The in vitro effects of selenomethionine on methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity

Selenium (Se) has been reported to reduce the severity of MeHg-induced neurological deficits. Therefore, we investigated whether 24 h. preincubation or 50 min. coincubation with selenomethionine (SeMet) was effective in reducing methylmercury (MeHg)-induced cytotoxicity in C6-glioma and B35-neuronal cell lines. As indicators of cytotoxicity, reduced glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial activity (MTT) was assessed. Measurement of GSH with the fluorescent indicator MCB-monochlorobimane indicated that in SeMet preincubated C6 cells, MeHg treatment resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in GSH levels as compared to coincubation group. Treatment with SeMet did not induce any significant changes in MTT activity in either of the cell lines as compared to the MeHg group. However, the amount of MeHg-induced ROS was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) after SeMet preincubation in both the cell lines. The intracellular Se content was measured with high resolution-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICPMS). In both the cell lines the intracellular Se levels increased after pre- and coincubation with 20 and 50 μM SeMet. However, the preincubation group exhibited increased Se content in both the cell lines and varied (p < 0.001) from coincubation group. These differences in the Se content were maintained after 10 μM MeHg treatment for 50 min. In C6-gliomas, the cell associated-MeHg measurements using ¹⁴C-labeled MeHg indicated a significant increase (p < 0.001) in MeHg content in preincubated cells as compared to coincubated cells. These findings provide experimental evidence that preincubation with SeMet increases Se content in cells and prevents against increased MeHg-induced ROS generation.     

Psychometric properties of the Chinese Internet Gaming Disorder Scale

To develop a consensus on the definition and measurement of Internet gaming disorder (IGD), several recent studies have used the DSM-5's proposed criteria for IGD as the basis in scale construction. This study contributes to this emerging consensus by developing and validating a new Chinese Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (C-IGDS) based on the DSM-5 criteria. A representative sample of Hong Kong community adults (n = 502, 50% men, mean age = 37.1, age range = 18–60) was recruited for a telephone survey with random digit dialing. Various statistical techniques were used to assess the psychometric properties of the C-IGDS. The C-IGDS had good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.91) and structural validity (CFA model fit: RMSEA = 0.027, CFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.988) in our sample. Moderate to moderately strong correlations with depressive symptoms (r = 0.617, p < 0.001), social anxiety symptoms (r = 0.366, p < 0.001), and gaming hours (r = 0.412, p < 0.001) supported the criterion validity of the C-IGDS. In addition, the C-IGDS exhibited strict measurement invariance for sex and at least strong measurement invariance for age. In addition to providing the first Chinese scale for measuring IGD based on the DSM-5′s proposed criteria, this study provides empirical support for the validity of these diagnostic criteria as the basis for a universal measure of IGD. Most important, this study is the first to reveal the criteria's measurement invariance, thereby indicating their suitability for use with diverse demographic groups.     

Smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of alcohol and cannabis use in older adults with and without HIV infection

IntroductionEcological momentary assessment (EMA) has been used to characterize substance use among adult populations; however, little is known about the validity of EMA and the patterns and predictors of substance use among older adults with and without HIV infection.MethodsThirty-five (22 HIV-positive, 13 HIV-negative) older adults aged 50–74 were assessed for 14 days and completed up to four smartphone-based surveys per day.ResultsParticipants completed an average of 89.5% of possible EMA surveys. EMA self-reported alcohol and cannabis use were significantly positively correlated with laboratory-assessed, self-reported days of alcohol (r = 0.52, p = 0.002) and cannabis (r = 0.61, p < 0.001) used and quantity of alcohol (r = 0.42, p = 0.013) and cannabis (r = 0.41, p = 0.016) used in the 30 days prior to baseline assessment. In a subset of 15 alcohol or cannabis users, preliminary analyses of the effects of mood and pain on alcohol or cannabis use showed: 1) greater anxious mood predicted substance use at the next EMA survey (OR = 1.737, p = 0.023), 2) greater happiness predicted substance use later in the day (OR = 1.383, p < 0.001), and 3) higher pain level predicted substance use earlier in the day (OR = 0.901, p = 0.005).ConclusionsFindings demonstrate that EMA-measured alcohol and cannabis use has convergent validity among older adults with and without HIV infection. Preliminary results showing predictors of substance use highlight the importance of gathering EMA data to examine daily variability and time-dependent antecedents of substance use among this population.     

