Complete Social Isolation Research Articles

Temporary sensory separation of ewes from lambs effects stress-related behaviours and hormones of Small-tailed Han ewes

Context Different individuals within a group can form strong links through auditory, visual, and tactile senses. Temporarily separating sheep into subflocks, although not involving complete social isolation of individuals, can be stressful, especially when ewes are separated from lambs. Aims This study aimed to explore the effects of 1-h temporary ewe–lamb sensory separations on stress-related behaviours during separation, as well as its effect on stress-related hormones of ewes. Methods Small-tailed Han ewes were randomly assigned to the following four groups (six each): the auditory + visual + tactile separation (A + V + T group), visual + tactile separation (V + T group), tactile separation (T group), and the control (C group). Then, the ewes were separated from their lambs for 1 h on Postnatal Days 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42. Ewe behaviours during the separations were observed using focal animal-sampling methods. Key results Results showed that the separated ewes (A + V + T, V + T, and T groups) spent more time looking and exploring and less time lying (P < 0.05). Ewes showed more exploring behaviour in T group (P < 0.05). Ewes that gave birth to two lambs showed more urinating behaviour (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the level of stress-related hormones in ewes among the four different separation-method groups (A + V + T, V + T, T, and C groups). Conclusions One hour ewe-lamb sensory separation affected the stress related behaviours of Small-tailed Han ewes during separation, but it did not cause differences in stress-related hormones in ewes after the separation. Ewes showed increased exploring or urinating behaviour when they were separated through lack of tactile contact only with lambs, or when ewes give birth to two lambs. Implications Ewes temporarily separated from their lambs are less stressed if they are unable to hear or see the lambs, thereby improving ewe welfare. These effects appear more pronounced in ewes with multiple lambs and provides new perspectives for further studies on the effect of litter size on ewe-lamb bonding.

Relationship of Biological and Environmental Factors with Social Isolation Using Hikki and Dead Inside as Examples

Introduction. The article is devoted to the study of a set of factors leading to voluntary self-isolation of young people in Russia. A number of foreign studies have documented voluntary withdrawal from social life and the desire for complete social isolation among young people. This phenomenon was first described in Japan and labeled as “hikikomori”. Many of the hikikomori did not have mental disorders to explain their reclusiveness, and therefore a comprehensive biopsychosocial model of the formation of such maladaptive behavior was proposed.Objective. To test the causal relationship between social exclusion, nervous system characteristics, and attachment type in members of the hikki and dead inside subcultures.Materials and Methods. Sixty-eight people (48 women and 20 men) participated in the study. Of them, the conditional norm was 36 people, 20 were dead inside, and 12 were hikkas. To assess the peculiarities of the nervous system we used express-diagnostics of the nervous system types on the basis of J. Streliau’s method of temperament diagnostics; to study the attachment types we used the method “Self-assessment of the generalized type of attachment” adapted by T. V. Kazantseva; to study child-parent relations we used the author’s questionnaire. Correlation and regression analysis were used as methods of statistical data processing.Results. The study confirmed the biopsychosocial model of social isolation, which is the result of nervous system features interrelated with the formation of relationships with parents and attachment type, which in turn is related to the formation of relationships with peers.Discussion. According to the results of the study, it was found that the predictors of social reclusiveness of hikikomori are increased excitability of the nervous system, which turns any social contacts into painful ones, while the representatives of dead inside, on the contrary, experience too weak reactions to external and internal stimuli, which also affects social adaptation.

