Psychological and cumulative cardiovascular effects of repeated angry rumination and visuospatial suppression

Brooding rumination is associated with depressed mood, increased negative affect, prolonged anger and inhibited cardiovascular (CV) recovery. Distraction from rumination on a stressful interpersonal encounter is associated with faster CV recovery and decreased negative affect. Studies have suggested that a concurrent visuospatial (VS) task inhibits the maintenance of imagery associated with the perseveration of intrusive negative memories. 120 healthy participants were recruited for the study. As an analogue of repeated angry rumination, the authors explored the effects of repeated visual recall of a provocative confederate and the subsequent impact of two visuospatial (VS) distraction tasks on negative affect, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). Repeated recall of the provocation generated repeatedly elevated HR with a cumulative trend that may have CV disease risk implications for chronic ruminators. VS distraction did not aid recovery compared with the Control task.     

Exendin-4 decreases amphetamine-induced locomotor activity

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is released in response to nutrient ingestion and is a regulator of energy metabolism and consummatory behaviors through both peripheral and central mechanisms. The GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is widely distributed in the central nervous system, however little is known about how GLP-1Rs regulate ambulatory behavior. The abused psychostimulant amphetamine (AMPH) promotes behavioral locomotor activity primarily by inducing the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Here, we identify the GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4) as a modulator of behavioral activation by AMPH. We report that in rats a single acute administration of Ex-4 decreases both basal locomotor activity as well as AMPH-induced locomotor activity. Ex-4 did not induce behavioral responses reflecting anxiety or aversion. Our findings implicate GLP-1R signaling as a novel modulator of psychostimulant-induced behavior and therefore a potential therapeutic target for psychostimulant abuse.     

Perinatal outcomes after adopting 1- versus 2-step approach to diagnosing gestational diabetes

Objective: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the IADPSG (International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups) proposed distinct approaches to diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We sought to analyze these paradigms: (1) ACOG 2-step approach where screening is followed by diagnostic testing, (2) IADPSG 1-step diagnostic testing.

Study design: We reviewed data from pregnant women (24–28 wks) screened for GDM over two periods: (1) November 2011–May 2012 (2) November 2012–May 2013. Period 1: 2-step approach (screening 1-h glucose challenge test (GCT) followed by a diagnostic 3-h 100-g glucose tolerance test (GTT) when abnormal (≥140?mg/dl)). Period 2: an abnormal value after a 2-h 75-g GTT result was diagnostic of GDM. We compared the incidence of GDM and perinatal outcomes using either approach.

Results: Out of 471 patients screened by ACOG 2-step approach, 72 (15.3%) had an abnormal 1-h screening and underwent the 3-h diagnostic GTT, and 26 (5.5%) developed GDM. The 1-step approach resulted in 53 (15.96%) with GDM of a total 332 evaluated. There was no statistically significant difference in perinatal outcomes between the two cohorts. Maternal weight at the start and the end of pregnancy was greater for patients diagnosed by the ACOG 2-step approach.

Conclusion: Adopting 1-step approach (ADA) to diagnose GDM resulted in a 3-fold increase in prevalence of GDM with no differences in perinatal outcomes.     

内镜下的内痔套扎(英文)

目前内痔的治疗趋势已经逐步从住院手术治疗转向门诊非手术治疗方式,而且都具有相当的效果。这其中包括套扎、注射、电灼、冷冻等技术都得到了发展和应用。在肠镜检查过程中,运用套扎技术是一种便捷有效的方式。本文对内镜下内痔套扎技术进行报道并作相关文献回顾。