Correlation of positive symptoms exclusively to hyperperfusion or hypoperfusion of cerebral cortex in never-treated schizophrenics

BACKGROUND: Studies of schizophrenia by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) have shown both regional cerebral hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion. The aim of this study was to examine the inter-relations between regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), psychopathology, and effects of neuroleptic therapy. METHODS: 24 never-treated patients with acute schizophrenia were examined with hexamethylpropyleneamine-oxime brain SPECT and assessed psychopathologically according to the positive and negative syndrome scale; they were studied again after neuroleptic treatment and psychopathological remission. rCBF values that deviated from those of 20 controls by more than 2 SD were regarded as abnormal. FINDINGS: Both hyperperfused and hypoperfused patterns were found among schizophrenia patients during acute illness. The seven positive symptoms on the symptom scale showed different correlations with rCBF: formal thought disorders and grandiosity correlated positively (and strongly) with bifrontal and bitemporal rCBF; delusions, hallucinations, and distrust correlated negatively (and strongly) with cingulate, left thalamic, left frontal, and left temporal rCBF. Stereotyped ideas as a negative symptom correlated negatively (and strongly) with left frontal, cingulate, left temporal, and left parietal rCBF. After neuroleptic treatment (and reduction of positive symptoms), only negative symptoms correlated exclusively with bifrontal, bitemporal, cingulate, basal ganglia, and thalamic hypoperfusion. INTERPRETATION: Different positive symptoms are accompanied by different rCBF values--some related to hyperperfusion, others to hypoperfusion. This finding may help to explain observed inconsistencies of perfusion patterns in drug-na?ve schizophrenics.     

Linguistic immediacy of schizophrenics in different proxemic conditions.

The linguistic immediacy of 32 schizophrenic and 32 nonschizophrenic psychiatric patients was observed as Ss sat in 1 of 4 proxemic positions during a short interview. Positions varied in terms of distance between patients and interviewer (near vs far) and direction of the interviewer's eye gaze (gazing continuously vs never looking at patients). Results indicate that the immediacy of schizophrenics' verbal communication varies as a function of patient–interviewer distance and orientation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Rol' of the frontal lobe in synchronizing biopotentials in different regions of the dog brain

The role of the frontal cortex in formation of neocortical systemic processes has been studied by the method of sign correlation of the summate electrical activity. A distant EEG synchronization in the temporal and occipital zones sets in following strychninization of F2 zones (but not of Prc2 zones) in anaesthetized dogs or in cerveau isolé preparations. In dogs with elaborated conditioned reflexes a statistically significant distant synchronization of the neocortical EEG sets in during the delay period only in case of well expressed motivation (of hunger in case of food reinforcement, and of thirst in case of water reinforcement). No distant conditioned EEG synchronization was revealed in lobectomised dogs. The role of the frontal cortex in the intracerebral integration is discussed which is necessary for achievement of the forthcoming signal activity.     

Differences in P3 amplitudes between schizophrenics and healthy controls vary between the different events presented in a guessing task

P3 amplitudes were often found to be reduced in schizophrenics, but in varying degree. We studied in a guessing task whether variations of group differences could even be obtained within the same task, by measuring P3 in the potentials evoked by the three qualitatively different events that occurred in each trial. We hypothesized that such variations were due to variations of subjective task relevance associated with each event. In each trial, a light or a sound was presented. Subjects had to confirm this 'primary event' by a delayed response, and then the current amount of money earned by correct responses was displayed. In the certain condition, the primary event was preceded by the appropriate cue on the screen ('light' or 'sound') whereas in the uncertain condition, the word 'guess' appeared. The task-relevance hypothesis predicted that schizophrenics would have smaller P3s than the control group with the primary event in the uncertain condition, but that the groups would not differ for the P3s evoked by the other events (certain primary event, cue and earnings display in uncertain and certain conditions). Essentially, this predicted pattern of results was obtained, but additional assumptions are needed for the task-relevance hypothesis to account for the precise pattern of results. Analysis of subjects' guessing behavior showed that control subjects' guesses were affected by the outcome of their preceding guesses while schizophrenics' guesses were not. This result provides some additional support for the hypothesis that the guessing task is less relevant to schizophrenics than to control subjects.     

