Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158-Met polymorphism and a response of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms to methylphenidate: A replication study from South Korea

We investigated the association between the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158-Met (rs4680) genotype and both subjective and objective treatment responses to methylphenidate in Korean children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We enrolled 120 medication-naïve children with ADHD in an open-label, 8-week trial of methylphenidate. The participants were genotyped and evaluated using the Clinical Global Impression Scale and the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS), and completed the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) before and after treatment. We found a significant association between the COMT Val/Val genotype and a good response, in terms of hyperactive-impulsive scores on the ADHD-RS (odds ratio (OR) = 2.61; p = 0.044) and response-time variability on the CPT (OR = 2.66; p = 0.028). The association of the COMT Val/Val genotype with a good response, in terms of response time variability, was significant in both the sub-sample of combined-type (OR = 3.45; p = 0.026) and sub-sample of inattentive-type (OR = 5.52; p = 0.029); but the association with a good response in terms of hyperactive-impulsive scores was not significant in sub-sample analyses. Although the reported nominally significant associations did not stay significant after correcting for multiple testing, our results support previous findings about the possible involvement of the COMT (Val158-Met) polymorphism in the treatment response to methylphenidate in children with ADHD.
Changes in hospital and out-patient events and costs following implant naltrexone treatment for problematic alcohol use

The harmful use of alcohol places a considerable burden on the community, both socially and financially. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of implant naltrexone is associated with a reduction in health care events and costs in patients treated for problematic alcohol use. Ninety four patients (60.6% male) treated between 2002 and 2007 were matched against state hospital, emergency department (ED), mental health out-patients and mortality data sets for 6 months prior to and 6 months post treatment. The number of patients, events, and costs associated with each health event were compared before and after treatment. Overall health care events and costs were reduced from $509033 prior to treatment to $270001 following treatment. Costs associated with hospital admission showed the most significant reduction, falling from $424605 (82 admissions/36 patients) before treatment to $203462 (43 admission/24 patients) after. While costs associated with ED attendances also fell ($74885 to $54712), costs associated with mental health out-patient attendances increased ($9543 to $11827). The use of implant naltrexone was associated with a reduction health events and costs in patients with problematic alcohol use in the first 6 months following treatment.
Family structure and reproductive health decision making among the Ogu of Southwestern Nigeria: a qualitative study

Abstract This study examines the structure of the Ogu family and its influence on reproductive health decision-making using a qualitative approach. Data were sourced through nine focus groups organized in the study area among married men and women. The data reveal that the family structure in the study area is changing, although the dominant pattern remains extended. The findings of the study suggest that there are on-going internal transformations that tend to enhance gender equity in reproductive health decision-making between husbands and wives. These changes may be attributed to the widespread influence of western culture and the spread of education in the study population, which are necessary concomitants of economic, political and cultural changes taking place in the society. Resume Cet article examine la structure de la famille Ogu et son influence sur la prise de decision en matiere de sante de la reproduction. Les donnees utilisees sont des donnees qualitatives obtenues a partir de 9 "Focus Group" organises entre hommes et femmes mariees du milieu d'etude. Les donnees montrent que la structure de la famille dans ce milieu d'etude evolue bien que le type dominant reste la famille elargie. Les resultats de l'etude montrent que des transformations internes tendant a promouvoir l'egalite entre les genres en matiere de prise de decision concernant la sante de la reproduction entre epoux et epouses sont entrain de s'operer. Ces evolutions peuvent etre dues par l'influence croissante de la culture occidentale et la generalisation de l'education dans la population etudiee qui accompagnent necessairement les transformations economiques, politiques et culturelles en cours dans la societe.
Functional brain connectivity phenotypes for schizophrenia drug discovery

While our knowledge of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia has increased dramatically, this has not translated into the development of new and improved drugs to treat this disorder. Human brain imaging and electrophysiological studies have provided dramatic new insight into the mechanisms of brain dysfunction in the disease, with a swathe of recent studies highlighting the differences in functional brain network and neural system connectivity present in the disorder. Only recently has the value of applying these approaches in preclinical rodent models relevant to the disorder started to be recognised. Here we highlight recent findings of altered functional brain connectivity in preclinical rodent models and consider their relevance to those alterations seen in the brains of schizophrenia patients. Furthermore, we highlight the potential translational value of using the paradigm of functional brain connectivity phenotypes in the context of preclinical schizophrenia drug discovery, as a means both to understand the mechanisms of brain dysfunction in the disorder and to reduce the current high attrition rate in schizophrenia drug discovery.
Does melatonin treatment change emotional processing? Implications for understanding the antidepressant mechanism of agomelatine

