bookofjoe

BehindTheMedspeak: Can Tylenol ease the pain of heartbreak?

Long story short, from Gary Stix's September 2010 Scientific American article: In a laboratory setting employing brain imaging, individuals who took Tylenol "... appeared to experience fewer feelings of rejection than those who received a placebo...."

Here's the article.

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Feeling the Pain of Rejection? Try Taking a Tylenol

What is a fate as bad as death? Many contemporary and ancient societies considered banishment at least equal. After all, in the past, estrangement from family or friends, along with the corresponding exile away from the campfire or town gates, meant literally getting thrown to the wolves. Not surprisingly, our brains are wired with circuitry so that we can scrupulously avoid such fates, whether that means expulsion to the desert as in the Biblical tale of Hagar and Ishmael or the heartbreak of not getting that long-awaited invitation to the high school prom. The neurological wiring that makes us feel pain, new research suggests, also means that a common painkiller could ease the sting.

One brain area in question resides about an inch behind your forehead. Called the anterior cingulate cortex, it serves as one of the brain’s control centers for that “why me?” feeling when you get picked last for the dodgeball game. It also happens to be the same circuitry that induces the emotional component of pain, that desperate feeling provoked by the throbbing of a toothache. Evolution may have piggybacked brain functions that regulate social interaction on top of a more primal pain system. The way we speak (“I’m crushed”) even hints at just such a connection.

Research from the 1970s in rodents on the overlapping functions of this brain circuitry showed that opiates tended to quell not only painful stimuli but also the tiny squeaks that signal distress. C. Nathan DeWall, a social psychologist at the University of Kentucky who has researched the neurobiology of rejection for nearly 10 years, wondered whether an extraordinarily simple step to tone down these double-duty pain circuits might work in the human brain, which has evolved to master playground politics and other complex behaviors. Instead of dosing subjects with Vicodin, he and colleagues simply handed out acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a placebo to 62 volunteers. “We didn’t have to use fancy drugs; we didn’t have to get prescriptions,” he says. “All we had to do was find a drug that was safe and effective in alleviating the type of pain that we’re interested in.”

In one part of the study, published in the July Psychological Science, participants reported feelings of rejection on questionnaires. In another part, they played a computer game in which they were progressively excluded from a virtual ball-passing group as time elapsed. Brain imaging revealed that the Tylenol-gobbling group appeared to experience fewer feelings of rejection than those who received a placebo did. “I believe this study reports some of the best evidence that the systems that mediate our reactions to rejection evolved out of systems that signal the potential for physical harm,” says Kevin Ochsner, head of Columbia University’s social cognitive neuroscience lab.

One study does not a combo headache and heartache drug make. “That’s a question I get a lot: Should I take some acetaminophen before opening the letter from a potential employer?” DeWall comments. “It’s a little too early to make a call for widespread use.”

If validated, acetaminophen may become an invaluable research tool in seeking the neural underpinnings of not only exclusion but other mental processes related to social behavior. In one unpublished study, DeWall and his associates have found that subjects’ moral judgments change after receiving acetaminophen. They become less wracked by indecision when facing the classic moral dilemma in which one person must be sacrificed to save many; they reject out of hand what they perceive to be a ludicrous choice. If acetaminophen really does assist in resolving internal emotional conflict, it might help socially awkward individuals who become distraught when confronted by more routine moral choices. An ability to induce subtle shifts in perspective may give entirely new meaning to the Tylenol slogan of “Feel better.”

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The abstract of DeWall et al's Psychological Science paper follows.

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Pain, whether caused by physical injury or social rejection, is an inevitable part of life. These two types of pain—physical and social—may rely on some of the same behavioral and neural mechanisms that register pain-related affect. To the extent that these pain processes overlap, acetaminophen, a physical pain suppressant that acts through central (rather than peripheral) neural mechanisms, may also reduce behavioral and neural responses to social rejection. In two experiments, participants took acetaminophen or placebo daily for 3 weeks. Doses of acetaminophen reduced reports of social pain on a daily basis (Experiment 1). We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure participants’ brain activity (Experiment 2), and found that acetaminophen reduced neural responses to social rejection in brain regions previously associated with distress caused by social pain and the affective component of physical pain (dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula). Thus, acetaminophen reduces behavioral and neural responses associated with the pain of social rejection, demonstrating substantial overlap between social and physical pain.