Loneliness in Seriously Ill Nursing Home Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Loneliness and social isolation coexist, making it difficult to study each separately. The COVID-19 lockdown provided an unprecedented and ethically viable opportunity to study loneliness in seriously ill nursing home residents under uniformly imposed social isolation conditions. Objective: To understand the phenomenon of loneliness of the seriously ill nursing home patients under a uniform social isolation condition imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Design: Cross-sectional, semi-structured interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed qualitatively using an inductive thematic analysis. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Three-Item Loneliness Scale was used to measure loneliness and any relationships between self-reported loneliness and isolation were elucidated. Setting/Participants: Thirty seriously ill nursing home residents living in complete social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Results: Thematic analysis identified four key themes: (1) Diverse perceptions about the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown, (2) regret over the missed opportunities for spending time with friends and family, (3) using electronic communication to maintain connections with loved ones, and (4) the impact of nursing home staff. In total, 50% of the participants reported feeling socially isolated, 60% patients reported loneliness, and 70% reported being adversely impacted by the lockdown. Patients who felt socially isolated also reported experiencing loneliness (Kendall's Tau = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30, 0.89, p < 0.01, large effect size). Persons from communities of color had higher median loneliness scores compared to Non-Hispanic Whites. Participants in the last year of life also reported higher levels of loneliness. Conclusion: A study of loneliness under uniform social isolation conditions in seriously ill nursing home patients showed a high prevalence of loneliness and a strong correlation between self-reported loneliness and social isolation, especially in persons from minority communities and those in the last year of life. In-person support provided by nursing home staff and virtual support from family was helpful to patients.

Repercussions of COVID-19 in Brazilian Dentists’ Personal and Professional Routines: An Online Survey

This study evaluated the repercussions of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in Brazilian dentists' personal and professional routines. Brazilian dentists were invited to participate in an online survey with questions pertaining to COVID-19 and its repercussions in dental practice. Sample calculation was performed using the Survey Monkey software (www.surveymonkey.com). The minimum sample required to obtain a 95% confidence level (CI) and 1% margin of error was 4,214. The eligibility criteria were dental professionals, of any gender and age, who were working in dentistry in a public, private, or university environment, regardless of the time of experience in the profession, and agreed to participate in the study. The survey was structured such that all the Brazilian regions were touched upon, thereby aiming at covering and collecting the representative data of the region. Responses were analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance, with statistical significance at p <0.05. A total of 15,813 dentists responded to the survey, representing all Brazilian regions. Complete social isolation was practiced by 96.21% of the respondents, and approximately 25% knew someone who had contracted COVID-19. Public health specialists were the most likely to provide emergency treatment (71.90%, p <0.001). In the Northeast region, 79.80% of respondents agreed that conventional personal protective equipment (PPE) was insufficient to prevent COVID-19 transmission, and 79.10% considered their biosecurity measures insufficient (p <0.001). In the North region, most dentists continued to perform elective dental procedures (p <0.001). It is possible to conclude that Brazilian dentists demonstrated high knowledge of COVID-19's main symptoms and the risks of transmission through dental procedures. Most respondents practiced social isolation, although some did continue to provide emergency dental care. To improve infection control in dental care settings against COVID-19, it is necessary to educate and raise awareness among professionals. How to cite this article: Candeiro GTM, Neri JR, Carvalho BMDF, et al. Repercussions of COVID-19 in Brazilian Dentists' Personal and Professional Routines: An Online Survey. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(5):491-500.

Quality of life and sexuality in women with urinary incontinence.

An overview of urinary incontinence and the associated quality of life in women, including sexuality. Compilation of published data from scientific literature. Urinary incontinence and female sexual dysfunction are common problems that adversely affect awomans quality of life. Their cause is often multifactorial. Both of these dysfunctions are common in women, but are often not reported by them and, subsequently, not treated. The symptoms of urinary incontinence, shame and fear can lead to complete social isolation of awoman affected in this way. There are alot of studies suggesting that coping with aurination problem can subsequently improve awomans sexual function and overall quality of life. The prevalence increases significantly with the age.