The antidepressant, agomelatine, has a novel pharmacological profile, with agonist properties at M1 and M2 receptors and antagonist properties at 5HT2C receptors. Whether the antidepressant effects of this treatment are mediated by the drug’s effects at the M1 and M2 receptors or the 5HT2C receptor or a synergy between these actions remains unclear. In the present study, a healthy volunteer model of emotional processing, which discriminates between effective and non-effective antidepressant compounds, was used to assess the contribution of melatonin agonism to the efficacy of agomelatine. Fifty-eight healthy volunteers were randomised to receive 7 days of once daily treatment with either 1 mg melatonin, 3 mg melatonin or placebo. Seven days treatment with 3 mg melatonin resulted in earlier bedtimes consistent with a phase advance in circadian rhythm. Some marginal effects of melatonin were observed on emotional processing; however, these were neither consistent with nor comparable to those seen following conventional antidepressant treatment or with agomelatine itself. These data suggest that the antidepressant action of agomelatine cannot be accounted for solely by its action at the M1 and M2 receptors.
Factors associated with suicide by firearm among U.S. older adult men

Suicide is a leading cause of death in older adulthood, and most (80%) older men who die of suicide do so with firearms. This paper examines a number of risk factors and precipitating circumstances that contribute to suicidal behavior involving firearms among men aged 65 and older. Data were obtained from the 2003 to 2007 National Violent Death Reporting System restricted access database. Using multivariate logistic regression, a model was developed to differentiate older male suicide decedents who used firearms from those who used other suicide methods. The results show that the presence of a health problem at the time of death was one of the best predictors of suicide with a firearm. Place of suicide (predominantly rural) and veteran status further increased likelihood of firearm use among older men. Suicides occurring in mostly rural counties and in the South were significantly more likely to involve firearms. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for suicide researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and men and masculinity scholars. Language: en
Does acute tobacco smoking prevent cue-induced craving?

Background: Smoking cessation aids appear to be limited in their ability to prevent craving triggered by exposure to smoking-associated stimuli; however, the extent to which cue-induced cravings persist following denicotinized or nicotine-containing tobacco smoking is not known. Methods: Thirty (17 male) ⩾12-hour abstinent dependent smokers completed two sessions during which they smoked a nicotine-containing or denicotinized cigarette. Instructions regarding the nicotine content of the cigarette varied across sessions, and all participants were exposed to a neutral cue followed by a smoking cue after cigarette consumption. Craving was assessed before and after cigarette consumption and cue exposure. Results: Reduced intentions to smoke were associated with both nicotine expectancy (p<0.05) and nicotine administration (p<0.01), while reduced withdrawal-related craving was uniquely associated with nicotine administration (p<0.05). Smoking-associated stimuli increased craving regardless of nicotine expectancy or administration (p-values<0.001). Conclusions: While both nicotine pharmacology and expectancy appear to contribute to craving reduction associated with acute tobacco smoking, neither smoking-related nicotine administration nor expectation prevents increases in craving following exposure to smoking-associated stimuli. These findings suggest that cue-induced craving may be resistant to various pharmacological and psychological interventions.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

INTRODUCTION: Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The antioxidant vitamin E ( f -tocopherol) has been shown to slow down the onset and progression of paralysis in transgenic mice expressing a mutation in superoxide dismutase found in certain forms of familial ALS. The current study was designed to determine whether a-tocopherol (500 mg b.i.d.) may be efficacious in the treatment of ALS. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-nine patients with ALS of less than 5 years duration, treated with riluzole, were enrolled in this study, and were randomly assigned to receive either a-tocopherol or placebo daily for one year. The primary outcome measure was the rate of deterioration of function assessed by the modified Norris limb scale. Patients were assessed at entry, and every 3 months thereafter during the study period. Survival was also recorded. Biochemical markers of oxidative stress were measured in a subset of patients on entry and after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: After 12 months of treatment, a-tocopherol had no effect on the primary outcome measure. Survival was not influenced by treatment. Among secondary outcome measures, patients given a-tocopherol were less likely to progress from the milder state A to the more severe state B ( P = 0.046) of the ALS Health State scale. After 3 months treatment, analysis of oxidative stress markers showed an increase in glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma ( P = 0.0389) and a decrease in plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species ( P = 0.0055) in the group of patients given f -tocopherol in combination with riluzole. CONCLUSION: Although f -tocopherol did not appear to affect the survival and motor function in ALS, patients receiving riluzole plus f -tocopherol remained longer in the milder states of the ALS Health State scale and showed, after 3 months, changes in biochemical markers of oxidative stress. Further studies are required to confirm the greater sensitivity of the ALS Health State scale over other clinical endpoints. (ALS 2001; 2: 9-18)
Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences

