1
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Krueger SK, Williams SC, O’Keefe JM, Zirkle GA, Haase CG. White-nose syndrome, winter duration, and pre-hibernation climate impact abundance of reproductive female bats. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298515. [PMID: 38669238 PMCID: PMC11051637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298515] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an infectious disease that disrupts hibernation in bats, leading to premature exhaustion of fat stores. Though we know WNS does impact reproduction in hibernating female bats, we are unsure how these impacts are exacerbated by local climate factors. We compiled data from four southeastern U.S. states and used generalized linear mixed effects models to compare effects of WNS, pre-hibernation climate variables, and winter duration on the number of reproductive females in species across the range of WNS susceptibility. We predicted we would see a decline in the number of reproductive females in WNS-susceptible species, with the effect exaggerated by longer winter durations and pre-hibernation climate variables that lead to reductions in foraging. We found that the number of reproductive females in WNS-susceptible species was positively correlated with pre-hibernation local climate conditions conducive to foraging; however, WNS-susceptible species experienced an overall decline with the presence of WNS and as winter duration increased. Our long-term dataset provides evidence that pre-hibernation climate, specifically favorable summer weather conditions for foraging, greatly influences the reproduction, regardless of WNS status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Krueger
- Department of Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sarah C. Williams
- Environmental Division, US Army Fort Campbell, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Joy M. O’Keefe
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gene A. Zirkle
- Environmental Division, US Army Fort Campbell, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Catherine G. Haase
- Department of Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee, United States of America
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2
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Navrazhina K, Renert-Yuval Y, Frew JW, Grand D, Gonzalez J, Williams SC, Garcet S, Krueger JG. Large-scale serum analysis identifies unique systemic biomarkers in psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Br J Dermatol 2021; 186:684-693. [PMID: 34254293 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.20642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is now recognized as a systemic inflammatory disease, sharing molecular similarities with psoriasis. Direct comparison of the systemic inflammation in HS with psoriasis is lacking. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the serum proteome of HS and psoriasis, and to identify biomarkers associated with disease severity. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 1,536 serum proteins were assessed using the Olink Explore (Proximity Extension Assay/PEA) high-throughput panel in moderate-to-severe HS (n=11), psoriasis (n=10) and age- and BMI-matched healthy controls (n=10). RESULTS HS displayed an overall greater dysregulation of circulating proteins, with 434 differentially expressed proteins (|FCH|≥1.2, p-value≤0.05) in HS versus controls, 138 in psoriasis versus controls, and 503 between HS and psoriasis. IL-17A levels and Th1/Th17 pathway enrichment were comparable between diseases, while HS presented greater TNF and IL-1β-related signaling. Th17-associated markers, PI3 and LCN2, were able to accurately differentiate psoriasis from HS. Both diseases presented increases of atherosclerosis-related proteins. Robust correlations between clinical severity scores and immune and atherosclerosis-related proteins were observed across both diseases. CONCLUSIONS HS and psoriasis share significant Th1/Th17 enrichment and upregulation of atherosclerosis-related proteins. Nevertheless, despite the greater body surface area involved in psoriasis, HS presents a greater serum inflammatory burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Navrazhina
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell/Rockefeller, Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD program, New York, NY, USA
| | - Y Renert-Yuval
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J W Frew
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Grand
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Gonzalez
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - S C Williams
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell/Rockefeller, Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD program, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Garcet
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J G Krueger
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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3
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Darnley MJ, Hounsell R, O'Brien TJ, Henze M, Rodríguez-Gil P, Shafter AW, Shara MM, Vaytet NMH, Bode MF, Ciardullo R, Davis BD, Galera-Rosillo R, Harman DJ, Harvey EJ, Healy MW, Ness JU, Ribeiro VARM, Williams SC. A recurrent nova super-remnant in the Andromeda galaxy. Nature 2019; 565:460-463. [PMID: 30626965 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0825-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The accretion of hydrogen onto a white dwarf star ignites a classical nova eruption1,2-a thermonuclear runaway in the accumulated envelope of gas, leading to luminosities up to a million times that of the Sun and a high-velocity mass ejection that produces a remnant shell (mainly consisting of insterstellar medium). Close to the upper mass limit of a white dwarf3 (1.4 solar masses), rapid accretion of hydrogen (about 10-7 solar masses per year) from a stellar companion leads to frequent eruptions on timescales of years4,5 to decades6. Such binary systems are known as recurrent novae. The ejecta of recurrent novae, initially moving at velocities of up to 10,000 kilometres per second7, must 'sweep up' the surrounding interstellar medium, creating cavities in space around the nova binary. No remnant larger than one parsec across from any single classical or recurrent nova eruption is known8-10, but thousands of successive recurrent nova eruptions should be capable of generating shells hundreds of parsecs across. Here we report that the most frequently recurring nova, M31N 2008-12a in the Andromeda galaxy (Messier 31 or NGC 224), which erupts annually11, is indeed surrounded by such a super-remnant with a projected size of at least 134 by 90 parsecs. Larger than almost all known remnants of even supernova explosions12, the existence of this shell demonstrates that the nova M31N 2008-12a has erupted with high frequency for millions of years.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Darnley
- Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.
| | - R Hounsell
- Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.,Department of Astronomy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - T J O'Brien
- Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - M Henze
- Department of Astronomy, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - P Rodríguez-Gil
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.,Departamento de Astrofísica, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - A W Shafter
- Department of Astronomy, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - M M Shara
- American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA
| | - N M H Vaytet
- Centre for Star and Planet Formation, Niels Bohr Institute and Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Data Management and Software Centre, The European Spallation Source ERIC, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M F Bode
- Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK.,Vice Chancellor's Office, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - R Ciardullo
- Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.,Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - B D Davis
- Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - R Galera-Rosillo
- Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.,Departamento de Astrofísica, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - D J Harman
- Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - E J Harvey
- Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - M W Healy
- Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - J-U Ness
- XMM-Newton Observatory SOC, European Space Astronomy Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - V A R M Ribeiro
- Center for Research and Development in Mathematics and Applications, Departamento de Física, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,Instituto de Telecomunicações, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - S C Williams
- Physics Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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4
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Mason L, Peters E, Williams SC, Kumari V. Brain connectivity changes occurring following cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis predict long-term recovery. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1210. [PMID: 28809855 PMCID: PMC5611757 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.263.