Exposure of mice to benzo(a)pyrene impairs endometrial receptivity and reduces the number of implantation sites during early pregnancy

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. Studies have demonstrated it to be an endocrine-disrupting chemical that can cause adverse effects on the female reproductive system. However, the effect of BaP on early pregnancy has not been reported. We investigated the effect of BaP on endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Pregnant mice were dosed with BaP at 0.2, 2 and 20 mg/kg/day from day 1 (D1) to day 5 (D5) of gestation. Exposure to BaP impaired the morphology of the endometrium and decreased the number of implantation sites (p_0.2 = 0.006, p₂ = 0.167, p₂₀ = 0.003). Levels of estrodiol (p < 0.001, for three treatment group compare with control group) and progesterone-4 in plasma were elevated in BaP-treatment groups (p_0.2 < 0.001, p₂ < 0.001, p₂₀ = 0.032). Expression of estrogen receptor-α was up-regulated (p_0.2 = 0.002, p₂ = 0.131, p₂₀ = 0.024) whereas expression of the progesterone receptor was down-regulated (p_0.2 < 0.001, p₂ = 0.064, p₂₀ = 0.021). Levels of receptivity-related genes HoxA10 (p_0.2 < 0.001, p₂ = 0.135, p₂₀ < 0.001) and E-cadherin (p_0.2 = 0.002, p₂ = 0.624, p₂₀ = 0.137) were changed by BaP. These results revealed that BaP can disrupt the balance of estrogen and progesterone, influence expression of their receptors and downstream related genes, lead to changes in endometrium receptivity, and reduce of the number of implantation sites.     

Longitudinal psychosocial factors related to symptoms of Internet addiction among adults in early midlife

In this longitudinal study, we applied structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the psychosocial factors from adolescence to adulthood as related to symptoms of Internet addiction (IA) during early midlife. We gathered longitudinal data on a prospective cohort of community-dwelling men and women (N = 548) followed from adolescence to early midlife (mean age = 43; SD = 2.8). The findings supported a meditational model: adolescent (mean age = 16) conflictual parent-child relationship was associated with internalizing problem behaviors at mean age 21 in emerging adulthood (b = 0.13, p < 0.01), which, in turn, were associated with both alcohol/drug use problems at mean age 27–32 (b = 0.24, p < 0.001) and affective disorders at mean age 37 (b = 0.29, p < 0.001), which, ultimately, were associated with symptoms of IA in early midlife (b = 0.23, p < 0.01; b = 0.21, p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, alcohol/drug use problems were associated with affective disorders (b = 0.22, p < 0.05). Among the constructs, alcohol/drug use problems had the greatest total effects on symptoms of IA in early midlife (b = 0.28, p < 0.001). Findings suggest that family therapy focused on an increase in the affectionate relationship between the adolescent and his/her parents, cognitive-behavioral treatment of internalizing problem behaviors, and effective treatment of individuals who have alcohol/drug use problems may reduce the likelihood of having symptoms of IA in early midlife.     

Extended findings of brain metabolite normalization in MA-dependent subjects across sustained abstinence: A proton MRS study

