This article presents multiple novel and compelling arguments to systematically disprove two widely accepted notions: one is that entropy is a measure of disorder, and the other is Schrödinger's notion of negative entropy (negentropy). These two notions have been cited hundreds of times annually in scientific literature for decades. To mathematically describe the second law of thermodynamics, the concept of entropy was created and defined in the 1860s as heat energy divided by thermodynamic temperature, and the entropy of an object increases when it absorbs heat. This is the uncontroversial and fundamental nature of entropy, which is pivotal to current thermodynamics and from which multiple facts are deduced. These facts consistently disprove the above two notions. Some biological facts, such as the one that life orderliness is encoded and provided by inherited genes rather than entropy decline, can also disprove Schrödinger's negentropy notion. Moreover, this article further clarifies the reasoning errors of the two notions. It also shows that the tendency of many natural or social systems to become more disordered over time does not result from the second law of thermodynamics.

The prevalence of diagnosed cases of autism has increased rapidly, which raise interest in studying the variables related to the well-being of these families. The purpose of this paper is to review recent literature on other variables related to family well-being such a parenting styles. We conducted a systematic review using PRISMA check list and bias assessment ESTROBE with the aim of analyzing if the concepts of autism, well-being and parenting style are related. We screened 753 references, 16 full text articles and abstracts were read. It was identified that authoritative parenting style, those based on warmth, establishing relationships and emotional bonding, and low expressed emotion were positively related to family well-being. On the other hand, authoritarian, permissive and overprotective styles, as well as critical, punishing and training-based were negatively associated with well-being and quality of family life.

Objective: The influence of gender on the number and pattern of co-morbid psychiatric illness was archivally compared between patients with and without an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) among psychiatrically treated individuals drawn from a large Danish birth cohort. Method: By age 45, fifteen percent of the Copenhagen Perinatal Birth Cohort (N=8,109) had been treated in a Danish psychiatric facility. Of those 1,247 patients, 368 were assigned an AUD diagnosis (29.5%). All psychiatric diagnoses assigned to these patients, over all admissions, were classified into one of 14 broad ICD-10 F categories for comparative purposes. Results: More of the patients with an AUD diagnosis were male. Patients with an AUD diagnosis were significantly more likely to receive two or more non-AUD psychiatric diagnoses than patients without an AUD diagnosis. The number of psychiatric diagnoses was greater for female than male AUD patients, a difference not found among male and female patients without an AUD diagnosis. For patients with no AUD diagnosis, the influence of gender on the pattern of psychiatric disorders was similar to that commonly reported. In contrast, the influence of gender on the number and pattern of psychiatric disorders for patients with an AUD diagnosis indicated fewer gender differences. Several diagnostic categories that discriminated male from female patients without an AUD-related diagnosis, no longer discriminated male from female patients with an AUD-related diagnosis. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that gender differences associated with psychiatric comorbidity that have been reported in large heterogenous study, should not be generalized to specific diagnostic groups without further study.

Although the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia explains the effects of all the available antipsychotics in clinical use, there is an increasing need for developing new drugs for the treatment of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of chronic psychoses. Xanomeline-trospium (KarXT) is a drug combination that is based on the essential role played by acetylcholine in the regulation of cognitive processes and the interactions between this neurotransmitter and other signaling pathways in the central nervous system, with a potential role in the onset of schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and substance use disorders. A systematic literature review that included four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Clarivate/Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and the US National Library of Medicine database for clinical trials detected 21 sources referring to 14 studies focused on KarXT, out of which only four have published results. Based on the results of these trials, the short-term efficacy and tolerability of xanomeline-trospium are good, but more data is needed before this drug combination may be recommended for clinical use. However, on a theoretical level, the exploration of KarXT is useful for increasing the interest of researchers in finding new, non-dopaminergic, antipsychotics that could be used either as monotherapy or as add-on drugs.

