An ecological assessment of decision-making under risk and ambiguity through the virtual serious game Kalliste Decision Task.

Traditional methods for evaluating decision-making provide valuable insights yet may fall short in capturing the complexity of this cognitive capacity, often providing insufficient for the multifaceted nature of decisions. The Kalliste Decision Task (KDT) is introduced as a comprehensive, ecologically valid tool aimed at bridging this gap, offering a holistic perspective on decision-making. In our study, 81 participants completed KDT alongside established tasks and questionnaires, including the Mixed Gamble Task (MGT), Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), and Stimulating & Instrumental Risk Questionnaire (S&IRQ). They also completed the User Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire (USEQ). The results showed excellent usability, with high USEQ scores, highlighting the user-friendliness of KDT. Importantly, KDT outcomes showed significant correlations with classical decision-making variables, shedding light on participants' risk attitudes (S&IRQ), rule-based decision-making (MGT), and performance in ambiguous contexts (IGT). Moreover, hierarchical clustering analysis of KDT scores categorized participants into three distinct profiles, revealing significant differences between them on classical measures. The findings highlight KDT as a valuable tool for assessing decision-making, addressing limitations of traditional methods, and offering a comprehensive, ecologically valid approach that aligns with the complexity and heterogeneity of real-world decision-making, advancing research and providing insights for understanding and assessing decision-making across multiple domains.

Needs, barriers and facilitators for a healthier lifestyle in haemodialysis patients: The GoodRENal project.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, cognitive dysfunction and poor psychological well-being are often reported in patients on haemodialysis (HD). AIMS: We aimed to explore needs, barriers and facilitators-as perceived by patients, their carers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) for increasing the adherence to the diet, to physical activity and cognition and psychological well-being. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study following the STROBE statement. This study is part of an ERASMUS+ project, GoodRENal-aiming to develop digital tools as an educational approach to patients on HD. For that, the GoodRENal comprises HD centers located in four Belgium, Greece, Spain and Sweden. Exploratory questionnaires were developed regarding the perceived needs, barriers and facilitators regarding the diet, physical activity, cognition and psychological well-being from the perspective of patients, their carers and HCPs. RESULTS: In total, 38 patients, 34 carers and 38 HCPs were included. Nutrition: For patients and carers, the main needs to adhere to the diet included learning more about nutrients and minerals. For patients, the main barrier was not being able to eat what they like. Physical activity: As needs it was reported information about type of appropriate physical activity, while fatigue was listed as the main barrier. For Cognitive and emotional state, it was perceived as positive for patients and carers perception but not for HCPs. The HCPs identified as needs working as a team, having access to specialised HCP and being able to talk to patients in private. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and their carers listed as needs guidance regarding nutrition and physical activity but were positive with their cognitive and emotional state. The HCPs corroborated these needs and emphasised the importance of teamwork and expert support.

Addressing Cognitive Function and Psychological Well-Being in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review on the Use of Technology-Based Interventions.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk of both a gradual decline in cognitive function and an increase in psychological distress. This includes symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, all of which are factors that have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In response, we are now seeing that interventions based on new digital technologies are increasingly used in order to optimize patients' quality of life. Systematic research of the literature on electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo/ProQuest) covering the period from 2012 to 2022 was conducted in order to methodically review the existing evidence regarding the implementation and effectiveness of technology-based interventions in the management of cognitive and psychological well-being symptoms in patients with CKD. A total of 739 articles were retrieved, 13 of which are included in the present review. All the studies focused on the usability, acceptability, and feasibility of technology-based interventions aimed at psychological symptoms, with no studies targeting cognitive functioning. Technology-based interventions offer feelings of safety, fun, and satisfaction, and they also have the potential to improve CKD patients' health outcomes regarding their psychological well-being. The diverseness of technologies allows an approximation towards the identification of those types of technologies most frequently used, as well as the symptoms targeted. There was considerable heterogeneity in the types of technologies used for interventions in so few studies, making it difficult to draw conclusive findings with regard to their efficiency. In order to adequately assess the technology-based health interventions effect, future lines of research should consider designing non-pharmacological treatments for the improvement of cognitive and psychological symptoms in this type of patient.

The Multicultural Personality Questionnaire (SF-40): Adaptation and Validation of the Spanish Version.

