesis is that some BDNF and 5HTT polymorphisms might confer increased risk for BD and SB and that both genes may interact with each other.Methods:  To test this hypothesis, we genotyped the most common BDNF polymorphisms, G196A (Val66Met), A‐633T and BDNF‐LCPR, as well as 5HTT (5HTT‐LPR), in 447 BD patients and 370 controls.Results:  We replicated the association previously reported between BDNF G196A (Val66Met) polymorphism and BD. We also observed a correlation between the number of G196 alleles and short alleles of 5HTT‐LPR and the severity of SB in BD. However, we found no significant interaction between these two markers.Conclusions:  These results suggest that BDNF G196A as well as 5HTT‐LPR polymorphisms confer risk for SB in BD, but we did not observe any evidence for an interaction between them.
Quality of life in bipolar disorder patients: a comparison with a general population sample
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Rojas Luis , Gurpegui Manuel , Ayuso‐Mateos José L , Gutiérrez‐Ariza José A , Ruiz‐Veguilla Miguel , Jurado Dolores 
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To compare the Quality of Life (QoL) of bipolar disorder (BD) patients with that of the general population; and, within the BD patients, to find the demographic and clinical variables associated with low QoL, controlling for the effects of potential confounders.Methods:  Based on the 25th percentile of the physical (PCS) and the mental (MCS) component scores (PCS <53 and MCS < 50, respectively) of the Medical Outcomes Survey 36‐item Short‐Form Health‐Survey (SF‐36) of a general population representative sample (n = 1,210), we compared by logistic regression the QoL of 48 euthymic and 60 non‐euthymic BD outpatients and the general population. Within BD patients, we analyzed the clinical and course‐of‐illness variables associated with low physical and mental QoL, including manic and depressive symptoms and consumption of addictive substances; in addition, we calculated the partial correlation of the different variables with the dimensional PCS and MCS through multiple linear regression.Results:  Low physical QoL was significantly more frequent among both euthymic [odds ratio (OR) = 3.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9–6.5] and non‐euthymic (OR = 4.0; 95% CI: 2.3–7.0) BD patients than in the general population; the respective values for low mental QoL were OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2–4.0 and OR = 8.5; 95% CI: 4.6–15.7. Low mental QoL was more frequent among non‐euthymic than euthymic BD patients (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.6–9.1). Within BD patients, low mental QoL was associated with the length of illness (or early onset), the presence of depressive symptoms, nicotine dependence and the lack of social support.Conclusions:  Among the BD patients, who experience lower physical and mental QoL even in a euthymic period, the optimal control of depressive symptoms as well as the availability of social support may enhance their well‐being.
Appreciation of research information in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Misra Sahana , Socherman Robert , Hauser Peter , Ganzini Linda 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Ethicists have debated whether patients with serious mental illness can appreciate the risks of research participation and make autonomous decisions. We compared the abilities of euthymic and manic bipolar patients to appreciate and make voluntary decisions regarding research participation.Methods:  Twenty‐six subjects with mania and 25 euthymic subjects reviewed hypothetical consent forms for three research studies of varying risk. We assessed subjects’ appreciation of: their diagnosis and need for treatment; the researcher’s role; the risks of participation; and the degree of influence of family, the treating clinician, and payment on decisions to participate.Results:  Most subjects (92%) agreed they had bipolar disorder requiring medication treatment. Subjects were less likely to participate in riskier studies. About half of subjects erroneously believed that researchers would make decisions based solely on what would be the best care for them (therapeutic misconception); and in randomized medication trials, they mistakenly believed they had improved chances of receiving one treatment over another. There were no differences between mood groups on these measures. Over half of subjects (59%) indicated that their mental health provider might influence them to participate in a study even when they did not want to, but most rejected a role for family in decision making. Payment was rated as having little impact on decisions to participate in research.Conclusion:  Mania does not substantially influence appreciation of research participation. Subjects with bipolar disorder, regardless of mood state, are at risk for therapeutic misconception and optimistic bias. Special protections may be needed when mental health professionals approach their own patients to participate in research.