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5
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Zafar A, Seretis C, Feretis M, Karandikar S, Williams SC, Goldstein M, Chapman M. Comparative study of magnetic resonance defaecography and evacuation proctography in the evaluation of obstructed defaecation. Colorectal Dis 2017; 19:O204-O209. [PMID: 28304122 DOI: 10.1111/codi.13657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Obstructed defaecation syndrome is a common condition of multifactorial aetiology and requires specialized evaluation. Accurate and reproducible pelvic floor imaging is imperative for multidisciplinary decision-making. Evacuation proctography (EP) and magnetic resonance defaecography (MRD) are the main imaging modalities used to assess dynamic pelvic floor function. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the findings and acceptability of MRD and EP in the same cohort of patients. METHOD This was a prospective comparative study of MRD vs EP in 55 patients with obstructed defaecation syndrome in a single National Health Service Foundation Trust. RESULTS Fifty-five patients were recruited and underwent both EP and MRD. Detection rates for rectocoele were similar (82% vs 73%, P = 0.227), but EP revealed a significantly higher number of trapping rectocoeles compared to MRD (75% vs 31%, P < 0.001). EP detected more rectal intussusceptions than MRD (56% vs 35%, P = 0.023). MRD appeared to underestimate the size of the identified rectocoele, although it detected a significant number of anatomical abnormalities in the middle and anterior pelvic compartment not seen on EP (1.8% enterocoele, 9% peritoneocoele and 20% cystocoele). Patients achieved higher rates of expulsion of rectal contrast during EP compared to MRD, but this difference was not significant (76% vs 64% in MRD, P = 0.092). Of the two studies, patients preferred MRD. CONCLUSIONS MRD provides a global assessment of pelvic floor function and anatomical abnormality. MRD is better tolerated by patients but it is not as sensitive as EP in detecting trapping rectocoeles and intussusceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zafar
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Heart of England NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - C Seretis
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Heart of England NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - M Feretis
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Heart of England NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - S Karandikar
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Heart of England NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - S C Williams
- Department of Radiology, Heart of England NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - M Goldstein
- Department of Radiology, Heart of England NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - M Chapman
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Heart of England NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Ajram LA, Horder J, Mendez MA, Galanopoulos A, Brennan LP, Wichers RH, Robertson DM, Murphy CM, Zinkstok J, Ivin G, Heasman M, Meek D, Tricklebank MD, Barker GJ, Lythgoe DJ, Edden RAE, Williams SC, Murphy DGM, McAlonan GM. Shifting brain inhibitory balance and connectivity of the prefrontal cortex of adults with autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1137. [PMID: 28534874 PMCID: PMC5534939 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are no effective pharmacologic treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is, nevertheless, potential for progress. For example, recent evidence suggests that the excitatory (E) glutamate and inhibitory (I) GABA systems may be altered in ASD. However, no prior studies of ASD have examined the 'responsivity' of the E-I system to pharmacologic challenge; or whether E-I modulation alters abnormalities in functional connectivity of brain regions implicated in the disorder. Therefore, we used magnetic resonance spectroscopy ([1H]MRS) to measure prefrontal E-I flux in response to the glutamate and GABA acting drug riluzole in adult men with and without ASD. We compared the change in prefrontal 'Inhibitory Index'-the GABA fraction within the pool of glutamate plus GABA metabolites-post riluzole challenge; and the impact of riluzole on differences in resting-state functional connectivity. Despite no baseline differences in E-I balance, there was a significant group difference in response to pharmacologic challenge. Riluzole increased the prefrontal cortex inhibitory index in ASD but decreased it in controls. There was also a significant group difference in prefrontal functional connectivity at baseline, which was abolished by riluzole within the ASD group. Our results also show, for we believe the first time in ASD, that E-I flux can be 'shifted' with a pharmacologic challenge, but that responsivity is significantly different from controls. Further, our initial evidence suggests that abnormalities in functional connectivity can be 'normalised' by targeting E-I, even in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Ajram
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - J Horder
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - M A Mendez
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - A Galanopoulos
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - L P Brennan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - R H Wichers
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - D M Robertson
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - C M Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - J Zinkstok
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - G Ivin
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - M Heasman
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - D Meek
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - M D Tricklebank
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - G J Barker
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - D J Lythgoe
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - R A E Edden
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S C Williams
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - D G M Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - G M McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
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7
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Mason L, Peters E, Williams SC, Kumari V. Brain connectivity changes occurring following cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis predict long-term recovery. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1001. [PMID: 28094811 PMCID: PMC5545728 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the psychobiological mechanisms of cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) and which specific processes are key in predicting favourable long-term outcomes. Following theoretical models of psychosis, this proof-of-concept study investigated whether the long-term recovery path of CBTp completers can be predicted by the neural changes in threat-based social affective processing that occur during CBTp. We followed up 22 participants who had undergone a social affective processing task during functional magnetic resonance imaging along with self-report and clinician-administered symptom measures, before and after receiving CBTp. Monthly ratings of psychotic and affective symptoms were obtained retrospectively across 8 years since receiving CBTp, plus self-reported recovery at final follow-up. We investigated whether these long-term outcomes were predicted by CBTp-led changes in functional connections with dorsal prefrontal cortical and amygdala during the processing of threatening and prosocial facial affect. Although long-term psychotic symptoms were predicted by changes in prefrontal connections during prosocial facial affective processing, long-term affective symptoms were predicted by threat-related amygdalo-inferior parietal lobule connectivity. Greater increases in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex connectivity with amygdala following CBTp also predicted higher subjective ratings of recovery at long-term follow-up. These findings show that reorganisation occurring at the neural level following psychological therapy can predict the subsequent recovery path of people with psychosis across 8 years. This novel methodology shows promise for further studies with larger sample size, which are needed to better examine the sensitivity of psychobiological processes, in comparison to existing clinical measures, in predicting long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mason
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK,Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Henry Wellcome Building, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8BB, UK. E-mail: or
| | - E Peters
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, London, UK
| | - S C Williams
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - V Kumari
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, London, UK
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8
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Williams SC, D'Arpa C. Introduction. Library Trends 2017. [DOI: 10.1353/lib.2017.0000] [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: 11/11/2022]
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9
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Edmonds MJ, Carter RJ, Nickson CM, Williams SC, Parsons JL. Ubiquitylation-dependent regulation of NEIL1 by Mule and TRIM26 is required for the cellular DNA damage response. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 45:726-738. [PMID: 27924031 PMCID: PMC5314803 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endonuclease VIII-like protein 1 (NEIL1) is a DNA glycosylase involved in initiating the base excision repair pathway, the major cellular mechanism for repairing DNA base damage. Here, we have purified the major E3 ubiquitin ligases from human cells responsible for regulation of NEIL1 by ubiquitylation. Interestingly, we have identified two enzymes that catalyse NEIL1 polyubiquitylation, Mcl-1 ubiquitin ligase E3 (Mule) and tripartite motif 26 (TRIM26). We demonstrate that these enzymes are capable of polyubiquitylating NEIL1 in vitro, and that both catalyse ubiquitylation of NEIL1 within the same C-terminal lysine residues. An siRNA-mediated knockdown of Mule or TRIM26 leads to stabilisation of NEIL1, demonstrating that these enzymes are important in regulating cellular NEIL1 steady state protein levels. Similarly, a mutant NEIL1 protein lacking residues for ubiquitylation is more stable than the wild type protein in vivo. We also demonstrate that cellular NEIL1 protein is induced in response to ionising radiation (IR), although this occurs specifically in a Mule-dependent manner. Finally we show that stabilisation of NEIL1, particularly following TRIM26 siRNA, contributes to cellular resistance to IR. This highlights the importance of Mule and TRIM26 in maintaining steady state levels of NEIL1, but also those required for the cellular DNA damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Edmonds
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK
| | - Rachel J Carter
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK
| | - Catherine M Nickson
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK
| | - Sarah C Williams
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK
| | - Jason L Parsons
- Cancer Research Centre, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK
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10