The coexistence of diverse cultures in our society indicates the need to examine the factors related to the success of multicultural interactions. The study aims were to examine the psychometric characteristics of the Spanish version of the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire short form (MPQ-SF40), in a convenience sample of 392 university students. Then, the effect of sex and age was assessed, and finally, the levels and percentiles of multicultural personality were measured. The scale's validity was assessed with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA). Reliability was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability (CR), and average variance extracted (AVE). The final structure of the MPQ-SF40 consisted of 18 items grouped into five factors that present adequate psychometric properties. Sex-specific differences in MPQ-SF40 were statistically significant for factor 1, cultural empathy, and for factor 5, flexibility; women showed greater values. When age was analyzed, significant low correlations were obtained. The students showed medium to high levels of multicultural personality. The highest levels correspond to the personality factors of cultural empathy and open-mindedness. The use of the Spanish version of the MPQ-SF40 seems justified to determine students' multicultural personality traits, developing intervention programs to improve social support and the interpersonal relations between students.

Behavioral impact of experience based on environmental enrichment: Influence of age and duration of exposure in male NMRI mice.

Prior studies have suggested that short periods of exposure to environmental enrichment (EE) in rodents induce physiological and behavioral effects. In the present study, our aim was to evaluate if the impact of experiences based on EE could be modulated by the age of onset and the developmental period of exposure. NMRI male mice (n = 64) were exposed to EE or standard environment (SE) and behavioral changes (anxiety, exploration, memory and social interaction) were evaluated. Groups compared were: (a) SE: exposure to SE on post-natal day (PND) 28 and lasting 6 months; (b) EE-6: exposure to EE on PND 28 and lasting 6 months; (c) EE-4: exposure to EE on PND 91 and lasting 4 months; (d) EE-2: exposure to EE on PND 154 and lasting 2 months. Results indicated that in the hole-board task the decrease in exploratory behavior reached significance when EE was initiated at adolescence whereas anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus-maze tend to diminish after a longer period of EE. No significant effects of EE on aggressive behavior or novel object recognition were obtained. Taking these results into account, further studies are needed in order to determine the possible modulating role of age and duration of exposure to enriched environments on behavior. Results obtained could explain some discrepancies reported in previous studies, providing new evidence that could contribute to the design of future research related to the benefits of complex and enriched environments.

Mindfulness and grief: The MADED program mindfulness for the acceptance of pain and emotions in grief / Mindfulness y duelo: programa MADED, mindfulness para la aceptación del dolor, las emociones y el duelo

OBJECTIVE: to design a psychological intervention protocol for the accompaniment of pain and emotions in the grieving process based on attention and compassion. METHOD: mourners over 18 years of age, who have lost their family member at least 6 months ago, who are in phase 2 or 3 of the grieving process and who have no previous mental health problems, will be included. They will be evaluated after signing the informed consent, by means of: the Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Vitality Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale and the Complicated Grief Inventory. Descriptive statistics, Cohen's t-test for independent samples and Rosenthal's d or Mann-Whitney r U-test will be conducted if assumptions are not met. In addition, an ANCOVA will be performed along with the partial eta square. Outcome: The MADED (Mindfulness for Acceptance of Pain and Emotions in Grief) program consists of nine weekly sessions. CONCLUSION: The sessions that make up the program facilitate the healthy development of the grieving process based on the integration of the principles of mindfulness

OBJETIVO: diseñar un protocolo de intervención psicológica para el acompañamiento del dolor y las emociones en el proceso de duelo basado en la atención y la compasión. MÉTODO: se incluirán dolientes mayores de 18 años, que hayan perdido al familiar al menos hace 6 meses, que se encuentren en la fase 2 o 3 de elaboración del duelo y sin presencia de problemas de salud mental previa. Se les evaluará después de firmar el consentimiento informado, mediante: el Cuestionario de Mindfulness, el Cuestionario de Satisfacción con la Vida, el Cuestionario de Vitalidad, la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión, la Escala de Afecto Positivo y Negativo e Inventario de Duelo Complicado. Se llevarán a cabo: estadísticos descriptivos, pruebas t para muestras independientes y de Cohen o prueba U de Mann-Whitney r de Rosenthal si no se cumplen los supuestos. Además, se llevará a cabo un ANCOVA junto a eta cuadrado parcial. RESULTADO: el programa MADED (Mindfulness para la aceptación del dolor y las emociones en el duelo), consta de nueve sesiones semanales. CONCLUSIÓN: Las sesiones que componen el programa facilitan la elaboración saludable del proceso de duelo basándose en la integración de los principios del mindfulness

The Mediational Role of Burden and Perceived Stress in Subjective Memory Complaints in Informal Cancer Caregivers.

