Conhecimento, atitude e prática de emergência pré-hospitalar e seus fatores de influência entre cuidadores de idosos: pesquisa transversal / Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de emergencias prehospitalarias y sus factores de influencia en cuidadores de personas mayores: estudio transversal / Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pre-hospital emergency and their influencing factors among caregivers for older adults: a cross-sectional survey

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a situação atual e analisar os fatores influenciadores do conhecimento, atitude e prática de emergência pré-hospitalar entre cuidadores de idosos. Métodos Estudo transversal com amostragem por conveniência, conduzido entre dezembro de 2021 e junho de 2022, e seleção de 133 cuidadores de idosos em instituições de longa permanência na província de Guangdong, China, como participantes. Todos receberam um questionário de informações gerais e um questionário de conhecimento, atitude e prática de emergência pré-hospitalar. Na análise dos dados foi utilizada estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados As pontuações nas dimensões conhecimento, atitude e prática foram 24,65 ± 4,49, 24,52 ± 4,34 e 24,05 ± 4,67, respectivamente. A análise de regressão mostrou que a idade, o nível de habilidade profissional e a experiência em educação em saúde dos cuidadores foram os principais fatores que influenciaram seu conhecimento de emergência pré-hospitalar. A presença/ausência dos cuidadores na participação direta na emergência pré-hospitalar foi o principal fator de influência na atitude, enquanto o nível educacional e a situação profissional foram os fatores que influenciaram principalmente a prática na emergência pré-hospitalar. Conclusão O atual nível de conhecimento, atitude e prática em emergência pré-hospitalar dos cuidadores de idosos é de baixo a médio. Para os cuidadores chineses, os principais fatores que afetam a implementação da emergência pré-hospitalar são a idade avançada, os baixos níveis de escolaridade, o emprego temporário e as deficiências do sistema de segurança ocupacional.

Resumen Objetivo Investigar la situación actual y analizar factores influyentes de los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de emergencias prehospitalarias en cuidadores de personas mayores. Métodos Estudio transversal con muestreo por conveniencia, llevado a cabo entre diciembre de 2021 y junio de 2022. Se seleccionaron 133 participantes cuidadores de personas mayores de instituciones de larga estadía en la provincia de Guangdong, China. Todos recibieron un cuestionario de información general y un cuestionario de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de emergencias prehospitalarias. En el análisis de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados El puntaje en la dimensión conocimientos fue 24,65 ± 4,49, en actitudes fue 24,52 ± 4,34 y en prácticas 24,05 ± 4,67. El análisis de regresión demostró que los principales factores que influyeron en los conocimientos de los cuidadores sobre emergencias prehospitalarias fueron la edad, el nivel de habilidad profesional y la experiencia en educación para la salud. La presencia/ausencia de los cuidadores en la participación directa en emergencias prehospitalarias fue el factor principal de influencia en la actitud, mientras que el nivel educativo y la situación profesional fueron los que más influyeron en la práctica de emergencias prehospitalarias. Conclusión El nivel actual de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en emergencias prehospitalarias de los cuidadores de personas mayores es de bajo a mediano. En los cuidadores chinos, los principales factores que afectan la implementación de emergencias prehospitalarias son la edad avanzada, los bajos niveles de escolaridad, el empleo temporario y las deficiencias del sistema de seguridad laboral.

Abstract Objective To investigate the status quo and analyze the influencing factors of the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pre-hospital emergency among caregivers for older adults. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 133 caregivers for older adults in Guangdong province, China, nursing homes were selected as survey participants from December 2021 to June 2022 via convenience sampling. All participants were administered a general information questionnaire and a Pre-Hospital Emergency Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire. For data analysis, we used descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The scores on the knowledge, attitude, and practice dimensions were 24.65 ± 4.49, 24.52 ± 4.34, and 24.05 ± 4.67, respectively. Regression analysis showed that the age, professional skill level, and healthcare education experience of the caregivers were the main influencing factors of their pre-hospital emergency knowledge. Additionally, the presence/absence of direct participation in the pre-hospital emergency of the caregivers was the primary influencing factor of attitude, while education level and employment status were the factors mainly influencing pre-hospital emergency practice. Conclusion Caregivers for older adults currently have a low-to-medium level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of pre-hospital emergency. The main factors affecting the implementation of pre-hospital emergency for caregivers in China are their older age, low education levels, temporary employment and imperfect occupational security system.