ObjectiveThe goal of the present study was to extend our previous findings on long-term methamphetamine (MA) use and drug abstinence on brain metabolite levels in an expanded group of MA-dependent individuals.MethodsSeventeen MA abusers with sustained drug abstinence (1–5 years), 30 MA abusers with short-term drug abstinence (1–6 months) and 24 non-substance using controls were studied using MR spectroscopy (MRS). MRS measures of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA were obtained in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and in the primary visual cortex (PVC).ResultsACC-Cho/NAA values were abnormally high in the short-term abstinent group compared to controls [F(1,52) = 18.76, p < 0.0001]. No differences were observed between controls and the long-term abstinent group [F(1,39) = 0.97, p = 0.97]. New evidence of lower ACC-NAA/Cr levels were observed in the short-term abstinent MA abusers compared to controls [F(1,52) = 23.05, p < 0.0001] and long-term abstinent MA abusers [F(1,45) = 7.06, p = 0.01]. No differences were observed between long-term abstinent MA abusers and controls [F(1,39) = 0.48, p = 0.49].ConclusionsThe new findings of relative NAA/Cr normalization across periods of abstinence suggest that adaptive changes following cessation of MA abuse may be broader than initially thought. These changes may contribute to some degree of normalization of neuronal function in the ACC.     

Evaluated the adverse effects of cadmium and aluminum via drinking water to kidney disease patients: Application of a novel solid phase microextraction method

In present study aluminum (Al) and cadmium (Cd) were determined in ground water samples and assesses human health risks associated with elevated concentrations of toxic metals in dissolved form, using a novel solid phase microextraction (SPμE). Ground water sample (n = 200) and biological sample (blood) of patients having chronic kidney disorders (CKD) along with healthy control subjects of same area (southern part of Pakistan) were collected. A simple system, including the micropipette tip packed with modified ionic liquid-activated carbon cloth (IL-ACC) coated with 8-hydroxyqunilone (8-HQ) attached to syringe. The analytes in water and acid digested blood samples were manually drawn for 2–10 cycles (drawing/discharging) at different pH range. The analytes sorbed on coated ACC were then desorbed with 2.0 mol L⁻¹ HNO₃ in ethanol by drawing/discharging cycles for 1–5 times. The concentration of extracted analytes was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer. The influence of different variables on the extraction efficiency of Cd and Al, were optimized. The Al and Cd concentrations in groundwater were found to be elevated than recommended limits by the World Health Organization. The urinary N-acetyl-h-glucosaminidase values were significantly higher in CKD patients as compared to refrent subjects (p < 0.001). The significant variation in levels of Cd and Al were observed in blood samples of CKD patients than referents subjects (p < 0.01). The strong positive correlation among Al and Cd levels in groundwater versus blood samples of CKD patients (r = 0.82–0.85) p < 0.01) was observed than those values calculated for referent subjects (r = 0.425–0.536).     

Evaluation of urinary metal concentrations and sperm DNA damage in infertile men from an infertility clinic

This study aimed to examine associations between urinary metal concentrations and sperm DNA damage. Thirteen metals [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn)] were detected in urine samples of 207 infertile men from an infertility clinic using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and also, sperm DNA damage (tail length, percent DNA tail, and tail distributed moment) were assessed using neutral comet assay. We found that urinary Hg and Ni were associated with increasing trends for tail length (both p for trend < 0.05), and that urinary Mn was associated with increasing trend for tail distributed moment (p for trend = 0.02). These associations did persist even when considering multiple metals. Our results suggest that environmental exposure to Hg, Mn, and Ni may be associated with increased sperm DNA damage.     

Characterizing users of new psychoactive substances using psychometric scales for risk-related behavior

IntroductionStudies investigating risk-related behavior in relation to new psychoactive substance (NPS) use are sparse. The current study investigated characteristics of NPS users by comparing risk-related behavior of NPS users to that of illicit drugs (ID) users and licit substances users and non-users (NLC) users.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study we included 528 individuals across an age range of 18–72 years. Using a web-based questionnaire we collected self-report data on substance use, sensation seeking, impulsivity, peer substance use and risk perception of substance use.ResultsNPS and ID users had a higher level of sensation seeking compared to NLC users (NPS users: p < 0.001; ID users: p < 0.001). NPS users (p < 0.001), but not ID users (p = 0.16), had increased levels of impulsivity compared to NLC users. NPS users had significantly higher scores for sensation seeking (F_1,423 = 51.52, p < 0.001) and impulsivity (F_1,423 = 6.15, p = 0.01) compared to ID users. Additionally, NPS users had significantly more peers who use substances compared to ID and NLC users. Also, NPS and ID users had lower risk perception for most substances than NLC users. NPS users had lower risk perception for most substances than ID users.ConclusionsThe findings highlight that NPS users show substantial more risk-related behavior than both ID and NLC users. Therefore, NPS users might be considered as a distinctive group of substance users that need another approach in terms of prevention.     

