Stress during Adolescence Increases Novelty Seeking and Risk-Taking Behavior in Male and Female Rats

Adolescence is a period of major physical, hormonal, and psychological change. It is also characterized by a significant increase in the incidence of psychopathologies and this increase is gender-specific. Likewise, stress during adolescence is associated with the development of psychiatric disorders later in life. Previously, using a rat model of psychogenic stress (exposure to predator odor followed by placement on an elevated platform) during the pre-pubertal period (postnatal days 28–30), we reported sex-specific effects on auditory and contextual fear conditioning. Here, we study the short-term impact of psychogenic stress before and during puberty (postnatal days 28–42) on behavior (novelty seeking, risk taking, anxiety, and depression) and hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) axis activation during late adolescence (postnatal days 45–51). Peri-pubertal stress decreased anxiety-like behavior and increased risk taking and novelty seeking behaviors during late adolescence (measured with the elevated plus maze, open field and exposure to novel object tests and intake of chocopop pellets before or immediate after stress). Finally neither depressive-like behavior (measured at the forced-swim test) nor HPA response to stress (blood corticosterone and glucose) were affected by peri-pubertal stress. Nevertheless, when controlling for the basal anxiety of the mothers, animals exposed to peri-pubertal stress showed a significant decrease in corticosterone levels immediate after an acute stressor. The results from this study suggest that exposure to mild stressors during the peri-pubertal period induces a broad spectrum of behavioral changes in late adolescence, which may exacerbate the independence-building behaviors naturally happening during this transitional period (increase in curiosity, sensation-seeking, and risk-taking behaviors)

Stress before Puberty Exerts a Sex- and Age-Related Impact on Auditory and Contextual Fear Conditioning in the Rat

Adolescence is a period of major physical, hormonal, and psychological changes. It is also characterized by a significant increase in the incidence of psychopathologies and this increase is gender-specific. Stress during adolescence is associated with the development of psychiatric disorders later in life. In this study, we evaluated the impact of psychogenic stress (exposure to predator odor followed by placement on an elevated platform) experienced before puberty (days 28–30) on fear memories and hormonal response of male and female rats during adolescence and early adulthood. Stress before puberty impacted in a sex- and age-specific way on the responses to auditory and contextual fear conditioning in adolescence and adulthood: (a) increased conditioned fear to the tone in males during adolescence but not during adulthood; (b) impaired extinction to the tone in adult males; and (c) reduced freezing responses to the context in adolescent females. Stress before puberty did not influence the corticosterone levels 30 minutes after an additional stressor given in adulthood. These results indicate that stress experienced prior to puberty can exert a sex-related differential impact on fear-related behaviors displayed by individuals during late adolescence and early adulthood

Cost of intensive routine control and incremental cost of insecticide-treated curtain deployment in a setting with low Aedes aegypti infestation

Introduction: Information regarding the cost of implementing insecticide-treated curtains (ITCs) is scarce. Therefore, we evaluated the ITC implementation cost, in addition to the costs of intensive conventional routine activities of the Aedes control program in the city of Guantanamo, Cuba. Methods: A cost-analysis study was conducted from the perspective of the Aedes control program, nested in an ITC effectiveness trial, during 2009-2010. Data for this study were obtained from bookkeeping records and activity registers of the Provincial Aedes Control Programme Unit and the account records of the ITC trial. Results: The annual cost of the routine Aedes control program activities was US$16.80 per household (p.h). Among 3,015 households, 6,714 ITCs were distributed. The total average cost per ITC distributed was US$3.42, and 74.3% of this cost was attributed to the cost of purchasing the ITCs. The annualized costs p.h. of ITC implementation was US$3.80. The additional annualized cost for deploying ITCs represented 19% and 48.4% of the total cost of the routine Aedes control and adult-stage Aedes control programs, respectively. The trial did not lead to further reductions in the already relatively low Aedes infestation levels. Conclusions: At current curtain prices, ITC deployment can hardly be considered an efficient option in Guantanamo and other comparable environments

