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Monroe CM, Geraci M, Larsen CA, West DS. Feasibility and efficacy of a novel technology-based approach to harness social networks for weight loss: the NETworks pilot randomized controlled trial. Obes Sci Pract 2019; 5:354-365. [PMID: 31452920 PMCID: PMC6700517 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Harnessing social support from existing social ties represents a key weight control practice. This trial evaluated an intervention that provided health-promoting technologies for leveraging the influence of existing social ties. METHODS Volunteers (N = 36) with a body mass index between 25 and 55 kg m-2 were randomized to a 16-week, in-person, technology-supported behavioural weight-loss treatment (standard behavioural treatment) or the same programme supplemented by providing self-selected members of participants' social networks with a digital body-weight scale and Fitbit Zip physical activity tracker (ENHANCED). RESULTS Average weight losses from baseline to 16 weeks did not significantly differ between groups (standard behavioural treatment, 5.30%, SD =3.93%; ENHANCED, 5.96%, SD = 5.19%, p = 0.63). By the 1-year follow-up, standard behavioural treatment had lost 5.63%, SD = 8.14% of baseline weight versus 4.73%, SD = 9.43% for ENHANCED (p = 0.82). ENHANCED reported self-weighing on more days than did standard behavioural treatment (p = 0.03). Most participants reported high programme satisfaction. Similar improvements were observed in perceived social support for diet and exercise from baseline to 16 weeks in both groups (ps < 0.05) but regressed by 1 year (ps < 0.01). CONCLUSION Although feasible to implement, this technology-based, social support approach failed to enhance outcomes of a face-to-face, group-based behavioural weight-loss treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. M. Monroe
- Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and BehaviorUniversity of South CarolinaColumbiaSCUSA
| | - M. Geraci
- Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsUniversity of South CarolinaColumbiaSCUSA
| | - C. A. Larsen
- Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Exercise ScienceUniversity of South CarolinaColumbiaSCUSA
| | - D. S. West
- Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Exercise ScienceUniversity of South CarolinaColumbiaSCUSA
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2
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Abstract
Metabolic bone disease (MBD) refers to the conditions that produce a diffuse decrease in bone density and strength because of an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. MBD can be a potential complication in patients receiving chronic parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy and the management of this condition presents a challenge for many clinicians. The etiology of PN-associated MBD is poorly understood, but traditional risk factors can include malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, toxic contaminants in the PN solution, concomitant medications, and presence of certain disease states. Although additional studies are warranted to further elucidate the development and management of this condition, the following review discusses some of the important factors that may play a role in the genesis of PN-associated MBD and evaluates some potential strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of this complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Ferrone
- University of California, San Francisco, Drug Product Services Laboratory, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
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3
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Blair KS, Otero M, Teng C, Geraci M, Lewis E, Hollon N, Blair RJR, Ernst M, Grillon C, Pine DS. Learning from other people's fear: amygdala-based social reference learning in social anxiety disorder. Psychol Med 2016; 46:2943-2953. [PMID: 27476529 PMCID: PMC5063696 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716001537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social anxiety disorder involves fear of social objects or situations. Social referencing may play an important role in the acquisition of this fear and could be a key determinant in future biomarkers and treatment pathways. However, the neural underpinnings mediating such learning in social anxiety are unknown. Using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined social reference learning in social anxiety disorder. Specifically, would patients with the disorder show increased amygdala activity during social reference learning, and further, following social reference learning, show particularly increased response to objects associated with other people's negative reactions? METHOD A total of 32 unmedicated patients with social anxiety disorder and 22 age-, intelligence quotient- and gender-matched healthy individuals responded to objects that had become associated with others' fearful, angry, happy or neutral reactions. RESULTS During the social reference learning phase, a significant group × social context interaction revealed that, relative to the comparison group, the social anxiety group showed a significantly greater response in the amygdala, as well as rostral, dorsomedial and lateral frontal and parietal cortices during the social, relative to non-social, referencing trials. In addition, during the object test phase, relative to the comparison group, the social anxiety group showed increased bilateral amygdala activation to objects associated with others' fearful reactions, and a trend towards decreased amygdala activation to objects associated with others' happy and neutral reactions. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest perturbed observational learning in social anxiety disorder. In addition, they further implicate the amygdala and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex in the disorder, and underscore their importance in future biomarker developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. S. Blair
