The effect of acute swim stress and training in the water maze on hippocampal synaptic activity as well as plasticity in the dentate gyrus of freely moving rats: Revisiting swim‐induced LTP reinforcement

Hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) is a cellular model of learning and memory. An early form of LTP (E‐LTP) can be reinforced into its late form (L‐LTP) by various behavioral interactions within a specific time window (“behavioral LTP‐reinforcement”). Depending on the type and procedure used, various studies have shown that stress differentially affects synaptic plasticity. Under low stress, such as novelty detection or mild foot shocks, E‐LTP can be transformed into L‐LTP in the rat dentate gyrus (DG). A reinforcing effect of a 2‐min swim, however, has only been shown in (Korz and Frey (2003) J Neurosci 23:7281–7287; Korz and Frey (2005) J Neurosci 25:7393–7400; Ahmed et al. (2006) J Neurosci 26:3951–3958; Sajikumar et al., (2007) J Physiol 584.2:389–400) so far. We have reinvestigated these studies using the same as well as an improved recording technique which allowed the recording of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) and the population spike amplitude (PSA) at their places of generation in freely moving rats. We show that acute swim stress led to a long‐term depression (LTD) in baseline values of PSA and partially fEPSP. In contrast to earlier studies a LTP‐reinforcement by swimming could never be reproduced. Our results indicate that 2‐min swim stress influenced synaptic potentials as well as E‐LTP negatively. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Somatic underpinnings of perceived empathy: The importance of psychotherapy training

Abstract

This study investigated the somatic underpinning of empathy using an interpersonal physiology approach. Thirty-nine dyads were formed by a “pseudo-patient” and a “listener” (a therapist, a psychologist, or a non-therapist). Dyadic physiological concordance in electrodermal responses and listeners' empathy were evaluated during simulations of clinical sessions. A significant positive correlation between empathy as perceived by pseudo-patients and physiological concordance was found, providing empirical evidence of a somatic underpinning of empathy. Moreover, therapists showed higher levels of physiological concordance and empathy, confirming the importance of psychotherapy training in managing clinical interactions.     

Impact of mindfulness training on attentional control and anger regulation processes for psychotherapists in training

Abstract

Objectives: Little empirical literature focuses on psychotherapists' cultivation of internal states of mind necessary for controlling attention and responding empathically to the client. We explore the effects of mindfulness training on emotional and attentional measures in Spanish resident intern psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. Method: One hundred and three residents were assigned to an experimental group (n = 60) that completed an 8-week mindfulness training versus a wait-list control group (n = 43). We evaluated emotional variables (sadness, anxiety, and anger, using standard instruments), state of mindfulness (using the Mindfulness Awareness Attention Scale), and attentional control variables using objective measures such as a continuous performance task and the Stroop task before and after mindfulness training. Results: Our study provides data that suggest that mindfulness training significantly improves measures of trait anger and attentional control. Conclusions: Further research is needed to replicate these findings, explore the effects of mindfulness training on other aspects of emotional regulation and cognition, and evaluate the impact of these effects within clinical situations.     

Client resistance predicts outcomes in cognitive–behavioral therapy for panic disorder

Abstract

Objective: Little is known about how therapy processes relate to outcome in cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) for panic disorder (PD). This study examined whether client resistance predicts CBT for PD outcomes beyond the effects of established pre-treatment predictors. A secondary aim was to assess the consistency of resistance over treatment. Method: Data were from 71 adults participating in up to 24 biweekly sessions of CBT in a randomized controlled trial. Panic severity was assessed before, during (at Weeks 1, 5, and 9), and at termination of treatment (Week 12) using the Panic Disorder Severity Scale. Trained coders reliably rated resistance in videos of Sessions 2 and 10 using the Client Resistance Code. Results: Resistance was found to be moderately consistent (r?=?.64). Although overall resistance was unrelated to outcomes, hierarchical linear modeling revealed that openly hostile resistance at Session 10 predicted significantly diminished symptom change (r?=?.28, CI_95%?=?[.01, .51]), beyond the effects of pretreatment predictors. Hostile resistance at Session 2 predicted attrition (r_rb?=??.30, p?=?.001), even after established predictors were controlled. Conclusions: Although some forms of resistance may be benign, openly hostile resistance is an important therapy marker that warrants increased clinical and research attention.     

