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Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023This study examined how separation behavior differs between dogs with and without separation-related problem behavior (SRB) and the possible risk factors. The study...
This study examined how separation behavior differs between dogs with and without separation-related problem behavior (SRB) and the possible risk factors. The study consisted of an online survey with 940 dog holders, which, in addition to demographic facts, also includes personality, emotional disposition and the attachment by the holder. Furthermore, a separation test was carried out with six non-SRB dogs over a maximum of 6 h, in which behavior and cortisol were determined. The questionnaire revealed that SRB dogs differed significantly from non-SRB dogs regarding the following factors: symptoms with at least a medium effect size such as restlessness, excitement, whining, howling, lip licking, barking and salivation, time to relax after separation, pessimism, persistence, excitability, calmness, separation frequency, greeting of holder and type of greeting. There were several other differences, but with weak effect sizes. The test showed that non-SRB dogs were mostly inactive during separation (lying resting and lying alert). Vocalization was almost non-existent. Behavior and cortisol did not change significantly over the different time periods. The data demonstrated typical symptoms and possible risk factors, some of which may be avoided or changed to improve animal welfare.
PubMed: 38067087
DOI: 10.3390/ani13233735 -
Biomolecules Jun 2023Among female rats, some individuals show estrus cycle-dependent irritability/aggressive behaviors, and these individual rats may be used as a model for premenstrual...
Among female rats, some individuals show estrus cycle-dependent irritability/aggressive behaviors, and these individual rats may be used as a model for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). We wanted to investigate if these behaviors are related to the estrus cycle phase containing moderately increased levels of positive GABA-A receptor-modulating steroids (steroid-PAM), especially allopregnanolone (ALLO), and if the adverse behavior can be antagonized. The electrophysiology studies in this paper show that isoallopregnanolone (ISO) is a GABA-A-modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA), meaning that ISO can antagonize the agonistic effects of positive GABA-A receptor-modulating steroids in both α1β2γ2L and α4β3δ GABA-A receptor subtypes. In this study, we also investigated whether ISO could antagonize the estrus cycle-dependent aggressive behaviors in female Wistar rats using a resident-intruder test. Our results confirmed previous reports of estrus cycle-dependent behaviors in that 42% of the tested rats showed higher levels of irritability/aggression at diestrus compared to those at estrus. Furthermore, we found that, during the treatment with ISO, the aggressive behavior at diestrus was alleviated to a level comparable to that of estrus. We noticed an 89% reduction in the increase in aggressive behavior at diestrus compared to that at estrus. Vehicle treatment in the same animals showed a minimal effect on the diestrus-related aggressive behavior. In conclusion, we showed that ISO can antagonize Steroid-PAM both in α1β2γ2L and α4β3δ GABA-A receptor subtypes and inhibit estrus cycle-dependent aggressive behavior.
Topics: Rats; Female; Animals; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, GABA-A; Aggression; Estrus; Pregnanolone
PubMed: 37371597
DOI: 10.3390/biom13061017 -
BMC Public Health Aug 2023To investigate the influence of subjective exercise experience on adolescent trait anxiety and to reveal the mediating effect of exercise behavior.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence of subjective exercise experience on adolescent trait anxiety and to reveal the mediating effect of exercise behavior.
METHODS
Using the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (SEES), Physical Exercise Rating Scale (PARS-3), and Trait Anxiety Inventory (T-AI), a questionnaire survey was conducted among 500 adolescents in Southwest China, and the SPSS21.0 and AMOS21.0 statistical analysis software was used to statistics and analysis on the questionnaires.
RESULTS
1) Among adolescents, the exercise behavior of boys was significantly higher than that of girls (p < 0.05), and the subjective exercise experience of students aged 9 to 12 was significantly higher than that of students aged 12 to 15 (p < 0.05). 2) The subjective exercise experience could directly and positively predict exercise behavior (β = 0.45, p < 0.001) and negatively predict trait anxiety (β = -0.26, p < 0.05), and exercise behavior could directly and negatively predict trait anxiety (β = -0.32, p < 0.01). 3) The exercise behavior played a partial mediating effect between subjective exercise experience and trait anxiety (the mediation effect was -0.14). Among them, compared with low- and high-exercise amounts, the exercise behavior of moderate exercise amounts had the strongest mediating effect between subjective exercise experience and trait anxiety.
CONCLUSION
The good subjective exercise experience not only has direct benefits for improving trait anxiety in adolescents but also helps to improve their exercise behavior, enrich daily physical exercise activities, and indirectly promote the reduction of trait anxiety.
Topics: Male; Female; Adolescent; Humans; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; China; Exercise; Phenotype
PubMed: 37653372
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16536-4 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to recognize the mental states and emotions of others, is central to effective social relationships. Measuring higher-order ToM skills...