Acute and enduring adverse effects of psilocybin have been reported anecdotally, but have not been well characterized. For this study, 1993 individuals (mean age 30 yrs; 78% male) completed an online survey about their single most psychologically difficult or challenging experience (worst “bad trip”) after consuming psilocybin mushrooms. Thirty-nine percent rated it among the top five most challenging experiences of his/her lifetime. Eleven percent put self or others at risk of physical harm; factors increasing the likelihood of risk included estimated dose, duration and difficulty of the experience, and absence of physical comfort and social support. Of the respondents, 2.6% behaved in a physically aggressive or violent manner and 2.7% received medical help. Of those whose experience occurred >1 year before, 7.6% sought treatment for enduring psychological symptoms. Three cases appeared associated with onset of enduring psychotic symptoms and three cases with attempted suicide. Multiple regression analysis showed degree of difficulty was positively associated, and duration was negatively associated, with enduring increases in well-being. Difficulty of experience was positively associated with dose. Despite difficulties, 84% endorsed benefiting from the experience. The incidence of risky behavior or enduring psychological distress is extremely low when psilocybin is given in laboratory studies to screened, prepared, and supported participants.
Pharmacological interactions between brivaracetam and ethanol in healthy males

This double-blind, randomized, three-way crossover study explored the potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between ethanol and brivaracetam in 18 healthy males, as required for the development of CNS-active drugs. Subjects received (A) ethanol+brivaracetam, (B) ethanol placebo+brivaracetam and (C) ethanol+brivaracetam placebo. Ethanol was infused as a 5.5-hour intravenous clamp with the first 0.5-hour as loading phase to a target level of 0.6 g/L, and brivaracetam was orally administered as a single 200 mg dose. No relevant pharmacokinetic interactions were observed. Co-administration of brivaracetam and ethanol resulted in decreased saccadic peak velocity, smooth pursuit, adaptive tracking and VAS alertness, and increased body sway, saccadic reaction time and VAS score for ethanol effect compared with brivaracetam alone or ethanol alone. Additionally, the immediate word recall scores were generally lower when brivaracetam was co-administered with ethanol, whereas the delayed word test did not show clear additional effects. A post-hoc exploratory analysis for supra-additivity suggested that most pharmacodynamic effects were likely to be additive in nature, except for adaptive tracking, which appeared to be slightly supra-additive. In conclusion, brivaracetam increased ethanol effects on psychomotor function, attention and memory in healthy males. Intake of brivaracetam with alcohol is not recommended.
Systematic review of the psychological consequences of terrorism among child victims

Terrorist acts have an enormous potential to produce trauma, especially in vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents. However, few studies have analysed the potentially adverse effects of terrorism on child victims. The present article systematically reviews the literature on the psychological consequences which exposure to acts of terrorism can have for children. A total of 54 publications were reviewed, the majority originating from the USA (72.22%) and linked to the 9/11 attacks in New York (50%). Most of the studies analysed post-traumatic symptoms (64.81%) in children who were indirect victims through exposure to media reports about the attack (33.33%). There is a need for trained professionals to work with child victims of terrorism; they must be able to recognize the symptoms associated with these experiences, as well as the damaging effects they may have on children.
The Evolution of System-Call Monitoring

Computer security systems protect computers and networks from unauthorized use by external agents and insiders. The similarities between computer security and the problem of protecting a body against damage from externally and internally generated threats are compelling and were recognized as early as 1972 when the term computer virus was coined. The connection to immunology was made explicit in the mid 1990s, leading to a variety of prototypes, commercial products, attacks, and analyses. The paper reviews one thread of this active research area, focusing on system-call monitoring and its application to anomaly intrusion detection and response. The paper discusses the biological principles illustrated by the method, followed by a brief review of how system call monitoring was used in anomaly intrusion detection and the results that were obtained. Proposed attacks against the method are discussed, along with several important branches of research that have arisen since the original papers were published. These include other data modeling methods, extensions to the original system call method, and rate limiting responses. Finally, the significance of this body of work and areas of possible future investigation are outlined in the conclusion.
Binge drinking affects brain oscillations linked to motor inhibition and execution

