ALCOHOLISM, Issue 4 2005
Jaakko Lappalainen
Background: Two recent large genetic studies in the US population have reported association between genetic variation in ,-amino butyric acid ,2 receptor subtype (GABRA2) and risk for alcohol dependence. The goal of this study was to test whether GABRA2 is associated with alcohol dependence in a sample of Russian alcohol-dependent men. Methods: A total of 113 Russian alcohol-dependent men and 100 male population control subjects were recruited in St. Petersburg and genotyped for seven GABRA2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using real-time PCR (TaqMan). Six SNPs were located in a GABRA2 haplotype block previously associated with alcohol dependence (AD) in the US population. SNPs and haplotypes were tested for an association to AD using ,2 analysis and a likelihood ratio-based statistic implemented in the software COCAPHASE. Results: Significant associations between two SNPs and AD were observed (p < 0.05). In addition, a trend-level association was observed between AD and three adjacent SNPs (p < 0.1). Associated alleles were carried in a haplotype that was present at frequencies of 0.37 and 0.48 in the control and alcohol-dependent populations, respectively (p < 0.06). Tight linkage disequilibrium spanning from the central portion of the gene to the 3, end was observed in this population. Comparison of the findings to the previously published studies in the US population revealed a highly similar linkage disequilibrium pattern in this population. Conclusions: These findings suggest that genetic variants of GABRA2 increase risk for AD in the Russian population and provide additional support to the hypothesis that polymorphic variation at the GABRA2 locus plays an important role in predisposing to AD at least in European-ancestry populations. [source]

Chronic Ethanol-Induced Subtype- and Subregion-Specific Decrease in the mRNA Expression of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Rat Hippocampus

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 9 2004
Agnes Simonyi
Background: Chronic ethanol consumption is known to induce adaptive changes in the hippocampal glutamatergic transmission and alter NMDA receptor binding and subunit expression. Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors have been shown to function as modulators of neuronal excitability and can fine tune glutamatergic transmission. This study was aimed to determine whether chronic ethanol treatment could change the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of mGlu receptors in the hippocampus. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley® rats were fed a Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet with 5% (w/v) ethanol or isocaloric amount of maltose for 2 months. Quantitative in situ hybridization was carried out using coronal brain sections through the hippocampus. Results: The results revealed decreases in mRNA expression of several mGlu receptors in different subregions of the hippocampus. In the dentate gyrus, mGlu3 and mGlu5 receptor mRNA levels were significantly lower in the ethanol-treated rats than in the control rats. In the CA3 region, the mRNA expression of mGlu1, mGlu5, and mGlu7 receptors showed substantial decreases after ethanol exposure. The mGlu7 receptor mRNA levels were also declined in the CA1 region and the polymorph layer of the dentate gyrus. No changes were found in mRNA expression of mGlu2, mGlu4, and mGlu8 receptors. Conclusions: Considering the involvement of hippocampal mGlu receptors in learning and memory processes as well as in neurotoxicity and seizure production, the reduced expression of these receptors might contribute to ethanol withdrawal-induced seizures and also may play a role in cognitive deficits and brain damage caused by long-term ethanol consumption. [source]

ChemInform Abstract: [3H]-M-MPEP, a Potent, Subtype-Selective Radioligand for the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 5.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 24 2002
Fabrizio Gasparini
Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source]

Volume Overload and Cardiorenal Syndromes

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 2010
Claudio Ronco MD
To include the vast array of interrelated derangements and to stress the bidirectional nature of the heart-kidney interactions, the classification of the cardiorenal syndrome today includes 5 subtypes whose terminology reflects their primary and secondary pathology, time frame, and the presence of concomitant cardiac and renal dysfunction. Cardiorenal syndromes (CRSs) are pathophysiologic disorders of the heart and kidneys whereby acute or chronic dysfunction of one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. Type 1 CRS reflects an abrupt worsening of cardiac function leading to acute kidney injury. Type 2 CRS describes chronic abnormalities in cardiac function causing progressive chronic kidney disease. Type 3 CRS consists in an abrupt worsening of renal function causing acute cardiac disorder. Type 4 CRS describes a state of chronic kidney disease contributing to decreased cardiac function, cardiac hypertrophy, and/or increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Type 5 CRS reflects a systemic condition (eg, sepsis) simultaneously causing both cardiac and renal dysfunction. Biomarkers can help characterize the subtypes of CRS as well as suggest the timing of treatment initiation and its likely effectiveness. The identification of patients and the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying each syndrome subtype, including fluid overload or, in general, altered conditions of fluid status, can help physicians understand clinical derangements, provide the rationale for management strategies, and allow the design of future clinical trials with more accurate selection and stratification of the population under investigation. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16(4)(suppl 1):Si,Siv. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Relaxant effects of , -adrenergic agonists on porcine and human detrusor muscle

ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2005
J. K. Badawi
Abstract Aim:, Relaxant effects of different , -adrenoceptor agonists on porcine and human detrusor were examined. Thus, the , -adrenoceptor subtype mainly responsible for relaxation in the detrusor muscle of pigs was characterized. Additionally, different effects of several , -agonists in both species were shown. Methods:, Experiments were performed on muscle strips of porcine and human detrusor suspended in a tissue bath. The relaxant effects of the non-selective , -agonist isoprenaline, the selective ,2-agonists procaterol, salbutamol and the selective ,3-agonists BRL 37344, CL 316 243 and CGP 12177 on potassium-induced contraction were investigated. The inhibitory effect of different substances on the maximum contraction and the rank order of potency for endogenous catecholamines was determined in pigs. Furthermore, concentration-relaxation curves were performed for pigs and humans. Results:,Pigs: In the pre-treatment experiments isoprenaline and procaterol showed similar effects. The concentration,response experiments showed that the maximum relaxation induced by procaterol and salbutamol was more than 90%, not significantly different from isoprenaline, whereas the maximum relaxations of CL 316 243, BRL 37344 and CGP 12177 amounted to 68, 70 or 30%, respectively. Rank order of potencies was isoprenaline , adrenaline > noradrenaline. Humans: Isoprenaline, procaterol, salbutamol and CL 316 243 showed a maximum relaxation of 80, 41, 24 and 35% and pD2 values of 6.24, 5.65, 5.48 and 5.55, respectively. Conclusion:,,2-receptors play a main functional role in mediating relaxation of porcine detrusor. Selective ,2- and ,3-agonists similarly relax the human detrusor. Effects were smaller compared with the pig. [source]

Is late-onset schizophrenia a subtype of schizophrenia?

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010
I. V. Vahia
Vahia IV, Palmer BW, Depp C, Fellows I, Golshan S, Kraemer HC, Jeste DV. Is late-onset schizophrenia a subtype of schizophrenia? Objective:, To determine whether late-onset schizophrenia (LOS, onset after age 40) should be considered a distinct subtype of schizophrenia. Method:, Participants included 359 normal comparison subjects (NCs) and 854 schizophrenia out-patients age >40 (110 LOS, 744 early-onset schizophrenia or EOS). Assessments included standardized measures of psychopathology, neurocognition, and functioning. Results:, Early-onset schizophrenia and LOS groups differed from NCs on all measures of psychopathology and functioning, and most cognitive tests. Early-onset schizophrenia and LOS groups had similar education, severity of depressive, negative, and deficit symptoms, crystallized knowledge, and auditory working memory, but LOS patients included more women and married individuals, had less severe positive symptoms and general psychopathology, and better processing speed, abstraction, verbal memory, and everyday functioning, and were on lower antipsychotic doses. Most EOS,LOS differences remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, severity of negative or deficit symptoms, and duration of illness. Conclusion:, Late-onset schizophrenia should be considered a subtype of schizophrenia. [source]

Influence of age of onset on clinical features in obsessive,compulsive disorder

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 3 2005
it Tükel M.D.
Abstract We compared early-onset and late-onset obsessive,compulsive disorder (OCD) patients in terms of demographic and clinical features. One hundred sixteen outpatients whose primary diagnosis was OCD according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria were recruited. Early-onset (n=50) and late-onset (n=66) OCD groups were compared with respect to demographic variables and scores obtained on various scales. A male gender predominance was found in early-onset OCD group. Symmetry/exactness obsessions, religious obsessions, hoarding/saving obsessions, and hoarding/collecting compulsions also were significantly more frequent in the early-onset group than in the late-onset group. The results may suggest a phenotypic difference between the two groups. Further studies are needed to investigate the differences between early-onset and late-onset OCD groups to examine the hypothesis that early-onset OCD is a distinct subtype of the disorder. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Citalopram treatment of social anxiety disorder with comorbid major depression

