Improving Voltage Stability Margin Using Voltage Profile and Sensitivity Analysis by Neural Network

This paper presents a new approach for estimating and improving voltage stability margin from phase and magnitude profile of bus voltages using sensitivity analysis of Voltage Stability Assessment Neural Network (VSANN). Bus voltage profile contains useful information about system stability margin including the effect of load-generation, line outage and reactive power compensation so, it is adopted as input pattern for VSANN. In fact, VSANN establishes a functionality for VSM with respect to voltage profile. Sensitivity analysis of VSM with respect to voltage profile and reactive power compensation extracted from information stored in the weighting factor of VSANN, is the most dominant feature of the proposed approach. Sensitivity of VSM helps one to select most effective buses for reactive power compensation aimed enhancing VSM. The proposed approach has been applied on IEEE 39-bus test system which demonstrated applicability of the proposed approach

A Novel Index for Online Voltage Stability Assessment Based on Correlation Characteristic of Voltage Profiles

Abstract: Voltage instability is a major threat for security of power systems. Preserving voltage security margin at a certain limit is a vital requirement for today’s power systems. Assessment of voltage security margin is a challenging task demanding sophisticated indices. In this paper, for the purpose of on line voltage security assessment a new index based on the correlation characteristic of network voltage profile is proposed. Voltage profile comprising all bus voltages contains the effect of network structure, load-generation patterns and reactive power compensation on the system behaviour and voltage security margin. Therefore, the proposed index is capable to clearly reveal the effect of system characteristics and events on the voltage security margin. The most attractive feature for this index is its fast and easy calculation from synchronously measured voltage profile without any need to system modelling and simulation and without any dependency on network size. At any instant of system operation by merely measuring network voltage profile and no further simulation calculation this index could be evaluated with respect to a specific reference profile. The results show that the behaviour of this index with respect to the change in system security is independent of the selected reference profile. The simplicity and easy calculation make this index very suitable for on line application. The proposed approach has been demonstrated on IEEE 39 bus test system with promising results showing its effectiveness and applicability

Palmitoylethanolamide as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial

Background: Experimental studies provide evidence for antidepressant effects of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in animal models of depression. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of PEA add-on therapy in treatment of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: In a randomized double-blind, and placebo-controlled study, 58 patients with MDD (DSM-5) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score � 19 were randomized to receive either 600 mg twice daily Palmitoylethanolamide or placebo in addition to citalopram for six weeks. Patients were assessed using the HAM-D scale at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6. Results: Fifty-four individuals completed the trial. At week 2, patients in the PEA group demonstrated significantly greater reduction in HAM-D scores compared to the placebo group (8.30 ± 2.41 vs. 5.81 ± 3.57, P =.004). The PEA group also demonstrated significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms F (3, 156) = 3.35, P =.021 compared to the placebo group throughout the trial period. The patients in the PEA group experienced more response rate (� 50% reduction in the HAM-D score) than the placebo group (100% vs. 74% respectively, P =.01) at the end of the trial. Baseline parameters and frequency of side effects were not significantly different between the two groups. Limitations: The population size in this study was small and the follow-up period was relatively short. Conclusions: Palmitoylethanolamide adjunctive therapy to citalopram can effectively improve symptoms of patients (predominantly male gender) with major depressive disorder. PEA showed rapid-onset antidepressant effects which need further investigation. © 2018 Elsevier B.V