The effect of safranal,a constituent of Crocus sativus (saffron), on tracheal responsiveness,serum levels of cytokines,total NO and nitrite in sensitized guinea pigs

BackgroundThe effect of safranal (one of the constituents of Crocus sativus) on ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized guinea pigs was examined.MethodsOne group of sensitized guinea pigs were given drinking water alone (group S), three groups drinking water containing three concentrations of safranal and one group contain dexamethasone (S + D). Tracheal responses (TR) of the animals to methacholine as effective concentration causing 50% of maximum response (EC₅₀ M), TR to 0.1% OVA, relative to contraction induced by 100 μM methacholine, IL-4, IFN-γ, total NO and nitrite levels in serum were measured.ResultsThe TR to both methacholine and OVA, the level of total NO, nitrite and IL-4 significantly increased but IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was decreased in group S compared controls (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The TR to both methacholine and OVA in treated animals with dexamethasone and all concentrations of safranal were significantly decreased compared to S group (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). The level of serum IL-4 in treated guinea pigs was significantly decreased but IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was increased compared to S group (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). The levels of total NO and nitrite were significantly decreased in treated groups compared to sensitized group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001).ConclusionThese results showed a preventive effect for safranal on tracheal responses and serum cytokine, total NO and nitrite levels as well as increased Th1/Th2 balance in sensitized guinea pigs.     

Influence of specific endothelin-1 receptor blockers on hemodynamic parameters and antioxidant status of plasma in LPS-induced endotoxemia

BackgroundThe potent vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of plasma oxidative stress seen in sepsis. The selective endothelin receptor blockers BQ123 andBQ788 were used to investigate the importance of selective endothelin receptor blockage in modulating oxidative stress during endotoxemia.MethodsThe study was performed on male Wistar rats (n = 6 per group) divided into groups: (1) saline, (2) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (15 mg\kg)-saline, (3) BQ123 (0.5 mg\kg)-LPS, (4) BQ123 (1 mg\kg)-LPS, (5) BQ788 (3 mg\kg)-LPS. The endothelin receptor type A (ETA-R) or type B (ETB-R) antagonist was injected intravenously 30 min before LPS administration. Blood pressure was monitored and blood was taken before, 90 min and 300 min after saline or LPS administration.ResultsInjection of LPS alone resulted in a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p < 0.05), a decrease in ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) value (p < 0.01) and a marked increase in plasma tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Administration of BQ123 before LPS administration deteriorated MAP in a dose dependent way. Moreover, BQ123 (1 mg\kg) decreased plasma level of TBARS and TNF-α (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and increased FRAP value (p < 0.001). On the contrary, BQ788 prevented LPS-induced decrease in MAP (p < 0.001) and led to a significant reduction in plasma TBARS concentration (p < 0.01).ConclusionOur study showed that blockage of ETB-R during endotoxemia improved blood hemodynamics and decreased plasma lipid peroxidation. Blockage of ETA-R improved plasma antioxidant status and decreased lipid peroxidation and TNF-a production, but it deteriorated hemodynamic conditions.     