- Address for correspondence: K. S. Blair, Ph.D., Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 15K North Drive, Room 115A, MSC 2670, Bethesda, MD 20892-2670, USA. ()
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4
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Giamundo P, Esercizio L, Geraci M, Tibaldi L, Valente M. Fistula-tract Laser Closure (FiLaC™): long-term results and new operative strategies. Tech Coloproctol 2015; 19:449-53. [PMID: 25724967 DOI: 10.1007/s10151-015-1282-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fistula-tract Laser Closure (FiLaC™) is a sphincter-saving technique for the treatment of anal fistulas that has been shown to be successful in the short and middle term. However, the long-term success rate is unknown. This study aimed to report long-term results in performing FiLaC™. METHODS This study was performed as a retrospective observational study. Forty-five patients who underwent FiLaC™ between July 2010 and May 2014 were evaluated. In all cases, FiLaC™ was performed with a diode laser at a wavelength of 1470 nm by means of a radial fiber. Patients and fistula characteristics, previous treatments, healing rates, failures and postoperative incontinence were reviewed. RESULTS Median follow-up time was 30 months (range 6-46 months). Thirty-five patients (78%) had a history of previous surgery for their fistulas. Primary healing was observed in 32 patients (71.1%), and the median healing time was 5 weeks (range 3-8 weeks). Eleven of the 13 failures (85%) were early failures (persistent symptoms). No patient reported postoperative incontinence. The best healing rate was observed in patients who had been previously treated with loose seton (19/24, 79%). CONCLUSIONS Long-term follow-up after FiLaC™ seems to confirm the favorable short-term success rates reported for this procedure. Although sealing of chronic anal fistulas may be obtained with FiLaC™ in a single treatment, our current strategy consists of placing a loose seton into the fistula tract a few weeks prior to laser treatment. Seton treatment facilitates the following laser procedure and seems to have favorable effects on healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Giamundo
- Department of General Surgery, S. Spirito Hospital, Bra, CN, Italy,
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5
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Pouliou T, Sera F, Griffiths L, Joshi H, Geraci M, Law C. Environmental influences on children’s physical activity: findings from the Millennium Cohort Study. Eur J Public Health 2014. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cku166.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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6
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Giamundo P, Geraci M, Tibaldi L, Valente M. Closure of fistula-in-ano with laser--FiLaC™: an effective novel sphincter-saving procedure for complex disease. Colorectal Dis 2014; 16:110-5. [PMID: 24119103 DOI: 10.1111/codi.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Fistula laser closure (FiLaC™) is a novel sphincter-saving procedure for the treatment of anal fistula. Primary closure of the track is achieved using laser energy emitted by a radial fibre connected to a diode laser. The energy causes shrinkage of the tissue around the radial fibre with the aim being to close the track. This pilot study was designed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of this new technique in the treatment of anal fistula. METHOD Thirty-five patients with anal fistula underwent the FiLaC™ procedure. They had either a primary or a recurrent trans-sphincteric anal fistula, a previously placed seton or a fistula involving a significant portion of the sphincter with a potential risk of postoperative incontinence on fistulotomy. The surgical procedure consisted of 'sealing' the fistula by laser energy. The primary end-point was cure of the disease and evaluation of morbidity. The secondary end-point was an assessment of the degree of postoperative continence using the Cleveland Clinic Florida (CCF) Fecal Incontinence Score. RESULTS The median operation time was 20 (6-35) min. No intra-operative complications were reported. Median duration of follow up was 20 (3-36) months. Primary healing was observed in 25 (71.4%) patients. There were eight (23%) failures and two recurrences at 3 and 6 months after the operation. No patient reported incontinence postoperatively. CONCLUSION The laser FiLaC™ procedure for fistula-in-ano is a safe, relatively simple, minimally invasive, sphincter-saving procedure with a high chance of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Giamundo
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital Santo Spirito, Bra, CN, Italy