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 4 2003
Franklin R. Schneier M.D.
Abstract Treatment of patients with both social anxiety disorder and major depression has been little studied although social anxiety disorder and depression frequently co-occur. Each disorder has been shown to respond to serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment. Objectives of this study were to characterize a sample of these comorbid patients and to assess response to treatment with citalopram. Patients with primary DSM-IV generalized subtype of social anxiety disorder and comorbid major depression (N = 21) were assessed for symptoms of each disorder, including atypical depressive features, and functional impairment. Patients were treated with a flexible dose of open label citalopram for 12 weeks. Response rates for the intention-to-treat sample at week 12 were 14/21 (66.7%) for social anxiety disorder and 16/21 (76.2%) for depression. All continuous measures of social anxiety, depression, and functional impairment improved significantly with treatment, but depression symptoms responded more rapidly and more completely than social anxiety symptoms. Mean dose of citalopram at study endpoint was 37.6 mg/day. Only three patients (14.3%) fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for atypical features of depression, although 18 (85.7%) fulfilled the criterion for interpersonal rejection sensitivity. Citalopram treatment may benefit patients with primary social anxiety disorder and comorbid major depression, and it should be further studied in controlled trials. Improvement in social anxiety disorder symptoms lagged behind improvement in depression, and greater than 12 weeks of treatment may be required to assess full social anxiety response in patients with comorbid depression. The overlap of social anxiety disorder with atypical features of depression may primarily be due to the shared feature of rejection sensitivity. Depression and Anxiety 17:191,196, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

The relationship between childhood trauma history and the psychotic subtype of major depression

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2010
B. A. Gaudiano
Gaudiano BA, Zimmerman M. The relationship between childhood trauma history and the psychotic subtype of major depression. Objective:, Increasing evidence exists linking childhood trauma and primary psychotic disorders, but there is little research on patients with primary affective disorders with psychotic features. Method:, The sample consisted of adult out-patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) at clinic intake using a structured clinical interview. Patients with MDD with (n = 32) vs. without psychotic features (n = 591) were compared as to their rates of different types of childhood trauma. Results:, Psychotic MDD patients were significantly more likely to report histories of physical (OR = 2.81) or sexual abuse (OR = 2.75) compared with non-psychotic MDD patients. These relationships remained after controlling for baseline differences. Within the subsample with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder, patients with psychotic MDD were significantly more likely to report childhood physical abuse (OR = 3.20). Conclusion:, Results support and extend previous research by demonstrating that the relationship between childhood trauma and psychosis is found across diagnostic groups. [source]

So You Want to Be a Dermasurgeon: How to Get Training or Choose a Fellowship

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 9 2006
MURAD ALAM MD
BACKGROUND There are many routes to obtaining training in dermasurgery. OBJECTIVE The objective is to discuss some considerations that may guide selection of dermasurgery training. METHODS Current training options are reviewed. RESULTS Some considerations that may guide selection of type of dermasurgery training include: (1) individual temperament; (2) the subtype of dermasurgery in which training is desired (Mohs, cosmetic surgery, laser); (3) family and geographic factors; (4) preference for private practice versus academic career; and (5) proportion of future practice to be devoted to dermasurgery. CONCLUSIONS There are a growing number of training choices for budding dermasurgeons, with multiple options available for each set of particular circumstances. [source]

Evaluation of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging System for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Proposal of a New Staging System

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 11 2005
Scott M. Dinehart MD
Purpose. To identify and propose corrections for deficiencies in the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) system for staging cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Materials and Methods. Prognostic factors for CSCC were identified by retrospective analysis of the published literature. Limitations and deficiencies in the current AJCC staging system for CSCC were then determined using these prognostic factors. Results. Size, histologic differentiation, location, previous treatment, depth of invasion, tumor thickness, histologic subtype, perineural spread, and scar etiology are the most powerful tumor prognostic indicators in patients with localized disease. The most important prognostic factors for patients with nodal metastases are the location, number, and size of the positive lymph nodes. Proposed changes for the T classification include increased stratification of tumor size, identification of patients with perineural invasion, and the addition of tumor thickness or depth of invasion. The N classification has been expanded to include the number and size of nodal metastases. Conclusion. The current AJCC staging system for carcinoma of the skin has deficiencies that limit its use for CSCC. The proposed TMN staging system for CSCC more accurately reflects the prognosis and natural history of CSCC. SCOTT M. DINEHART, MD, AND STEVEN PETERSON, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS. [source]