Rehabilitation under Social Isolation: Outcomes of Older Individuals with Hip Fractures, Admitted to a Postacute Geriatric Rehabilitation Center, during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background/Aims: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of an ongoing pandemic. The highest mortality rate is observed among the older adult population. During the first wave of the pandemic (March–June 2020), following a national health decree demanding that no visitors or family members be allowed in health institutions, our geriatric rehabilitation center closed gates to all visitors from the outside. We aimed to assess the rehabilitation outcomes of older patients with hip fractures in the first pandemic wave, who underwent rehabilitation under complete social isolation from primary care givers and family members. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. It took place at a university-affiliated, major postacute geriatric rehabilitation center. Rehabilitation outcomes measured were discharge functional independence measure (FIM) score and motor FIM score, FIM score change, motor FIM score change, favorable motor FIM effectiveness, length of stay, discharge destination, and home aid at discharge. Results: The study group included 36 patients who were admitted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020). The control group comprises 106 individuals with hip fractures who were admitted in the respective time periods during the previous 2 years, that is, March 1, 2018, to June 30, 2018, and March 1, 2019, to June 30, 2019. The facility’s occupancy rates were much lower during the first wave of the pandemic in comparison with previous years (78 and 99%, respectively). Patients showed similar demographics and comorbidities, but the social isolation group was more severely deconditioned upon admission. All rehabilitation outcomes were similar between groups. Conclusion: According to the findings of this retrospective study, social isolation from family and caregivers did not have a detrimental effect on the rehabilitation outcomes of these patients. More evidence must be gathered and presented on the matter.

Patients with rheumatic diseases adhere to COVID-19 isolation measures more strictly than the general population.

Patients with rheumatic diseases adhere to COVID-19 isolation measures more strictly than the general population.

Humans in the Perfectly Competitive Market: Report from a Fictional Field Study

The perfectly competitive market – a hypothetical situation free of market failure – serves as a benchmark for economic theory, providing the basis for the two fundamental welfare theorems. The radical abstractions of this idea makes it hard to grasp its full implications, however. In this essay, I explore the perfectly competitive market using literary fiction. Part I discusses fiction as a tool for economic theory. Part II is a science fiction story about two economists travelling to the perfectly competitive market for their honeymoon. Part III develops main theoretical insights emerging from the story. First, to preclude market failure, complete social isolation must prevail. Second, the requirements of symmetric information and no external effects are extremely hard to reconcile, leading to an impossibility result: if trade is permitted anytime, and deliberate, welfare-relevant learning is feasible, no perfectly competitive market can exist.

The Third Theorem of Welfare Economics: Report from a Fictional Field Study

The perfectly competitive market – a hypothetical situation free of market failure – is the basis for the two fundamental welfare theorems, and an important benchmark for economic theory. The radical abstractions of this idea, however, make its full implications hard to grasp. I address this using literary fiction. Part I discusses fiction as a tool for economic theory. Part II is a story about a journey to the perfectly competitive market. Part III develops main theoretical insights based on the story: First, complete social isolation is needed to preclude market failure. Second, the requirements of symmetric information and no external effects are extremely hard to reconcile, leading to an impossibility theorem: if trade is permitted anytime, and deliberate, welfare-relevant learning is feasible, no perfectly competitive market can exist.

Study on Social Isolation as a Risk Factor in Development of Alzheimer’s Disease in Rats

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to memory loss. It is characterized by deposition of Beta-amyloid peptides (Aβ), accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles and cell loss. Social isolation may exacerbate memory deficits. The risk of cognitive decline and the onset of AD may be lower by maintaining social connections and keeping mentally active. The relationship between frequent social activity and enhancing cognitive functions has been established. Objective: Study the influence of complete social isolation for a long period on biochemical and histopathological changes as well as DNA fragmentation in the brain of normal rats. In addition, investigate the possible interaction between social isolation and development of AD using isolation-associated AD rat model. Methods: Four groups of rats were used; 2 groups socialized and 2 isolated for four weeks. One of each socialized and isolated groups were served as control and the other served as AD groups and injected by ALCl3 (70 mg/kg, IP) every day during four weeks of isolation or socialization. Isolated rats were housed individually in cages covered with black plastic while socialized rats were randomly paired and housed in transparent covered cages. Biochemical changes in the brain as acetyl cholinesterase (ACHE), Aβ, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), monoamins (Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine), inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β), oxidative parameters (MDA, SOD, TAC) and DNA fragmentation were estimated for all groups. Histopathological changes in the brain were also evaluated. Results: Complete social isolation for a long period resulted in brain neurological damage indicated by significant increase in Aβ, ACHE, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β as well as decreases in SOD, TAC, BDNF, and monoamines and confirmed by histopathological changes in different brain regions. Brain neurological damage was more severe in isolation-associated AD than in socialized condition. Isolation also enhanced the DNA fragmentation induced by AD. Conclusion: Complete social isolation for a long period induces brain neuronal degenerations. It represents a risk factor especially when associated with AD; it increases DNA fragmentation and enhances the severity of AD development. Thus, socialization is advised especially with AD to avoid worsen or deterioration of the disease.

