Devastating endosulfan poisoning in Korean native cattle / 대한수의학회지

Here, we report the poisoning case of 10 cows. Several distinct clinical signs such as convulsion, excessive salivation, circling, lateral recumbency, and death were observed. Necropsy and histopathological examination did not reveal any significant abnormal findings. Moreover, no bacteria or viruses were detected in tissue, blood, and feeding food. However, endosulfan was detected from the stomach contents and microbials. Our results strongly suggest that death of cows may be closely associated with endosulfan poisoning.

Cognitive Dysfunctions and Soft Neurological Signs in Schizophrenic Patients / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: Clinical studies have shown cognitive dysfunctions and soft neurological signs in schizophrenic patients and these findings have been suggested as evidence of organic bases in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This study was intended to investigate the characteristics of cognitive deficits and soft neurological signs in schizophrenia and, to determine whether any abnormality in these functions can be regarded as a trait marker of the illness which is independent of antipsychotic treatment and clinical improvement. We also investigated the correlation between cognitive deficits and soft neurological signs reflecting cognitive dysmetria, respectively. METHODS: Twenty schizophrenic patients were assessed for the soft neurological signs and cognitive functions before and after neuroleptic treatment. The patients had been medicated for at least 3 weeks with one of the atypical neuroleptics. Cognitive functions were evaluated by Trail making A, B, Stroop test and Word fluency test. Soft neurological signs were assessed by Cambridge Neurological Inventory(Part 2). Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS) and Clinical Global Impression(CGI) were used to assess the clinical severity and Extrapyramidal Symtoms Rating Scale was used to estimate the extrapyramidal symptoms. Cognitive functions and soft neurological signs of twenty normal controls were assessed with the same scale. RESULTS: Before treatment, schizophrenic patients showed significant impairments on cognitive function tests(Trail Making A, B, Stroop Test) and soft neurological sign tests(8 items:Grasp reflex, Go/no-go, Finger thumb opposition, Rhythm tapping, Finger agnosia, Fist-edge-palm, Left-right orientation, Extinction). Although significant clinical improvements were observed after the treatment, there were no significant changes in cognitive functions and soft neurological signs(except for Go/no-go test and Finger agnosia). Among the soft neurological signs of the patients, abnormality in Rhythm tapping was significantly correlated with cognitive deficits. CONCLUSION: Schizophrenic patients showed characteristic cognitive deficits and soft neurological signs which were independent of medication and clinical symptoms. And these two characteristics were partly correlated with each other.

Association between Tardive Dyskinesia and Soft Neurological Signs / 대한정신약물학회지

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to examine association between tardive dyskinesia and soft neurological signs in schizophrenic patients. METHODS: 35 schizophrenic inpatients who met the diagnostic criteria for tardive dyskinesia developed by Schooler and Kane and 30 schizophrenic inpatients without tardive dyskinesia were enrolled in this study. Tardive dyskinesia, soft neurological signs, and cognitive function were evaluated with Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) independently by 2 psychiatrists, respectively. Data of the two schizophrenic groups were compared and also those of 31 normal controls. RESULTS: Total schizophrenics scored higher than normal controls in total mean scores of NES (p<0.01), and its three functional area scores, sensory integration (p<0.01), motor coordination (p<0.05), and sequencing of complex motor acts (p<0.05). Patients with tardive dyskinesia showed higher prevalence rates than those without in 5 items-left graphesthesia (p<0.05), right fist-ring test (p<0.05), right fist-edge-palm test (p<0.05), right synkinesis (p<0.05), and left synkinesis (p<0.05). The total scores of NES were not significantly related to the severity of tardive dyskinesia and cognitive dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Schizophrenics had more soft neurological signs than normal subjects. Five items of NES were more impaired in the patients with tardive dyskinesia than in those without tardive dyskinesia.