A sense of urgency: Trait impulsivity in co-occurring bipolar and alcohol use disorder.

BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder (BD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) often co-occur, with BD + AUD characterized by higher levels of impulsivity relative to either disorder alone. Emotional facets of impulsivity (e.g., "urgency," measured by the UPPS-P), however, remain underexplored in this population and could have distinct associations with clinical correlates. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a two-by-two (BDxAD) factorial design, including groups with BD + AD (n = 28), BD (n = 29), AD (n = 28), and healthy controls (HC) (n = 27), to identify between-group differences among the five subscales of the UPPS-P. Associations of UPPS-P subscales with Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) total scores and clinical variables of interest were also examined. RESULTS: BD + AD had the highest scores for every UPPS-P subscale but Sensation Seeking, with the Positive and Negative Urgency subscales having the largest main effects for both BD and AD. BIS-11 total scores were most correlated with the urgency subscales of the UPPS-P. Negative Urgency was found to be uniquely relevant to clinical measures in the BD + AD group. Rapid cycling was associated with both urgency subscales and BIS-11 scores, and the Alcohol Dependence Scale was most correlated with the Premeditation subscale. LIMITATIONS: Cross sectional design and predominantly white sample. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike the BIS-11, UPPS-P is able to distinguish emotional from nonemotional facets of impulsivity, something especially relevant to people with co-occurring BD + AD, where fluid emotionality is a key part of symptom presentation. For this reason, the UPPS-P should be utilized in future studies and clinical settings measuring trait impulsivity in this population.

Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control of Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim: A critical review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dried roots of Peucedanum decursivum, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has historically respiratory diseases such as cough, thick phlegm, headache, fever, and gynecological diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. AIM OF THE STUDY: Made an endeavor to evaluate the research trajectory of P. decursivum, comprehensively discern its developmental status, and offer a guideline for future investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meticulous search of literatures and books from 1955 to 2024 via databases like PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI was conducted, including topics and keywords of " P. decursivum" "Angelica decursivum" and "Zihua Qianhu". RESULTS: P. decursivum and its prescriptions have traditionally been used for treating phlegm-heat cough, wind-heat cough, gastrointestinal diseases, pain relief and so on. It contains 234 identified compounds, encompassing coumarins, terpenes, volatile oils, phenolic acids, fatty acids and derivatives. It exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer, and anti-cancer properties, primarily attributed to coumarins. Microscopic identification, HPLC fingerprinting, and bioinformatics identification are the primary methods currently used for the quality control. CONCLUSION: P. decursivum demonstrates anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, aligning with its traditional use. However, experimental validation of its efficacy against phlegm and viruses is needed. Additionally, analgesic effects mentioned in historical texts lack modern pharmacological studies. Numerous isolated compounds exhibit highly valuable medicinal properties. Future research can delve into exploring these substances further. Rigorous of heavy metal contamination, particularly Cd and Pb, is necessary. Simultaneously, investigating its pharmacokinetics and toxicity in humans is crucial for the safety.

The Androgen Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Shows a Greater Relationship with Impulsivity than Testosterone in a Healthy Male Sample.

This study was designed to examine the relationships among the impulsivity construct as a personality trait, the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and testosterone in a sample of 120 healthy middle-aged males (Mage = 44.39; SD = 12.88). The sum of the three BIS-11 scales, the SR, and the five UPPS-P scales correlated with DHEA-S 0.23 (p < 0.006) and testosterone 0.19 (p < 0.04), controlling for age. Partial correlations showed that DHEA-S was significantly related to motor impulsivity (0.24; p < 0.008), Sensitivity to Reward (0.29; p < 0.002), Lack of Premeditation (0.26; p < 0.05), and, to a lesser extent, Sensation Seeking (0.19; p < 0.04) and Positive Urgency (0.19; p < 0.04). Testosterone correlated with attention impulsivity (0.18; p < 0.04), Sensation Seeking (0.18; p < 0.04), and Positive Urgency (0.22; p < 0.01). Sensitivity to Reward, Negative Urgency, and Positive Urgency were significant predictors of DHEA-S (R2 = 0.28), and Positive Urgency for testosterone (R2 = 0.09). Non-parametric LOESS graphical analyses for local regression allowed us to visualize the non-linear relationships between the impulsivity scales with the two androgens, including non-significant trends. We discuss the implications of these results for impulsive biological personality traits, the limitations of our analyses, and the possible development of future research.

