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The published latest Palaeocene to Early–Middle Eocene age limits of the Sabrina microfloras, offshore Aurora Subglacial Basin, East Antarctica, largely depend on 1970s age-range data for fossil pollen and spore species in the continental margin basins of southern Australia. This paper uses updated biostratigraphical data from southern Australia, including the basins closest to the Aurora Basin throughout the Late Cretaceous and Paleogene, to propose that the age of the terrestrial component of the Sabrina microfloras is Campanian to Maastrichtian, not Paleogene. However, the revised age limits do not preclude these microfloras being redeposited more or less intact during the development and expansion of ice-sheets on East Antarctica, i.e. most probably during the late Paleogene based on other evidence from East Antarctica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores factors that contribute to elderly participants continued exercise. A qualitative approach utilizing the method of phenomenology was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data on the perspectives of 21 elderly participants and 2 sports instructors. The study yielded the following findings: (a) the primary motivation behind the elderly participants' continued exercise is the referral and encouragement of doctors. (b) the main reason for elderly participants' continued exercise was the support strategies provided by the gym. These support strategies included suitable exercise equipment and a friendly climate, customized and professional training packages offered by staff, and regular examinations. (c) after continuing their exercise, the elderly participants experienced positive changes such as improved physical function, a renewed concept of exercise, ability to engage in exercise on their own initiative, and broadened interpersonal networks. (d) the five steps for promoting exercise among the elderly, include patient referral, fitness testing, customized training, providing support and assessment. For future study, we recommend use larger samples of participants in order to more fully understand the factors and support strategies that result in older people to form the habit of participating in exercise continuously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being the parent of a child with a disability and complex medical condition has been described as one of the most life-affirming, meaningful and challenging things a person can do. Co-ordinated supports are important to ensure the inclusion, participation and wellbeing of all family members. Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to support Australians aged under 65 years who have a disability. Concerns have emerged regarding inequities in access to services provided within this scheme. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of families living outside urban areas and engaging within the scheme. Utilising interpretative phenomenological analysis, this research provides important insights into the contextual factors that influence the subjective wellbeing of all family members and the manner in which the market-based NDIS may produce inequities in wellbeing outcomes for families. This article looks in detail at the lived experiences of families navigating supports provided under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and other primary service systems in rural regions across Eastern Australia. Each family included within this study experienced multiple episodes of delays, feelings of isolation and fears that their family member was missing out on essential supports and services, despite having approved funding packages under the NDIS. All participants in this study highly regarded, valued and respected their children and worked to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Their frustration was not for their children but for the failure of the NDIS to demonstrate these values. This paper is an important contribution to research in disability studies, and also has the potential to influence further development in this field and in shaping the future of the NDIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the plasticity and development of the central nervous system. Thereby the protein synthesis is highly related to neuronal activity, and its signaling pathways are associated with several substances like, e.g. glucocorticoids, which seem to be able to activate BDNF-Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). While there is evidence that acute physical stress can result in advantageous physiological outcomes like an enhanced BDNF level, outcome parameters in response to psychosocial stress are primarily focused on psychological parameters. The existing literature pointing on the impact of acute psychosocial stress on physiological parameters is controversial and differs depending on the species, the stressor used, and the study methodology. It was hypothesized that an acute standardized psychosocial stressor would increase the BDNF level and therefore show beneficial physiological outcome parameters through psychosocial stress. The serum BDNF levels of 32 healthy young males (M = 24.31 years of age, SD = 3.35), who performed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), were assessed and compared to a control condition. To prove the stress-generating effect of the TSST, additional cortisol levels were measured. Acute psychosocial stress significantly increased the serum BDNF- and the cortisol-level, whereby no alteration was found during the control. This study expands the rare literature focusing on the effect of an acute standardized psychosocial stressor on the BDNF level in healthy humans, including a control condition. Implications for future studies are being discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin involved in neural and metabolic diseases, but it is also one of the crucial factors in cancer development and metastases. In the current study, we investigated serum BDNF concentrations in patients that underwent surgical treatment for colorectal cancer or pancreatic cancer. Methods: Serum BDNF concentrations were measured with standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, before and on the third day after the operation, in 50 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer and 25 patients with pancreatic cancer (tumours in the head of pancreas). We compared pre- and postoperative BDNF levels, according to the subsequent TNM stage, histologic stage, lymph node involvement, neuro- or angio-invasion, and resection range. Results: In the pancreatic cancer group, BDNF concentrations fell significantly postoperatively (p = 0.011). In patients that underwent resections, BDNF concentrations fell (p = 0.0098), but not in patients that did not undergo resections (i.e., laparotomy alone). There were significant pre- and postoperative differences in BDNF levels among patients with (p = 0.021) and without (p = 0.034) distant metastases. Significant reductions in BDNF were observed postoperatively in patients with small tumours (i.e., below the median size; p = 0.023), in patients with negative angioor lymphatic invasion (p = 0.028, p = 0.011, respectively), and in patients with lymph node ratios above 0.17 (p = 0.043). In the colon cancer group, the serum BDNF concentrations significantly