Cholinergic receptor gene (CHRM2) variation and familial loading for alcohol dependence predict childhood developmental trajectories of P300

P300 amplitude in childhood predicts substance use disorders by young adulthood. Trajectories of visual P300 amplitude show an association between low amplitude P300 and familial risk for alcohol dependence (AD). Variation in the cholinergic muscarinic receptor gene (CHRM2) has previously been associated with P300 amplitude and AD. The present study used group based trajectory modeling of auditory P300 data collected longitudinally from offspring in families with and without familial loading for AD to determine if specific trajectories would be associated with familial risk and CHRM2 variation. Trajectory modeling confirms previous reports of an association between the low visual P300 trajectory with high familial risk in male offspring. This association was detected in offspring in the 8–12 age range, but not in 13–18 or 19–29 year olds or in high-risk female offspring. CHRM2 association analysis with P300 finds 8–12 year olds who are homozygous for the T allele of rs1824024 are 2.6 times more likely to follow a P300 trajectory characterized by lower and slower change regardless of familial loading. Combining the odds for being male and having a TT genotype results in odds of 6.5 that individuals will follow the low P300 trajectory.     

A critical review of approaches to the treatment of dental anxiety in adults

Dental anxiety and specific phobia of dental procedures are prevalent conditions that can result in substantial distress and oral health impairment. This paper critically reviews 22 randomized treatment trials aimed at reducing dental anxiety and avoidance in adults, published in peer-reviewed journals between 1974 and 2012. The following treatment techniques are reviewed: various forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation training, benzodiazepine premedication, music distraction, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, nitrous oxide sedation, and the use of lavender oil scent. CBT delivered in a variety of formats, including one-session treatment, has the most evidence for its efficacy. Cognitive techniques, relaxation, and techniques to increase patients’ sense of control over dental care are also efficacious but perform best when combined with repeated, graduated exposure. Other interventions require further study in randomized trials before conclusions about their efficacy are warranted. Limitations of the extant outcome research and implications for future treatment and research are discussed.     

Children’s responses towards alcohol in virtual reality: associations between parental alcohol use,drinking selections and intentions to drink

This article examines public opinion in US alcohol policies during the 1990s and their correlates in 2000, using five national telephone surveys. Trend analyses of public opinion on 11 common alcohol policies is presented and factor‐based policy scales, based on 14 items in 2000, are used to examine demographic correlates of support for various policy areas, using bivariate, linear (OLS) and logistic regression analyses. With the exception of the alcohol warning label policy, national support for alcohol policies declined (eight policies) or was unchanged in the 1990s for 11 measured policies. In 2000, four meaningful policy opinion factors were found with adequate reliabilities (αs 0.65–0.75) for three of four derived scales. In 2000, support for specific policies varies. Warnings on labels and advertisements have highest support (>90%), then interventions like prevention, treatment, and responsible beverage service at 70% (with similar levels seen for improving access to treatment). Alcohol controls show varied, but lower support from 25% (raising minimum drinking age further), to above 60% for banning sales in corner stores; only about a third favor higher alcohol taxes (35%) and more restrictive hours of sale (32%). In general, women and those with lower socio‐economic status show higher alcohol policy support. Multivariate results show heavier drinkers are least supportive of alcohol policy, while ethnic minorities, especially Hispanics are more favorable to alcohol controls and raising alcohol taxes. Since evidence‐based alcohol control policies show mixed, but lower public support than treatment, prevention and consumer warnings, there is a need for community‐based strategies to increase awareness of environmentally orientated alcohol policies and their public health benefits.     

Primary meningeal sarcoma with leiomyoblastic differentiation complicating pregnancy

Intracranial malignant tumors during pregnancy are rare. Primary meningeal sarcoma with leiomyoblastic differentiation during pregnancy has not been reported. We present the case of a 25-year-old woman in the third trimester of pregnancy with a large intracranial tumor destructing the parietal calvaria and invasion of soft tissues. Histological examination revealed primary meningeal sarcoma with leiomyoblastic differentiation. A gross macroscopical resection of the tumor with removal of the infiltrated parietal calvaria was performed after delivery of a healthy baby through caesarean section. A mass on the head rapidly enlarging during pregnancy should be considered for a malignancy of intracranial origin. Early radiological exams as well as tumor resection followed by staging and multimodality treatment should be urgently performed.