bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imbalanced Synaptic Plasticity Induced Spatial Cognition Impairment in Male Offspring Rats Treated with Chronic Prenatal Ethanol Exposure
Authors: An Lei , Yang Zhuo , Zhang Tao 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundAs chronic prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure (CPEE) may cause deficiencies in a variety of behavioral and cognitive functions, the aim of present study is to investigate the effects of CPEE on spatial learning and memory and examine the action of CPEE on synaptic plasticity balance in the hippocampus of adolescent male rats.MethodsThe animal model was produced by EtOH exposure throughout gestational period with 4 g/kg bodyweight, while the male offspring rats were used in the study. Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed, and then, long‐term potentiation (LTP) and depotentiation were recorded from Schaffer collaterals to CA1 region in the hippocampus.ResultsIt was shown that escape latencies in learning period and re‐acquisition period were prolonged in CPEE‐treated group compared with that in control group. Furthermore, LTP was drastically inhibited, and depotentiation was distinctly enhanced in CPEE‐treated group compared with that in control group.ConclusionsIt is suggested that the balance between cognitive stability and flexibility was broken by the bidirectional effects of long‐term synaptic plasticity. In addition, the spatial cognition was attenuated by the alteration of synaptic plasticity balance in CPEE‐treated male adolescent rats.
Longitudinal Associations Between Smoking Cessation Medications and Alcohol Consumption Among Smokers in the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey
Authors: McKee Sherry A. , Young‐Wolff Kelly C. , Harrison Emily L. R. , Cummings K. Michael , Borland Ron , Kahler Christopher W. , Fong Geoffrey T. , Hyland Andrew 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundAvailable evidence suggests that quitting smoking does not alter alcohol consumption. However, smoking cessation medications may have a direct impact on alcohol consumption independent of any effects on smoking cessation. Using an international longitudinal epidemiological sample of smokers, we evaluated whether smoking cessation medications altered alcohol consumption independent of quitting smoking.MethodsLongitudinal data were analyzed from the International Tobacco Control Four Country (ITC‐4) Survey between 2007 and 2008, a telephone survey of nationally representative samples of smokers from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States (n = 4,995). Quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, use of smoking cessation medications (varenicline, nicotine replacement [NRT], and no medications), and smoking behavior were assessed across 2 yearly waves. Controlling for baseline drinking and changes in smoking status, we evaluated whether smoking cessation medications were associated with reduced alcohol consumption.ResultsVarenicline was associated with a reduced likelihood of any drinking compared with nicotine replacement (OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.94), and consuming alcohol once a month or more compared to nicotine replacement (OR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.69) or no medication (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.99). Nicotine replacement was associated with an increased likelihood of consuming alcohol once a month or more compared to no medication (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.25). Smoking cessation medications were not associated with more frequent drinking (once a week or more) or typical quantity consumed per episode. Medication effects on drinking frequency were independent of smoking cessation.ConclusionsThis epidemiological investigation demonstrated that varenicline was associated with a reduced frequency of alcohol consumption. Continued work should clarify under what conditions nicotine replacement therapies may increase or decrease patterns of alcohol consumption.
A naturalistic evaluation and audit database of agomelatine: clinical outcome at 12 weeks
Authors: Sparshatt A. , McAllister Williams R. H. , Baldwin D. S. , Haddad P. M. , Bazire S. , Weston E. , Taylor P. , Taylor D. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of agomelatine in routine clinical practice and explore factors associated with response and continuation.MethodConsecutive patients prescribed agomelatine in participating psychiatric services were included. Patient demographic and outcome data were collected at treatment initiation and then at weeks 4, 8 and 12. Outcomes were analysed with respect to clinical and demographic factors.ResultsA total of 110 patients from nine NHS trusts were followed through 12 weeks of treatment. Agomelatine was largely used in difficult‐to‐treat or refractory patients: 83 (75%) had failed to respond to, or relapsed on, prior antidepressants. There were high rates of physical (54.5%) and psychiatric (50.0%) comorbidity. At 12 weeks of treatment, 68 (62%) continued agomelatine treatment. Overall, 69 subjects (62.7%) improved by at least one point of the Clinical Global Impression (severity) scale. Of 42 who discontinued, 23 (56%) discontinued because of lack of efficacy and 10 (24%) due to an adverse event. Of all variables examined, only a history of more than five episodes of depression significantly predicted discontinuation of treatment (OR continuation – 0.36, 95% CI 0.14, 0.95).ConclusionAgomelatine was effective and generally well tolerated in a cohort of difficult‐to‐treat patients in clinical practice.
