Chronic Stress May Not Be a Factor in the Behavioral Response to Chronic Lithium in ICR Mice

Pharmacology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 102 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 281-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gil Shemesh ◽  
Nirit Kara ◽  
Haim Einat ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Forced Swim Test ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Stress Control ◽  
Icr Mice ◽  
Sweet Solution ◽  
Plus Maze ◽  
Chronic Stressors ◽  
Stress Intervention ◽  
The Individual

Background: Lithium (Li) is the prototypic mood-stabilizing drug, but the individual response to Li is highly heterogeneous. Some evidence suggest interactions between Li and stress, and it is possible to hypothesize that lithium’s effects are modified by stress conditions. The current study examines the interaction between 2 chronic stressors, constant light (CL) and restrain and the behavioral responses to chronic Li in female and male mice. Methods: Female and male ICR mice were exposed to 3 weeks of either (1) CL; (2) daily restrain or (3) no stress control. One week after the start of the stress intervention, mice started chronic oral Li treatment or control. After 2 weeks of stress and Li, mice were tested in a number of behavioral tests including spontaneous activity, sweet solution preference, plus-maze and forced swim test. Results: There were no effects of stressors on behavior. Effects of Li were demonstrated in males but not females with no interactions between stress and Li. Conclusions: The behavioral effects of Li in this study were not affected by stress. The lack of effects of the stressors themselves on behavior suggests that the application of more intrusive stressors might be needed to further explore the issue.

scholarly journals Ten Years of Experience Support Pharmacogenetic Testing to Guide Individualized Drug Therapy

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 160
Author(s):  
María Celsa Peña-Martín ◽  
Belén García-Berrocal ◽  
Almudena Sánchez-Martín ◽  
Elena Marcos-Vadillo ◽  
María Jesús García-Salgado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Therapy ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Precision Medicine ◽  
Drug Efficacy ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Individualized Drug Therapy ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Multimorbid Patients

Precision medicine utilizing the genetic information of genes involved in the metabolism and disposition of drugs can not only improve drug efficacy but also prevent or minimize adverse events. Polypharmacy is common among multimorbid patients and is associated with increased adverse events. One of the main objectives in health care is safe and efficacious drug therapy, which is directly correlated to the individual response to treatment. Precision medicine can increase drug safety in many scenarios, including polypharmacy. In this report, we share our experience utilizing precision medicine over the past ten years. Based on our experience using pharmacogenetic (PGx)-informed prescribing, we implemented a five-step precision medicine protocol (5SPM) that includes the assessment of the biological–clinical characteristics of the patient, current and past prescription history, and the patient’s PGx test results. To illustrate our approach, we present cases highlighting the clinical relevance of precision medicine with a focus on patients with a complex history and polypharmacy.

scholarly journals System models for resilience in gerontology: application to the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Klasa ◽  
Stephanie Galaitsi ◽  
Andrew Wister ◽  
Igor Linkov
Keyword(s):  
The Elderly ◽  
System Level ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Chronic Stressors ◽  
The World ◽  
Aging Adults ◽  
The Individual

AbstractThe care needs for aging adults are increasing burdens on health systems around the world. Efforts minimizing risk to improve quality of life and aging have proven moderately successful, but acute shocks and chronic stressors to an individual’s systemic physical and cognitive functions may accelerate their inevitable degradations. A framework for resilience to the challenges associated with aging is required to complement on-going risk reduction policies, programs and interventions. Studies measuring resilience among the elderly at the individual level have not produced a standard methodology. Moreover, resilience measurements need to incorporate external structural and system-level factors that determine the resources that adults can access while recovering from aging-related adversities. We use the National Academies of Science conceptualization of resilience for natural disasters to frame resilience for aging adults. This enables development of a generalized theory of resilience for different individual and structural contexts and populations, including a specific application to the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Children’s Astronomy. Development of the Shape of the Earth Concept in Polish Children between 5 and 10 Years of Age