The proximal prodrome to first episode mania – a new target for early intervention
Authors: Conus Philippe , Ward Janine , Hallam Karen T , Lucas Nellie , Macneil Craig , McGorry Patrick D , Berk Michael 
Published: July 2008

Objective: Affective psychoses and bipolar disorders have been neglected in the development of early intervention strategies. This paper aims to gather current knowledge on the early phase of bipolar disorders in order to define new targets for early intervention.Methods: Literature review based on the main computerized databases (MEDLINE, PUBMED and PSYCHLIT) and hand search of relevant literature.Results: Based on current knowledge, it is likely that an approach aiming at the identification of impending first‐episode mania is the most realistic and manageable strategy to promote earlier treatment. During the period preceding the onset of the first manic episode, patients go through a prodromal phase marked by the presence of mood fluctuation, sleep disturbance, and other symptoms such as irritability, anger, or functional impairment. Additionally, various risk factors and markers of vulnerability to bipolar disorders have been identified.Conclusions: In the few months preceding first‐episode mania, patients go through a prodrome phase (proximal prodrome) that could become an important target for early intervention. However, considering the low specificity of the symptoms observed during this phase, criteria defining high‐risk profiles to first‐episode mania should also include certain risk factors or markers of vulnerability. While more research is needed in high‐risk groups (e.g., bipolar offspring), retrospective studies conducted in first‐episode mania cohorts could provide valuable information about this critical phase of the illness.
Reporting outcomes in clinical trials for bipolar disorder: a commentary and suggestions for change
Authors: Martinez‐Arán Anabel , Vieta Eduard , Roy Chengappa KN , Gershon Samuel , Mullen Jamie , Paulsson Björn 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Newer outcome measures and statistical reporting that better translate efficacy data to evidence‐based psychiatric care are needed when evaluating clinical trials for bipolar disorder. Using efficacy studies as illustrations, the authors review and recommend changes in the reporting of traditional clinical outcomes both in the acute and maintenance phases of bipolar disorder.Methods:  Definitions of response, remission, relapse, recovery, and recurrence are reviewed and recommendations for change are made. These suggestions include reporting the numbers needed to treat or harm (NNT or NNH), and a ratio of the two, likelihood of help or harm (LHH), as an important element of the effect size (ES). Moreover, models of prediction that conduct sensitivity or specificity analyses and utilize decision trees to help predict positive and negative outcomes of interest (for instance, excessive weight gain, or time to remission) using positive or negative predictive values (PPV or NPV) are reviewed for potential value to clinicians. Finally, functional and cognitive assessments are recommended for maintenance studies of bipolar disorder.Results:  The examples provided in this manuscript underscore that reporting the NNT or NNH, or alternative effect sizes, or using PPV or NPV may be of particular value to clinicians. Such reports are likely to help translate efficacy‐driven clinical data to information that will more readily guide clinicians on the benefits and risks of specific interventions in bipolar disorder.Conclusions:  The authors opine that reporting these newer outcomes, such as NNT or NNH, area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), or PPV or NPV will help translate the results of clinical trials into a language that is more readily understood by clinicians. Moreover, assessing and evaluating functional and cognitive outcomes will not only inform clinicians about potential differences among therapeutic options, but likely will make it easier to communicate such differences to persons with bipolar illness or to their families. Finally, we hope such scientific and research efforts will translate to optimism for recovery‐based outcomes in persons with bipolar disorder.
