339 posts · 240,057 views
I am a physician interested in clinical neuroscience research. I will use this blog to post more detailed analysis of recent studies in addition to my @WRY999 Twitter scientific reading log. I will also post some of my wildlife/sports photography. Aim to educate and amuse. Not selling anything.
William Yates, M.D.
339 posts
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- May 1, 2012
- 11:36 AM
- 350 views
Bipolar Disorder, Lithium and Hippocampal Volume
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Brain neuroimaging studies continue to outline the structural and functional abnormalities in disorders of mood. A relatively consistent finding has been a reduced volume of the brain hippocampus in major depressive disorder. Studies of hippocampal volume in the less common bipolar disorder have been inconsistent--some studies have found reduced hippocampal volumes while others have not.The hippocampus is an important brain region to understand in the mood disorders. The hippoc........ Read more »
Hajek T, Kopecek M, Höschl C, & Alda M. (2012) Smaller hippocampal volumes in patients with bipolar disorder are masked by exposure to lithium: a meta-analysis. Journal of psychiatry , 37(3), 110143. PMID: 22498078
- September 13, 2012
- 10:55 AM
- 343 views
Autism and Happy Face Processing
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
The processing of facial images is a key component of social intelligence. There is an emerging body of research examining the brain response to facial images that display various emotional content including happy faces, sad faces and fearful faces.At the most current complex level, functional MRI allows for analysis of multiple brain regions and circuits. However, a significant limitation of expanding fMRI research is the cost to purchase and maintain the equipment to carry out imag........ Read more »
Sepeta L, Tsuchiya N, Davies MS, Sigman M, Bookheimer SY, & Dapretto M. (2012) Abnormal social reward processing in autism as indexed by pupillary responses to happy faces. Journal of neurodevelopmental disorders, 4(1), 17. PMID: 22958650
- May 21, 2012
- 11:52 AM
- 338 views
First Panic Attack and Agoraphobia
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Panic disorder commonly presents acutely with a first severe panic attack. Many patients can distinctly remember their first attack even years after the onset of the disorder.Agoraphobia may complicate panic disorder. The word agoraphobia stems from the Greek word "agora" meaning gathering place. The Greek agora was the common area for public assembly. People with agoraphobia commonly fear situations where they may be in a crowd of people. They often fear that in such sit........ Read more »
Hara N, Nishimura Y, Yokoyama C, Inoue K, Nishida A, Tanii H, Okada M, Kaiya H, & Okazaki Y. (2012) The development of agoraphobia is associated with the symptoms and location of a patient's first panic attack. BioPsychoSocial medicine, 6(1), 12. PMID: 22494552
- October 16, 2012
- 10:57 AM
- 338 views
Twin Studies of Reading Disorder (Dyslexia)
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
In a previous post, I reviewed recent research into the prevalence of reading disorder, commonly called dyslexia in children and adolescents. The estimated prevalence for dyslexia in girls is estimated at about 7%, while in boys it is estimated as high as 14%. Research confirms high rates of dyslexia in both boys and girls with a diagnosis of ADHD.Twin studies can provide valuable insight into the contribution of genetic and environmental differences in a variety of developmental dis........ Read more »
Hensler BS, Schatschneider C, Taylor J, & Wagner RK. (2010) Behavioral genetic approach to the study of dyslexia. Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP, 31(7), 525-32. PMID: 20814252
Willcutt EG, Betjemann RS, McGrath LM, Chhabildas NA, Olson RK, DeFries JC, & Pennington BF. (2010) Etiology and neuropsychology of comorbidity between RD and ADHD: the case for multiple-deficit models. Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior, 46(10), 1345-61. PMID: 20828676
- September 6, 2012
- 11:42 AM
- 332 views
Cannabis Use and Risk of Depression
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
There are few prospective studies examining the use of cannabis and risk of later depression and other mental disorders. I have previously reviewed two studies that examined the association of cannabis use and later psychosis. One study found increased rates of psychosis in cannabis user with a family history of psychosis. A second study found later psychosis risk elevated with use of cannabis beginning in childhood or adolescence.There is now an additional study examinin........ Read more »
Manrique-Garcia E, Zammit S, Dalman C, Hemmingsson T, & Allebeck P. (2012) Cannabis use and depression: a longitudinal study of a national cohort of Swedish conscripts. BMC psychiatry, 12(1), 112. PMID: 22897939
- October 2, 2012
- 11:09 AM
- 329 views
Weight Gain After Smoking Cessation
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
One barrier to smoking cessation is the risk of weight gain. It is important to understand the amount and pattern of weight gain commonly associated with smoking cessation. Understanding this effect provides clinicians with information to assist patients with smoking cessation interventions.A recent meta-analysis of weight gain following smoking cessation has been published by Aubin and colleagues in the British Medical Journal.This study reviewed 62 research trials of smoking cessat........ Read more »
Aubin HJ, Farley A, Lycett D, Lahmek P, & Aveyard P. (2012) Weight gain in smokers after quitting cigarettes: meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). PMID: 22782848
- September 27, 2012
- 10:03 AM
- 328 views
Prazosin for Nightmares in PTSD