fell postoperatively in the entire group (p = 0.0076) and in subgroups of patients with or without resections (p = 0.034, p = 0.0179, respectively). Significant before-after differences were found in subgroups with angioinvasions (p = 0.050) and in those without neuroinvasions (p = 0.049). Considering the TNM stages, the postoperative BDNF concentration fell in groups with (p = 0.0218) and without (p = 0.034) distant metastases and in patients with tumours below the median size (p = 0.018). Conclusion: Our results suggested that BDNF might play an important role in gastrointestinal cancer development. BDNF levels were correlated with tumour volume, and with neuro-, angio- and lymphatic invasions. In pancreatic cancer, BDNF concentrations varied according to the surgical procedure and they fell significantly after tumour resections. Thus, BDNF may serve as a potential marker of complete resections in underdiagnosed patients. However, this hypothesis requires further investigation. In contrast, no differences according to the procedure was made in patients with colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research indicates that different exercise modes might create different effects on cognition and peripheral protein signals. This study aimed to compare the effects of long-term participation in an open and closed-skill exercise on cognitive functions and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and Cathepsin B levels. 18 fencers, 18 swimmers, 18 sedentary controls between 18–25 years old participated in the study. Participants performed visuospatial working memory, verbal fluency and selective attention tasks. Blood samples were tested for Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and Cathepsin B using ELISA. The results showed that fencers performed superiorly on some part of visuospatial working memory, verbal fluency, and selective attention tasks than swimmers and sedentary controls. Athlete groups showed higher scores on some subtests of visuospatial working memory and selective attention tasks than sedentary controls. The basal serum Brain-derived neurotrophic factor level was not significant between the groups, but Cathepsin B was higher in fencers than swimmers and sedentary controls. The peripheric protein signal response to acute exercise was significantly higher in athletes, particularly in the open-skill group for Cathepsin B. Our research provided noteworthy results that more cognitively challenging exercise may provide more benefits for some aspects of cognition. Since our findings suggest that open-skill exercise improves specific types of executive-control functioning, this exercise mode might be included in training programs to support cognition and prevent cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterized by diurnal variability of clinical symptoms, including aggravation of back pain at night and morning stiffness. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the mechanisms of pain and circadian regulation. BDNF production may vary in the case of underlying fibromyalgia (FM), which is a common comorbidity in AS patients. Circadian rhythms and clinical/pathogenetic significance of BDNF with underlying AS are still an unresolved question. The study of the issue could make it possible to develop an individual approach to diagnostics and treatment of AS patients. The study aimed to clarify plasma BDNF circadian rhythms in AS patients and to assess the FM involvement in the process. METHODS: We examined one hundred forty-three 42.1±11.3-year-old (M±σ) AS patients (81.8% males). The diagnosis of AS was established according to the 1984 Modified New York Criteria, and the diagnosis of FM according to mACR2010 criteria. Concomitant FM was diagnosed in 49 (34.3%) AS patients. ELISA twice a day (at 8:00 and 20:00) was used to determine the plasma BDNF. The control group consisted of 35 individuals aged 52.1±9.14 years (80.0% males) without AS and FM signs. The study was conducted in compliance with the bioethical standards. The IBM Statistics SPSS 22 software (IBM; Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical processing of the results. RESULTS: The patients in the control group demonstrated daily fluctuations of plasma BDNF with a decrease of the plasma level in the evening from 785.2±109.7 pg/mL at 8:00 to 450.6±358.9 pg/mL at 20:00 (P<0.0001). Compared to the control group, AS patients demonstrated higher BDNF levels at 8:00 and 20:00 (1.23 and 1.85 times, P<0.001) by contrast with decreased 08:00/20:00 index (1.66±1.20 vs. 1.96±0.58, P<0.05). With underlying FM, the direction of daily BDNF fluctuations in AS patients changed - from elevated evening readings to decreases figures of 8:00/20:00 Index. BDNF disturbance was statistically significantly associated with the aggravated manifestation of polysymptomatic distress, pain syndrome, insomnia, and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: AS patients demonstrated diurnal fluctuations of plasma BDNF that depended on age, sex, and FM comorbidity. Disturbance of plasma BDNF circadian rhythms was associated with aggravated severity of polysymptomatic distress and FM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nation-wide community quarantines and social distancing are part of the new normal because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Since extensive and prolonged lockdowns are relatively novel experiences, not much is known about the well-being of individuals in such extreme situations. This research effort investigated the relationship between well-being elements and resiliency of 533 Filipino adults who were placed under the nationwide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants comprised of 376 females (70.56%) and 157 males (29.45%). The median and mode ages of the participants is 23 years, while 25 is the mean age. PERMA Profiler was used to measure participants' well-being elements, while Connor-Davidson Resiliency Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10) was used to measure their resiliency. Collected data were analyzed using the regression model and necessary condition analysis. This study corroborated that all the five pillars of well-being are significant positive correlates of resiliency (p < 0.00) in quarantined adults. The results shown accomplishment (β = 0.447, p < 0.01) positively predicts resiliency, while negative emotions (β = −0.171, p < 0.00) negatively predict resiliency. Lastly, the five pillars of well-being are necessary-but-not-sufficient conditions (ceiling envelopment with free disposal hull, CE-FDH p < 0.00) of resiliency. Our results cast a new light on well-being elements as constraints rather than enablers of resiliency. This novel result shows that optimum resiliency is only possible when all the five pillars of well-being are taken care of and when a person is at least minimally contented with their physical health. The present findings underscore the importance of a holistic as against an atomistic approach to maintaining good mental health, which suggests that deficiencies in certain areas of well-being may not be fully addressed by overcompensating on other areas, as all five pillars of well-being are necessary-but-not-sufficient conditions of resiliency. The study ends with the recommendation for the use of necessary condition analysis to study both classical and