No abstract

The role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in social behavior regulation is not fully understood. While 5-HT release in nuclei of the social behavior network has generally been associated with inhibition of aggressive behavior across multiple classes of vertebrates, less is known about its effects on sexual, especially non-copulatory courtship display behaviors. Furthermore, most research has examined effects at 5-HT release sites, while studies examining the behavioral relevance of source cell populations have generated contradictory findings. This study utilized immunohistochemistry to examine the colocalization of 5-HT with Fos, an immediate early gene product and marker of neural activity, in the raphe and superior reticular nuclei of male brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) exposed to either aggression, courtship, or control social interactions. Supporting previous research, copulation was associated with a decrease in 5-HT activity, while a novel link between 5-HT activity and latency to non-copulatory courtship was also found. Within the aggression group, intensity and frequency of behavior were both associated with decreased 5-HT activity. An effect of social context was also seen, with anoles exposed to either courtship or aggression encounters showing decreased 5-HT activity in certain raphe and superior reticular nuclei populations compared to controls. Interestingly, context effects and behavioral effects were seen at separate brain nuclei, suggesting the presence of separate systems with distinct functional roles.

Category: Other; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Custom and off-the-shelf orthotics frequently are prescribed by foot and ankle orthpaedic surgeons. This study aimed to quantify the rate at which patients receive their prescribed orthotic and explore the variables that could be predictive of patients’ receiving and using orthotics. Methods: We analyzed the demographics of 382 patients who received an orthotic prescription from a group of foot and ankle surgeons to assess variables predictive of patients receiving their prescribed orthotic. Of these 382 patients, 186 (49%) completed a survey regarding insurance status, cost of the orthotic, education, income, and satisfaction with the orthotic. This information was used to identify variables that may help identify patients who are at an increased risk of failing to receive their prescribed orthotic. Results: Patients received their orthotic at an overall rate of 61.2% (235/382). Patients with commercial insurance were more likely to receive their orthotic (67%) than patients with Medicaid (40%). Of the 186 patients who completed the survey, those whose insurance covered all or part of their orthotic were more likely to receive their orthotic (100% and 96%, respectively) compared to those whose insurance did not cover the orthotic (81.5%). Overall 86.5% reported being ‘better’ or ‘completely relieved’ with orthotic use, and 13.4% reported ‘no difference’ or ‘worse.’ There were no differences in receive rates according to age or gender, but there was a disparity in race, with 71% (155/219) of white and only 48% (72/151) of black patients receiving their orthotics. Conclusion: A substantial number of patients (38.8%) do not receive their physician-prescribed orthotic. Patients who do receive and use their orthotic report positive results. Insurance status, race, and coverage of costs by the insurance company play important roles in predicting which patients are at risk for failing to receive their orthotic.

No abstract