Prevalence of high impulsivity and its relation to sleep indices in opioid use disorder patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment.

BACKGROUND: The relation between impulsivity and sleep indices is not well determined in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). AIMS: to evaluate high impulsivity prevalence, its risk factors and relation with sleep indices. METHODS: a random MMT sample (n = 61) plus MMT current cocaine users (n = 20) were assessed for impulsivity (Barratt impulsivity scale [BIS-11] and Balloon Analogue Risk task [BART]), sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), sleepiness (The Epworth sleepiness scale [ESS]), and substance in urine. RESULTS: 81 patients, aged 56.6 ± 10, 54.3% tested positive to any substance, 53.1% with poor sleep (PSQI>5) and 43.2% with daytime sleepiness (ESS >7) were studied. Impulsivity (BIS-11 ≥ 72) prevalence was 27.9% (of the representative sample), and 30.9% of all participants. These patients characterized with any substance and shorter duration in MMT with no sleep indices or other differences including BART balloon task performance (that was higher only in any substance than non-substance user group). However, impulsive score linearly correlated with daytime sleepiness (R = 0.2, p = 0.05). Impulsivity proportion was lowest among those with no cocaine followed by cocaine use and the highest in those who used cocaine and opiates (20.8%, 33.3% and 60% respectively, p = 0.02), as daily sleep (38.3%, 42.1% and 60%, p = 0.3) although not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Daytime sleepiness correlated with impulsivity, but cocaine usage is the robust factor. Further follow-up is warranted to determine whether substance discontinuing will lead to a reduction in impulsivity, and improved vigilance. Sleep quality did not relate to daytime sleepiness and impulsivity and need further research.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11: The development of short form.

Impulsivity is an important mental health-related variable that has been associated with various human behaviors. The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale is the most frequently used measure to examine impulsivity. However, its psychometric and factor structure was not examined in Arabic speaking population. The goal of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale in Arabic speaking population. The current study used a cross-sectional design. Two independent samples were recruited: college students (N = 250) and persons with heart failure (N = 165). Exploratory factor analysis, then a series of confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess one- and three-factor models of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (30 items; i.e., BIS-11) and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (15 items; i.e., BIS-15). Because our analysis did not support the factor structure of the previous versions of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, we used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the model structure of the single-factor measure. To assess the measurement invariance, the newly developed measure was examined across different genders and populations. Due to poor psychometrics of BIS-11 and BIS-15, a short form (BIS-SF) was developed; and validity, reliability, and measurement invariance were supported. The current analysis showed that BIS-11 and BIS-15 have poor psychometrics. Thus, there was a need to improve the measure by reducing the number of items and re-evaluating the psychometrics of the new measure. The BIS-SF is a reliable, valid tool to assess impulsivity in our samples. Other studies need to support the current study findings in populations with other chronic illnesses.

Antibacterial activity of a novel compound isolated from Bacillus licheniformis for treating bacterial infections in fishes: An in-silico approach.