Introduction: Neurofunctional studies have shown that binge drinking patterns of alcohol consumption during adolescence and youth are associated with anomalies in brain functioning. Recent evidence suggests that event-related oscillations may be an appropriate index of neurofunctional damage associated with alcoholism. However, there is no study to date that has evaluated the effects of binge drinking on oscillatory brain responses related to task performance. The purpose of the present study was to examine brain oscillations linked to motor inhibition and execution in young binge drinkers (BDs) compared with age-matched controls. Methods: Electroencephalographic activity was recorded from 64 electrodes while 72 university students (36 controls and 36 BDs) performed a visual Go/NoGo task. Event-related oscillations along with the Go-P3 and NoGo-P3 event-related potential components were analysed. Results: While no significant differences between groups were observed regarding event-related potentials, event-related oscillation analysis showed that BDs displayed a lower oscillatory response than controls in delta and theta frequency ranges during Go and NoGo conditions. Conclusions: Findings are congruent with event-related oscillation studies showing reduced delta and/or theta oscillations in alcoholics during Go/NoGo tasks. Thus, BDs appear to show disruptions in neural oscillations linked to motor inhibition and execution similar to those observed in alcohol-dependent subjects. Finally, these results are the first to evidence that oscillatory brain activity may be a sensitive indicator of underlying brain anomalies in young BDs, which could complement standard event-related potential measures.
Dietary modulation of cortical excitation and inhibition

The balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain affects both neural responses and behaviour in humans and animals. Here we investigated whether dietary intervention aimed at increasing levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can influence neural responses to basic sensory stimuli. Using a steady-state electroencephalography (EEG) paradigm, we found that the neural response to visual patterns was reduced in individuals who consumed a yeast extract product rich in substances associated with the production of GABA (glutamate and B vitamins), but not in a control group who consumed a placebo substance (n = 14 per group). This demonstrates that the balance of excitation and inhibition in the brain can be influenced by dietary interventions, suggesting possible clinical benefits in conditions (e.g. epilepsy) where inhibition is abnormal.
Treatments, outcomes, and costs for AMI patients in Taiwan

This study examines the treatment-outcome and treatment-cost relationships for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) in Taiwan, where National Health Insurance (NHI) was adopted in 1995. We assessed usage trends in technologically advanced procedural treatments for 31,226 AMI patients from 1997 to 2001, isolated the effects of changes in treatment usage on mortality and medical spending, and compared the values of estimated life-gains to their associated cost increases. Taiwan's experience suggests that by providing comprehensive coverage and by controlling provider prices, NHI was able to improve population-level health by making available technologically advanced procedural treatments while at the same time managing the inflationary pressures associated with these innovations.
Parental Burden in Families with a Young Food-allergic Child

The purpose of this study is to describe the parental burden in families with a food-allergic child under the age of four. This study was carried out using a descriptive correlational research design. The subjects of this study were 104 families with a young food-allergic child who observed a restricted diet. The majority of the children were allergic to many nutritionally central foods like milk and cereals. Data were collected in the spring of 2007 from both public and private sectors and from voluntary groups for parents of children with food allergies using questionnaires. The parental burden was measured using the Family Quality of Life—Parental Burden instrument. The collected data were analysed by descriptive statistics, including Pearson's correlations and t-tests for independent samples. Most of the respondents were married mothers educated to third-level degree. The mean age of the children was 1.94. The areas of family life most affected by the child's food allergy were meal preparation, social activities, and attending group activities such as daycare. Respondents stated that they had trouble with emotional issues, health and nutritional concerns, leaving the child in the care of others, and taking special precautions before going out. They were not very worried that the child would not recover from allergy symptoms or would not have a normal upbringing because of the allergy. They were also not worried about their child eating near other children or about their own ability to help if the child has an allergic reaction. The tearfulness of the child, sleep difficulties, and diarrhoea were significantly associated with parental burden. In addition, it seems that the number of suitable foods and the early manifestation of the symptoms are connected to parental burden. These findings underline the idea that some families with a young food-allergic child face an extremely high burden that should be addressed with different kinds of interventions. However, the negative effects of a child's food allergy are especially found outside the home.