BACKGROUND
Theory of mind (ToM), the ability to recognize the mental states and emotions of others, is central to effective social relationships. Measuring higher-order ToM skills in gifted children may be a useful way to identify the tendency to experience difficulties in social behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between intelligence and sex in children using ToM and social behavior measures.
METHODS
Children aged 10-12 years constituted both the gifted ( = 45) and non-gifted ( = 45) groups. The participants were assessed for prosocial behaviors and peer problems using the subscales of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and in terms of ToM using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test-Child Version (RMET-C) and the Faux Pas Recognition Test-Child Version (FPRT-C).
RESULTS
ToM test results were higher in gifted children and girls. Peer problems were lower in gifted children. Prosocial behavior was higher in girls. No relationship was determined between ToM tests and peer problems or prosocial behavior in gifted children, but such a relationship was observed in the non-gifted group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that gifted children with high cognitive skills also possess superior social cognition skills. Advanced ToM skills in gifted children may be important to supporting their social and cognitive development. The differences between boys and girls should be considered in educational interventions applied to children in the social sphere.
PubMed: 38397365
DOI: 10.3390/children11020253 -
General Psychiatry 2023Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is an ideal model to study the mechanisms underlying synaptic deficits in addiction as it eliminates the confounding effects of substance...
BACKGROUND
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is an ideal model to study the mechanisms underlying synaptic deficits in addiction as it eliminates the confounding effects of substance use. Synaptic loss and deficits are hypothesised to underlie the enduring maladaptive behaviours and impaired cognitive function that contribute to IGD.
AIMS
This study aimed to determine whether subjects with IGD have lower synaptic density than control subjects and the relationship between synaptic density and IGD severity.
METHODS
Eighteen unmedicated subjects diagnosed with current IGD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria and 16 demographically matched healthy controls (HCs) participated in the study and underwent F-labelled difluoro-analogue of UCB-J (F-SynVesT-1) positron emission tomography scans to assess the density of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). The Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11 (BIS-11), Stroop Colour-Word Test (SCWT), stop-signal paradigms and N-back tasks were administered to all subjects.
RESULTS
Patients with IGD had significantly higher scores on the IGDS9-SF, HAMD, HAMA and BIS-11 than HCs. HCs performed better on the two-back and SCWT tests as well as in terms of stop-signal reaction times (SSRTs) in the stop-signal paradigms than patients with IGD. Lower uptake was found in the bilateral putamen, right pregenual anterior cingulate cortex and Rolandic operculum of patients with IGD compared with HCs. Furthermore, in the IGD group, IGDS9-SF scores and daily gaming hours were negatively correlated with the standardised uptake value ratios of F-SynVesT-1 in the bilateral putamen. Longer SSRTs were significantly associated with lower SV2A density in the right pregenual anterior cingulate cortex and right Rolandic operculum.
CONCLUSIONS
The results in this study suggest that lower synaptic density contributes to the severity and impairments in inhibitory control of IGD. These findings may provide further incentive to evaluate interventions that restore synaptic transmission and plasticity to treat IGD.
PubMed: 37829163
DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2023-101112 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Nov 2023Depression is common among adults who smoke cigarettes. Existing depression-specific cessation interventions have limited reach and are unlikely to improve smoking... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Depression is common among adults who smoke cigarettes. Existing depression-specific cessation interventions have limited reach and are unlikely to improve smoking prevalence rates among this large subgroup of smokers.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine whether a mobile app-based intervention tailored for depression paired with a mailed sample of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is efficacious for treating depression and promoting smoking cessation.
METHODS
A 2-arm nationwide remote randomized clinical trial was conducted in the United States. Adults (N=150) with elevated depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-8≥10) who smoked were enrolled. The mobile app ("Goal2Quit") provided behavioral strategies for treating depression and quitting smoking based on Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression. Goal2Quit participants also received a 2-week sample of combination NRT. Treatment as usual participants received a self-help booklet for quitting smoking that was not tailored for depression. Primary end points included Goal2Quit usability, change in depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II) across 12 weeks, and smoking cessation including reduction in cigarettes per day, incidence of 24-hour quit attempts, floating abstinence, and 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA).
RESULTS
In total, 150 participants were enrolled between June 25, 2020, and February 23, 2022, of which 80 were female (53.3%) and the mean age was 38.4 (SD 10.3) years. At baseline, participants on average reported moderate depressive symptoms and smoked a mean of 14.7 (SD 7.5) cigarettes per day. Goal2Quit usability was strong with a mean usability rating on the System Usability Scale of 78.5 (SD 16.9), with 70% scoring above the ≥68 cutoff for above-average usability. Retention data for app use were generally strong immediately following trial enrollment and declined in subsequent weeks. Those who received Goal2Quit and the NRT sample reported lower mean depressive symptoms over the trial duration as compared to treatment as usual (difference of mean 3.72, SE 1.37 points less; P=.01). Across time points, all cessation outcomes favored Goal2Quit. Regarding abstinence, Goal2Quit participants reported significantly higher rates of 7-day PPA at weeks 4 (11% vs 0%; P=.02), 8 (7-day PPA: 12% vs 0%; P=.02), and 12 (16% vs 2%; P=.02).