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Freund F, Williams SC, Johnson RD, Coldea R, Gegenwart P, Jesche A. Single crystal growth from separated educts and its application to lithium transition-metal oxides. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35362. [PMID: 27748402 PMCID: PMC5066249 DOI: 10.1038/srep35362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Thorough mixing of the starting materials is the first step of a crystal growth procedure. This holds true for almost any standard technique, whereas the intentional separation of educts is considered to be restricted to a very limited number of cases. Here we show that single crystals of α-Li2IrO3 can be grown from separated educts in an open crucible in air. Elemental lithium and iridium are oxidized and transported over a distance of typically one centimeter. In contrast to classical vapor transport, the process is essentially isothermal and a temperature gradient of minor importance. Single crystals grow from an exposed condensation point placed in between the educts. The method has also been applied to the growth of Li2RuO3, Li2PtO3 and β-Li2IrO3. A successful use of this simple and low cost technique for various other materials is anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Freund
- EP VI, Center for Electronic Correlations and Magnetism, Augsburg University, D-86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - S C Williams
- Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - R D Johnson
- Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - R Coldea
- Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - P Gegenwart
- EP VI, Center for Electronic Correlations and Magnetism, Augsburg University, D-86159 Augsburg, Germany
| | - A Jesche
- EP VI, Center for Electronic Correlations and Magnetism, Augsburg University, D-86159 Augsburg, Germany
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11
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Stirling ERB, Patel MS, Williams SC. Syringe barrels as radiolucent drill sleeves during fixation of intramedullary nails for long-bone fractures. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2016; 98:345-6. [PMID: 27087335 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2016.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E R B Stirling
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust , Leicester , UK
| | - M S Patel
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust , Leicester , UK
| | - S C Williams
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust , Leicester , UK
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12
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Paloyelis Y, Krahé C, Maltezos S, Williams SC, Howard MA, Fotopoulou A. The Analgesic Effect of Oxytocin in Humans: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Study Using Laser-Evoked Potentials. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28:10.1111/jne.12347. [PMID: 26660859 PMCID: PMC5103211 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide regulating social-affiliative and reproductive behaviour in mammals. Despite robust preclinical evidence for the antinociceptive effects and mechanisms of action of exogenous oxytocin, human studies have produced mixed results regarding the analgesic role of oxytocin and are yet to show a specific modulation of neural processes involved in pain perception. In the present study, we investigated the analgesic effects of 40 IU of intranasal oxytocin in 13 healthy male volunteers using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design and brief radiant heat pulses generated by an infrared laser that selectively activate Aδ- and C-fibre nerve endings in the epidermis, at the same time as recording the ensuing laser-evoked potentials (LEPs). We predicted that oxytocin would reduce subjective pain ratings and attenuate the amplitude of the N1, N2 and P2 components. We observed that oxytocin attenuated perceived pain intensity and the local peak amplitude of the N1 and N2 (but not of P2) LEPs, and increased the latency of the N2 component. Importantly, for the first time, the present study reports an association between the analgesic effect of oxytocin (reduction in subjective pain ratings) and the oxytocin-induced modulation of cortical activity after noxious stimulation (attenuation of the N2 LEP). These effects indicate that oxytocin modulates neural processes contributing to pain perception. The present study reports preliminary evidence that is consistent with electrophysiological studies in rodents showing that oxytocin specifically modulates Aδ/C-fibre nociceptive afferent signalling at the spinal level and provides further specificity to evidence obtained in humans indicating that oxytocin may be modulating pain experience by modulating activity in the cortical areas involved in pain processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Paloyelis
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - C Krahé
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S Maltezos
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S C Williams
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - M A Howard
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Fotopoulou
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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Lim CHL, Williams SC, Yun STH, Aulia FA, McPherson ZE, De Silva D, Irvine S, Francis IC. Persistent concerns regarding intracameral cefuroxime. J Cataract Refract Surg 2014; 40:1236-7. [PMID: 24957443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2014.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Williams SC, Aulia FA, Lim CH, Yun ST, McPherson ZE, Wang SB, Agar A, Francis IC. Endophthalmitis in Europe: Data collection conundrum. J Cataract Refract Surg 2014; 40:688. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Williams SC, Lim CHL, Aulia FA, Yun STH, Singh R, McPherson ZE, Agar A, Francis IC. Endophthalmitis in Spain: more than meets the eye? J Cataract Refract Surg 2014; 40:689-90. [PMID: 24680531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Silva MMCG, Thelwell C, Williams SC, Longstaff C. Regulation of fibrinolysis by C-terminal lysines operates through plasminogen and plasmin but not tissue-type plasminogen activator. J Thromb Haemost 2012; 10:2354-60. [PMID: 22974122 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2012.04925.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binding of tissue-type plasminogen (Pgn) activator (t-PA) and Pgn to fibrin regulates plasmin generation, but there is no consistent, quantitative understanding of the individual contribution of t-PA finger and kringle 2 domains to the regulation of fibrinolysis. Kringle domains bind to lysines in fibrin, and this interaction can be studied by competition with lysine analogs and removal of C-terminal lysines by carboxypeptidase B (CPB). METHODS High-throughput, precise clot lysis assays incorporating the lysine analog tranexamic acid (TA) or CPB and genetically engineered variants of t-PA were performed. In particular, wild-type (WT) t-PA (F-G-K1-K2-P) and a domain-switched variant K1K1t-PA (F-G-K1-K1-P) that lacks kringle 2 but retains normal t-PA structure were compared to probe the importance of fibrin lysine binding by t-PA kringle 2. RESULTS WT t-PA showed higher rates of fibrinolysis than K1K1t-PA, but the inhibitory effects of TA or CPB were very similar for WT t-PA and the variant t-PA (< 10% difference). Urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA)-catalyzed fibrinolysis was also inhibited by TA, even though Pgn activation could be stimulated. Fibrin treated with factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) generates crosslinked degradation products, but these did not affect the results obtained with WT t-PA and K1K1t-PA. CONCLUSIONS t-PA kringle 2 has a minor role in the initial interaction of t-PA and fibrin, but stimulation of fibrinolysis by C-terminal lysines (or inhibition by carboxypeptidases or TA) operates through Pgn and plasmin binding, not through t-PA. This is also true when fibrin is crosslinked by treatment with FXIIIa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M C G Silva
- Biotherapeutics Group, Haemostasis Section, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms, UK
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Chaudhuri KR, Lemmens GM, Williams SC, Ellis C, Lloyd CM, Dawson J, Simmons A, Leigh PN. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the striatum in Parkinson's disease patients with motor response fluctuations. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2012; 2:63-7. [PMID: 18591020 DOI: 10.1016/1353-8020(96)00007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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] [Accepted: 11/17/1995] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We have performed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy centred on the putamen contralateral to the worst affected side in 10 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and motor response fluctuations and seven age matched healthy controls. In PD, there was striking reduction in the N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and creatine and NAA/choline ratios compared to controls. This pilot study provides in vivo evidence of striatal neuronal dysfunction in PD and further studies are in progress to establish if the observed changes are due to the disease process itself or due to chronic levodopa therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Chaudhuri
- The University Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London SE5, U.K
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Patel MS, Jones MA, Jiggins M, Williams SC. Does the use of a "track and trigger" warning system reduce mortality in trauma patients? Injury 2011; 42:1455-9. [PMID: 21696724 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2011.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the lack of robust evidence, numerous different "track and trigger" warning systems have been implemented. These have only been validated in an emergency medical admissions setting. The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) is the chosen track and trigger system used in the University Hospitals of Leicester trauma unit, but has not been validated in trauma patients. A considerable proportion of all trauma admissions are elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures and significant co-morbidities. Early recognition of physiological deterioration and prompt action could therefore be lifesaving in this patient group. AIM To identify whether the implementation of the MEWS system coupled with a critical care outreach service resulted in a reduction in mortality in a busy trauma unit. METHOD A retrospective study. The MEWS system was implemented in all trauma and orthopaedic wards at the Leicester Royal Infirmary in the summer of 2005. The numbers of emergency trauma inpatient admissions and deaths from January 2002 to December 2009 were obtained. The diagnosis, primary procedures and cause of death, if known, were noted. Comparisons were made pre- and post-MEWS. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS 32,149 patients were admitted (55% male; 45% female). Overall there were 889 deaths (77% female; 33% male, P<0.0001). The in-hospital mortality rate for orthopaedic trauma patients was 2.8% throughout the 7-year study period. 61% of those who died were admitted with proximal femoral fractures. The modal age group with the highest mortality was 81-90 years. Overall, females had a considerably greater mortality rate than males. The mortality rate was lower post-MEWS in males (1.82-1.418%; P=0.214), females (4.871-3.364%; P=0.108) and all patients (3.215-2.294%; P=0.092), but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION The use of a track and trigger warning system has not led to a statistically significant reduction in mortality in trauma patients. In view of the apparent lack of clinical effectiveness of the MEWS/outreach partnership, the cost effectiveness of this initiative needs to be questioned. Possible reasons for these findings include: failure of the MEWS to be correctly applied, inadequate action once the threshold is triggered, or unsuitability of this tool for this patient population. A better system for identifying and treating elderly, medically unwell trauma patients with co-morbidities needs to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Patel
- Trauma and Orthopaedic Department, Leicester General Hospital, Gwendolen Road, Leicester, LE5 4PW, United Kingdom.