Morpheaform Basal Cell Carcinoma in African Americans

DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 12p2 2004
Uma Nadiminti MD
Background. Although it has been established that basal cell carcinoma is an uncommon diagnosis in black patients, the morpheaform subtype is very rare among these individuals. Objective. The objective is to present two cases of morpheaform basal cell carcinoma in African-American patients. Methods. This is a case series and a literature review using the Ovid Medline Database. Key words used in the search include "basal cell carcinoma,""African American,""black,""African,""negros,""morpheaform,""sclerosing,""fibrosing," and "scar-like basal cell carcinoma." The Ovid Medline Database was searched from 1966 to present and was restricted to the English language. Results. A review of the Emory Dermatology clinic charts from 1989 to 2004 revealed two black patients with morpheaform basal cell carcinomas. Conclusions. Although extremely rare, morpheaform pattern basal cell carcinoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis for black patients presenting with nonhealing lesions. [source]

High-dose immunoglobulines and extracorporeal photochemotherapy in the treatment of febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann disease

DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 4 2010
Federica Marenco
ABSTRACT Febrile ulcero-necrotic Mucha-Habermann disease (FUMHD) is a rare subtype of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (only 41 cases described to date), characterized by an acute onset of ulcero-necrotic papules accompanied by high fever and severe constitutional symptoms. We report a case of a 23-year-old man with a steroid-resistant FUMHD treated by intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) combined with methotrexate. Only one case of FUMHD treated by IVIG has been reported to date in literature. Also in our case, IVIG proved to be effective in inducing a dramatic improvement of ulceration and in arresting the appearance of new lesions. Moreover, in our experience we decided to perform a maintenance treatment with extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP), to the best of our knowledge not previously used in the treatment of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. ECP, which involves extracorporeal exposure of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to photo-activated 8-methoxypsoralen, induces an immunological reaction against auto-reactive T cell clones, without immune-depression and thus could potentially be useful particularly in FUMHD avoiding the risk of an infective reactivation. [source]

Lithium response across generations

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2009
P. Grof
Objective:, To describe and integrate observations from bipolar patients responsive to lithium stabilization and their children. Method:, Selected findings are described from the clinical and biological investigations of adults meeting research criteria for bipolar disorder and for responsiveness to lithium stabilization; and from prospective studies of the children of lithium responders and non-responders. Results:, Response to prophylactic lithium identifies a valid subtype of bipolar disorder, however the search for biological markers of lithium response, while promising, has so far remained inconclusive. Adult responders to lithium stabilization exhibit definable clinical features which are also observable in their affected children. In prospective studies the children of bipolar parents develop symptoms earlier than reported previously, with marked differences between the offspring of lithium responders and non-responders. The illness evolves in predictable clinical stages, first from non-specific sleep and anxiety disorders to mood symptoms and then, often starting in adolescence, major depressive and later activated episodes. Conclusion:, Investigating and comparing unequivocal responders and non-responders to long-term lithium treatment and their offspring is a fertile research strategy for addressing a multitude of clinical and research questions. [source]

Inhibitory functioning across ADHD subtypes: Recent findings, clinical implications, and future directions

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 4 2008
Zachary W. Adams
Abstract Although growing consensus supports the role of deficient behavioral inhibition as a central feature of the combined subtype of ADHD (ADHD/C; Barkley 1997 Psychol Bull 121:65,94; Nigg 2001 Psychol Bull 127:571,598), little research has focused on how this finding generalizes to the primarily inattentive subtype (ADHD/I). This question holds particular relevance in light of recent work suggesting that ADHD/I might be better characterized as a disorder separate from ADHD/C (Diamond 2005 Dev Psychopathol 17:807,825; Milich et al. 2001 Clin Psychol Sci Pract 8:463,488). This article describes major findings in the area of inhibitory performance in ADHD and highlights recent research suggesting important areas of divergence between the subtypes. In particular, preliminary findings point to potential differences between the subtypes with respect to how children process important contextual information from the environment, such as preparatory cues that precede responses and rewarding or punishing feedback following behavior. These suggestive findings are discussed in the context of treatment implications, which could involve differential intervention approaches for each subtype targeted to the specific deficit profiles that characterize each group of children. Future research avenues aimed toward building a sound theoretical model of ADHD/I and a better understanding of its relation to ADHD/C are also presented. Specifically, investigators are encouraged to continue studying the complex interplay between inhibitory and attentional processes, as this area seems particularly promising in its ability to improve our understanding of the potentially distinct pathologies underlying the ADHD subtypes. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2008;14:268,275. [source]