The role of informal caregiver of cancer patients is considered a situation of chronic stress that could have impact on cognitive functioning. Our aim was to evaluate differences in perceived stress, subjective memory complaints, self-esteem, and resilience between caregivers and non-caregivers, as well as the possible mediational role of burden in caregivers. The sample was composed of 60 participants divided into two groups: (1) Primary informal caregivers of a relative with cancer (CCG) (n = 34); and (2) non-caregiver control subjects (Non-CG) (n = 26). All participants were evaluated through a battery of tests: Socio-demographic questionnaire, subjective memory complaints questionnaire (MFE-30), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, resilience (CD-RISC-10), and perceived stress scale (PSS). The CCG group also completed the Zarit burden interview. Results indicated that CCG displayed higher scores than Non-CG in MFE-30 (p = 0.000) and PSS (p = 0.005). In the CCG group, Pearson correlations indicated that PSS showed a negative relationship with resilience (p = 0.000) and self-esteem (p = 0.002) and positive correlation with caregiver's burden (p = 0.015). In conclusion, CCG displayed higher number of subjective memory complaints and higher perceived stress than Non-CG, whereas no significant differences were obtained on self-esteem and resilience. These results could aid in designing new intervention strategies aimed to diminish stress, burden, or cognitive effects in informal caregivers of cancer patients.

Physical activity and environmental enrichment: Behavioural effects of exposure to different housing conditions in mice.

Enriched environments and exercise provide complex environmental stimulation that can induce emotional and cognitive changes; however, few studies have evaluated the effects of these two components on other behaviours, such as novelty seeking or pain sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of voluntary physical activity provided through different housing conditions on anxiety, locomotor activity, pain sensitivity, and exploration. Male mice at postnatal day (PND) 21 and were randomly assigned to one of four different conditions on PND 28: Marlau cages (MC), a standardized cage designed to provide a complex environment; physical exercise in large groups (PE­8); physical exercise in small groups (PE­4); or a standard environment (SE). After seven weeks, animals were evaluated in the hole­board task, the elevated zero maze, actimeter, and hot plate test. In the hole­board task, MC animals displayed more exploration than animals in the PE­8 and PE­4 groups, but no significant differences were observed between groups in the actimeter. In the elevated zero maze, MC and PE­8 animals exhibited an anxiogenic­like profile as compared to the SE group. When pain sensitivity was evaluated, the PE­8 group displayed a higher sensitivity to noxious thermal stimuli than the SE group. These data suggest that the complexity of the environment in which physical activity and environmental stimulation are provided can influence animal behaviours such as novelty seeking, emotional response, and pain sensitivity. These animal models could be useful for designing more personalized interventions that include physical, social, and cognitive stimulation to promote a more active lifestyle in humans. Such interventions could be useful in the prevention and treatment of aging­related decline or neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods for Evaluating the Interaction Between Social Stress and Environmental Enrichment in Animal Models of Nicotine Addiction.

The environmental enrichment (EE) paradigm has been evaluated as a means of counteracting some of the consequences of chronic stress in rodents as well as a model of protective environment against drug abuse development. In the present chapter, our main aim is to describe the models of EE and chronic social stress and how they can be applied jointly in order to evaluate the effects of early psychosocial stress in animals exposed of different environments (enriched environment or standard environment). Furthermore, both paradigms could be applied in animal models of nicotine addiction, so the guidelines for the application of a chronic oral nicotine treatment in mice will be described. The heterogeneity of the procedures carried out in different laboratories makes it interesting to specify their characteristics in order to obtain replicable and valid animal models.

An Animal Model of Alcohol Binge Drinking: Chronic-Intermittent Ethanol Administration in Rodents.

