Opium Effect in Pregnancy on the Dynamics of Maternal Behavior: Testing a Neurochemical Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-82
Author(s):  
Shaghayegh Rezaei ◽  
Nour Mohammad Bakhshani ◽  
Hamed Fanaei ◽  
Irina Trofimova
Keyword(s):  
Opioid Receptors ◽  
Maternal Behavior ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Corticosterone Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pregnant Rats ◽  
Related Aspect ◽  
Structured Analysis ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

Background: Investigations into neurochemical mechanisms of opioid addiction are difficult due to the complexity of behavior and multiplicity of involved neurotransmitter and hormonal systems. The aim of this study was to examine the benefits of structured analysis of these mechanisms using the framework of the neurochemical model Functional Ensemble of Temperament (FET) and the example of maternal behavior under the condition of opium consumption in pregnancy. The FET differentiates between (a) endurance, (b) speed of integration, and (c) emotionality aspects of behavior suggesting that these systems are differentially regulated by (a) serotonin-neuropeptides-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), (b) dopamine-GABA, and (c) opioid receptor systems, correspondingly. The FET also suggests that mu-opioid receptors (MORs) binding the endorphines (including opium’s ingredient morphine) have a stronger association with regulation endurance, whereas delta-OR have a stronger association with integration of behavior and kappa-OR – with the perceptual mobilization seen in anxiety. To test the predictions of this model, we compared the impact of massive MOR dysregulation on 3 behavioral aspects of behavior and on serotonin, BDNF, and corticosterone levels. Methods: The study used 24 female white Wistar rats which were randomly divided into (1) control group: pregnant rats without any intervention; (2) opium-exposed group: animals that were exposed to opium during pregnancy and after the delivery until the end of the study. At the end of the study, the levels of BDNF, serotonin (5-HT) in the hippocampus of the mother’s brain, and serum corticosterone, as well as 12 aspects of the maternal behavior were evaluated. The differences between control and experimental groups were assessed using the t test for independent samples. Results: The BDNF and serotonin concentrations in the hippocampus of the mother rats which were exposed to opium were lower than in the control group; the mean corticosterone in exposed mothers was higher than in the control group. Behaviorally, opium-consuming mothers showed lower endurance in 4 distinct behavioral categories (nesting, feeding, grooming, and retrieval) than the mothers in the control group. Ease of integration of behavior was affected to a lesser degree, showing a significant effect only in 1 out of 5 applied measures. Self-grooming, seen as an emotionality-related aspect of behavior, was not affected. Conclusion: Opium exposure during pregnancy in our experiment primarily reduced the endurance of rat’s maternal behavior, but the speed of integration of behavioral acts was less affected. This negative impact of opium on endurance was associated with a decrease of BDNF and serotonin levels in the hippocampus and an increase in corticosterone level in opium-consuming mothers. There is no effect of opium exposure on self-grooming behavior. This pattern supports the FET hypothesis about the role of 5-HT and BDNF in endurance, differential regulation of endurance, integrative and emotionality aspects of behavior, and differential association of the MOR system with endurance aspects, in comparison with kappa- and delta opioid receptors.

scholarly journals Using the Concept of Game-Based Learning in Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (14) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Zi-Yu Liu ◽  
Zaffar Ahmed Shaikh ◽  
Farida Gazizova
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Educational Material ◽  
Educational Game ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Game Based Learning ◽  
School Students ◽  
The Impact