Palmitoylethanolamide as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial

Background: Experimental studies provide evidence for antidepressant effects of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in animal models of depression. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of PEA add-on therapy in treatment of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: In a randomized double-blind, and placebo-controlled study, 58 patients with MDD (DSM-5) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score � 19 were randomized to receive either 600 mg twice daily Palmitoylethanolamide or placebo in addition to citalopram for six weeks. Patients were assessed using the HAM-D scale at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6. Results: Fifty-four individuals completed the trial. At week 2, patients in the PEA group demonstrated significantly greater reduction in HAM-D scores compared to the placebo group (8.30 ± 2.41 vs. 5.81 ± 3.57, P =.004). The PEA group also demonstrated significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms F (3, 156) = 3.35, P =.021 compared to the placebo group throughout the trial period. The patients in the PEA group experienced more response rate (� 50% reduction in the HAM-D score) than the placebo group (100% vs. 74% respectively, P =.01) at the end of the trial. Baseline parameters and frequency of side effects were not significantly different between the two groups. Limitations: The population size in this study was small and the follow-up period was relatively short. Conclusions: Palmitoylethanolamide adjunctive therapy to citalopram can effectively improve symptoms of patients (predominantly male gender) with major depressive disorder. PEA showed rapid-onset antidepressant effects which need further investigation. © 2018 Elsevier B.V

Citicoline (CDP-choline) add-on therapy to risperidone for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of citicoline add-on therapy in treatment of negative symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia. Methods: In a double-blind and placebo-controlled study, patients with stable schizophrenia (DSM-5) were randomized to receive either 2,500 mg/day citicoline or placebo in addition to risperidone for 8 weeks. The patients were assessed using the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), the extrapyramidal symptom rating scale (ESRS), and Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS). The primary outcome was the difference in PANSS negative subscale score reduction from baseline to week 8 between the citicoline and the placebo groups. Results: Sixty-six individuals (out of 73 enrolled) completed the trial. The citicoline group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in negative scores, F(1.840, 118.360) = 8.383, p =.001, as well as general psychopathology, F(1.219, 78.012) = 6.636, p =.008; change in general psychopathology did not remain significant after adjustment, and total PANSS scores, F(1.633, 104.487) = 15.400, p <.001, compared with the placebo. HDRS scores and its changes, ESRS score, and frequency of other side effects were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: Citicoline add-on therapy to risperidone can effectively improve the primary negative symptoms of patients with schizophrenia. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Red yeast rice as an adjunct to sertraline for treatment of depression in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention: Placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: Red yeast rice (RYR) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in animal studies. The aim of this study was to access the efficacy of RYR for treatment of depression in patients with recent history of percutaneous coronary intervention. Design: This was a 6-week double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Setting: Participants included outpatient men and women aged 18 to 60 years old with history of coronary angioplasty, diagnosis of major depressive disorder based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score of �20. Candidates were excluded in case of any other DSM-V disorders, use of lipid lowering agents in the last two weeks, elevated serum aminotransferases or serum LDL � 80 mg/dL. Interventions: Patients received sertraline (200 mg/day) plus either red yeast rice commercially available capsules (2400 mg/day) containing 10.05 mg/day lovastatin or placebo. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the difference in mean change of the HDRS score from baseline to endpoint between the two treatment arms. Results: The primary outcome approached significance (Mean difference in score change(CI95) = �1.24 (�2.51 to 0.03), p =.056) and was accompanied by a significant time � treatment interaction effect Two-way ANOVA: F (df, mean square) = 4.42 (2, 13.687), p =.015. There was no significant difference between the two treatment arms in terms of lipid profile, liver function tests, or incidence of adverse events. Conclusions: This is the first report on the benefits of RYR in treatment of depression. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings and scrutinize the mechanisms of action. © 2018 Elsevier Lt

Red yeast rice as an adjunct to sertraline for treatment of depression in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention: Placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: Red yeast rice (RYR) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in animal studies. The aim of this study was to access the efficacy of RYR for treatment of depression in patients with recent history of percutaneous coronary intervention. Design: This was a 6-week double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Setting: Participants included outpatient men and women aged 18 to 60 years old with history of coronary angioplasty, diagnosis of major depressive disorder based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score of �20. Candidates were excluded in case of any other DSM-V disorders, use of lipid lowering agents in the last two weeks, elevated serum aminotransferases or serum LDL � 80 mg/dL. Interventions: Patients received sertraline (200 mg/day) plus either red yeast rice commercially available capsules (2400 mg/day) containing 10.05 mg/day lovastatin or placebo. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the difference in mean change of the HDRS score from baseline to endpoint between the two treatment arms. Results: The primary outcome approached significance (Mean difference in score change(CI95) = �1.24 (�2.51 to 0.03), p = .056) and was accompanied by a significant time � treatment interaction effect Two-way ANOVA: F (df, mean square) = 4.42 (2, 13.687), p = .015. There was no significant difference between the two treatment arms in terms of lipid profile, liver function tests, or incidence of adverse events. Conclusions: This is the first report on the benefits of RYR in treatment of depression. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings and scrutinize the mechanisms of action. © 2018 Elsevier Lt