Early social isolation provokes electrophysiological and structural changes in cutaneous sensory nerves of adult male rats.

Sensory and social deprivation from the mother and littermates during early life disturbs the development of the central nervous system, but little is known about its effect on the development of the peripheral nervous system. To assess peripheral effects of early isolation, male rat pups were reared artificially in complete social isolation (AR); reared artificially with two same-age conspecifics (AR-Social); or reared by their mothers and with littermates (MR). As adults, the electrophysiological properties of the sensory sural (SU) nerve were recorded. We found that the amplitude and normalized area (with respect to body weight) of the compound action potential (CAP) response provoked by single electrical pulses of graded intensity in the SU nerves of AR animals were shorter than the CAP recorded in SU nerves from MR and AR-Social animals. The slope of the stimulus-response curve of AR SU nerves was smaller than that of the other nerves. The histological characterization of axons in the SU nerves was made and showed that the myelin thickness of axons in AR SU nerves was significant lower (2-7µm) than that of the axons in the other nerves. Furthermore, the area and axon diameter of SU nerves of both AR and AR-Social animals were significant lower than in MR animals. This is the first report to show that maternal and littermate deprivation by AR disturbs the development of the myelination and electrophysiological properties of axons in the SU nerve; the replacement of social cues prevents most of the effects.

2795 – Delusional social isolation: criteria attempts for psychotic depression and late paranoid schizophrenia

Introduction Chronic social isolation in the elderly may be related with diverse psychiatric disorders: chronic depressive episode, paranoia-type personality, and late non-schizophrenic psychosis. Objectives In order to separate psychotic depression and non-schizophrenic psychosis with depressive mood, there is a need for more clearly defined criteria. Methods We report the case of a 68 yrs. women living alone at home for more than twenty years, with a complete social isolation for two years. This behaviour was found associated with severe delusion: she unreasonably felt persecuted by her flat's owner and she dissimulated an extensive basocellular carcinoma on her face threatening her life. A history of a short depressive episode at the time of her divorce was only found, as she demonstrated at initial assessment many paranoia personality traits. A review of literature on this disorders’ association was therefore undertaken. Results Evolution after admission revealed the lack of effectiveness of antipsychotic treatment on delusion, but some efficiency of antidepressant. Nevertheless, personality traits remained unaffected by care. Literature on the association between mood disorders and non-schizophrenic psychosis is rare, and we suggest some criteria that may account for psychotic depression and be useful to treatment choice. Conclusions In the absence of a history of chronic mood or psychotic disorder, it is hypothesised that paranoia symptoms may account more for a psychotic depression than for late paranoid schizophrenia. This may have consequences for therapeutic strategy.

