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Peer workers operating within health care settings can offer unique perspectives based on their own lived experience. Within alcohol and other drug (AOD) rehabilitation services, the potential value of peer work is becoming increasingly recognised. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate a newly implemented peer worker program located across three rehabilitation services in Tasmania, Australia. Online interviews were conducted with eight clients, seven peer workers, and five non-peer worker employees with varied experience with peer worker programs. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Guided by an overarching exploratory-descriptive methodological framework, thematic analysis generated three overarching themes: 1) Enhancing and supporting client experiences (what peer workers did in their role to improve client experiences, 2) Changing experiences with AOD rehabilitation (the unique benefits and changes that peer work brings to AOD rehabilitation services) and 3) Finding organizational value (how defining peer work and the feasibility of the peer worker role was challenged by different organizational factors). Overall, peer work was viewed as a positive addition to all rehabilitation services that was able to enhance client experiences through various mechanisms, such as by sharing their own stories, assisting with understanding, and creating safety. Peer work was also able to create change in AOD services, by instilling hope and reducing stigma. However, ongoing challenges with defining the peer worker role in a way that offers organizational recognition and financial security remain. Peer workers offer a unique and valuable perspective when working within rehabilitation services. Through their own lived experience peer workers were able to support clients and assist them in their recovery. These findings highlight the potential benefit of peer work programs within AOD rehabilitation services. • Implementing effective Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) rehabilitation programs is essential. • Peer workers operating within AOD treatment settings are able to support clients by providing a unique perspective. • Establishing organizational value and role stability for peer workers is important for the longevity of these programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about the library program in which students learn about renowned animal scientist Temple Grandin, who credits her autism for giving her the ability to approach problems differently. It also mentions about the discussion of Julia Finley Mosca's "The Girl who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin."

Background: The endocannabinoid system is gaining increasing attention as a favorable target for improving posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatments. Exposure therapy is the gold‐standard treatment for PTSD, and fear extinction learning is a key concept underlying successful exposure. Methods: This study examined the role of genetic endocannabinoid polymorphisms in a fear extinction paradigm with PTSD compared to healthy participants (N = 220). Participants provided saliva for genotyping, completed a fear conditioning and extinction task, with blood samples taken before and after the task (n = 57). Skin conductance was the outcome and was analyzed using mixed models. Results: Results for cannabinoid receptor type 1 polymorphisms suggested that minor alleles of rs2180619 and rs1049353 were associated with poorer extinction learning in PTSD participants. The minor allele of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) polymorphism rs324420 was associated with worse extinction in PTSD participants. Subanalysis of healthy participants (n = 57) showed the FAAH rs324420 genotype effect was dependent on plasma arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA) level, but not oleoylethanolamide or 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol. Specifically, higher but not lower AEA levels in conjunction with the minor allele of FAAH rs324420 were associated with better extinction learning. Conclusions: These findings provide translational evidence that cannabinoid receptor 1 and AEA are involved in extinction learning in humans. FAAH rs324420's effect on fear extinction is moderated by AEA plasma level in healthy controls. These findings imply that FAAH inhibitors may be effective for targeting anxiety in PTSD, but this effect needs to be explored further in clinical populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2011, Times Books New York 2 C.M. Poland, G.A. Poland, Vaccine education spectrum disorder: the importance of incorporating psychological and cognitive models into vaccine education. Vaccine education spectrum disorder: the importance of incorporating psychological and cognitive models into vaccine education. [Extracted from the article]

Cannabinoids are a promising method for pharmacological treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite considerable research devoted to the effect of cannabinoid modulation on PTSD symptomology, there is not a currently agreed way by which the cannabinoid system should be targeted in humans. In this review, we present an overview of recent research identifying neurological pathways by which different cannabinoid-based treatments may exert their effects on PTSD symptomology. We evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each of these different approaches, including recent challenges presented to favourable options such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors. This article makes the strengths and challenges of different potential cannabinoid treatments accessible to psychological researchers interested in cannabinoid therapeutics and aims to aid selection of appropriate tools for future clinical trials. • Cannabinoids are efficacious for PTSD in animal models of the disorder. • Cannabinoid agents work through multiple pathways, such as serotonin and BDNF, to modulate PTSD symptomology. • Strengths, weaknesses and current challenges of different cannabinoid agents are reviewed here and compared. • Clinical trials for PTSD should be constructed based on current directions in pharmacological development of cannabinoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • PTSD involves dysregulated memory consolidation, extinction learning and negative feedback of the HPA axis. • As the endocannabinoid system underlies these processes, it is a promising target for PTSD treatment. • Marked sex and sex-hormone differences are apparent in PTSD, and these extend to the endocannabinoid system. • Hormonal mechanisms may drive the PTSD gender disparity through the endocannabinoid system. Abstract The endocannabinoid system is an increasingly recognised pharmacological target for treating stress and anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent preclinical developments have implicated the endocannabinoid system in stress responses, emotional memories and fear extinction, all critical to PTSD aetiology. However, preclinical research in endocannabinoid biology has neglected the influential role of sex hormone differences on PTSD symptomology, which is particularly important given that PTSD is twice as common in women as in men. In this review, we compile and consider the evidence that the endocannabinoid system is influenced by ovarian hormones, with application to stress disorders such as PTSD. It is clear that therapeutic modulation of the endocannabinoid system needs to be approached with awareness of ovarian hormonal influences, and knowledge of these influences may enhance treatment outcomes for female PTSD populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) as a screening tool for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition‐defined khat use disorder. Methods: Cross‐sectional, purposive sample of past‐year khat consumers aged 16 and above were recruited from khat markets and cafes from university and general community in Adama, Ethiopia. Participants self‐completed a survey comprising current substance use disorder. Results: The SDS formed a unifactorial structure, consistent with the dependence construct. Almost three quarters (73%) of the sample were identified as experiencing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition khat use disorder. The SDS demonstrated excellent discrimination (area under the curve = 0.92) and an optimal cut‐off as a score of 3 or greater, with sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 96%. This classification validly identified a group with more frequent and higher dose khat use than participants that did not screen positive. Conclusion: Although khat is a mild stimulant, there is clear evidence that some consumers are both concerned with their use and experience problems associated with their use. Consistent with its application for other drugs, the SDS is a brief and simple screening tool that appears to validly identify individuals experiencing a khat use disorder syndrome and experiencing high rates of adverse consequences in association with use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the events that led to the implementation of the Ask-A-Librarian button within the hospital's electronic medical record. Various marketing techniques used to educate health care professionals regarding the new service, as well as the significant increase in library usage results, are discussed. This article also provides insight as to why the librarians undertook such an ambitious project, and it is the authors' hope that it will inspire others to do the same at their institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Computer-aided vicarious exposure (CAVE) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an intervention in which participants learn and rehearse exposure with response prevention (ERP) by directing a character around a virtual world. This study aimed to pilot an online CAVE program for OCD in a community sample with high OCD symptomatology.Methods: Participants (n = 78) were allocated to an intervention group (three 45-min weekly CAVE sessions) or to a waitlist control group. The treatment group were asked to complete three 45-min sessions over a four week period.Results: Those who completed at least one CAVE session showed greater improvement on measures of OCD symptomatology at one-month post-treatment (d = 0.49-0.81) compared to waitlist (d = 0.01-0.1). Older age, past treatment and higher symptom severity were associated with non-adherence.Limitations: These findings should be considered preliminary due to sample size limitations and an absence of an active control group. However, the findings suggest that further development and evaluation of the program is warranted.Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that online CAVE programs have potential to bridge treatment gaps among those reluctant to attend treatment or engage with in vivo exposure exercises. These programs may also have potential applications as an adjunct to face-to-face or online cognitive behavioural therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine habituation of subjective anxiety and electrophysiological correlates of cortical hyper-vigilance during exposure to spider images among high (n = 12) and low (n = 11) spider fear groups.Methods: Participants viewed a six-stage hierarchy of spider images. The images used at stage 1 and stage 6 were the same. Subjective anxiety was rated at four intervals during each three-minute exposure stage (0, 60, 120, and 180 s) and event-related potentials (ERPs) were averaged across these epochs (0-60, 60-120, 120-180).Results: High spider fearfuls demonstrated greater habituation of self-reported anxiety within and between exposure stages compared to low fearfuls. Consistent with attentional hyper-vigilance, the high-fear group also demonstrated greater P1 amplitude in response to spider images. In both groups, habituation of P1 amplitude was found at later relative to earlier stages, but increased at stage six when the stage 1 image was re-presented, despite low subjective anxiety.Limitations: While the passive viewing paradigm mirrored image-based exposure, it was not possible to determine whether participants engaged in avoidance strategies. In addition, further research is needed to assess the relevance of habituation and reinstatement of P1 amplitude to therapeutic outcome.Conclusions: Habituation of subjective anxiety during image-based exposure is not necessarily accompanied by a reduction in measures of cortical hyper-vigilance. The reinstatement of the P1 response may indicate either re-activation of previous associations, less avoidance, or a more generalised dishabituation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past decade, monitoring systems have identified the rapid emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS). While the use of many NPS is minimal and transitory, little is known about which products have potential for capturing the attention of significant proportions of the drug consuming market. The aim of this study was to explore self-reported experiences of three commonly used NPS classes within the Australian context (synthetic cathinones, hallucinogenic phenethylamines and hallucinogenic tryptamines) relative to traditional illicit drug counterparts.Methods: Frequent psychostimulant consumers interviewed for the Australian Ecstasy and related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) (n=1208) provided subjective ratings of the pleasurable and negative (acute and longer-term) effects of substances used in the last six months on the last occasion of use, and the likelihood of future use.Results: Stimulant-type NPS (e.g., mephedrone, methylone) were rated less favourably than ecstasy and cocaine in terms of pleasurable effects and likelihood of future use. DMT (a hallucinogenic tryptamine) showed a similar profile to LSD in terms of pleasurable effects and the likelihood of future use, but negative effects (acute and comedown) were rated lower. Hallucinogenic phenethylamines (e.g., 2C-B) showed a similar negative profile to LSD, but were rated as less pleasurable and less likely to be used again.Conclusion: The potential for expanded use of stimulant-type NPS may be lower compared to commonly used stimulants such as ecstasy and cocaine. In contrast, the potential of DMT may be higher relative to LSD given the comparative absence of negative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This study aimed to validate the presence of a khat use disorder syndrome using DSM-5 criteria and to examine its relationship with increased experience of harms. Design Cross-sectional, purposive sample of current khat-chewers, recruited from khat markets and cafes. Setting Participants were recruited from the general community and from Adama Science and Technology University in Ethiopia. Participants A total of 400 current khat consumers aged 16 and above were recruited between September 2014 and January 2015 Measures Survey comprising current clinical symptoms (using a modified Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-IV), and validated measures of health, psychological distress, quality of life and academic functioning. Findings A third [35.5%95% confidence interval (CI) = 31.0-40.3] of respondents reported daily khat use and a quarter (25.4% 95% CI = 21.4-30.0) using three times or more per week. Using DSM-5 criteria, 10.5% (95% CI = 7.9-13.9) were categorized as experiencing mild, 8.8% (95% CI = 6.4-12.0) moderate and 54.5% (95% CI = 49.6-59.3) severe khat use disorder. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a good fit of symptoms to a single underlying construct, consistent with other substance use disorders. Individuals categorized as experiencing khat use disorder demonstrated significantly greater frequency [odds ratio (OR) = 45.29; 95% CI = 10.97-19.01) and quantity of khat use (OR = 2.35; 95%CI = 1.29-4.29). They also demonstrated increased financial problems associated with use, greater problems with academic functioning and higher rates of self-reported mental health problems, higher psychological distress and poorer quality of life. Treatment accesswas poor, with only one-third (32.9%) of individuals with khat use disorder reporting life-time access, near-exclusively related to help-seeking from friends and relatives. Conclusion The construct of a substance use disorder syndrome for khat using DSM-5 criteria appears valid and performs in a manner consistent with other substances of dependence. Individuals with khat use disorder experience substantial problems in association with khat use. Despite this, there are low levels of help-seeking for these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the events that led to the implementation of the Ask-A-Librarian button within the hospital’s electronic medical record. Various marketing techniques used to educate healthcare professionals regarding the new service as well as the significant increase in library usage results are discussed. This article also provides insight as to why the librarians undertook such an ambitious project. It is the authors’ hope that it will inspire others to do the same at their institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim/Purpose: The primary use of electronic health records (EHRs) is in the care of the individual patient. Secondary research uses employ information in EHRs for purposes beyond that of care of the individual. Secondary research uses may broadly be divided into studies which focus on improving care and treatment of individuals and those which aim to increase knowledge about disease causes, associations and prevalence at a population level. This paper provides a review of studies that have used EHRs to increase knowledge at a population level. It examines the methods used, types of research conducted, difficulties and challenges faced and implications for future research and mental health research in particular. Method: A review was undertaken based on a search for peer-reviewed and recently (i.e. since 2005) published articles with full-text available online. Findings/Results: The studies which have used EHRs to increase knowledge have predominantly involved; (1) data mining to identify biomarkers and gene–disease associations, (2) epidemiological research using linked/merged health records and (3) surveillance, prediction and alerts for diseases/illnesses. The principal methodological challenges identified were data quality, discrepancies/inconsistencies in data and interoperability of EHRs. Conclusions: Despite the challenges faced in secondary usage of EHRs, significant research has been undertaken and researchers have proposed and tested various approaches