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Williams SC, Bonnell A, Stoffel B. Student Feedback on Federated Search Use, Satisfaction, and Web Presence. Reference & User Services Quarterly 2011. [DOI: 10.5860/rusq.49n2.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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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Fusar-Poli P, Broome MR, Woolley JB, Johns LC, Tabraham P, Bramon E, Valmaggia L, Williams SC, McGuire P. Altered brain function directly related to structural abnormalities in people at ultra high risk of psychosis: longitudinal VBM-fMRI study. J Psychiatr Res 2011; 45:190-8. [PMID: 20580022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 02/05/2010] [Revised: 05/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have indicated that people with prodromal signs of psychosis show alterations in the structure and function of the brain when they first present to clinical services. However, the longitudinal course of these abnormalities, and how they relate to subsequent clinical and functional outcome is relatively unclear. METHODS A cohort of subjects at ultra high risk of psychosis were studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in conjunction with the N-Back task, and volumetric MRI at first clinical presentation and again after one year. Levels of psychopathology and global functioning were assessed at the same time points using the CAARMS, PANSS, and the GAF scale. RESULTS At baseline, the high risk group showed reduced activation during the task in the left middle frontal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus and inferior parietal lobule, and reduced gray matter volume in the left middle and medial frontal gyri, left insula and the right anterior cingulate gyrus. Within the high-risk group, there was a positive correlation between the magnitude of the functional and structural alterations in the left middle frontal gyrus. Between presentation and follow up, the severity of perceptual disorder and thought disorder (rated by the CAARMS), and of general psychopathology (rated by the PANSS general score) decreased, and the level of global functioning improved. This clinical and functional improvement was associated with a longitudinal increase in activation in the anterior cingulate and right parahippocampal gyrus. The change in anterior cingulate response was directly correlated with the improvement in the GAF score. CONCLUSIONS In subjects presenting with prodromal signs of psychosis, reduced prefrontal activation during a working memory task is associated with a reduction in gray matter volume in the same area. Changes in anterior cingulate activation were correlated with functional improvement in this group, consistent with the role of this region in multiple cognitive and social processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fusar-Poli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, King's Health Partners, Institute of Psychiatry, UK.
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Fusar-Poli P, Broome MR, Matthiasson P, Woolley JB, Johns LC, Tabraham P, Bramon E, Valmaggia L, Williams SC, McGuire P. Spatial working memory in individuals at high risk for psychosis: longitudinal fMRI study. Schizophr Res 2010; 123:45-52. [PMID: 20688479 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2010.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 08/13/2009] [Revised: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 06/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocognitive impairments in executive and mnemonic domains are already evident in the pre-psychotic phases. The longitudinal dynamic course of the neurofunctional abnormalities underlying liability to psychosis and their relation to clinical outcomes is unknown. METHODS In this study we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a cohort of subjects at ultra high clinical risk for psychosis (with an "At Risk Mental State", ARMS) and in healthy controls. Images were acquired at baseline and again after one year on a 1.5 Tesla Signa, while patients were performing a visuospatial working memory task. Psychopathological assessment of the prodromal symptoms was conducted at the same time points by using the CAARMS and the PANSS instruments. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the ARMS and control groups with respect to age or IQ. Although both groups performed the PAL task with a high degree of accuracy, the ARMS showed an increased latency in answers during the most demanding level of the task. At baseline, such cognitive impairment was associated with reduced activation in the left precuneus, left superior parietal lobule, right middle temporal gyrus in the ARMS as compared to controls. In addition, the ARMS failed to activate parietal areas with increasing difficulty of the task. Between presentation and follow-up the overall clinical status of the ARMS sample improved, despite 2 out of the 15 subjects having developed a full-blown psychosis: the CAARMS (perceptual disorder and thought disorder subscales) and the PANNS general scores decreased, while the GAF score increased. Such clinical amelioration was associated with a longitudinal compensatory increase in occipitoparietal regions. CONCLUSIONS The prodromal phase of psychosis is associated with functional alterations in parietal and temporal networks subserving visuospatial working memory which are more evident under high cognitive loads. The clinical improvement at one year is associated with a compensatory increase in occipitoparietal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fusar-Poli
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's Health Partners, King's College London, UK.
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Williams SC. Federated Search and the Library Web Site: A Study of Association of Research Libraries Member Web Sites. Journal of Web Librarianship 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/19322900903496273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Abstract
This study assessed whether undergraduate performance improved following the introduction in 2006 of a musculoskeletal teaching programme lasting for seven weeks. Different methods were used to deliver knowledge and skills in trauma and orthopaedic surgery, rheumatology and allied specialties. The programme combined four main elements: traditional firm-based teaching, weekly plenary sessions, a task-based workbook and additional specialist clinics. The block of 139 students who attended in its first year were assessed using a multiple choice question examination just before their final examinations in 2008. They showed a 6% improvement in performance over a control group of 130 students assessed in 2005 before the programme had commenced. There was no difference in performance between the students assessed in 2005 and a second group of 46 students from 2008 who did not attend the new teaching programme. Performance was improved by providing more focused musculoskeletal training using available resources, as well as increasing the length of the programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Williams
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, England.
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Williams SC, Hafner JM, Morton DJ, Holm AL, Milberger SM, Koss RG, Loeb JM. The adoption of smoke-free hospital campuses in the United States. Tob Control 2009; 18:451-8. [PMID: 19700437 DOI: 10.1136/tc.2009.030494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adoption of a smoke-free hospital campus policy is often a highly publicised local event. National media coverage suggests that the trend towards adopting these policies is growing, and this publicity can frequently lead hospital administrators to consider the adoption of such policies within their own institutions. Little is actually known, however, about the prevalence of these policies or their impact. OBJECTIVES To determine the national prevalence of smoke-free hospital campus policies and the relation between these policies and performance on nationally standardised measures for smoking cessation counselling in US hospitals. METHODS 4494 Joint Commission-accredited hospitals were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire assessing current smoking policies and future plans. Smoking cessation counselling rates were assessed through nationally standardised measures. RESULTS The 1916 hospitals responding to the survey (43%) were statistically similar to non-responders with respect to performance measure rates, smoking policies and demographic characteristics. Approximately 45% of responders reported an existing smoke-free hospital campus policy. With respect to demographics, higher proportions of smoke-free campus policies were reported in non-teaching and non-profit hospitals. Smoke-free campus hospitals were also more likely to provide smoking cessation counselling to patients with acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and pneumonia who smoke (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS By February 2008, 45% of US hospitals (up from approximately 3% in 1992) had adopted a smoke-free campus policy; another 15% reported actively pursuing the adoption of such a policy. By the end of 2009, it is likely that the majority of US hospitals will have a smoke-free campus.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Williams
- The Joint Commission, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, USA.