Irritability is associated with anxiety and greater severity, but not bipolar spectrum features, in major depressive disorder

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2009
R. H. Perlis
Objective:, Irritability is common during major depressive episodes, but its clinical significance and overlap with symptoms of anxiety or bipolar disorder remains unclear. We examined clinical correlates of irritability in a confirmatory cohort of Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study participants with major depressive disorder (MDD). Method:, Logistic regression was used to identify features associated with presence of irritability on the clinician-rated Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology. Results:, Of 2307 study participants, 1067(46%) reported irritability at least half the time during the preceding week; they were more likely to be female, to be younger, to experience greater depression severity and anxiety, and to report poorer quality of life, prior suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. Bipolar spectrum features were not more common among those with irritability. Conclusion:, Irritable depression is not a distinct subtype of MDD, but irritability is associated with greater overall severity, anxiety comorbidity and suicidality. [source]

Validity and reliability of the guidelines of the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe for the classification of cerebral palsy

DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 11 2008
Mary Gainsborough MRCPCH
The validity and reliability of the guidelines of the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) for the classification of cerebral palsy (CP) were tested by administering 10 written case vignettes via an interactive web-based link to 30 SCPE partners. There was a moderately good level of agreement (,=0.59) about inclusion as a CP case on the SCPE database. Classification by CP subtype differed in two main areas: assigning spastic versus dyskinetic and judgement of distribution of spastic involvement. Agreement on Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level was less good than reported in previous studies. Twenty respondents repeated the test 5 months later and there was good repeatability for case inclusion (,= 0.72) but considerable variation in assignment of CP subtype and GMFCS level. There is a need for further collaborative work and training to improve harmonization of the classification of CP, including examination, application of SCPE guidelines, and register coding. [source]

Participation and enjoyment of leisure activities in school-aged children with cerebral palsy

DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 10 2008
Annette Majnemer PhD OT
The objective of this study was to characterize participation in leisure activities in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and identify determinants of greater involvement. Ninety-five children of school age (9y 7mo [SD 2y 1mo]) with CP were recruited, and participation was evaluated with the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment in a subset (67/95; 42 males, 25 females) who could actively participate in completion of the assessment. Most had mild motor dysfunction (Gross Motor Function Classification System: 59% level I, 23% level II, 18% levels III,V) and had a spastic subtype of CP (23 hemiplegia, 17 diplegia, 16 quadriplegia, 11 other). Biomedical, child, family and environmental predictor variables were considered in the analysis. Results demonstrated that these children were actively involved in a wide range of leisure activities and experienced a high level of enjoyment. However, involvement was lower in skill-based and active physical activities as well as community-based activities. Mastery motivation and involvement in rehabilitation services enhanced involvement (intensity and diversity) in particular leisure activities, whereas cognitive and behavioral difficulties, activity limitations, and parental stress were obstacles to participation. [source]

Energy efficiency in gait, activity, participation, and health status in children with cerebral palsy

DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 3 2008
Claire Kerr BSc (Hons) Physio PhD
The aim of the study was to establish if a relationship exists between the energy efficiency of gait, and measures of activity limitation, participation restriction, and health status in a representative sample of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Secondary aims were to investigate potential differences between clinical subtypes and gross motor classification, and to explore other relationships between the measures under investigation. A longitudinal study of a representative sample of 184 children with ambulant CP was conducted (112 males, 72 females; 94 had unilateral spastic C P, 84 had bilateral spastic C P, and six had non-spastic forms; age range 4-17y; Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I, n=57; Level II, n=91; Level III, n=22; and Level IV, n=14); energy efficiency (oxygen cost) during gait, activity limitation, participation restriction, and health status were recorded. Energy efficiency during gait was shown to correlate significantly with activity limitations; no relationship between energy efficiency during gait was found with either participation restriction or health status. With the exception of psychosocial health, all other measures showed significant differences by clinical subtype and gross motor classification. The energy efficiency of walking is not reflective of participation restriction or health status. Thus, therapies leading to improved energy efficiency may not necessarily lead to improved participation or general health. [source]

