Do breaks in online gambling affect neuropsychological arousal? Conceptual approach and lessons learned from the TESSA-pilot trial

Introduction

Mandatory breaks have been discussed as a harm reduction strategy in the context of gambling for several years, but their effectiveness remains unclear. The TESSA pilot study examines the association of physiological arousal (PA) and mandatory breaks during gambling with an aim to conceptualize the framework for a subsequent randomized controlled trial.

Material and methods

In a one-armed experimental pilot study 28 participants engaged in a simulated online slot game with mandatory breaks. PA, disentangled into fear, anger, joy, attraction, balance, and retraction, was continuously monitored via skin conductivity and skin temperature. The occurrence of PA in distinct phases (phase 1: initiation, phase 2: pre-break, phase 3: post-break) was contrasted by multilevel logistic regression.

Results

Fear and attraction did not change. Compared to phase 1, anger (OR = 0.698; p = 0.015) and joy (OR = 0.714; p = 0.032) were less likely in phase 2, with joy also being less likely in phase 3 (OR = 0.690; p = 0.023). Balance was more likely in phase 2 (OR = 5.073; p < 0.0001) than in phase 1 and less likely in phase 3 (OR = 0.348; p < 0.0001) whilst retraction declined from phase to phase.

Discussion

Mandatory breaks appear suited to offset changes in PA response evolving during gambling, but a sustained effect on initial PA levels should not to be expected. However, to sensitively judge the role of breaks additional framework conditions that impact on gambling behavior (e. g. wins/losses) should be considered.

Exploring adolescent mental health during the COVID-19 crisis - strengths and difficulties

Introduction

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly impacted children and adolescents, leading to mental health challenges. Knowledge on their resources and difficulties is crucial and there is a need for valid instruments to assess their psychosocial condition especially in this exceptional situation. We assessed psychopathological symptoms using the SDQ during the pandemic, comparing to pre-pandemic data. Our study aims to understand adolescents' strengths and difficulties amidst COVID-19, evaluating the SDQ's utility in crisis settings.

Methods

Within the German school-based surveillance study ("B-Fast"), we assessed behavioral strengths and difficulties in 664 adolescents aged 11-17 years during the peak of the German COVID-19 pandemic using the validated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for both external and self-assessed data collection. Data were collected between November 2020 and April 2021. We compared self-assessed SDQ-scores to pre-pandemic data from a comparable sample and examined adolescent classification as "normal" or "borderline/abnormal" based on both external and self-assessed SDQ subscale scores using established cut-off values. Additionally, we conducted sex and rater-based score comparisons.

Results

In our study, we observed a significant worsening of "Emotional Symptoms" compared to pre-pandemic levels, while "Conduct Problems" and "Prosocial Behavior" showed improvement. Variations in classification to "normal" and "abnormal" emerged when applying German versus British cut-off values. Females scored higher on "Emotional Symptoms" while males scored higher on "Hyperactivity Symptoms." Correlations between external and self-assessed SDQ ratings ranged from 0.43 (p < 0.001) for "Prosocial Behavior" among girls to 0.62 (p < 0.001) for "Peer Problems" among boys, indicating moderate to high consistency.

Discussion/conclusion

Our study contributes to understanding the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on German adolescents. Compared to other symptoms, we observed a particular worsening in "Emotional Symptoms" based on our data. Despite the moderate correlation between parental and self-reported evaluations, there appears to be a certain discrepancy in the perception of adolescent quality of life. Therefore, it seems prudent to assess both the external and self-reported evaluations and amalgamate the results from both parties to obtain a comprehensive problem profile of the individual. These findings underscore the importance of using country-specific cutoff values and reaffirm the utility of the SDQ as a valuable assessment tool, even within the unique circumstances posed by a pandemic.

