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The Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council fulfil their mandates by performing certain tasks as independent experts, with the responsibility to investigate human rights situations wherever they occur. They are required to take measures to monitor and respond quickly to allegations of human rights violations on behalf of the international community. Catalonia's pro-sovereignty process and the referendum held there on 1 October 2017 – despite having been declared illegal and suspended by Spain's Constitutional Court – had several judicial consequences, including trials, arrests and detentions. As a result, several sources submitted information to certain Special Procedures for them to communicate to the government of Spain their allegations of violations of the human rights of persons subject to judicial persecution. The Spanish government responded to each of these communications, consistently noting that the allegations referred to judicial actions ordered within the framework of the Spanish Constitution and laws, in accordance with Spain's status as a democratic state governed by the rule of law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most XYY men have normal sperm counts and are fertile (supposedly due to the loss of the extra Y before meiosis), there is a minority who are infertile. In these cases, the XYY spermatocytes are able to enter meiosis and form different synaptic configurations. With regard to mosaics, there is scarce well-defined information on the presence of the second Y and its meiotic behaviour. In this study, the chromosome constitution and the synaptic behaviour of pachytene spermatocytes from an azoospermic man with testicular hypotrophy and non-mosaic 47,XYY karyotype were analysed. Furthermore, we determined the chromosome constitution of the somatic Sertoli cells. Five karyotypically normal men with obstructive azoospermia, but having complete spermatogenesis, were included as controls. Immuno-FISH using specific protein markers of synapsis and recombination (SYCP3, SYCP1, BRCA1, MLH1, CREST) and a specific Yq12 DNA probe were used. In addition, we used the newly developed Super-Resolution Structured Illumination Microscopy (SR-SIM) to clearly define the synaptic configurations. FISH analysis was also performed on Sertoli cells. The histopathological analysis showed variable degrees of spermatogenesis development in the testicular tissue of the propositus. Immuno-FISH analysis showed that most of the primary spermatocytes were euploid 46, XY. The use of SR-SIM confirmed the existence of this euploidy. Only a few pachytene spermatocytes showed an aneuploid X + YY constitution. Sertoli cells showed two different populations with one or two Y chromosomes, in similar proportions. Thus an abnormal niche of sex-trisomic Sertoli cells should be also considered when searching for the origin of spermatogenesis failure in XYY men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In self-report surveys, it is common that some individuals do not pay enough attention and effort to give valid responses. Our aim was to investigate the extent to which careless and insufficient effort responding contributes to the biasing of data. We performed analyses of dimensionality, internal structure, and data reliability of four personality scales (extroversion, conscientiousness, stability, and dispositional optimism) in two independent samples. In order to identify careless/insufficient effort (C/IE) respondents, we used a factor mixture model (FMM) designed to detect inconsistencies of response to items with different semantic polarity. The FMM identified between 4.4% and 10% of C/IE cases, depending on the scale and the sample examined. In the complete samples, all the theoretical models obtained an unacceptable fit, forcing the rejection of the starting hypothesis and making additional wording factors necessary. In the clean samples, all the theoretical models fitted satisfactorily, and the wording factors practically disappeared. Trait estimates in the clean samples were between 4.5% and 11.8% more accurate than in the complete samples. These results show that a limited amount of C/IE data can lead to a drastic deterioration in the fit of the theoretical model, produce large amounts of spurious variance, raise serious doubts about the dimensionality and internal structure of the data, and reduce the reliability with which the trait scores of all surveyed are estimated. Identifying and filtering C/IE responses is necessary to ensure the validity of research results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence suggests that the AKT1 gene may modulate the degree to which cannabis use induces cognitive alterations in patients with a psychotic disorder.Aim: To examine the interplay between AKT1 and cannabis use in terms of the cognitive performance of the general population.Methods: Our sample consisted of 389 Spanish university students. Sustained attention was measured via the Continuous Performance Test-Identical Pairs, immediate and delayed verbal memory with the Logical Memory subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale, and working memory with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Lifetime cannabis use frequency was assessed and individuals were classified as cannabis users or non-users. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the AKT1 gene were genotyped and, according to previous studies, each subject was defined as a carrier of two, one or no copies of the haplotype (rs2494732(C)-rs1130233(A)). Multiple linear regressions were conducted to test the effect of the genetic variability and cannabis use (and their interaction) on cognitive performance.Results: An effect of the AKT1 haplotype was found on attention scores: individuals with two copies of the haplotype performed better (β=0.18, p<0.001 (adjusted for false discovery rate)), while neither cannabis nor the AKT1-cannabis interaction was associated with attention. No effect of AKT1, cannabis or the AKT1-cannabis interaction was found on verbal memory or working memory.Conclusions: Our study provides additional evidence that AKT1 modulates cognitive performance. However, in our non-clinical sample, the previously reported interaction between cannabis use and the AKT1 gene was not replicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Our aim was to analyse sociodemographic and clinical differences between non-suicidal ( NS) bipolar patients ( BP), BP reporting only suicidal ideation ( SI) and BP suicide attempters according to Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C- SRSS) criteria. Secondarily, we also investigated whether the C- SRSS Intensity Scale was associated with emergence of suicidal behaviour ( SB). Method A total of 215 euthymic bipolar out-patients were recruited. Semistructured interviews including the C- SRSS were used to assess sociodemographic and clinical data. Patients were grouped according to C- SRSS criteria: patients who scored ≤1 on the Severity Scale were classified as NS. The remaining patients were grouped into two groups: 'patients with history of SI' and 'patients with history of SI and SB' according to whether they did or did not have a past actual suicide attempt respectively. Results Patients from the three groups differed in illness onset, diagnosis, number of episodes and admissions, family history, comorbidities, rapid cycling and medication, as well as level of education, functioning, impulsivity and temperamental profile. Conclusion Our results suggest that increased impulsivity, higher rates of psychiatric admissions and a reported poor controllability of SI significantly increased the risk for suicidal acts among patients presenting SI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The operationalisation of quality of life for people with more severe disabilities has been acknowledged in the published research for more than two decades. This study aims to contribute to our knowledge and understanding of the quality of life of adults with severe disabilities by developing a set of quality of life indicators appropriate to this population using a Delphi method and the eight-domain conceptual model proposed by Schalock & Verdugo (). Method The participating panel in the Delphi method included 12 experts who evaluated each proposed item according to four criteria: suitability, importance, observability and sensitivity. Descriptive analyses were used to select the best items in each of the four rounds of this Delphi study, as well as examining the coefficients of concordance that were calculated for the final pool of items. Results The four rounds of the Delphi study resulted in a final pool of 118 items (91 that were considered valid in the first round plus 27 items proposed, reformulated or discussed in the following rounds). Importance and sensitivity were the criteria that received the highest and lowest ratings, respectively, but also the ones that had the highest and lowest mean coefficients of concordance. Experts showed the strongest agreement for items related to material well-being, while the weakest was found for items related to personal development. Conclusions This study further contributes to our understanding of how to operationalise and measure quality of life in adults with severe disabilities. The item pool generated may prove helpful in the development of instruments for the measurement of quality of life-related outcomes in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present experimental evidence for the five different states that result from rotating Hagen-Poiseuille flow when it discharges into a 1:8 sudden expansion, namely: stable, convectively unstable, unstable shear layer, stable and unstable vortex breakdowns. Sanmiguel-Rojas et al. ["Three-dimensional structure of confined swirling jets at moderately large Reynolds numbers," Phys. Fluids 20, 044104 (2008)] numerically predicted four of these five states and mapped the transition from one state to another. Our main objective is to study the onset of instabilities and vortex breakdown in these states experimentally. For this purpose, we visualize the flow at the inlet of the expansion for several values of moderately large Reynolds numbers, Re, and of swirl