Translation and psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the College Alcohol Problems Scale

Hispanic and Spanish-speaking college students are under-represented in alcohol intervention and prevention research. There is a need for brief, empirically validated Spanish versions of measures related to alcohol use and consequences. The objective of this study was to translate the 8-item College Alcohol Problems Scale (CAPS) into Spanish and evaluate the psychometric properties of this measure compared to the original English. Bilingual experts in interventions for Hispanic college students and youth used a translation back-translation process. 125 Hispanic undergraduate students from a large southeastern public university completed the CAPS and a heavy drinking measure in Spanish. The two-factor model had acceptable model fit in Spanish, χ² (df = 19) = 27.60, p = 0.091; CFI = 0.966 RMSEA = 0.060. Internal consistency of the personal problems subscale was 0.76, and the social problems subscale was 0.73. The two latent factors explained 24–66% of variability in items. Personal problems and social problems were both significantly correlated with heavy drinking, r = 0.61, p < 0.001, r = 0.59, p < 0.001, respectively. This Spanish version of the CAPS is a reliable and valid measure of consequences of alcohol use, and has similar psychometric properties to the original English version. This measure may be useful for future research, intervention, and prevention with samples of U.S. Hispanic college students or Spanish-speaking students in other nations.     

Development and initial testing of the brief adolescent smoking curiosity scale (ASCOS)

BackgroundAlthough the reasons behind tobacco smoking at young age are complex, research has identified curiosity as a potent driver of smoking among adolescents.ObjectiveThe objective of the current study is to develop and provide initial evidence of reliability and validity of a short scale assessing smoking curiosity among adolescents (first measure of its kind). In particular, we developed and tested the adolescent smoking curiosity scale (ASCOS).MethodsAfter scale development, 101 adolescents completed a survey on smoking-related measures, including ASCOS (June to August 2014). We conducted exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha calculation to inspect factor-structure and reliability. We conducted multiple linear regression models to examine the scale's capacity to predict antecedents of smoking initiation.ResultsFactor analysis supported a single-factor structure of smoking curiosity. ASCOS was internally reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83). Controlling for demographics, the measure correlated significantly with temptation to try smoking (β = 0.41, p < 0.01), number of friends who smoke (β = 0.27, p < 0.01), agreeing with the pros of smoking (β = 0.41, p < 0.001), sensation seeking (β = 0.21, p < 0.05), and depression (β = 0.23, p < 0.01). When controlling for a single-item measure for smoking curiosity, ASCOS significantly predicted susceptibility to smoke cigarettes (OR = 3.40, p < 0.05) and cigars (OR = 6.66, p < 0.01).ConclusionsASCOS presented good psychometric properties and passed initial validity-testing through associations with antecedents of smoking. ASCOS was a better predictor of susceptibility to smoke than did a traditional single-item measure used by previous research. As an implication, ASCOS can be crucial to the development of tailored interventions for smoking prevention that can reduce smoking curiosity.     

Chemical cholecystokinin receptor activation protects against obesity-diabetes in high fat fed mice and has sustainable beneficial effects in genetic ob/ob mice

The current study has determined the ability of (pGlu-Gln)-CCK-8 to counter the development of diet-induced obesity-diabetes and examined persistence of beneficial metabolic effects in high fat and ob/ob mice, respectively. Twice daily injection of (pGlu-Gln)-CCK-8 in normal mice transferred to a high fat diet reduced energy intake (p < 0.001), body weight (p < 0.01), circulating insulin and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001) and improved insulin sensitivity (p < 0.001) as well as oral and intraperitoneal (p < 0.001) glucose tolerance. Energy intake, body weight, circulating insulin and glucose tolerance of (pGlu-Gln)-CCK-8 mice were similar to lean controls. In addition, (pGlu-Gln)-CCK-8 prevented the effect of high fat feeding on triacylglycerol accumulation in liver and muscle. Interestingly, (pGlu-Gln)-CCK-8 significantly (p < 0.001) elevated pancreatic glucagon content. Histological examination of the pancreata of (pGlu-Gln)-CCK-8 mice revealed no changes in islet number or size, but there was increased turnover of beta-cells with significantly (p < 0.001) increased numbers of peripherally located alpha-cells, co-expressing both glucagon and GLP-1. Beneficial metabolic effects were observed similarly in ob/ob mice treated twice daily with (pGlu-Gln)-CCK-8 for 18 days, including significantly reduced energy intake (p < 0.05), body weight (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01), circulating glucose (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) and insulin (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) and improved glucose tolerance (p < 0.05) and insulin sensitivity (p < 0.001). Notably, these beneficial effects were still evident 18 days following cessation of treatment. These studies emphasize the potential of (pGlu-Gln)-CCK-8 for the treatment of obesity-diabetes.     