novel psychological research problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined acute cerebral hemodynamic and circulating neurotrophic factor responses to moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICT), guideline-based high intensity interval exercise (HIIT), and sprint interval exercise (SIT). We hypothesized that the pattern of middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) response would differ between interval and continuous exercise, with SIT inducing the smallest increase from rest, while increases in neurotrophic factors would be intensity-dependent. In a randomized crossover design, 24 healthy adults (nine females) performed three exercise protocols: (i) MICT (30 min), (ii) HIIT (4 × 4 min at 85% HRmax), and (iii) SIT (4 × 30 s supramaximal). MCAv significantly increased from rest across MICT (Δ13.1 ± 8.5 cm⋅s–1, p < 0.001) and all bouts of HIIT (Δ15.2 ± 9.8 cm⋅s–1, p < 0.001), but only for the initial bout of SIT (Δ17.3 ± 11.6 cm⋅s–1, p < 0.001). Immediately following each interval bout, MCAv increased (i.e., rebounded) for the SIT (9–14% above rest, p ≤ 0.04), but not HIIT protocol. SIT alone induced significant elevations from rest to end-exercise in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; Δ28 ± 36%, p = 0.017) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, Δ149% ± 162%, p < 0.001) and there were greater increases in lactate than in either other protocol (>5-fold greater in SIT, p < 0.001), alongside a small significant reduction at the end of active recovery in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1, Δ22 ± 21%, p = 0.002). In conclusion, while the nature of the response may differ, both guideline-based and sprint-based interval exercise have the potential to induce significant changes in factors linked to improved cerebrovascular and brain health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of colorants in historic plastics is a methodological and analytical challenge. Although deformulation is performed by the plastics industry, in the case of historical objects, sampling is often impossible, and in situ protocols are needed. The accurate identification of colorants provides insights into historical plastic formulations, supports planning of conservation studies, and critical data for objects that already exhibit color change (e.g. fading). Indeed, colorants may degrade following exposure to light, and color changes have been reported for plastic objects. The analysis of colorants remains a challenge, and microsampling is usually required. Successful identification of red pigments from thirty historical plastics is reported following a new in situ analytical protocol based on Raman microscopy. Information about other pigments, fillers and plastic polymers are reported. Fading has been observed in the historical plastic objects containing Pigment Red 53. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synaptic plasticity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling are proposed to play key roles in antidepressant drug action. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and putative antidepressant, may increase synaptic plasticity in prefrontal cortex through higher expression of BDNF. Furthermore, ketamine was shown to change resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) of dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). In a randomised, placebo-controlled study, we investigated acutely (100 min) and at 24 h following subanesthetic ketamine infusion which dmPFC seeded RSFC changes are most strongly associated with plasma BDNF level changes in 53 healthy participants (21 females, age: 24.4 ± 2.9 years) using 7 T-fMRI. We observed higher relative levels of BDNF 2 h and 24 h after ketamine compared to placebo. Whole-brain regression revealed that the change in BDNF after 24 h was associated with RSFC decreases from dmPFC to posterior cingulate cortex and ventromedial PFC at 24 h and exploratively also at the 100 min measurement point. Follow-up analyses revealed that RSFC reductions following ketamine were restricted to subjects showing increased BDNF levels at 24 h. Our findings indicate BDNF level dynamics following ketamine are related to acute and 24 h RSFC changes. Particularly when BDNF increases are observed after ketamine infusion, a disconnection from dmPFC after 24 h is seen and may reflect synaptic plasticity effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to determine whether cannabis influences BDNF levels in patients with psychosis (FEP) and healthy volunteers (HV) to help understand the role of BDNF in psychosis. We assessed the association between BDNF and cannabis in a cohort of FEP antipsychotic-naïve patients and HV, whilst controlling for other potential confounding factors. 70 FEP drug-naive patients and 57 HV were recruited. A sociodemographic variable collection, structured clinical interview, weight and height measurement, substance use determination, and blood collection to determine BDNF levels by ELISA analysis were done. In FEP patients, cannabis use was associated with BDNF levels (high cannabis use was associated with lower BDNF levels). Moreover, cannabis use was statistically significantly associated with age (high use of cannabis was associated with younger age). In HV, no relationship between cannabis use and BDNF levels was observed. Otherwise, cannabis use was significantly associated with tobacco use, so that high cannabis users were also high tobacco users. This study showed a different association between cannabis use and BDNF levels in FEP patients compared with HV, particularly, with high doses of cannabis. These findings may help understand the deleterious effects of cannabis in some vulnerable individuals, as well as discrepancies in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speech-language pathology and special education graduate student teams participated in an intensive summer practicum for social communication skills with children with autism spectrum disorders, utilizing a transdisciplinary approach that aligned to the frameworks utilized for implementation science. Questionnaires measuring transdisciplinary approach knowledge and comfort level were administered pre/post-practicum. Results of the questionnaires, written daily team reflections, course evaluations, and a focus group interview indicated an increase in all measures, including an increased knowledge of TA, increased understanding and comfort level with the other discipline, and a higher level of confidence and openness in working collaboratively utilizing a transdisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is the first and the most important leading cause of mortality in Iran. Psychological factors play a key role in the onset and exacerbation of this disease. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) on perceived stress and coping skills of patients following AMI. Materials and Methods This is a clinical trial with pre-test/ post-test/follow-up design conducted in 2018 on 30 patients with diagnosed AMI after discharge from Noor Heart Clinic in Rasht, Iran. The patients were randomly divided into intervention (5 females and 10 males) and control (8 females and 7 males) groups. Assessment tools included the Perceived Stress Scale and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire that were completed before and after intervention and during a 3-month follow-up period. The intervention group received DBT at 8 sessions of 90 minutes per week for 2 months. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni Post Hoc test. Results The DBT had significant effects on the perceived stress (F=6.21, P<0.05), problem-focused coping strategy (F=5.00, P<0.05) and emotion-focused coping strategy (F=15.20, P<0.001). Conclusion Dialectical behavior therapy can reduce the perceived stress and improve the coping skills of patients following AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore interprofessional and multidisciplinary working between health and social care practitioners providing services to older people through the prism of how risk is assessed and managed. It proposes that whilst interprofessional and multidisciplinary working is a broad and commonly researched topic, there is a relative paucity of evidence specifically regarding how health and social care practitioners work together across structural, cultural and ideological divides. The study aims to expand the domain of integrated health and social care by including perceptions, understanding and use of the concept of risk by professionals from different disciplines. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is based upon an exploratory study using an interpretivist phenomenological perspective, including 23 semi-structured individual interviews with health and social care practitioners and 2 non-participant observations of multidisciplinary team meetings. Findings: The paper provides empirical insights around the complex dynamics of interprofessional and multidisciplinary working between health and social care practitioners, in particular the saliency of the interconnectedness of individual practitioner Personalities with the Process of interprofessional and multidisciplinary working under the auspices of relevant Policy drivers. Research limitations/implications: The research was conducted in Wales and, due to the increasingly divergent policy context within the UK, the research results may lack generalisability from a wider UK or international perspective. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the propositions of this research further. Practical implications: The paper includes implications for both interprofessional and multidisciplinary policy and practice with older people. With new models of integrated care being sought, the findings of this study may offer a timely and valuable contribution, particularly from the inclusion of a social care perspective and in better understanding the interconnectedness of practitioner personalities with process and policy. Originality/value: This paper fulfils an identified need to study the complex dynamics and interconnectedness between health and social care practitioners who work together to provide services to older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on attending the virtual event organised by the British Pyshcological Society's (BPS) Qualitative Methods in Psychology (QMiP) Section providing crystalline lenses in accessing and interpreting data.

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediates the plasticity-related changes that associate with memory processing during sleep. Sleep deprivation and chronic stress are associated with propensity to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. We propose a model by which explain alterations in the CNS and serum expression of BDNF associated with chronic sleep deprivation, depression, and insomnia. Mild sleep deprivation activates the cerebral cortex and brainstem to generate the physiologic drive for non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep drive respectively, associated with BDNF upregulation in these regions. This physiological response loses effectiveness with longer episodes or during chronic of total or selective REM sleep loss, which are associated with impaired hippocampal BDNF expression, impaired memory and cognition. Chronic sleep deprivation and insomnia can act as an external stressors and result in depression, characterized by hippocampal BDNF downregulation along with disrupted frontal cortical BDNF expression, as well as reduced levels and impaired diurnal alterations in serum BDNF expression. Acute REM sleep deprivation breaks the cycle by restoration of hippocampal, and possibly restoration of cortical and serum expression of BDNF. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism alters susceptibility to depression, anxiety, and insomnia by altering availability and expression of BDNF in brain and blood. The proposed model is testable and implies that low levels and low variability in serum BDNF are associated with poor response to anti-depressive medications, electroconvulsive therapy, and REM sleep deprivation, in patients with depression. Our mode is also backed up by the existing clinical evidence but is yet to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antidepressive pharmacotherapy (AD), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective treatments for major depressive disorder. With our review, we aim to provide a systematic overview of neuroimaging studies that investigate the effects of AD, ECT and CBT on brain grey matter volume (GMV) and biomarkers associated with response. After a systematic database research on PubMed, we included 50 studies using magnetic resonance imaging and investigating (1) changes in GMV, (2) pre-treatment GMV biomarkers associated with response, or (3) the accuracy of predictions of response to AD, ECT or CBT based on baseline GMV data. The strongest evidence for brain structural changes was found for ECT, showing volume increases within the temporal lobe and subcortical structures – such as the hippocampus–amygdala complex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum. For AD, the evidence is heterogeneous as only 4 of 11 studies reported significant changes in GMV. The results are not sufficient in order to draw conclusions about the structural brain effects of CBT. The findings show consistently that higher pre-treatment ACC volume is associated with response to AD, ECT and CBT. An association of higher pre-treatment hippocampal volume and response has only been reported for AD. Machine learning approaches based on pre-treatment whole brain patterns reach accuracies of 64–90% for predictions of AD or ECT response on the individual patient level. The findings underline the potential of brain biomarkers for the implementation in clinical practice as an additive feature within the process of treatment selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay proposes a new interpretation of the two tornadas present within the Marcabrunian vers Bel m’es quan s’esclarzis l’onda (BdT 293, 12a), vv. 46-49. The historical and exegetical analysis focuses on the dedicatee of the poem (the segnoriu de Gironda), here identified as the troubadour and Prince of Blaye Jaufre Rudel. For that purpose, the investigation follows two directions: while the first part is dedicated to the re-examination of previous interventions, the second one cir- cumscribes the hypothesis of the new identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medievalismo is the property of Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia 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.)