A modern school deals with a generation of students who were born and grown up in a digital environment and require other teaching methods. Changes in the technological and social conditions of modern society need new professional skills, which are often called “21st century skills”. These skills should be devel-oped starting from the primary school, as they are psychological and behavioural, rather than practical. Game-based learning and gamification are effective means of such skills development. The use of video games in teaching practice is studied multifaceted, along with formats and requirements of educational game, methods for effectiveness assessment, and the effect of games on students. The controver-sial nature of game-based learning effect on students require deeper research, as the increase in motivation and learning efficiency cannot be disputed, as well as the negative impact of a long gaming on cognitive abilities, emotional state and social skills of students. The study tested both an increase in the motivation and attraction of school students for the learning process, and the impact on the prac-tical results of information assimilation. There was conducted a survey on the re-sults of the application of game training to determine the motivation and attraction of students. Likewise, we counted time, spent by the study and control group, for mastering the main educational material and the post-class study of game content and the educational material it presents. A comparative test was conducted on the results of educational material comprehension to determine the effectiveness of the methodology in mastering knowledge. The group, with game-based learning and gamification applied, showed an increase in motivation and attraction to learning, students paid additional efforts for assimilating the material studied, and also showed significantly higher learning outcomes compared to the control group.

scholarly journals Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: an Italian Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Marta Altieri ◽  
◽  
Mariangela Fratino ◽  
Flavia Pauri ◽  
Antonella Conte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Family Caregiving ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Future Expectations ◽  
The Impact

Background: Italy was one of the first affected countries by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Public health measures like quarantine or national lockdown were adopted, with negative psychological and clinical effects on patients with chronic diseases. To investigate the impact of lockdown on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), we developed a 36 items self-report questionnaire. Methods: Questionnaires were emailed to 120 patients with MS and 100 with chronic migraine (CM) as a control group, matched for age, sex, and education. The questionnaire was divided into five domains, evaluating concerns about 1) MS and therapy during COVID-19 pandemic, 2) personal and family caregiving, 3) working activities, 4) general and disease-related emotions during the lockdown, 5) future expectations concerning health status, social life, and working activity. Results: patients with MS had higher scores than those with CM in domains 4 and 5, investigating respectively general and disease-related emotions and future expectations (p= 0.05 and 0.02 respectively). About half of the patients with MS expressed some concern about the need to continue their therapy during the pandemic compared to people with CM (p= 0.0002). Conclusions: Covid-19 pandemic had a more negative impact on psychological status of patients with MS compared with those with CM

A Proposal of an innovative program for informal caregivers of patients with mood disorders

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S603-S603
Author(s):  
J. Cabral ◽  
C. Barreto Carvalho ◽  
P. Castilho Freitas ◽  
C. Pato
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Compassion Focused Therapy ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionIntervention with informal caregivers (IC) of psychiatric patients is internationally recognized as relevant and a priority. However, the existing responses in this area are still insufficient, especially regarding caregivers of individuals with mood disorders (MD). Mindfulness and compassion focused therapy have proven to be an effective approach in stress reduction and in improving emotional and social well-being of caregivers of patients with other conditions. However, no studies testing these new approaches in IC of patients with MD have been carried out. The objective of this work is to present a research project that aims to develop, implement and empirically test the effectiveness of an innovative group program to help informal caregivers of individuals with mood disorders to cope with the negative impact of the disease and reduce caregiver burdens.MethodsThe design of this experimental study to test the program's efficacy is a non-randomised controlled trial (nrct) with 12 months follow-up, with a mixed assessment methodology (quantitative and qualitative analysis). A sample of 60 informal caregivers of individuals with chronic MD will be constituted (n = 30 Control group; n= 30 Experimental group).ResultsWe expect the program to promote significant changes in participants in terms of several emotional variables (eg: burden, stress, resilience, compassion and quality of life).ConclusionsFurther efforts to continue studying the impact of interventions in caregivers should be carried out, as a way to improve the quality of life of caregivers and their ability to provide informal care to MD patients.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Tagging juvenile European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) with passive integrated transponders (PIT) – impact on growth, condition, and physiological indexes

