Model of the Reticular Formation of the Brainstem Based on Glial–Neuronal Interactions

A new model of the reticular formation of the brainstem is proposed. It refers to the neuronal and glial cell systems. Thus, it is biomimetically founded. The reticular formation generates modes of behavior (sleeping, eating, etc.) and commands all behavior according to the most appropriate environmental information. The reticular formation works on an abductive logic and is dominated by a redundancy of potential command. Formally, a special mode of behavior is represented by a comprehensive cycle (Hamilton loop) located in the glial network (syncytium) and embodied in gap junctional plaques. Whereas for the neuronal network of the reticular formation, a computer simulation has already been presented; here, the necessary devices for computation in the whole network are outlined.     

Sexual differences of the effects of prenatal stress on the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinaseas in the hippocampus of offspring rats

IN T R O D U C T IO N Anim als that are stressed during the prenatal period display w idespread neurobiological,behavioraland cognitive changes.Prenat alstress (PN S) has been associated w ith disturbances in the hy- pothalam ic-pituitary-adrenal (H PA) a…     

Anthropological Notes on the Concept of Aggression†

Objective: Cognitive theories have proposed the idea of content specificity, which holds that emotional disorders are associated with unique sets of negative cognitions. The existent research exploring the content specificity related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression is sparse, and research is especially needed in veteran samples. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of PTSD symptom clusters and comorbid depressive symptoms with posttraumatic cognitions. Method: This study was cross-sectional in design, and the sample consisted of data from 150 male combat veterans with PTSD drawn from the baseline assessments of a large clinical trial. Analyses involved a series of separate and simultaneous linear regressions to examine the unique associations of comorbid depressive symptoms and PTSD symptom clusters with posttraumatic cognitions, as well as post hoc analyses to examine the mediational role of comorbid depressive symptoms. Results: Findings demonstrated that posttraumatic negative cognitions about the self and self-blame were most strongly associated with comorbid depressive symptoms and the depression-related PTSD numbing cluster. Comorbid depressive symptoms also partially mediated nearly all the relationships between posttraumatic cognitions and PTSD symptom clusters. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that posttraumatic cognitions about the self and self-blame are not specific to PTSD but rather are more strongly related to symptoms of depression and negative affect. The results also suggest a potential pathway from posttraumatic cognitions to PTSD through the partially mediating influence of comorbid depression, and highlight the need to assess and treat comorbid depression in veterans with PTSD.     

Supervisors’ reports of the effects of supervisor self-disclosure on supervisees

Abstract

Using consensual qualitative research, researchers interviewed 16 supervisors regarding their use of self-disclosure in supervision. Supervisors reported that their prior training in supervisor self-disclosure (SRSD) came via didactic sources and encouraged judicious use of SRSD. Supervisors used SRSD to enhance supervisee development and normalize their experiences; supervisors did not use SRSD when it derailed supervision or was developmentally inappropriate for supervisees. In describing specific examples of the intervention, SRSD occurred in good supervision relationships, was stimulated by supervisees struggling, was intended to teach or normalize, and focused on supervisors’ reactions to their own or their supervisees’ clients. SRSD yielded largely positive effects on supervisors, supervisees, the supervision relationship, and supervisors’ supervision of others.     

Regional differences of the effect of σ receptor ligands on the acetylcholine release in the rat brain

Summary We found that a receptor ligands differentially regulated the acetylcholine (ACh) neurotransmission in the rat brain. Acute administration of (+)-N-allylnormetazocine [(+)-SKF-10,047], a prototype ₁ receptor ligand, and 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG), a non-specific receptor ligand, increased the extracellular ACh level in the rat hippocampus. This increase of hippocampal extracellular ACh level elicited by (+)-SKF-10,047 was more potent than that elicited by DTG. On the other hand, the striatal extracellular ACh level was slightly affected by (+)-SKF-10,047. In addition, DTG did not affect the striatal extracellular ACh level. Our previous studies have shown that both (+)-SKF-10,047 and DTG increased the extracellular ACh level in the rat frontal cortex. Taking all these data into consideration, the regulation of ACh neurotransmission by receptor ligands are different depending upon the brain region.     