Copyright of Critica del Testo is the property of Viella Editrice srl 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.)

Objectives: Executive dysfunctions are frequently seen in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and normalise in many cases during effective antidepressant therapy. This study investigated whether a normalisation of executive dysfunctions during antidepressant treatment correlates with or can be predicted by clinical parameters or levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods: In 110 MDD patients with executive dysfunctions (percentile <16), executive functions and plasma BDNF levels were analysed at baseline, and days 14 and 56 of an antidepressant treatment. BDNF exon IV and P11 methylation status was studied at baseline. Results: Eighty patients (73%) experienced a normalisation of executive dysfunctions, while 30 (27%) suffered from persistent dysfunctions until day 56. Patients with persistent dysfunctions had significantly higher HAMD scores at days 14 and 56, and lower plasma BDNF levels at each time point than patients with a normalisation of dysfunctions (F1= 10.18; P = 0.002). This was seen for verbal fluency, but not processing speed. BDNF exon IV and p11 promoter methylation was not associated with test performance. Conclusions: Our results corroborate a concomitant amelioration of executive dysfunctions with successful antidepressant therapy and support a role of BDNF in the neural mechanisms underlying the normalisation of executive dysfunctions in MDD. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00974155; EudraCT: 2008-008280-96 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and its incidence is expected to increase. Despite tremendous efforts to understand its underlying biological mechanisms, MDD pathophysiology remains elusive and pharmacotherapy outcomes are still far from ideal. Low-grade chronic inflammation seems to play a key role in mediating the interface between psychological stress, depressive symptomatology, altered intestinal microbiology, and MDD onset. We review the available pre-clinical and clinical evidence of an involvement of pro-inflammatory pathways in the pathogenesis, treatment, and remission of MDD. We focus on caspase 1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and interferon gamma, three inflammatory systems dysregulated in MDD. Treatment strategies aiming at targeting such pathways alone or in combination with classical therapies could prove valuable in MDD. Further studies are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of immune modulation in MDD and other psychiatric disorders with neuroinflammatory components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Pädagogik is the property of Julius Beltz GmbH & Co. KG Beltz Juventa 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.)

After comparing the morbidity patterns of COVID-19 infections, variations of oxytocin levels and some properties of the neurohormone oxytocin, the authors put forward their hypothesis that oxytocin might constitute a safe, inexpensive and readily available treatment for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: As a complex, polygenic trait, brain size has likely been influenced by a range of direct and indirect selection pressures for both cognitive and non‐cognitive functions and capabilities. It has been hypothesized that hominin brain expansion was, in part, a correlated response to selection acting on aerobic capacity (Raichlen & Polk, 2013). According to this hypothesis, selection for aerobic capacity increased the activity of various signaling molecules, including those involved in brain growth. One key molecule is brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that regulates neuronal development, survival, and plasticity in mammals. This review updates, partially tests, and expands Raichlen and Polk's (2013) hypothesis by evaluating evidence for BDNF as a mediator of brain size. Discussion: We contend that selection for endurance capabilities in a hot climate favored changes to muscle composition, mitochondrial dynamics and increased energy budget through pathways involving regulation of PGC‐1α and MEF2 genes, both of which promote BDNF activity. In addition, the evolution of hairlessness and the skin's thermoregulatory response provide other molecular pathways that promote both BDNF activity and neurotransmitter synthesis. We discuss how these pathways contributed to the evolution of brain size and function in human evolution and propose avenues for future research. Our results support Raichlen and Polk's contention that selection for non‐cognitive functions has direct mechanistic linkages to the evolution of brain size in hominins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Educational Practice & Research is the property of National Taipei University of Education 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.)

Copyright of Contemporary Journal of African Studies is the property of Institute of African Studies 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.)