Phospholipid distribution and fatty acid composition in different brain regions during chick embryo development

The phospholipid profile of different chick embryo brain regions was studied from 11 to 21 days of development, revealing interesting changes in content and distribution. Total phospholipid phosphorus (P), in micrograms of P per microgram of DNA, increases significantly during development of cerebral hemispheres (CHs), optic lobes (OLs), and brainstem (BS). Compared with CH and OL, the BS shows at all stages a significantly higher concentration of phospholipid P, which in contrast decreases in the cerebellum (CB) during development. Moreover, the data show interesting differences between the right and the left portion of the brain. The distribution of phospholipid P and the fatty acid composition of phospholipids were asymmetric between left and right OL and CH, as were the concentrations of DNA and cholesterol, demonstrating lateralized neurochemical development in these structures, i.e., left OL, right OL, left CH, and right CH. The data are discussed also in relation to the potential importance of neurochemical lateralization for determining lateralized embryonic and postnatal behavior of this species.     

Direction of motion relationships between controls and displays moving in different planes.

"… to investigate the direction of motion relationships for seven combinations of display pointer moving at right angles to plane of rotation of control knob, a total of 718 Ss were tested by sequential methods on an apparatus producing a single direction of movement of a pointer, moving along a linear scale, for either clockwise or anticlockwise rotation of the control… where the right hand was used, there was a significant tendency to turn the knob clockwise to produce movement away from the knob [but]… there was also a significant tendency for movement towards the knob to be mediated by clockwise turning… [there were, however] significantly more anticlockwise responses for movement towards the control… . Left-handed combinations gave rise to no significant tendencies; but left-handed Ss gave significantly more anticlockwise responses than right-handers, even when the right hand was used. On the whole it is not advisable to employ any of the combinations explored in this investigation, unless movement is to be restricted to adjustments in one direction only relative to the control." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Biosynthesis of acetylcholine in different brain regions in vivo following alternative methods of sacrifice by microwave irradiation

Endogenous acetylcholine and biotransformation of tritium-labelled choline (3H-CH) were studied in mouse brain regions following different methods of sacrifice, viz. dislocation of the spine (7 min until enzymes inactivated), whole body microwave irradiation (7 s) and irradiation of the head (0.25 s). The brain temperature was measured in different locations 10 to 60 s after irradiation. The slope of the temperature time curves indicated a brain temperature of about 85-90 degrees C at the termination of exposure to both types of irradiation. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline acetyltransferase (CAT) were practically completely inactivated when measured one to two min after sacrifice. For turnover studies, mice were killed 1, 5, 10 or 20 min after i.v. injection of 15 nmol of 3H-Ch. The brains were dissected into 6 regions, extracted and analysed. No significant difference (except in cortex) in the amount of endogenous ACh was found when whole body irradiation was used in comparison to dislocation of the spine. However, the amount of 3H-acetylcholine (3H-ACh) was much higher in the striatum, hippocampus and cortex, in particular. With the shorter inactivation time (head irradiation) endogenous ACh was markedly increased in the striatum, cortex, medulla, oblongata and midbrain. However, there was no further increase in the radioactive ACh. The difference regarding the post-mortem sensitivity of endogenous and radioactive ACh does not seem to have been due to methodological artifacts but rather suggests that they are handled differently by the brain tissue. Plots of the specific radioactivity (SA) of Ch and ACh vs. time indicated fairly distinct precursor-product relationship in the different regions, when the animals were sacrificed by irradiation of the head.     

Endorphins in several regions of rat brain: large differences between radioimmunoassay and radioreceptor assay

During a one-year period, 31 trabeculectomies were done in 25 patients. Of these procedures, 27 (87%) were done for chronic open angle glaucoma, three (10%) for congenital glaucoma, and one for chronic open angle glaucoma in an aphakic patient. Our overall success rate was 87%. Complications were few: only two of 31 flat anterior chambers persisted postoperatively. Visual acuity dropped significantly (two lines on the Snellen visual acuity chart) in only one patient.     