parameters, S.We analyze the inner region of the state that corresponds to the unstable shear layer in the sudden expansion and find two different states that share the same character, although they have different non-dimensional frequencies. The first relates to an oscillating structure near the axis, which arises at a small value of the swirl parameter, as well as to a generation of vortices that move downstream. The second shows, for greater values of the swirl parameter, vortices interacting with the boundary layer located on the wall of the static container that is perpendicular to the flow direction. In addition, we find a transition from stable to unstable vortex breakdown when perturbations become absolutely unstable inside the rotating pipe flow. Therefore, the most remarkable experimental finding is a new state, namely, unstable or transient vortex breakdown that takes place for the same pair of values (Rea, Sa) at which the onset of the absolute instability curve appears and intersects the region of stable vortex breakdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To test whether the association between childhood abuse, cannabis use and psychotic experiences ( PEs) was moderated by the COMT (catechol- O-methyltransferase) gene. Method Psychotic experiences ( PEs), childhood abuse, cannabis use and COMT Val158Met genotypes were assessed in 533 individuals from the general population. Data were analysed hierarchically by means of multiple linear regression models. Results Childhood abuse showed a significant main effect on both positive (β = 0.09; SE = 0.04; P = 0.047) and negative PEs (β = 0.11; SE = 0.05; P = 0.038). A significant three-way interaction effect was found among childhood abuse, cannabis use and the COMT gene on positive PEs (β = −0.30; SE = 0.11; P = 0.006). This result suggests that COMT genotypes and cannabis use only influenced PE scores among individuals exposed to childhood abuse. Furthermore, exposure to childhood abuse and cannabis use increased PE scores in Val carriers. However, in individuals exposed to childhood abuse but who did not use cannabis, PEs increased as a function of the Met allele copies of the COMT gene. Conclusion Cannabis use after exposure to childhood abuse may have opposite effects on the risk of PEs, depending on the COMT genotypes providing evidence for a qualitative interaction. Val carriers exposed to childhood abuse are vulnerable to the psychosis-inducing effects of cannabis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In standard histological technique, aromatic solvents such as xylene and toluene are used as clearing agents between ethanol dehydration and paraffin embedding. In addition, these solvents are used for de-waxing paraffin sections. Unfortunately, these solvents are harmful and therefore adequate substitutes would be useful. We suggest the use of n-heptane as a convenient substitute for xylene. Paraffin sections of rat tissues processed with n-heptane and stained with hematoxylin-eosin or Masson's trichrome showed proper embedment, well preserved morphology and excellent staining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium looping is an energy-efficient CO2 capture technology that uses CaO as a regenerable sorbent. One of the advantages of Ca-looping compared with other postcombustion technologies is the possibility of operating with flue gases that have a high SO2 content. However, experimental information on sulfation reaction rates of cycled particles in the conditions typical of a carbonator reactor is scarce. This work aims to define a semiempirical sulfation reaction model at particle level suitable for such reaction conditions. The pore blocking mechanism typically observed during the sulfation reaction of fresh calcined limestones is not observed in the case of highly cycled sorbents ( N > 20) and the low values of sulfation conversion characteristic of the sorbent in the Ca-looping system. The random pore model is able to predict reasonably well, the CaO conversion to CaSO4 taking into account the evolution of the pore structure during the calcination/carbonation cycles. The intrinsic reaction parameters derived for chemical and diffusion controlled regimes are in agreement with those found in the literature for sulfation in other systems. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Colombia Medica is the property of Universidad del Valle and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Arias B, Aguilera M, Moya J, Sáiz PA, Villa H, Ibáñez MI, García-Portillo MP, Bobes J, Ortet G, Fañanás L. The role of genetic variability in the SLC6A4, BDNF and GABRA6 genes in anxiety-related traits. Objective: The aims of this study were to test the individual association of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) and the GABAAα6 receptor subunit gene (GABRA6) with anxiety-related traits and to explore putative gene-gene interactions in a Spanish healthy sample. Method: A sample of 937 individuals from the general population completed the Temperament and Character Inventory questionnaire to explore Harm Avoidance (HA) dimension; a subsample of 553 individuals also filled in the Big