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Jan Amos Jelinek
Keyword(s):  
Mental Model ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Test Results ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Spherical Earth ◽  
The Individual ◽  
High Level ◽  
Cognitive Problems ◽  
Teaching Situations ◽  
Model Approach

The Earth’s shape concept develops as consecutive cognitive problems (e.g., the location of people and trees on the spherical Earth) are gradually resolved. Establishing the order of problem solving may be important for the organisation of teaching situations. This study attempted to determine the sequence of problems to be resolved based on tasks included in the EARTH2 test. The study covered a group of 444 children between 5 and 10 years of age. It captured the order in which children solve cognitive problems on the way to constructing a science-like concept. The test results were compared with previous studies. The importance of cultural influences connected to significant differences (24%) in test results was emphasised. Attention was drawn to the problem of the consistency of the mental model approach highlighted in the literature. The analysis of the individual sets of answers provided a high level of consistency of indications referring to the same model (36%), emphasising the importance of the concept of mental models.

scholarly journals Spectral Pitch Similarity is a Predictor of Perceived Change in Sound- as Well as Note-Based Music

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 205920431984735
Author(s):  
Roger T. Dean ◽  
Andrew J. Milne ◽  
Freya Bailes
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Piano Music ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Discrete Events ◽  
Acoustic Intensity ◽  
Spectral Parameters ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Change ◽  
Predictive Role ◽  
The Individual

Spectral pitch similarity (SPS) is a measure of the similarity between spectra of any pair of sounds. It has proved powerful in predicting perceived stability and fit of notes and chords in various tonal and microtonal instrumental contexts, that is, with discrete tones whose spectra are harmonic or close to harmonic. Here we assess the possible contribution of SPS to listeners’ continuous perceptions of change in music with fewer discrete events and with noisy or profoundly inharmonic sounds, such as electroacoustic music. Previous studies have shown that time series of perception of change in a range of music can be reasonably represented by time series models, whose predictors comprise autoregression together with series representing acoustic intensity and, usually, the timbral parameter spectral flatness. Here, we study possible roles for SPS in such models of continuous perceptions of change in a range of both instrumental (note-based) and sound-based music (generally containing more noise and fewer discrete events). In the first analysis, perceived change in three pieces of electroacoustic and one of piano music is modeled, to assess the possible contribution of (de-noised) SPS in cooperation with acoustic intensity and spectral flatness series. In the second analysis, a broad range of nine pieces is studied in relation to the wider range of distinctive spectral predictors useful in previous perceptual work, together with intensity and SPS. The second analysis uses cross-sectional (mixed-effects) time series analysis to take advantage of all the individual response series in the dataset, and to assess the possible generality of a predictive role for SPS. SPS proves to be a useful feature, making a predictive contribution distinct from other spectral parameters. Because SPS is a psychoacoustic “bottom up” feature, it may have wide applicability across both the familiar and the unfamiliar in the music to which we are exposed.

Standardised ginseng extract G115® potentiates the antidepressant-like properties of fluoxetine in the forced swim test

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Dylan J. Terstege ◽  
Debra S. MacDonald ◽  
R. Andrew Tasker
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Forced Swim Test ◽  
Ginseng Root ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Ginseng Extract ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Swim Test ◽  
Forced Swim ◽  
Plus Maze

Abstract Objective: Ginsenosides, biologically active components of the root of Panax ginseng, have been reported to have therapeutic benefits in a number of disease states including psychiatric conditions such as major depressive disorder. Our objective was to determine if a standardised commercial ginseng extract, G115®, could reduce the signs of behavioural despair commonly observed in animal models of depression either alone or in combination with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (N = 51) were divided into four groups: vehicle control, G115® ginseng root extract, fluoxetine and fluoxetine plus G115®. Rats were trained to voluntarily consume treatments twice daily for 14 days and were then tested in an open field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swim test (FST). Post-mortem hippocampal and prefrontal cortex tissue was analysed for expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) by western blot. Results: One-way Analysis of Variance revealed no significant group differences in the OF or plus-maze performance on any variable examined. In the FST, fluoxetine significantly reduced immobility time and increased latency to immobility. The effects of fluoxetine were further significantly potentiated by co-administration of G115®. Post-mortem tissue analysis revealed significant group differences in BDNF expression in the left hippocampus and left prefrontal cortex without any accompanying changes in TrkB expression. Conclusions: We conclude that oral G115® significantly potentiates the antidepressant-like effect of fluoxetine in the FST in the absence of potentially confounding effects on locomotion and anxiety.