Readiness for Hospital Discharge After a Cesarean Section and Associated Factors Among Chinese Mothers: A Single Centre Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: Knowledge of the readiness for hospital discharge can help health care professionals accurately determine the patients' discharge time. However, few studies were on the readiness for discharge and its related factors among mothers with cesarean sections. Thus, this study aims to examine the readiness for hospital discharge and its associated factors among Chinese mothers with cesarean sections. Patients and Methods: A single-centre cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 in Guangzhou, China. Three hundred thirty-nine mothers with cesarean sections completed the questionnaires on demographic and obstetric characteristics, readiness for hospital discharge, quality for discharge teaching, parenting sense of competence, family function, and social support. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify independent factors influencing readiness for hospital discharge among mothers with cesarean sections. Results: The total score of readiness for hospital discharge was 136.47 ± 25.29. The quality of discharge teaching, parenting sense of competence, number of cesareans, family function, and attending antenatal classes were independent factors influencing the readiness for hospital discharge (P < 0.05) among mothers with cesarean sections. Conclusion: The readiness for hospital discharge of mothers with cesarean sections need to be improved. Improving the quality of discharge teaching, parenting sense of competence, and family function may help improve the readiness for hospital discharge of mothers with cesarean sections.

Effectiveness of exercise interventions in the management of cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue is a widely prevalent global public health concern with serious consequences. Increasing evidence suggests the effectiveness of exercise intervention in treating cancer-related fatigue, but there is a lack of a summary of relevant literature on the same to help reach a clear consensus. OBJECTIVE: To summarize evidence regarding the efficacy of exercise interventions to reduce cancer fatigue, as determined in systematic reviews (SRs) and/or meta-analyses (MAs). METHOD: From inception to September 2022, PubMed (1948-2022), Embase (1974-2022), Cochrane Library (1993-2022), CINAHL (1937-2022), Web of Science (1997-2022), China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (1999-2022), Wanfang Database (1993-2022), and Chinese Biomedical Database (1994-2022) were searched for inclusion to the study. Two reviewers independently extracted the data from the included articles. AMSTAR II was to evaluate the methodological quality of the reviews. RESULTS: A total of 46 systematic reviews were assessed for data on exercise intervention in reducing cancer-related fatigue among cancer patients. In addition, some studies have reported adverse events during the exercise intervention period. The quality of the included systematic review was found to be low or critically low. CONCLUSIONS: The present systematic review of systematic reviews supports exercise intervention for reducing cancer-related fatigue. Further higher-quality studies are warranted to improve the level of evidence for exercise interventions for application in the treatment of cancer-related fatigue.

Reducing the background interference of liquid-liquid extraction method during Baijiu aroma analysis.

Liquid-liquid extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (LLE-GC/MS) is a useful methodology for Baijiu aroma analysis. However, the background problems caused by LLE have rarely been investigated. In the present study, synthetic Baijiu was analyzed by traditional LLE-GC/MS to assess background problems, and a series of ghost peaks of some compounds were detected within the retention time of 47.0-60.0 min, including 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP), palmitic acid and oleanitrile. 2,4-DTBP, which has a phenolic odor, is an important component in both strong and light-flavor Baijiu. Single-factor experiments confirmed that 2,4-DTBP is not a constituent of Baijiu but migrates from sodium sulphate and sodium chloride, and, high-temperature baking was an effective approach to eliminate these compounds. A combined strategy using standard cleaning coupled with high-temperature baking was proposed to reduce the background problems during LLE. Furthermore, more trace compounds could be identified through this process in the future.

Insights into a new alternative method with graphene oxide/polyacrylamide/Fe3O4 nanocomposite for the extraction of six odor-active esters from Strong-aroma types of Baijiu.

Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) is the most commonly utilized technique for the extraction of odor-active esters (OAEs) in strong-aroma types of Baijiu (SAB). However, since the contents of different OAEs in SAB vary widely, it is still a puzzle to ensure that all OAEs to be thoroughly extracted by LLE without the problem of saturated adsorption. Herein, a novel approach of magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE), based on the magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite modified with polyacrylamide (GO/PAM/Fe3O4), was employed for the efficient extraction of six OAEs from SAB. Compared with LLE, GO/PAM/Fe3O4 exhibited highly selective recognition properties and larger adsorption capacities for OAEs (ranging from 13.68 to 39.06 mg/g), resulting in better extraction performances for OAEs. Coupled with GC-MS, six OAEs in real SAB were successfully determined, with recoveries ranged from 70.1 âˆ¼ 90.0% and LODs at 0.08 âˆ¼ 1.35 µg/L. Overall, the MSPE-GC/MS is a promising alternative for accurate determination of OAEs in SAB.