Five Questionnaire to explore the Neuroticism dimension. The whole sample was genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (SLC6A4 gene), the Val66Met polymorphism (BDNF gene) and the T1521C polymorphism (GABRA6 gene). Results: Homozygous individuals for the T allele of the T1512C polymorphism presented slightly higher scores for HA than C allele carriers ( F = 2.96, P = 0.019). In addition, there was a significant gene-gene interaction on HA between the 5-HTTLPR and Val66Met polymorphisms ( F = 3.4, P = 0.009). Conclusion: GABRA6 emerges as a candidate gene involved in the variability of HA. The effect of a significant gene-gene interaction between the SLC6A4 and BDNF genes on HA could explain part of the genetic basis underlying anxiety-related traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Spanish Journal of Rural Development is the property of Spanish Journal of Rural Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences have been described as one of the major environmental risk factors for depressive disorder. Similarly, the deleterious impact of early traumatic experiences on depression seems to be moderated by individual genetic variability. Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulate the effect of childhood adversity on adult depression, although inconsistencies across studies have been found. Moreover, the gene x environment (GxE) interaction concerning the different types of childhood adversity remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the putative interaction between the 5-HTT gene (5-HTTLPR polymorphism), the BDNF gene (Val66Met polymorphism) and childhood adversity in accounting for adult depressive symptoms. METHOD: A sample of 534 healthy individuals filled in self-report questionnaires of depressive symptomatology [the Symptom Check List 90 Revised (SCL-90-R)] and different types of childhood adversities [the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)]. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) and the Val66Met polymorphism (BDNF gene) were genotyped in the whole sample. RESULTS: Total childhood adversity (beta=0.27, p<0.001), childhood sexual abuse (CSA; beta=0.17, p<0.001), childhood emotional abuse (beta=0.27, p<0.001) and childhood emotional neglect (beta=0.22, p<0.001) had an impact on adult depressive symptoms. CSA had a greater impact on depressive symptoms in Met allele carriers of the BDNF gene than in the Val/Val group (F=5.87, p<0.0001), and in S carriers of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) (F=5.80, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Childhood adversity per se predicted higher levels of adult depressive symptoms. In addition, BDNF Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms seemed to moderate the effect of CSA on adult depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Adverse childhood experiences have been described as one of the major environmental risk factors for depressive disorder. Similarly, the deleterious impact of early traumatic experiences on depression seems to be moderated by individual genetic variability. Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulate the effect of childhood adversity on adult depression, although inconsistencies across studies have been found. Moreover, the gene×environment (G×E) interaction concerning the different types of childhood adversity remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the putative interaction between the 5-HTT gene (5-HTTLPR polymorphism), the BDNF gene (Val66Met polymorphism) and childhood adversity in accounting for adult depressive symptoms. Method. A sample of 534 healthy individuals filled in self-report questionnaires of depressive symptomatology [the Symptom Check List 90 Revised (SCL-90-R)] and different types of childhood adversities [the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)]. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) and the Val66Met polymorphism (BDNF gene) were genotyped in the whole sample. Results. Total childhood adversity (β=0.27, p<0.001), childhood sexual abuse (CSA; β=0.17, p<0.001), childhood emotional abuse (β=0.27, p<0.001) and childhood emotional neglect (β=0.22, p<0.001) had an impact on adult depressive symptoms. CSA had a greater impact on depressive symptoms in Met allele carriers of the BDNF gene than in the Val/Val group (F=5.87, p<0.0001), and in S carriers of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) (F=5.80, p<0.0001). Conclusions. Childhood adversity per se predicted higher levels of adult depressive symptoms. In addition, BDNF Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms seemed to moderate the effect of CSA on adult depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different carbon materials were tested as precursors for the production of CO2 adsorbents. The chemical modification of the surface of the prepared adsorbents was studied by means of three different approaches: impregnation with amines, electrophilic aromatic substitution, and heat treatment in the presence of ammonia. The samples were chemically characterized and the porous texture was evaluated from the N2 adsorption