An Opinion on the Assessment of People Who May Have an Auditory Processing Disorder

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (02) ◽  
pp. 097-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harvey Dillon ◽  
Sharon Cameron ◽  
Helen Glyde ◽  
Wayne Wilson ◽  
Dani Tomlin
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Specific Form ◽  
Test Battery ◽  
Auditory Processing Disorder ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Hierarchical Approach ◽  
Clinical Efficiency ◽  
Impaired Ability ◽  
The Individual

We need to rethink how we assess auditory processing disorder (APD). The current use of test batteries, while necessary and well accepted, is at risk of failing as the size of these batteries increases. To counter the statistical, fatigue, and clinical efficiency problems of large test batteries, we propose a hierarchical approach to APD assessment. This begins with an overall test of listening difficulty in which performance is measurably affected for anyone with an impaired ability to understand speech in difficult listening conditions. It proceeds with a master test battery containing a small number of single tests, each of which assesses a different group of skills necessary for understanding speech in difficult listening conditions. It ends with a detailed test battery, where the individual tests administered from this battery are only those that differentiate the skills assessed by the failed test(s) from the master test battery, so that the specific form of APD can be diagnosed. An example of how hierarchical interpretation of test results could be performed is illustrated using the Listening in Spatialized Noise—Sentences test (LiSN-S). Although consideration of what abilities fall within the realm of auditory processing should remain an important issue for research, we argue that patients will be best served by focusing on whether they have difficulty understanding speech, identifying the specific characteristics of this difficulty, and specifically remediating and/or managing those characteristics.

LONG‐TIME RESPONSE PREDICTED BY EXACT ELASTIC RAY THEORY

Geophysics ◽  
1965 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. W. Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Formal Solution ◽  
Intermediate Stage ◽  
Time Limit ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Axially Symmetric ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Significant Figures

The formal solution for an axially symmetric radiation field in a multilayered, elastic system can be expanded in an infinite series. Each term in the series is associated with a particular raypath. It is shown that in the long‐time limit the individual response functions produced by a step input in particle velocity are given by polynomials in odd powers of the time. For rays which suffer m reflections, the degree of the polynomials is 2m+1. The total response is obtained by summing all rays which contribute in a specified time interval. When the rays are selected indiscriminately, the difference between the magnitude of the partial sum at an intermediate stage of computation and the magnitude of the correct total sum may be greater than the number of significant figures carried by the computer. A prescription is stated for arranging the rays into groups. Each group response function varies linearly in the long‐time limit and goes to zero when convolved with a physically realizable source function.

Individual variation in response to altitude training

1998 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 1448-1456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert F. Chapman ◽  
James Stray-Gundersen ◽  
Benjamin D. Levine
Keyword(s):  
Cell Volume ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Training Model ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Altitude Training ◽  
Moderate Altitude ◽  
Red Cell ◽  
Red Cell Volume ◽  
The Individual