Secondhand smoking exposure and quality of life among pregnant and postnatal women: a network approach.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoke, its correlates and its association with quality of life (QOL) among pregnant and postnatal Chinese women. DESIGN: This was a multicentre, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants were consecutively recruited from eight tertiary hospitals located in eight municipalities or provinces in China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1140 women were invited to join this study and 992 (87.02%) completed all measures. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME: Measures women's secondhand smoking behaviour (frequency and location of exposure to secondhand smoking), and their QOL measured by the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 211 women (21.3%, 95% CI 18.7% to 23.8%) had been exposed to secondhand smoking. Exposure to secondhand smoking was most common in public areas (56.4%), and residential homes (20.5%), while workplaces had the lowest rate of exposure (13.7%). Women with physical comorbidities were more likely to report secondhand smoking exposure, while older women, women living in urban areas, those with college or higher education level, and women in their second trimester were less likely to report exposure to secondhand smoking. Network analysis revealed that there were six significant links between secondhand smoke and QOL items. The strongest negative edge was the connection between secondhand smoke and QOL9 ('physical environment health', edge weight=-0.060), while the strongest positive edge was the connection between secondhand smoke and QOL3 ('pain and discomfort', edge weight=0.037). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoking is becoming lower among pregnant and postnatal women in China compared with findings reported in previous studies. Legal legislation should be maintained and promptly enforced to establish smoke-free environments in both public and private urban/rural areas for protection of pregnant and postnatal women, especially those who are physically vulnerable and less educated.

Posttraumatic growth and postpartum depression in women after childbirth: The moderating role of postpartum negative life events.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the implications of postpartum negative life events on postpartum depression and posttraumatic growth in women after childbirth. METHODS: A sample of 280 postpartum women at a level III hospital in China provided data on postpartum depression, negative life events, and posttraumatic growth with a cross-sectional design. RESULTS: The scores of both postpartum depression and negative life events exhibited a quadratic correlation with posttraumatic growth in women after childbirth, and negative life events significantly moderated the associations between depression and overall posttraumatic growth and its three dimensions: personal strength, spirit change, and relating to others. CONCLUSIONS: Women can experience positive psychological growth after childbirth, and this study provides new evidence of an interaction between postpartum depression and negative life events in the prediction of psychological growth, highlighting the moderating role of negative life events. This study could help direct mental health professionals to target interventions that provide more psychological support to reduce the impact of depression and negative life events, which will be conducive to improving women's psychological growth.

Prevalence, correlates, and network analysis of Internet addiction symptoms among Chinese pregnant and postpartum women.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive Internet use is a common health problem globally. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, correlates, and network structure of Internet addiction symptoms (Internet addiction hereafter) among Chinese pregnant and postpartum women. METHODS: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study using Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) to evaluate Internet addiction and quality of life (QOL), respectively. Univariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression analyses, and network analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of a total of 1,060 women who completed the study, 320 (30.19%, 95% CI=27.42%-32.96%) women reported Internet addiction during or after pregnancy. Women with previous adverse pregnancy experiences (OR=1.831, P=0.001) and physical comorbidities (OR=1.724, P=0.004) had a higher likelihood of developing Internet addiction. Internet addiction was significantly associated with poor QOL in all domains. Network analyses revealed that IAT item 16 (request an extension for longer time spent online) was the most central symptom in the analyses, and also one of the strongest bridging symptoms linking the Internet addiction and QOL communities. LIMITATIONS: This was a cross-sectional study, all study findings were based on self-reported data, and possible recall bias and selection bias may exist. CONCLUSION: Internet addiction is common among Chinese pregnant and postpartum women, and is significantly associated with lower QOL. Effective strategies, especially focusing on central symptoms, are needed to reduce the impact of Internet addiction and improve QOL in pregnant and postpartum women.

[Molecular modification and highly efficient expression of L-asparaginase from Rhizomucor miehei].

