The effect of counseling with a skills training approach on maternal functioning: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The role of the mother can be deeply satisfying, but it is associated with many challenges including challenges during the postpartum period that may impede the optimal development of the infant. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of counseling using the Skills Training Approach (STA) on postpartum maternal functioning. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was performed on 68 postpartum women who referred to health centers of Tabriz-Iran in 2019. Participants were assigned to one of two groups - either counseling or control through the block randomization method. The intervention group received four counseling sessions using the Skills Training Approach (STA). Before and two weeks after the completion of the intervention, the Barkin Index of Maternal Functionning (BIMF) was completed by the participants. The independent t-test and ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance) was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and the baseline scores of the BIMF and its domains (p\u2009>\u20090.05). Before the intervention, the mean (SD) total score of the BIMF in the intervention group was 73.1 (8.5) and in the control group, it was 71.6 (4.8). Post-intervention, the mean (SD) of the total score of the BIMF in the intervention group was 95.8 (11.8) and in the control group, it was 70.3 (4.5). Based on the ANCOVA test and after adjusting the baseline score, the mean total score of the BIMF was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (Mean Difference (MD): 22.9; 95% CI: 18.2 to 27.6; p\u2009<\u20090.001). The post-intervention scores of all domains of the BIMF including self-care (MD: 3.8), infant care (MD: 2.0), mother-child interaction (MD: 4.8), psychological wellbeing (MD: 8.4), social support (MD: 4.0), management (MD: 6.8), and adjustment to new motherhood (MD: 3.2) were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (P\u2009<\u20090.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, counseling, using STA, was effective in improving maternal functioning in all of the domains. This intervention, aimed at skill-building, should be strongly considered where improved postpartum functioning is the goal

Beyond the target area: an integrative view of tDCS-induced motor cortex modulation in patients and athletes

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique used to modulate neural tissue. Neuromodulation apparently improves cognitive functions in several neurologic diseases treatment and sports performance. In this study, we present a comprehensive, integrative review of tDCS for motor rehabilitation and motor learning in healthy individuals, athletes and multiple neurologic and neuropsychiatric conditions. We also report on neuromodulation mechanisms, main applications, current knowledge including areas such as language, embodied cognition, functional and social aspects, and future directions. We present the use and perspectives of new developments in tDCS technology, namely high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) which promises to overcome one of the main tDCS limitation (i.e., low focality) and its application for neurological disease, pain relief, and motor learning/rehabilitation. Finally, we provided information regarding the Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation (tsDCS) in clinical applications, Cerebellar tDCS (ctDCS) and its influence on motor learning, and TMS combined with electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool to evaluate tDCS effects on brain function

A checklist for assessing the methodological quality of concurrent tES-fMRI studies (ContES checklist): a consensus study and statement

Background: Low intensity transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), including alternating or direct current stimulation (tACS or tDCS), applies weak electrical stimulation to modulate the activity of brain circuits. Integration of tES with concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows for the mapping of neural activity during neuromodulation, supporting causal studies of both brain function and tES effects. Methodological aspects of tES-fMRI studies underpin the results, and reporting them in appropriate detail is required for reproducibility and interpretability. Despite the growing number of published reports, there are no consensus-based checklists for disclosing methodological details of concurrent tES-fMRI studies. Objective: To develop a consensus-based checklist of reporting standards for concurrent tES-fMRI studies to support methodological rigor, transparency, and reproducibility (ContES Checklist). Methods: A two-phase Delphi consensus process was conducted by a steering committee (SC) of 13 members and 49 expert panelists (EP) through the International Network of the tES-fMRI (INTF) Consortium. The process began with a circulation of a preliminary checklist of essential items and additional recommendations, developed by the SC based on a systematic review of 57 concurrent tES-fMRI studies. Contributors were then invited to suggest revisions or additions to the initial checklist. After the revision phase, contributors rated the importance of the 17 essential items and 42 additional recommendations in the final checklist. The state of methodological transparency within the 57 reviewed concurrent tES-fMRI studies was then assessed using the checklist. Results: Experts refined the checklist through the revision and rating phases, leading to a checklist with three categories of essential items and additional recommendations: (1) technological factors, (2) safety and noise tests, and (3) methodological factors. The level of reporting of checklist items varied among the 57 concurrent tES-fMRI papers, ranging from 24% to 76%. On average, 53% of checklist items were reported in a given article. Conclusions: Use of the ContES checklist is expected to enhance the methodological reporting quality of future concurrent tES-fMRI studies, and increase methodological transparency and reproducibility

Preparation and characterization of nano N,N'-bis(1,2,4-triazol-3-yl-) -4,4'-diamino-2,2', 3,3', 5,5', 6,6'-octanitroazo-benzene explosive

585-588In this study, nano N,N'-Bis(1,2,4-triazol-3-yl-)-4,4'-diamino-2,2', 3,3', 5,5', 6,6'-octanitroazo-benzene (BTDAONAB) is prepared by spraying a solution of BTDAONAB–acetone into n-hexane or carbon tetrachloride during solvent/anti-solvent process. For this process, suitable solvent and anti-solvent have been chosen. A combination of a supersaturated solution of soluble material and an anti-solvent provides a driving force for the preparation of nanoparticles. During mixing process, the rate of nucleation is relying on saturated solvent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) analysis methods are used to characterize nanoparticles

A New Thermally-stable Insensitive High Explosive:N,N′-Bis(1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)-4,4′-diamino-2,2′,3,3′,5,5′,6,6′-octanitroazobenzene (BTeDAONAB)

A novel high performance explosive compound, N,N′-bis(1,2,3,4-tetrazol5-yl)-4,4′-diamino-2,2′,3,3′,5,5′,6,6′-octanitroazobenzene( BTeDAONAB), is introduced which is a thermally stable, insensitive high explosive. The presence of −NH2, −N=N− groups and the tetrazole ring simultaneously in the BTeDAONAB unit surprisingly increases its thermal stability. For the identification and characterization of BTeDAONAB, different analytical techniques have been used, including melting point, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The sensitivity and detonation properties of BTeDAONAB were compared with 2,4,6-triamino1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TATB) and N,N′-bis(1,2,4-triazol-3-yl-)-4,4′-diamino2,2′,3,3′,5,5′,6,6′-octanitroazobenzene (BTDAONAB), two well-known, thermally stable, insensitive high explosives, as well as hexanitrostilbene (HNS). These studies show that BTeDAONAB has favorable thermal stability with high performance

Music alleviates learning and memory impairments in an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most prevalent disorder that occurs after experiencing life-threatening traumatic or stressful events. The most prevalent problems among PTSD patients are cognitive dysfunctions, including learning and memory impairments. Listening to music has constructive effects on brain functions, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity, so the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of music on learning and memory in a rat model of PTSD. Fifty-six adult male Wistar rats (200�250 gr) divided into four main groups (control, music, PTSD, and PTSD+ music) were used. A single prolonged stress (SPS) method was used for inducing PTSD in rats. Anxiety-like behaviors and Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Open field, Morris water maze (MWM), and passive avoidance test. Findings demonstrated that SPS induced marked impairment in learning and memory, and anxiolytic behaviors in rats and exposure to music significantly ameliorated these impairments. It seems that music can modulate the destructive effects of SPS on learning and memory at a behavioral level. © 2020, AMG Transcend Association. All rights reserved