CONCLUSIONS
A mobile app intervention tailored for depression paired with a sample of NRT was effective for depression treatment and smoking cessation. Findings support the utility of this intervention approach for addressing the currently unmet public health treatment need for tailored, scalable depression-specific cessation treatments.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03837379; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03837379.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Smoking Cessation; Depression; Tobacco Use Cessation Devices; Behavior Therapy; Health Behavior
PubMed: 37910157
DOI: 10.2196/49809 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023The alteration in circadian typology and insomnia were prevalent among both Individuals with IGD and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most...
The alteration in circadian typology and insomnia were prevalent among both Individuals with IGD and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most comorbid psychiatric disorder of IGD. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between circadian typologies, insomnia, and internet gaming disorder (IGD) and how ADHD affects this relationship. We recruited three groups of 69 young adults: an IGD group, a control group comprising age- and sex-matched nongamers, and a group of gamers without IGD through diagnostic interviews. The participants with IGD exhibited lower composite scale of morningness (CSM) scores and thus a higher eveningness preference In addition, the score of Pittsburgh insomnia rating scale-20-item version (PIRS_20) was significantly higher among those with IGD. The participants with IGD and ADHD exhibited lower CSM scores but higher PRIS_20 scores than the participants with IGD but without ADHD. The present findings indicate that participants with IGD exhibited a tendency of eveningness preference and experienced more severe insomnia. ADHD exacerbated the eveningness preference and insomnia of individuals with IGD. Close attention should be paid to sleep problems in individuals with IGD, particularly to those with ADHD.
Topics: Young Adult; Humans; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Internet Addiction Disorder; Comorbidity; Internet; Video Games; Behavior, Addictive
PubMed: 37550315
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39462-2 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research May 2024Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children. Pharmacotherapy has been the primary treatment for... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children. Pharmacotherapy has been the primary treatment for ADHD, supplemented by behavioral interventions. Digital and exercise interventions are promising nonpharmacologic approaches for enhancing the physical and psychological health of children with ADHD. However, the combined impact of digital and exercise therapies remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether BrainFit, a novel digital intervention combining gamified cognitive and exercise training, is efficacious in reducing ADHD symptoms and executive function (EF) among school-aged children with ADHD.
METHODS
This 4-week prospective randomized controlled trial included 90 children (6-12 years old) who visited the ADHD outpatient clinic and met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. The participants were randomized (1:1) to the BrainFit intervention (n=44) or a waitlist control (n=46) between March and August 2022. The intervention consisted of 12 30-minute sessions delivered on an iPad over 4 weeks with 3 sessions per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school) under the supervision of trained staff. The primary outcomes were parent-rated symptoms of attention and hyperactivity assessed according to the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham questionnaire (SNAP-IV) rating scale and EF skills assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) scale, evaluated pre and post intervention. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed on 80 children after attrition. A nonparametric resampling-based permutation test was used for hypothesis testing of intervention effects.
RESULTS
Among the 145 children who met the inclusion criteria, 90 consented and were randomized; ultimately, 80 (88.9%) children completed the study and were included in the analysis. The participants' average age was 8.4 (SD 1.3) years, including 63 (78.8%) male participants. The most common ADHD subtype was hyperactive/impulsive (54/80, 68%) and 23 (29%) children had severe symptoms. At the endpoint of the study, the BrainFit intervention group had a significantly larger improvement in total ADHD symptoms (SNAP-IV total score) as compared to those in the control group (β=-12.203, 95% CI -17.882 to -6.523; P<.001), owing to lower scores on the subscales Inattention (β=-3.966, 95% CI -6.285 to -1.647; P<.001), Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (β=-5.735, 95% CI -8.334 to -3.137; P<.001), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (β=-2.995, 95% CI -4.857 to -1.132; P=.002). The intervention was associated with significant reduction in the Metacognition Index (β=-6.312, 95% CI -10.973 to -1.650; P=.006) and Global Executive Composite (β=-5.952, 95% CI -10.214 to -1.690; P=.003) on the BRIEF. No severe intervention-related adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
This novel digital cognitive-physical intervention was efficacious in school-age children with ADHD. A larger multicenter effectiveness trial with longer follow-up is warranted to confirm these findings and to assess the durability of treatment effects.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR2300070521; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=177806.