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders that share behavioral features, the results of numerous studies have suggested that the underlying causes of ASDs are multifactorial. Behavioral and/or neurobiological analyses of ASDs have been performed extensively using a valid model of prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). Abnormal synapse formation resulting from altered neurite outgrowth in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) during embryonic brain development has been observed in both the VPA model and ASD subjects. Although several mechanisms have been suggested, the actual mechanism underlying enhanced neurite outgrowth remains unclear. In this study, we found that VPA enhanced the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), particularly mature BDNF (mBDNF), through dual mechanisms. VPA increased the mRNA and protein expression of BDNF by suppressing the nuclear expression of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), which is a transcriptional repressor of BDNF. In addition, VPA promoted the expression and activity of the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which induces BDNF maturation through proteolytic cleavage. Trichostatin A and sodium butyrate also enhanced tPA activity, but tPA activity was not induced by valpromide, which is a VPA analog that does not induce histone acetylation, indicating that histone acetylation activity was required for tPA regulation. VPA-mediated regulation of BDNF, MeCP2, and tPA was not observed in astrocytes or neurons. Therefore, these results suggested that VPA-induced mBDNF upregulation was associated with the dysregulation of MeCP2 and tPA in developing cortical NPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) mainly relies on clinical examination and subjective evaluation of depressive symptoms. There is no non-invasive, quantitative test available today for the diagnosis of MDD. In MDD, exploration of biomarkers will be helpful in diagnosing the disorder as well as in choosing a treatment, and predicting the treatment response. In this article, it is aimed to review the findings of suggested biomarkers such as growth factors, cytokines and other inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, endocrine markers, energy balance hormones, genetic and epigenetic features, and neuroimaging in MDD and to evaluate how these findings contribute to the pathophysiology of MDD, the prediction of treatment response, severity of the disorder, and identification of subtypes. Among these, the findings related to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, cytokines, and neuroimaging may be strong candidates for being biomarkers MDD, and may provide critical information in understanding biological etiology of depression. Although the findings are not sufficient yet, we think that the results of epigenetic studies will also provide very important contributions to the biomarker research in MDD. The availability of biomarkers in MDD will be an advancement that will facilitate the diagnosis of the disorder, treatment choices in the early stages, and prediction of the course of the disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review the impact of the clinical leadership programme, in enabling the Darzi fellows to lead change projects in health and care services, and to secure quality healthcare in the NHS beyond the lifetime of the programme.Design/methodology/approach: A longitudinal empirical investigation of clinical leaders ( n=80) over an eight-year period was framed through an activity theory (AT)-driven research methodology using a mixed-methods approach.Findings: AT illuminated how change was sustained in the NHS in London through the Darzi Clinical Leadership Fellowship. By any reasonable measurement, this programme excels, with learning and positive behavioural change sustained after the Fellowship across the NHS. Further recognition is needed of the continuing development needs of fellows as they take on more responsible leadership roles in their careers.Research Limitations/implications: Darzi fellows are a hard-to-reach group. The sample represents a response rate of 34 per cent. In total, 77 per cent of respondents emanated from cohorts 5 to 8 programmes.Practical Implications: The investment in a clinical leadership programme focused on systems leadership for quality generates value for the NHS.Social Implications: Countless interventions flowed through London's healthcare community and beyond as a result of the Fellowship. This research exposed how Darzi fellows continue to lead innovation for alternative healthcare outcomes. Many proactive fellows employ a suite of learned skills and capabilities to lead systemic change.Originality/value: This research is the first known longitudinal clinical leadership development study undertaken. The Darzi programme has created a unique clinical network of mutually supportive, team-centric systems thinkers and doers, with an evidence-based approach to systems change. Many fellows are catalysing sustainable change in the healthcare environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A reliable biomarker signature for bipolar disorder sensitive to illness phase would be of considerable clinical benefit. Among circulating blood-derived markers there has been a significant amount of research into inflammatory markers, neurotrophins and oxidative stress markers.AimsTo synthesise and interpret existing evidence of inflammatory markers, neurotrophins and oxidative stress markers in bipolar disorder focusing on the mood phase of illness.Method: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted for studies investigating peripheral biomarkers in bipolar disorder compared with healthy controls. We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, SciELO and Web of Science, and separated studies by bipolar mood phase (mania, depression and euthymia). Extracted data on each biomarker in separate mood phases were synthesised using random-effects model meta-analyses.Results: In total, 53 studies were included, comprising 2467 cases and 2360 controls. Fourteen biomarkers were identified from meta-analyses of three or more studies. No biomarker differentiated mood phase in bipolar disorder individually. Biomarker meta-analyses suggest a combination of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein/interleukin-6, brain derived neurotrophic factor/tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and soluble TNF-α receptor 1 can differentiate specific mood phase in bipolar disorder. Several other biomarkers of interest were identified.Conclusions: Combining biomarker results could differentiate individuals with bipolar disorder from healthy controls and indicate a specific mood-phase signature. Future research should seek to test these combinations of biomarkers in longitudinal studies.Declaration of interestNone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of the study is to assess and compare serum C-reactive protein (CRP), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels in patients with first-episode depression (FED), recurrent depressive disorder (RDD), and healthy controls (HCs) and to determine the relationship between the above-specified inflammatory markers, severity of depression, and stressful life events. Materials and Methods: Consecutive drug-naive patients with FED and RDD (n = 85) and 50 HCs were studied. Serum concentrations of CRP, brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF), and IL-2 were measured. All participants were assessed using Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus, Beck's depression inventory, and presumptive stressful life events scale. Results: The FED and RDD groups had statistically significant lower serum concentration of BDNF and higher IL-2 compared to the HC group, whereas no statistically significant difference was observed with regard to CRP level. No statistically significant differences were observed with regard to the severity of depression and serum concentrations of CRP, BDNF, and IL-2 in the FED and RDD groups. No significant correlation was found between severity of depression and serum concentration of CRP, BDNF, and IL-2 in both the