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IntroductionClinical services require feasible assessments of parent-infant interaction in order to identify dyads requiring parenting intervention. We assessed the reliability and predictive validity of two observational tools and tested whether briefer forms could be identified which retain acceptable psychometric properties over short observation periods.MethodsA stratified high-risk community sample of 250 mother-infant dyads from The Wirral Child Health and Development Study completed 7-min play-based interaction at 6–8 months. Film-footage was independently coded by two trained raters using PIIOS and NICHD-SECCYD systems. Incremental predictive validity was assessed from 3, 5 and 7 min observation to attachment outcomes (Strange Situation; 14 months) and infant mental health (BITSEA; 14 and 30 months).ResultsExcellent inter-rater reliability was evident at code and subscale level for each tool and observation period. Stability of within-rater agreement was optimal after 5 min observation. ROC analysis confirmed predictive (discriminant) validity (AUCs >0.70) to top decile age 2 mental health outcomes for PIIOS total score and a brief 3-item composite from NICHD-SECCYD (sensitivity, intrusiveness, positive regard; NICHD-3), but not to attachment outcomes. Logistic regression showed dyads rated at-risk for externalizing problems using NICHD-3 were also at significantly higher risk for insecurity at 14 months (OR = 2.7, p = 0.004).ConclusionPIIOS total and NICHD-3 ratings from 5 min observation are both reliable and valid tools for use in clinical practice. Findings suggest NICHD-3 may have greater utility due to its comparative brevity to train and code, with suitability for use over a broader developmental time frame (3–24 months).

IntroductionBased on established evidence of gender differences in friendship patterns, and the vulnerability associated with early reliance on friends, we hypothesized that in 13-year-olds, a preference for turning to friends rather than parents for emotional support contributes to the gender difference in depressive symptoms.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, 671 adolescents (53.7% girls; mean age 13.11 ± 0.52 years) in a UK birth cohort [Wirral Child Health and Development Study (WCHADS)] reported turning to their parents and to their friends when distressed [Network of Relationships Inventory (NRI)] and depressed [Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ)]. Preferentially turning to friends was assessed as turning to friends minus turning to parents for support. Analyses used path analysis using the gsem command in Stata.ResultsGirls had higher depressive symptoms than boys (p

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The study was conducted to determine the effects of prostaglandin analogues in buffaloes subjected to Fixed-Time AI (FTAI) using CIDR-Synch protocol. In Study 1, buffaloes were treated with GnRH and CIDR on day 0 and after the removal of CIDR on day 7, the animals were randomly assigned to different prostaglandin treatments: Dinoprost-Tromethamine (T1), Chloprostenol (T2), and D-Chloprostenol (T3). Blood samples were collected on days 7, 8, and 9 for progesterone assay. In study 2, buffaloes were subjected to the same treatments and FTAI protocol; signs of estrus were observed on the day of AI (day 10) and pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 30-40. In the subset of animals per treatment, dominant follicle (DF) was measured at the time of AI. Results revealed progesterone concentrations of 1.67, 2.20 and 1.63 ng/ml in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, on day 7 and linear decline were observed thereafter with concentrations of 0.51, 0.59 and 0.70 ng/ml, respectively, on day 9. The average sizes of DF were 11.74, 13.3 and 13.02 mm, respectively. Estrus manifestation, DF diameter, and pregnancy rates were not significantly different among the groups. The work demonstrated the effectiveness of prostaglandin analogues in inducing luteolysis and estrus, and that chloprostenols are effective alternative luteolytic agents for FTAI in buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to compare the efficiency of reproductive techniques in detecting early pregnancy in buffaloes. A total of 53 Bulgarian buffaloes were subjected to Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) program. Ultrasonography was conducted at days 30, 40 and 60, while Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein Analysis was performed at days 25, 30, 40, and 60 post-FTAI to detect pregnancy. Images of fetal structures and concentrations of PAG in the serum were determined. PAG analysis revealed 60.38% pregnancy rate (32/53) at day 25 post-FTAI and achieved 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 100% total accuracy as early as day 30, with consistent accuracy and linearly increasing concentration through day 60. whereas, ultrasonography registered only 56.60% (30/53) pregnancy at day 30 with 93.75% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 96.23% total accuracy, while 100% accuracy was achieved only at day 40 post-FTAI. Ultrasonography revealed amniotic fluid as mostly observed at day 30, with conceptus well-detected at day 40, and more detailed structures such as bones and other internal organs at day 60. The present study showed that PAG analysis is more sensitive and accurate in detecting early pregnancy compared with transrectal ultrasonography. Both techniques though were found valuable in generating information during early pregnancy in water buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested the interactive effect of feedback and reward on visuospatial working memory in children with ADHD. Seventeen boys with ADHD and 17 Normal Control (NC) boys underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing four visuospatial 2-back tasks that required monitoring the spatial location of letters presented on a display. Tasks varied in reward size (large; small) and feedback availability (no-feedback; feedback). While the performance of NC boys was high in all conditions, boys with ADHD exhibited higher performance (similar to those of NC boys) only when they received feedback associated with large-reward. Performance pattern in both groups was mirrored by neural activity in an executive function neural network comprised of few distinct frontal brain regions. Specifically, neural activity in the left and right middle frontal gyri of boys with ADHD became normal-like only when feedback was available, mainly when feedback was associated with large-reward. When feedback was associated with small-reward, or when large-reward was expected but feedback was not available, boys with ADHD exhibited altered neural activity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex and anterior insula. This suggests that contextual support normalizes activity in executive brain regions in children with ADHD, which results in improved working memory.