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Sera F*, Cortina-Borja M, Geraci M, Griffiths L, Rich C, Dezateux C. Modelling accelerometer data from 7-year old British children using functional analysis of variance. J Epidemiol Community Health 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.2011.143586.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Geraci M, Eden TOB, Alston RD, Moran A, Arora RS, Birch JM. Geographical and temporal distribution of cancer survival in teenagers and young adults in England. Br J Cancer 2009; 101:1939-45. [PMID: 19888224 PMCID: PMC2788264 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Between 1979 and 2001, an analysis of cancer survival in young people in England, aged 13 to 24 years, showed overall improvements. However, for some diagnostic groups, little or no increases were observed. The aim of this study was to analyse the regional distribution of cancer survival in teenagers and young adults in England in order to identify patterns and potential for improvements at a regional scale. Methods: We examined geographical and temporal patterns in relative survival in cancer patients aged 13–24 years in England during the time period 1979–2001. Cancer cases were grouped according to an internationally recognised morphology-based diagnostic scheme. Results: For most diagnostic groups, there was little variation in survival between regions, except for testicular germ cell tumours (P=0.006) and colorectal carcinoma (P=0.002). For certain diagnostic groups, the temporal pattern in survival differed between regions. However, in regions that showed poor survival during the early part of the study period, greatest improvements were observed in groups such as acute lymphoid leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia, testicular tumours and melanoma. Conclusion: In conclusion, there was a reduction in the differences in survival between regions during the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Geraci
- Cancer Research UK Paediatric and Familial Cancer Research Group, The Medical School, University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Fujimura Y, Yasuno F, Farris A, Liow JS, Geraci M, Drevets W, Pine D, Lerner A, Hargreaves R, Burns D, Morse C, Pike V, Innis R. Decreased neurokinin-1 (Substance P) receptor binding in patients with panic disorder: Positron emission tomography study with [18F]SPA-RQ. Neuroimage 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.04.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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10
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Geraci M, Birch J, Eden O, Moran A, Alston R. 1219 POSTER Cancer mortality in 13 to 29 year olds in England and Wales, 1981–2005. EJC Suppl 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(07)70700-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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11
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Pittaluga M, Lombezzi R, Fantino G, Giamundo P, Geraci M, Tibaldi L, Esercizio L, Torre G, Perotto F, Musso A, Valente M. [Giant mucocele of appendix. Case report]. G Chir 2005; 26:311-3. [PMID: 16329773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Appendiceal mucocele is an uncommon disorder caused by accumulation of mucus within the appendiceal lumen. Mucoceles represent a heterogeneous group comprising various histopathologic lesions including mucosal hyperplasia, cystoadenomas, and cystoadenocarcinomas and prognosis is related to these subtypes. The most common symptom is pain or a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant on physical examination. The preoperative diagnosis is performed with abdominal U.S. and confirmed with CT scan; typical CT scan image is a capsulated cystic mass with calcification of the wall while U.S. pattern shows cystic lesion with the onion skin sign considered a specific sonographic marker for appendiceal mucocele. In conclusion a cystic mass sonographically detected with onion skin sign, in the presence of normal female reproductive organs, suggest the diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pittaluga
- Ospedale Santo Spirito-Bra (Cn), Divisione Chirurgia Generale
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Keith R, Miller Y, Kelly K, Hirsch F, Kittelson J, Jackson M, Metsinger V, Franklin W, Bunn P, Geraci M. PD-056 Clinical update on the phase II trial of oral iloprost in the chemoprevention of lung cancer in high risk patients. Lung Cancer 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(05)80389-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Merrick D, Sugita M, Hirsch F, Keith R, Miller Y, Coldren C, Lapadat R, Witta S, Geraci M, Franklin W. O-049 Affymetrix gene expression profiles in premalignant bronchialmucosa. Lung Cancer 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0169-5002(05)80181-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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14
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Bernard PL, Geraci M, Hue O, Amato M, Seynnes O, Lantieri D. [Influence of obesity on postural capacities of teenagers. Preliminary study]. Ann Readapt Med Phys 2003; 46:184-90. [PMID: 12787975 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-6054(03)00059-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this work was to define the influence of obesity on static postural control of teenagers. SUBJECTS AND METHOD Nine obese subjects and seven non-obese subjects were characterised with stabilometric data of surface, of lengths and spontaneous sway in the lateral (X) and antero-posterior (Y) axis with open eyes and closed eyes in two conditions on firm floor and foam floor condition. RESULTS For length data, significative differences were observed between the two groups for the opened eyes condition (p < 0.02) and eyes closed (p < 0.03) during foam floor condition. CONCLUSION During experimental solicitations, obesity influences significatively the postural control of teenagers. Instead of systematic statistic differences, we observed a decrease in balance capacities of obese subjects. The effects of fat tissue distributions were not verified.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Bernard
- Laboratoire Sport Performance Santé, UFR APS, 700 avenue du Pic-Saint-Loup, 34090 Montpellier, France.