L-asparaginase hydrolyzes L-asparagine to produce L-aspartic acid and ammonia. It is widely distributed in microorganisms, plants and serum of some rodents, and has important applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. However, the poor thermal stability, low catalytic efficiency and low yield hampered the further application of L-asparaginase. In this paper, rational design and 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) design strategies were used to increase the specific enzyme activity and protein expression of L-asparaginase derived from Rhizomucor miehei (RmAsnase). The results showed that among the six mutants constructed through homology modeling combined with sequence alignment, the specific enzyme activity of the mutant A344E was 1.5 times higher than the wild type. Subsequently, a food-safe strain Bacillus subtilis 168/pMA5-A344E was constructed, and the UTR strategy was used for the construction of recombinant strain B. subtilis 168/pMA5 UTR-A344E. The enzyme activity of B. subtilis 168/pMA5 UTR-A344E was 7.2 times higher than that of B. subtilis 168/pMA5-A344E. The recombinant strain B. subtilis 168/pMA5 UTR-A344E was scaled up in 5 L fermenter, and the final yield of L-asparaginase was 489.1 U/mL, showing great potential for industrial application.

Performance-based assessment of social skills in a large sample of participants with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and healthy controls: Correlates of social competence and social appropriateness.

INTRODUCTION: Performance-based assessments of social skills have detected impairments in people with severe mental illness and are correlated with functional outcomes in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The most common of these assessments, the Social Skills Performance Assessment (SSPA), has two communication scenarios and items measuring both social competence and appropriateness. As real-world competence and appropriateness appear to have different correlates, we hypothesized that SSPA Items measuring competence and appropriateness would be distinct and have different correlations with other outcomes. METHODS: We aggregated data from 557 people with schizophrenia, 106 with bipolar disorder, and 378 well controls from 4 separate research studies. All participants were assessed with both SSPA scenarios and other performance based and clinician-rated measures. A single expert rated the SSPA interactions for competence and appropriateness while blind to participant diagnoses. RESULTS: Participants with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia performed more poorly on every item of the SSPA than healthy controls. Items measuring social competence and appropriateness in communication were intercorrelated across scenarios, as were elements of socially competent communication, although the items measuring competence did not correlate substantially with appropriateness. Items assessing social competence, but not social appropriateness, correlated with better cognitive and functional performance and residential and financial independence. DISCUSSION: Social competence and social appropriateness were distinct elements of performance-based social skills with potential differences in their functional correlates. As both social competence and appropriateness impact functional outcomes, improvement in the measurement and treatment of appropriate communication seems to be an important goal.

The Prevalence of Depression and Its Association With Quality of Life Among Pregnant and Postnatal Women in China: A Multicenter Study.

Background: This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) and its association with quality of life (QOL) among pregnant and postnatal women in China. Methods: In this multi-center, cross-sectional study, 1,060 pregnant and postnatal women from eight hospitals were assessed. Depression and QOL were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire - brief version, respectively. Results: The prevalence of depression was 7.45% (95% CI: 5.87-9.04%) in the sample. Women with depression had lower QOL in physical, psychological, social and environmental domains compared to those without. Women with physical comorbidities were more likely to suffer from depression (OR = 2.391, 95% CI = 1.384-4.130, P = 0.002). Conclusion: Due to its negative association with QOL, increased attention should be paid to depression in pregnant and postnatal women. Regular screening assessment and preventive measures should be adopted to reduce risk of depression in this population.

Is the reaction sequence in phosphine-catalyzed [8+2] cycloaddition controlled by electrophilicity?

In the presence of multiple electrophiles, the reaction sequence is a critical mechanistic problem. Here, we report a theoretical study on the mechanism of phosphine-catalyzed [8+2] cycloaddition of heptafulvenes and allenoate. DFT calculations showed that electrophilicity is the barrier for nucleophilic attack, while it fails in the prediction of priority.

A molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study on the interaction between cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and major proteins in cow's milk.

The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular interaction and complex stability of four major cow's milk (CM) proteins (α-LA, ß-LG, αs1 -CA, and ß-CA) with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) using computational methods. The results of molecular docking analysis revealed that hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction were the main binding forces to maintain the stability of the C3G-CM protein complexes. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that all complexes except for C3G-αs1 -CA were found to reach equilibrium within 50 ns of simulation. αs1 -CA and ß-CA switched to a more compact conformation after binding with C3G. Additionally, the radius of gyration, number of hydrogen bond, radial distribution function, and interaction energy showed that ß-CA is the best C3G carrier protein among the four CM proteins. This study can provide valuable information for CM proteins to serve as C3G delivery carriers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Anthocyanins (ACNs) are flavonoid-based pigments that play an important functional role in regulating human's health. Cow's milk (CM) proteins are the most representative protein-based carriers that can improve the short-term bioavailability and stability of ACNs. Thus, it is important to study the interactions between ACNs and CM proteins at the molecular level for the development of effective ACNs delivery carriers. Our study showed that caseins (αs1 -CA and ß-CA) had more hydrophobic and hydrogen-bonding sites with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) than whey proteins using computational methods. Among the four CM proteins, ß-CA was the best C3G carrier protein showing the best interaction stability with C3G. Thus, it is helpful for us to screen effective ACNs carriers from multiple protein sources by computational methods.