Binge drinking (BD), characterized by intermittent consumption of large quantities of alcohol in short periods of time, is the main alcohol consumption pattern in adolescents and young adults. BD has serious biomedical consequences, and it is a prominent risk factor for later development of alcohol use disorders. Rodent models offer exceptional power to study these negative consequences of BD. This chapter focuses on one of these BD models: the chronic-intermittent ethanol administration (CIEA) paradigm. Essentially, CIEA consists of the administration in rats or mice of i.p. injections of ethanol (doses: 3-4 g/kg) for several consecutive days each week, in alternation with several days without injections, during several weeks. Due to our interest in the neurobehavioral effects of BD, a combination of the CIEA model with a battery of behavioral tests is described, with emphasis on the effects of alcohol BD on different kinds of memory. The CIEA model, in combination with behavioral tasks, seems to be a useful tool for studying the neurobehavioral effects of BD as well as for developing potential prevention and treatment strategies.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease that is specially characterized by impairments in social communication and social skills. ASD has a high prevalence in children, affecting 1 in 160 subjects. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an effective tool for intervention in the health field. Different recent papers have reviewed the VR-based treatments in ASD, but they have an important limitation because they only use clinical databases and do not include important technical indexes such as the Web of Science index or the Scimago Journal & Country Rank. To our knowledge, this is the first contribution that has carried out an evidence-based systematic review including both clinical and technical databases about the effectiveness of VR-based intervention in ASD. The initial search identified a total of 450 records. After the exclusion of the papers that are not studies, duplicated articles, and the screening of the abstract and full text, 31 articles met the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes) criteria and were selected for analysis. The studies examined suggest moderate evidence about the effectiveness of VR-based treatments in ASD. VR can add many advantages to the treatment of ASD symptomatology, but it is necessary to develop consistent validations in future studies to state that VR can effectively complement the traditional treatments.

Altered cerebral blood flow velocity features in fibromyalgia patients in resting-state conditions.

The aim of this study is to characterize in resting-state conditions the cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) signals of fibromyalgia patients. The anterior and middle cerebral arteries of both hemispheres from 15 women with fibromyalgia and 15 healthy women were monitored using Transcranial Doppler (TCD) during a 5-minute eyes-closed resting period. Several signal processing methods based on time, information theory, frequency and time-frequency analyses were used in order to extract different features to characterize the CBFV signals in the different vessels. Main results indicated that, in comparison with control subjects, fibromyalgia patients showed a higher complexity of the envelope CBFV and a different distribution of the power spectral density. In addition, it has been observed that complexity and spectral features show correlations with clinical pain parameters and emotional factors. The characterization features were used in a lineal model to discriminate between fibromyalgia patients and healthy controls, providing a high accuracy. These findings indicate that CBFV signals, specifically their complexity and spectral characteristics, contain information that may be relevant for the assessment of fibromyalgia patients in resting-state conditions.

Cuidado de pacientes oncológicos: una revisión sobre el impacto de la situación de estrés crónico y su relación con la personalidad del cuidador y otras variables moduladoras / Care of oncological patients: a review on the impact of the chronic stress situation and its relation to the caregiver personality and other modulator variables

Objetivo: La incidencia y prevalencia de enfermedades de larga duración como el cáncer se ha incrementado en los últimos años. En este contexto, nuestro principal objetivo será el análisis de las principales consecuencias que la exposición a una situación de estrés crónico, como es el cuidado de un paciente oncológico, tiene sobre la salud psicosocial y la función cognitiva del cuidador informal y su relación con variables moduladoras. Método: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos PubMed y PsychINFO sobre las consecuencias de la situación de cuidado en pacientes crónicos. Resultados: Diversos estudios sugieren que la condición de cuidador de un paciente oncológico puede considerarse una situación estresante que conlleva consecuencias tanto a nivel de salud física como psicosocial del cuidador además de un deterioro en su funcionamiento cognitivo que pueden estar modulados por diferentes variables. Conclusión: Estos datos sugieren la importancia de implementar programas de intervención que amortigüen las consecuencias deletéreas de la labor de cuidado (AU)

Objective: The prevalence of long-term diseases such as cancer has increased in recent years. In this context, our aim will be to analyze the main consequences resulting from exposure to a chronic stress situation, such as the care of an oncologic patient. The effects of this situation on the psychosocial health and cognitive function of informal caregivers and their relationship with possible modulating variables will be revised. Method: A bibliographic review was performed in PubMed and PsycINFO databases about the consequences related to the caregiving of patients with chronic diseases. Results: Several studies suggest that the condition of caregiver of cancer patients could be considered as an and stressful situation. It has consequences on caregiver’s physical and psychosocial health, and can induce a decrease of cognitive functioning, although these changes may be modulated by different variables. Conclusion: These data suggest the need of implementing intervention programs in order to mitigate the deleterious consequences of the caregiving situation (AU)

Corticosterone levels and behavioral changes induced by simultaneous exposure to chronic social stress and enriched environments in NMRI male mice.

