Experimental Evaluation of Sensitivity Training

Behavioral characterization of musth in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus): Defining progressive stages of male sexual behavior in in-situ and ex-situ populations

The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of group schema therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on psychological symptoms and resilience in individuals seeking divorce. The research method was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and a control group, along with a three-month follow-up period. The statistical population included individuals seeking divorce who referred to Family Court Complex No. 2 in Velenjak, Tehran, between December 2023 and March 2024, totaling 501 individuals. A sample of 60 eligible participants was selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria using convenience sampling and was randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group (each group consisting of 20 individuals). The data collection instruments included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) (Connor & Davidson, 2003). All three groups underwent a pre-test using the research instruments. Then, group schema therapy and MBSR interventions were separately administered to their respective experimental groups over eight 90-minute sessions, while the control group was placed on a waitlist. Upon completion of the interventions, a post-test was conducted for both experimental and control groups, followed by a follow-up test three months later. The data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The findings indicated that both group schema therapy and MBSR significantly impacted psychological symptoms and resilience in individuals seeking divorce (p < .05). The results of the Scheffé test demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of the two interventions on psychological symptoms (p < .05; MD = 2.50), with MBSR being more effective than group schema therapy in reducing psychological symptoms. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two interventions regarding resilience enhancement (p > .05; MD = 2.97), suggesting that both therapies equally contributed to increasing resilience. The effects remained stable at the three-month follow-up. This study suggests that group schema therapy and MBSR can significantly help reduce psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing resilience in individuals undergoing divorce.

Background: Myocarditis is a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the myocardium that can be triggered by viral infections, including influenza. While corticosteroids have historically been used with caution in viral myocarditis due to concerns over impaired viral clearance, recent insights—particularly those emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic—suggest that early, moderate-dose corticosteroid therapy may offer clinical benefits in selected inflammatory cardiac syndromes. This study aimed to assess the incidence and clinical features, as well as short-term outcomes of influenza-related myocarditis and/or pericarditis. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted, including all consecutive patients diagnosed with acute myocarditis and/or pericarditis between December 2024 and March 2025 who presented with chest pain or dyspnea and had a confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) infection. The diagnostic evaluation included cardiac biomarkers, ECG, TTE, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). All patients were monitored during a three-month follow-up period. Results: Of 281 patients with laboratory-confirmed H1N1 infection, six (2%) were diagnosed with myocarditis and/or pericarditis. All patients diagnosed with myocarditis received corticosteroid therapy and an antiviral drug (oseltamivir). CMR confirmed the diagnosis in all cases of inflammatory cardiomyopathy. At 30 days, median LVEF improved from 49% to 58%. No deaths or rehospitalizations were reported. Conclusions: Influenza-related myocarditis and/or pericarditis are relatively uncommon, occurring in approximately 2% of cases. When they occur, they are primarily associated with an uncomplicated clinical course and with favourable short-term outcomes, including a rapid recovery of left ventricular function and the absence of adverse events at three-month follow-up.