Quadruple C-H activation coupled to hydrofunctionalization and C-H silylation/borylation enabled by weakly coordinated palladium catalyst.

Unlike the well-reported 1,2-difunctionalization of alkenes that is directed by classic pyridine and imine-containing directing groups, oxo-palladacycle intermediates featuring weak Pd-O coordination have been less demonstrated in C-H activated cascade transformations. Here we report a quadruple C-H activation cascade as well as hydro-functionalization, C-H silylation/borylation sequence based on weakly coordinated palladium catalyst. The hydroxyl group modulates the intrinsic direction of the Heck reaction, and then acts as an interrupter that biases the reaction away from the classic ß-H elimination and toward C-H functionalization. Mechanistically, density functional theory calculation provides important insights into the key six-membered oxo-palladacycle intermediates, and indicates that the ß-H elimination is unfavorable both thermodynamically and kinetically. In this article, we focus on the versatility of this approach, which is a strategic expansion of the Heck reaction.

Polyamine-Modified Magnetic Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites and HPLC-MS/MS Allow the Determination of Two Indolic Derivatives in Strong-Aroma Types of Base Baijiu.

Simultaneous detection of 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) and 3-indolepropionic acid (IPA) in strong-aroma types of base Baijiu (base SAB) is crucial for elucidating the metabolic pathway of 3-methylindole during the base SAB brewing. Herein, a novel magnetic poly(allylamine)-modified graphene oxide (GO@PAA@Fe3O4) was synthesized as extraction sorbent, followed by high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry HPLC-MS/MS. As a surface modifier of GO, the introduction of PAA and Fe3O4 provided more adsorption sites for IAA and IPA, mainly through the generation of H-bonding sites. Moreover, modified by an activation step, the capacity of the activated GO@PAA@Fe3O4 for the adsorption of IAA and IPA was 2.1-3.4 times higher than that of unactivated material. The adsorptions of IAA and IPA on GO@PAA@Fe3O4 were fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, IAA and IPA were determined in 16-base SAB for the first time, and their concentrations ranged from 0.6 to 11.3 and 0.7 to 18.7 µg/L, respectively.

Dopamine D1 Receptor Within Basolateral Amygdala Is Involved in Propofol Relapse Behavior Induced by Cues.

Propofol has been proven to be potentially abused by humans and laboratory animals; however, studies that have examined propofol relapse behavior are limited, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we examined whether basolateral amygdala-specific or systematic administration of the dopamine receptor antagonist alters cue-induced propofol-seeking behaviors in a rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats first received 14 days of propofol self-administration training, where active nose poke resulted in the delivery of propofol infusion paired with a tone and light cues. After 1-30 days of forced abstinence, the cue-induced propofol-seeking behaviors were tested in the operant chamber. We demonstrated, for the first time, after a few days of withdrawal from intravenous bolus administration of propofol, propofol-related cues could induce robust reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. Systematic administration of dopamine D1 receptor antagonist (SCH-23390) or dopamine D2 receptor antagonist (spiperone) inhibited propofol relapse behavior induced by drug-related cues. Furthermore, we show that microinfusion of SCH-23390 into basolateral amygdala dose-dependently attenuated cue-induced propofol drug-seeking behavior, whereas infusion of spiperone had no effect on the propofol relapse behavior. Our results reveal the involvement of dopamine receptors within the basolateral amygdala in the cue-induced propofol relapse behavior in rats.

Glucocorticoid receptor in rat nucleus accumbens: Its roles in propofol addictions.