Tardive Tourette-Like Syndrome in a Patient Treated With Paliperidone

Tardive Tourette-Like Syndrome in a Patient Treated With Paliperidone

Interactions between the effects of early isolation rearing and complex housing on adult locomotor activity and sensitivity to amphetamine in rats involve noradrenergic neurotransmission

Increased sensitivity to the locomotor-activating effects of amphetamine in rats with a history of early-life social isolation is commonly attributed to alteration of the dopamine system. The locomotor response to amphetamine may also be due to effects on the noradrenergic system and particularly α-adrenergic receptors. The present study examined whether noradrenergic neurotransmission mediates the increased sensitivity to the locomotor effects of amphetamine resulting from early social isolation and whether this effect can be reversed by later-life social housing experience. Rats reared in complete social isolation (artificially reared, AR) exhibited higher levels of locomotor activity than maternally reared (MR) rats in response to amphetamine (0.25 mg/kg). Increased sensitivity to the locomotor effects of amphetamine in AR rats was reduced by the α-adrenergic receptor antagonist prazosin (0.5 mg/kg). Prazosin alone reduced activity in AR rats to the level of MR rats. Group housing in cages that were more complex than standard laboratory cages reduced activity in both AR and MR rats. Group housing did not decrease the sensitivity of AR rats to the locomotor effects of either amphetamine or prazosin. Differences in activity between rats in standard and complex housing conditions were not altered by drug treatments. These findings indicate that pre-weaning social experience alters the responsiveness of the noradrenergic system to drug challenges, whereas post-weaning housing experience may not, even though ongoing activity is affected. Increased activity and sensitivity to amphetamine resulting from social isolation in early life may be mediated by changes in noradrenergic α-receptor mediated neurotransmission.

Maternal and peer contact during the postnatal period participate in the normal development of maternal aggression, maternal behavior, and the behavioral response to novelty

In the rat, social isolation during the early postnatal period disrupts the adult function of certain neuroendocrine and neurobehavioral systems. In the present study, we assessed the effects of peer and maternal contact during this period on the adult expression of aggression, maternal behavior, and the behavioral response to novelty. Female rat pups of the Wistar strain were reared across postnatal days 3–19 in one of the following conditions: (1) by their mother and with littermates (MR, control); (2) artificially reared in complete social isolation (AR); or (3) artificially reared in the presence of two same-age conspecifics (AR-Soc). As adults, all females were administered a resident–intruder aggression test, first in a non-maternal context (“territorial” aggression) and then in the presence of their pups (“maternal” aggression). Additionally, their maternal behavior and response to a novel object placed in a familiar open field arena were quantified. We found that maternal isolation impaired maternal behavior, increased maternal aggression, and increased the olfactory investigation of a novel object. The presence of peers prevented the effect of artificial rearing on aggression, but not its effects on maternal behavior or response to novelty. In the maternal aggression test, AR-Soc females engaged in significantly more sniffing of the intruder compared to the other two groups. The present results confirm and extend those of previous studies in a different strain (Sprague–Dawley), and indicate that peer-derived stimuli impact on the development of neurobehavioral systems underlying aggressive and non-aggressive social interactions, whereas the normal development of maternal behavior and response to novelty requires maternally derived stimuli.

Demonstration of an odorous intramale primer effect in short-tailed vole,Microtus agrestis L.

Anal (proctodeal) glands of maleMicrotus agrestis housed in social isolation undergo severe atrophy. Their weight and volume is significantly lower than those of the stock control males. The atrophied glands can be revived by subjecting deprived voles to various social odors. Atrophied glands of isolated males do not respond to the odors of male and female urine, voided feces of females, and unvoided feces of males. Atrophied anal glands of males exposed to voided male feces (which have passed the orifice of the anal gland) and soiled bedding from adult males show strong recrudescence. The mean weight and volume of the glands and plasma testosterone level are significantly higher than of males maintained in complete social isolation, although they are significantly less than those of stock control males. Atrophied glands of socially deprived males strongly respond to the odor of ethereal extract of gland secretion. In males exposed daily to anal gland secretion extract, the weight and volume of the gland and plasma testosterone level increase and are not significantly different from those of stock controls. They enjoy higher plasma testosterone levels and consequently larger and more active anal glands than complete isolates.