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia: a problem that will not go away

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2007
S. M. Stahl
Objective:, Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are a common, enduring, and debilitating component of the psychopathology of schizophrenia. Although efforts thus far to elucidate a distinct schizophrenia subtype based upon negative symptoms have yielded mixed results, there are nevertheless neurobiological correlates of the negative symptom typology. Method:, A review of nosology, typology, and assessment tools for determining core negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Results:, Negative symptoms can be difficult to evaluate objectively. Current rating scales ,capture' key domains of negative symptoms, in spite of considerable overlap between these domains. However, each objective assessment trades off methodological rigor and detail against brevity of assessment and ease of use. Conclusion:, The description of new methods for measuring these devastating symptoms, coupled with the ongoing development of novel antipsychotics and agents that augment antipsychotics have fuelled renewed interest in the evaluation of negative symptoms and optimism that better treatments for negative symptoms can be found. [source]

Is the dementia rate increasing in Beijing?

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2007
Prevalence, incidence of dementia 10 years later in an urban elderly population
Objective:, To examine the time trend of dementia morbidity over the past decade in Beijing, China. Method:, In 1997, 1593 community-dwelling elderly aged 60+ years were examined and followed-up over 2-years to identify incident dementia. A similar cohort study of dementia conducted in the same district 10 years prior was used as historical comparison to examine the time trend of dementia incidence. Results:, Forty prevalent dementia cases were identified at the initial examination for a prevalence of 2.51% (95% CI: 1.74,3.28) and 25 incident cases were identified at the follow-up visit for an incidence of 0.90% (0.55,1.25) among residents aged 60+ years. Alzheimer's dementia (AD) was the most common type of dementia in both prevalent and incident cases. Conclusion:, The prevalence and incidence rates of dementia in Beijing were slightly higher than those 10 years ago, which was partly because of population aging. AD became the most common subtype of dementia. [source]

Activity-dependent formation and functions of chondroitin sulfate-rich extracellular matrix of perineuronal nets

DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
Alexander Dityatev
Abstract Extracellular matrix molecules,including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, hyaluronan, and tenascin-R,are enriched in perineuronal nets (PNs) associated with subsets of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. In the present study, we show that similar cell type-dependent extracellular matrix aggregates are formed in dissociated cell cultures prepared from early postnatal mouse hippocampus. Starting from the 5th day in culture, accumulations of lattice-like extracellular structures labeled with Wisteria floribunda agglutinin were detected at the cell surface of parvalbumin-expressing interneurons, which developed after 2,3 weeks into conspicuous PNs localized around synaptic contacts at somata and proximal dendrites, as well as around axon initial segments. Physiological recording and intracellular labeling of PN-expressing neurons revealed that these are large fast-spiking interneurons with morphological characteristics of basket cells. To study mechanisms of activity-dependent formation of PNs, we performed pharmacological analysis and found that blockade of action potentials, transmitter release, Ca2+ permeable AMPA subtype of glutamate receptors or L-type Ca2+ voltage-gated channels strongly decreased the extracellular accumulation of PN components in cultured neurons. Thus, we suggest that Ca2+ influx via AMPA receptors and L-type channels is necessary for activity-dependent formation of PNs. To study functions of chondroitin sulfate-rich PNs, we treated cultures with chondroitinase ABC that resulted in a prominent reduction of several major PN components. Removal of PNs did not affect the number and distribution of perisomatic GABAergic contacts but increased the excitability of interneurons in cultures, implicating the extracellular matrix of PNs in regulation of interneuronal activity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007 [source]

Olfactory neurons expressing identified receptor genes project to subsets of glomeruli within the antennal lobe of Drosophila melanogaster

DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2003
Sheetal Bhalerao
Abstract We have used green fluorescent protein to trace the projection patterns of olfactory neurons expressing identified candidate odorant receptors to the brain of Drosophila. At the periphery, receptor expression correlates with specific sense-organ subtype, independent of location on the antennal surface. The majority of neurons expressing a given receptor converge onto one or two major glomeruli as described previously. However, we detected a few additional glomeruli, which are less intensely innervated and also tend to be somewhat variable. This means that functionally similar olfactory neurons connect to small subsets of glomeruli rather than to a single glomerulus as believed previously. This finding has important implications for our understanding of odor coding and the generation of olfactory behavior. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 54: 577,592, 2003 [source]

