Behavioural effects of benzodiazepines following metrazol-induced seizures

Previous research indicates that seizures cause transient and in some cases, long lasting increases in the density of benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. The present research sought to discover the behavioural effects of diazepam (Valium), one of the benzodiazepines, on rats in a conflict paradigm following Metrazol induced seizures. A total of 82 SHS rats (both sexes) were used in this 4(diazepam doses) X 2 (seizure condition) X 2(sexes) factorial design. The conflict involved the availability of food for 24 hour food deprived rats in a brightly lit open field . Since diazepam is known to have an anticonflict effect, it was hypothesized that animals experiencing a seizure would demonstrate a greater anticonflict response. Results showed significant main effects for diazepam and seizure factors in food eaten, approaches to the food and in the ratio between food eaten and approaches to the food. However, the seizure condition animals showed less anticonflict behaviour which is contrary to what was predicted. Significant drug by seizure interactions were expected and confirmed. The possible drug interactions at the level of the brain receptors is discussed, as well as, the behaviour resulting from combining central nervous system(CNS) stimulants with CNS depressants and anxiolytics

The Natural History of Trachoma Infection and Disease in a Gambian Cohort with Frequent Follow-Up

Trachoma is an infectious disease of the eye that causes blindness in many of the poorest parts of the world. In this paper, we use a novel statistical approach to estimate the characteristics of this disease among people living in The Gambia who were examined every 2 weeks over a 6-month period. We found that the typical duration of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and of clinically active disease were significantly longer than previously estimated. We tested different hypotheses about the natural history of trachoma that explain the relationship between infection and disease observed in the field. We also confirmed that disease lasts significantly longer among young children under 5 years old compared with older children and adults, even after accounting for high rates of re-infection in this age group, consistent with the development of immunity with age. The long duration of infection, especially among younger children, contributes to the persistence and gradual return of trachoma after community-wide treatment with azithromycin. This implies the need for high treatment coverage if infection is to be eliminated from a community, even where the return of infection after treatment is seen to be slow

Training the next generation of psychotraumatologists: COllaborative Network for Training and EXcellence in psychoTraumatology (CONTEXT)

In this paper we present a description of the Horizon2020, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action funded, research and training programme CONTEXT: COllaborative Network for Training and EXcellence in psychoTraumatology. The three objectives of the programme are put forward, each of which refers to a key component of the CONTEXT programme. First, we summarize the 12 individual research projects that will take place across three priority populations: (i) refugees and asylum seekers, (ii) first responders, and (iii) perpetrators and survivors of childhood and gender-based violence. Second, we detail the mentoring and training programme central to CONTEXT. Finally, we describe how the research, together with the training, will contribute towards better policy, guidelines, and practice within the field of psychotraumatology