Environmental enrichment (EE) is an experimental model which is believed to counteract some of the effects induced by stressors, although few studies have exposed rodents simultaneously to EE and stress. Our aim was to compare the short- and long-term effects of different housing conditions in mice submitted to chronic stress. 128 NMRI male mice arrived at our laboratory on postnatal day (PND) 21. During Phase I (PND 28), animals were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions: 1) EE+STRESS: mice housed in EE and submitted to social stress (n=32); 2) EE+NO STRESS: mice housed in EE without stress (n=32); 3) SE+STRESS: mice maintained in standard conditions (SE) and submitted to social stress (n=32); and 4) SE+NO STRESS (n=32). At the end of Phase I (PND 77), one cohort of 32 animals was used for behavioral assessment whereas another cohort of 32 was sacrificed for corticosterone analysis. Results indicated that EE animals showed less body weight, higher water and food intake, diminished anxiety response and decreased motor and exploratory behavior than SE mice. Mice exposed to stress gained less body weight, showed higher food and fluid intake and displayed decreased exploratory behavior than non-stressed mice. Furthermore, EE+STRESS group displayed significantly higher corticosterone levels than EE+NO STRESS group whereas EE+NO STRESS group showed lower levels than SE+NO STRESS. On PND 83, Phase II of the study began. Animals (n=96) were assigned to two different housing conditions: EE (n=48) and SE (n=48). On PND 112, corticosterone analysis (n=32) and behavioral study (n=64) were done. The factor "Housing Phase II" reached statistical significance. Results indicated that EE animals showed lower body weight and higher fluid intake than SE group, as well as decreased anxiety. No clear effects on motor and exploratory behavior or learning were observed. When long-term effects were analyzed, results indicated that "Initial Housing" condition was significant: animals allocated in EE during Phase I of the study showed higher corticosterone levels, lower body weight and higher fluid intake than SE mice. "Initial Stress" had significant long-term actions on food intake and exploratory behavior: animals initially reared under stress conditions displayed higher food intake and lower exploration levels on the hole-board test than non-stressed mice. In the elevated plus-maze, there were significant interactions between factors "Initial Housing" and "Initial Stress". These factors did not reach statistical significance for motor activity or learning task. We can conclude that both short- and long-term effects of housing conditions are evident for corticosterone levels, body weight and fluid intake. Social stress induced short-term effects on body weight, food and fluid intake and exploratory behavior whereas long-acting effects were reflected on food intake and exploratory behavior. Further studies are needed in order to explore more in depth behavioral and physiological consequences of social stress and environmental enrichment.

Behavioral effects of different enriched environments in mice treated with the cholinergic agonist PNU-282987.

Environmental enrichment is an experimental model in which rodents are housed in complex environments that favor lower levels of anxiety-like behavior. PNU-282987 (PNU) is a α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist with beneficial effects on learning though its effects on anxiety are unclear. Our main aim was to carry out a study of its effects in NMRI (n=96) mice reared in different environments: environmental enrichment (EE), Marlau™ cages (MC) and standard environment (SE). After a 4-month period, mice received acute treatment of PNU (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg) and were evaluated in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and hole-board (HB). In the EPM, both EE and MC reared mice showed an increase in percentage of entries into open arms while those from EE group differed from SE in time spent on open arms. Mice treated with 2.5 and 10 mg/kg of PNU devoted less time to rearing into open arms. In the HB task, MC mice displayed higher exploratory activity reflected in more head-dips (HD) during the first minute than EE and SE, whereas EE displayed low exploration levels reflected in total HD (5 min). Further research is needed in order to clarify the behavioral effects of this nicotinic agonist in interaction with different environmental conditions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: insert SI title.

Environmental enrichment improves novel object recognition and enhances agonistic behavior in male mice.

Environmental enrichment (EE) is an experimental paradigm in which rodents are housed in complex environments containing objects that provide stimulation, the effects of which are expected to improve the welfare of these subjects. EE has been shown to considerably improve learning and memory in rodents. However, knowledge about the effects of EE on social interaction is generally limited and rather controversial. Thus, our aim was to evaluate both novel object recognition and agonistic behavior in NMRI mice receiving EE, hypothesizing enhanced cognition and slightly enhanced agonistic interaction upon EE rearing. During a 4-week period half the mice (n = 16) were exposed to EE and the other half (n = 16) remained in a standard environment (SE). On PND 56-57, animals performed the object recognition test, in which recognition memory was measured using a discrimination index. The social interaction test consisted of an encounter between an experimental animal and a standard opponent. Results indicated that EE mice explored the new object for longer periods than SE animals (P < .05). During social encounters, EE mice devoted more time to sociability and agonistic behavior (P < .05) than their non-EE counterparts. In conclusion, EE has been shown to improve object recognition and increase agonistic behavior in adolescent/early adulthood mice. In the future we intend to extend this study on a longitudinal basis in order to assess in more depth the effect of EE and the consistency of the above-mentioned observations in NMRI mice.