to address methodological issues. The study methods employed in other fields of medical research can be extrapolated to study issues of significance to mental health using EHRs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To investigate facilitatory and inhibitory processes during selective attention among adults with good (n=17) and poor (n=14) phonological decoding skills, a go/nogo flanker task was completed while EEG was recorded. Participants responded to a middle target letter flanked by compatible or incompatible flankers. The target was surrounded by a small or large circular cue which was presented simultaneously or 500ms prior. Poor decoders showed a greater RT cost for incompatible stimuli preceded by large cues and less RT benefit for compatible stimuli. Poor decoders also showed reduced modulation of ERPs by cue-size at left hemisphere posterior sites (N1) and by flanker compatibility at right hemisphere posterior sites (N1) and frontal sites (N2), consistent with processing differences in fronto-parietal attention networks. These findings have potential implications for understanding the relationship between spatial attention and phonological decoding in dyslexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictors of academic success at university are of great interest to educators, researchers and policymakers. With more students studying online, it is important to understand whether traditional predictors of academic outcomes in face‐to‐face settings are relevant to online learning. This study modelled self‐regulatory and demographic predictors of subject grades in 84 online and 80 face‐to‐face undergraduate students. Predictors were effort regulation, grade goal, academic self‐efficacy, performance self‐efficacy, age, sex, socio‐economic status (SES) and first‐in‐family status. A multi‐group path analysis indicated that the models were significantly different across learning modalities. For face‐to‐face students, none of the model variables significantly predicted grades. For online students, only performance self‐efficacy significantly predicted grades (small effect). Findings suggest that learner characteristics may not function in the same way across learning modes. Further factor analytic and hierarchical research is needed to determine whether self‐regulatory predictors of academic success continue to be relevant to modern student cohorts. Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic Self‐regulatory and demographic variables are important predictors of university outcomes like grades.It is unclear whether the relationships between predictor variables and outcomes are the same across learning modalities, as research findings are mixed.What this paper adds Models predicting university students' grades by demographic and self‐regulatory predictors differed significantly between face‐to‐face and online learning modalities.Performance self‐efficacy significantly predicted grades for online students.No self‐regulatory variables significantly predicted grades for face‐to‐face students, and no demographic variables significantly predicted grades in either cohort.Overall, traditional predictors of grades showed no/small unique effects in both cohorts.Implications for practice and/or policy The learner characteristics that predict success may not be the same across learning modalities.Approaches to enhancing success in face‐to‐face settings are not automatically applicable to online settings.Self‐regulatory variables may not predict university outcomes as strongly as previously believed, and more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives This research compared the effects of real versus hyper-real images on anxiety, disgust, and physiological arousal during internet-delivered exposure in high spider-fearfuls. Hyper-real images were digitally altered to highlight fearful aspects. A further aim was to examine self-reported and behavioural therapeutic outcomes and exposure-related predictors of these outcomes. Methods Twenty-eight females were randomised to real ( n = 14) or hyper-real ( n = 14) treatment groups and nine participants were subsequently allocated to a wait-list control group. Treatment groups viewed an 8-stage exposure hierarchy of real or hyper-real spider images. Subjective anxiety and disgust ratings were taken during each stage (0, 60, 120, 180 s) with heart rate and skin conductance recorded throughout. Results Anxiety, disgust and physiological arousal habituated within each exposure stage, with no differential effect of real compared to hyper-real images. Both treatment groups but not controls demonstrated significant reductions in behavioural avoidance and self-reported phobic symptoms from pre-treatment to post-treatment with large effect sizes noted. The change in within-stage habituation of anxiety, disgust and heart rate, between the first and last stage, predicted improvement in behavioural avoidance at post-treatment. This suggests that generalisation of habituation to multiple images is an important predictor of improvement. Limitations While findings in relation to therapeutic outcome should be considered preliminary, clear relationships were found between exposure-related variables and outcome among those who undertook treatment. Conclusions Findings provide evidence in support of the efficacy of online image-based exposure and have implications for informing further research into the underlying mechanisms of image-based exposure treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and illicit drugs is a serious road safety concern. This research aimed to examine trends in DUI across time and changes in attitudes towards the risks (crash and legal) associated with DUI among regular ecstasy users (REU) interviewed in Australia. Methods Participants were regular (at least monthly) ecstasy users surveyed in 2007 ( n = 573) or 2011 ( n = 429) who had driven a car in the last six months. Face to face interviews comprised questions about recent engagement of DUI and roadside breath (alcohol) and saliva (drug) testing. Participants also reported the risk of crash and of being apprehended by police if DUI of alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy, and methamphetamine. Results There were significant reductions in DUI of psychostimulants (ecstasy, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD) but not alcohol or cannabis between 2007 and 2011. This was accompanied by increased experience of roadside saliva testing and increases in crash and legal risk perceptions for ecstasy and methamphetamine, but not alcohol or cannabis. When the relationship between DUI and risk variables was examined, low crash risk perceptions were associated with DUI of all substances and low legal risk perceptions were associated with DUI of ecstasy. Conclusions The observed reduction in DUI of psychostimulants among frequent ecstasy consumers may be related to increased risk awareness stemming from educational campaigns and the introduction of saliva testing on Australian roads. Such countermeasures may be less effective in relation to deterring or changing attitudes towards DUI of cannabis and alcohol among this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to explore the implications of mental health literacy for uptake, use and benefits of Australia's Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR). A narrative review was undertaken using literature gained through university search engines, Google Scholar, and government and other reputable websites. Documents retrieved were predominantly recent (i.e., since 2005) and Australian-based. Key findings were that low levels of mental health literacy can adversely affect: Interpretations of health-related information, help-seeking behaviours, use of health services, and peer support for those living with mental illness. Consumers with low levels of mental health literacy, as observed in many disadvantaged groups in Australia, may benefit from additional support in order to use and derive the benefits envisaged for the PCEHR. It was concluded that low levels of mental health literacy may limit the uptake, use and benefits of Australia's PCEHR. A number of possible strategies to assist consumers with low mental health literacy were discussed. It was noted that targeted approaches to addressing mental health literacy in disadvantaged groups are warranted to minimise disparity in health care access and long-term health outcomes. It was also suggested that healthcare providers could play an important role in encouraging uptake of the PCEHR by placing greater emphasis on patient education and support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The past decade has seen the development of an array of emerging psychoactive substances (EPS), however, there is minimal information on the extent of their use outside Europe. This study aimed to determine the extent of use of EPS from stimulant (such as mephedrone) and psychedelic classes (such as 5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine [5-MeO-DMT]) among an Australian sample of regular ecstasy users (REU). Further, to determine if consumers of these drugs represent a distinct subgroup of REU. Methods: Australian national cross-sectional surveys of 693 regular (at least monthly) ecstasy users conducted during 2010. Results: More than one quarter (28%) of REU had used an EPS in the past six months, most commonly