A non‐rewarding, non‐aversive buprenorphine/naltrexone combination attenuates drug‐primed reinstatement to cocaine and morphine in rats in a conditioned place preference paradigm
Authors: Cordery Sarah F. , Taverner Alistair , Ridzwan Irna E. , Guy Richard H. , Delgado‐Charro M. Begoña , Husbands Stephen M. , Bailey Christopher P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractConcurrent use of cocaine and heroin is a major public health issue with no effective relapse prevention treatment currently available. To this purpose, a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone, a mixed very‐low efficacy mu‐opioid receptor agonist/kappa‐opioid receptor antagonist/nociceptin receptor agonist, was investigated. The tail‐withdrawal and the conditioned place preference (CPP) assays in adult Sprague Dawley rats were used to show that naltrexone dose‐dependently blocked the mu‐opioid receptor agonism of buprenorphine. Furthermore, in the CPP assay, a combination of 0.3 mg/kg buprenorphine and 3.0 mg/kg naltrexone was aversive. A combination of 0.3 mg/kg buprenorphine and 1.0 mg/kg naltrexone was neither rewarding nor aversive, but still possessed mu‐opioid receptor antagonist properties. In the CPP extinction and reinstatement method, a combination of 0.3 mg/kg buprenorphine and 1.0 mg/kg naltrexone completely blocked drug‐primed reinstatement in cocaine‐conditioned rats (conditioned with 3 mg/kg cocaine, drug prime was 3 mg/kg cocaine) and attenuated drug‐primed reinstatement in morphine‐conditioned rats (conditioned with 5 mg/kg morphine, drug prime was 1.25 mg/kg morphine). These data add to the growing evidence that a buprenorphine/naltrexone combination may be protective against relapse in a polydrug abuse situation.
Nicotine vapor inhalation escalates nicotine self‐administration
Authors: Gilpin Nicholas W. , Whitaker Annie M. , Baynes Brittni , Abdel Abdelrahim Y. , Weil Madelyn T. , George Olivier 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHumans escalate their cigarette smoking over time, and a major obstacle in the field of pre‐clinical nicotine addiction research has been the inability to produce escalated nicotine self‐administration in rats. In experiment 1, male Wistar rats were trained to respond for nicotine in 2‐hour operant sessions, then exposed to chronic intermittent (12 hours/day) nicotine vapor and repeatedly tested for nicotine self‐administration at 8–12 hours of withdrawal. Rats were tested intermittently on days 1, 3 and 5 of the vapor exposure procedure, then tested with nicotine vapor exposure on 6–15 consecutive days. Rats exhibited transient increases in operant nicotine responding during intermittent testing, regardless of vapor condition, and this responding returned to baseline levels upon resumption of consecutive‐days testing (i.e. nicotine deprivation effect). Nicotine vapor‐exposed rats then escalated nicotine self‐administration relative to both their own baseline (∼200% increase) and non‐dependent controls (∼3× higher). In experiment 2, rats were exposed or not exposed to chronic intermittent nicotine vapor, then tested for spontaneous and precipitated somatic signs of nicotine withdrawal. Eight hours following removal from nicotine vapor, rats exhibited robust mecamylamine‐precipitated somatic signs of withdrawal. There was a strong correlation between nicotine flow rate and air–nicotine concentration, and the air–nicotine concentrations used in experiments 1 and 2 resemble concentrations experienced by human smokers. Collectively, these results suggest that chronic intermittent nicotine vapor inhalation produces somatic and motivational signs of nicotine dependence, the latter of which is evidenced by escalation of nicotine self‐administration.