Validation of estimated renal function measurements compared with the isotopic glomerular filtration rate in an HIV-infected cohort

We performed a cross-sectional study to determine the best method for estimating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in HIV-infected subjects. Isotopic GFR was correlated with 24-h urine creatinine clearance, cystatin C levels, and 3 creatinine-based equations—the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), Cockcroft–Gault (CG), and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI)—in 15 patients. Cystatin C showed the strongest correlation with isotopic GFR (r = −0.760, p = 0.001). When cystatin C was used as the reference variable for all 106 patients, CKD-EPI proved to be superior to the other equations (r = −0.671, p < 0.001). Time with HIV infection, unsuppressed viral load, low CD4 T-cell counts, and use of protease inhibitors are related to an increased risk of renal impairment, leading us to recommend early initiation of antiretroviral therapy accompanied by a regular renal study.     

The role of essential metals in the placental transfer of lead from mother to child

Epidemiological studies have found adverse birth and child health outcomes from prenatal lead exposure, but little is known about factors influencing placental transfer. In this study we describe the placental transfer of lead in a Taiwanese population, and investigate whether three essential metals – zinc, manganese, or selenium – influence transfer. Maternal and cord blood samples (308 pairs) from a birth cohort study were analyzed using multiple linear regression. There was a clear correlation between mother and child lead concentration (r = 0.48, p < 0.001), although lead concentration in cord blood (mean = 1.29, SD = 0.72 μg/dL) was lower than that for mothers (mean = 1.58, SD = 1.11 μg/dL). Cord blood lead was lower where the mother had a higher blood concentration of zinc (p < 0.001) or manganese (p = 0.02). Thus maternal blood zinc and manganese, but not selenium, appeared to decrease the placental transfer of lead. These findings raise the possibility of reducing placental transfer of lead by increasing zinc levels via nutritional supplementation during pregnancy.     

Correspondence between adolescent and informant reports of substance use: Findings from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort

Inclusion of collateral informant reports is common in adolescent psychopathology research and clinical assessment, yet few studies have examined agreement on ratings of adolescent substance use or factors that may be associated with reporter agreement. The present study aimed to extend prior work on the correspondence between adolescent and informant reports of adolescent substance use with data from a large (n = 5214), diverse, community-based sample of youth aged 11–17 (mean age = 14.53, SD = 1.98; 52% female). Specifically, we examined: (a) agreement between adolescent and collateral informant reports of adolescent use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, and stimulants and (b) potential correlates of reporter agreement. Agreement ranged from low (κ = 0.007, p = 0.053) for inhalant use to moderate (κ = 0.414, p < 0.001) for marijuana use. Disagreements were mainly driven by collateral underestimation of adolescent substance use. Older adolescent age was associated with poorer agreement across all substances (Odds Ratios [ORs] ≤ 0.80, ps < 0.05) except inhalants (OR = 1.28, p < 0.001). Reporter agreement on alcohol and marijuana use was lower for male than female adolescents (ORs ≤ 0.85, ps < 0.05). Adolescent psychopathology was associated with poorer agreement on all substances (ORs ≤ 0.62, ps < 0.01). For alcohol and marijuana, past year frequency of use was associated with better reporter agreement (ORs ≥ 1.54, ps < 0.001). For marijuana, older age at first use was related to poorer agreement (OR = 0.81, p = 0.01). Our results suggest that collateral reports of adolescent substance use may be ineffective proxies for adolescent self-reports in community samples, particularly for low base rate substances. Findings also highlight important factors to consider when collecting substance use information from multiple informants.     