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Nightmares are a common distressing feature in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nightmares pose a difficult clinical challenge as they often do not respond to medications that may reduce other symptoms of PTSD One drug that has received a significant amount of research attention for nightmares is PTSD is the drug prazosin.Prazosin is classified as a sympatholytic drug that is a member of the drug class known as alpha-adrenergic blockers. Prazosin specifically blocks the al........ Read more »
Germain A, Richardson R, Moul DE, Mammen O, Haas G, Forman SD, Rode N, Begley A, & Nofzinger EA. (2012) Placebo-controlled comparison of prazosin and cognitive-behavioral treatments for sleep disturbances in US Military Veterans. Journal of psychosomatic research, 72(2), 89-96. PMID: 22281448
- August 29, 2012
- 10:49 AM
- 323 views
Brain Imaging in PTSD: Part II
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
In my last post I reviewed a recent structural brain imaging study in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study found evidence of thinning of the cerebral cortex in three regions of men 6 months after a mining accident exposure. The next two posts will look at some of the research in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography in PTSD.Functional connectivity studies in a variety of mental disorders show promise for a better understanding of ........ Read more »
Sripada RK, King AP, Garfinkel SN, Wang X, Sripada CS, Welsh RC, & Liberzon I. (2012) Altered resting-state amygdala functional connectivity in men with posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of psychiatry , 37(4), 241-9. PMID: 22313617
- November 29, 2012
- 12:28 PM
- 319 views
Exercise and the Brain: Fatigue
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Aerobic exercise results in improved cardiovascular and muscular health. However, the benefits of exercise on the brain are only now beginning to be understood. In the next series of posts, I will review some recent research addressing the effects of exercise on the brain. One area of research on this topic is understanding the biological mechanism for exercise fatigue and this effect contributes to athletic performance.Historically, the brain was felt to have no significant co........ Read more »
Noakes TD. (2012) Fatigue is a Brain-Derived Emotion that Regulates the Exercise Behavior to Ensure the Protection of Whole Body Homeostasis. Frontiers in physiology, 82. PMID: 22514538
- July 11, 2012
- 11:40 AM
- 317 views
Dogs and Childhood Health
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Pets in the home provide opportunities for a type of social interaction many humans find comforting. Additionally, there appear to be a variety of health benefits associated with dogs and other pets.I have previously posted on the association of regular dog walking with higher rates of meeting physical activity guidelines and lower rates of obesity.Now a recently published research study suggests the presence of a dog (or cat) in the home is associated with lower rates of respiratory illne........ Read more »
Eija Bergroth, Sami Remes, Juha Pekkanen, Timo Kauppila, Gisela Büchele and Leea Keski-Nisula. (2012) Respiratory Tract Illnesses During the First Year of Life: Effect of Dog and Cat Contacts. Pediatrics. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-2825
- September 4, 2012
- 03:27 PM
- 317 views
Behavior and Survival After Age 75
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Smoking cigarettes, low physical activity level and lack of social support are well-known factors associated with mortality in humans. One issue that is less clear is the effect of these and other behaviors on mortality in older populations.One might think that effect of healthy behaviors might diminish with age. For example, an individual who smoked throughout life but has now reached the age of 75 might be someone resistant to the adverse effects of smoking on mortality. In o........ Read more »
Rizzuto D, Orsini N, Qiu C, Wang HX, & Fratiglioni L. (2012) Lifestyle, social factors, and survival after age 75: population based study. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). PMID: 22936786
- November 1, 2012
- 11:25 AM
- 313 views
Red Bull and Driving Performance
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
In previous posts, I have examined some recent research using driving simulation technology. These posts examined the effect of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and sleep apnea on driving performance.In the next two posts, I will take a look at a couple of studies focusing on the effect of pharmacological and training interventions on driving performance. Driving simulators are very useful in examining the response to specific interventions on driving performance.Mets and her........ Read more »
Howland J, Rohsenow DJ, Arnedt JT, Bliss CA, Hunt SK, Calise TV, Heeren T, Winter M, Littlefield C, & Gottlieb DJ. (2011) The acute effects of caffeinated versus non-caffeinated alcoholic beverage on driving performance and attention/reaction time. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 106(2), 335-41. PMID: 21134017
- August 30, 2012
- 11:15 AM
- 311 views
Brain Imaging in PTSD: Part III
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Two previous posts examined structural brain imaging and functional connectivity in the anxiety disorder post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For the final post in this series, I will summarize the findings of of quantitative meta-analysis of fMRI and PET in PTSD.Jasmeet P. Hayes and colleagues from the VA Boston Healthcare System reviewed 79 functional neuroimaging studies published before February of 2011. This review included over 300 PTSD subjects and controls. Data from........ Read more »
Hayes JP, Hayes SM, & Mikedis AM. (2012) Quantitative meta-analysis of neural activity in posttraumatic stress disorder. Biology of mood , 2(1), 9. PMID: 22738125
- July 17, 2012
- 11:37 AM
- 310 views
Sleep Problems Increased in Diabetes