BackgroundDual process theories propose that the brain uses 2 types of thinking to influence behavior: automatic processing and reflective processing. Automatic processing is fast, immediate, nonconscious, and unintentional, whereas reflective processing focuses on logical reasoning, and it is slow, step by step, and intentional. Most digital psychological health interventions tend to solely target the reflective system, although the automatic processing pathway can have strong influences on behavior. Laboratory-based research has highlighted that automatic processing tasks can create behavior change; however, there are substantial gaps in the field on the design, implementation, and delivery of automatic processing tasks in real-world settings. It is important to identify and summarize the existing literature in this area to inform the translation of laboratory-based research to real-world settings.ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to explore the effectiveness of automatic training tasks, types of training tasks commonly used, mode of delivery, and impacts of gamification on automatic processing tasks designed for digital psychological health interventions in real-world settings among adults.MethodsThe scoping review methodology proposed by Arskey and O’Malley and Colquhoun was applied. A scoping review was chosen because of the novelty of the digital automatic processing field and to encompass a broad review of the existing evidence base. Electronic databases and gray literature databases were searched with the search terms “automatic processing,” “computerised technologies,” “health intervention,” “real-world,” and “adults” and synonyms of these words. The search was up to date until September 2018. A manual search was also completed on the reference lists of the included studies.ResultsA total of 14 studies met all inclusion criteria. There was a wide variety of health conditions targeted, with the most prevalent being alcohol abuse followed by social anxiety. Attention bias modification tasks were the most prevalent type of automatic processing task, and the majority of tasks were most commonly delivered over the web via a personal computer. Of the 14 studies included in the review, 8 demonstrated significant changes to automatic processes and 4 demonstrated significant behavioral changes as a result of changed automatic processes.ConclusionsThis is the first review to synthesize the evidence on automatic processing tasks in real-world settings targeting adults. This review has highlighted promising, albeit limited, research demonstrating that automatic processing tasks may be used effectively in a real-world setting to influence behavior change.

Amino acids, as nutrients, are expected to improve sleep disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the generation- and age-dependent sleep-improving effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) coadministration. The differentially expressed genes and generation-related behavior after the administration of a GABA/5-HTP mixture were measured in a Drosophila model, while age-related changes in gene expression and oxidative stress-related parameters were measured in a mouse model. The GABA/5-HTP-treated group showed significant behavioral changes compared to the other groups. Sequencing revealed that the GABA/5-HTP mixture influenced changes in nervous system-related genes, including those involved in the regulation of the expression of behavioral and synaptic genes. Additionally, total sleep time increased with age, and nighttime sleep time in the first- and third-generation flies was significantly different from that of the control groups. The GABA/5-HTP mixture induced significant changes in the expression of sleep-related receptors in both models. Furthermore, the GABA/5-HTP mixture reduced levels of ROS and ROS reaction products in an age-dependent manner. Therefore, the increase in behavioral changes caused by GABA/5-HTP mixture administration was effective in eliminating ROS activity across generations and ages.

This entry conceptually reviews the definition, moderators, and mechanism of narrative appeals as well as relevant concepts and theories for their health persuasion and behavioral change effects. Narrative transportation (or immersion) is a mechanism through which a narrative influences people's cognition, affect, and behavior. This process promotes the suspension of disbelief as well as the reduction of counterarguments and resistance to persuasion, enables the story experience to become like a personal experience, and creates the player's affective response to narrative characters through processes such as interpersonal attraction, likability, identification, or parasocial interaction. Moderators include the audience's transportability, need for affect, prior knowledge and familiarity as well as narrative quality, co‐viewing, and first‐person perspective. Narratives complement behavioral change theories including the theory of planned behavior, social cognitive theory, and self‐determination theory. A preliminary body of research has verified narrative's behavioral change effect. Once narratives have been developed with the guidance of relevant behavior theories and engaging elements for the audience, they can induce significant behavior change such as objectively measured physical activity. The effect is not simply attributable to the inclusion of additional video, but narrative per se. The development of media technology has created many opportunities for narratives to elicit significant behavior changes. Innovative and rigorous empirical research is needed to enhance our understanding of the mechanism of narrative persuasion and behavior change.

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and effectiveness of behavioral goal choices in the self-management of diabetes and to test goal-setting theory hypotheses that self-selection and behavioral specificity of goals are key to enhancing persistence. Participants with type 2 diabetes in a randomized controlled trial (n = 422) completed baseline behavioral assessments using a clinic-based, interactive, self-management CD-ROM that allowed them to select a behavioral goal and receive mail and telephone support for the initial 6 months of the trial followed by additional behavioral assessments. Frequency of behavioral goal selection and 6-month behavioral data were collected. Approximately 49%, 27%, and 24% of the participants, respectively, set goals to increase physical activity (PA), reduce fat intake, or increase fruits and vegetables (F&V) consumed. At baseline, participants who selected PA, reduced fat consumption, or F&V were significantly, and respectively, less active, consumed more dietary fat, and ate fewer F&V regardless of demographic characteristics. Participants who selected a reduced-fat goal showed a significantly larger decrease than did those that selected PA or F&V goals. Participants who selected an F&V goal showed significant changes in F&V consumption. Participants who selected a PA goal demonstrated significant changes in days of moderate and vigorous physical activity. When participants are provided with information on health behavior status and an option of behavioral goals for managing type 2 diabetes, they will select personally appropriate goals, resulting in significant behavioral changes over a 6-month period.