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Williams SC, Lopez C, Yoong A, McHugo JM. Developing a robust and efficient pathway for the referral and investigation of women with post-menopausal bleeding using a cut-off of < or =4 mm for normal thickness. Br J Radiol 2007; 80:719-23. [PMID: 17928500 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/87219886] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of women with post-menopausal bleeding (PMB) do not have endometrial cancer, and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is accepted as the screening tool of choice to identify those at highest risk of malignancy. A new referral pathway was instigated in 2000, with patients only being referred to a gynaecologist following an abnormal TVUS result. An initial audit revealed a low positive predictive value for TVUS and a low incidence of detected malignancy. The cut-off value for a normal endometrium was increased from 3 mm to 4 mm in line with published data. This re7hyphen;audit evaluated the effectiveness of implemented changes and identified other areas for improvement. Of the 277 women referred during the study period, 193 had an abnormal or unseen endometrium and were subsequently seen by a gynaecologist. For patients without a histological diagnosis, clinical notes were reviewed and the hospital cancer database scrutinized for all endometrial cancers. Despite a 15.4% increase in referrals, only an additional 2.9% were assessed by gynaecologists. 14 cases of malignancy were identified with a mean endometrial thickness (ET) of 15.7 mm. Failed endometrial sampling was more prevalent with a minimally thickened endometrium. 80 patients with abnormal TVUS had no recorded histological diagnosis. Increasing the ET cut-off value has reduced unnecessary investigations in women at low risk of malignancy. No woman discharged back to her GP has been diagnosed with an endometrial malignancy within 1 year of initial referral. An algorithm has been proposed to further improve the investigation of women with PMB following an abnormal TVUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Williams
- Department of Radiology, Good Hope Hospital, Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 7RR, UK
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Kumar AJS, Parmar VN, Kolpattil S, Humad S, Williams SC, Harper WM. Significance of hip rotation on measurement of 'Tip Apex Distance' during fixation of extracapsular proximal femoral fractures. Injury 2007; 38:792-6. [PMID: 17296198 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2006.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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] [Received: 06/22/2006] [Revised: 11/30/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Tip Apex Distance (TAD) is defined as the sum of the distance, in millimetres, from the tip of the lag screw to the apex of the femoral head, as measured on an antero-posterior radiograph and lateral radiograph, after correction has been made for magnification. The relationship between the degree of rotation of the hip joint and its implication on measuring TAD during fixation of a proximal femoral fracture was studied. This relationship has not been previously explored in the English literature. This study involved radiographs of a lag screw placed in a synthetic femur specimen taken in neutral and varying degrees of rotation and adduction/abduction. The lag screw was placed anteriorly in the femoral head. Measurements were taken for each radiograph after correction for magnification. RESULTS Statistical analysis between measurements showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) of TAD in AP and lateral (abduction and adduction) views. A graph to show the relationship between hip rotation and TAD was conducted and demonstrates a linear correlation. CONCLUSION If an anteriorly placed hip screw is not seen to be breaching the articular surface on a view taken in internal rotation, the screw is definitely not in the joint. Beware of a hip screw appearing very close to the joint surface on a view taken in external rotation or abduction as it could be within the joint. The converse may apply to a posteriorly placed screw.
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Brekke C, Williams SC, Price J, Thorsen F, Modo M. Cellular multiparametric MRI of neural stem cell therapy in a rat glioma model. Neuroimage 2007; 37:769-82. [PMID: 17613248 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2007.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2007] [Revised: 05/18/2007] [Accepted: 06/03/2007] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provided an in vivo visualisation of neural stem cells' (NSCs) tropism for gliomas in the rat brain. NSCs were magnetically labelled in vitro with the bimodal gadolinium-based contrast agent, gadolinium rhodamine dextran (GRID), and injected into the contralateral hemisphere to the developing tumour. Contrast-to-noise measurements showed that GRID-labelled cells induced a signal attenuation on both T2-, T2(*)-weighted images, and a modest signal gain on T1-weighted images. Tumour development and progression were longitudinally monitored in vivo by serial MR scanning. Measurements of tumour volume and tumour progression over time in terms of tumour doubling time showed a tendency towards a reduced tumour growth in NSC-treated animals. MR findings of migration and infiltration of tumours by labelled NSCs were corroborated with immunohistopathology, where labelled cells were detected in the corpus callosum at the tumour border and dispersed in the solid tumour tissue. Immunohistopathology also revealed that macrophages invaded the tumour tissue and in some cases engulfed GRID-labelled stem cells. No significant difference in macrophage recruitment between NSC-treated and vehicle-treated animals were detected, indicating that magnetically labelled NSC do not increase macrophage invasion of tumour tissue. Our findings demonstrate that cellular multiparametric MRI provides a valuable tool for in vivo dynamic monitoring of tumour-directed neural stem cell migration as well as therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Brekke
- NeuroImaging Research Group, Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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Shiner EK, Terentyev D, Bryan A, Sennoune S, Martinez-Zaguilan R, Li G, Gyorke S, Williams SC, Rumbaugh KP. Pseudomonas aeruginosa autoinducer modulates host cell responses through calcium signalling. Cell Microbiol 2006; 8:1601-10. [PMID: 16984415 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2006.00734.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes a cell density-dependent signalling phenomenon known as quorum sensing (QS) to regulate several virulence factors needed for infection. Acylated homoserine lactones, or autoinducers, are the primary signal molecules that mediate QS in P. aeruginosa. The autoinducer N-3O-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone (3O-C12) exerts effects on mammalian cells, including upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and induction of apoptosis. However, the mechanism(s) by which 3O-C12 affects mammalian cell responses is unknown. Here we report that 3O-C12 induces apoptosis and modulates the expression of immune mediators in murine fibroblasts and human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC). The effects of 3O-C12 were accompanied by increases in cytosolic calcium levels that were mobilized from intracellular stores in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Calcium release was blocked by an inhibitor of phospholipase C, suggesting that release occurred through inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptors in the ER. Apoptosis, but not immunodulatory gene activation, was blocked when 3O-C12-exposed cells were co-incubated with inhibitors of calcium signalling. This study indicates that 3O-C12 can activate at least two independent signal transduction pathways in mammalian cells, one that involves increases in intracellular calcium levels and leads to apoptosis, and a second pathway that results in modulation of the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Shiner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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Shyam Kumar AJ, Parmar V, Bankart J, Williams SC, Harper WM. Comparison of accuracy of lag screw placement in cephalocondylic nails and sliding hip screw plate fixation for extracapsular fractures of the neck of femur. Int Orthop 2006; 30:320-4. [PMID: 16680437 PMCID: PMC3172768 DOI: 10.1007/s00264-006-0092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2006] [Accepted: 01/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study compared the accuracy of lag screw placement between extracapsular femoral fractures fixed with sliding hip screw plate systems and those fixed with cephalocondylic nails. It involved 75 retrospective radiographs of fractures fixed with either a cephalocondylic nail (32) or a sliding hip screw plate system (43). Postoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the hip were scanned using a digital X-ray scanner and measured using computer software. Measurements were conducted by two independent observers, and the radiographs were calibrated to correct for magnification. Accuracy of lag screw placement was determined by "tip apex distance," described by Baumgaertner et al., and by the ratio method described by Parker. The mean tip apex distance was 24.0 mm in sliding hip screw plate systems and 21.1 mm in cephalocondylic nails. This was found to be statistically significant. Lag screw placement through cephalocondylic nails is more accurate and therefore has less chance of cut-out compared with sliding hip screw plate systems. There was no statistically significant difference using Parker's ratio method because this method quantifies the direction of the screw rather than the depth of penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Shyam Kumar
- University Department of Orthopaedics, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK.