Aeromonas hydrophila is a fish pathogen which is widely associated with diseases related to freshwater fishes. Vibrio parahemolyticus is a major globally emerging marine pathogen. Seven novel compounds were extracted from the ethyl acetate extract of Bacillus licheniformis, a novel marine bacterium isolated from marine actinomycetes. The compounds were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Only one bioactive compound having potent antibacterial activity was virtually screened to understand its drug-like property according to Lipinski's rule. The core proteins, 3L6E and 3RYL from the pathogens, A. hydrophila and V. parahemolyticus were targeted for drug discovery. In the present in-silico approach, Phenol,2,4-Bis(1,1-Dimethylethyl) a potent bioactive compound present in Bacillus licheniformis was used to prevent the infection due to the two pathogens. Further, using this bioactive compound, molecular docking was done to block their specific target proteins. This bioactive compound satisfied all the five rules of Lipinski. Molecular docking result revealed the best binding efficacy of Phenol,2,4-Bis(1,1-Dimethylethyl) against 3L6E and 3RYL with - 4.24 kcal/mol and - 4.82 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also executed to determine the binding modes as well as the stability of the protein-ligand docking complexes in the dynamic structure. The in vitro toxicity analysis of this potent bioactive compound against Artemia salina was carried out, revealing the non-toxic nature of B. licheniformis ethyl acetate extract. Thus, the bioactive compound of B. licheniformis was found to be a potent antibacterial agent against A. hydrophila and V. parahemolyticus.

Impulsivity and Attention in Obsessive Compulsive and Tic Disorders: Mismatch in Self-Report and Behavioural Data.

Impulsivity is a multidimensional, cross-diagnostic behavioural construct that has been described in various psychiatric disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS). Different interpretations of results in the past have raised the question of heightened impulsivity as an explanatory model for self-described impulsive behaviour, especially in OCD. Our study included 16 patients with OCD, 14 patients with TS, and 28 healthy control subjects (HC). Self-assessed impulsivity was examined by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and the behavioural test used was the immediate and delayed memory task (IMT/DMT). Significantly heightened self-assessed impulsivity of the patient collective compared to HC could be observed in in only one dimension: lack of attention (χ2 (2) = 24.910, p < 0.001). Post-hoc tests were performed using Bonferroni adjusted alpha levels of 0.0167 per test (0.05/3) and revealed significantly higher scores in patients with OCD (M = 19.57, SD = 2.82), z = 4.292, p < 0.001 as with TS (M = 19.38, SD = 3.62), z = 3.832, p < 0.001 compared to HC (M = 13.78, SD = 3.18). In patients with OCD, correlations between the dimension of obsessive thoughts with a lack of attention in the form of first-order factor cognitive instability could be shown (n = 14, p = 0.024, rs = 0.599) while in patients with TS, tic symptomatology correlated significantly with second-order factor attentional impulsivity (n = 12, p = 0.027, rs = 0.635). In behavioural testing, no significant group differences could be observed either in impulsive behaviour (IMT: χ2 (2) = 4.709, p = 0.824; DMT: χ2 (2) = 0.126, p = 0.939) or in sustained attention (IMT: χ2 (2) = 0.388, p = 0.095; DMT: χ2 (2) = 0.663, p = 0.718). Heightened impulsivity as an explanatory model for the observed lack of attention, especially in patients with OCD, should be questioned and interpretation biases considered in the future. The necessity of a multidimensional approach to the research of impulsivity is underscored by our results.

Trait-Related Impulsivity, Affective Temperaments and Mood Disorders: Results from a Real-World Multicentric Study.

Trait-related impulsiveness is highly prevalent in patients with mood disorders, being associated with negative outcomes. The predictive role of affective temperaments on trait-related impulsivity is still understudied. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between impulsivity and affective temperaments in a sample of euthymic patients with mood disorders. This is a real-world multicentric observational study, carried out at the outpatient units of seven university sites in Italy. All patients filled in the short version of Munster Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. The study sample included 653 participants, mainly female (58.2%), with a mean age of 46.9 (±14.1). Regression analyses showed that higher levels of trait-related impulsivity were associated to suicide attempts (p < 0.000), the presence of psychotic symptoms during acute phases (p < 0.05), a seasonal pattern (p < 0.05), a lower age at onset of the disorder (p < 0.05), cyclothymic (p < 0.01) and irritable temperaments (p < 0.01). The results of our study highlight the importance to screen patients with mood disorders for impulsivity and affective temperaments in order to identify patients who are more likely to present a worse outcome and to develop personalized and integrated early pharmacological and psychosocial treatment plans. Novelties of the present paper include the recruitment of patients in a stable phase, which reduced possible bias in patients' self-reports, and the multicentric nature of the study, resulting in the recruitment of a large sample of patients with mood disorders, geographically distributed across Italy, thus improving the generalizability of study results.

