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Associations between the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and affect, loneliness and intelligence in normal subjects.

Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2009 Aug 1;33(5):860-6

Authors: Lucht MJ, Barnow S, Sonnenfeld C, Rosenberger A, Grabe HJ, Schroeder W, Völzke H, Freyberger HJ, Herrmann FH, Kroemer H, Rosskopf D

Associations of oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) variants and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been reported in earlier studies; in one of the studies associations with IQ and daily living skills were found additionally. Variations of the oxytocin receptor gene might also regulate affect, attachment and separation beyond the diagnostic borders of autism. We tested hypotheses of associations between positive and negative affects and social and emotional loneliness (285 adults), IQ (117 adolescents) and polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR rs53576, rs2254298 and rs2228485) in normal subjects. Individuals with the oxytocin OXTR rs53576 A/A genotype showed lower positive affect scores (F=5.532, df=1; p=0.019). This effect was restricted to males (F=13.098, df=1; p=0.00047). Haplotypes constructed with the three markers were associated with positive affect (p=0.0012), negative affect (p<0.0001) and emotional loneliness (p<0.0001). Non-verbal intelligence was significantly reduced in rs53576 A/A adolescents (T=2.247, p=0.027). Our findings support a role for the oxytocin receptor haplotypes in the generation of affectivity, emotional loneliness and IQ.

PMID: 19376182 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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The effects of mastery on pain and fatigue resolution.

Oncol Nurs Forum. 2009 Sep;36(5):544-52

Authors: Byma EA, Given BA, Given CW, You M

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine whether mastery, the personal control felt over occurrences perceived to have an important effect on one’s life, influences the resolution of pain and fatigue severity. DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of two randomized clinical trials. SETTING: Accrual from two comprehensive cancer centers, one community oncology program, and six hospital-affiliated ambulatory oncology centers. SAMPLE: 330 patients with solid tumors who were undergoing chemotherapy and receiving a nurse-presented, six-contact, eight-week intervention for symptom management. METHODS: Analysis included baseline and interventional data. Logistic regression and survival analysis methods were used to explain relationships between mastery and time to resolution and resolution of pain and fatigue severity. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Mastery, pain and fatigue severity resolution, and time to resolution. FINDINGS: No significant differences in mastery were found among key socioeconomic and cancer-related variables. Mastery was a significant predictor of pain resolution status but did not significantly decrease time to resolution. Mastery did not have a significant effect on fatigue resolution status or time to fatigue resolution after adjusting for other covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Mastery was symptom specific, predicting pain resolution but not fatigue. Cancer may have an equalizing effect on mastery early in diagnosis and treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses should develop interventions that increase mastery in patients with cancer, which may lead to improved resolution of pain. Additional research is needed to explore how mastery may affect resolution of pain severity and other symptoms experienced by people with cancer.

PMID: 19726394 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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A randomized controlled trial of the effects of transcendental meditation on quality of life in older breast cancer patients.

Integr Cancer Ther. 2009 Sep;8(3):228-34

Authors: Nidich SI, Fields JZ, Rainforth MV, Pomerantz R, Cella D, Kristeller J, Salerno JW, Schneider RH

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of the Transcendental Meditation program plus standard care as compared with standard care alone on the quality of life (QOL) of older women (>or=55 years) with stage II to IV breast cancer. One hundred and thirty women (mean age = 63.8) were randomly assigned to either experimental (n = 64) or control (n = 66) groups. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-SP), and Short-Form (SF)-36 mental health and vitality scales were administered every 6 months over an average 18-month intervention period. Significant improvements were found in the Transcendental Meditation group compared with controls in overall QOL, measured by the FACT-B total score (P = .037), emotional well-being (P = .046), and social well-being (P = .003) subscales, and SF-36 mental health ( P = .017). RESULTS: It is recommended that this stress reduction program, with its ease of implementation and home practice, be adopted in public health programs.

PMID: 19815592 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Why does public transport not arrive on time? The pervasiveness of equal headway instability.

PLoS One. 2009;4(10):e7292

Authors: Gershenson C, Pineda LA

BACKGROUND: The equal headway instability phenomenon is pervasive in public transport systems. This instability is characterized by an aggregation of vehicles that causes inefficient service. While equal headway instability is common, it has not been studied independently of a particular scenario. However, the phenomenon is apparent in many transport systems and can be modeled and rectified in abstraction. METHODOLOGY: We present a multi-agent simulation where a default method with no restrictions always leads to unstable headways. We discuss two methods that attempt to achieve equal headways, called minimum and maximum. Since one parameter of the methods depends on the passenger density, adaptive versions–where the relevant parameter is adjusted automatically–are also put forward. Our results show that the adaptive maximum method improves significantly over the default method. The model and simulation give insights of the interplay between transport design and passenger behavior. Finally, we provide technological and social suggestions for engineers and passengers to help achieve equal headways and thus reduce delays. CONCLUSIONS: The equal headway instability phenomenon can be avoided with the suggested technological and social measures.

PMID: 19862321 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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A wireless lingual feedback device to reduce overpressures in seated posture: a feasibility study.