Development of Gambling Behaviour and Its Relationship with Perceived Social Support: A Longitudinal Study of Young Adult Male Gamblers

Young adult men who gamble frequently face an elevated risk of developing gambling-related problems. So far, little is known about how changing levels of perceived social support interact with the course of gambling behaviour and gambling-related problems in this population. Using data from a prospective single-arm cohort study (Munich Leisure Time Study), we applied hierarchical linear models to investigate the longitudinal association of changes in perceived emotional and social support (hereafter PESS; operationalized as ENRICHD Social Support Instrument score) with gambling intensity, gambling frequency, and fulfilled criteria for gambling disorder. Pooling data from three time points (baseline, 12-month and 24-month follow-ups) to assess two 1-year intervals, these models disentangle the associations of (a) "level of PESS" (cross-sectional, between participants) and (b) "changes in individual PESS" (longitudinally, within-participants). Among the 169 study participants, higher levels of PESS were associated with fewer gambling-related problems (- 0.12 criteria met; p = 0.014). Furthermore, increasing individual PESS was associated with lower gambling frequency (- 0.25 gambling days; p = 0.060) and intensity (- 0.11 gambling hours; p = 0.006), and fewer gambling-related problems (- 0.19 problems; p < 0.001). The results suggest a mitigating influence of PESS on gambling behaviour and gambling-related problems. Increasing individual PESS appears more decisive for this pathway than high initial levels of PESS. Treatment and prevention strategies that activate and reinforce beneficial social resources in people with gambling-related problems are recommended and promising.

Does the decline in Swedish adolescent drinking persist into early adulthood?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sweden has experienced a substantial decrease in adolescent drinking over the past decades. Whether the reduction persists into early adulthood remains unclear. Using survey data, the present study aimed to determine whether reductions in indicators of alcohol use observed among adolescents remain in early adulthood and whether changes in alcohol intake are consistent among light/moderate and heavy drinkers.

DESIGN

Data from the Swedish monthly Alcohol Monitoring Survey (2001-20) were used to construct five 5-year birth cohorts (1978-82, 1983-87, 1988-92, 1993-97 and 1998-2002).

SETTING

Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of n = 52 847 respondents (48% females) aged 16 and 30 years were included in this study.

MEASUREMENTS

For both males and females, temporal changes in the prevalence of any drinking, the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (HED) and total alcohol intake in the past 30 days in centilitres were analysed.

FINDINGS

The prevalence of any drinking in more recent cohorts remained low until young people came into their early (females) and mid- (males) 20s. Male cohorts differed in the prevalence of HED across age, with the later cohorts showing lower odds than earlier cohorts (odds ratios between 0.54 and 0.66). Among females, no systematic differences between cohorts across age could be observed. Later male birth cohorts in light/moderate drinkers had lower alcohol intake than earlier cohorts (correlation coefficients between -0.09 and -0.54). No statistically significant cohort effects were found for male heavy drinkers. Although differences in alcohol intake among females diminished as age increased, the cohorts did not differ systematically in their level of alcohol intake.

CONCLUSIONS

In Sweden, the reduced uptake of drinking in adolescents appears to fade as people move into adulthood. Observed reductions in alcohol intake among light and moderate drinkers appear to persist into adulthood. More recent male cohorts show a lower prevalence rate of heavy episodic drinking.

Longitudinal associations between psychiatric comorbidity and the severity of gambling disorder: Results from a 36-month follow-up study of clients in Bavarian outpatient addiction care

Background and aims

Individuals with gambling disorder (GD) often suffer from psychiatric comorbidities. Previous studies demonstrated greater severity of GD among gamblers with psychiatric comorbidities. However, evidence on the association between psychiatric comorbidity and course of GD severity during and after outpatient treatment is sparse. This study analyses data from a longitudinal one-armed cohort study on outpatient addiction care clients over three years.

Methods

We investigated the course of GD severity using data from 123 clients in 28 outpatient addiction care facilities in Bavaria using generalized estimation equations (GEE). We applied time* interaction analyses to examine different development profiles in participants with and without (1) affective disorders, or (2) anxiety disorders, and (3) to account for the co-occurrence of both.

Results

All participants benefitted from outpatient gambling treatment. Improvement in GD severity was poorer in participants with anxiety disorders compared to participants without anxiety disorders. The co-occurrence of affective and anxiety disorders was linked to a less favourable course of GD than the presence of affective disorders alone. However, the combined occurrence of both disorders was more favourable than the presence of anxiety disorders alone.

Discussion and conclusions

Our study suggests that clients with GD, with and without psychiatric comorbidities, benefit from outpatient gambling care. Psychiatric comorbidity, especially comorbid anxiety disorders, seems to be negatively associated with the course of GD within outpatient gambling care. Addressing psychiatric comorbidity within the treatment of GD and offering individualised help are required to meet the needs of this clientele.