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zdzisław Zakęś ◽  
Maciej Rożyński ◽  
Elżbieta Ziomek ◽  
Krystyna Demska-Zakęś
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Growth Condition ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Fish Growth ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
European Perch ◽  
Passive Integrated Transponders ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the impact of intramuscular tagging with passive integrated transponders (PIT tags) on the basic condition and hematological and biochemical indexes of the blood plasma of juvenile European perch (initial body weight of approximately 80 g). Throughout the observation period, i.e., for 42 days following PIT implantation, the procedure was not noted to have had a negative impact on fish growth, condition, or feed conversion ratio. The blood plasma biochemical indicators analyzed did not differ statistically significantly between the fish tagged with PIT and the untagged control group. No significant impact from this procedure was noted in the hematological indexes tested. Only with regard to the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) parameter was the value significantly lower in the fish tagged with PIT than in the control group (P ≤ 0.05). The difference determined was 1.40 pg (28.78 vs. 30.18). The MCH level in the fish tagged with PIT most probably was within the norm for this species. High tag retention (100%) and the lack of any significant impact on condition or hematological and biochemical indexes (with the exception of MCH) permits recommending this tagging method for use in juvenile perch.

scholarly journals Psoriasis – the impact on an individual´s mental state and quality of life

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-195
Author(s):  
Šárka Vévodová ◽  
Filip Havelka ◽  
Jiří Vévoda ◽  
Bronislava Grygová
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by scaly patches affecting approximately 2-5% of the population. The disease has a negative impact on quality of life and, therefore, psoriatic patients often develop depression. Our work deals with quality of life and depression in psoriasis sufferrers and strives to determine the correlation between their quality of life and depression. Methods: The research took place in the University Hospital Olomouc in 2017 and used questionnaires WHOQOL-BREF and BDI-II. 50 patients with psoriasis were chosen randomly. To process the data we used Mann-Whitney test (the level of significance = 5%) and Spearman´s correlation coefficient (the level of significance = 1%). Results: The results proved that psoriasis has a significant impact on quality of life. The scores for the overall life quality as well as for individual domains were significantly lower in psoriatic patients than in the control group (p<0.001). The degree of depression in patients with psoriasis showed statistically significant correlation in all domains of the quality of life. We proved negative correlation in the overall quality of life (rs =- 0.691**), physical condition (rs =-0.499**), social relations (rs =-0.546**), overall health (rs =-0.396**), and environment (rs =-0.386**). Conclusion: With regard to the ascertained negative correlation between psoriasis and depression and lower quality of life of the sufferers compared to the healthy population, it is essential for healthcare professionals to pay attention not only to somatic manifestations of the disease but also to the patients´ mental health.

scholarly journals P563 Shared decision-making in pregnancy in inflammatory bowel disease: Design of a pregnancy in IBD decision aid (PIDA)

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S474-S475
Author(s):  
A J Williams ◽  
Y Leung ◽  
K O’Connor ◽  
V Huang
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Decision Aid ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Decision Aids ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Surgical History ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background A lack of IBD-specific reproductive knowledge has been associated with increased ‘voluntary childlessness’.Furthermore, a lack of patient and clinician knowledge may contribute to inappropriate medication changes during or after pregnancy that may lead to a flare of disease. Evidence exists for the benefit of decision aids to support decision-making in pregnancy in general, as well as in multiple other chronic disease; however, such a resource for pregnancy in IBD has not been identified. Methods Using International Patient Decision Aids Standards, we have commenced design of our Pregnancy in IBD Decision Aid (PIDA). A steering committee consisting of Canadian and Australian Healthcare professionals with an interest in IBD management in pregnancy, in addition to a patient representative was established. Initial patient and clinician focus groups were conducted. Themes prospectively chosen for discussion included inheritance, fertility, nutrition, medications, mode of delivery, breastfeeding, infant infections and vaccinations. We designed an electronic PIDA draft that incorporates individualised information (for example, type of IBD, pre-conception or pregnant, surgical history and current medications) in personalised decision-making. Further patient focus groups and interviews were conducted to obtain user opinion of the PIDA draft. Results In July 2017, patient and clinician focus groups were conducted at a Canadian site. Patient concerns regarding pregnancy included the impact of disease, previous surgical history on fertility, preterm delivery; the potential impact of current and past drug therapies on the fetus/ infant; and the negative impact of active disease on both maternal and fetal/infant health. Clinician concerns included the absence of pre-conception counselling and potential for lack of patient understanding about the impact of disease activity and IBD medication use in pregnancy. Patient feedback (n = 15) obtained through interviews at two Canadian and one Australian site regarding the current electronic PIDA draft was predominantly positive, with comments pertaining to the adequacy of content coverage, personalisation, readability and unbiased information presentation. Suggestions were made for inclusion of further content such as the impact of IBD on sexual function, expected laboratory changes and the timing of recommencement of medications post-partum. Conclusion The completion of pre and post-PIDA design focus groups and interviews affirmed the role for PIDA. Main decisions that were considered necessary to address included ideal timing of conception pending disease activity, management of medications and delivery methods. Ongoing user feedback is being obtained at Australian and Canadian sites currently.

ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR PHYSICAL PREPARATION AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE IN POWER LIFTERS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS OF HIGH QUALIFICATION

sportlogia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-56
Author(s):  
Mariia Roztorhui ◽  
◽  
Alina Perederiy ◽  
Khrystyna Khimenes ◽  
Olexandr Tovstonoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sports Performance ◽  
Scientific Substantiation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Physical Preparation

Systematic overload, which is a training characteristic of powerlifters with visual impairments of high qualification has a negative impact on the functioning of body systems and the course of the underlying and comorbidities. This determines the relevance of the scientific substantiation of training programs for athletes with visual impairments as the most important component of ensuring the achievement of sports results in powerlifting. This study aimed to experimentally substantiate the effectiveness of the impact of various training programs on physical fitness and athletic performance of powerlifters with visual impairments of high qualification. To solve the goal we used methods of analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observation, pedagogical experiment and methods of mathematical statistics. The study involved 16 visually impaired athletes who were members of the national powerlifting team. The pedagogical experiment was based on testing the effectiveness of two training programs, which differed in the parameters of the load components in the annual training and macrocycle periods. After the pedagogical experiment, the experimental group showed reliable indicators of growth on all tests and improvement of sports results, and athletes of the control group increased physical fitness in three tests out of five and sports results are available only in squat and bench press. In both groups, the highest growth rates in the level of development of physical qualities were found in tests aimed at determining the level of development of strength and flexibility. Comparing the results of the introduction of various training programs in the training process of powerlifters with visual impairments, we can conclude that the performance of the experimental group is much higher than among the powerlifters of the control group.

The Effect of Cyberspace-based Education on the Well-Being of Caregivers of Elderly People with Dementia

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yadollah Abolfathi Momtaz ◽  
Parisa Mollaei ◽  
Parisa Taheri-Tanjani
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: One of the consequences of aging is the prevalence of chronic and age-related diseases, such as dementia. Caring for patients with dementia has a negative impact on the caregiver's well-being. This study aimed to examine the impact of cyberspace-based education on the well-being of caregivers of demented elderly people. Methods: This experimental study was done on a sample of 86 caregivers of elderly with dementia in 2018. The study sample was selected from memory clinic of Taleghani Hospital and randomly assigned into groups (intervention n = 43, control n = 43 groups). The well-being was measured using the World Health Organization - Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), before and two months after the intervention. Cyberspace-based educational intervention was conducted for one month. The SPSS software version 23 was employed in data analysis. Results: The mean age of the caregivers in the intervention and control groups were (M = 51.95, SD = 10.90) and (M = 51.36, SD = 15.12) respectively. No significant difference was found between two groups in terms of age, gender and level of education. The results of analysis showed that while the well-being of the intervention group was significantly increased (t (38) = -11.38, P<0.001) the well-being in the control group was significantly reduced ( t(36) =4.71 , P<0.001). Conclusion: The findings showed that cyberspace-based education can improve the well-being of caregivers of the elderly with dementia.