5' Deiodinase activity in brain regions of adult rats: modifications in different situations of experimental hypothyroidism

In the central nervous system, type II 5' deiodinase (5'D-II) is highly regulated, as judged by the dramatic changes in enzyme levels observed after abrupt alterations in thyroid status. In this work, the 5'-DII activity has been studied in different situations of experimental hypothyroidism (propylthiouracil, methimazole, thyroidectomy, and low iodine diet), in various brain regions (pituitary, cerebellum, brain stem, hypothalamus, cortex, and whole brain) in adult rats. Propylthiouracil and methimazole significantly increase the activity in all brain regions. These increases are higher in rats treated with methimazole. Thyroidectomy significantly increases the activity in cortex and pituitary. A low iodine diet significantly increases in all brain regions except in the hypothalamus. The concentration of triiodothyronine (T3) studied in the major brain regions remained unchanged. The results obtained show a compensatory mechanism in pituitary and other brain regions in order to maintain the T3 levels in brain tissue.     

Effects of prior experimenter-subject relationships on responses to the Kent-Rosanoff word-association list in schizophrenics.

This study attempted to determine what effect prior experimenter-subject (E-S) relationships would have on schizophrenic word association. 3 groups were used. 1 group was a control. Rebuff and warmth involved a period of 3 half-hour interviews, during which E either acted warm and accepting, or cold and aloof-interested in the experiment only for the experiment's sake. It was found that Ss in the rebuff condition gave significantly more common associations after their relationship with the investigator. A number of possible interpretations for the result were suggested. These included a drive for approval as in normal children, differential levels of anxiety, or confirmation of low expectancy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Measuring loneliness in different relationships.

Describes the construction and preliminary validation of the Differential Loneliness Scale (DLS), a measure that differs from previous scales in that it asks respondents to evaluate the quality and the quantity of their interactions in specific kinds of relationships. During test construction, item analyses were undertaken to lessen content saturation due to depression, anxiety, and self-esteem and to minimize the response-style bias of social desirability. The reliability of the scale is high, with Kuder-Richardson-20 coefficients ranging from .90 to .92, and test–retest coefficients of .85 and .97 for males and females, respectively, over 1 mo. Preliminary evidence suggests that the scale has concurrent validity against several criteria. Moreover, principal component analyses indicated that the DLS has substantive and structural validity. The scale also has student and nonstudent versions. It may be of value in the differential prediction of loneliness in specific kinds of relationships. (20 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Analysis of the DRPLA triplet repeat in brain tissue and leukocytes from schizophrenics

This study reports our preliminary experience with interstitial radiofrequencies in the treatment of urological malignancies. Bipolar radiofrequency was interstitially delivered in four freshly removed human kidneys in an ex-vivo model. The kidney was perfused ex-vivo with 37 degrees C saline in order to mimic physiological conditions. Large reproducible and controlled lesions (hypereosinophilia and pyknosis) were observed in the parenchyma between the active needles. Further animal and human clinical studies are planned to precise the place of bipolar RF in the treatment or urological malignancies, and especially in kidney tumors.     

Effects of prior experimenter-subject relationships on reinforced reaction time of schizophrenics and normals.

The hypothesis was tested that deficits in schizophrenics' responses to positive social reinforcers would be reduced if reinforcers were delivered by an E who had first related to the Ss in a warm and accepting manner. Reaction times of 39 chronic schizophrenics and 39 normal adults were tested without and with reinforcement after exposure to 1 of 3 conditions of contact with E: (a) no contact, (b) contact with an unresponsive and aloof E, and (c) contact with a warm and accepting E. Schizophrenics had slowest reaction times after c. Normals had slowest reaction times after c until reinforced; on reinforced trials there were no differences between conditions for normal Ss. The results indicate that chronic schizophrenics can be motivated to gain approval but that such motivation in schizophrenics is more dependent upon immediate social circumstances than it is in normal adults. (29 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dissociations between appetitive and consummatory responses by pharmacological manipulations of reward-relevant brain regions.