isotherms at -196°C. The CO2 adsorption capacities of the adsorbents at 25 and 100°C were evaluated in a thermogravimetric analyzer. In general, the incorporation of basic nitrogen functionalities enhanced the CO2 capture capacities of the modified carbons, but this increase depended on the textural properties of the support and the surface modification methodology. CO2 adsorption capacities of up to 111 mgCO2/g at room temperature were attained. All the tested samples were completely regenerated when subjected to heat treatment at 100°C under inert atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psychosocial Intervention is the property of Colegio Oficial de Psicologos de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this work a series of solid sorbents were synthesized by immobilizing liquid amines on the surface of a mesoporous alumina. The samples were chemically characterized and BET surface areas calculated from the N2 adsorption isotherms at 77 K. The CO2 capture performance of the sorbents and their thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric methods. The effect of amine loading on the CO2 capture performance of the prepared sorbents was also evaluated. Analysis of TG-DTG curves showed that thermal stabilization of the amines is significantly improved by immobilizing them on an inorganic support. Temperature-programmed CO2 adsorption tests from 298 K up to 373 K at atmospheric pressure, proved to be a useful technique for assessing the capacity of sorbents for CO2 capture. Alumina impregnated with diethylenetriamine presented the highest CO2 adsorption capacities throughout the tested temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactivity in steam of five different types of solid fuels (two coals, two types of biomass and a petcoke) has been studied. The fuel chars were obtained by pyrolysis in a fixed-bed reactor at a temperature of 1373 K for 30 min. The gasification tests were carried out by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) at different temperatures and steam concentrations. The reactivity study was conducted in the kinetically controlled regime and three representative gas-solid models, volumetric model (VM), grain model (GM) and random pore model (RPM), were applied in order to describe the reactive behaviour of the chars during steam gasification. The kinetic parameters of these models were derived and the ability of the models to predict conversion and char reactivity during gasification was assessed. The best model for describing the behaviour of the samples was the RPM. The effect of the partial pressure of steam in gasification was studied, and the reaction order with respect to steam was determined. The reactivity of the chars was compared by means of a reactivity index. Biomass exhibited a higher reactivity than coals and petcoke. However, significant differences in reactivity were observed between the two types of biomass used, which could be due to catalytic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Char particle combustion is the slowest step in the combustion of coal, therefore char reactivity and texture have an important influence on this process. In this work, two coals were devolatilised in an entrained flow reactor and the chars obtained were burned under different experimental conditions in order to achieve various degrees of burnoff. Char reactivity was determined by means of non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis, and the conversion-time data were evaluated by the random pore model proposed by Bhatia and Perlmutter. Char texture was characterised by means of N2 and CO2 adsorption isotherms. The surface areas obtained were used to calculate intrinsic reaction rate parameters. It was found that under chemical controlled conditions, the available surface area during combustion is best represented by the N2 surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the inheritance of agronomic traits in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). The vegetative multiplication of cassava allows cloning of individual genotypes, and separates environmental from genetic variation in the within-family variation. Knowing the magnitude of between- and within-family variation is important for defining breeding strategies and for measuring different components of genetic variances, particularly the seldom-estimated epistasis. A group of nine genotypes, adapted to midaltitude environments, was used for a diallel study. Thirty clones were obtained from every F1 cross (each clone was represented by six plants), and planted in three replications at two locations. Statistical differences among crosses were found for fresh-root yield, harvest index, root dry-matter content, and reaction to mites (Mononychellus tanajoa Bondar) and to whiteflies (Aleurotrachelus socialis Bondar). General combining ability (GCA) was significant for all traits except fresh-root yield and dry-matter content, and specific combining ability (SCA) was significant for all traits except whitefly damage score. Fresh-root yield was the only trait with significant epistatic effects, which, combined with a large dominance