Many drastic actions are taken by cocaine users for the sake of experiencing high dopamine levels, which depends on iron for its synthesis. Dopamine depletion and iron deficiency are also involved in the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS). The intersecting biochemical pathways of cocaine use, iron deficiency, and RLS have not been adequately investigated. This case report reveals the successful treatment of a patient with these conditions. A 63-year-old male with a history of cocaine use disorder, insomnia, and RLS sought emergency care for suicidality. Upon admission, he was also found to be iron-deficient. He revealed that his RLS worsened when he attempted to abstain from cocaine. He also used alcohol to sustain the effects of cocaine when the cost of cocaine was too high. During hospitalization, his mood, cravings, and RLS were resolved with adjunctive iron supplementation as well as 300 mg of Wellbutrin. If iron-deficient, replenishment of adequate dopaminergic receptor density and function via supplementation may play an essential role in the prevention of cocaine use and cessation of cocaine withdrawal. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and understand the implications of iron supplementation in addiction medicine.

Cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) is a debilitating condition marked by muscle and fat loss, unresponsive to nutritional support, and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Immune dysfunction, driven by cytokine imbalance, contributes to CAC progression. This review explores the potential relationship between CAC and anti-cancer immune response in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Pre-clinical studies showcase the involvement of cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and TGF-β, in CAC. IL-6 and TNF-α, interacting with muscle and adipose tissues, induce wasting through JAK/STAT and NF-κB pathways. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) exacerbate CAC by promoting inflammation. Clinical studies confirm elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNFα) and immune markers like neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with CAC. Thus, immunomodulatory mechanisms involved in CAC may impact the anti-neoplastic immune response. Inhibiting CAC mechanisms could enhance anti-cancer therapies, notably immunotherapy. R-ketorolac, a new immunomodulator, reversed weight loss and increased survival in mice. Combining these agents with immunotherapy may benefit patients with cancer experiencing CAC. Further research is vital to understand the complex interplay between tumor-induced immune dysregulation and CAC during immunotherapy.

Many people in the USA have lost their lives or become addicted to opioids via prescription opioids given for chronic pain. The chronic pain epidemic has emerged due to a convergence of factors, including the medicalization of pain as well as injuries happening in the workplace, in the home, or during recreation. Opioid prescriptions rose precipitously from the late 1990’s through to approximately 2020, and despite public awareness, still are increasing. This review examines literature on integrative approaches to chronic pain as delineated by pain type. The review is organized by the most common causes of chronic pain, and randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews are extracted for each cause of chronic pain. Several promising interventions may alleviate chronic pain of some causes, and some interventions may work across pain causes. Lowering inflammation through dietary or lifestyle regimens may be a general way of reducing pain. Pain can be alleviated through several adjunctive and integrative treatment approaches, which may serve to lower the need for opioid medication.

The Sars-Cov-2 pandemic led to several needed containing measures that conditioned the onset of depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms in population. These symptoms, espe-cially if not diagnosed and treated, can also occur in patients undergoing surgery with high im-pact on people’s lives, like hysterectomy. To evaluate the post-surgical distress and anx-ious-depressive symptoms following hysterectomy for benign disease focusing on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The prospective observational cohort study included patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease. Psychologic evaluation through social-demographic question-naires was obtained before surgery (T1), postoperatively (T2), and 3 months after surgery (T3). The HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) was used to evaluate anxious-depressive symptoms and the PCL-5 (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5) compared the on-set of post-surgical distress and anxiety and depressive symptoms. The pre-COVID-19 pan-demic period was compared to the post-COVID-19 pandemic phase. Patients treated after COVID-19 pandemic showed higher depressive symptoms rate compared to those treated before (p-value=0.02); conversely, pre-COVID-19 patients were more prone to develop a PTSD (p-value=0.04). A significative association between the occurrence PTSD and anxiety-depressive symptoms registered at T2 a (p-value=0.007) and T3 (p-value

This review aims to explore the intricate relationship between epigenetic mechanisms, stress, and affective disorders, focusing on how early life experiences and coping mechanisms contribute to susceptibility to mood disorders. Epigenetic factors play a crucial role in regulating gene expression without altering the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequence, and recent research has revealed associations between epigenetic changes and maladaptive responses to stress or psychiatric disorders. A scoping review of 33 studies employing the PRISMA-S (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses – Statement) guidelines investigates the role of stress-induced epigenetic mechanisms and coping strategies in affective disorders' occurrence, development, and progression. The analysis encompasses various stress factors, including childhood trauma, work-related stress, and dietary deficiencies, alongside epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and altered gene expression. Findings indicate that specific stress-related genes frequently exhibit epigenetic changes associated with affective disorders. Moreover, the review examines coping mechanisms in patients with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, revealing mixed associations between coping strategies and symptom severity. While active coping is correlated with better outcomes, emotion-focused coping may exacerbate depressive or manic episodes. Overall, this review underscores the complex interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, coping mechanisms, and affective disorders. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing targeted interventions and personalized treatment strategies for individuals with mood disorders. However, further research is needed to elucidate specific genomic loci involved in affective disorders and the clinical implications of coping strategies in therapeutic settings.