From the Laboratory to Clinical Trials and Back Again: Lessons Learned from HIV Prevention Trials
Authors: Sibeko Sengeziwe , Makvandi‐Nejad Shokouh 
Published: December 2012

ProblemInadequate, irrelevant, or inappropriate timing of biological specimen collection during clinical trials is a cause for delay in understanding and explaining correlates of protection and/or effectiveness, particularly at the portal of entry in the context of sexual HIV transmission and its prevention.MethodsWe present examples of HIV prevention trials to illustrate the impact of preplanned versus unplanned laboratory science program on the interpretation of trial results and advancement of the field.ResultsOf the five completed pre‐exposure prophylaxis trials, only two announced main outcome results simultaneously with data on correlates of drug‐related effectiveness. In four of the vaccine trials completed, the only one that showed a protective effect presented data on protection correlates significantly later.ConclusionClinical trials must preplan collaborative immunophysiological research and prioritize biological specimen collection and storage for enhancement of research on correlates of protection. Similarly appropriate specimens should be prioritized for pathogenesis research.
Metacognitive beliefs, beliefs about voices and affective symptoms in patients with severe auditory verbal hallucinations
Authors: van Oosterhout Bas , Krabbendam Lydia , Smeets Guus , van der Gaag Mark 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesThis study explores associations between metacognitive beliefs and beliefs about voices in patients with severe auditory verbal hallucinations, and their hypothesized relationship with levels of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that metacognitive beliefs are better able to explain differences in levels of depression and anxiety, than beliefs about voices.DesignCross‐sectional data were obtained from baseline measurements of a randomized controlled trial. All patients (N = 77) met the criteria for a DSM‐IV diagnosis within the schizophrenia spectrum. A correlation analysis was conducted to explore the associations between metacognitive beliefs and beliefs about voices. Regression analysis was performed to test the second hypothesis.MethodMetacognitive beliefs were measured using the MCQ‐30. Beliefs about voices were measured using the BAVQ‐R. Furthermore, the Beck Depression Inventory‐II and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were applied to measure depression and anxiety. All analyses were a priori controlled for gender and level of education.ResultsSignificant associations were found between negative beliefs about voices and negative metacognitive beliefs. One of the metacognitive beliefs, that is, perceived uncontrollability and danger of thinking, proved to be a key variable in explaining differences in levels of depression and anxiety and seemed to have greater explanatory value than all of the beliefs about voices when analysed simultaneously.ConclusionsThe results offer modest support to models emphasizing the fact that metacognitive beliefs are a core feature in the development and maintenance of depression and anxiety in patients with severe auditory verbal hallucinations.Practitioner pointsPositive clinical implications:

Further evidence for the importance of metacognitive beliefs.
Specific emphasis on anxiety and depression in patients with severe hallucinations.

Limitations

Small sample size.
Cross‐sectional data only.
Identification of dysfunctional cooperative learning teams and troubled individuals
Authors: Hsiung Chin‐Min , Lou Shi‐Jer , Lin Chi‐Chang , Wang Pei‐Ling 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn cooperative learning, students work together as a team to maximize the academic success of all the team members. The failure of even a single member can compromise the success of the entire team. Thus, to evaluate the functioning of the team reliably, it is necessary to consider both the performance of the individual team members and the interactions among them. In this study, a method was developed for identifying dysfunctional teams and troubled individuals by examining the correlation between the team scores obtained in sequential tests and the correlation between the scores obtained by the different team members. The effectiveness of the proposed method was evaluated via field experiments. Forty‐eight students were randomly assigned to cooperative learning teams and their learning performance assessed by four‐unit tests. The results indicated that the proposed method can identify the most troubled individuals in a team even when the team performance/grouping information is not taken explicitly into account. Furthermore, when the team information is considered, the method can identify both the dysfunctional teams and the troubled individuals within the teams. Therefore, the proposed method provides a useful basis for the development of computer‐assisted solutions for assessing the performance of cooperative learning teams.
