Background-The extant literature supports an association between psychological trauma and development of OCD in adults, and this link is a plausible mediator for environment gene interactions leading to phenotypic expression of OCD.
Thiol-ene based shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been developed for use as intracortical microelectrode substrates. The unique chemistry provides precise control over the mechanical and thermal glass-transition properties. As a result, SMP substrates are stiff at room temperature, allowing for insertion into the brain without buckling and subsequently soften in response to body temperatures, reducing the mechanical mismatch between device and tissue. Since the surface chemistry of the materials can contribute significantly to the ultimate biocompatibility, as a first step in the characterization of our SMPs, we sought to isolate the biological response to the implanted material surface without regards to the softening mechanics. To accomplish this, we tightly controlled for bulk stiffness by comparing bare silicon ‘dummy’ devices to thickness-matched silicon devices dip-coated with SMP. The neuroinflammatory response was evaluated after devices were implanted in the rat cortex for 2 or 16 weeks. We observed no differences in the markers tested at either time point, except that astrocytic scarring was significantly reduced for the dip-coated implants at 16 weeks. The surface properties of non-softening thiol-ene SMP substrates appeared to be equally-tolerated and just as suitable as silicon for neural implant substrates for applications such as intracortical microelectrodes, laying the groundwork for future softer devices to improve upon the prototype device performance presented here.
Recently, research in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has expanded to include large family genetic studies, elaboration of phenotypic dimensions, description of co-morbid disorders and their moderating effects on treatment response and outcome, research on immune-based neuropsychiatric causes, randomized controlled trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), randomized controlled trials of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), comparative treatment trials; new approaches in behavior therapy, and increased awareness of newer approaches to treatment. The purpose of this article is to review assessment and treatment strategies to include current advances in research.
Objective: This review examines and summarizes the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, short-and longer-term effi cacy, the moderating effect of comorbid disorders, as well as short-and long-term safety and tolerability of atomoxetine for the treatment of pediatric attention-defi cit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: A systematic literature search was performed to review the extant literature on articles pertaining to the pharmacological treatment with atomoxetine in pediatric and/or adolescent ADHD. Results: There is an extensive literature on atomoxetine; over 4000 children have participated in clinical trials of atomoxetine, demonstrating its short-and longer-term effi cacy. In addition, studies have examined the moderating effect of comorbid disorders on atomoxetine response, as well as atomoxetine's therapeutic potential for other psychiatric conditions. Short-and longerterm safety and tolerability continue to be reported. Conclusions: Atomoxetine is indicated for both acute and maintenance/extended treatment of pediatric ADHD. Clinicians and families must be familiar with atomoxetine's evidence base, including its profi le of clinical response and its possible effectiveness in the presence of comorbidity.
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