The impact of different types of physical activity on walking as a vital everyday movement in older adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenka Svobodová ◽  
Martin Sebera ◽  
Kateřina Strašilová ◽  
Tomáš Hlinský ◽  
Marie Crhová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Proprioceptive Training ◽  
The Impact

Introduction:Due to an international trend of the aging population, we see increased attention paid to studies dealing with the factors that have a positive or negative impact on successful aging. As we know, a higher level of physical activity and thus increased physical fitness sig-nificantly affect the quality of aging. One of the major problems in the elderly is the risks of falls. This age group is at high risk of injuries caused by falls. Analyses of aspects related to the falls revealed the significance of lower muscular tension, previous experience with falling, the bad stereotype of the walk, impaired balanced abilities, and so on. Purpose: In this study, we focused on the impact of different types of physical activity on walking as a vital everyday movement. Methods: Fortyfour older adults (Mage 69,09 years, SD 4,25; 22 male and 22 female) were randomly assigned to four groups, three training groups, and one control group; resistance training group, proprioceptive training group, endurance training group. The group consisted of seniors without a history of malignant disease during their life and without regular physical activity. All groups were tested on timed 10-meter walk test (10MWT), the 3-m backward walk (3MBW), and the 6-minute walk test (6MWD) at baseline, after 12 weeks and after 14 weeks (2 weeks after finishing intervention program). The 10MWT is used to assess walking speed over a short distance. The 3MBW is a test-close related fall risk. The 6MWD is a sub-maximal exercise test used to assess aerobic capacity and endurance. The distance covered over a time of 6 minutes is used as the outcome by which to compare changes in performance capacity. Results: We revealed differences between the types of exercises and the sustain-ability of the acquired skills. Results indicated significant improvements in gait speed in all ex-ercise groups. Subsequent measurements after a 14-day off indicated a slight deterioration trend in all groups. The resistance group showed the best results in the walk-back test. This group was the only one to maintain its standard also after 14-days off. All groups, including control, showed an improvement in aerobic capacity and endurance (measured by 6MWD). We found out differences between groups only after 14-day off. Conclusion: Our study confirmed the usefulness of performing targeted physical activity in older adults. Resistance and proprioceptive training has shown an important role in the pre-vention of falls.

scholarly journals Delayed Renal Graft Function in the Early Post-Transplant Period and its Impact on the Late Post-Transplant Results

2013 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
Jānis Jušinskis ◽  
Diāna Amerika ◽  
Aleksandrs Maļcevs
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Graft Function ◽  
Deceased Donor ◽  
Late Results ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Transplantation ◽  
Post Transplant ◽  
Renal Graft ◽  
Renal Grafts ◽  
The Impact

Delayed renal graft function (DGF) is a frequent complication with negative impact on the course of early post-transplantation period. The data concerning the impact on the late results are contradictory. This study describes results of 5-year follow-up of 248 recipients after deceased donor renal transplantation. All patients were divided into two groups: with delayed graft function (DGF, n = 53) and immediate graft function, considered as the control group (IGF, n = 195). We evaluated factors that were associated with development of DGF and its impact on the survival of graft and recipient, and frequency of acute rejections and chronic dysfunctions. The rate of observed DGF was 21.4%. Its development was associated with the following factors: age of recipient and their weight, age of donor and their body mass index, high frequency of asystole/hypotension in donors prior to organ explantation (P < 0.05 for all), and longer time of cold ischemia (P = 0.058). The DGF group had higher rate of acute rejections (P < 0.001), and also lower 1.5 and 5-year graft survival and 1.5-year patient survival (P < 0.05 for all). The conclusion is that DGF has negative impact on the survival of renal grafts and patients, especially during the first 1.5 years after transplantation.

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