variance, suggested a prevalence of nonadditive effects. The introduction of inbreeding would be one approach for the efficient exploitation of these nonadditive effects found for fresh-root yield. For the remaining traits, epistasis was negligible and current schemes exploiting additive effects may suffice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important commodity for industrial processes in tropical countries as one of the few alternatives to compete with imported maize (Zea mays L.). To maintain this competitiveness, cassava breeding needs to be as efficient as possible. This study provides one of the first attempts to produce quantitative genetic data to aid breeding efficiency, through the analysis of a diallel set among nine parental clones adapted to the midaltitude valleys environment. Thirty clones represented each F1 cross (with three exceptions). Evaluations were conducted in two contrasting environments with three replications in each location. The specific combining ability (SCA) effects were relatively more important than general combining ability (GCA) effects for root yield. In the case of harvest index, dry matter content (DMC) and plant type architecture GCA effects were about twice as large as those from SCA effects. Reaction to mites (Mononychellus tanajoa Bondar) anti white flies (Aleurotrachelus socialis Bondar) (based on singlelocation data) showed the strongest influence of GCA effects on the expression of a given trait. Yield data demonstrates the excellent potential of this crop for the tropical production of starch and source of energy in animal feed that could compete with the international markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the ignition behaviour of coal is of utmost importance for the design of boilers and control of the combustion process. In recent years there has been an increasing utilisation of coal blends for combustion, but information on the possible interactive effects during ignition of the individual components is scarce. In this work the ignition behaviour of a series of coal blends, made up from three coals of different rank, sub-bituminous, high volatile and low volatile bituminous, was studied. To this end a thermogravimetric analyser linked to a mass spectrometer for evolved gas analysis was used. Different ignition behaviour was observed for the coals studied; the sub-bituminous and low volatile bituminous coals ignited heterogeneously, while homogeneous ignition occurred for the high volatile bituminous coal. In the case of blends of the low and high volatile bituminous coals, different mechanisms of ignition were observed depending on the blends composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain microdialysis technique has been used to examine the in vivo effects of the neurotoxin domoic acid (an ionotropic glutamate receptor agonist) on dopamine (DA) release in the striatum of conscious and freely moving rats. Local application of domoic acid (500 μM) through the microdialysis probe produced an increase in striatal DA content (597 ± 96% with respect to basal levels). The release of DA induced by domoic acid was not attenuated in a Ca[sup+2]-free medium (469 ± 59%) or after pretreatment with 10 mg/kg reserpine (533 ± 79%). Intrastriatal infusion of 1μM tetrodotoxin (TTX) partially reduced the domoic acid-evoked DA release (278 ± 34%). Moreover, domoic acid perfusion had no effect on K[sup+]-evoked DA release. The results suggest that domoic acid increases the striatal DA release according to a reserpine-independent, calcium-independent and partially TTX-insensitive mechanism, suggesting that these effects probably involve a nonex-ocytotic process. On the other hand, the inhibitor of DA uptake nomifensine (10 μM) reduced the domoic acid-evoked DA release (356 ± 59%), suggesting that a carrier-dependent mechanism could be involved in the effect of domoic acid on the striatal DA levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractA number of studies have shown the importance of dermatoglyphics as markers of prenatal disturbance in developmental disorders of unknown origin. Genetic and non-genetic factors are involved in the aetiology of intellectual disability (ID), although the cause remains unknown in up to 50% of cases. The aim of the present study was to analyse dermatoglyphic traits and abnormal palmar flexion creases as markers of environmental prenatal stress in children with idiopathic ID (IID) using a case-control study design. Three dermatoglyphic variables, which have been reported as altered in other congenital disorders, were considered were studied in a sample of 62 children with IID (IQ < 70) and 75 healthy controls (IQ > 70): (1) fingerprint patterns; (2) total a–b ridge count (TABRC); and (3) abnormal palmar flexion creases (APFCs). More arches, the simplest fingerprint pattern, and more radial loops, an unusual pattern, were found in IID cases in comparison to controls (χ23 = 9.26; P = 0.02), with especially marked differences in boys (χ23 = 6.5; P = 0.0008). A significant increase of APFCs was also found in the affected children (χ24 = 28.52; P < 0.00; odds ration = 3.86, 95% confidence