Relationship between smoking, narcissism, and impulsiveness among young women.

Although the connection between smoking and individual differences has been recently recognized, the relationship between narcissistic personality traits and cigarette smoking has received less attention. The notion that personality traits can be associated with addictive behavior is influential in clinical practice. However, questions remain about specific interactions between smoking and personality characteristics that need empirical support to substantiate this hypothesis. This study thus identifies narcissistic and impulsive personality traits as precursors of smoking in a sample of tattooed individuals. In a cross-sectional study (N = 120), personality traits were assessed in young women (aged 18-35 years) using the narcissistic personality inventory and the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11). The current study, using the regression analysis, has clearly demonstrated that young women who smoke have different personality characteristics as compared with women who do not smoke.

Trait Impulsivity and Choice Impulsivity in Young Adult Students With Probable Binge Eating Disorder.

Background: Binge eating disorder (BED) as a public health problem has been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Akin to addictive disorders, impulsivity-related neuropsychological constructs might be potentially involved in the onset and development of BED. However, it remains unclear which facets of impulsivity are connected to overeating and binge eating behaviors among non-clinical populations. The present study aimed to detect the relationship between impulsivity and binge eating both on the personality-trait and behavioral-choice levels in undiagnosed young adults. Methods: Fifty-eight individuals with probable BED and 59 healthy controls, matched on age, gender, and educational level, were assessed by using a series of self-report measurements, including the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviors Scale (UPPS-P), Delay Discounting Test (DDT), and Probability Discounting Test (PDT). Results: Multivariate analysis of variance models revealed that compared with healthy controls, the probable BED group showed elevated scores on the BIS-11 Attentional and Motor impulsiveness, and on the UPPS-P Negative Urgency, Positive Urgency, and Lack of Perseverance. However, the probable BED subjects had similar discounting rates on the DDT and PDT with healthy controls. Regression models found that Negative Urgency was the only positive predictor of binge eating behavior. Conclusions: These findings suggested that typical facets of trait impulsivity, which have been recognized in addictive disorders, were associated with binge eating in young adults, whereas choice impulsivity was not aberrantly seen in the same probable BED sample. This study might promote a better understanding of the pathogenesis of BED.

The factor structure of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and correlates of impulsivity among outpatients with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders in Singapore.

BACKGROUND: Impulsivity has been linked to risky behaviours amongst patients with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. However, there is a dearth of studies examining impulsivity amongst this population in Singapore. Moreover, to date, scales to measure impulsivity have not been validated in this population. The present study seeks to examine the underlying factor structure of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and explore sociodemographic and clinical correlates of impulsivity within this group. METHODS: Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to test factor structures of the BIS-11 proposed in extant literature. However, due to poor fit statistics, the sample (n = 397) was split into two groups, with Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) conducted in the first subgroup (n = 200). The final model of the EFA was then tested within the second subgroup (n = 197) with CFA. Multivariable linear regressions were conducted to examine sociodemographic and clinical correlates of each underlying factor. RESULTS: CFA indicated a three-factor structure amongst 16-items of the BIS-11 with acceptable fit: i) Non-planning impulsivity (5-items; α = 0.94), ii) Motor impulsiveness (6-items α = 0.84), and iii) Lack of self-control (5-items, α = 0.85). Lower education was associated with higher non-planning impulsivity. While age, ethnicity, marital status, and general psychiatric symptom severity were significant correlates of motor impulsiveness, problematic alcohol use and general psychiatric symptom severity were related to a greater lack of self-control. CONCLUSION: Factor structures of the BIS-11 suggested by extant literature were not applicable, and we propose an alternative factor structure for BIS-11. Significant correlates of impulsivity are highlighted, and avenues for future research are suggested.

Safety assessment of diethyl[[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]methyl] phosphonate for use in a food contact material.