Some thoughts on the common issue of psychotherapy in different cultures——report on the China conference of psychoanalysis

正Distinguished Chairman,Dear colleagues,ladies and gentlemen,Good morning!It is my great honors to have the presentation here,share my thoughts with you,you may agree or disagree but start a discussion,as Chinese says:(Pao Zuan Yin Yu)throw away a brick in order to get a gem;Today in this hall,more than 1000 colleagues from almost 30 different countries,nations or districts,get together,to share our common interests on     

Impact of Psychiatrists’ Qualifications on the Rate of Compulsory Admissions

Despite efforts to reduce coercion in psychiatry, involuntary hospitalizations remain frequent, representing more than half of all admissions in some European regions. Since October 2006, only certified psychiatrists are authorized to require a compulsory admission to our facility, while before all physicians were, including residents. The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of this change of procedure on the proportion compulsory admissions. All medical records of patients admitted respectively 4 months before and 4 month after the implementation of the procedure were retrospectively analyzed. This search retrieved a total of 2,227 hospitalizations for 1,584 patients. The overall proportions of compulsory and voluntary admissions were 63.9 % and 36.1 % respectively. The average length of stay was 32 days (SD ± 64.4). During the study period, 25 % of patients experienced two hospitalizations or more. The most frequent patients’ diagnoses were affective disorders (30 %), psychotic disorders (18.4 %) and substance abuse disorders (15.7 %). Compared with the period before October 2006, patients hospitalized from October 2006 up were less likely to be hospitalized on a compulsory basis (OR = 0.745, 95 % CI: 0.596–0.930). Factors associated with involuntary admission were young age (20 years or less), female gender, a diagnosis of psychotic disorder and being hospitalized for the first time. Our results strongly suggest that limiting the right to require compulsory admissions to fully certified psychiatrists can reduce the rate of compulsory versus voluntary admissions.     

Is the recurrence rate of chronic subdural hematomas dependent on the duration of drainage?

Objectives: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is the most frequent type of intracranial hemorrhage which especially affects the elderly. Various surgical techniques have been reported for CSDH treatment; optimal treatment methods are still controversial. In this study, the effects of long drainage durations on results and recurrences were investigated in patients on whom closed system drainage with burr hole craniotomy was applied due to CSDH.

Methods: 90 patients with 105 CSDH were operated between 2008 and 2016. Patients were divided into two groups based on the duration of drainage. Group A (n = 40) was determined as 2–4 days of closed-system drainage, while Group B (n = 50) was recorded as 5–7 days of closed-system drainage. Recurrence was defined as accumulation of blood in the operation area and recurrence of symptoms within the monitoring period of six months.

Results: Recurrence was observed in 7 (15.6) of the Group A patients and 2 (3.3%) of the Group B patients. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of recurrence rate (p = 0.04). Postoperative thickness of hematoma was measured in the first month follow-up computerized tomography. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of postoperative thickness of residual hematoma (p = 0.05).

Conclusion: 2–4 days of closed system drainage following burr hole craniotomy is an effective and reliable choice of treatment in CSDH. Nevertheless, increasing the duration of drainage to 5–7 days provided better results without increasing the risk of complication.     

Report on the Shanghai conference of the ICD-11 Field StudiesCoordinating Group

<正>As part of the preparation for the 2015 release of the eleventh revision of the World Health Organization’s International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems(ICD-11),the ICD-11 Field Studies Coordinating Group held a meeting at the Shanghai Mental Health Center of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 12 to 14 November 2013.Attendees at the meeting,which was jointly sponsored by the World Health Organization     

Effect of epidermal growth factor on the migration of neural stem cells

INTRODUCTION Since neural stem cells (NSCs) are separated from corpus striatum of adult rats in 1992 [1], researches on NSCs become a hot topic all over the world because they are characterized by excellent superiority and complete cure on treating geneti…     

The effects of Guillain-Barré syndrome on the close relatives of patients during the first year

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) on the psychosocial functioning of the closest relative and on family functioning during the first year after GBS. METHOD: At 1 (=T1), 3 (=T3), 6 (=T6), and 12 months (=T12) after the onset of GBS, relatives of patients received the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ28) and the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Sixty-three relatives returned the GHQ28 at all four designated intervals. At T1 the relatives also received a questionnaire that contained questions on the impact on their daily life. The answers to these questions yielded a Daily Living Impact index. From the 110 relatives, 86 returned this questionnaire. RESULTS: 72% of the 86 relatives reported one or more problems in daily living. At T1 the scores of the GHQ subscales ranged from normal to mildly disturbed. The relatives showed significant improvement in their somatic complaints and anxiety during the first half year. Social dysfunction remained somewhat less than normal, severe depression was not found. At T1 and T3 the scores of the GHQ28 and some subscales differed significantly depending on the severity of the functional status of the patient, but not at T6 and T12. Relatives of patients with severe residua at 1 month score worse on the GHQ28 and most subscales at 6 months. The FAD was normal at all moments measured. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological morbidity of close relatives is significantly higher in the first months after the onset of GBS. The patient's condition has an important impact on the psychosocial functioning of close relatives. Therefore, a family approach is recommended to neurologist and other medical personnel during the first period of the disease. Also patient support groups may play a beneficial role for the relatives of GBS patients.     