'We are not the ones to blame'. Gamblers' and providers' appraisal of self-exclusion in Germany

BACKGROUND

Given low utilization by individuals experiencing gambling problems the potential of self-exclusion (SE) might be not fully exploited in Germany. This paper aims to gain insight into different actors' perceptions and reflections on the problems and difficulties in the process of self-exclusion to delineate which specific attitudes hamper a successful implementation of SE.

METHODS

13 individual and four group interviews with individuals experiencing gambling problems and governmental or commercial gambling providers were examined. A Grounded Theory Approach was used to portray the opinions of these different actors on existing regulations of SE and to delineate potentially diverging interests between the distinct groups.

RESULTS

The interviewees agreed on the usefulness of SE and consented that it is important to early recognize individuals experiencing gambling problems. They also considered the present practice insufficient but for different reasons. Individuals experiencing gambling problems and providers particularly disagreed on addressing individuals experiencing gambling problems. While individuals experiencing gambling problems stated that they had hardly ever been approached, providers argued that help offers were mostly rejected. Especially commercial providers also regarded insufficient German language skills and rapid fluctuation of guests as strong barriers to approaching individuals experiencing gambling problems. Interviewees from governmental venues furthermore suspected that commercial providers took addressing individuals experiencing gambling problems less seriously.

CONCLUSION

Our results emphasize the dilemma of conflicting interests in both individuals experiencing gambling problems and providers. Rather than acting against the economic interests of employers, venue staff blame individuals experiencing gambling problems for lack of problem recognition. Conversely, individuals experiencing gambling problems blame the providers for not offering help. To address individuals experiencing gambling problems appropriate staff training is required, and SE regulations need to be controlled by an independent body rather than by the providers themselves.

Differences in problem and pathological gambling: A narrative review considering sex and gender

Background and aim

A wide range of studies indicates that men and women with Problem (PrG) and Pathological Gambling (PG) differ in several clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. However, evidence for sex differences, such as the telescoping effect, is contradictory, and it is still unclear whether sex differences observed in offline gambling can also be found for online gambling. Furthermore, reviews have so far focused on binary sex differences but neglect gender aspects. In this study, an updated literature survey of sex- and gender-related differences in PrG and PG was conducted.

Methods

We searched PsyInfo, Medline/Pubmed, and the Web of Science databases from 2005 to 2020 for studies investigating sex and gender differences in gambling. A total of 126 papers were included in the literature survey.

Results

We are presenting our findings according to the categories 'prevalence' (offline, online, LGBTQI*), 'sociodemographic factors', 'preferred gambling type', 'gambling motives', 'severity', 'progression of gambling problems', 'use of professional help/motivation for treatment', 'comorbidity', 'trauma', 'violence and criminality/delinquency'. The studies indicate that, despite some robust sex differences (e.g., concerning prevalence rates), results for most areas were mixed or suggest no sex differences (e.g., violence, gambling motives).

Discussion and conclusion

To date, there is a lack of studies assessing gender, and not only sex, warranting further research in this area.

Self-exclusion from gambling: A toothless tiger?

While there is evidence for self-exclusion (SE) as an individual-level harm reduction intervention, its effects on reducing harm from gambling at the population level remain unclear. Based on a review of national legal frameworks and SE programs, including their utilization and enforcement in selected high-income societies, the present analysis aims to explore the reach and strengths of SE in the protection of gamblers in these jurisdictions. It places particular emphasis on SE programs' potential to prevent and minimize gambling harm at the population level. The overview examined SE in Finland, Germany, Italy, Massachusetts (USA), Norway, Sweden, and Victoria (Australia). These jurisdictions differ considerably in how gambling is regulated as well as in how SE is implemented and enforced. The reach and extent of enforcement of SE apparently vary with the polity's general policy balance between reducing gambling problems and increasing gambling revenue. But in any case, though SE may benefit individual gamblers and those around them, it does not appear to be capable of significantly reducing gambling harm at the population level. To render SE programs an effective measure that prevents gamblers and those linked to them from financial, social, and psychological harm, utilization needs to be substantially increased by reforming legal regulations and exclusion conditions.