Correlation Maps Allow Neuronal Electrical Properties to be Predicted from Single-cell Gene Expression Profiles in Rat Neocortex

The computational power of the neocortex arises from interactions of multiple neurons, which display a wide range of electrical properties. The gene expression profiles underlying this phenotypic diversity are unknown. To explore this relationship, we combined whole-cell electrical recordings with single-cell multiplex RT-PCR of rat (p13-16) neocortical neurons to obtain cDNA libraries of 26 ion channels (including voltage activated potassium channels, Kv1.1/2/4/6, Kvβ1/2, Kv2.1/2, Kv3.1/2/3/4, Kv4.2/3; sodium/potassium permeable hyperpolarization activated channels, HCN1/2/3/4; the calcium activated potassium channel, SK2; voltage activated calcium channels, Caα1A/B/G/I, Caβ1/3/4), three calcium binding proteins (calbindin, parvalbumin and calretinin) and GAPDH. We found a previously unreported clustering of ion channel genes around the three calcium-binding proteins. We further determined that cells similar in their expression patterns were also similar in their electrical properties. Subsequent regression modeling with statistical resampling yielded a set of coefficients that reliably predicted electrical properties from the expression profile of individual neurons. This is the first report of a consistent relationship between the co-expression of a large profile of ion channel and calcium binding protein genes and the electrical phenotype of individual neocortical neuron

Compromised barrier integrity of human feto-placental vessels from gestational diabetic pregnancies is related to downregulation of occludin expression

© 2020, The Author(s). Aims/hypothesis: Reduced occupancy of junctional occludin is a feature of human placental vessels in the diabetic milieu. However, the functional consequence of this and whether this loss is due to differential expression of occludin splice variants is not known. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and its treatment, on endothelial junctional integrity, gene and protein expression of occludin splice variants, and potential regulation of expression by microRNAs (miRNAs). Methods: Term placentas were obtained from normal pregnancies (n = 21), and pregnancies complicated by GDM where glucose levels were controlled by diet (n = 11) or metformin (n = 6). Gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression were determined by quantitative real-time PCR; protein expression by immunoblotting; endothelial junctional occupancy by fluorescence microscopy and systematic sampling; and paracellular leakage by perfusion of placental microvascular beds with 76 Mr dextran. Transfection studies of miRNAs that target OCLN were performed in HUVECs, and the trans-endothelial electrical resistance and tracer permeability of the HUVECs were measured. Results: All three predicted OCLN gene splice variants and two occludin protein isoforms were found in human placental samples. In placental samples from diet-controlled GDM (d-GDM) pregnancies we found a lower percentage of conduit vessels showing occludin immunoreactivity (12%, p < 0.01), decreased levels of the fully functional occludin isoform-A protein (29%), and differential gene expression of OCLN variant 2 (33% decrease), variant 3 (3.3-fold increase). These changes were not seen in samples from the group with metformin-controlled GDM. In d-GDM placentas, increased numbers of conduit microvessels demonstrated extravasation of 76 Mr dextran (2.0-fold). In d-GDM expression of one of the five potential miRNAs targeting OCLN, miR-181a-5p, expression was 2.1-fold that in normal pregnancies. Experimental overexpression of miR-181a-5p in HUVECs from normal pregnancies resulted in a highly significant downregulation of OCLN variant 1 (69%) and variant 2 (46%) gene expression, with decreased trans-endothelial resistance (78%) and increase in tracer permeability (1.3-fold). Conclusions/interpretation: Downregulation of expression of OCLN variant 2 and the fully functional occludin isoform-A protein are a feature of placentas in d-GDM pregnancies. These may be behind the loss of junctional occludin and the increased extravasation of exogenous dextran observed. miR-181a-5p was in part responsible for the downregulation of occludin in placentas from d-GDM pregnancies. Induced overexpression of miR-181a-5p compromised the integrity of the endothelial barrier. Our data suggest that, despite good glucose control, the adoption of lifestyle changes alone during a GDM pregnancy may not be enough to prevent an alteration in the expression of occludin and the subsequent functional consequences in placentas and impaired vascular barrier function in offspring. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Stress during puberty boosts metabolic activation associated with fear-extinction learning in hippocampus, basal amygdala and cingulate cortex