PLoS One. 2009;4(10):e7550

Authors: Chenu O, Vuillerme N, Demongeot J, Payan Y

BACKGROUND: Pressure sores are localized injuries to the skin and underlying tissues and are mainly resulting from overpressure. Paraplegic peoples are particularly subjects to pressure sores because of long-time seated postures and sensory deprivation at the lower limbs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we report outcomes of a feasibility trial involving a biofeedback system aimed at reducing buttock overpressure whilst an individual is seated. The system consists of (1) pressure sensors, (2) a laptop coupling sensors and actuator (3) a wireless Tongue Display Unit (TDU) consisting of a circuit embedded in a dental retainer with electrodes put in contact with the tongue. The principle consists in (1) detecting overpressures in people who are seated over long periods of time, (2) estimating a postural change that could reduce these overpressures and (3) communicating this change through directional information transmitted by the TDU.Twenty-four healthy subjects voluntarily participated in this study. Twelve healthy subjects initially formed the experimental group (EG) and were seated on a chair with the wireless TDU inside their mouth. They were asked to follow TDU orders that were randomly spread throughout the session. They were evaluated during two experimental sessions during which 20 electro-stimulations were sent. Twelve other subjects, added retrospectively, formed the control group (CG). These subjects participated in one session of the same experiment without any biofeedback.Three dependent variables were computed: (1) the ability of subjects to reach target posture (EG versus CG), (2) high pressure reductions after a biofeedback (EG versus CG) and (3) the level of these reductions relative to their initial values (EG only). Results show (1) that EG reached target postures in 90.2% of the trials, against 5,3% in the CG, (2) a significant reduction in overpressures in the EG compared to the CG and (3), for the EG, that the higher the initial pressures were, the more they were decreased. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The findings suggest that, in this trial, subjects were able to use a tongue tactile feedback system to reduce buttock overpressure while seated. Further evaluation of this system on paraplegic subjects remains to be done.

PMID: 19888336 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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The impact of a live therapeutic music intervention on patients’ experience of pain, anxiety, and muscle tension.

Holist Nurs Pract. 2010 Jan-Feb;24(1):7-15

Authors: Sand-Jecklin K, Emerson H

This exploratory study demonstrated the positive impact of live music as a holistic patient intervention directed toward reducing pain, anxiety, and muscle tension levels of patients admitted to a tertiary care center for an emergent medical condition. Music can be combined with other holistic interventions to positively impact patient outcomes.

PMID: 20023519 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Alternative methods of conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.

Ortop Traumatol Rehabil. 2009 Sep-Oct;11(5):396-412

Authors: Zarzycka M, Rozek K, Zarzycki M

Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine known since Hippocrates times. The value of certain methods of conservative treatment remains controversial. Some of them have only a psychological value both for the physician and his or her caregivers. Based on current literature and the Scoliosis Research Society Report of Alternative Methods of Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis, we describe the effectiveness of various alternative methods, such as exercise, Dobosiewicz technique, Karski method, SEAS 02, acupuncture, Alexander technique, aromatherapy, ayurveda, ASCO treatment, biofeedback, chiropractic, Yoga, Feldenkrais method, Pilates method, massage therapy, rolfing, magnet therapy, surface electrical stimulation, PNF, Copes system, and bracing.

PMID: 19920282 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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[Fecal incontinence]

Ther Umsch. 2010 Jan;67(1):39-43

Authors: Hamel CT, Marti WR

Fecal incontinence is underestimated in its prevalence. Therapeutic approaches vary; in mild-to-moderate cases, dietary changes and biofeedback sessions accompanied by specific medications can achieve a salutary effect. In cases of severe fecal incontinence, a conservative approach is ineffective and surgical intervention is indicated. However, several technical innovations and devices enable surgeons to offer patients reliable solutions for this functional disorder. While dynamic graciloplasty uses native muscle contraction ability to function as a new sphincter, the artificial bowel sphincter achieves the same goal by an inflatable cuff. A novel approach, which is suitable for selected patients with muscular and neurological defects alike, is the sacral nerve stimulator. It is crucial to choose the right procedure as determined by the underlying pathology.

PMID: 20052654 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Anabolic steroid abuse and dependence in clinical practice.

Phys Sportsmed. 2009 Dec;37(4):131-40

Authors: Brower KJ

The nonmedical use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) appeals to athletes across several sports, particularly those whose activity makes muscle size and strength advantageous, and in individuals (usually men) with body dysmorphic disorder. Patterns of nonmedical use, including supratherapeutic doses of illicitly obtained drugs, increase the risk for adverse psychiatric and other medical consequences. Although AAS users may be more likely to consult physicians for nonpsychiatric medical consequences than changes in their mental status, it is argued that the motivation for persistent use despite adverse consequences is sustained in large part by psychological variables. Therefore, all physicians who treat nonmedical AAS users will benefit from an understanding of these psychological variables, including the potential for AAS to cause dependence. This article aims to aid such understanding, and guidelines are suggested for assessment and treatment of nonmedical AAS users.

PMID: 20048550 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Sleep research and sleep medicine.

Drugs. 2009;69 Suppl 2:1-4

Authors: Hajak G, Lévy P

PMID: 20047346 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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