Genetic profiling in acute myeloid leukaemia ─ where are we and what is its role in patient management
Authors: Ofran Yishai , Rowe Jacob M. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryGenetic profiling in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a moving target. Only 4 years ago, AML was re‐classified, based on karyotypic abnormalities. However, numerous important new mutations and other genetic abnormalities that were not considered in this classification have been identified. Current cytogenetic‐based classification is limited by the substantial number of intermediate‐risk patients in whom the preferred therapy is debatable. In addition, the majority of AML patients co‐express multiple mutations and cannot be easily categorized into predefined homogenous groups. The tremendous progress in mass sequencing allows parallel identification of multiple genetic aberrations in large cohorts. Thus, a new concept of genetic profiling has arisen. Genes and proteins biologically interact with each other; therefore, it should not be surprising that mutations in different genes interact. Prognosis is determined by the composition of mutations and aberrations in leukaemic stem cells. As a consequence, clinical decisions no longer rely on scant genetic data and require comprehensive genetic evaluation. Some non‐genetic parameters are also important and should be incorporated into the clinical decision algorithm. Genetic interaction‐based profiles are challenging and recent studies demonstrate an improvement in prognostic predictions with this model. Thus, genetic profiling is likely to have a major therapeutic impact, at least for intermediate‐risk cytogenetics.
Child and parent engagement in the mental health intervention process: a motivational framework
Authors: King Gillian , Currie Melissa , Petersen Patricia 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundThis article proposes a conceptual model of child and parent engagement in the mental health intervention process.MethodA scoping review was performed of articles on predictors of engagement in mental health interventions, the effectiveness of engagement interventions, and interpersonal aspects of care. A comprehensive search of PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES was performed for literature published in English from 2000 to 2012.ResultsBased on the review, a motivational framework is proposed in which engagement is defined as a state comprised of a hopeful stance, conviction, and confidence, brought about when therapists optimize engagement processes of receptiveness, willingness, and self‐efficacy.ConclusionsImplications concern the need to help clients understand what to expect from the therapy process, and to educate therapists about engagement strategies.
Factors influencing the adoption and implementation of teledentistry in the UK, with a focus on orthodontics
Authors: Patel Reena N. , Antonarakis Gregory S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesUtilizing Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory, this study aims to develop a better understanding of the challenges faced in teledental projects, and outline the factors that impact upon the adoption and implementation of teledental projects, with a focus on orthodontics, thus attempting to provide an explanation for the low uptake in the UK, as well as to suggest factors to encourage success.MethodsA literature search was carried out to obtain information concerning teledentistry (and telemedicine) from both primary and secondary research sources. Using the relevant information obtained, Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory was used as a framework, which was subsequently applied to the key stakeholder groups of a healthcare organization.ResultsThe model describes five characteristics of an innovation: relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability. These attributes are discussed in the context of key stakeholder groups within a healthcare organization: clinicians, patients, hospital managers, and healthcare decision‐makers and funders. Each stakeholder group is motivated by different values and experiences, which in turn influence their decision to adopt a new technology.ConclusionsImplementing teledental applications necessitates full comprehension and consideration of the healthcare environment and also a commitment to completely integrate teledentistry within that environment. This is a process that demands strategic alignment with clinical and organizational goals, clinical engagement and strong political support. The challenges within each stakeholder group must be specifically targeted.