from the stimulant class (20%, typically mephedrone, 17%) rather than the psychedelic class (13%). Demographics and risk behaviours of REU that used stimulant EPS were largely no different from non-EPS consuming REU. Those using psychedelic EPS were distinct, initiating ecstasy use earlier, more frequently using multiple substances (cannabis, inhalants, GHB, ketamine) and more commonly experiencing legal, psychological and social problems. Conclusions: Psychedelic EPS use appears largely restricted to a distinct subset of REU with high-level non-injecting polydrug use, but use appears generally limited. The demographic similarity of stimulant EPS consumers with ‘mainstream’ REU, in conjunction with positive responses to the psychoactive effects of these drugs and declining ecstasy purity, suggests strong potential for stimulant EPS to expand further into ecstasy markets. Such drugs may have a greater public health impact than ecstasy, and merit careful monitoring into the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This research aimed to examine the effects of moving (videos) versus static (pictures) images on habituation and progression in a hierarchy during online symbolic exposure (OSE) for spider fear. Participants were 351 people with high spider fear who logged on to an OSE website (www.feardrop.com) for self-help purposes. The inclusion of moving images in the exposure hierarchy increased adherence rates relative to static images, particularly among those with lower relative to higher spider fear. Those who viewed moving images at Stage 2 showed higher Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) ratings overall, but a similar pattern of habituation relative to those who viewed static images. In addition, 71% of participants completed at least one stage of the OSE program, representing an improvement from 30% adherence in previous research that used an earlier version of the program. These findings support the development of tailored exposure hierarchies to maximise adherence and treatment benefit for individual participants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The aim of this research was to evaluate an online exposure treatment for spider phobia () and to investigate the effects of intermittent versus continuous exposure. Methods: Spider phobic participants ( N = 23) completed two 14-minute stages of laboratory-based online exposure. In the first of these stages exposure was either continuous or intermittent (alternating fearrelevant and -irrelevant images). One week later, participants commenced a sixstage home-based graded online exposure task, which was undertaken over 30 days. Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) ratings were taken throughout all exposure stages. Spider fear was assessed prior to treatment, and at 1-week and 1-month post treatment. Results: Habituation was observed across each stage for both the laboratory and home-based tasks and generalisation of habituation was found between stages. Habituation was not impaired in the alternating fear-relevant and -irrelevant image condition, though subjects experienced less summed anxiety. Adherence rates were low in home-based online exposure. However, participants who completed 30-days post-treatment assessment (n = 14) showed a significant reduction in spider fear as measured by the Fear of Spiders Questionnaire (FSQ). Conclusions: Online exposure produces habituation and generalisation of habituation to spider images as well as longer-term reductions in spider fear. Alternating fear-relevant and -irrelevant exposure is feasible in online exposure and may lead to habituation with less summed anxiety that has implications for tolerability and acceptability. Measures to increase adherence rates and hence dosage delivered are a key consideration for further online exposure research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to investigate habituation to spider images during an online exposure treatment () among participants with a high fear of spiders. Participants ( N = 392) undertook a 10-stage online exposure treatment with a stage length of either 180 or 360 seconds. Four Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) ratings were taken throughout each stage. Treatment completion was found to be a significant challenge, with less than one-third (30%) completing at least one stage of the program. Those in the shorter stage length condition were significantly more likely to complete the first stage relative to those in the longer stage length condition (43% vs. 16%). SUDS ratings decreased significantly across time at Stage 1, suggesting habituation of self-reported anxiety and there was an overall reduction in SUDS ratings at the second relative to the first stage, suggesting generalisation of habituation. The greatest habituation was observed among those with high anticipatory anxiety (pre-exposure SUDS rating), high total exposure time, and younger age. There was preliminary evidence for improvement in symptoms of spider fear at post-treatment. Directions for future research include strategies to facilitate treatment completion, evaluation of treatment outcomes, and expansion to include a range of specific fears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Previous research suggests a relationship between spatial attention and phonological decoding in developmental dyslexia. The aim of this study was to examine differences between good and poor phonological decoders in the allocation of spatial attention to global and local levels of hierarchical stimuli. A further aim was to investigate the relationship between global/local processing and electrophysiological indices (N1, N2) of spatial attention in these groups. Good (n =18) and poor (n =16) phonological decoders were selected on the basis of non-word reading ability. Participants responded to either the global or local level of hierarchical stimuli presented in the left or right visual field in a sustained attention task. Poor phonological decoders showed slower RT relative to good phonological decoders regardless of whether attention was directed to either global or local processing levels. This was accompanied by a lack of task-related modulation of the posterior N1 and N2 Event-Related Potential (ERP) components, suggesting differences in the early allocation of spatial attention and later perceptual processing respectively. Poor decoders also showed greater N2 amplitude overall, suggestive of compensatory processing at later perceptual stages. There was preliminary evidence for sex differences in hemispheric lateralisation, with a reversal of hemispheric lateralisation observed among male and female poor phonological decoders. These findings have important implications for the understanding of the relationship between spatial attention and phonological decoding in developmental dyslexia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background/Aims: Although use of ‘ecstasy’ (drugs sold as containing 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is prevalent, it is typically infrequent, and treatment presentations involving ecstasy as a principal problem drug are relatively rare. Human case reports and animal literature suggest dependence potential, although there may be some unique aspects to this syndrome for ecstasy in comparison to other substances. The Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) was examined to determine whether this could usefully identify ‘dependent’ ecstasy consumers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1,658 frequent (at least monthly) ecstasy consumers across Australia, assessing drug use, associated harms and risk behaviours. Dependence was evaluated with the SDS, using a cut-off of ≥4 to identify potential ‘dependence’. Results: One fifth of the participants were screened as potentially dependent. These individuals used ecstasy more frequently, in greater amounts, engaged more extensively in risk behaviours and reported greater role interference than other participants. These findings were independent of methamphetamine use or dependence. The underlying structure of the ecstasy SDS was bifactorial. Conclusions: The SDS has demonstrated construct validity as a screening tool to identify ecstasy users at elevated risk of experiencing adverse consequences, including features of dependence. The underlying structure of dependence symptoms differs for ecstasy compared to other drug classes, and some dependent consumers use the drug infrequently. The unique neurotoxic potential and entactogenic effects of ecstasy may require a distinct nosological classification for the experience of dependence associated with the drug. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate factors associated with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and other drugs (ecstasy, cannabis and methamphetamine) among a group of regular ecstasy users. Participants were those who participated in the Australian Ecstasy and related Drug Reporting System (EDRS) in 2007 and had recently driven a motor vehicle (n =573). Participants were administered a semi-structured face-to-face interview which included questions about ecstasy and other drug use, associated health-related issues, and risk behaviours. Close to half of those who were current consumers of ecstasy, cannabis, and methamphetamine had recently driven under the influence of these drugs, while two-fifths of current alcohol users reported recent drink driving. Frequency of use for each substance was the most significant correlate of DUI of alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamine, suggesting that interventions targeting high frequency and problematic drug use may be useful in reducing the occurrence of DUI for these substances. Low perception of the likelihood of having an accident was the most significant correlate of DUI of ecstasy and also related significantly to DUI of other substances. Perceptions of low likelihood of being apprehended by police and demographic characteristics such as younger age and male sex were also weakly associated with DUI. Together these findings have important implications for targeted interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of DUI among regular drug users. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previous behavioural studies have provided a framework for understanding coordination dynamics using traditional dual-task methodology. The central cost associated with stabilising bimanual coordination patterns has been inferred from performance trade-offs during the concurrent performance of a probe reaction time (RT) task. The present study aimed to provide a direct measure of central cost by assessing electrophysiological correlates of performance trade-offs under dual-task conditions. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 16 participants while an anti-phase bimanual coordination task and a visual three-stimulus task were performed under single task conditions and under dual-task conditions in which either task was prioritised. The visual task required a foot response to low probability target stimuli, while low probability distracter and high probability standard stimuli were ignored. Consistent with previous research, there was a performance trade-off between pattern stability and RT to visual targets when the coordination task was prioritised relative to when the visual task was prioritised. This was accompanied by a significant reduction in central P3a amplitude elicited by distracter stimuli and parietal P3b amplitude elicited by target stimuli. These findings indicate that prioritisation and thus stabilisation of the motor task reduced the amount of central/perceptual and automatic attentional resources available to perform the visual task providing insight into CNS mechanisms that constrain the coordination of movement through the allocation of attentional resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To assess the influence of lorazepam on memory and behavioural learning, a non-clinical sample of undergraduate psychology students (n = 24), received lorazepam (2.5 mg) or placebo orally. Pre-drug and post-drug neuropsychological assessment comprised the Rey auditory verbal learning test, verbal fluency test, digit span and word stem completion. Relative to placebo, lorazepam induced a marked deficit in delayed free-recall, perceptual priming, and written word fluency, with preservation of digit span. Behavioural learning was assessed on a computer-aided vicarious exposure treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, administered post-drug, and repeated 1 week later, drug free. Compared to placebo, lorazepam treated participants enacted 51% less exposure activity on the behavioural learning task post-drug. Whilst both groups enacted increased exposure at the drug-free session, exposure activity was 49% less in the lorazepam group, indicating a carryover effect of the impaired learning under drug 1 week before. There were no significant differences between lorazepam and placebo on indices of overall activity on the program. These results suggest lorazepam-induced impairment in the ability to learn behavioural strategies, possibly due to impaired acquisition of information into long-term episodic memory. These findings suggest caution in the co-prescribing of benzodiazepines in people undergoing behavioural therapies in clinical populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Lorazepam has been found to consistently impair performance on both episodic and perceptual priming tasks, whereas other benzodiazepines have shown perceptual priming to be preserved. However, it has recently been postulated that benzodiazepines may exert time-dependent effects on implicit memory processes after research findings indicated some benzodiazepines, other than lorazepam, impair performance on priming tasks when tested at the time of peak plasma concentration level after benzodiazepine administration. Objectives: To compare time-dependent effects of lorazepam and oxazepam on implicit memory tasks, specifically perceptual priming and procedural learning. Methods: Thirty-three healthy female undergraduates were randomised to one of three time groups (pre-peak, peak, post-peak) and administered placebo, 2.5 mg lorazepam, and 30 mg oxazepam, in counterbalanced order, at 1-week intervals. Assessments included word-stem completion (perceptual priming) and rotary pursuit (procedural learning) tasks. Results: At all time intervals, lorazepam but not oxazepam significantly impaired perceptual priming but procedural learning was preserved under both drugs. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with previous research showing a differential effect of lorazepam in impairing perceptual memory but the notion that benzodiazepines exert time-dependent effects on implicit memory processes was not supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is a potent regulator of memory processes and is believed to influence the consolidation of fear extinction memories. No previous human study has tested the effect of unstimulated BDNF on fear extinction recall, and no study has tested the association between plasma BDNF levels and psychophysiological responding during an extinction paradigm. We tested the association between fear responses during a 2-day differential conditioning, extinction and extinction recall paradigm and Val66Met genotype in a group of healthy participants (N = 191). There were no group differences during habituation or acquisition. Met allele carriers compared to Val homozygotes displayed higher responses to the CS + compared to the CS- during extinction learning and had higher responding to both the CS+ and CS- during extinction recall. Plasma levels of BDNF protein that were collected in a sub-sample of the group (n = 56) moderated the effect of Met allele presence, such that lower BDNF level was associated with higher skin conductance response in the Met but not Val group to the CS+ during extinction learning and to both the CS+ and CS- during extinction recall. The current results extend previous observations of a Val66Met effect during fear extinction learning to extinction recall and show for the first time that these effects are moderated by plasma BDNF level. • BDNF Val66Met genotype is associated with fear extinction efficacy. • No study has directly tested whether plasma BDNF moderates this effect. • We find Met carriers have poorer extinction and recall. • This effect was dependant on plasma BDNF level after extinction learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many human disease phenotypes manifest differently by sex, making the development of methods for incorporating X and Y-chromosome data into analyses vital. Unfortunately, X and Y chromosome data are frequently excluded from large-scale analyses of the human genome and epigenome due to analytical complexity associated with sex chromosome dosage differences between XX and XY individuals, and the impact of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) on the epigenome. As such, little attention has been given to considering the methods by which sex chromosome data may be included in analyses of DNA methylation (DNAme) array data. Results: With Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 DNAme array data from 634 placental samples, we investigated the effects of probe filtering, normalization, and batch correction on DNAme data from the X and Y chromosomes. Processing steps were evaluated in both mixed-sex and sex-stratified subsets of the analysis cohort to identify whether including both sexes impacted processing results. We found that identification of probes that have a high detection p-value, or that are non-variable, should be performed in sex-stratified data subsets to avoid over- and under-estimation of the quantity of probes eligible for removal, respectively. All normalization techniques investigated returned X and Y DNAme data that were highly correlated with the raw data from the same samples. We found no difference in batch correction results after application to mixed-sex or sex-stratified cohorts. Additionally, we identify two analytical methods suitable for XY chromosome data, the choice between which should be guided by the research question of interest, and we performed a proof-of-concept analysis studying differential DNAme on the X and Y chromosome in the context of placental acute chorioamnionitis. Finally, we provide an annotation of probe types that may be desirable to filter in X and Y chromosome analyses, including probes in repetitive elements, the X-transposed region, and cancer-testis gene promoters. Conclusion: While there may be no single "best" approach for analyzing DNAme array data from the X and Y chromosome, analysts must consider key