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During adulthood, associative learning is necessary for the expression of one-trial behavioral sensitization; however, it is uncertain whether the same associative processes are operative during the preweanling period. Two strategies were used to assess the importance of associative learning for the one-trial behavioral sensitization of preweanling rats. In the initial experiments, we varied both the sequence and time interval between presentation of the conditioned stimulus (CS, novel environment) and unconditioned stimulus (US, cocaine). In the final experiment, we determined whether ECS-induced retrograde amnesia would disrupt one-trial behavioral sensitization. Results showed that robust sensitized responding was apparent regardless of the sequence in which cocaine and the novel environment (the presumptive CS) were presented. Varying the time between CS and US presentation (0, 3, or 6 h) was also without effect. Results from Experiment 3 showed that single or multiple ECS treatments did not alter the expression of the sensitized response. Therefore, these data indicated that the one-trial behavioral sensitization of preweanling rats was exclusively mediated by nonassociative mechanisms and that associative processes did not modulate sensitized responding. These findings are in contrast to what is observed during adulthood, because adult rats exhibit one-trial behavioral sensitization only when associative processes are operative.

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction appears to be associated with immune deficiencies. It is unclear if the immune deficiencies, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and the other medical conditions have a common underlying etiology. Repeated infections may be due to impaired immune function in children with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. We recommend screening for immune deficiencies in children with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

We wished to investigate the urodynamic characteristics and colonic motility in a group of children with severe chronic constipation and lower urinary tract symptoms. We performed colonic manometry using an endoscopically placed catheter. The urodynamic studies consisted of cystometry, electromyography of the external urethral sphincter, measurement of urinary flow rate, and urethral pressure profile. We found abnormal colonic motility in all patients. Findings included: absent gastrocolonic response (N = 8), absent high-amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs) (N = 4), and abnormal propagation of HAPCs (N = 7). Urodynamic features were abnormal in 10 children. Findings included: uninhibited bladder contractions (N = 6), hypertonic bladder (N = 2), sphincter dyssynergy (N = 2), small capacity bladder (N = 1). In all children constipation improved, in three after a partial colectomy. Urinary symptoms persisted. We conclude that some children with severe constipation may have a neuropathy affecting both the colonic and lower urinary tracts systems. In this group of patients treatment of constipation does not result in resolution of urinary symptoms.

Although most persons living with serious mental illness (SMI) do not act violently, this population is at a modestly increased risk of engaging in violence, with family members being the most common victims. Consequently, evidence suggests that a sizable minority of family members—many of whom are caregivers—have experienced violence by their relative with SMI. The risk of conflict and violence in families of persons with SMI is likely currently heightened due to a range of challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., interruption in treatment services and the occurrence of arguments while sheltering in place together). As such, during the pandemic, it is particularly important that clinicians intervene with these populations to prevent conflict and violence and strengthen their relationships with each other. Based on available evidence, we recommend that clinical interventions aiming to do so address the following topics with family members and/or persons with SMI: mutual understanding; positive communication; effective problem-solving; symptoms and psychiatric crises; triggers to, and early warning signs of, anger and conflict; and strategies for de-escalating conflict and managing violent behavior. We offer suggestions for how clinicians can address these topics and recommend established clinical resources providing more guidance in this area.