Topics: Humans; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Child; Male; Female; Executive Function; Prospective Studies; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Exercise Therapy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38728075
DOI: 10.2196/55569 -
Annals of General Psychiatry Feb 2024Studies suggest a correlation between excessive sedentary behavior, insufficient physical activity, and an elevated likelihood of experiencing psychiatric disorder....
BACKGROUND
Studies suggest a correlation between excessive sedentary behavior, insufficient physical activity, and an elevated likelihood of experiencing psychiatric disorder. Nonetheless, the precise influence of sedentary behavior and physical activity on psychiatric disorder remains uncertain. Hence, the objective of this research was to investigate the possible causal relationship between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and the susceptibility to psychiatric disorder (depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), utilizing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
METHODS
Potential genetic instruments related to sedentary leisure behaviors were identified from the UK Biobank database, specifically a summary-level genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 422,218 individuals of European descent. The UK Biobank database also provided the GWAS data for physical activity. Primary analysis was performed using inverse variance weighting (IVW) to assess the causal relationship between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and the risk of psychiatric disorder (depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). Sensitivity analysis was conducted using Cochran's Q test, the MR-Egger intercept test, the MR-pleiotropy RESidual sum and outlier test, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel plot analysis.
RESULTS
According to the IVW analysis, there was a significant association between genetically predicted leisure television watching and an increased risk of depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.027, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001-1.053; P = 0.04). The IVW analysis also indicated that there was a decreased risk of depression associated with fraction accelerations of > 425 milligravities, as measured by accelerometers (OR = 0.951, 95%CI: 0.914-0.989; P = 0.013). The other MR methods obtained consistent but non-significant results in the same direction. However, there was no evidence of a causal association between genetic liability for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, accelerometer-assessed physical activity, computer use, or driving and the risk of depression. Furthermore, IVW analysis has also found that driving has a slight effect in reducing the risk of schizophrenia (OR = 0.092, 95%CI: 0.010-0.827; P = 0.033), while leisure television viewing has a significant protective effect against the onset of bipolar disorder (OR = 0.719, 95%CI: 0.567-0.912; P = 0.006).
CONCLUSION
The study provides compelling evidence of a link between depression, bipolar disorder, and excessive TV watching. Furthermore, it suggests that higher accelerometer-assessed fraction accelerations of > 425 milligravities can serve as a genetic protective factor against depression. To mitigate the risk of developing depression, it is advisable to reduce sedentary activities, particularly television watching, and prioritize engaging in vigorous physical exercise.
PubMed: 38424581
DOI: 10.1186/s12991-024-00495-0 -
Neurotoxicology and Teratology 2023Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been shown to be neurotoxic in experimental studies, but epidemiological evidence linking prenatal PFAS exposure to...
BACKGROUND
Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been shown to be neurotoxic in experimental studies, but epidemiological evidence linking prenatal PFAS exposure to child neurodevelopment is equivocal and scarce.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify associations between prenatal exposure to legacy PFAS and children's intelligence (IQ) and executive functioning (EF) in a Canadian pregnancy and birth cohort and to determine if these associations differ by child sex.
METHODS
We measured first-trimester plasma concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study and assessed children's full-scale (n = 522), performance (n = 517), and verbal (n = 519) IQ using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-III). Children's working memory (n = 513) and ability to plan and organize (n = 514) were assessed using a parent-reported questionnaire, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Preschool Version (BRIEF-P). We quantified associations between individual log2-transformed PFAS exposure and children's IQ and EF using multiple linear regression analyses and evaluated effect modification by child sex. We also used Repeated Holdout Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression models with effect modification by child sex to quantify the effect of combined exposure to all three PFAS chemicals on IQ and EF. All models were adjusted for key sociodemographic characteristics.
RESULTS
Geometric mean plasma concentrations (IQR) for PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS were 1.68 (1.10-2.50), 4.97 (3.20-6.20) and 1.09 (0.67-1.60) μg/L respectively. We found evidence of effect modification by child sex in all models examining performance IQ (p < .01). Specifically, every doubling of PFOA, PFOS, and or PFHxS was inversely associated with performance IQ, but only in males (PFOA: B = -2.80, 95% CI: -4.92, -0.68; PFOS: B = -2.64, 95% CI: -4.77, -0.52; PFHxS: B = -2.92, 95% CI: -4.72, -1.12). Similarly, every quartile increase in the WQS index was associated with poorer performance IQ in males (B = -3.16, 95% CI: -4.90, -1.43), with PFHxS contributing the largest weight to the index. In contrast, no significant association was found for females (B = 0.63, 95% CI: -0.99, 2.26). No significant associations were found for EF in either males or females.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher prenatal PFAS exposure was associated with lower performance IQ in males, suggesting that this association may be sex- and domain-specific.
Topics: Male; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Environmental Pollutants; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Canada; Fluorocarbons
PubMed: 37178772
DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107181