With the inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in both the DSM-5 and ICD-11, understanding the prevalence and diagnostic discrepancies is crucial for developing appropriate interventions. This study presents a meta-analysis of the prevalence of IGD based on two diagnostic criteria. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science databases. 17 studies were included in the final analysis, The analysis incorporated studies employing the DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria and focused on the impact of various factors, including study location, sample size, and quality score, on the reported prevalence rates using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity and publication bias were analyzed using an I2 test and Galbraith plots , The prevalence of IGD varied among the selected studies, with a general pooled prevalence of 5% (95% CI: 3%–7%). Subgroup analysis indicated that the prevalence rates of IGD (DSM-5 criteria) and GD (ICD-11 criteria) do not show significant differences. DSM-5-based scales yielded varied results, while heterogeneity among the studies was high (I2 = 98.50). In contrast, ICD-11-based scales produced more consistent and less variable findings. Our findings highlight that assessment scales, not diagnostic criteria, impact IGD prevalence. This underscores the importance of adopting standardized methodologies to guide public health interventions. However, given the limited research based on ICD-11 diagnostic criteria, further investigation is necessary to determine the variations in prevalence rates of IGD under different diagnostic standards.

The focus of this article is the evaluation of the quality and the degree of community engagement in an expert-based, public-health communicative intervention for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). In 2023 the Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society collaborated with a grass-roots community health group, a regional health authority, and an academic participatory researcher to organize a working group to mount a social-marketing campaign to increase community support for AUD medical treatment in family-practice settings in a rural community in British Columbia. The partnership working group conducted a series of activities in the school system, the town council, and the community. This article covers the formative evaluation and the summative evaluation of the working group's effectiveness. The formative evaluation ("lessons learned" and "recommendations") consists of consensus evaluations of the quality of each activity using a variety of data sources. The formative evaluation followed improvement science methods and used consensus meetings to provide and reflect on formal and informal feedback. Formative results reflect the consensus of the participants in the working group and they record the reactions in the community. The summative evaluation measures evidence of community engagement found in transcribed text from meeting minutes. The summative evaluation used theory-based frameworks and text data visualization to assess the engagement dynamics of the working group. The summative evaluation helps to put the formative evaluation into perspective as communicative action. The summative evaluation validates the formative evaluation by revealing the communicative dynamics of engagement which resulted in the community’s increased capacity to understand and support Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment options. The working group and the entire intervention was seen by the participants and the public as a success and capable of replication. In a small community, it instilled new understandings and attitudes, bringing an emerging awareness of medication as an optional health mitigation strategy for Alcohol Use Disorder. Our study furthers this overall assessment by using theoretical constructs and analysis of communicative records to trace engagement characteristics of interest to researchers, societies, and community groups contemplating similar interventions in the future. The study also validates the effectiveness of communicative analysis as a measure of social-marketing for expert-based public health interventions.

Patients with a psychotic disorder frequently report oral health problems, while mental health nurses (MHNs) seem not to be fully aware of these problems and the risk factors. Therefore, this study aims to develop supportive tools for MHNs regarding oral health to increase sensitization among MHNs and to provide MHNs with knowledge to recognize (potential) oral health problems in patients with a psychotic disorder. We used a human-centered design in which the user, MHNs as well as experts by experience, were placed in the centre of the research process. Problems and needs in MHNs working with patients with a psychotic disorder were addressed. To identify key issues of problem as well as the needs in terms of resources, we started with focus groups (n = 9). We analysed the data thematically based on context of patients and MHNs in practice regarding oral health, preferred oral health tools focused on MHN, and intended outcomes of tools. A Multi Criteria Decision Matrix was developed and analysed (n = 9) to identify the most optimal and viable solution based on established criteria and issues that are prevalent in the work of MHNs. Most promising result was the development of a brochure with an awareness screener. The brochure with awareness screener was developed as a low-fidelity prototype for MHNs regarding oral health in patients with a psychotic disorder, based on the latest scientific evidence. After testing it, the feasibility was tested through semi-structured interviews (n=19). MHNs and experts by experience were satisfied with the tool and provided recommendations for adjustments to the content. Significant augmentations to the brochure include a clinical lesson and a toothbrush with toothpaste for patients. We can conclude that a brochure with an awareness screener is feasible for MHNs. Future steps aiming to further refine and optimize care processes for oral health tools in MHNs, should take refining eligibility criteria for psychiatric populations and the language level of the target group of a tool into account.