The role of quercetin on the survival of neuron-like PC12 cells and the expression of α-synuclein

Both genetic and environmental factors are important in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. As α-synuclein is a major constituent of Lewy bodies, a pathologic hallmark of Parkinson's disease, genetic aspects of α-synuclein is widely studied. However, the influence of dietary factors such as quercetin on α-synuclein was rarely studied. Herein we aimed to study the neuroprotective role of quercetin against various toxins affecting apoptosis, autophagy and aggresome, and the role of quercetin on α-synuclein expression. PC12 cells were pre-treated with quercetin(100, 500, 1,000 μM) and then together with various drugs such as 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+; a free radical generator), 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA; a free radical generator), ammonium chloride(an autophagy inhibitor), and nocodazole(an aggresome inhibitor). Cell viability was determined using a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltertazolium bromide(MTT) assay. Apoptosis was detected by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide through the use of fluorescence activated cell sorter. α-Synuclein expression was detected by western blot assay and immunohistochemistry. The role of α-synuclein was further studied by knocking out α-synuclein using RNA interference. Cell viability increased at lower concentrations(100 and 500 μM) of quercetin but decreased at higher concentration(1,000 μM). Quercetin exerted neuroprotective effect against MPP+, ammonium chloride and nocodazole at 100 μM. MPP+ induced apoptosis was decreased by 100 μM quercetin. Quercetin treatment increased α-synuclein expression. However, knocking out α-synuclein exerted no significant effect on cell survival. In conclusion, quercetin is neuroprotective against toxic agents via affecting various mechanisms such as apoptosis, autophagy and aggresome. Because α-synuclein expression is increased by quercetin, the role of quercetin as an environmental factor in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis needs further investigation.     

An examination of the impact of “the Maudsley eating disorder collaborative care skills workshops” on the well being of carers

BACKGROUND: Carers of people with eating disorders experience high levels of distress due to the difficulties in their care giving role and their perceived lack of resources to help their relative. This paper describes an intervention where some of the skills used by specialist nurses and other staff from an eating disorder intensive care setting are taught to carers to improve their sense of competency and alleviate their distress. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of "the Maudsley eating disorder collaborative care skills workshops" programme among care givers and whether the difficulties and distress involved in caring for a person with an eating disorder were reduced. METHODS: Thirty-five carers from 30 families were invited to participate in this programme, which consisted of a total of six workshops, delivered in 2-h sessions over 3 months. Assessments were undertaken at baseline (T (0)), at the end of the workshops (T (1)) and 3 months later (T (2)). RESULTS: The level of carer distress (GHQ) fell significantly after the intervention. The level of general care giving burden (ECI) also reduced as did the specific difficulties caused by eating disorder symptoms (EDSIS). These changes were maintained over time (T (2)). CONCLUSIONS: The transfer of specialist skills within the programme was highly valued by the carers and lessened their stress and care giving difficulties.     

A further update on the role of excitotoxicity in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease

Increased levels of extracellular glutamate and hyperactivation of glutamatergic receptors in the basal ganglia trigger a critical cascade of events involving both intracellular pathways and cell-to-cell interactions that affect cell viability and promote neuronal death. The ensemble of these glutamate-triggered events is responsible for excitotoxicity, a phenomenon involved in several pathological conditions affecting the central nervous system, including a neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is an age-related disorder caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra pars compacta, with a miscellaneous pathogenic background. Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity may be involved in a lethal vicious cycle, which critically contributes to the exacerbation of nigrostriatal degeneration in PD. Since excitotoxicity is a glutamate-receptor-mediated phenomenon, growing interest and work have been dedicated to the research for modulators of glutamate neurotransmission that might enable new therapeutic interventions to slow down the neurodegenerative process and ameliorate PD motor symptoms.     

A critical period for the impact of amygdala damage on the emotional enhancement of memory?

The amygdala is crucial in modulating enhanced memory for emotionally arousing material. The authors provide evidence that unilateral lesions of the human amygdala arising early in development, but not in adulthood, are associated with a loss of the expected superior retrieval of emotionally arousing over neutral material. This adds to evidence for an early critical period in the development of amygdala function.