Trends in alcohol consumption among adolescents in Europe: Do changes occur in concert?

OBJECTIVE

The present paper extends the scope of testing Skog's theory on the 'collectivity of drinking culture' to adolescent alcohol use in 26 European countries. The aim was to 1) examine whether changes in adolescent alcohol use are consistent across different consumption levels, and 2) explore whether trends in heavy and light drinkers diverged or converged.

METHOD

Data came from six waves of the cross-sectional European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD) between 1999 and 2019. The sample consisted of n = 452,935 students aged 15-16 years. Trends in alcohol volume across consumption levels including abstainers were estimated by quantile regression models (50th, 80th, 90th and 95th percentile). Countries were classified according to trends showing (soft/hard) collectivity or (soft/hard) polarisation. Trends in heavy drinkers were compared with the population trend.

RESULTS

Trends in alcohol consumption at different levels across 26 European countries in the period 1999-2019 were not homogeneous. Collective changes were found in 15 (14 soft/1 hard), and polarised trends in 11 countries (5 soft/6 hard). Collectivity was generally associated with a declining trend. In 18 countries, trends in heavy and light drinkers diverged.

CONCLUSION

Accepting some variation in the strength of changes across consumption levels, changes in many European countries occurred in the same direction. Yet, diverging trends at different consumption levels in most countries indicate a less beneficial change in heavy compared with light drinkers, implying that in addition to universal population-level strategies, intervention strategies targeting specific risk groups are needed to prevent alcohol-related harm.

Changes in gambling behaviour and related problems in clients seeking help in outpatient addiction care: Results from a 36-month follow-up study in Bavaria

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Evidence on the course of gambling disorder (GD) in clients seeking help from outpatient addiction care facilities is sparse. To close this knowledge gap, this longitudinal one-armed cohort study portrays the development of GD in help-seeking clients over a 3-year timeframe.

METHODS

We investigated changes in severity of GD as well as in gambling frequency and intensity in 145 gamblers in outpatient treatment in Bavaria using generalized estimation equations (GEEs). To investigate potentially different trajectories between study participants with and without migration background (MB), additional analyses were applied with time*migration interaction. All analyses were adjusted for age, gender, education, electronic gambling machine (EGM) gambling, MB, GD, related help sought before and treatment status.

RESULTS

Within the entire study population, improvements in severity of GD (reduction of 39.2%), gambling intensity (reduction of 75.6%) and gambling frequency (reduction of 77.0%) were observed between baseline and 36 months of follow-up. The declines were most pronounced between baseline and follow-up 1 and stabilized thereafter. Participants with MB improved consistently less than participants without MB.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that severity of GD and gambling patterns improve in the context of outpatient treatment. The beneficial results furthermore persist for 36 months after treatment termination. As clients with MB seem to profit less than clients without MB, improvements in outpatient gambling services to the specific needs of this clientele are required.

Gambling disorder in the context of outpatient counselling and treatment: Background and design of a prospective German cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The prospective naturalistic study 'Katamnese-Studie' conducted between 2014 and 2019 gathers evidence on the course of gambling disorder in German routine outpatient addiction care. This study elucidates design and methodological advantages and caveats of the study.

METHODS

Participants of the multi-centre cohort received written questionnaires at admission and at 6-, 12-, 24- and 36-month follow-up to assess socio-demographic data, gambling behaviour, gambling-related consequences and care offers sought. Subsequently, self-reports were linked to client-individual routine documentation for the German Addiction Care Statistical Service. Furthermore, employees of participating outpatient addiction care facilities were surveyed regarding experiences with and attitudes towards gambling disorder. Multivariate longitudinal regression models will portray changes in the severity of gambling disorder and gambling behaviour and explore associated client- and care-related factors.

CONCLUSION

The 'Katamnese-Studie' covers the whole spectrum of outpatient gambling care. Keeping the design-related caveats in mind (reliability of self-reports, loss-to-follow-up and issues regarding causal inference), the study is anticipated to draw a comprehensive picture of routine outpatient gambling care and key factors related to sustained remission. In the medium term, this information might support the development and subpopulation-specific adaptation of recommendations on how to structure process and content of outpatient gambling care.