The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the substance diethyl[[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]methyl] phosphonate, FCM substance No. 1007, which is intended to be used in the polymerisation reaction to make poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) plastic. The substance is intended to become a component of the backbone of the polymer and has an antioxidant function that provides thermal stability to the polyester during heat processing. The resulting plastic is intended to be used in contact with all types of food under any condition of time and temperature. A PEF sample made using 0.1% w/w of the substance (which is the maximum intended use) was used in a comprehensive set of migration tests with food simulants. The migration of the substance was below the quantification limits estimated around 10 µg/kg. Solvent extraction tests showed no presence of impurities or breakdown products of the substance. The toxicological data provided are the same as those submitted by the same applicant and previously evaluated. The resulting assessment and conclusions are considered still valid by the CEP Panel. Therefore, the CEP Panel concluded that the substance diethyl[[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]methyl]phosphonate does not raise a safety concern for the consumer if used at up to 0.1% w/w (based on the weight of the polymer) in the polymerisation to make PEF intended for contact with all types of foods under any contact conditions.

The Influence of 5-HTTLPR, BDNF Rs6265 and COMT Rs4680 Polymorphisms on Impulsivity in Bipolar Disorder: The Role of Gender.

Impulsivity has been proposed as an endophenotype for bipolar disorder (BD); moreover, impulsivity levels have been shown to carry prognostic significance and to be quality-of-life predictors. To date, reports about the genetic determinants of impulsivity in mood disorders are limited, with no studies on BD individuals. Individuals with BD and healthy controls (HC) were recruited in the context of an observational, multisite study (GECOBIP). Subjects were genotyped for three candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (5-HTTLPR, COMT rs4680, BDNF rs6265); impulsivity was measured through the Italian version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). A mixed-effects regression model was built, with BIS scores as dependent variables, genotypes of the three polymorphisms as fixed effects, and centers of enrollment as random effect. Compared to HC, scores for all BIS factors were higher among subjects with euthymic BD (adjusted ß for Total BIS score: 5.35, p < 0.001). No significant interaction effect was evident between disease status (HC vs. BD) and SNP status for any polymorphism. Considering the whole sample, BDNF Met/Met homozygosis was associated with lower BIS scores across all three factors (adjusted ß for Total BIS score: −10.2, p < 0.001). A significant 5-HTTLPR x gender interaction was found for the SS genotype, associated with higher BIS scores in females only (adjusted ß for Total BIS score: 12.0, p = 0.001). Finally, COMT polymorphism status was not significantly associated with BIS scores. In conclusion, BD diagnosis did not influence the effect on impulsivity scores for any of the three SNPs considered. Only one SNP­the BDNF rs6265 Met/Met homozygosis­was independently associated with lower impulsivity scores. The 5-HTTLPR SS genotype was associated with higher impulsivity scores in females only. Further studies adopting genome-wide screening in larger samples are needed to define the genetic basis of impulsivity in BD.

Measuring Impulsivity in Greek Adults: Psychometric Properties of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Impulsive Behavior Scale (Short Version of UPPS-P).

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to validate the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11th version) scale as well as the short version of the Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P) in a population of Greek young adults. Secondly, we aimed at validating the BIS-11 in older adults. METHODS: 167 (Group 1) university students completed the Greek version of the BIS-11 (BIS-11-G) and the UPPS (UPPS-P-G) scales. Additionally, BIS-11-G was also administered to 167 (Group 2) cognitively intact older adults, to identify whether it could be used to measure impulsivity in an older adult population. RESULTS: Both scales had satisfactory internal reliability and test-retest reliability, as well as convergent validity in the young adult population. In regard to the factor structure, a principal component analysis (PCA) extracted two factors for the BIS-11-G in the young adult population and three factors in older adults, as well as three factors for the short UPPS-P-G in young adults. CONCLUSIONS: The BIS-11-G and the UPPS-P-G scales can be used to measure different aspects of impulsivity in the Greek population of different ages in research and clinical practice.

Antifungal activity and molecular docking of phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) produced by plant growth-promoting actinobacterium Kutzneria sp. strain TSII from mangrove sediments.