Appetitive behaviors of rats were monitored in a runway situation following central infusions of neuroactive substances into brain areas implicated in electrical self-stimulation. Microinjections of the dopamine antagonist cis-flupentixol or the cholinergic antagonist atropine into the nucleus accumbens (Acb) severely reduced the approach speed and anticipatory shuttlebox activity while leaving the consumption of the 20% sucrose reward intact. Microinjections of GABA into the ventral segmental area (VTA), pedunculopontine segmental nucleus (PPTg), and oral pontine reticular nucleus (PnO) also severely disrupted approach without decreasing consumption. The highest doses of atropine into the VTA, PPTg, and PnO disrupted both consummatory and approach responses equally. The results indicate that modulation of various neurochemistries along the trajectory of the self-stimulation system has stronger effects on appetitive approach than consummatory motivation. The implications for understanding appetitive-approach motivation in the brain are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of pyridoxal phosphate on the activity of aminotransferases in different structure-functional regions of the rabbit brain in radiation sickness

Pyridoxal enzymes of transamination (aspartate aminotransferase, KF 2.6.1.1. and alanine aminotransferase, KF 2.6.1.2) have been studied for their activity in different departments of the rabbit brain under the effect of ionizing radiation and introduction of pyridoxal phosphate. It has been established that the effect of ionizing radiations does not evoke the change in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity in different structure-functional departments of the rabbit brain, the decrease of aminotransferases activity in the acute period of the radiation sickness being natural. Introduction of pyridoxal phosphate irradiated animals promotes relative normalization of activity of the enzymes under study.     

Neurochemical correlates of alloxan diabetes: protein and ribonucleic acid levels in the different regions of the rat brain

The levels of protein and ribonucleic acid in the cerebrum, cerebellum, optic lobes and medulla oblongata of normal and alloxan-diabetic rats were measured. In general, the protein content and levels of ribonucleic acid in the broad compartments of the brain of rat decreased during diabetes.     

Comparison of repair activity in different genomic regions

Getting involved in the public policy process empowers health care professionals to help ensure the preservation of patient rights. An organization must form strong relationships with legislators using simple yet occasionally unconventional strategies. Too few patients currently have access to rehabilitative services. Passing national legislation promoting patient access to pulmonary rehabilitation will have a great impact by enabling more and more patients to take advantage of pulmonary rehabilitation programs because they are fully reimbursed.     

Kavapyrone enriched extract from Piper methysticum as modulator of the GABA binding site in different regions of rat brain

Regional differences in the modulation of [3H] muscimol binding to GABAA receptor complexes by kavapyrones, compounds of the rhizome of the plant Piper methysticum which possess sedative activity, were demonstrated using membrane fractions obtained from target brain centers of kavapyrone action: hippocampus (HIP), amygdala (AMY) and medulla oblongata (MED), and from brain centers outside the main kavapyrone effects as frontal cortex (FC) and cerebellum (CER). The kava extract enhanced the binding of [3H] muscimol in a concentration-dependent manner with maximal potentiation of 358% over control in HIP followed by AMY and MED (main target brain centers). Minimal stimulation was observed in CER followed by FC. In contrast, apart from CER, the potency of kavapyrones was similar in the brain areas investigated with EC50 values ranging between 200 and 300 microM kavapyrones. Scatchard analysis revealed that the observed effects of kavapyrones were due to an increase in the number of binding sites (Bmax), rather than to a change in affinity. At a kavapyrone concentration of 500 microM the order of enhancement in Bmax was HIP = AMY > MED > FC > CER. When kavapyrones are included together with pentobarbital or HPO the two classes of compounds produced a more than additive, i.e., synergetic effect on [3H] muscimol binding. Our findings suggest that one way kavapyrones might mediate sedative effects in vivo is through effects on GABAA receptor binding.