Persistent parainfluenza virus shedding during isolation at the South Pole

Persistent parainfluenza virus shedding in healthy young adults occurred throughout the 8 1/2-month winter isolation period at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station during 1978. Two episodes of respiratory illness were observed after 10 and 29 weeks of complete social isolation. Throat swabs collected both routinely, and during each outbreak of respiratory illness, were directly inoculated into cell cultures. Parainfluenza virus types 1 and 3 were recovered from both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects throughout the winter. No other viruses were obtained by these efforts. The presence of parainfluenza virus in these subjects long after the accepted incubation period for viral upper respiratory illness, and when the introduction of new virus to this community was impossible, suggests its persistence in man.

SEROLOGIC EVIDENCE FOR PARAINFLUENZAVIRUS INFECTION DURING ISOLATION AT SOUTH POLE STATION, ANTARCTICA

Two distinct mid-winter outbreaks of respiratory tract illness (RTI) occurred among South Pole Station personnel during the winterover period of 1976. One outbreak began early in May eight weeks after total isolation began, the second occurred in August and September after 20 weeks of complete social isolation. Sequential sera collected from 16 of the 18 subjects wintering at South Pole during 1976 were tested by hemagglutination inhibition for antibody against parainfluenzavirus types 1 and 3. Serologic responses were detected against parainfluenzavirus 1 and 3 antigens during the outbreak that occurred in May, and one subject showed a response to parainfluenzavirus 1 in September. Serologic responses occurred in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects and were chronologically compatible with the observed illnesses. Throat swabs collected both routinely during the winter and during each outbreak of illness and maintained at -70 C failed to reveal the causative agent when inoculated into cell culture at the home laboratory the following year. Outbreaks of mid-winter RTI and serologic responses in adult subjects isolated at South Pole Station suggest persistence of parainfluenzavirus in the human adult. Confirmation of this observation will require recovery of the virus during outbreaks of RTI within this isolated community.

Influence of family life on the course of schizophrenic disorders: a replication.

In spite of the new methods of treatment and care introduced during the past fifteen years, schizophrenic patients are still liable to relapse with a recurrence of florid symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations and disturbed behaviour, and great suffering can be caused to all concerned (Brown et al., 1966). It has been shown that the onset of florid symptoms is often preceded during the previous three weeks by a significant change in the patient's social environment (Brown and Birley, 1968; Birley and Brown, 1970). Other studies have focused on the influence of more persistent environmental factors, such as the emotion expressed towards the patients by relatives with whom they were living. In an exploratory survey of discharged long-stay men it was found that close emotional ties with parents or wives indicated a poor prognosis (Brown, Carstairs and Topping, 1958; Brown, 1959). In a further study, patients were seen in hospital just before discharge, and their relatives were interviewed at home at the same time, and both were seen together at a joint interview shortly after discharge. It was found that those patients who returned home to live with relatives who were highly emotionally involved with them (as judged by ratings of the relatives' behaviour) were more likely to suffer a relapse of florid symptoms, even when the severity of psychiatric disturbance at the time of discharge was taken into account (Brown et al., 1962). Ratings of the patient's own expressed emotion showed much less involvement, and were much less highly associated with subsequent relapse. There was also a suggestion that short-term and long-term influences might have a cumulative effect; for example, that a raised level of tension in the home made relapse more likely in the event of a critical change in the patient's social environment (Brown and Birley, 1968). These facts, together with the contrasting but just as handicapping reaction of schizophrenic patients to an under-stimulating social milieu, were brought together in a more general theory of environmental influences on the course of schizophrenia (Wing and Brown, 1970). This also took account of the high physiological arousal which had been found in the most withdrawn schizophrenic patients (Venables, 1968; Venables and Wing, 1962). It was argued that in a socially intrusive environment acting upon a patient whose thought disorder was in any case liable to become manifest whenever circumstances became too complicated, a patient would tend to attempt to protect himself by social withdrawal; but this process might easily go too far, both in hospital and outside it, leading to complete social isolation and inability to care for himself. The optimum social environment, for those who remained handicapped, was seen as a structured and neutrally stimulating one with little necessity for complex decision making.

Jane Eyre's Imagination

Jane Eyre's Imagination