Differential behavioral profile induced by the injection of dipotassium chlorazepate within brain areas that project to the nucleus accumbens septi

BackgroundThe effect of the agonism on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors was studied within medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), amygdala (AMY) and ventral hipocampus (VH) in the plus-maze test in male rats bilaterally cannulated. These structures send glutamatergic projections to the nucleus accumbens septi (NAS), in which interaction and integration between these afferent pathways has been described. In a previous study of our group, blockade of glutamatergic transmission within NAS induced an anxiolytic like effectMethodsThree rat groups received either saline or dipotassium chlorazepate (1 or 2 μg/1 μl solution) 15 min before testing. Time spent in the open arms (TSOA), time per entry (TPE), extreme arrivals (EA), open and closed arms entries (OAE, CAE) and relationship between open- and closed-arms quotient (OCAQ) were recordedResultsIn the AMY injected group TSOA, OAE and EA were increased by the higher doses of dipotassium chlorazepate (p < 0.01). In the mPFC, TPE was decreased by both doses (p < 0.05). Injection within ventral hippocampus (VH) decreased TSOA, OAE and OCAQ with lower doses (p < 0.05). When the three studied saline groups were compared, TSOA, OAE, EA and OCAQ were enhanced in the VH group when compared to mPFC and AMY(p < 0.001). Insertion of inner canula (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.01) and saline injection showed an increasing significant difference (p < 0.001 in all cases) with the action of guide cannula alone within VH in TSOA, OAE and EA.ConclusionWe conclude that the injection of dipotassium chlorazepate has a differential effect depending of the brain area, leading to facilitatory and inhibitory effects on anxiety processing.     

Atorvastatin calcium in combination with methylprednisolone for the treatment of multiple sclerosis relapse

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of combined atorvastatin calcium and methylprednisolone for the treatment of multiple sclerosis relapse. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the relapse phase were randomized to receive either combined treatment of atorvastatin calcium and methylprednisolone (n = 19) or methylprednisolone alone (n = 19). Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was administered at baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment initiation. The number and volume of brain lesions were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 6 months. The levels of IL-13, IL-35, IFN-γ, and IL-10 in the cerebrospinal fluid were examined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. There was no significant difference in EDSS scores at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. At 3 and 6 months, the combined treatment group showed significantly lower EDSS scores than the monotherapy group (P < 0.05). The number and volume of brain lesions in the combined treatment group were significantly lower than the monotherapy group at 6 months (P < 0.001). The mean time to relapse was significantly extended in the combined treatment group than the monotherapy group (P < 0.001). At 2 and 4 weeks, the combined treatment group had significantly higher levels of IL-13, IL-35, and IL-10 in the cerebrospinal fluid than the monotherapy group (P < 0.05), but significantly lower level of IFN-γ (P < 0.001). The levels of IL-13 and IL-10 in the combined treatment group were positively correlated with EDSS scores (r = 0.632, P = 0.001; r = 0.731, P = 0.002). Combined treatment with atorvastatin calcium and methylprednisolone can improve the outcomes of MS relapse compared with glucocorticosteroid alone.     

Adenosine deaminase activity and immunoglobulin levels as potential systemic biomonitors of occupational hazards and health status in municipal solid waste management workers

Immune status of waste management workers (WMW) with underlying systemic inflammation was assessed to identify useful immune-related biomarkers of occupational health and safety. Clinical history of WMW revealed high prevalence of respiratory symptoms alongside gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal complaints relative to control. Systemic inflammation, characterized by significant (p < 0.001) elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, was associated with marked increase in concentration and prevalence of IgA (p < 0.05), IgG (p < 0.01) and adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) (p < 0.01) in WMW. Haematological changes include significant (p < 0.01) increase in lymphocytes, monocytes and total leukocytes. Eosinophils also increased significantly (p < 0.001) while haemoglobin, packed cell volume and neutrophil decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve and multivariate analyses revealed ADA (p < 0.002) and IgG (p < 0.05) as important immune markers respectively for assessing sub-clinical effects of occupational exposure. Our data suggest ADA and IgG as useful immune health and safety indicators in WMW.