by providing objective information regarding medical radiation for elementary, middle, and high school students in Korea, who are expected to have a high ripple effect in education, and by analyzing behavioral changes in the selection of medical radiation, this study aimed to deduce the basis for educational intervention. The tools used in the study were a questionnaire, including questions about perception, knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward medical radiation; video and Power-point materials for the lesson; simulated radiation diagnosis selection form; and radiation treatment selection form to find out about behavior. A post-test demonstrated that the objective knowledge about medical radiation of all the students turned out to be significantly higher (p<0.000) after the lesson compared to before the lesson. However, there were no statistically significant behavioral changes. Rather, for high school students, the behavior of selecting medical radiography and treatment was significantly lower (p<0.000) after the lesson. For the more impressionable children in the lower grades, the lesson must not only provide an opportunity to understand and pay attention to diverse viewpoints, but also encourage them to make ethical decisions based on value. Since it can be predicted that attitude or behavioral changes through education or publicity can be expected from adults older than high school students, issues regarding dangers like radiation exposure must be treated as an issue of value judgment predicated on multifaceted considerations

The hypocretin (HCRT) system of the perifornical-lateral hypothalamic area (PF-LHA) has been implicated in the facilitation of behavioral arousal. HCRT neurons receive serotonergic afferents from the dorsal raphe nucleus. Although in-vitro pharmacological studies suggest that serotonin (5-HT) inhibits HCRT neurons, the in-vivo effects of 5-HT on HCRT neurons in the PF-LHA and associated behavioral changes have not been described. We examined the effects of 5-HT delivered locally into the PF-LHA using reverse microdialysis on its neuronal activity and the consequent sleep-wake changes in rats. First, we quantified Fos expression (Fos-IR) in HCRT and other PF-LHA neurons following unilateral 5-HT perfusion in awake rats. Second, we determined the transient effects of 5-HT perfusion on the extracellular activity of the PF-LHA neurons recorded via microwires placed adjacent to the microdialysis probe. Third, we examined the effects of 5-HT perfusion into the PF-LHA on the sleep-wake profiles of the rats during the lights-off period. Unilateral perfusion of 5-HT into the PF-LHA in awake rats dose-dependently decreased the number of HCRT neurons exhibiting Fos-IR. 5-HT also inhibited the discharge activity of four of five responsive wake-related, putative HCRT neurons. However, unilateral perfusion of 5-HT into the PF-LHA did not produce significant behavioral changes during the 2-h recording period. These results confirm the in-vitro findings that 5-HT exerts inhibitory influences on HCRT neurons but further suggest that the inactivation of a limited number of HCRT neurons by unilateral 5-HT microdialysis may not be sufficient to induce behavioral changes.

Potassium Bromate-induced Changes in the Adult Mouse Cerebellum Are Ameliorated by Vanillin

Plus-maze retest profile in mice: Importance of initial stages of trial 1 and response to post-trial cholinergic receptor blockade