factors during processing and analysis of sex chromosome data to accommodate the underlying biology of these chromosomes, and the technical limitations of DNA methylation arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A genetically encoded splicing reporter allows naked-eye visualization of pre-mRNA splicing and requires no expensive equipment or substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training outcomes of mindfulness interventions for anxiety have been extensively researched. Less is known about the acute effects of mindfulness induction and associated mechanisms. This systematic review aimed to identify 1) the effect of mindfulness induction on pre-post measures of state anxiety and attention among adults experiencing high levels of anxiety; and 2) the impact of predictors, mediators and moderators on post-induction changes in anxiety and attention. State distress and mindfulness were included as secondary outcomes. A systematic search was conducted in November 2021 in electronic databases using relevant search terms. Five studies (four randomised controlled trials and one non-randomised controlled trial) were included, comprising a total of 277 participants with elevated trait/generalised anxiety. Each study used a brief audio-based mindfulness induction exercise. The meta-analysis indicated mindfulness induction had medium and large effects on state anxiety (k = 3, n = 100, g = −0.60, 95% CI [-1.04, −0.16]; p =.008) and state mindfulness (k = 2, n = 110, g = 0.91, 95% CI [0.52, 1.30], p <.001), respectively, when compared with non-therapeutic control conditions. Furthermore, two studies showed small and moderate effects of mindfulness on state anxiety when compared to therapeutic active controls, but were not pooled in a meta-analysis. While results could not be pooled for attention, there was limited evidence of behavioural improvements on tasks measuring aspects of attention following mindfulness induction. However, one study found an increase in Low Beta to High Beta ratio and a reduction in Beta activity in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex following mindfulness induction. Moreover, another study found aspects of state mindfulness mediated reductions in state anxiety. A small number of studies were included in the review, with high risk of bias and low certainty of evidence present. The findings support the use of mindfulness induction to reduce state anxiety in anxious individuals but suggest gains in state mindfulness may be a more realistic expected outcome. Further controlled trials are needed to delineate the relative effects of objectively assessed anxiety outcomes from mindfulness induction in clinically defined samples. • This review examined effects of mindfulness induction on state anxiety and attention in high anxiety, and predictors, mediators, and moderators. • Effects were found for state anxiety (medium) and mindfulness (large), but there were limited findings of improvements in attention. • Mindful induction appears effective for anxiety management, but state anxiety may not as reliably reduce as state mindfulness increases. • Further RCTs are needed to clarify mechanisms and further inform the delivery of mindfulness exercises for anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aims: Despite the adverse effects of khat use and chewers interest in cessation, there are few studies that have reported on the outcome of khat cessation attempts, and limited resources available for potential quitters. We used electronic diaries to monitor the outcomes of an unassisted quit attempt among daily and near daily khat consumers, and examine predictors of success.Design and Methods: Sixty participants between the ages of 18 and 35 years who regularly chewed khat and who were attempting to quit were purposively recruited from an Ethiopian University campus. Real-time prospective daily recording of khat use was obtained for an average of 10 days prior to quit day (range 6-13) and 28 post-quit days (range 9-31), using an electronic diary.Results: Almost all (95%) achieved initial abstinence. Of these, 80% reached at least seven continuous days of abstinence; 7% maintained continuous abstinence for 28 days post-quit. While 93% lapsed (average 11 days post-quit, SD = 7), only a smaller proportion relapsed (41%: chewed for at least three consecutive days after at least 5 days of abstinence). No demographic factors were predictive of successful abstinence.Discussion and Conclusions: Regular khat chewers have difficulties in maintaining abstinence despite having motivation and desire to quit. This implies that treatment aids may be needed to assist chewers' in their quit attempts. Controlled experimental trial through the use of available low cost quit aids and behavioural resources is crucial in order to increase success rates for those seeking to desist from khat use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although the literature provides guidance regarding patient-reported outcome (PRO) implementation barriers, patients' perspectives are underreported. This study aimed to improve the understanding of patient experiences with PRO tools through examining perceptions of and attitudes toward PROs and expectations of data use after collection.Methods: Ethnographic human-centered design approaches were used to conduct free-form interviews. Two case studies of existing PRO use in clinics also were examined. Unstructured thematic analyses were performed using notes taken during these interviews.Results: Patients generally reported a good understanding of the need for PRO collection, both for research and clinical use. Many expected that results would be acted upon by the clinicians promptly. Thematic analyses identified the following patient perception topics: transparency, individualization to patient needs, timely response, different "identities" while accessing care locally compared with at a destination center, and preference for brief PROs.Conclusions: Design and implementation of PRO assessments into patient care should include the patients as key end users. Transparency of the purpose for data collection is critical for broader patient adoption. Ensuring that only necessary and sufficient data are collected for clinical action, and associated research may help minimize burden and maximize patient participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical practice guidelines are being developed for a number of topics in medicine to decrease practice variability and to improve evidenced-based care. Within orthopaedic surgery, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has a dedicated committee that produces these clinical practice guidelines on a variety of issues. One such issue was the treatment of pediatric diaphyseal femoral fractures, with the clinical practice guideline being published in 2009. We performed a retrospective review of the treatment of pediatric diaphyseal femoral fractures at a single institution from 2007 to 2012 to assess the clinical impact of this clinical practice guideline on the treatment of this condition.Methods: A retrospective review of all patients treated at a single pediatric hospital between 2007 and 2012 for a pediatric diaphyseal femoral fracture was conducted. The 2009 AAOS clinical practice guideline on the treatment of this condition was assessed and each patient record was analyzed to determine if the clinical practice guideline was followed, based on the age-specific recommendations. The percentage of treatment rendered adhering to the clinical practice guideline recommendations was compared in the pre-guideline group (prior to June 2009) and the post-guideline group (after June 2009).Results: A total of 361 patients were treated for a diaphyseal femoral fracture during this time frame and were included in this study. Overall, little change in treatment was found following the publication of this clinical practice guideline. The only significant change noted over this time period was a decrease (p = 0.03) in the percentage of patients between the ages of five and eleven years who were treated with flexible nails, at odds with this specific clinical practice guideline recommendation.Conclusions: We found little direct clinical impact of the recently published AAOS clinical practice guideline on the treatment of pediatric diaphyseal femoral fractures. This analysis suggests an important role for clinical assessment after guideline publication to identify areas of potentially important future clinical research and to assess the utility of this guideline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between chronic cannabis use and visual selective attention by examining event-related potentials (ERPs) during the performance of a flanker go/nogo task. Male participants were 15 chronic cannabis users (minimum two years use, at least once per week) and 15 drug naive controls. Cannabis users showed longer reaction times compared to controls with equivalent accuracy. Cannabis users also showed a reduction in the N2 ‘nogo effect’ at frontal sites, particularly for incongruent stimuli, and particularly in the right hemisphere. This suggests differences between chronic cannabis users and controls in terms of inhibitory processing within the executive control network, and may implicate the right inferior frontal cortex. There was also preliminary evidence for differences in early selective attention, with controls but not cannabis users showing modulation of N1 amplitude by flanker congruency. Further investigation is required to examine the potential reversibility of these residual effects after long-term abstinence and to examine the role of early selective attention mechanisms in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aims Novel psychoactive substances are increasingly available, both in traditional storefronts and via the Internet. While some use of such substances has been captured in Australian consumer surveys and wastewater analyses, there is little information about the products that are available to Australia via the Internet. Design and Methods Systematic monthly Internet monitoring for emerging psychoactive substances was conducted between July 2011 and July 2012. Webstores identified through searches were examined to determine if they sold stimulant or psychedelic emerging psychoactive substances to Australia. Internet search numbers for these products were examined over time using commercial tools. Results In 12 months, 43 unique webstores were identified selling to Australia, averaging two new webstores per month; however, two-fifths had closed within six months. Over 200 unique chemically unspecified products sold by purported effect (e.g. 