EPA-0319 – Combined cognitive enrichment programs of numerical and visual-spatial abilities as a primary prevention method for learning difficulties in mathematics: an explorative study

INTRODUCTION A body of research shows the significant role of visual-spatial skills in the development of mathematical abilities. OBJECTIVES AND AIMS Current research aimed at studying the effect of training for the visuo-spatial and numerical skills enrichment in 5 and 7-year-old children. METHODS Forty-four 5-year-old children and 52 second graders were recruited in two Italian schools. Each age group was divided, respectively, into a control group (i.e., carried out the planned curricular activities) and an experimental group (completed combined enrichment programs for 3 months). Participants were evaluated at pre and post-test by standardised assessments, designed to evaluate numerical and visuo-spatial skills. Participants were distinguished in two levels of numerical abilities (high/low). By means of factorial analyses of variance, we compared the results in pre and post conditions; multiple linear regressions identified predictors of mathematic achievements at post-test. RESULTS The significant effectiveness of training was found: at post-test, children from the experiment improved in terms of visuo-spatial and mathematical competences. Furthermore, the impact of the combined visuo-spatial and numerical training ? assessed in terms of achievements – was more evident in children with low numerical abilities. CONCLUSIONS Current outcomes suggest that the combined visuo-spatial and numerical enrichment training proposed to our participants seems to partially bridge the gap between subjects with initial low and high numeracy competences. Therefore, the synergy of the treatments would be worthy of attention to attain a primary prevention for learning difficulties in mathematics

Effects of propofol, pentobarbital and alphaxalone on t-[35S]butylbicyclophosphoro-thionate binding in the rat cerebral cortex.

The effects of propofol, pentobarbital, alphaxalone, etomidate and diazepam on t-[35S]butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([35S]TBPS) binding to membrane preparations from rat cerebral cortex were studied in the absence of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Addition of low concentrations (3-10 microM) of propofol to washed membrane preparations (devoid of GABA) markedly enhanced [35S]TBPS binding (maximal enhancement, 85%), whereas higher concentrations (50-100 microM) inhibited this parameter. Diazepam also enhanced [35S]TBPS binding in this preparation (maximal enhancement, 38%). In contrast, pentobarbital, alphaxalone and etomidate decreased [35S]TBPS binding in a concentration-dependent manner. The propofol-induced increase in [35S]TBPS binding in washed membranes was completely reversed by the addition of GABA at a concentration (0.3 microM) that alone did not modify [35S]TBPS binding (78% increase with 10 microM propofol alone, 33% decrease in the additional presence of GABA). The ability of GABA to reverse the effect of propofol on [35S]TBPS binding in washed membranes was shared by pentobarbital (200 microM) and alphaxalone (3 microM); etomidate (20 microM) only partially antagonized the effect of propofol. Diazepam at a concentration (30 microM) that alone had no effect on [35S]TBPS binding failed to modify the propofol-induced increase in [35S]TBPS binding, whereas at a concentration (3 microM) that alone increased [35S]TBPS binding the effect of diazepam was additive with that of propofol. The addition of bicuculline to washed membranes failed to abolish the increase in [35S]TBPS binding induced by propofol or diazepam, but completely antagonized the effects of pentobarbital, alphaxalone and etomidate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS

"In vivo" administration of valproate decreases t [35S]butylbicyclophosphorothionate binding in the rat brain.

The effect of the "in vivo" administration of sodium valproate on t-[35S]butylbicyclophosphorothionate (35S-TBPS) binding measured "ex vivo" in the rat cerebral cortex was investigated. Sodium valproate produced a decrease of 35S-TBPS binding. The maximal effect (-32%) was reached with the dose of 400 mg/kg i.p., 60 min after the administration of the drug. Saturation experiments revealed that the effect of sodium valproate was due to a decrease in the total number of binding sites with no changes in the affinity constant. A small dose of diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), which per se does not modify 35S-TBPS binding, markedly potentiated the inhibitory effect of sodium valproate on 35S-TBPS binding. Moreover, the "in vitro" addition of sodium valproate to cortical membranes failed to modify 35S-TBPS binding, indicating that the effect of the "in vivo" administration of this drug is not due to its direct interaction with the chloride associated binding sites. These results strongly suggest that this drug enhances the function of GABAergic synapses at the level of the GABA-coupled chloride channel. This conclusion supports the hypothesis that an enhancement of GABAergic transmission plays a role in the molecular mechanism involved in the antiepileptic action of sodium valproate

Carbon dioxide inhalation, stress and anxiogenic drugs reduce the function of GABAA receptor complex in the rat brain.

1. The effect of different stressful stimuli on the function of the GABAA-ionophore receptor complex was evaluated by measuring the binding of 35S-TBPS to the chloride channel associated recognition sites. 2. Foot-shock stress enhanced 35S-TBPS binding in membrane preparation from rat cerebral cortex. The effect of foot-shock on 35S-TBPS binding was mimicked by the anxiogenic and proconvulsant beta-carboline FG 7142 and antagonized by anxiolytic benzodiazepines and by the novel anxiolytic and anticonvulsant beta-carboline, abecarnil. 3. A brief exposure of rats to CO2 inhalation produced, like foot-shock and FG 7142, a marked increase of 35S-TBPS binding in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus. The effect of CO2 inhalation was maximal 10 min after treatment and return to control value in 2 hours. Previous administration of anxiolytic drugs (alprazolam and abecarnil) completely prevented the CO2 inhalation-induced increase of 35S-TBPS binding. 4. All together these data strongly suggest that carbon dioxide inhalation, like stress and anxiogenic drugs, decreases the function of the GABAA receptor complex