BackgroundAdhesion formation poses a significant challenge for both patients and hand surgeons following tendon repair. One common strategy to prevent adhesion formation is the use of physical barriers. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of extensor tendon repair with and without the application of the OrthoWrap® bioresorbable Sheet, specifically in terms of adhesion prevention.MethodsThis triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with trauma to the extensor zone VI tendons. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the intervention group, OrthoWrap® bioresorbable Sheet was applied in addition to the standard tendon repair protocol. Over a three-month follow-up period, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, extension lag, and metacarpophalangeal joint flexion were assessed. Additionally, the mobility of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints was evaluated using the Strickland classification.ResultsA total of 42 patients in the OrthoWrap® group and 43 in the control group were evaluated over the three-month period. Both groups showed a significant reduction in mean extension lag at the metacarpophalangeal joint over time. No significant condition-by-time interactions were found for MP joint flexion or VAS scores (p > 0.05). However, significant improvements in MP joint flexion and VAS scores were observed over time. The OrthoWrap® group demonstrated significantly more favorable outcomes compared to the control group.ConclusionThe clinical application of OrthoWrap® in extensor tendon repair demonstrated statistically significant but modest improvements in extension lag (2.5°). While patients treated with OrthoWrap® showed better outcomes in Strickland’s classification, the clinical significance of these small differences and their impact on patient function requires further investigation.Trial registrationIRCT, IRCT20180627040252N3. Registered 20,220,617, Https//irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/56,652.

Introduction: Diet and dietary interventions have drawn considerable attention in the literature as etiopathogenic factors and therapeutic approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), respectively. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet on the alterations of behavior in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD. We also aim to explore the possible association between ASD symptoms and urinary concentrations of beta-casomorphin. Methods: A total of 28 patients were recruited for this crossover clinical trial. Patients followed a normal diet (including gluten and casein) for three months and a GFCF diet for another three months. The order of the intervention —i.e., beginning with normal diet or with GFCF diet— was determined at random. The subjects were evaluated at three time points: at the onset of the study, after the first diet, and after the second diet. Each evaluation entailed three questionnaires on behavior and autism, a food frequency questionnaire (to determine adherence to the diet) and a determination of concentrations of beta-casomorphin in urine using chromatographic techniques. Results: No significant behavioral changes were found after a GFCF diet. No association was found between ASD symptoms and urinary concentrations of beta-casomorphin. Conclusion: A GFCF diet followed for three months do neither show significant changes in behavioral symptoms of autism nor in urine concentrations of beta-casomorphin using chromatographic detection. However, we need further studies including elements of placebo and double-blindness and more sophisticated beta-casomorphin detection techniques to better define subjects who might benefit from these diets.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-monitoring attention training program on improving concentration and cognitive flexibility among elementary school students diagnosed with mathematical learning disabilities. Methods and Materials: The research method employed a semi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with experimental and control groups, followed by a three-month follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of female students with mathematical learning disabilities in the first grade who were referred to the Boroujerd City Disorders Center during the 2023-2024 academic year. The research sample consisted of 30 female students who were randomly selected based on the entry criteria and divided into experimental and control groups (15 students in each group). The experimental group received 12 sessions of the attention self-monitoring training program. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS 27 software. Findings: The results indicated a statistically significant difference in the scores of concentration and cognitive flexibility between the experimental and control groups in students with specific learning disabilities (p ≤ 0.01). This finding persisted during the three-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Overall, the results of the present study highlight self-monitoring of attention as a promising strategy and point of improvement for concentration and cognitive flexibility, which can be utilized to address cognitive problems (specifically, concentration and cognitive flexibility) in students with specific learning disabilities.

Different liquid diets were tested as vehicles for ethanol administration in order to maximize the blood ethanol level (BEL) in rats. This was done since maternal BEL during the gestation period is believed to be the determining factor for behavioral and neurochemical changes in the offspring. A comparative study with three different liquid diets indicated that the Sustacal and Lieber‐DeCarli diets were more effective in elevating the BEL than the Bio‐Mix diet. Furthermore, it was observed that prenatal ethanol exposure affected to a varying extent the neuromuscular abilities (detected by rotarod test) and maze‐learning in the offspring of mothers that receive ethanol through Lieber‐DeCarli diet. No significant (P &lt; 0.01) behavioral changes were observed in the offspring of mothers that received the Bio‐Mix diet containing ethanol.