DOI-induced deficits in prepulse inhibition in Wistar rats are reversed by mGlu2/3 receptor stimulation

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response (ASR) provides a measure of sensorimotor gating mechanisms that are impaired in schizophrenia patients. Interactions of the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and glutamatergic systems, especially via the 5-HT_2A receptor subtype, have been implicated in the regulation of PPI. The present study investigated the involvement of interactions between 5-HT_2A and metabotropic glutamate (mGlu)2/3 receptors in modulating PPI in Wistar and Lister Hooded rats. Systemic administration of the 5-HT_2A/2C receptor agonist DOI ((+/−)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropan hydrochloride; 3 mg/kg) reduced PPI and ASR magnitude in Wistar but not in Lister Hooded rats. In Wistar rats, pre-treatment with the mGlu2/3 receptor agonist LY379268 (1 mg/kg) attenuated the DOI-induced disruption of PPI as well as the DOI-elicited reductions of ASR magnitude. LY379268 itself did not alter PPI in both strains and only slightly increased ASR magnitudes in Wistar rats. Taken together, these findings support the notion of functionally antagonistic interactions between 5-HT_2A and mGlu2/3 which might be involved in regulating sensorimotor gating mechanisms. Additionally, the data suggest that stimulation of mGlu2/3 receptors may be useful to ameliorate sensorimotor gating deficits resulting from an overstimulation of 5-HT_2A receptors.     

A biopsychosocial process model of health and complaints in children and adolescents

The purpose of the study was to test a biopsychosocial process model based on theoretically and empirically supported factors previously found to influence health and complaints in children and adolescents. Participants (N = 823) of the ages of nine, 14 or 18 were administered parts of the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Questionnaire and a physical activity questionnaire. They subsequently underwent physical fitness tests and a medical examination. For complaints, direct and indirect influences over four levels (socioeconomic status, physical activity of relatives and peers, physical activity and physical fitness) were shown, but the findings did not hold for health. The interpretation of expected and unexpected results is discussed.     

Association between immigrant status and history of compulsory treatment in a national sample of individuals assessed for drug use disorders through the Swedish public welfare system

In-person interview data from 13,903 individuals assessed for a drug use disorder in the Swedish welfare system from 2002-2008, were analyzed using logistic regression methods. Second generation immigrants with non-Scandinavian parents were 41% more likely to report a history of compulsory treatment compared to those born in Sweden to Swedish parents after controlling for age, gender, education, mental health treatment homeless status history, and criminal justice history. Implications include the need to study acculturation, stigma, and discrimination-related factors as well as to promote culturally competent outreach to immigrant populations.     

Linking immunity to atherosclerosis: implications for vascular pharmacology--a tribute to Göran K. Hansson

For the past decade, we have deepened our understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, a chronic arterial disease that causes cardiac and cerebral infarction and peripheral vascular disorders. Because of this extended understanding, more effective strategies for prevention and treatment of this disease are emerging. One of the fundamental mechanisms that lead to progress or regression in atherosclerosis, thus influencing its life-threatening complications, occurs through functional changes in vascular immunity and inflammation. This review briefly summarizes the discoveries in basic and translational sciences in this area and recent advances in clinical medicine against atherosclerotic vascular diseases.     

Association analysis of ANK3 gene variants in nordic bipolar disorder and schizophrenia case-control samples

Genetic variants in ankyrin 3 (ANK3) have recently been shown to be associated with bipolar disorder (BD). We genotyped three ANK3 SNPs previously found to be associated with BD (rs10994336, rs1938526, and rs9804190) in a Scandinavian BD case-control sample (N = 854/2,614). Due to evidence of genetic overlap between BD and schizophrenia (SZ), we also genotyped these three SNPs in a Scandinavian SZ case-control sample (N = 1,073/2,919). Combining our Scandinavian samples with an Icelandic sample (N = 435 BD cases, 651 SZ cases, and 11,491 healthy controls), we found rs10994336 and rs9804190 to be nominally significantly associated with BD in this combined Nordic BD sample (N = 1,289/14,105). Nominal P was 0.015/0.018 (fixed/random effect) for rs10994336 (Bonferroni corrected P = 0.044/0.053) and 0.023 for rs9804190 (Bonferroni corrected P = 0.069). None of the SNPs were significantly associated with SZ in the combined Nordic SZ case-control sample (N = 1,724/14,410). These results further support that ANK3 is a susceptibility gene specific to BD and that more than one risk locus is involved.     

Surgical nurses' different understandings of their interactions with patients: a phenomenographic study

The aim of this study was to identify and describe different ways surgical nurses understand their roles and interactions with patients and their families in a surgical care setting. The surgical nurse has an important role in supporting and encouraging the patient during the hospital stay. It can be a challenge for the nurse to quickly establish a trustful relationship with the patient. The assumption is that nurses' interactions with patients are affected by their understanding and expectations of the roles in the nurse-patient relationship. A qualitative interview approach was used and the interviews were analysed using the phenomenographic method. A strategic sample of 17 registered nurses in two hospitals in Sweden was interviewed. In the analysis four ways of understanding the nurse's role in interactions with the patient were identified: (A) Focusing on medical treatment, following prescribed instructions, and maintaining routines; (B) Providing information, giving service, and coordinating care and treatment; (C) Seeing patients as vulnerable people and helping and supporting them as individuals; and (D) Inviting patients to participate in the caring process and encouraging them to take responsibility in their own care. Seeing each patient as a person with individual needs and personal resources. The first way of understanding, A, focuses on the work task; the other three understandings focus on the patients, but differ in how the nurses see them as people. Understanding A represents a restricted and task-oriented approach, whereas the others are more patient-focused, but also more complex. To realise patient-centred care, nurses should pay attention to all aspects of the interaction. Nurses need to have time at ward meetings or in supervision to discuss and become aware of different ways of understanding their interactions and relationships with patients. In this way new areas of professional development may be opened up.     

Factors of importance for self-reported mental health and depressive symptoms among ages 60-75 in urban Iran and Sweden

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 696–705 Factors of importance for self‐reported mental health and depressive symptoms among ages 60–75 in urban Iran and Sweden Background: Depression is a common experience affecting 121 million people around the world. In high income countries, depression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions among the elderly. Studies show that immigrants are particularly at risk for mental ill health. Aim: This study investigates the self‐reported mental health among two Iranian groups; one born and residing in Iran and one consisting of Iranian immigrants in Sweden, as well as native Swedes living in Sweden. The study also aims to explore and compare self‐reported depressive symptoms among three groups. Methods: This study is based on a cross‐sectional design measuring self‐reported health with a study specific questionnaire. The programme SPSS V.17.0 was used for all statistical analyses. Findings: 1088 participants were approached (668 Iranians in Iran; 105 immigrated Iranians in Sweden; and 305 Swedes in Sweden). Factors effecting self‐reported mental health was self‐reported health, smoking, satisfaction with social life and also a sense of connection to ones cultural roots and traditions. Also demographic variables such as group belonging (Swedes vs. Iranians), sex and satisfaction with Income were shown to be important when performing the regression analysis. In the chi‐square analysis the Iranian samples reported depressive symptoms to a larger extent than the Swedish group in all aspects of self‐reported depressive symptoms. Self‐reported depressive symptoms were reported to a greater extend in women compared to men. Our findings indicate that the Iranian populations living in both Tehran and Stockholm report depressive symptoms to an extent that merits concern. The findings indicate that Iranians living in Tehran and Iranians who have immigrated to Sweden require more attention regarding mental health care. Health care providers in both countries should be aware of the current state of mental health among Iranians in both Sweden and Iran.