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Heyer EJ, Wilson DA, Sahlein DH, Mocco J, Williams SC, Sciacca R, Rampersad A, Komotar RJ, Zurica J, Benvenisty A, Quest DO, Todd G, Solomon RA, Connolly ES. APOE-epsilon4 predisposes to cognitive dysfunction following uncomplicated carotid endarterectomy. Neurology 2005; 65:1759-63. [PMID: 16207841 PMCID: PMC1524823 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000184579.23624.6b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 9% and 23% of patients undergoing otherwise uncomplicated carotid endarterectomy (CEA) develop subtle cognitive decline 1 month postoperatively. The APOE-epsilon4 allele has been associated with worse outcome following stroke. OBJECTIVE To investigate the ability of APOE-epsilon4 to predict post-CEA neurocognitive dysfunction. METHODS Seventy-five patients with CEA undergoing elective CEA were prospectively recruited in this nested cohort study and demographic variables were recorded. Patients were evaluated before and 1 month after surgery with a standard battery of five neuropsychological tests. APOE genotyping was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in all patients. Neuropsychological deficits were identified by comparing changes (before to 1 month post-operation) in individual performance on the test battery. Logistic regression was performed for APOE-epsilon4 and previously identified risk factors. RESULTS Twelve of 75 (16%) CEA patients possessed the APOE-epsilon4 allele. Eight of 75 (11%) patients experienced neurocognitive dysfunction on postoperative day 30. One month post-CEA, APOE-epsilon4-positive patients were more likely to be cognitively injured (42%) than APOE-epsilon4-negative patients (5%) (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, the presence of the APOE-epsilon4 allele increased the risk of neurocognitive dysfunction at 1 month 62-fold (62.28, 3.15 to 1229, p = 0.007). Diabetes (51.42, 1.94 to 1363, p = 0.02), and obesity (24.43, 1.41 to 422.9, p = 0.03) also predisposed to injury. CONCLUSION The APOE-epsilon4 allele is a robust independent predictor of neurocognitive decline 1 month following CEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Heyer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Acharya MR, Harper WM, Williams SC. Response to: Factors delaying surgical treatment of hip fractures in elderly patients. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2004; 86:490. [PMID: 16761348 PMCID: PMC1964293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
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Johnson K, Williams SC, Balogun M, Dhillon MS. Reducing unnecessary skull radiographs in children: a multidisciplinary audit. Clin Radiol 2004; 59:616-20. [PMID: 15208068 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2003.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2003] [Revised: 11/20/2003] [Accepted: 11/26/2003] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM To review guidelines on the indications for skull radiographs with a view to improving compliance and reducing unnecessary irradiation of children. METHODS Three audits on the indications, compliance and effect on practice of differing sets of guidelines for skull radiographs following paediatric head trauma were performed. After each audit, alterations in clinical practice with modifications of the guidelines were implemented. The effect of these changes on radiological practice and patient care were recorded. Audits were performed for 3 months (February-April) in 1999, 2001 and 2003. RESULTS The number of children with head injuries presenting was unchanged. The number of skull radiographs performed fell from 146 in 1999 to 95 in 2001 and 50 in 2003. Compliance with hospital guidelines increased from 85% in 1999 to 100% in 2003. No neurosurgical problems were missed. CONCLUSION The implementation of guidelines that are acceptable to all specialties will improve compliance and reduce unnecessary radiographs being performed. The involvement of the radiography staff will help maintain compliance. The training of junior staff and maintaining good communication with involved departments will improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Johnson
- Radiology Department, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
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Cordell-Smith JA, Williams SC, Harper WM, Gregg PJ. Lower limb arthroplasty complicated by deep venous thrombosis. Prevalence and subjective outcome. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2004; 86:99-101. [PMID: 14765874] [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: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) following lower limb arthroplasty and to assess whether this adversely affected satisfaction, relief from pain, or the level of mobility as perceived by patients. Six hundred and ten consecutive recipients of primary total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR) underwent routine post-operative venography. The functional outcome had already been assessed at one year by using the Regional Arthroplasty Database questionnaire, the results of which were correlated to venographic records. The combined prevalence of DVT after THR and TKR in the patients, who did not receive chemical thromboprophylaxis, was 46.4%. Thrombus was identified in 57.6% of those with a TKR and in 33.5% of patients with a THR. Proximal thrombus was found in 11.0% of TKRs and in 14.8% of THRs. One year after surgery, patients who had a DVT established by venography did not report higher levels of immobility (p = 0.07), discomfort (p = 0.12) or dissatisfaction (p = 0.23) when compared to those with patent venous systems. This suggests that the prevalence of DVT following TKR/THR without chemical thromboprophylaxis is high and these findings are consistent with the literature. However, patients did not perceive thrombosis to compromise their overall outcome. This challenges the belief that DVT is associated with morbidity and calls for further comprehensive research in this area. The low morbidity of the lower limb associated with DVT in these patients does not support the use of chemical thromboprophylaxis.
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Williams SC, Hollins D, Barden-Marshall S, Harper WM. Improving the quality of patient care: patient satisfaction with a nurse-led fracture clinic service. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2003; 85:115-6. [PMID: 12648343 PMCID: PMC1963733 DOI: 10.1308/003588403321219902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A prospective study was conducted to assess nurse-led follow-up of patients with fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Williams
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
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Phillips ML, Medford N, Senior C, Bullmore ET, Suckling J, Brammer MJ, Andrew C, Sierra M, Williams SC, David AS. Depersonalization disorder: thinking without feeling. Psychiatry Res 2001; 108:145-60. [PMID: 11756013 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4927(01)00119-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [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: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Patients with depersonalization disorder (DP) experience a detachment from their own senses and surrounding events, as if they were outside observers. A particularly common symptom is emotional detachment from the surroundings. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we compared neural responses to emotionally salient stimuli in DP patients, and in psychiatric and healthy control subjects. Six patients with DP, 10 with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and six volunteers were scanned whilst viewing standardized pictures of aversive and neutral scenes, matched for visual complexity. Pictures were then rated for emotional content. Both control groups rated aversive pictures as much more emotive, and demonstrated in response to these scenes significantly greater activation in regions important for disgust perception, the insula and occipito-temporal cortex, than DP patients (covarying for age, years of education and total extent of brain activation). In DP patients, aversive scenes activated the right ventral prefrontal cortex. The insula was activated only by neutral scenes in this group. Our findings indicate that a core phenomenon of depersonalization--absent subjective experience of emotion--is associated with reduced neural responses in emotion-sensitive regions, and increased responses in regions associated with emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Phillips
- Depersonalization Research Unit and Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, 103 Denmark Hill, SE5 8AF, London, UK.
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O'Sullivan M, Summers PE, Jones DK, Jarosz JM, Williams SC, Markus HS. Normal-appearing white matter in ischemic leukoaraiosis: a diffusion tensor MRI study. Neurology 2001; 57:2307-10. [PMID: 11756617 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.57.12.2307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic leukoaraiosis is a consistent concomitant of vascular dementia. Conventional MRI provides little information about underlying white matter tract disruption and correlates poorly with cognitive dysfunction. Diffusion tensor MRI may provide better markers of tract integrity. Changes in the normal-appearing white matter were demonstrated in 30 patients with ischemic leukoaraiosis compared with 17 age-matched control subjects. These changes correlated with executive dysfunction assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O'Sullivan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
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Suzuki Y, Critchley HD, Suckling J, Fukuda R, Williams SC, Andrew C, Howard R, Ouldred E, Bryant C, Swift CG, Jackson SH. Functional magnetic resonance imaging of odor identification: the effect of aging. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2001; 56:M756-60. [PMID: 11723149 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/56.12.m756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sense of smell declines with age and impairment in olfaction has been observed in some neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Functional neuroimaging techniques enable researchers to observe brain regions activated by olfactory stimuli. METHODS We gave three mainly olfactory-mediated odors (limonene, methylsalicylate, and eugenol) to six young and six elderly subjects and observed the areas activated by using blood oxygen level dependent contrast functional magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS The group mapping of young subjects showed extensive activation in the orbitofrontal cortex, commonly believed to be the olfactory cortex, some limbic areas (the hippocampus and the thalamus), regions involved with gustatory sensation (the anterior insula and the inferior postcentral gyrus), superior and inferior temporal gyri, and cerebellum. In the elderly group, only the left inferior temporal gyrus and the primary visual cortex reached accepted significance levels. CONCLUSIONS We have therefore confirmed previous reports of brain regions involved in olfactory processing in young volunteers and demonstrated decreased activation in elderly volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Suzuki
- Clinical Age Research Unit, Department of Health Care of the Elderly, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine, King's College London, United Kingdom.