A follow-up study of juvenile obsessive,compulsive disorder from India

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2003
Y. C. Janardhan Reddy
Objective:, To study the long-term course and outcome of juvenile obsessive,compulsive disorder (OCD). Method:, Two to 9-year follow-up of largely self-referred, drug-naïve subjects (n = 58) by employing catch-up longitudinal design. Results:, The mean follow-up period was 5 years. Nearly three-fourth of the sample was adequately treated with medications. Only 21% of the subjects had clinical OCD at follow-up and 48% were in true remission (no OCD and not on treatment). Earlier age-at-onset was associated with better course and outcome. Conclusion:, Juvenile OCD has favorable outcome. Our findings are applicable to psychiatric hospital settings in India and perhaps to the general psychiatric settings in the Western countries. Whether the better outcome in this sample is the result of differing clinical characteristics or because of true cross-cultural variation in the course needs further exploration. It is speculated that early onset OCD could be a subtype of juvenile OCD with better outcome. [source]

Fine needle aspiration of renal cortical lesions in adults

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2010
Adebowale J. Adeniran M.D.
Abstract The role of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of renal cortical lesions was controversial in the past because the result of the FNA did not affect clinical management. All renal cortical lesions, except metastasis, were subject to surgical resection. However, with the advances in neoadjuvant targeted therapies, knowledge of the renal cortical tumor histological subtype is critical for tailoring clinical trials and follow-up strategies. At present, there are clinical trials involving the use of novel kinase inhibitors for conventional (clear cell) and papillary renal cell carcinoma. We studied 143 consecutive cases of renal cortical lesions, evaluated after radical or partial nephrectomies over a 2-year period. An air-dried smear and a Thinprep® slide were prepared in all cases. The slides were Diff-Quick and Papanicolaou stained, respectively. The cytology specimens were reviewed and the results were then compared with the histologic diagnosis. Cytology was highly accurate to diagnose conventional RCC, while the accuracy for papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC, and papillary urothelial carcinoma was much lower. Our results indicate that ancillary studies might have an important role in the subclassification of renal cortical neoplasms for targeted treatment. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:710,715. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

ThinPrep Pap test of endocervical adenocarcinoma with lymph node metastasis: Report of a case in a 17-year-old woman,

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2010
David G. Wagner M.D.
Abstract Endocervical adenocarcinoma is an uncommon malignancy that is composed of multiple subtypes and accounts for ,15% of all cervical cancers. In this article, we describe the cytomorphology and differential diagnosis of an AJCC clinical stage IIIb, FIGO IB2 endocervical adenocarcinoma in a 17-year-old woman in a ThinPrep Pap test. The patient was a 17-year-old G0P0 white woman with no significant past medical history and no prior history of cervical dysplasia. She presented to her physician with a putrid vaginal discharge. A sample was sent to cytology that was interpreted as atypical endocervical cells, favor neoplasia. A subsequent cervical biopsy was diagnosed as endocervical adenocarcinoma with villoglandular features and ultimately, a hysterectomy with lymph node dissection was performed. The final diagnosis was endocervical adenocarcinoma with metastasis to three pelvic lymph nodes. The cytomorphology of endocervical adenocarcinoma on ThinPrep Pap test is similar to that described for conventionally-processed Pap smears. This difficult diagnosis should be considered on a ThinPrep Pap test, regardless of age when the characteristic cytomorphology is observed. On a cytology sample, it is advisable to state atypical endocervical cells, adenocarcinoma in situ, or endocervical adenocarcinoma without providing a specific subtype even if there is a predominance of features for a particular subtype. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:633,638. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Nuclear morphometry and texture analysis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Utility in subclassification on cytosmears

