Predict Symptom Severity Research Articles

A multidimensional approach to analysis of cerebrospinal fluid biogenic amines in schizophrenia: II. Correlations with psychopathology

As part of a multidimensional study of cerebrospinal fluid biogenic amine metabolites in schizophrenia, the relationship between neurochemical measures and psychopathology assessed using the Psychiatric Symptom Assessment Scale (PSAS) was analyzed. In a group of 20 unmedicated patients, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) was a predictor of symptom severity in a stepwise multiple regression model. Values of 3-hydroxykynurenine and metanephrine in the unmedicated state predicted clinical response in a stepwise multiple regression model, as measured by improvement in PSAS mean item score following 6 weeks on a standard dose of neuroleptic. In a subgroup of 14 patients in whom both off- and on-medication concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid biogenic amines and metabolites were measured, change in 3-hydroxykynurenine predicted clinical outcome in a multiple regression model. These findings point toward the need to examine the role of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

Impulsivity ratings in bulimia nervosa: relationship to binge eating behaviors.

Although impulsive behavioral patterns are often described by patients with bulimia nervosa, there has been little formal evaluation of the relationship between impulsivity and eating-related symptomatology in this disorder. In this controlled outpatient study, ratings on the Barratt Impulsivity Scale were significantly elevated in 20 women with bulimia nervosa in comparison to 20 healthy female volunteers. Frequency of binge eating episodes was not significantly correlated with impulsivity ratings. Although these results indicate increased prevalence of impulsive behavioral style in patients with bulimia nervosa, impulsivity per se does not appear to be a predictor of symptom severity as reflected in frequency of bulimic episodes.

Comparison of eight isolates of beet yellows virus by filter hybridisation and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay

SUMMARYAn improved method of virus purification was developed for beet yellows virus (BYV), which resulted in higher virus yields and fewer broken particles than from other methods.Double antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was not able to differentiate eight isolates of BYV, but filter hybridisation analyses, using cloned cDNA from one of the isolates as the probe was successful in distinguishing some of these isolates.The degree of hybridisation did not correlate with the severity of the symptoms associated with infection by isolates. Therefore, hybridisation cannot be used as a means of predicting symptom severity. The hybridisation data also indicated that the isolates consisted of stable mixtures of strains.Cross‐hybridisation of clones derived from one isolate indicated that certain areas of the BYV genome cloned preferentially to other areas.