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Williams SC, Oehninger S, Gibbons WE, Van Cleave WC, Muasher SJ. Delaying the initiation of progesterone supplementation results in decreased pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization: a randomized, prospective study. Fertil Steril 2001; 76:1140-3. [PMID: 11730741 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(01)02914-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare IVF outcome between two protocols for luteal phase supplementation, one beginning on day 3 after oocyte retrieval and the other beginning on day 6 after retrieval. DESIGN Prospective, randomized study. SETTING University-based assisted reproductive technology center. PATIENT(S) One hundred twenty-six consecutive patients undergoing IVF between January and July 2000. INTERVENTION(S) Patients were randomized to begin luteal phase support using vaginal progesterone beginning either on day 3 after oocyte retrieval or on day 6 after oocyte retrieval. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates. RESULT(S) All patients randomized underwent transfer. There were no differences in age, oocytes retrieved, or embryos transferred between the two groups. Those patients receiving luteal phase support with progesterone beginning on day 6 after retrieval had a significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate per transfer compared with those beginning support on day 3 after retrieval (44.8% vs. 61.0%, respectively). This difference in pregnancy rates was greater in those patients undergoing a luteal gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist down-regulation protocol (47.5% vs. 71.4%, day 6 vs. day 3, respectively). Beginning support on day 6 also significantly decreased implantation rates in the GnRH agonist group (21.0% vs. 34.0%, day 6 vs. day 3, respectively). CONCLUSION(S) Pregnancy rates are significantly decreased by initiating luteal-phase progesterone supplementation on day 6 after oocyte retrieval during in vitro fertilization cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Williams
- The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia 23517, USA.
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Steel C, Haworth EJ, Peters E, Hemsley DR, Sharma T, Gray JA, Pickering A, Gregory L, Simmons A, Bullmore ET, Williams SC. Neuroimaging correlates of negative priming. Neuroreport 2001; 12:3619-24. [PMID: 11733723 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200111160-00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many theoretical accounts of selective attention and memory retrieval include reference to active inhibitory processes, such as those argued to underlie the negative priming effect. fMRI was used in order to investigate the areas of cortical activation associated with Stroop interference, Stroop facilitation and Stroop negative priming tasks. The most significant activation within the negative priming task was within the inferior parietal lobule, left temporal lobe and frontal lobes. Areas of cortical activation are discussed with reference to theoretical accounts of the negative priming effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Steel
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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Ellis CM, Suckling J, Amaro E, Bullmore ET, Simmons A, Williams SC, Leigh PN. Volumetric analysis reveals corticospinal tract degeneration and extramotor involvement in ALS. Neurology 2001; 57:1571-8. [PMID: 11706094 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.57.9.1571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathologic changes in the motor cortex and corticospinal tracts in ALS may be reflected by abnormal signal intensities on conventional MRI. The sensitivity of these changes in detecting underlying pathology remains unclear. METHOD The authors used automated image analysis to quantify volumes of cerebral gray and white matter in 16 patients with ALS (eight limb onset, eight bulbar onset) and eight normal controls. Previously they had demonstrated a reduction in N-acetyl aspartate/creatine + phosphocreatine (NAA/[Cr + PCr]) measured by (1)H-MRS in the subcortical white matter in the motor cortex region in the patients with bulbar-onset ALS. To determine whether this resulted from axonal degeneration, they also compared gray and white matter volumes in the patients with limb- and bulbar-onset ALS. RESULTS There were no differences in the total brain volumes of gray or white matter for the three subject groups (p > 0.23). Comparison of the total ALS group and controls revealed localized deficits in gray matter volume centered on Brodmann areas 8, 9, and 10 bilaterally. Comparison of the patients with limb- and bulbar-onset ALS revealed deficits in the white matter volume in the bulbar-onset group, extending bilaterally from the precentral gyrus into the internal capsule and brainstem, consistent with the course of the corticospinal tract. There was no loss in gray matter volume in the precentral gyri. CONCLUSIONS The loss of gray matter in the frontal regions (total ALS group) provides further support that ALS is a multisystem disorder. In addition, there is in vivo evidence of axonal degeneration in the subcortical white matter in the motor region in patients with bulbar-onset ALS. This is consistent with a "dying back" process affecting cortical motoneurons in bulbar-onset ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Ellis
- Department of Neurology, Guy's, Kings & St. Thomas' School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.
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Rossell SL, Bullmore ET, Williams SC, David AS. Brain activation during automatic and controlled processing of semantic relations: a priming experiment using lexical-decision. Neuropsychologia 2001; 39:1167-76. [PMID: 11527554 DOI: 10.1016/s0028-3932(01)00049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Semantic relations may be studied using the experimental technique known as semantic priming, in which a word 'primes' the processing of a related target (e.g. lion-tiger), following a short delay. Priming may be automatic or, with longer delays, under more controlled processing. This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the cerebral activation during two lexical-decision semantic priming experiments, with a short and long delay, representing automatic and controlled processing, respectively. A further two un-primed lexical-decision tasks were performed to distinguish cerebral activation specific to semantic priming itself from those utilised during lexical-decision processes. Distinct regions of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were critical to automatic and controlled semantic priming, whilst the putamen and hippocampal complex responded differently to unrelated and semantically related prime-target pairs. Lexical-decision alone revealed activation in posterior temporal cortex especially on the left, in agreement with previous neuroimaging studies. The results provide a plausible neural substrate for common semantic relations independent of task demands and further emphasise the regional functional specialisation of the ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Rossell
- Macquarie Centre for Cognitive Science (MACCS), Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Sydney, Australia.