groups. Serum CRP concentration was significantly higher in patients with ≥2 stressful life events. No significant difference was observed between number of stressful life events and BDNF and IL-2 in patients with depression. Conclusion: FED and RDD are associated with lower serum concentration of BDNF and higher IL-2 compared to the HCs, whereas there appears no difference with regard to CRP level. Multicentric studies are needed to further elucidate the role of inflammatory markers in depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional support is seen as a vital component in the battle to attenuate the extreme hypermetabolic response experienced by patients suffering from large thermal injuries. Protein catabolism precipitating protein malnutrition places patients at greater risk of wound infection and sepsis due to delayed wound healing. Underfeeding, aggressive feeding, feeding routes, timing of initiation of feeding and tight insulin control have all been explored extensively in the quest to understand what nutritional treatment will best attenuate the hypermetabolic response. Despite this it is suggested that the majority of patients with large thermal injuries do not receive adequate nutritional support immediately post injury. Nurses have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that thermal injury patients receive appropriate nutritional support based on the best available evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transdisciplinary approaches (TDA) have provided a useful way to assess, formulate and monitor personalized individual strategies which share a common starting point where expertise from different disciplines come together in better and more efficiently understanding the individual's special needs and their autism. This paper aims to present through a single-case study how shared formulation informing interventions and strategies have been applied by adopting a transdisciplinary embedded approach through the adoption of a model of well-being - PERMA model. Differences between multi-disciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches are briefly discussed. Identification of barriers to accessing learning, evidence-based challenging behaviour profiles, identification of sensory and functional communication needs, a shared understanding of the individual and a consistent resilient team approach are presented and discussed. Qualitative and quantitative outcomes are ultimately presented and discussed with further reflections on the impact for the wider education practice and provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Child maltreatment (CM) and attachment experiences are closely linked to alterations in the human oxytocin (OXT) system. However, human data about oxytocin receptor (OXTR) protein levels are lacking. Therefore, we investigated oxytocin receptor (OXTR) protein levels in circulating immune cells and related them to circulating levels of OXT in peripheral blood. We hypothesized reduced OXTR protein levels, associated with both, experiences of CM and an insecure attachment representation. Methods: OXTR protein expressions were analyzed by western blot analyses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma OXT levels were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 49 mothers. We used the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to assess adverse childhood experiences. Attachment representations (secure vs. insecure) were classified using the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) and levels of anxiety and depression were assessed with the German version of the Hospital Depression and Anxiety scale (HADS-D). Results: CM-affected women showed significantly lower OXTR protein expression with significantly negative correlations between the OXTR protein expression and the CTQ sum score, whereas plasma OXT levels showed no significant differences in association with CM. Lower OXTR protein expression in PBMC were particularly pronounced in the group of insecurely attached mothers compared to the securely attached group. Anxiety levels were significantly higher in CM-affected women. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant association between CM and an alteration of OXTR protein expression in human blood cells as a sign for chronic, long-lasting alterations in this attachment-related neurobiological system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Older adults with chronic schizophrenia are at greater risk for functional disability and poorer health outcomes than those without serious mental illness. These individuals comprise 1–2% of the elderly population in the United States and are projected to number approximately 15 million by 2030. The symptoms of schizophrenia can be disabling for individuals, significantly reducing quality of life. Often, the negative symptoms (NS) are the most resistant to treatment and are considered a marker of illness severity, though they are challenging to measure objectively. Biomarkers can serve as objective indicators of health status. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potential biomarker for schizophrenia and may serve as an important indicator of illness severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 30 older adults with chronic schizophrenia. Participants were assessed on serum levels of BDNF and psychiatric symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale). Pearson’s bivariate correlations (two-tailed) and linear regression models were used. Results: A significant positive association (p < .05) was found between higher serum levels of BDNF and greater severity for the NS items of passive, apathetic, social withdrawal, and emotional withdrawal. In multivariate analyses, the association remained significant. Conclusions: Although the association between BDNF and NS was not in the expected direction, the data corroborate findings from previous work in patients with schizophrenia. It is possible that higher serum levels of BDNF reflect compensatory neuronal mechanisms resulting from neurodevelopmental dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Despite the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the physiopathology of major depressive disorder (MDD), the coherence between the components of the BDNF pathway and their link with the clinical features of MDD are insufficiently studied. We aimed to assess in Caucasian depressed patients the impact of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on plasma BDNF levels taking into account the clinical characteristics of MDD. Methods: A total of 328 Caucasian adult MDD patients with a current major depressive episode (MDE) were assessed for the BDNF Val- 66Met polymorphism, plasma BDNF levels and clinical characteristics of the MDD. Results: Plasma BDNF levels were linearly associated with the BDNF Val66Met genotypes (ValVal: 1,525.9 ± 1,183.3 pg/mL vs. ValMet: 1,248.7 ± 1,081.8 vs. MetMet: 1,004.9 ± 952.8; p = 0.04), Met carriers having lower BDNF levels than ValVal ones. Significant interactions between the Val66Met polymorphism and 3 clinical characteristics - age at onset (p = 0.03), MDD duration (p = 0.04), and number of previous MDE (p = 0.04) - were evidenced for plasma BDNF levels. Indeed, in Met carriers, but not in ValVal ones, plasma BDNF levels were negatively correlated with age at onset and positively correlated with MDD duration and number of previous MDE. Conclusion: Our results show a measurable, coherent, and functional BDNF pathway based on the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and plasma BDNF levels in patients with a current MDE. This pathway is related to the clinical course of major depression, plasma BDNF levels being associated with the long-term history of MDD in Met carriers. Further studies assessing central BDNF are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depression, but can have negative side effects including amnesia. The mechanisms of action underlying both the antidepressant and side effects of ECT are not well understood. An equivalent manipulation that is conducted in experimental animals is electroconvulsive seizure (ECS). Rodent studies have provided valuable insights into potential