Behavioral effects of combined environmental enrichment and chronic nicotine administration in male NMRI mice.

Environmental enrichment (EE) is an experimental paradigm which provides sensory, social, physical and cognitive stimulation for rodents. Experimental evidence indicates that this type of housing induces different neurobiological and behavioral changes. However, few studies have evaluated the consequences of combined exposure to an enriched environment and nicotine administration during a critical period of development such as adolescence. Taking into account previous studies, it can be hypothesized that a chronic treatment with nicotine would modulate the effects of rearing animals in enriched environments. In the current study, our main aim was to evaluate the effects of EE and chronic nicotine administration on physiological parameters (weight, fluid intake and cotinine levels), motor activity, exploratory behavior, anxiety and learning in male NMRI mice. Half of the mice (n=32) were exposed to an enriched environment (EE) and the other half (n=32) were housed in standard environments (SE) with or without oral nicotine administration (100 µg/ml). After 3 weeks, mice were evaluated in a behavioral battery that included an elevated plus-maze, a hole board, an actimeter and an inhibitory avoidance task. Blood cotinine levels were measured in an additional group of 32 mice in order to confirm nicotine intake. Results indicated that mice reared in an enriched environment gained less body weight and displayed higher fluid intake than those maintained in a standard environment. EE reduced motor activity, exploratory behavior and anxiety, whereas it enhanced inhibitory avoidance learning. In relation to the effects of chronic nicotine treatment, the data reflected a lower increase in body weight and a reduced fluid intake in nicotine-treated mice. In the elevated plus-maze, nicotine induced a reduction of total arm entries and rearings. Cotinine levels were higher in mice that received oral nicotine than in the control group. We conclude that the EE paradigm applied in this study induces physiological and behavioral changes in NMRI mice. Chronic nicotine treatment diminished motor activity displayed by mice in the elevated plus-maze but did not have significant effects on inhibitory avoidance learning. Future studies should explore in greater depth the interaction between environmental factors and nicotine administration using longer periods of EE, a wider range of doses and/or other cholinergic agonists, acute drug administration, and sequential exposure to nicotine and EE.

Enriched environments for rodents and their interaction with nicotine administration.

An active lifestyle throughout the life cycle seems to delay cognitive aging and dementia and has also been evaluated as an intervention against addiction to cocaine and other drugs of abuse. In epidemiological studies with humans, it has proved difficult to separate the cognitive, social and physical components from other variables that influence lifestyle. Studies in animal models are useful for evaluating the impact of each of these factors and for uncovering the underlying mechanisms of the benefits of complex environments. Preclinical studies have employed the Environmental Enrichment paradigm (EE) which has been proposed as a preclinical model of positive life experiences in humans. EE has been associated with protective effects against addiction to some drugs, but few studies have been carried out in order to evaluate how its actions interact with nicotine addiction. In this context, the main aim of this review is to provide an analysis of the preclinical studies evaluating the interaction between exposure to enriched environments with the neurobiological and behavioral effects of nicotine administration. These studies will contribute to the development of future preventive and therapeutic applications of enriched environments and positive experiences for drug addiction in human beings, taking into account individual vulnerability. They also may shed light on new approaches to the treatment of nicotine addiction, as interventions based in physical exercise in interaction with other environmental variables.

[Nicotine and animal models: what does the environmental enrichment paradigm tell us?]. / Nicotina y modelos animales: ¿qué nos aporta el paradigma de enriquecimiento ambiental?

The Environmental Enrichment (EE) paradigm is a housing condition which aims is to provide physical, cognitive and sensorial stimulation to rodents. Animals are housed in larger cages containing inanimate objects such as tunnels, toys and running wheels. The main aim of the current work is to tackle the arguments which suggest that EE may diminish vulnerability to developing addiction to nicotine and other drugs of abuse and to review recent experimental studies performed in relation to this subject. We discuss the major changes induced by EE at physical, neurobiological and behavioral levels and review the results of recent studies which indicate that EE promotes both neurochemical (potentiation of the increase in dopamine release induced by nicotine in the brain cortex) and behavioral changes (increased ability to discriminate the presence of reward and decreased impulsivity), thus supporting the hypothesis put forward. In light of these results, EE can be proposed as a model for the study of vulnerability to addiction to different drugs of abuse, including cocaine and nicotine, though further studies are needed in order to establish the neurobiological implications of the effects of exposure to enriched environments and their possible relationship with changes in brain reward systems.