Advising mothers about breastfeeding and weaning reduced pacifier use in the first year of life: a randomized trial
Authors: Feldens Carlos Alberto , Ardenghi Thiago Machado , Cruz Luciane Nascimento , Cunha Scalco Giovana Pereira da , Vítolo Márcia Regina 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of home visits for advising mothers about breastfeeding and weaning on pacifier use in the first year of life.MethodA randomized field trial was conducted on mothers who gave birth within the public health system in the Brazilian city of Sao Leopoldo (intervention group = 200; controls = 300). The intervention group received the advice 10 days after the child's birth, monthly up to 6 months, at 8, 10, and 12 months, based on the ‘Ten Steps for Healthy Feeding’, a Brazilian national health policy for primary care, which follows WHO guidelines. Relative risk (RR) was used to estimate the effects of the intervention on the risk of using a pacifier.Results55.4% of the children in the intervention group and 66.1% of the controls used a pacifier in the first year of life. The risk of using a pacifier was 16% lower for the intervention group (RR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71–0.99). A multivariable Poisson regression model showed higher adjusted risk of using a pacifier for children who had breastfeeding interrupted in the first month of life (RR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.21–1.69) and whose mothers presented higher level of depression (RR = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.17–1.66).ConclusionsPacifier use is highly prevalent in the population studied. The home visits for dietary advice appear to help in reducing pacifier use in infants. These findings suggest the need for public health strategies that address early advice on pacifier use to promote child oral and general health.
Prolactin rescues and primes autoreactive B cells directly and indirectly through dendritic cells in B6.Sle3mice
Authors: Gonzalez J , Saha S , Peeva E 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe lupus susceptibility interval Sle3/5 confers responsiveness to prolactin in C57BL/6 (B6) mice and hyperprolactinaemia induces a lupus-like phenotype in B6.Sel3/5 mice. In this study, the immunostimulatory effects of prolactin in B6 mice containing the Sle3 portion of the Sel3/5 interval (B6.Sle3 mice) were dissected. Because of the Sle3 interval's involvement in activation of myeloid cells, the effect of dendritic cells (DCs) from prolactin-treated B6.Sle3 mice on the phenotype of B6 mice was also evaluated. B cells from prolactin-treated B6 and B6.Sle3 mice and from B6 recipients of prolactin-modulated DCs from B6.Sle3 mice were tested for DNA-reactivity and resistance to B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated apoptosis. The expression of co-stimulatory molecules on lymphocytes and myeloid cells was also evaluated. In prolactin-treated B6.Sle3 mice, transitional type 2 B cells increased while type 1 B cells decreased as a consequence of prolactin-induced resistance to BCR-mediated apoptosis leading to the survival of DNA-reactive B cells. Follicular B cells from prolactin-treated mice expressed increased levels of CD40, B7·2 and IAb, and DCs and monocytes had higher levels of CD44 and B7·2 than placebo-treated mice. Adoptive transfer of DCs from prolactin-treated B6.Sle3 mice to B6 recipients demonstrated the intrinsic ability of prolactin-modulated DCs to induce a development of lupus-like characteristics in B6 mice. Based on these results, prolactin accelerates the breakdown of immune tolerance in B6.Sle3 mice by promoting the survival, maturation and activation of autoreactive B cells, DCs and macrophages.
Origins and rationale of centres for parents and young children together
Authors: Hoshi‐Watanabe Miwako , Musatti Tullia , Rayna Sylvie , Vandenbroeck Michel 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe range of centres where parents and children come together has mushroomed in different parts of the world, as new social work practices address the emerging non‐material needs of parents in changing demographic contexts. In this paper, we explore the origins and modi operandi of these centres in Belgium, France, Italy and Japan. Analysis of previous studies and policy documents reveal diverse political rationales, including addressing declining birth rates, preventing psychosocial problems and social isolation of mothers and promoting social cohesion and equality of educational opportunities. Remarkably, despite the diverse cultural and socio‐political contexts and rationales, these centres also share very similar ways of functioning and provide an informal type of social support to parents with young children. As these recently emerged centres are seldom studied, further research is welcomed to explore parents' and professionals' perspectives.