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15
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Tuder RM, Chacon M, Alger L, Wang J, Taraseviciene-Stewart L, Kasahara Y, Cool CD, Bishop AE, Geraci M, Semenza GL, Yacoub M, Polak JM, Voelkel NF. Expression of angiogenesis-related molecules in plexiform lesions in severe pulmonary hypertension: evidence for a process of disordered angiogenesis. J Pathol 2001; 195:367-74. [PMID: 11673836 DOI: 10.1002/path.953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arteries of patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (SPH) presenting in an idiopathic form (primary PH-PPH) or associated with congenital heart malformations or collagen vascular diseases show plexiform lesions. It is postulated that in lungs with SPH, endothelial cells in plexiform lesions express genes encoding for proteins involved in angiogenesis, in particular, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and those involved in VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) signalling. On immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, endothelial cells in the plexiform lesions expressed VEGF mRNA and protein and overexpressed the mRNA and protein of VEGFR-2, and the transcription factor subunits HIF-1alpha and HIF-1beta of hypoxia inducible factor, which are responsible for the hypoxia-dependent induction of VEGF. When compared with normal lungs, SPH lungs showed decreased expression of the kinases PI3 kinase and src, which, together with Akt, relay the signal transduction downstream of VEGFR-2. Because markers of angiogenesis are expressed in plexiform lesions in SPH, it is proposed that these lesions may form by a process of disordered angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Tuder
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension Center, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Colorado, USA
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Ghetti R, Helgesson J, Colonna N, Jakobsson B, Anzalone A, Bellini V, Carlèn L, Cavallaro S, Celano L, De Filippo E, D'Erasmo G, Di Santo D, Fiore EM, Fokin A, Geraci M, Giustolisi F, Kuznetsov A, Lanzanò G, Mahboub D, Marrone S, Mårtensson J, Palomba M, Pantaleo A, Paticchio V, Riera G, Sperduto ML, Sutera C, Tagliente G, Urrata M. Possibility to deduce the emission time sequence of neutrons and protons from the neutron-proton correlation function. Phys Rev Lett 2001; 87:102701. [PMID: 11531477 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.87.102701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2001] [Revised: 06/12/2001] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Experimental information has been derived from the neutron-proton correlation function in order to deduce the time sequence of neutrons and protons emitted at 45 degrees in the E/A = 45 MeV 58Ni + 27Al reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ghetti
- Department of Physics, Lund University, Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
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Parker TA, Afshar S, Kinsella JP, Grover TR, Gebb S, Geraci M, Shaul PW, Cryer CM, Abman SH. Effects of chronic estrogen-receptor blockade on ovine perinatal pulmonary circulation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2001; 281:H1005-14. [PMID: 11514265 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.2001.281.3.h1005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged infusions of 17beta-estradiol reduce fetal pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), but the effects of endogenous estrogens in the fetal pulmonary circulation are unknown. To test the hypothesis that endogenous estrogen promotes pulmonary vasodilation at birth, we studied the hemodynamic effects of prolonged estrogen-receptor blockade during late gestation and at birth in fetal lambs. We treated chronically prepared fetal lambs with ICI-182,780 (ICI, a specific estrogen-receptor blocker, n = 5) or 1% DMSO (CTRL, n = 5) for 7 days and then measured pulmonary hemodynamic responses to ventilation with low- and high-fraction inspired oxygen (FI(O(2))). Treatment with ICI did not change basal fetal PVR or arterial blood gas tensions. However, treatment with ICI abolished the vasodilator response to ventilation with low FI(O(2)) [change in PVR -30 +/- 6% (CTRL) vs. +10 +/- 13%, (ICI), P < 0.05] without reducing the vasodilator response to ventilation with high FI(O(2)) [change in PVR, -73 +/- 3% (CTRL) vs. -77 +/- 4%, (ICI); P = not significant]. ICI treatment reduced prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) expression by 33% (P < 0.05) without altering expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase or cyclooxygenase-1 and -2. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that PGIS is predominantly expressed in the airway epithelium of late gestation fetal lambs. We conclude that prolonged estrogen-receptor blockade inhibits the pulmonary vasodilator response at birth and that this effect may be mediated by downregulation of PGIS. We speculate that estrogen exposure during late gestation prepares the pulmonary circulation for postnatal adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Parker
- The Pediatric Heart Lung Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado 80262, USA.