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
Shilpa Gupta M.D.
Abstract Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous group of lymphoid neoplasms and accurate subclassification is an essential prerequisite for proper management of patients. This study was aimed at evaluating the utility of nuclear morphometry and textural features on cytology smears to classify the cases of NHL on aspiration cytology. Fine needle aspiration smears of 50 cases of B-cell NHL were included. Various morphometric and texture parameters were obtained by manually tracing the nuclei on digitized images in each case and discriminant analysis performed using various features taken individually as well as all together. The percentage of cells correctly classified to a particular NHL subtype using the discriminant functions so obtained was noted. Our results show that discriminant analysis done on size parameters could correctly classify a greater number of cells than on shape parameters (36.4% vs. 21.2%, respectively). Texture parameters based on single pixel values (first order texture) were inferior (42.8%) to those based on pair of pixels (58.7%) in subtyping of cells. Discriminant analysis based on color parameters was more effective (61.9%) as compared to rest of the morphometric and textural parameters. Using all the morphometric and textural parameters together, 83.3% of cells could be correctly classified to a particular NHL subtype. The present study, perhaps the first study of detailed morphometric analysis on cytosmears, shows that satisfactory classification of NHL on aspiration cytology is possible using nuclear morphometry and textural parameters considered together. These results are promising for further studies on this subject and development of automated cytodiagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Cytologic features of meningiomas on crush preparations: A review

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
F.I.A.C., Momin T. Siddiqui M.D.
Abstract Meningiomas are rarely subjected to aspiration, however, since they may occur outside the central nervous system, it is important to recognize their cytologic features. The goal of this study was to examine the cytologic features of meningiomas in crush preparations and cytologic imprints prepared at the time of frozen section. A total of 97 cases of meningiomas evaluated intraoperatively by frozen section with concomitant crush preparation and cytologic imprint were reviewed to assess their cytologic features. The cytologic features of meningiomas identified in our study are cohesive syncitial clusters of cells with ill-defined boundaries. The nuclei are oval and may be eccentrically placed, along with small central nucleoli. The cytologic features may not reflect the histologic subtype. The psammomatous variant can however be easily recognized in touch preps/imprints. The presence of nuclear anaplasia, macronucleoli, mitotic activity, and sheet-like growth may suggest an atypical meningioma. In conclusion, the cytologic features identified would be helpful in diagnosis of meningiomas, especially in unusual locations. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:202,206. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Cytohistologic correlations in schwannomas (neurilemmomas), including "ancient," cellular, and epithelioid variants

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 8 2006
Jerzy Klijanienko M.D.
Abstract Schwannoma accounts for one of the most common benign mesenchymal neoplasms of soft tissues. Although it is well defined in the cytology literature, particular histologic subtypes such as "ancient," cellular and epitheliod variants could be a source of diagnostic difficulties. We have reviewed cytology aspirates and corresponding histologic sections from 34 schwannomas diagnosed at Institut Curie. Histologically, 24 cases were classic, 5 were "ancient," 4 were cellular, and 1 was epithelioid schwannomas. No example of melanotic schwannoma was recorded. Original cytologic diagnosis was schwannoma in 13 (38.2%) cases, benign soft tissue tumor in 11 (32.4%), pleomorphic adenoma in 2 (6%) cases, angioma in 1 (2.9%) case, nodular fasciitis in 1 (2.9%) case, suspicious in 3 (8.8%) cases, and not satisfactory in 3 (8.8%) cases. There were no major differences between classical, "ancient," cellular, and epithelioid variants on cytology smears. Myxoid stroma, mast cells, and intranuclear inclusions were limited to classical subtype. Similarly, cyto-nuclear atypia was more frequent in classical subtype than in other subtypes. Schwannoma should be differentiated from well-differentiated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, neurofibroma, and pleomorphic adenoma, in the last instance particularly for head and neck lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006;34:517,522. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Metastatic mammary carcinomas with endocrine features: Potential diagnostic pitfalls

DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
Anjali Saqi M.D.
Abstract Mammary carcinomas with endocrine differentiation (MCED) are an uncommon subtype of breast carcinomas that are morphologically indistinguishable from low-grade endocrine neoplasms arising in other organs. Aspirates of MCED yield relatively monotonous cells with eccentrically placed nuclei containing characteristic "salt and pepper" chromatin. In the breast, these features represent MCED. In extramammary sites, the differential is more extensive, and diagnosing MCED metastates to the lung, a common location for primary and metastatic endocrine tumors, can be a challenging task, with significant clinical implications. Although primary MCED have been described extensively in the cytology literature, secondary pulmonary MCED have not been reported to the best of our knowledge. We report three cases of MCED metastatic to the lung and present the cytological and immunohistochemical features. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;33:49,53. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]