[Age-specific trends in risky drinking in Germany: collectivity or polarisation?]

Einleitung

Nach der Collectivity-of-Drinking-Cultures-Theorie von Skog finden Veränderungen des Alkoholkonsums in allen Bevölkerungsgruppen und -schichten als parallele Verschiebungen statt. Ziele des vorliegenden Beitrags sind (1) die Darstellung zeitlicher Trends des riskanten Konsums und des episodischen Rauschtrinkens nach Altersgruppen und Geschlecht und (2) die Prüfung, ob die Trends in allen Altersgruppen parallel verlaufen („Kollektivität“) oder zwischen Altersgruppen divergieren („Polarisierung“).

Methoden

Datengrundlage sind 9 Erhebungen des Epidemiologischen Suchtsurveys (ESA) zwischen 1995 und 2018. Als Schwellenwert für riskanten Alkoholkonsum wurde ein täglicher Konsum von mehr als 12 g Reinalkohol bei Frauen beziehungsweise 24 g bei Männern herangezogen. Episodisches Rauschtrinken wurde als Konsum von 5 oder mehr Gläsern Alkohol (ca. 70 g Reinalkohol) an mindestens einem Tag in den letzten 30 Tagen definiert. Lineare Regressionen wurden für die Vorhersage des zeitlichen Effekts auf riskanten Konsum bzw. Rauschkonsum nach Altersgruppen (18–29, 30–39, 40–49 und 50–59 Jahre) und Geschlecht getrennt berechnet und auf Unterschiede geprüft.

Ergebnisse

Die Entwicklungen riskanten Alkoholkonsums nach Altersgruppen verlaufen bei Männern weitgehend parallel, bei Frauen gegenläufig. Die Trends des episodischen Rauschtrinken weisen bei beiden Geschlechtern keine parallele Entwicklung auf: Während in der jüngsten und ältesten Altersgruppe die Prävalenz im Zeitverlauf anstieg, sank sie in den übrigen Altersgruppen.

Diskussion

Vor dem Hintergrund einer generellen Abnahme spricht die Zunahme in den Trends risikoreichen Alkoholkonsums in bestimmten Gruppen für einen Ausbau verhaltenspräventiver Maßnahmen. Zur Fortsetzung der positiven Entwicklung und der Vermeidung einer Trendumkehr sollten zudem auf die Gesamtbevölkerung ausgerichtete Präventionsanstrengungen intensiviert werden, beispielsweise durch Erhöhung der Alkoholsteuer oder Reduktion der Verfügbarkeit von Alkohol.

Zusatzmaterial online

Zusätzliche Informationen sind in der Online-Version dieses Artikels (10.1007/s00103-021-03328-7) enthalten.

Optimierungsbedarf von Spielersperren

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund und Fragestellung: Spielersperren stellen eine effektive Maßnahme des Spielerschutzes dar. Sie bedürfen jedoch einer Anpassung an die Bedürfnisse von Personen mit Glücksspielproblemen. Studien weisen auf Defizite hinsichtlich Sperrvorgang und -dauer sowie Zugangskontrollen hin. Ziel der qualitativen Untersuchung war es, Empfehlungen für die Optimierung von Spielersperren abzuleiten. Methodik: Mit semi-strukturierten Leitfäden wurden die am Prozess einer Spielesperre beteiligten Akteure zu Regelungen der Spielersperre, persönlichen Erfahrungen und Barrieren befragt. Einbezogen wurden Glücksspielende mit und ohne Sperre sowie Angehörige, Fachkräfte, Mitarbeitende von Spielbanken, Spielhallen und der Gesellschaft für Spielerschutz und Prävention (GSP). Insgesamt wurden 20 Einzel- und sechs Gruppeninterviews geführt. Ergebnisse: Als zentrale Ansatzunkte der Optimierung wurden Sperrdauer und -umfang (übergreifendes Sperrsystem) sowie Zugangskontrollen genannt. Empfohlen wurden eine Antragstellung über Post oder Internet zur Senkung der Hemmschwelle und ein rascheres Inkrafttreten der Spielersperre. Kontrovers diskutiert wurden Sperrdauer und Optionen einer Entsperrung. Durch den Einsatz einer Spielerkarte versprachen sich die Befragten eine Verbesserung des Spielerschutzes durch Feststellung einer laufenden Spielersperre und Begrenzung von Spielzeit oder Geldeinsätzen. Diskussion: Spielersperren wurden von allen Befragten grundsätzlich positiv bewertet. Optimierungsbedarf wurde in den gesetzlichen Regelungen und Sperrkonditionen gesehen. Von einer Schließung von Gesetzeslücken sowie einer intensiven Aufklärung und Motivation von Glücksspielenden, Angehörigen und Glücksspielanbietern werden positive Effekte auf die Inanspruchnahme von Spielersperren erwartet.