Red yeast rice as an adjunct to sertraline for treatment of depression in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention: Placebo-controlled trial

Objectives: Red yeast rice (RYR) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in animal studies. The aim of this study was to access the efficacy of RYR for treatment of depression in patients with recent history of percutaneous coronary intervention. Design: This was a 6-week double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Setting: Participants included outpatient men and women aged 18 to 60 years old with history of coronary angioplasty, diagnosis of major depressive disorder based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score of �20. Candidates were excluded in case of any other DSM-V disorders, use of lipid lowering agents in the last two weeks, elevated serum aminotransferases or serum LDL � 80 mg/dL. Interventions: Patients received sertraline (200 mg/day) plus either red yeast rice commercially available capsules (2400 mg/day) containing 10.05 mg/day lovastatin or placebo. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the difference in mean change of the HDRS score from baseline to endpoint between the two treatment arms. Results: The primary outcome approached significance (Mean difference in score change(CI95) = �1.24 (�2.51 to 0.03), p = .056) and was accompanied by a significant time � treatment interaction effect Two-way ANOVA: F (df, mean square) = 4.42 (2, 13.687), p = .015. There was no significant difference between the two treatment arms in terms of lipid profile, liver function tests, or incidence of adverse events. Conclusions: This is the first report on the benefits of RYR in treatment of depression. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings and scrutinize the mechanisms of action. © 2018 Elsevier Lt

L-carnosine as an add-on to risperidone for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial

Since l-carnosine has shown effectiveness in improvement of cognition in patients with schizophrenia, this 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted. Sixty-three patients with chronic schizophrenia, who were clinically stable on a stable dose of risperidone, entered the study. The patients were randomly assigned to l-carnosine (2 gr/day in two divided doses) or placebo for eight weeks. The patients were assessed using the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), extrapyramidal symptom rating scale (ESRS), and Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) during the study course. Sixty patients completed the trial. L-carnosine resulted in greater improvement of negative scores as well as total PANSS scores but not positive subscale scores compared to placebo. HDRS scores and its changes did not differ between the two groups. Both groups demonstrated a constant ESRS score during the trial course. Frequency of other side effects was not significantly different between the two groups. In a multiple regression analysis model (controlled for positive, general psychopathology, depressive and extrapyramidal symptoms, as well as other variables), the treatment group significantly predicted changes in primary negative symptoms. In conclusion, l-carnosine add-on therapy can safely and effectively reduce the primary negative symptoms of patients with schizophrenia. © 201

L-carnosine as an add-on to risperidone for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial

Since l-carnosine has shown effectiveness in improvement of cognition in patients with schizophrenia, this 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted. Sixty-three patients with chronic schizophrenia, who were clinically stable on a stable dose of risperidone, entered the study. The patients were randomly assigned to l-carnosine (2 gr/day in two divided doses) or placebo for eight weeks. The patients were assessed using the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), extrapyramidal symptom rating scale (ESRS), and Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) during the study course. Sixty patients completed the trial. L-carnosine resulted in greater improvement of negative scores as well as total PANSS scores but not positive subscale scores compared to placebo. HDRS scores and its changes did not differ between the two groups. Both groups demonstrated a constant ESRS score during the trial course. Frequency of other side effects was not significantly different between the two groups. In a multiple regression analysis model (controlled for positive, general psychopathology, depressive and extrapyramidal symptoms, as well as other variables), the treatment group significantly predicted changes in primary negative symptoms. In conclusion, l-carnosine add-on therapy can safely and effectively reduce the primary negative symptoms of patients with schizophrenia. © 201