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Overmeyer S, Bullmore ET, Suckling J, Simmons A, Williams SC, Santosh PJ, Taylor E. Distributed grey and white matter deficits in hyperkinetic disorder: MRI evidence for anatomical abnormality in an attentional network. Psychol Med 2001; 31:1425-1435. [PMID: 11722157 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291701004706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous neuroimaging studies of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have demonstrated anatomic and functional abnormalities predominantly in frontal and striatal grey matter. Here we report the use of novel image analysis methods, which do not require prior selection of regions of interest, to characterize distributed morphological deficits of both grey and white matter associated with ADHD. METHODS Eighteen children with a refined phenotype of ADHD, who also met ICD-10 criteria for hyperkinetic disorder (mean age 10.4 years), and 16 normal children (mean age 10.3 years) were compared using magnetic resonance imaging. The groups were matched for handedness, sex, height, weight and head circumference. Morphological differences between groups were estimated by fitting a linear model at each voxel in standard space, applying a threshold to the resulting voxel statistic maps to generate clusters of spatially contiguous suprathreshold voxels, and testing cluster 'mass', or the sum of suprathreshold voxel statistics in each 2D cluster, by repeated random resampling of the data. RESULTS The hyperkinetic children had significant grey matter deficits in right superior frontal gyrus (Brodmann area (BA) 8/9), right posterior cingulate gyrus (BA 30) and the basal ganglia bilaterally (especially right globus pallidus and putamen). They also demonstrated significant central white matter deficits in the left hemisphere anterior to the pyramidal tracts and superior to the basal ganglia. CONCLUSIONS This pattern of spatially distributed grey matter deficit in the right hemisphere is compatible with the hypothesis that ADHD is associated with disruption of a large scale neurocognitive network for attention. The left hemispheric white matter deficits may be due to dysmyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Overmeyer
- Institute of Psychiatry and Guy's, King's and St Thomas's School of Medicine, London
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Ridler K, Bullmore ET, De Vries PJ, Suckling J, Barker GJ, Meara SJ, Williams SC, Bolton PF. Widespread anatomical abnormalities of grey and white matter structure in tuberous sclerosis. Psychol Med 2001; 31:1437-1446. [PMID: 11722158 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291701004561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroimaging studies of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) have previously focused mainly on tubers or subependymal nodules. Subtle pathological changes in the structure of the brain have not been studied in detail. Computationally intensive techniques for reliable morphometry of brain structure are useful in disorders like TSC, where there is little prior data to guide selection of regions of interest. METHODS Dual-echo, fast spin-echo MRI data were acquired from 10 TSC patients of normal intelligence and eight age-matched controls. Between-group differences in grey matter, white matter and cerebrospinal fluid were estimated at each intracerebral voxel after registration of these images in standard space; a permutation test based on spatial statistics was used for inference. CSF-attenuated FLAIR images were acquired for neuroradiological rating of tuber number. RESULTS Significant deficits were found in patients, relative to comparison subjects, of grey matter volume bilaterally in the medial temporal lobes, posterior cingulate gyrus, thalamus and basal ganglia, and unilaterally in right fronto-parietal cortex (patients -20%). We also found significant and approximately symmetrical deficits of central white matter involving the longitudinal fasciculi and other major intrahemispheric tracts (patients -21%); and a bilateral cerebellar region of relative white matter excess (patients +28%). Within the patient group, grey matter volume in limbic and subcortical regions of deficit was negatively correlated with tuber count. CONCLUSIONS Neuropathological changes associated with TSC may be more extensive than hitherto suspected, involving radiologically normal parenchymal structures as well as tubers, although these two aspects of the disorder may be correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ridler
- Brain Mapping Unit and Developmental Psychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge
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Shergill SS, Cameron LA, Brammer MJ, Williams SC, Murray RM, McGuire PK. Modality specific neural correlates of auditory and somatic hallucinations. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2001; 71:688-90. [PMID: 11606687 PMCID: PMC1737587 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.71.5.688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Somatic hallucinations occur in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, although auditory hallucinations are more common. Although the neural correlates of auditory hallucinations have been described in several neuroimaging studies, little is known of the pathophysiology of somatic hallucinations. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to compare the distribution of brain activity during somatic and auditory verbal hallucinations, occurring at different times in a 36 year old man with schizophrenia. Somatic hallucinations were associated with activation in the primary somatosensory and posterior parietal cortex, areas that normally mediate tactile perception. Auditory hallucinations were associated with activation in the middle and superior temporal cortex, areas involved in processing external speech. Hallucinations in a given modality seem to involve areas that normally process sensory information in that modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Shergill
- Section of Neuroimaging, Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
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Curtis VA, Dixon TA, Morris RG, Bullmore ET, Brammer MJ, Williams SC, Sharma T, Murray RM, McGuire PK. Differential frontal activation in schizophrenia and bipolar illness during verbal fluency. J Affect Disord 2001; 66:111-21. [PMID: 11578663 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0327(00)00240-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The precise nature of frontal lobe dysfunction in schizophrenia remains unclear. We have previously demonstrated, using fMRI, a task-specific attenuation of frontal activation in schizophrenic patients. By using an identical methodology in matched bipolar subjects, we sought to determine whether this finding is specific to schizophrenia or a correlate of psychosis in general. METHOD Five dextral male bipolar patients and matching groups of schizophrenic subjects and controls were studied using fMRI. Echoplanar images were acquired while subjects performed two paced tasks: covert verbal fluency and a semantic decision task. Generic brain activation maps were constructed from individual images by sinusoidal regression analysis. Between-group differences in the mean power of experimental response were identified on a voxel-wise basis by an analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS The bipolar patients showed extensive prefrontal activation during verbal fluency which was significantly greater than in controls. There was no difference in the prefrontal BOLD response during the semantic decision task. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that bipolar patients show a strikingly different pattern of frontal responses compared to those with schizophrenia and provide further evidence that abnormal frontal activation in psychotic disorders is more apparent during verbal fluency than semantic decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Curtis
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
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Gregory LJ, O'Neill MJ, Nunn JA, Gray JA, Williams SC. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging detects early neuropathology following four vessel occlusion ischemia in the rat. J Magn Reson Imaging 2001; 14:207-14. [PMID: 11536396 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.1175] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Early neuropathology following a prolonged duration of four-vessel occlusion (4 VO) ischemia in the rat was charted using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Animals received either 30 minutes of 4 VO (N = 6) or sham operation (N = 6) prior to in vivo assessment. Proton density and T(2) and combined T(2)/diffusion-weighted (T(2)/DW) MRI were performed at 6, 24, and 72 hours postocclusion. T(2)/DW imaging was the most effective sequence for delineating between injured and intact tissues, indicating neuropathology in the dorsolateral striatum at 24 hours and in the CA1/CA2 subfields of the hippocampus at 72 hours following ischemia. Apparent diffusion coefficient values were significantly reduced in the striatum (P = 0.03) and hippocampus (P = 0.005) at 24 and 72 hours, respectively. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of T(2)/DW imaging detecting lesions following 4 VO in accord with the known temporal evolution of ischemic brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Gregory
- Department of Neurology, Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' School of Medicine, King's College, London, UK.
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Williams SC, Alton H. Frontal headaches and an abnormal chest x-ray. Paediatr Respir Rev 2001; 2:276-8. [PMID: 12056409 DOI: 10.1053/prrv.2001.0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 11/11/2022]
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O'Sullivan M, Jones DK, Summers PE, Morris RG, Williams SC, Markus HS. Evidence for cortical "disconnection" as a mechanism of age-related cognitive decline. Neurology 2001; 57:632-8. [PMID: 11524471 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.57.4.632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 556] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Normal aging is accompanied by a decline of cognitive abilities, and executive skills may be affected selectively, but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure and preventive strategies are lacking. It has been suggested that cortical "disconnection" due to the loss of white matter fibers may play an important role. But, to date, there has been no direct demonstration of structural disconnection in humans in vivo. METHODS The authors used diffusion tensor MRI to look for evidence of ultrastructural changes in cerebral white matter in a group of 20 elderly volunteers with normal conventional MRI scans, and a group of 10 younger controls. The older group also underwent neuropsychological assessment. RESULTS Diffusional anisotropy, a marker of white matter tract integrity, was reduced in the white matter of older subjects and fell linearly with increasing age in the older group. Mean diffusivity was higher in the older group and increased with age. These changes were maximal in anterior white matter. In the older group, anterior mean diffusivity correlated with executive function assessed by the Trail Making Test. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide direct evidence that white matter tract disruption occurs in normal aging and would be consistent with the cortical disconnection hypothesis of age-related cognitive decline. Maximal changes in anterior white matter provide a plausible structural basis for selective loss of executive functions. In addition to providing new information about the biological basis of cognitive abilities, diffusion tensor MRI may be a sensitive tool for assessing interventions aimed at preventing cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O'Sullivan
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom.
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