Propofol has been demonstrated as a drug of abuse in humans. Our previous study indicated that dexamethasone, a potent agonist of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), inhibited propofol-maintained rat self-administration behaviors by systematic injection. However, the direct effect of GR in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) on propofol self-administration behavior has not been explored. The propofol-maintained self-administration was established in rats after a successive 3-h daily self-administration of propofol for 14days. On day 15, 30min prior to the last training, rats received one of three doses (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0µg/site) of dexamethasone or vehicle via intra-NAc injection. The number of active nose-poke responses, propofol injections, and inactive nose-poke responses was recorded. Dopamine D1 receptor and c-Fos expressions were detected. Plasma corticosterone level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intra-NAc administration of dexamethasone (1.0 and 3.0µg/site) facilitated the active nose-poke responses, which was accompanied by the upregulation of D1 receptor and c-Fos in the NAc. Plasma corticosterone level was not changed in dexamethasone-treated groups. This study provides crucial evidence that GR in the NAc plays an important role in regulating propofol self-administration behaviors in rats, which may be mediated by changes in D1 receptor and c-Fos expressions, and this also needs further examination with GR antagonist in the future.

Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase in Nucleus Accumbens Mediates Propofol Self-Administration in Rats.

Clinical and animal studies have indicated that propofol has potential for abuse, but the specific neurobiological mechanism underlying propofol reward is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signal transduction pathways in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in propofol self-administration. We tested the expression of p-ERK in the NAc following the maintenance of propofol self-administration in rats. We also assessed the effect of administration of SCH23390, an antagonist of the D1 dopamine receptor, on the expression of p-ERK in the NAc in propofol self-administering rats, and examined the effects of intra-NAc injection of U0126, an MEK inhibitor, on propofol reinforcement in rats. The results showed that the expression of p-ERK in the NAc increased significantly in rats maintained on propofol, and pre-treatment with SCH23390 inhibited the propofol self-administration and diminished the expression of p-ERK in the NAc. Moreover, intra-NAc injection of U0126 (4 µg/side) attenuated the propofol self-administration. The data suggest that ERK signal transduction pathways coupled with D1 dopamine receptors in the NAc may be involved in the maintenance of propofol self-administration and its rewarding effects.

Glucocorticoid receptor mediated the propofol self-administration by dopamine D1 receptor in nucleus accumbens.

Propofol, a widely used anesthetic, can cause addictive behaviors in both human and experimental animals. In the present study, we examined the involvement of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling in the molecular process by which propofol may cause addiction. The propofol self-administration model was established by a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) schedule of reinforced dosing over successive 14days in rats. On day 15, the rats were treated with dexamethasone, a GR agonist (10-100µg/kg), or RU486, a GR antagonist (10-100µg/kg) at 1h prior to the last training. The animal behaviors were recorded automatically by the computer. The expression of dopamine D1 receptor in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was examined by Western blot and the concentrations of plasma corticosterone were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To further examine the specificity of GR in the process, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist, spironolactone, and dexamethasone plus MR agonist, aldosterone, were also tested. Administration of dexamethasone (100µg/kg) or RU486 (⩾10mg/kg) significantly attenuated the rate of propofol maintained active nose-poke responses and infusions, which were accompanied by reductions in both plasma corticosterone level and the expression of D1 receptor in the NAc. Neither spironolactone alone nor dexamethasone combined with aldosterone affected the propofol-maintaining self-administrative behavior, indicating GR, but not MR, modulates the propofol reward in rats. In addition, neither the food-maintaining sucrose responses under FR1 schedule nor the locomotor activity was affected by any doses of dexamethasone or RU486 tested. These findings provide evidence that GR signaling may play an important role in propofol reward.

[Effects of low-level lead exposure on the neurobehavioral development of infants and early intervention].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of low-level lead exposure on infant's neurobehavioral development and evaluate the effects of early intervention. METHODS: The study population consisted of 276 infants whose blood lead, cadmium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and calcium concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy and developmental status were assessed using the Gesell developmental Diagnosis scales (GDDS) at 6 months of age. All study subjects was divided into three groups: 58 infants in control group, 162 infants in low lead group and 56 infants in high lead group. On the basis infants of both the low and high lead groups were provided with interventional measures for 3 months, and tests for the blood lead, cadmium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium and GDDS were repeated for all infants both 12 and 18 months of ages. RESULTS: Infant' s developmental outcome revealed the developmental quotient was the lowest in the high lead group (86.74 +/- 9. 35), the lesser low in the low lead group (91.52 +/- 10.12) and the highest in control group (100.71 +/- 6.92). Changes in developmental quotient were detected in both the low and high lead groups with statistical significance (P < 0.05) after intervention measures adopted. However, the changes of developmental quotient were more remarkable in the low lead group and after the 18th month there was no statistical significance than control group (t = 1.721, P > 0.05) while the significant difference was found in between the high lead group and the control group (t = 23.495, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-level lead exposure interfered infant's neurobehavioral development and early intervention might improve infant's developmental quotient.