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You want the full monty?

Here's a link to the full text — tables, figures, references and the rest — of the study.

Feline Evolution CatSeat

The business port kind of resembles an old-fashioned bomb sight.

But I digress.

From the website:

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Feline Evolution CatSeat

Toilet train your cat and eliminate the litter box forever.

The Feline Evolution CatSeat is the next generation litter box that can toilet train your cat. This veterinarian recommended waste disposal system can be used exclusively on the floor in place of the litter box or mounted on the toilet for cats that have graduated to being toilet trained.

The award-winning design allows the gradual reduction of litter away from your cat. This eliminates the tracking of dirty litter and odors throughout your house.

Simply lift and toss the plastic bag for the easiest possible cleanup. If you decide to mount the CatSeat to the toilet, then cleanup is as simple as a flush.

While using the CatSeat on the floor the litter and waste are hidden from view. Your cat is standing on dry sand-textured shelves that simulate the sensation of digging and covering. They never actually come into contact and track the small amount of soiled litter below, helping to keep your home free of odors.

If you decide to completely toilet train your cat, 98% of the training is completed before you even mount the CatSeat in place of the existing seat. It lifts and functions like a normal seat, and with the push of a button, the shelves retract for human use. The open cavity design allows for easy cleaning. It includes a CD-ROM explaining alternative methods and written instructions.

The economical design of the CatSeat requires no batteries or electricity. The mechanism is self-contained and has a one year limited warranty.

Complete unit includes:

• One fully assembled Cat Seat
• White and black training tray and boxes
• Mounting bracket and plastic bolt sets
• Lid
• 30 disposable plastic bags
• Complete written instructions and CD video.

Function and Design:

• CatSeat Size: The CatSeat design is slightly oversized to allow a cat to easily balance. This provides older and heavier cats with a comfortable stance. It is also a perfect size for nearly all toilet fixtures.
• Folding Legs: The legs allow the CatSeat to be used securely on the floor. While on the floor, 98% of the training can be completed by simply reducing the level of litter. Once the litter is reduced, you have the option to continue using the CatSeat in place of a litter box, or to mount on the toilet and completely eliminate litter. Either way, the cat does not come into contact with the litter.
• Sand-Textured Shelves: The retractable shelves serve several purposes. The most important function is to allow a rough texture for a cat to dig and cover once they have finished using the CatSeat. They also conceal the water below, which is a benefit for both cats and humans. Finally, with the shelves extended you are not using the same area on the seat as your cat.
• Mounting Fixture: If you opt to mount the CatSeat to the toilet, the mounting fixture allows for easy removal of the seat. You may also mount the seat with or without the lid.
• Pull Cord Design: The pull cord was chosen because it allows litter to be dislodged from the mechanism.
• White and Black Trays: This system of training is simple and easy to understand. Only one change is required by exchanging the position of the trays.
• Paw-Shaped Button: Pushing a button transforms the CatSeat into a normal toilet seat. The button has a small amount of resistance so that a heavy cat stepping on it will not trigger the mechanism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CatSeat?
The CatSeat is recommended by veterinarians and leading pet health care professionals. It separates your cat from touching and tracking dirty litter, and is the healthy alternative to a normal litter box. It is the revolutionary next generation litter box designed to allow the option of mounting to your toilet, and to completely wean your cat from litter. This will forever eliminate the mess and expense of litter from your life.

What is the price of the CatSeat?
Considering that nearly half the money you spend on your cat goes to purchase litter (approximately $3,500 over their lifetime), the CatSeat is a wise investment. It comes with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee (less shipping and handling). If you are not pleased with it, simply send it back!

What makes the CatSeat superior to a normal litter box?
The CatSeat is the first and only litter box that actually weans your cat off litter. This is accomplished by gradually reducing the level of litter available to your cat. The retractable shelves are textured to replace the feel of litter. The waste collects into a self-closing disposable bag that you simply throw away, while remaining hidden out of sight beneath the litter-textured shelves. This eliminates the tracking of litter and germs throughout your home.