Moderate-altitude living (2,500 m), combined with low-altitude training (1,250 m) (i.e., live high-train low), results in a significantly greater improvement in maximal O2 uptake (V˙o 2 max) and performance over equivalent sea-level training. Although the mean improvement in group response with this “high-low” training model is clear, the individual response displays a wide variability. To determine the factors that contribute to this variability, 39 collegiate runners (27 men, 12 women) were retrospectively divided into responders ( n = 17) and nonresponders ( n = 15) to altitude training on the basis of the change in sea-level 5,000-m run time determined before and after 28 days of living at moderate altitude and training at either low or moderate altitude. In addition, 22 elite runners were examined prospectively to confirm the significance of these factors in a separate population. In the retrospective analysis, responders displayed a significantly larger increase in erythropoietin (Epo) concentration after 30 h at altitude compared with nonresponders. After 14 days at altitude, Epo was still elevated in responders but was not significantly different from sea-level values in nonresponders. The Epo response led to a significant increase in total red cell volume andV˙o 2 max in responders; in contrast, nonresponders did not show a difference in total red cell volume or V˙o 2 maxafter altitude training. Nonresponders demonstrated a significant slowing of interval-training velocity at altitude and thus achieved a smaller O2 consumption during those intervals, compared with responders. The acute increases in Epo and V˙o 2 maxwere significantly higher in the prospective cohort of responders, compared with nonresponders, to altitude training. In conclusion, after a 28-day altitude training camp, a significant improvement in 5,000-m run performance is, in part, dependent on 1) living at a high enough altitude to achieve a large acute increase in Epo, sufficient to increase the total red cell volume andV˙o 2 max, and 2) training at a low enough altitude to maintain interval training velocity and O2 flux near sea-level values.

Acute Blood Pressure Response to High- and Moderate-Speed Resistance Exercise in Older Adults With Hypertension

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Carlos Leonardo Figueiredo Machado ◽  
Régis Radaelli ◽  
Clarissa Muller Brusco ◽  
Eduardo Lusa Cadore ◽  
Eurico N. Wilhelm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
Blood Pressure Response ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Control Protocol ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Control

An increase in blood pressure (BP) occurs during resistance exercise; attention to this response may be necessary in older individuals with hypertension. We compared the BP responses following high- (HSRE) and moderate-speed resistance exercise (MSRE) (4 × 8 repetitions at 60% one-repetition maximum) and control protocol in 15 older adults with hypertension. HSRE and MSRE increased systolic BP (SBP) by the end of each set compared with preexercise and control protocol. Immediately after the fourth set, a higher SBP was observed in MSRE than HSRE (147 ± 14 vs. 141 ± 12 mmHg; p = .01). Taking an exploratory analysis of the individual response, we observed that MSRE resulted in greater mean changes and number of SBP exposures to values ≥150 mmHg (22-fold) than HSRE (10-fold). Diastolic BP increased (p < .05) with exercise, but only MSRE increased compared with the control condition (p < .05). HSRE may be an alternative for individuals in which SBP peak should be avoided.

13. FGF2 Gene is required for Antidepressant Treatment Effects

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica MacGregor
Keyword(s):  
Open Field ◽  
Antidepressant Treatment ◽  
Forced Swim Test ◽  
Antidepressant Drugs ◽  
Preference Test ◽  
Antidepressant Effect ◽  
Plus Maze ◽  
Brain Changes ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Sucrose Preference Test

gene in humans have been shown to predict non-responsiveness to antidepressant drugs; suggesting that FGF2 is required for antidepressants to work. In this study, we hypothesized that antidepressants will not work in rodents that lack the FGF2 gene. Hence, we tested antidepressant treatment in transgenic mice that had the FGF2 gene knocked out. Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) has been used for several decades to produce a reliable depressive and anxious phenotype in mice. This study followed a CUS paradigm and used fluoxetine (Prozac) as antidepressant treatment. Mice received daily fluoxetine administration beginning on week three of CUS and continued until the end of week five to provide an antidepressant effect and reverse the effects of stress. To test for levels of anxiety and depression, a battery of behavioral tests was conducted which began from the least stressful (i.e. sucrose preference test, open field maze, elevated plus maze) to the most stressful test (forced swim test) to prevent testing carry-over effects. AnyMaze software was used to measure behavior in the open field and elevated plus mazes by recording the amount of time each mouse spent in certain parts of the maze. Future studies will examine brain changes associated with FGF2 gene deletion – particularly in astrocyte cells – which might be necessary for successful antidepressant action. Hopefully, this will elucidate novel therapeutic targets for antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication. 

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