Adolescence is characterized by major developmental changes that may render the individual vulnerable to stress and the development of psychopathologies in a sex-specific manner. Earlier we reported lower anxiety-like behavior and higher risk-taking and novelty seeking in rats previously exposed to peri-pubertal stress. Here we studied whether pen-pubertal stress affected the acquisition and extinction of fear memories and/or the associated functional engagement of various brain regions, as assessed with 2-deoxyglucose. We showed that while pen-pubertal stress reduced freezing during the acquisition of fear memories (training) in both sexes, it had a sex-specific effect on extinction of these memories. Moreover hippocampus, basal amygdala and cingulate and motor cortices showed higher metabolic rates during extinction in rats exposed to pen-pubertal stress. Interestingly, activation of the infralimbic cortex was negatively correlated with freezing during extinction only in control males, while only males stressed during puberty showed a significant correlation between behavior during extinction and metabolic activation of hippocampus, amygdala and paraventricular nucleus. No correlations between brain activation and behavior during extinction were observed in females (control or stress). These results indicate that exposure to pen-pubertal stress affects behavior and brain metabolism when the individual is exposed to an additional stressful challenge. Some of these effects are sex-specific. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Efecto de un programa de paciente experto en insuficiencia cardiaca

Introduction: One of the strategies that has shown improvement in self-care for patients with heart failure is the formation of dyads and groups to provide peer support and achieve individual goals. General objective: To determine the effect of an expert patient program on heart failure related to the knowledge about adherence to treatment and satisfaction.Method: A sectional-descriptive pilot study was conducted in patients with heart failure diagnoses in a fourth-level institution. The sample size represents the entire population with the restriction criteria (N: 20 subjects). An expert patient program was implemented for 6 months and the measured outcomes were level of knowledge and satisfaction. Data was gathered from a knowledge test on adherence to treatment and a satisfaction poll. Information was processed with IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0. The distribution of absolute and relative frequencies was performed by descriptive analysis. Results: More than 95% of patients showed improvement in the level of knowledge and 85% reported a high global level of satisfaction (very satisfied), reflected in the dimension of loyalty and effectiveness. Conclusions: The expert patient in heart failure program is a cost-effective intervention, which provides capabilities to help other patients gain self-confidence and skills to manage their health condition.Introducción: Una estrategia que ha mostrado ser efectiva para promover el autocuidado en los pacientes con falla cardiaca es la formación de diadas y grupos que brinden apoyo de pares para favorecer el logro de metas individuales.Objetivo general: Determinar el efecto de un programa de paciente experto en falla cardiaca en los conocimientos relacionados con la adherencia al tratamiento y en la satisfacción. Método: Se realizó un estudio piloto descriptivo de corte transversal en pacientes con diagnósticos de falla cardiaca en una institución de cuarto nivel. El tamaño de la muestra correspondió a toda la población con los criterios de restricción (N: 20 sujetos). Se implementó un programa de paciente experto durante 6 meses y se midieron los desenlaces de nivel de conocimientos y satisfacción. Para la recolección de la información se utilizó un test de conocimientos sobre adherencia al tratamiento y una encuesta de satisfacción. La información se procesó a través del programa IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0, y se realizó un análisis descriptivo con distribución de frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: Más del 95% de los pacientes mostró mejoría significativa en el nivel de conocimientos y el 85% refirió el nivel de satisfacción global más alto (muy satisfechos), reflejado en la dimensión de fidelización y efectividad. Conclusiones: El programa del paciente experto en insuficiencia cardiaca se constituye en una intervención costo-efectiva que proporciona capacidades para ayudar a otros pacientes a adquirir autoconfianza y habilidades en el manejo de su condición de salud. &nbsp