How can the CatSeat toilet train my cat?
Once your cat is successfully using the CatSeat as a replacement to the litter box, it is designed to mount to your toilet. It is slightly oversized to allow your cat to easily balance on the seat, and the textured shelves replace the feel of litter, which satisfies their need to "cover up". From here it's as simple as the self-closing bag releasing from the bottom, and gradually introducing the water below. The key to successful toilet training (either with kids or cats) is to make the process extremely subtle and easy for them to follow. This is the cornerstone of the design of the CatSeat. Training usually takes from two to three weeks.

Does the CatSeat function like a regular toilet seat?
If you decide to mount the CatSeat to your toilet, it functions exactly like a regular toilet seat. It lifts up and operates just as you would expect. With the simple push of a button, the shelves disappear into the center. This way you are not using the same area as your cat. It is almost as if they have a separate seat all to themselves.

What is the purpose of the shelves?
The shelves are textured to replicate the feel of litter to your cat. It is an instinctive reflex for your cat to want to "cover up". The rough texture of the shelves satisfies that need. They also provide a comfortable footing while concealing the litter, water (if mounted), and waste below.

Can more than one cat use the CatSeat?
Yes they can. It is important that each cat becomes comfortable with the level of litter provided before moving on and further reducing the available amount. The largest number of cats successfully trained to the CatSeat is seven (this was accomplished using two CatSeats). Obviously, the larger the number, the more difficult it becomes.

What is the minimum age to start my cat on the CatSeat?
While most any age kitten can use the CatSeat while on the floor, the manufacturer recommends that they be at least seven months old before mounting it to the toilet. It can train most any age cat (the oldest that was confirmed to us was fifteen years old), and is slightly oversized to accommodate much larger and older cats.

Is the CatSeat suited for use by pregnant women?
Once your cat is successfully using the CatSeat, you will never handle dirty litter ever again. As always, the manufacturer recommends consulting with your veterinarian and physician on how best to live with a cat during pregnancy. The CatSeat might be the ideal solution.

Does the CatSeat come with a guarantee?
The CatSeat comes with an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee.

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$95.99.

[via CAS who immediately regretted sending me the link, writing "I shouldn't encourage you. This is so creepy."

Wes Anderson's "Bottle Rocket" now online (legally)

Free, the way we like it, right here.

The 1996 film was Anderson's first full-length movie .

There goes the afternoon.

Fair warning.

[via Clicker and Erin Biba]

Rubber Clock

Rubber with quartz movement and magnetic back.

Wall-mountable.

8"Ø x 1.5"D.

$35.

"How many physicians, attorneys, educators (counting scientists & engineers), theologians & military read boj?

Above, an interesting question posed this past Sunday evening by my California correspondent (is that vague enough?).

He added, "How many of your readers are members of the original five professions?"

Now there's something I didn't know before I read his email: I'd always thought there was one more since early days.

But I digress.

I hereby announce the beginning of the first ever boj World Wide Profession Poll.

Identify your presence in one of the original five as listed in the headline up top.

You can be in more than one: for example, a physician ordained by the Universal Life Church.

When I get some numbers I'll report back here.

Assuming my crack statistics team can find its abacus.

"Take the scary out of life"

I've listened to the soundtrack of the Travelers Insurance commercial up top a thousand times.

Yuck.

So insipid and cute I have to mute it when it comes on, or leave the room.

But until yesterday during the U.S. Open telecast I'd never actually seen the wonderful video portion.

When I did it was MOS as usual, so it wasn't until I went to YouTube to search for it that the penny dropped and I realized that the icky song is the soundtrack.

Go ahead, watch it both ways and tell me it isn't much better as a silent.

2 steps to ubiquity: creating bookofjoe with my iPad

As the haze clears from the near future, it becomes apparent that the ability to use my iPad as a platform to create full-strength bookofjoe posts — pictures, videos, links, the full monty — using the native TypePad application is tantalizingly close.

• Step the first: My need to use a full-size keyboard that's always at hand appears to have been met by Sena with the accessory pictured up top. A Bluetooth keyboard is integrated into a pretty serious looking case. Ships October 7.

• Step the second: Multitasking like a computer or iPhone 4. It was mentioned earlier this year when the iPad came out and confirmed by Jobs in last week's product announcement as being part of the iPad software update coming in November. Still, you never know, and I'll believe I can do it when I send up the first post from my iPad.

Don't believe everything

you read.

Pen Calculator

Full-function calculator and 4" long ballpoint pen in cylindrical 4.5" long case.

$6.99.