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Osuch EA, Benson B, Geraci M, Podell D, Herscovitch P, McCann UD, Post RM. Regional cerebral blood flow correlated with flashback intensity in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2001; 50:246-53. [PMID: 11522258 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(01)01107-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear imaging studies have examined cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in subjects with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using symptom evocation paradigms. To date, no such studies have investigated rCBF as related to subjects' reports of flashback intensity. METHODS Subjects with varying traumatic histories and longstanding PTSD were studied using [15O]-H2O positron emission tomography with an auditory script of their traumatic event. Eight subjects had three resting scans followed by their script and additional scans. Heart rate responses as well as the presence of flashbacks and their intensity were recorded. rCBF was correlated with flashback intensity in each subject's scan. Combined analysis of all subjects' data yielded common regions related to the flashback experience. RESULTS rCBF correlated directly with flashback intensity in the brainstem, lingula, bilateral insula, right putamen and left hippocampal and perihippocampal, somatosensory and cerebellar regions. Inverse correlations with rCBF were found in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal, right fusiform and right medial temporal cortices. CONCLUSIONS This study correlated flashback intensity and rCBF in a group of patients with chronic PTSD suggesting involvement of brainstem, and areas associated with motor control, complex visual/spatial cues and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Osuch
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Maryland, USA
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Tuder RM, Yeager ME, Geraci M, Golpon HA, Voelkel NF. Severe pulmonary hypertension after the discovery of the familial primary pulmonary hypertension gene. Eur Respir J 2001; 17:1065-9. [PMID: 11491145 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.01.00202701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The recent discoveries of the familial primary pulmonary hypertension gene and somatic mutations in key cell growth and cell death regulatory genes in primary pulmonary hypertension have added a new dimension to severe pulmonary hypertension research. These findings have already impacted on how the disease is viewed, and ultimately, how severe pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed and treated. However, this new information raises several fundamental questions related to the role of bone morphogenetic protein receptor signalling in the control of lung vascular cell function. Furthermore, additional genes and gene products may also be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The way severe pulmonary hypertension is viewed and studied is on the verge of shifting from a vasoconstrictive to a cell growth paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Tuder
- Dept of Pathology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, USA
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Malkinson AM, Bauer A, Meyer A, Dwyer-Nield L, Koski K, Keith R, Geraci M, Miller Y. Experimental evidence from an animal model of adenocarcinoma that chronic inflammation enhances lung cancer risk. Chest 2000; 117:228S. [PMID: 10843922 DOI: 10.1378/chest.117.5_suppl_1.228s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- AM Malkinson
- University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO
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Benjamin J, Geraci M, McCann U, Greenberg BD, Murphy DL. Attenuated response to m-CPP and to pentagastrin after repeated m-CPP in panic disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1999; 143:215-6. [PMID: 10326785 DOI: 10.1007/s002130050938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Geraci M, Gao B, Shepherd D, Allard J, Curiel D, Westcott J, Voelkel N. Pulmonary prostacyclin synthase overexpression by adenovirus transfection and in transgenic mice. Chest 1998; 114:99S. [PMID: 9676651 DOI: 10.1378/chest.114.1_supplement.99s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Geraci
- University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA
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McCann UD, Kimbrell TA, Morgan CM, Anderson T, Geraci M, Benson BE, Wassermann EM, Willis MW, Post RM. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for posttraumatic stress disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1998; 55:276-9. [PMID: 9510224 DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.55.3.276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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24