The present study reveals the plant growth-promoting (PGP) potentials and characterizes the antifungal metabolites of Kutzneria sp. strain TSII isolated from mangrove sediment soil through in vitro and in silico studies. In this study, Kutzneria sp. strain TSII was screened for PGP activities and the antifungal activities against Pithomyces atro-olivaceous, a leaf spot-associated pathogen in groundnut plants. The ethyl acetate extract of Kutzneria sp. strain TSII was purified using column chromatography, and the presence of various antimicrobial compounds was studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. In silico modeling and docking were carried out to evaluate the antifungal potent of bioactive compound. Kutzneria sp. strain TSII produced proteases, phosphatases, ammonia, siderophores, cellulases, indole acetic acid (IAA), lipases, and amylases, indicating its ability to enhance the growth of plants. The ethyl acetate extract of Kutzneria sp strain TSII was found to be a potent inhibitor of fungal mycelial growth in the potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. The GC-MS spectral study showed 24 antimicrobial compounds belonging to five chemical groups: phenolics, phthalates, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), spiro, and fatty alcohols. In silico docking studies showed that phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-effectively attaches with the active site of mitochondrial F1F0 Adenosine triphosphate synthase enzymes of Pithomyces atro-olivaceous. Hence, it is clear that these antifungal compounds shall be formulated shortly to treat many plant fungal diseases in an eco-friendly manner.

Decolorization and discovery of metabolic pathway for the degradation of Mordant Black 11 dye by Klebsiella sp. MB398.

Extensive utilization of the synthetic dyes in various industries is leading to water and soil contamination and ultimately impacting the humans. A research study was conducted for investigating the biodecolorization and biotransformation of Mordant Black 11 dye. For this purpose, potential of biofilm forming bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae MB398 isolated from effluent outlets of Tops Food Industry, Hattar, Pakistan, was assessed to decolorize and transform Mordant Black 11 dye. Bacterial strain MB398 exhibited the capability of growing optimally at acidic pH (pH 6.0). Klebsiella pneumoniae MB398 efficiently decolorized Mordant Black 11 dye (64.55%) in aerobic environment at pH 6.0 and 37 °C over 24 h, which further increased to 75.35% over a period of 72 h of incubation. Strain MB398 also exhibited the capability of decolorizing Mordant Black 11 dye in the presence of cadmium (63.71%), chromium (61.78%), and copper (61.50%), respectively. UV-VIS spectrophotometric analysis, FTIR, and HPLC spectra were also indicative of biotransformation of dye molecules by Klebsiella pneumoniae MB398. GC-MS analysis of Mordant Black 11 dye revealed formation of 9 novel and unique metabolites including phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl); 9-eicosene, (E); ethanol,2,2-(2-propenyloxy); acetic acid, benzene; 1-naphthol; methyl formate; valeraldehyde,2,4-dimethyl; and 7-hexadecene (Z). A possible metabolic pathway depicting the biotransformation of Mordant Black 11 dye by Klebsiella pneumoniae MB398 was projected. Findings of the current research study strongly suggest application of Klebsiella pneumoniae MB398 for developing large scale bioremediation strategies for the abatement of synthetic dyes to retain environmental sustainability in bioeconomic way.

Impulsiveness in borderline personality disorder predicts the long-term outcome of a psychodynamic treatment programme.

Despite the preponderance of treatment outcome predictors in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), the predictive value of measures of impulsiveness is inconclusive. This naturalistic study consecutively included hospitalized patients with BPD (N = 99) who underwent a standardized and structured 12-week inpatient treatment programme, which integrated cognitive-behavioural and psychodynamic elements. The Brief Symptom Checklist (BSCL) was applied as outcome measure over four time points: pretreatment, posttreatment, first follow-up at 6 to 8 weeks and second follow-up at 1 year after discharge. Impulsiveness was measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) at the pretreatment time point. The BSCL significantly decreased between pretreatment and posttreatment, followed by an increase after posttreatment without reaching pretreatment extent. The temporal course of the BSCL significantly varied with pretreatment BIS in that patients with higher impulsiveness revealed a stronger re-increase of symptom severity from posttreatment to end of follow-up than those with lower impulsiveness. The least impulsive patients thereby showed no rebound effect. The robustness of the results was examined by cross-validation. The results indicate that irrespective of the level of impulsiveness, patients with BPD profit from a structured inpatient treatment. However, long-term treatment success was impaired in patients with high level of impulsiveness at pretreatment. Thus, self-ratings of impulsiveness in BPD patients can be utilized for treatment planning. After discontinuation of interventions, relapse prevention should be implemented early in high impulsive patients as symptoms recrudesce in the course after discharge.