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Diabetes affects an estimated 25.8 million individuals in the United States or approximately 8.3% of the total population. The risk of diabetes increases with age with a prevalence rate of 3.7% in the 20-44 year age group climbing to a prevalence rate of 26.9% of individuals 65 years of age or older.A recent study examined the prevalence of a variety of sleep problems in those with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. Platinga and colleagues compared the rates of the followin........ Read more »
Plantinga L, Rao MN, & Schillinger D. (2012) Prevalence of self-reported sleep problems among people with diabetes in the United States, 2005-2008. Preventing chronic disease. PMID: 22440550
- August 21, 2012
- 12:06 PM
- 310 views
Imaging the Effects of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Commonly available clinical brain imaging techniques do not provide reliable or valid information in mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). This has led to increased research on evolving imaging techniques.Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) hold promise as a potential future clinical brain imaging. DTI can assess microstructure changes in brain white matter. Aoki and colleagues from Japan recently summarized the current knowledge of DTI in mild traumatic brain injury.This review used ........ Read more »
Aoki Y, Inokuchi R, Gunshin M, Yahagi N, & Suwa H. (2012) Diffusion tensor imaging studies of mild traumatic brain injury: a meta-analysis. Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, 83(9), 870-6. PMID: 22797288
- August 27, 2012
- 10:46 AM
- 310 views
Sleep and Parkinson's Disease
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
The neurotransmitter deficiency in Parkinson's disease interacts with important sleep mechanisms. Patients with Parkinson's disease report increased rates of a variety of sleep problems. REM sleep behavior disorder is a disorder commonly linked to Parkinson's disease as well as Lewy body dementia. I have previously posted commentary on a study describing the value of using REM sleep behavior disorder is the differential diagnosis of dementia here.A new study has further examine........ Read more »
Svensson E, Beiske AG, Loge JH, Beiske KK, & Sivertsen B. (2012) Sleep problems in Parkinson¿s disease: a community-based study in Norway. BMC neurology, 12(1), 71. PMID: 22883600
- September 18, 2012
- 10:48 AM
- 308 views
Gambling and the Illusion of Control
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Cognitive and neuropsychological components of pathological gambling play an important role in the understanding of the disorder.One cognitive distortion contributing to gambling behavior is the "illusion of control". Pathological gamblers frequently judge their own betting skills as superior to other gamblers. This judgement can stem from a belief that somehow one's expertise or knowledge provides an advantage against other bettors.An example of illusion of control might be someone ........ Read more »
Khazaal Y, Chatton A, Billieux J, Bizzini L, Monney G, Fresard E, Thorens G, Bondolfi G, El-Guebaly N, Zullino D.... (2012) Effects of expertise on football betting. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 7(1), 18. PMID: 22578101
- August 16, 2012
- 11:03 AM
- 307 views
Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea in Hypertension
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Sleep apnea occurs at higher rates in those with hypertension compared to those without hypertension. Some of this elevated risk may be due sharing of obesity as a risk factor. The identification of sleep apnea in those with hypertension is clinically important. Sleep apnea may contribute to blood pressure elevation. Additionally, sleep apnea appears to independently contribute to risk for cardiovascular mortality. Some of this increased vascular risk may relate to the sy........ Read more »
Broström A, Sunnergren O, Årestedt K, Johansson P, Ulander M, Riegel B, & Svanborg E. (2012) Factors associated with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea in hypertensive primary care patients. Scandinavian journal of primary health care, 30(2), 107-13. PMID: 22643156
- July 13, 2012
- 12:05 PM
- 305 views
Biomarkers in Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
Precuneus Region in Teal Color in Posterior BrainThe timing and sequence of brain changes in Alzheimer's disease are important factors for improving early diagnosis and treatment. Key research tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) provide methods to better understand the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.The research design needed to optimally understand the development of Alzheimer's disease would be a large prospective longitudinal stu........ Read more »
Bateman RJ, Xiong C, Benzinger TL, Fagan AM, Goate A, Fox NC, Marcus DS, Cairns NJ, Xie X, Blazey TM.... (2012) Clinical and Biomarker Changes in Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Disease. The New England journal of medicine. PMID: 22784036
- December 3, 2012
- 11:18 AM
- 305 views
Did Exercise Lead to Bigger Human Brains?
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
In a series of posts, I am examining recent research related to exercise and the brain. In the first post in this series, I summarized some evidence of the role of the brain in exercise-related fatigue.In this post, I will review a hypothesis that aerobic physical activity (APA) played a key role in the evolution and growth of the human brain.Raichlen and Polk have recently published a review on this topic in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society.This review begins by noting the rec........ Read more »
Raichlen DA, & Polk JD. (2013) Linking brains and brawn: exercise and the evolution of human neurobiology. Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society, 280(1750), 20122250. PMID: 23173208
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