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Chan DC, Geraci M, Bunn PA. Anti-growth factor therapy for lung cancer. Drug Resist Updat 1998; 1:377-88. [PMID: 17092819 DOI: 10.1016/s1368-7646(98)80013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/1998] [Revised: 10/09/1998] [Accepted: 10/12/1998] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancers are the leading cause of cancer death in developed countries. In the USA, lung cancer accounts for 29% of all cancer deaths. The cure rate for lung cancer is low (14%) because the cancer spreads early and because chemotherapy cannot cure metastatic disease. In small cell lung cancer (SCLC) two-thirds of patients present with metastatic disease in a distant organ (stage IV). In non-small cell lung cancers (adenocarcinoma, squamous carcinoma, large cell carcinoma) one-third present with metastatic disease. Initial chemotherapy produces high response rates in both SCLC (85%-90% response rate) and NSCLC (50% response rate) but response duration is short and drug resistance develops rapidly. Growth factors play an important role in the pathogenesis and the progression of lung cancers. Knowledge of the role of these growth factors, their receptors and their signal pathways has produced new therapeutic targets. Compounds developed toward these targets have completed preclinical testing and are now in clinical trials. Some of these compounds are active in both drug sensitive and drug resistant lung cancers. They also produce synergistic growth inhibition when combined with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, these compounds may provide a new way to overcome drug resistance in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Chan
- Lung Cancer Program and Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Denver, CO 80262, USA
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McCann UD, Morgan CM, Geraci M, Slate SO, Murphy DL, Post RM. Effects of the 5-HT3 antagonist, ondansetron, on the behavioral and physiological effects of pentagastrin in patients with panic disorder and social phobia. Neuropsychopharmacology 1997; 17:360-9. [PMID: 9397424 DOI: 10.1016/s0893-133x(97)00085-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pentagastrin, a cholecystokinin (CCK) agonist, produces anxiety and panic in patients with panic disorder and social phobia. Preclinical data suggests that pentagastrin-induced anxiogenesis may be mediated via 5-HT3 receptors. In the present study, 14 patients with panic disorder or social phobia underwent pharmacological challenge in three conditions: (1) pretreatment with saline followed by pentagastrin infusion; (2) pretreatment with ondansetron followed by pentagastrin infusion; and (3) pretreatment with saline followed by saline infusion. As expected, pentagastrin administration led to increased anxiety, physical symptoms of panic attacks, pulse, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol. Pentagastrin's behavioral effects were not blocked by ondansetron, and in fact, tended to be exaggerated. Ondansetron pretreatment did not alter the pentagastrin-induced cortisol increase but significantly prolonged the pentagastrin-induced increase in ACTH. These findings suggest that pentagastrin's behavioral effects are not mediated by 5HT3 receptors. Mechanisms by which peripherally administered CCK agonists lead to anxiety remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- U D McCann
- Biological Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1272, USA
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26
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Baviera G, Stella NC, Rigano A, Geraci M, Pullé C. [Serum Ca-125 levels in aneuploidy screening in first pregnancy trimester. Authors' experience]. Minerva Ginecol 1997; 49:313-7. [PMID: 9380292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of the current study were to investigate the value of Ca-125 maternal serum levels at the first trimester of pregnancy in order to test heir usefulness for the screening of foetal aneuploidies. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was performed retrospectively on frozen maternal serum samples obtained in the antenatal clinics of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology: 85 control normally cycling women, 479 pregnant over 36 years from 8th to 12th week of pregnancy underwent the villocentesis, 383 pregnant women aged from 19 to 45 years underwent the "tritest" (AFP = alpha-fetoprotein, hCG = human chorionic gonadotropin, fE3 = free estriol, age) for the screening of the Down syndrome in the second trimester of pregnancy. All newborns have been tested by Apgar score. The immunoradiometric (IRMA) Ca-125 assay was performed without knowing the result of the cytogenetic test. Over all we have had 11 patients with aneuploidy, 7 Down, 3 Edwards and 1 Patau. The levels of Ca-125 are expressed as MoM multiple of median) in order to compare the levels at different gestational age. RESULTS We had no significant differences between normal and pathological pregnancies, therefore we don't reckon the Ca-125 assay useful in the screening of aneuploidies in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Baviera