Abstract: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is considered a lifelong disability that has been framed by neurobiological descriptions focused on the brain. These are important features but fail to tell the story of living with FASD. By surveying those with FASD, this work expands upon prior survey work which illustrated a multitude of early onset physiological issues occurring at rates much higher than typical of the general population. The current project, again using an anonymous survey methodology, seeks to open up other direct experiences to better understand the complexity of living with FASD. An anonymous online survey was used to gather data on advresity in childhood, schooling, employment, housing and finances, involvement with the criminal justice system as well as relationships and parenting. Results inform how supports can be enhanced and targeted with a goal of improving the quality of life. The survey was developed by adults living with FASD who have served as a long-standing advocacy and educational group influencing policy and practice in the field.

Dystonia and tremor are distinct movement disorders, but they overlap in certain circumstances. First, dystonia and tremor may co-exist in the same individual, in the same or different regions of the body. Second, dystonic movements are sometimes rapid and repetitive, and they may mimic tremor. The term dystonic tremor first appeared in the literature to describe a rapid and repetitive dystonic movement that mimicked tremor but could be discriminated from essential tremor. With the first consensus statement on tremor, the term dystonic tremor was instead used to describe any combination of dystonia with tremor in the same body region, a definition retained in the latest consensus statement. Both definitions continue to be used in the modern literature. To address this problem, a group of specialists in dystonia and tremor met to review the problem and develop recommendations for more consistent approach. The group agreed that a terminology that could be applied in the clinic was essential, even though laboratory-based measures may sometimes be required. The group also agreed that the term tremor should exclusively refer to rhythmic movements, and the establishment of boundaries for rhythmicity is needed. The group also agreed that repetitive movements that are grossly arrhythmic in the context of dystonia, should be called jerky dystonia, rather than terms that imply tremor. Moreover, when both tremor and dystonia coexist, they should be described according to affected body regions rather than given distinct labels.

Diagnosis and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women remain insufficient. Fluctuations of reproductive hormones during the premenstrual period, postpartum period and (peri)menopause are neglected, even though they impact ADHD symptoms and as-sociated mood disorders [1]. Therefore, we created a female-specific treatment group for women with ADHD and premenstrual worsening of ADHD and/or mood symptoms. We describe the group programme and underlying rationale, offering a qualitative analysis of the participants’ evaluation. The 7 two-weekly sessions foreground the menstrual cycle and address several ADHD-specific topics in relation to this cyclical pattern: emotional regulation; impulsivity; setting boundaries, and triggers. Concurrently, women track their menstrual cycle and (fluctuating) ADHD and mood symptoms with an adjusted premenstrual calendar. In total, 18 women (25-47yrs) participated in three consecutive groups. We analysed the evaluation of the last group. Participants experienced the group as a safe and welcoming space. Recognition was valued by all. The topics discussed were deemed valuable and the structure suited them well. Completing the premenstrual calendar augmented awareness and recognition of individual cyclical symptoms. Discussing ADHD throughout the lifespan increased self-understanding. Participants took their menstrual cycle more seriously, prioritising self-acceptance and self-care in the luteal phase of the cycle. Exploring a cyclical approach in a group setting seems to be a positive addition to treatment for female ADHD.