Curcumin Has Protective Effect on the Eye Lens Against Arsenic Toxicity.

Arsenic is a highly carcinogenic environmental contaminant. Curcumin, the bioactive component of turmeric, exhibits therapeutic efficacy against several chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. The present study was carried out to investigate the impact of arsenic on eye lens and evaluate the ameliorative potential of curcumin against arsenic toxicity. Gene expression analysis of α, ß, and γ-crystallins and fatty acid profile of lens tissues of arsenic-exposed Labeo rohita was examined and the protective effect of curcumin as diet supplement was evaluated. Curcumin-supplemented diet was prepared at 1.5% and 3% and fed to four groups of fish for 7 days prior to arsenic exposure (at 5 ppm and 15 ppm) for 15 days. Gene expression analysis showed downregulation of α and ß-crystallins in the eye lens of arsenic-exposed groups (fed basal diet), whereas the groups fed a curcumin-supplemented diet showed insignificant alterations. Similarly, fatty acid fingerprint of lens lipids arsenic-exposed group exhibited reduction in saturated fatty acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content. However, in 3% curcumin-supplemented diet-fed and arsenic exposed group group, fatty acid profile remained unchanged. Interestingly, concentration of one non-fatty acid, an antioxidant compound (phenol 2,4-bis 1,1 dimethyl; PD) that was identified in the GC-MS fingerprinting through NIST library (version 2.2, 2014), decreased in response to arsenic exposure which was restored to normal level in curcumin-supplemented groups proving the therapeutic potential of curcumin. The findings of the study suggest that curcumin has a protective effect on eye lens against arsenic toxicity.

Copper and Impulsivity in Ketamine Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Mood Disorders.

Treatment-resistant mood disorders, including both major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), are challenging to treat, as limited interventions exist. Ketamine exhibits an antidepressive effect in treatment-resistant depression. Abnormal copper levels might be associated with symptoms of depression. Impulsivity is related to measures of depression, both in MDD and in BD. The aim of this paper is to explore the associations between blood copper levels and impulsivity in patients who are treatment-resistant, in the course of treatment-resistant mood disorders. The paper does not support evidence for the link between copper concentrations and impulsivity outcomes in the course of short-term ketamine treatment.

Deter the emotions: Alexithymia, impulsivity and their relationship to binge drinking.

INTRODUCTION: The relevance of both emotion processing and impulsivity to alcohol use and misuse is increasingly recognised, yet there is a scarcity of studies addressing their reciprocal interaction. The present study aimed to examine the role that difficulties in emotion processing and trait impulsivity play in explaining binge drinking pattern of alcohol use in student population. We looked at binge drinking, as it is a risk factor to later alcohol abuse and is a common alcohol drinking habit among students. Alexithymia (from Greek as "deter/repel emotions"), a difficulty in identifying and describing feelings in self and others is increasingly recognised as a feature of alcohol misuse. METHODS: One-hundred and seventy-four student alcohol drinkers were assessed for their drinking habits (Alcohol Use Questionnaire), as well as for alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale) and impulsivity trait (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale); facial emotional expression judgements were also tested. RESULTS: A direct relationships between, both, alexithymia and impulsivity, and binge drinking was found. When combined, trait impulsivity partially mediated the relationship between alexithymia and binge drinking. Facial emotional expression judgements also showed a relationship with binge drinking. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of both emotion processing and impulsivity in understanding binge drinking and indicate potential routes for prevention and intervention techniques, especially towards those who may be at risk of later alcohol abuse.