- Clinica Ginecologica e Ostetrica, Università degli Studi, Messina
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27
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Geraci M, Shepherd D, Moore M, Vernon J, Allard J, Shannon J, Voelkel NF. Rat prostacyclin synthase. Cloning and regulation of gene expression in the lung. Chest 1997; 111:129S. [PMID: 9184561 DOI: 10.1378/chest.111.6_supplement.129s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Geraci
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA
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Lanzanò G, De Filippo E, Geraci M, Pagano A, Urso S, Colonna N, D’Erasmo G, Fiore EM, Pantaleo A. A Neutron Detection Efficiency Study For BaF2 Crystal. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1997. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03035897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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McCann UD, Slate SO, Geraci M, Roscow-Terrill D, Uhde TW. A comparison of the effects of intravenous pentagastrin on patients with social phobia, panic disorder and healthy controls. Neuropsychopharmacology 1997; 16:229-37. [PMID: 9138439 DOI: 10.1016/s0893-133x(96)00197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study sought to determine whether social phobics, like patients with panic disorder, have increased sensitivity to the panicogenic effects of pentagastrin. Intravenous pentagastrin and placebo were administered in a double-blind fashion to 19 social phobics, 11 patients with panic disorder, and 19 healthy controls while they participated in a structured social interaction task. Behavioral, cardiovascular, and neuroendocrine responses were obtained. Pentagastrin led to panic attacks in 47% of the social phobics, 64% of the panic disorder patients, and 11% of the healthy controls. The social interaction itself increased anxiety, blood pressure, and pulse in all three groups. These findings suggest that the panicogenic effects of pentagastrin are not limited to patients with panic disorder and provide further evidence for shared neurobiology in social phobia and panic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- U D McCann
- Unit on Anxiety Disorders, Biological Psychiatry Branch, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892-1272, USA
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Abstract
A large body of data suggest that brain cholecystokinin (CCK) systems are involved in the regulation of anxiety, and numerous studies have demonstrated that CCK-4, a CCKB agonist, reliably induces panic attacks in patients with panic disorder. Recently, pentagastrin, a commercially available CCKB agonist, has been reported to have similar anxiogenic properties. To further explore the utility of pentagastrin as a challenge agent and to determine whether its effects are dose-related, a dose-response study was conducted in ten healthy volunteers. Pentagastrin (0.2 microgram/kg, 0.6 microgram/kg and 1.0 microgram/kg) and inactive placebo were infused over one minute on four separate challenge days in a double-blind fashion. Subjects received pentagastrin while participating in a structured social interaction task. Repeated measures of anxiety, blood pressure, pulse, ACTH, and cortisol were taken at baseline and postinfusion. Pentagastrin administration led to increases in anxiety, pulse, ACTH, cortisol and physical symptoms of panic, in a dose-related manner. Participation in the social interaction task led to increases in measures of anxiety as well as increases in pulse and blood pressure. Few differences were found between the 0.2 microgram/kg dose of pentagastrin and placebo, or between the 0.6 microgram/kg and the 1.0 microgram/kg doses of pentagastrin. These findings support the notion that CCK systems are involved in the regulation of anxiety, and suggest that the 0.6 microgram/kg dose may be optimal for increasing symptoms of anxiety while minimizing unpleasant side effects. The powerful anxiogenic effects of the social interaction task underscore the importance of contextual variables in challenge studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- U D McCann
- Section on Anxiety and Affective Disorders, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Uhde TW, Tancer ME, Rubinow DR, Roscow DB, Boulenger JP, Vittone B, Gurguis G, Geraci M, Black B, Post RM. Evidence for hypothalamo-growth hormone dysfunction in panic disorder: profile of growth hormone (GH) responses to clonidine, yohimbine, caffeine, glucose, GRF and TRH in panic disorder patients versus healthy volunteers. Neuropsychopharmacology 1992; 6:101-18. [PMID: 1610485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Given the abrupt and time-limited nature of daytime-awake and nocturnal-sleep panic attacks, several chemical and neuroendocrine challenge tests have been employed to investigate the neurobiology of "spontaneous" panic attacks. Previously we demonstrated that panic disorder patients have blunted growth hormone (GH) responses to clonidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist. However, the mechanism of this blunted response and the role of hypothalamic-GH dysfunction, if any, remains unclear. To further delineate the status of hypothalamic-GH function in panic disorder, we review the literature and present original data on the GH responses to a number of different chemical and neuroendocrine challenge paradigms. Although stress-mediated increases in GH are thought to be a common correlate of stress in humans, our findings indicate that panic disorder patients have significantly blunted GH responses to clonidine, yohimbine, growth-hormone releasing factor, and caffeine compared to normal control subjects. A similar trend was noted in the delayed rise in GH after glucose challenge. There was no difference in the rate of abnormal GH responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in panic disorder compared to normal control subjects. No drug or neuroendocrine challenge, even if associated with marked increases in anxiety, produced a significantly enhanced GH response compared to normal control subjects. These findings provide support for a hyporesponsive hypothalamic-GH system in panic disorder. These observations, combined with preliminary observations from our clinic of short stature in several cases of prepubescent children with anxiety disorders, also underscore the need for assessing early growth patterns in individuals with panic disorder. Strategies for investigating the site(s) of possible neurotransmitter or hypothalamic-GH-somatomedin dysfunction are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T W Uhde
- Section on Anxiety and Affective Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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Roy-Byrne P, Geraci M, Uhde TW. Life events obtained via interview: the effect of time of recall on data obtained in controls and patients with panic disorder. J Affect Disord 1987; 12:57-62. [PMID: 2952695 DOI: 10.1016/0165-0327(87)90061-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Because previous studies have documented the distorting effect of time of recall on the reporting of life events over a one-year period of time, the relation between various life event measures and time of recall over time periods greater than one year was examined in 44 patients with panic disorder and 44 control subjects. For both groups, time of recall was unrelated to any of nine life event measures. The implications of these findings for life event studies requiring retrospection greater than one year are discussed.
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Abstract
The authors examined the number, type, and effect of life events during the year before the onset of panic attacks in 44 patients with a Research Diagnostic Criteria diagnosis of panic disorder and 44 healthy control subjects matched for age, sex, and time of retrospection. The patients had significantly more life events, and these events had a more adverse impact on them. Furthermore, the types of events experienced by the patients were more typically distressing than those experienced by the control subjects. The patients reported events involving moves to other neighborhoods and/or cities far more frequently than did the control subjects.
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Abstract
Eleven panic disorder patients who had experienced a major loss or separation in the year before they had their first panic attack were significantly more likely to develop a subsequent major depression than were 22 patients who had not suffered such a loss.
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Careri G, Geraci M, Giansanti A, Rupley JA. Protonic conductivity of hydrated lysozyme powders at megahertz frequencies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1985; 82:5342-6. [PMID: 3860864 PMCID: PMC390564 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.82.16.5342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dielectric losses were measured for lysozyme powders of varied hydration level by a dielectric-gravimetric technique in the frequency range of 10 kHz to 10 MHz. The relaxation showed an isotope effect and pH dependence, indicating that the inferred conductivity is protonic. The transport process is likely restricted to the surface of individual macromolecules and involves shifting of protons between ionizable side chain groups of the protein. The time constant of the relaxation shows cooperativity in its seventh-order dependence on bound protons. The process develops in the hydration region critical for the onset of the catalytic properties of the enzyme. The binding of a substrate increases the relaxation time by a factor of 2. These observations suggest that the megahertz dispersion reflects behavior at the protein surface, specifically the cooperative channeling of proton flow through the active site, that may be of particular significance for the enzymatic and other functional properties of proteins.
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