mechanisms underlying the antidepressant and side effects of ECT. However, relatively few studies have investigated the effects of ECS in animal models with a depression-relevant manipulation such as chronic stress. In the present study, mice were first exposed to chronic social stress (CSS) or a control procedure for 15 days followed by ECS or a sham procedure for 10 days. Behavioral effects were investigated using an auditory fear conditioning (learning) and expression (memory) test and a treadmill-running fatigue test. Thereafter, immunohistochemistry was conducted on brain material using the microglial marker Iba-1 and the cholinergic fibre marker ChAT. CSS did not increase fear learning and memory in the present experimental design; in both the control and CSS mice ECS reduced fear learning and fear memory expression. CSS induced the expected fatigue-like effect in the treadmill-running test; ECS induced increased fatigue in CSS and control mice. In CSS and control mice ECS induced inflammation in hippocampus in terms of increased expression of Iba-1 in radiatum of CA1 and CA3. CSS and ECS both reduced acetylcholine function in hippocampus as indicated by decreased expression of ChAT in several hippocampal sub-regions. Therefore, CSS increased fatigue and reduced hippocampal ChAT activity and, rather than reversing these effects, a repeated ECS regimen resulted in impaired fear learning-memory, increased fatigue, increased hippocampal Iba-1 expression, and decreased hippocampal ChAT expression. As such, the current model does not provide insights into the mechanism of ECT antidepressant function but does provide evidence for pathophysiological mechanisms that might contribute to important ECT side-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous reports have suggested that physical and psychological stresses may trigger fibromyalgia (FM). Stress is an important risk factor in the development of depression and memory impairments. Antidepressants have been used to prevent stress-induced abnormal pain sensation. Among various antidepressants, tianeptine has been reported to be able to prevent neurodegeneration due to chronic stress and reverse decreases in hippocampal volume. To assess the possible effect of tianeptine on FM symptoms, we constructed a FM animal model induced by restraint stress with intermittent cold stress. All mice underwent nociceptive assays using electronic von Frey anesthesiometer and Hargreaves equipment. To assess the relationship between tianeptine and expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB), western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed. In behavioral analysis, nociception tests showed that pain threshold was significantly decreased in the FM group compared to that in the control group. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus showed downregulation of BDNF and p-CREB proteins in the FM group compared to the control group. However, tianeptine recovered these changes in behavioral tests and protein level. Therefore, this FM animal model might be useful for investigating mechanisms linking BDNFCREB pathway and pain. Our results suggest that tianeptine might potentially have therapeutic efficacy for FM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factors are known to be related to the psychopathology of major depressive disorder. However, studies focusing on drug-naïve first-episode patients are still rare. Methods: Over a 6-year period, we examined the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factors levels in patients with first-episode drug-naïve major depressive disorder and compared them with sex-matched healthy controls. We also investigated the relationships between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factors levels, suicidal behavior, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores before and after a 4-week antidepressant treatment. Results: The baseline serum brain-derived neurotrophic factors levels of 71 patients were significantly lower than those of the controls (P = .017), and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores in 71 patients did not correlate with brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were significantly lower in 13 suicidal major depressive disorder patients than in 58 nonsuicidal major depressive disorder patients (P = .038). Among 41 followed-up patients, there was no alteration in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factors levels after treatment with antidepressants (P = .126). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of using pretreatment brain-derived neurotrophic factors to estimate the response to treatment, the area under the curve was 0.684. The most suitable cut-off point was 6.1 ng/mL (sensitivity = 78.6%, specificity = 53.8%). Conclusions: Our data support the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in patients with drug-naïve first-episode major depressive disorder were lower than those in the healthy controls, and patients with pretreatment brain-derived neurotrophic factors >6.1 ng/mL were more likely to be responders. Although the relationship of our results to the mechanism of drug action and pathophysiology of depression remains unclear, the measure may have potential use as a predictor of response to treatment. In the future, it needs a large sample to prove these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been proposed to be a marker of disease and an indicator of recovery. Thus, knowing the temporal pattern and influence of potential circadian rhythms is important. Although several studies have measured BDNF at different times of day, no studies have done so while controlling for potential masking influences such as sleep and activity. Further, no previous study has examined circadian rhythms within individuals. We examined circadian rhythms in plasma BDNF while minimizing masking from behavioral and environmental factors using a 30-h constant routine (CR) protocol. In a sample of 39 healthy adults, we found significant circadian rhythms in 75% of women and 52% of men. The timing of the acrophase of the BDNF rhythm, however, was unrelated to clock time in women, while it was related to clock time in men. These results indicate that the use of single-sample measures of plasma BDNF as a marker of disease will be unreliable, especially in women. Repeated plasma BDNF samples over a 24-h period within individuals would be needed to reveal abnormalities related to disease states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 10 years sport psychology expanded its applicability in a variety of fields which have helped to address some of the challenges related to high level performance and sport competition. When we talk about performance in its wider sense, sport psychology is able to help develop a better understanding on how strategies can be adopted in improving general human performance levels. This includes increasing the knowledge of key concepts such as motivation, self-confidence and resilience. Furthermore performance in its wider sense helps in the understanding of the impact of stress and arousal and how these can affect both positively and negatively performance levels including appreciating individual differences as well as dynamics between groups of individuals. In this paper performance rather than solely be related to the field of competitive or professional sport has been discussed in people with ASCs and aims to explore how by adopting a positive psychological model in the formulation of individual assessments and subsequent interventions have led to improvement in individual skills, participation, engagement and ultimately quality of life. Positive psychological principles, such as the role of wellbeing and wellness, the PERMA Model has increased our understanding of human potentials, performance and wellbeing. The aim of this paper is to present and reflect on the applicability and benefits of adopting sport psychology models, the PERMA model and positive psychological principles in special education and care settings with the presentation and discussion of their theoretical and some practical implementation in two case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]