Help-seeking behaviour of problem gamblers: a narrative review

Abstract. Background: There is evidence for low rates of help-seeking among problem gamblers. Identifying reasons for and barriers to seeking help is essential for improving help supply and gamblers’ treatment utilisation. The present study examines treatment utilisation of problem or pathological gamblers and reviews the evidence related to motives for and barriers to seeking help. Methods: The databases Medline, PsycInfo, and PubMed were searched for English-, Swedish- and German-language studies published between 2000 and 2017. Furthermore relevant references of included studies were analysed. Results: After exclusion of non-relevant publications 34 journal articles and seven reports covering the prevalence of help-seeking among gamblers or self-reported reasons for/barriers to help-seeking were maintained. The proportion of problem gamblers seeking help was less than 10 % in most studies. Problem severity was found positively associated with treatment attendance. Financial issues, negative emotions and crises were identified as main motives for seeking treatment. Main barriers to seeking treatment were shame, problem denial and lack of treatment availability. The results were similar across the examined studies. Conclusion: Low rates of treatment utilisation by problem gamblers strongly indicate that treatment providers and the society should strive to eliminate structural barriers that hinder gamblers to seek help. To better match problem gamblers´ needs, low-threshold early intervention, increasing knowledge of treatment options and efforts to reduce stigmatisation are important strategies to enhance access to help offers.

Dynamics of {beta}-amyloid reductions in brain, cerebrospinal fluid, and plasma of {beta}-amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice treated with a {gamma}-secretase inhibitor

gamma-Secretase inhibitors are one promising approach to the development of a therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease (AD). gamma-Secretase inhibitors reduce brain beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta), which is believed to be a major contributor in the etiology of AD. Transgenic mice overexpressing the human beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) are valuable models to examine the dynamics of Abeta changes with gamma-secretase inhibitors in plaque-free and plaque-bearing animals. BMS-299897 2-[(1R)-1-[[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfony](2,5-difluorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-5-fluorobenzenepropanoic acid, a gamma-secretase inhibitor, showed dose- and time dependent reductions of Abeta in brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and plasma in young transgenic mice, with a significant correlation between brain and CSF Abeta levels. Because CSF and brain interstitial fluid are distinct compartments in composition and location, this correlation could not be assumed. In contrast, aged transgenic mice with large accumulations of Abeta in plaques showed reductions in CSF Abeta in the absence of measurable changes in plaque Abeta in the brain after up to 2 weeks of treatment. Hence, CSF Abeta levels were a valuable measure of gamma-secretase activity in the central nervous system in either the presence or absence of plaques. Transgenic mice were also used to examine potential side effects due to Notch inhibition. BMS-299897 was 15-fold more effective at preventing the cleavage of APP than of Notch in vitro. No changes in the maturation of CD8(+) thymocytes or of intestinal goblet cells were observed in mice treated with BMS-299897, showing that it is possible for gamma-secretase inhibitors to reduce brain Abeta without causing Notch-mediated toxicity.

Regulation of inflammatory responses by oncostatin M

Oncostatin M (OM) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced late in the activation cycle of T cells and macrophages. In vitro it shares properties with related proteins of the IL-6 family of cytokines; however, its in vivo properties and physiological function are as yet ill defined. We show that administration of OM inhibited bacterial LPS-induced production of TNF-alpha and lethality in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with these findings, OM potently suppressed inflammation and tissue destruction in murine models of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. T cell function and Ab production were not impaired by OM treatment. Taken together these data indicate the activities of this cytokine in vivo are antiinflammatory without concordant immunosuppression.