Postpartum Ovarian Activity in South Asian Zebu Cattle
Authors: Brar PS , Nanda AS 
Published: July 2008

ContentsTimely onset of postpartum ovarian activity is vital for optimal reproductive performance of dairy cows. Much depends upon genetic constitution of an animal although several factors interplay to govern the onset of postpartum ovarian activity. South Asian zebu cattle have much longer service period when compared with other exotic or crossbred cattle reared in the same Asian environment, which suggests differences in their genetic makeup. However, the cows with same genetic configuration expressed better reproductive potential when reared under different environment, such as in Brazil and Mexico, which suggests the role of extrinsic factors such as management, nutrition, environment and disease conditions. Better management of animals (provision of proper shade, water and housing, efficient oestrous detection and timely insemination), good quality nutrition supplemented with appropriate minerals and vitamins, prevention of diseases (vaccination, deworming, suitable therapeutic interventions) and application of biotechnology have helped in improving postpartum ovarian activity and, therefore, reproductive performance of zebu cattle in Asia. No comprehensive study appears to have been carried out on the various aspects of reproduction in zebu cattle reared under South Asian socio‐agro‐climatic conditions. This paper is a modest effort to collect what ever information available and to critically review the postpartum ovarian activity in zebu cattle with special reference to the effect of the various managemental practices and pharmacological interventions.
Role of Cell Death Ligand and Receptor System on Regulation of Follicular Atresia in Pig Ovaries
Authors: Manabe N , Matsuda‐Minehata F , Goto Y , Maeda A , Cheng Y , Nakagawa S , Inoue N , Wongpanit K , Jin H , Gonda H , Li J 
Published: July 2008

ContentsSeveral hundred thousand primordial follicles are present in the mammalian ovary, however, only a limited number develop to the pre‐ovulatory stage, and then finally ovulate. The others, more than 99%, will be eliminated through a degenerative process called ‘atresia’. The endocrinological regulatory mechanisms involved in follicular development and atresia have been characterized to a large extent, but the precise temporal and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of these events have remained unknown. From many recent studies, it is suggested that the apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells plays a crucial role in follicular atresia. Notably, death ligand–receptor interaction and subsequent intracellular signalling have been demonstrated to be the key mechanisms regulating granulosa cell apoptosis. In this review, we provide an overview of granulosa cell apoptosis regulated by death ligand–receptor signalling. The roles of death ligands and receptors [Fas ligand (FasL)–Fas, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α–TNF receptor (TNFR), and TNFα‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL)–TRAIL receptor (TRAILR)] and intracellular death‐signal mediators [Fas‐associated death domain protein (FADD), TNF receptor 1‐associated death domain protein (TRADD), caspases, apoptotic protease‐activating factor 1 (Apaf1), TNFR‐associated factor 2 (TRAF2), and cellular FLICE‐like inhibitory protein (cFLIP), etc.] in granulosa cells will be discussed.
Comparative Aspects of the Endotoxin‐ and Cytokine‐Induced Endocrine Cascade Influencing Neuroendocrine Control of Growth and Reproduction in Farm Animals
Authors: Whitlock BK , Daniel JA , Wilborn RR , Elsasser TH , Carroll JA , Sartin JL 
Published: July 2008

ContentsDisease in animals is a well‐known inhibitor of growth and reproduction. Earlier studies were initiated to determine the effects of endotoxin on pituitary hormone secretion. These studies found that in sheep, growth hormone (GH) concentration was elevated, whereas insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) was inhibited, as was luteinizing hormone (LH). Examination of the site of action of endotoxin in sheep determined that somatotropes expressed the endotoxin receptor (CD14) and that both endotoxin and interleukin‐Iβ activated GH secretion directly from the pituitary. In the face of elevated GH, there is a reduction of IGF‐I in all species examined. As GH cannot activate IGF‐I release during disease, there appears to be a downregulation of GH signalling at the liver, perhaps related to altered nitration of Janus kinase (JAK). In contrast to GH downregulation, LH release is inhibited at the level of the hypothalamus. New insights have been gained in determining the mechanisms by which disease perturbs growth and reproduction, particularly with regard to nitration of critical control pathways, with this perhaps serving as a novel mechanism central to lipopolysaccharide suppression of all signalling pathways. This pathway‐based analysis is critical to the developing novel strategies to reverse the detrimental effect of disease on animal production.