Defining in vivo dose-response curves for kidney DNA adduct formation of aristolochic acid I in rat,mouse and human by an in vitro and physiologically based kinetic modeling approach

Aristolochic acid I (AAI) is a well-known genotoxic kidney carcinogen. Metabolic conversion of AAI into the DNA-reactive aristolactam-nitrenium ion is involved in the mode of action of tumor formation. This study aims to predict in vivo AAI-DNA adduct formation in the kidney of rat, mouse and human by translating the in vitro concentration-response curves for AAI-DNA adduct formation to the in vivo situation using physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling-based reverse dosimetry. DNA adduct formation in kidney proximal tubular LLC-PK1 cells exposed to AAI was quantified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Subsequently, the in vitro concentration-response curves were converted to predicted in vivo dose-response curves in rat, mouse and human kidney using PBK models. Results obtained revealed a dose-dependent increase in AAI-DNA adduct formation in the rat, mouse and human kidney and the predicted DNA adduct levels were generally within an order of magnitude compared with values reported in the literature. It is concluded that the combined in vitro PBK modeling approach provides a novel way to define in vivo dose-response curves for kidney DNA adduct formation in rat, mouse and human and contributes to the reduction, refinement and replacement of animal testing.     

Sucralose causes non-selective CD4 and CD8 lymphotoxicity via probable regulation of the MAPK8/APTX/EID1 genes: An in vitro/in silico study

One of the most widely used sweeteners in the world is sucralose. With sweetening power 600 times greater than sucrose, its use grows among those who seek to cut calories. Research shows that when heated, sucralose generates toxic products that attack the organism and interact with DNA. Our objective was to test this sweetener under unheated conditions and at average concentrations of consumption, evaluating parameters of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. For this purpose, we made use of lymphocyte cultures and the analysis of their CD3⁺, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ subpopulations. In a complementary way, the mechanism of action is proposed here by computational methods. Our results showed that sucralose reduces non-selectively the total lymphocytes due to falls in the levels of the CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and CD4⁺CD8⁺ subpopulations. We observed an increase in the level of DNA damage and a gradual incidence of structural changes in the lymphocyte chromosomal sets. It was possible to propose that sucralose modulates the gene expression, interfering especially with the MAPK8, APTX, and EID1 genes. This article presents the results of an evidence-based approach to the safety of human health in the use of sucralose. Finally, this study points out that sucralose has cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects in the concentrations and conditions tested in human lymphocyte cell culture.     

Communication: Preparing undergraduate radiation therapy students for initial clinical patient interactions

IntroductionRadiation therapy students need to demonstrate appropriate communication skills when entering the clinical environment. To assist students with preparation for their first clinical placement a clinical reasoning module comprising theory and practical sessions was developed. This paper describes the module and presents the results of student evaluations.MethodsThe module consisted of lectures, observational role-play and participatory role-play. Students were ultimately tasked with providing information to a simulated patient (SP). Each student received feedback independently from the SP, peers and facilitator. At the conclusion of the module, students had the opportunity to provide feedback via an anonymous survey (8 Likert scale questions with space for written comment). Data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively.ResultsFour hundred and thirty seven students were enrolled in the course between 2008 and 2016 and the response rate of the survey was 93%. Even though most students reported some level of anxiety before and during the role-play sessions, the majority of students perceived all aspects of the module to be extremely/very useful. The most useful aspect of the module (Likert scale assessment) was the feedback provided by the SP. The two most important themes arising from the thematic analysis were gaining an understanding of the role of the radiation therapist and the complexities of patient interactions.ConclusionOverall, the module was deemed successful with students becoming conscious of newly acquired clinical knowledge whilst acknowledging patient feelings during interactions. Collaborative critiquing contributed to students' ability to self-reflect to improve clinical interactions.     

A Road Map to Foster Wellness and Engagement in Our Workplace—A Report of the 2018 Summer Intersociety Meeting

The 2018 radiology Intersociety Committee reviewed the current state of stress and burnout in our workplaces and identified approaches for fostering engagement, wellness, and job satisfaction. In addition to emphasizing the importance of personal wellness (the fourth aim of health care), the major focus of the meeting was to identify strategies and themes to mitigate the frequency, manifestations, and impact of stress. Strategies include reducing the stigma of burnout, minimizing isolation through community building and fostering connectivity, utilizing data and benchmarking to guide effectiveness of improvement efforts, resourcing and training “wellness” committees, acknowledging value contributions of team members, and improving efficiency in the workplace. Four themes were identified to prioritize organizational efforts: (1) collecting, analyzing, and benchmarking data; (2) developing effective leadership; (3) building high-functioning teams; and (4) amplifying our voice to increase our influence.