Educação e criatividade na formação docente

Com a intenção de oferecer visões diversificadas sobre as relações entre processos educacionais e criativos, apresentamos entrevistas com duas pessoas que trabalham na Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) no âmbito da formação docente, sendo que o professor Guilherme do Val Toledo Prado trabalha com as disciplinas de prática de ensino e estágio supervisionado no curso de Licenciatura em Pedagogia e a professora Ana Maria Rodriguez Costas trabalha com disciplinas que abordam a mesma questão no curso de Licenciatura em Dança.Offerring diversified views about educational and creative processes, we showed interviews with two professors who work at Campinas University (Unicamp) in teacher education. Professor Guilherme do Val Toledo Prado who works with the disciplines Teaching Practice and Supervised Practice in the Pedagogy course; and professor Ana Maria Rodriguez Costas who works with similar disciplines in the University Dance course

Down-regulation of hippocampal genes regulating dopaminergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic function following combined neonatal phencyclidine and post-weaning social isolation of rats as a neurodevelopmental model for schizophrenia

Background: Dysfunction of dopaminergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic function underlies many core symptoms of schizophrenia. Combined neonatal injection of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, phencyclidine (PCP) and post-weaning social isolation of rats produces a behavioral syndrome with translational relevance to several core symptoms of schizophrenia. This study uses DNA microarray to characterise alterations in hippocampal neurotransmitter-related gene expression and examines the ability of the sodium channel blocker, lamotrigine, to reverse behavioral changes in this model. Methods: Fifty-four male Lister-hooded rat pups either received phencyclidine (PCP, 10 mg/kg, s.c.), on post-natal day (PND) 7, 9 and 11 before being weaned on PND 23 into separate cages (isolation, PCP-SI, n=31), or vehicle injection and group-housing (2-4 per cage, V-GH, n=23) from weaning. The effect of lamotrigine on locomotor activity, novel object recognition, and prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle was examined (PND60-75) and drug-free hippocampal gene expression on PND70. Results: Acute lamotrigine (10-15mg/kg i.p.) reversed the hyperactivity and novel object recognition impairment induced by PCP-SI but had no effect on the prepulse inhibition deficit. Microarray revealed small but significant down-regulation of hippocampal genes involved in glutamate metabolism, dopamine neurotransmission and GABA receptor signalling, and in specific schizophrenia-linked genes, including PVALB and GAD67, in PCP-SI rats which resemble changes reported in schizophrenia. Conclusions: Findings indicate that alterations in dopamine neurotransmission, glutamate metabolism and GABA signalling may contribute to some of the behavioral deficits observed following PCP-SI, and that lamotrigine may have some utility as an adjunctive therapy to improve certain cognitive deficits symptoms in schizophrenia

Still room for improvement in traditional 3D interaction: selecting the fixed axis in the virtual trackball

Virtual trackball techniques are widely used when 3D interaction is performed through interfaces with a reduced number of degrees of freedom such as mice and touchscreens. For decades, most implementations fix a vertical axis of rotation, which is a suitable choice when the vertical axis should indeed be fixed, according to some mental model of the user. We conducted an experiment involving the use of a mouse and a touch device to study usability in terms of performance, perceived usability and mental workload when selecting different fixed axes in accordance with the user’s mental model. The results we obtained indicate that the consistency between the axis fixed by the technique and the object’s intrinsic axis has a positive effect on usability. We believe that implementations that allow to select different fixed axis for each specific object should be considered when designing future reduced-DoF interaction interfaces.This work was supported by the PLUGGY project (https://www.pluggyproject.eu/), within the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, under grant agreement No 726765. The data and the application used to conduct the experiment are available upon request. Open Access funding provided by Universidad de Málaga/CBUA in the framework of the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Natur