Oncostatin M: development of a pleiotropic cytokine

Oncostatin M (OM) is a member of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine subfamily. The binding of OM to its receptor initiates signal transduction through JAK-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathways and activates transcription activators through mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Results of in vitro assays documented that OM modulates cytokine expression and alters the production of proteases that down-regulate inflammation. Administration of OM to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged mice lowered serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels and decreased the lethal effects of LPS administration. OM also reduced inflammation in animal models of human disease, including inflammatory bowel disease, antibody-induced arthritis, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Preclinical safety studies have been conducted in the mouse and monkey. Mice were administered OM (subcutaneously) at 72, 360, or 1,560 micrograms/kg/day in a 2-wk toxicity study. Decreased body weights occurred at 1,560 micrograms/kg. Drug-related changes at 360 and 1,560 micrograms/kg consisted of dermal irritation at the injection site, leukopenia, and thymic lymphoid depletion; all changes were reversible following a 2-wk recovery period. In a 2-wk subcutaneous study in monkeys, OM was administered at 1, 5, 15, 45, or 150 micrograms/kg/day. At all doses there was reversible, transient inappetence and dermal irritation at the injection site. Drug-related changes at 5, 15, 45, and 150 micrograms/kg consisted of reversible elevations in both serum amyloid A and IL-6, and reversible thymic lymphoid depletion. Transient increases in body temperature occurred at 15, 45, and 150 micrograms/kg. The observed spectrum of immunomodulatory effects suggests that OM may have therapeutic utility in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

Molecular phylogeny and in situ detection of the etiologic agent of necrotizing hepatopancreatitis in shrimp

Necrotizing hepatopancreatitis (NHP) is a severe disease of farm-raised Penaeus vannamei that has been associated with mortality losses ranging from 20 to 95%. NHP was first recognized in Texas in 1985 (S. K. Johnson, p. 16, in Handbook of Shrimp Diseases, 1989) and is an economically important disease that has limited the ability to culture shrimp in Texas. The putative cause of NHP is a gram-negative, pleomorphic, intracellular, rickettsia-like bacterium that remains uncultured in part because of the absence of established shrimp cell lines. The inability to culture the NHP bacterium necessitated the use of molecular methods for phylogenetic placement of the NHP bacterium. The gene encoding the 16S rRNA (16S rDNA) of this shrimp pathogen was amplified by PCR, cloned, and sequenced. Sequence analysis of the cloned 16S rDNA indicates that the NHP bacterium is a member of the alpha subclass of the Proteobacteria. Within the alpha subclass, the NHP bacterium is shown to be most closely related to bacterial endosymbionts of protozoa, Caedibacter caryophila and Holospora obtusa. Also, the NHP bacterium is distinct from but related to members of the typhus group (Rickettsia typhi and R. prowazekii) and spotted fever group (R. rickettsii) of the family Rickettsiaceae. Fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide DNA probes that bind to variable regions (V2, V6, and V8) of 16S rRNA of the NHP bacterium were used to detect the bacterium in infected shrimp by in situ hybridization. This technique provided direct visual evidence that the 16S rDNA that was amplified, cloned, and sequenced was derived from the intracellular bacterium that infects the hepatopancreas of farm-raised P. vannamei shrimp.

Neutrophil infiltration, glial reaction, and neurological disease in transgenic mice expressing the chemokine N51/KC in oligodendrocytes

Chemokines (pro-inflammatory chemoattractant cytokines) are expressed in pathological conditions of the central nervous system (CNS). Previous studies suggested that the CNS is relatively resistant to leukocyte diapedesis after chemokine injection, leaving their functional role unresolved. The CNS function of N51/KC, a neutrophil-selective chemokine, was addressed by expressing N51/KC under control of the myelin basic protein (MBP) promoter in transgenic (tg) mice (MBP-N51/KC mice). CNS-specific N51/KC expression produced remarkable neutrophil infiltration into perivascular, meningeal, and parenchymal sites, demonstrating that this chemokine exerts the multiple functions in vivo required to recruit leukocytes into the CNS. MBP-N5 1/KC mice represent an incisive model for the molecular dissection of neutrophil entry into the CNS. Unexpectedly, MBP-N51/KC mice developed a neurological syndrome of pronounced postural instability and rigidity at high frequency beginning at 40 days of age, well after peak chemokine expression. 68/182 mice in one tg fine were found dead before one year of age, with prominent neurological symptoms premortem in 26 (38%). Florid microglial activation and blood-brain barrier disruption without dysmyelination were the major neuropathological alterations. Late-onset neurological symptoms in MBP-N51/KC mice may indicate unanticipated consequences of CNS chemokine expression.