'charge') were identified over 12 months, averaging 10 new products per month. Almost half of these products had disappeared from the market within six months. Eighty-six unique chemically specified products (e.g. methylenedioxypyrovalerone) were identified over 12 months, averaging four new novel substances per month. Once released, these products typically remained available, with almost 90% still available for purchase over a 6-month period. Almost 40 000 searches for these products emanated from Australia per month. Discussion and Conclusion This market is fast paced as retailers strive to beat both regulatory processes and competitors. Ongoing attention to these markets, incorporating surveillance of both Internet and traditional storefronts, is crucial as several of the substances identified have demonstrated potential for health and neurological harm. [Bruno R, Poesiat R, Matthews AJ. Monitoring the Internet for emerging psychoactive substances available to Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:541-544] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Endocannabinoids are involved in PTSD in animal models. • Increasing human research is attempting to translate these findings. • There are a wide range of translational paradigms for PTSD, but not all are used in endocannabinoids. • There is an increasing range of tools to measure endocannabinoids in humans. • Many options for translating animal endocannabinoid research in PTSD are available. The endocannabinoid system is known to be involved in mechanisms relevant to PTSD aetiology and maintenance, though this understanding is mostly based on animal models of the disorder. Here we review how human paradigms can successfully translate animal findings to human subjects, with the view that substantially increased insight into the effect of endocannabinoid signalling on stress responding, emotional and intrusive memories, and fear extinction can be gained using modern paradigms and methods for assessing the state of the endocannabinoid system in PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is a relatively increased rate of A1AT genotype diagnoses in Alberta. • The relatively higher rate increases with the severity of the A1AT genotype. • There is a younger age at the time of A1AT diagnosis in Alberta males. • The differential rate of diagnosis may be explained by lifestyle differences. The diagnosis of alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency has been hindered by obscurity concerning the testing process and treatment implications. In this study, we aimed to identify regional differences in the diagnostic rates for A1AT deficiency in the western Canadian provinces of British Columbia (BC) and Alberta (AB). The number of A1AT deficiency variant genotype (ZZ, SZ, MZ, SS, and MS) diagnoses were reviewed for BC and AB. The regional diagnostic rates for A1AT deficiency variants in these two provinces, normalized for the predicted population prevalence of each variant genotype, was defined as the annual provincial diagnostic rate (APDR) for a given variant genotype. Sex specific variations in the mean age at diagnosis for the five variant genotypes were compared both within and between provinces. The SZ and MZ genotype APDRs were significantly increased in the AB population compared to the BC population. The SS and MS APDRs were similar between AB and BC. There was a significantly decreased mean age of diagnosis for AB males, as compared to BC males (for the SZ, MS, and MZ genotypes) and as compared to AB females (for the MS, MZ, and SS genotypes). There were no significant differences in the mean age of diagnosis between the females and males in BC, or between females in AB and BC, for any genotype. The notably higher APDR for more severe A1AT deficiency genotypes, and lower mean age of diagnosis for most variant genotypes in AB males, deserves further investigation to determine the explanation(s) for these differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human placental DNA methylation (DNAme) data is a valuable resource for studying sex differences during gestation, as DNAme profiles after delivery reflect the cumulative effects of gene expression patterns and exposures across gestation. Here, we present an analysis of sex differences in autosomal DNAme in the uncomplicated term placenta (n = 343) using the Illumina 450K array. Results: At a false discovery rate < 0.05 and a mean sex difference in DNAme beta value of > 0.10, we identified 162 autosomal CpG sites that were differentially methylated by sex and replicated in an independent cohort of samples (n = 293). Several of these differentially methylated CpG sites were part of larger correlated regions of sex differential DNAme. Although global DNAme levels did not differ by sex, the majority of significantly differentially methylated CpGs were more highly methylated in male placentae, the opposite of what is seen in differential methylation analyses of somatic tissues. Patterns of autosomal DNAme at these 162 CpGs were significantly associated with maternal age (in males) and newborn birthweight standard deviation (in females). Conclusions: Our results provide a comprehensive analysis of sex differences in autosomal DNAme in the term human placenta. We report a list of high-confidence autosomal sex-associated differentially methylated CpGs and identify several key features of these loci that suggest their relevance to sex differences observed in normative and complicated pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attentional bias towards food related stimuli has been proposed as a potential target for dieting intervention, however the evidence supporting a relationship between attentional bias and food intake is mixed. Theory holds that food related attentional bias should be positively associated with measures of stimulus-controlled eating, and that implicit processes such as impulsivity moderate this association. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the proposed relationship between food-related attentional bias and stimulus control exists, and whether it is moderated by impulsivity. A community sample of 68 participants completed a food-related attentional bias task and impulsiveness scale during a laboratory visit, after which they recorded their real-world eating in real-time over 14 days using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). During this time, participants also responded to 4–5 randomly timed assessments per day. Food outlet presence (e.g., fast food restaurants, cafes, corner stores etc.) was assessed during both eating and non-eating assessments. EMA data was then used to determine levels of stimulus controlled eating for each participant. Substantial variation was seen in both our measure of both food-related attentional bias (Range: 33.9 to 80.0) and in the degree to which the participant's eating could be categorised as being under stimulus control (Range: 0.50 to 0.93). However, food-related attentional bias scores were not a significant independent predictor of stimulus control and nor was this relationship moderated by impulsivity. Contrary to theoretical predictions, we found no evidence that of an association between attentional bias, impulsivity, and stimulus control. More work is needed to better understand the implicit processes underlying eating behaviour in the real-world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a commensal bacterium and invasive pathogen that causes millions of deaths worldwide. The pneumococcal vaccine offers limited protection, and the rise of antimicrobial resistance will make treatment increasingly challenging, emphasizing the need for new antipneumococcal strategies. One possibility is to target antioxidant defenses to render S. pneumoniae more susceptible to oxidants produced by the immune system. Human peroxidase enzymes will convert bacterial-derived hydrogen peroxide to hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) at sites of colonization and infection. Here, we used saturation transposon mutagenesis and deep sequencing to identify genes that