interval = 1.77–8.47). For TABRC, the differences between IID cases and controls failed to reach the conventional level of significance. These findings suggest that environmental factors acting early in development, or mechanisms involving an interaction of genotype and environment could be involved in the aetiology of some cases of ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 102-T/C polymorphism of the 5-HT[sub 2A] receptor gene was analysed in 159 patients with major depression and 164 unrelated and healthy controls using a case-control design. Allele and genotype frequencies did not differ between cases and controls. No differences according to sex, age of onset, melancholia, suicidal behaviour or family history of psychiatric illness were found. However, genotype distributions significantly differed between patients with seasonal pattern in their episodes (MDS) and patients with no seasonal pattern (N-MDS) (x² = 10.63; P = 0.004). A seasonal pattern was 7.57 times more frequent in 102C-allele carriers than in 102T homozygous (95.1% of patients MDS carried 102C-allele vs 72% of patients N-MDS (x² = 9.45, df=1, P = 0.002; OR = 7.57 (95% CI: 1.65-48.08)). These results suggest that variation in the 5-HT2A receptor gene may play a role in the development of major depression with seasonal pattern and support the existence of a genetic and etiological heterogeneity underlying the diagnosis of major depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to examine the role of the rs1360780 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the FKBP5 gene in relation between psychotic experiences and childhood abuse. Genetic variability was involved in differential sensitivity to early stress concerning the expression of positive psychotic experiences (PEs). The study shows that T carriers of rs1360780 SNP of the FKBP5 gene appear to be more vulnerable to the psychosis-inducing impacts of childhood adversity.

The purposes of this study were (a) to estimate the prevalence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) symptoms in the general preschool and school population; and (b) to analyze the influence of gender, age, and socioeconomic status (SES) variables on AD/HD symptoms. Out of the 80,000 preschool and schoolchildren living in Manizales, Colombia, a random sample of 540 children was selected. Two gender, three age (4- to 5-year olds, 6- to 11-year olds, and 12- to 17-year olds), and three SES (low, middle, and high) groups were used. The 18 DSM-IV symptoms corresponding to AD/HD Criterion A were assessed on a scale of 0 (never) to 3 (almost always). All three demographic variables established statistically significant differences: AD/HD symptoms were more frequent in 6- to 11-year-old, low-SES, male participants. DSM-IV Criterion A for AD/HD was fulfilled by 19.8% of the boys and 12.3% of the girls. However, this difference was marginally significant only in the AD/HD Subtype I: Combined. It was concluded that demographic variables are significant correlates of the AD/HD diagnosis. The prevalence found in this study was higher than usually reported, even though only the symptomatic DSM-IV AD/HD criterion was analyzed. We failed to confirm the assumed AD/HD gender ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microdialysis technique was used to examine the effect of the neurotoxin domoate, an analog of glutamic acid, on striatal dopamine activity. Our results show that the intracerebral administration of different concentrations of domoate (100 and 500 μM) produced increases in the extracellular levels of dopamine associated to decreases in the extracellular levels of its metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetate and homovanillate from rat striatum. These changes seem to be related according to a time sequence, indicating a possible effect on the metabolism of dopamine. Changes were also observed in locomotor activity (cycling behavior, sniffing around and chewing) in rats during the domoate infusion. The physiological mechanism by which domoate increased dopamine release remains to be worked out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domoic acid (Dom) is a neurotoxic secondary amino acid that interacts with the glutamate receptors, producing neurological problems. In the present work, we study the effects of Dom on the levels of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in discrete rat brain regions. The effects of Dom on the brain metabolism of serotonin are also discussed in this paper. Dom stimulates the rat brain serotoninergic system, increasing differentially the synthesis and the catabolism of 5-HT and the elimination of 5-HIAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the possible association between the serotonin 1A receptor gene and major depression. Role of the receptor in antidepressant response and control of intersynaptic serotonin release; Genotype and allele frequencies in patients with depression and controls; Genetic variability in the receptor gene.

Molecular Psychiatry (2003) 8, 246. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001302 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]