Specific, nonradioactive detection of the NHP bacterium in Penaeus vannamei by in situ hybridization

Necrotizing hepatopancreatitis (NHP) is a disease of farm-raised Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) caused by a pleomorphic intracellular bacterium. A DNA probe that is specific for the etiologic agent of necrotizing hepatopancreatitis was devised and tested in an in situ hybridization assay. A procedure was developed for labeling a single-stranded DNA probe with digoxigenin by the polymerase chain reaction. The DNA probe encompasses the V1 and V2 variable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and is designed to hybridize to complementary sequences of the 16S rRNA of the NHP bacterium. The probe was tested on fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens, and an intense, specific hybridization signal was localized to the cytoplasm of hepatopancreatic epithelial cells that were infected with the NHP bacterium, as demonstrated by serial sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin or the Steiner and Steiner method. Negative results were obtained from normal shrimp and from shrimp infected with Vibrio spp. The specificity of the probe was confirmed using either mammalian or avian tissues infected with other intracellular bacteria, including Ehrlichia canis, Salmonella enteritidis, Brucella abortus, and Chlymidia spp., and using another species of shrimp (P. monodon) infected with a different rickettisa-like intracellular bacterium.

Nasopharyngeal conidiobolomycosis in a horse

Nasopharyngeal conidiobolomycosis caused by Conidiobolus coronatus was diagnosed in a horse after endoscopic and histopathologic examinations of a biopsy specimen. The fungal lesions in the nasopharynx were substantially reduced in size after intralesional injection of amphotericin B through the biopsy channel of a videoendoscope in combination with i.v. administration of sodium iodide and oral administration of potassium iodide during a 2-month period. Endoscopy performed 15 months after initial examination revealed regression of the granulomatous masses in the nasopharynx and complete disappearance of the nasal masses. Two months later, clinical signs recurred, and the owner elected euthanasia without evaluation and treatment. Nasopharyngeal conidiobolomycosis may be treated successfully with intralesional injection of amphotericin B in combination with administration of sodium iodide and potassium iodide, but there is a possibility of recrudescence of infection.

Vertebral fracture associated with trauma during movement and restraint of cattle

Two female Limousin calves in a group of 68 calves suffered fractures of a lumbar vertebra subsequent to moving through a chute and being restrained to facilitate administration of vaccines. One calf collapsed as it exited the chute, whereas the second calf collapsed 10 minutes after it was released from the chute. Both heifers were euthanatized. The fractures, of the first lumbar and of the third lumbar vertebral bodies, respectively, were not associated with mineral imbalances. Fractures were determined to be the result of calves attempting to escape through a gap formed by erosion of the area beneath a gate in the holding pen of the corral system. By moving cattle in such a way as to bypass the gate, further injuries were avoided. The calves described here underscore the importance of the use of corral systems appropriate for cattle of various sizes and the necessity of maintaining properly repaired corral systems to prevent injuries to cattle.

Splenic vein thrombosis resulting in acute anemia: an unusual manifestation of nephrotic syndrome in a Chinese shar pei with reactive amyloidosis

Nephrotic syndrome in a seven-year-old Chinese shar pei resulted in oliguric renal failure, coagulopathy, and acute anemia. Renal amyloidosis and widespread thromboses were diagnosed postmortem. Splenic vein thrombosis caused significant splenic congestion, coagulative necrosis, and acute anemia. Splenic vein thrombosis is reported here as an unusual consequence of nephrotic syndrome in the dog.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis with encapsulated nematodes in a horse

A 3-year-old Quarter Horse gelding admitted for evaluation of weight loss, signs of depression, and dermatitis of the coronary bands was found to have eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Intralesional nematodes identified as Strongylus edentatus were seen in multiple microscopic sections of the small colon, suggesting a parasitic cause of the disease.