enable S. pneumoniae to tolerate HOSCN. We identified 37 genes associated with S. pneumoniae HOSCN tolerance, including genes involved in metabolism, membrane transport, DNA repair, and oxidant detoxification. Single-gene deletion mutants of the identified antioxidant defense genes sodA, spxB, trxA, and ahpD were generated and their ability to survive HOSCN was assessed. With the exception of ΔahpD, all deletion mutants showed significantly greater sensitivity to HOSCN, validating the result of the genome-wide screen. The activity of hypothiocyanous acid reductase or glutathione reductase, known to be important for S. pneumoniae tolerance of HOSCN, was increased in three of the mutants, highlighting the compensatory potential of antioxidant systems. Double deletion of the gene encoding glutathione reductase and sodA sensitized the bacteria significantly more than single deletion. The HOSCN defense systems identified in this study may be viable targets for novel therapeutics against this deadly pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attentional bias towards threat can be demonstrated by enhanced processing of threat-related targets and/or greater interference when threat-related distractors are present. These effects are argued to reflect processing within the orienting and executive control networks of the brain respectively. This study investigated behavioural (RT) and electrophysiological correlates of early selective attention and top-down attentional control among females with high (n = 16) or low (n = 16) spider fear (Mean age = 22 years). Participants completed a novel flanker go/nogo task in which a central schematic flower or spider stimulus was flanked by either congruent or incongruent distractors. Participants responded to green stimuli (go trials) and withheld response to yellow stimuli (nogo trials). High fear participants demonstrated significantly shorter reaction times and greater P1 amplitude to spider targets, suggesting specific hypervigilance towards threat-relevant stimuli. In contrast to predictions, there was little evidence for behavioural interference effects or differences in N2 amplitude when distractor stimuli were threat-relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cascade of alternative sigma factors directs developmental gene expression during spore formation by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. As the spore develops, a tightly regulated switch occurs in which the early-acting sigma factor σF is replaced by the late-acting sigma factor σG. The gene encoding σG (sigG) is transcribed by σF and by σG itself in an autoregulatory loop; yet σG activity is not detected until σF-dependent gene expression is complete. This separation in σF and σG activities has been suggested to be due at least in part to a poorly understood intercellular checkpoint pathway that delays sigG expression by σF. Here we report the results of a careful examination of sigG expression during sporulation. Unexpectedly, our findings argue against the existence of a regulatory mechanism to delay sigG transcription by σF and instead support a model in which sigG is transcribed by σF with normal timing, but at levels that are very low. This low-level expression of sigG is the consequence of several intrinsic features of the sigG regulatory and coding sequence—promoter spacing, secondary structure potential of the mRNA, and start codon identity—that dampen its transcription and translation. Especially notable is the presence of a conserved hairpin in the 5’ leader sequence of the sigG mRNA that occludes the ribosome-binding site, reducing translation by up to 4-fold. Finally, we demonstrate that misexpression of sigG from regulatory and coding sequences lacking these features triggers premature σG activity in the forespore during sporulation, as well as inappropriate σG activity during vegetative growth. Altogether, these data indicate that transcription and translation of the sigG gene is tuned to prevent vegetative expression of σG and to ensure the precise timing of the switch from σF to σG in the developing spore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Driving following illicit drug consumption (‘drug-driving’) is a potential road safety risk. Roadside drug testing (RDT) is conducted across Australia with the dual aims of prosecuting drivers with drugs in their system and deterring drug-driving. We examined trends over time in self-reported past six-month drug-driving among sentinel samples of regular drug users and assessed the impact of experiences of RDT on drug-driving among these participants. Methods Data from 1913 people who inject drugs (PWID) and 3140 regular psychostimulant users (RPU) who were first-time participants in a series of repeat cross-sectional sentinel studies conducted in Australian capital cities from 2007 to 2013 and reported driving in the past six months were analysed. Trends over time were assessed using the χ 2 test for trend. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed the relationship between experiences of RDT and recent drug-driving, adjusting for survey year, jurisdiction of residence and socio-demographic and drug use characteristics. Results The percentage of participants reporting recent (past six months) drug-driving decreased significantly over time among both samples (PWID: 83% [2007] vs. 74% [2013], p < 0.001; RPU: 72% vs. 56%, p < 0.001), but drug-driving remained prevalent. Lifetime experience of RDT increased significantly over time (PWID: 6% [2007] vs. 32% [2013], p < 0.001; RPU: 2% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). There were no significant associations between experiencing RDT and drug-driving among either PWID or RPU. Conclusion Although there is some evidence that drug-driving among key risk groups of regular drug users is declining in Australia, possibly reflecting a general deterrent effect of RDT, experiencing RDT appears to have no specific deterrent effect on drug-driving. Further intervention, with a particular focus on changing attitudes towards drug-driving, may be needed to further reduce this practice among these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Examine the motivations for new psychoactive substance (NPS) use amongst a sample of regular psychostimulant users (RPU) in Australia, and determine whether motivations differ across substances.Method: Data were obtained from 419 RPU interviewed for the 2014 Ecstasy and related Drugs Reporting System who reported lifetime NPS use. Based on the most recent NPS used, motivations for use were rated on an 11-point scale (0 'no influence'-10 'maximum influence').Results: For NPS overall, value for money was found to be the most highly endorsed motivation for use, scoring a median of five out of ten. However, there was substantial variation in motivations for use across substance types. Availability (i.e. no other drug was available to me at the time; 6/10) was the most highly endorsed motivation for the use of synthetic cathinones, which was significantly higher than reported for DMT. Perceived legality and availability were the most highly endorsed motivations for synthetic cannabinoids (5/10); perceived legality scored higher for synthetic cannabinoids than for all the other NPS, whilst in regards to availability synthetic cannabinoids scored significantly higher than DMT only. Value for money was the most highly endorsed motivation for NBOMe (8/10) and 2C-family substances (5/10); in regards to NBOMe this scored significantly higher than all other NPS. Short effect duration was the most highly endorsed motivation for DMT (7/10), which was significantly higher than for all other NPS.Conclusion: Synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids appear to be largely motivated by 'opportunistic' reasons (i.e. availability, legality), while NBOMe, 2C-family substances and DMT appear to be motivated by particular desirable qualities of a substance (i.e. value for money, short effect duration). Providing a nuanced understanding of why individuals use particular NPS improves our ability to understand the NPS phenomenon and to tailor harm reduction messages to the appropriate target groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical and laboratory data were collected from three Finnish patients including a sibling pair and another unrelated child with unexplained childhood hypoglycemia. Transient elevation of alanine transaminase, lactate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, especially fumarate, were noticed in urine organic acid analysis. Exome sequencing was performed for the patients and their parents. A novel homozygous PCK1 c.925G > A (p.G309R) mutation was detected in all affected individuals. COS-1 cells transfected with mutant PCK1 transcripts were used to study the pathogenic nature of the detected variant. The COS-1 transfected cells showed the mutant gene to be incapable of producing a normally functioning cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) enzyme. This report further delineates the clinical phenotype of isolated cytosolic PEPCK deficiency and offers a metabolic pattern helping to recognize these patients. Cytosolic PEPCK deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with hypoglycemia, hepatic dysfunction and elevated tricarboxylic acid intermediates in urinary organic acid analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]