The relationship between pangolin-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 has been a subject of debate. Further evidence of a special relationship between the two viruses can be found by the fact that all known COVID-19 viruses have abnormally hard outer shell (low M disorder; i.e., low content of intrinsically disordered residues in the membrane (M) protein) that so far was found in CoVs associated with burrowing animals, such as rabbits and pangolins, in which transmission involves virus remaining in buried feces for a long time. While a hard outer shell is necessary for viral survival, a harder inner shell could also help. For this reason, the N disorder range of pangolin-CoVs, not bat-CoVs, more closely matches that of SARS-CoV-2 especially when Omicron is included. The low N disorder (i.e., low content of intrinsically disordered residues in the nucleocapsid (N) protein), first observed in pangolin-CoV-2017 amd later in Omicron, is associated with attenuation according to the Shell-Disorder-Model. Our experimental study revealed that pangolin-CoV-2017 and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (XBB.1.16 subvariant) show similar attenuations with respect to viral growth and plaque formation. Subtle differences have been observed that are consistent with disorder-centric computational analysis.

Depression is the commonest mental disorder worldwide. Both antidepressants and psychotherapy are effective in treating depression, but response to these treatments is often incomplete. Yoga-based interventions (YBIs) have emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for depression. Recent research has attempted to identify the biological mechanisms associated with the antidepressant actions of YBIs. In this scoping review, conducted according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve research on biomarkers of response to YBIs in patients with depression. Eleven studies were included in the review. Based on these studies, YBIs may improve depression through beneficial effects on systemic inflammation, stress axis regulation, cardiac autonomic functioning, and possibly reductions in oxidative stress-related cellular damage. Increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may represent a final common pathway upon which these processes converge. Though these results are theoretically plausible, they should be interpreted with caution due to certain methodological limitations in the existing research. Replication of these results and improvements in study methodology, and the evaluation of other biomarkers relevant to the pathophysiology of depression, could further elucidate the mechanism of action of YBIs in this disorder, and identify which patients would benefit most from this treatment approach.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by persistent deficits in social interaction and communication, repetitive movements, abnormal focusing on objects, or activity that can significantly affect the quality of life of the afflicted. Brain neuronal and glial cells have been implicated. It has a genetic component but can also be triggered by environmental factors or drugs. For example, prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) or acetaminophen (APAP) or ingestion of propionic acid (PPA) can increase the risk of ASD. Recently, epigenetic influences on ASD have been brought to the forefront of investigations on the etiology, prevention, and treatment of this disorder. Epigenetics refers to DNA modifications that alter gene expression without making any changes to the DNA sequence. Although an increasing number of pharmaceuticals and environmental chemicals are being implicated in the etiology of ASD, here we specifically focus on the molecular influence of the above-mentioned drugs on epigenetic alterations in neuronal and glial cells and their potential connection to ASD. It is concluded that a better understanding of these phenomena can lead to more effective interventions in ASD.

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is believed to follow a waxing and waning course, often according to environmental stressors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-existing OCD symptoms were reported to increase and to change from checking to washing behaviors, while new-onset symptoms were predominantly of the hoarding type. In the present study, we followed the evolution of OCD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and insight of illness in forty-six OCD patients throughout the pandemic. Clinical measures were collected at four different time points before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Within-subject comparisons were used to compare clinical scale scores across time, and correlations were examined between patients' baseline characteristics and changes in clinical scores. We found that all clinical measures increased during the first Italian lockdown, with respect to the pre-pandemic values. Anxiety decreased during the temporary elimination of restriction provisions, whereas severity of OCD symptoms and insight returned to pre-pandemic values during the second mandatory lockdown. These results were observed only in two sub-groups of patients: those taking benzodiazepines and those with shorter illness duration. Our findings suggest the need of additional clinical attention to these specific sub-groups of OCD patients in case of particularly distressing circumstances, while pointing to a possible adaptive role of their OCD symptoms when the environment requires a higher care of hygiene and extraordinary supply of essential resources.

To explore the relevant factors that affect the efficacy of consciousness-regaining therapy (CRT)for prolonged disorder of consciousness(pDOC),a retrospective analysis was conducted on the case data of 114 patients with pDOC admitted to department of functional neurosurgery of Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from January 2019 to January 2022. Basic information on the cases,data on pDOC disease assessment, consciousness-regaining therapy methods, and efficacy evaluation were collected. A total of 114 patients were grouped and compared based on the efficacy at the end of treatment. Among them, there were 61 cases in the ineffective group and 53 cases in the effective group. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the two groups in terms of gender, age, etiology, acute cerebral herniation, emergency craniotomy surgery, emergency decompressive craniectomy, time from onset to start of consciousness-regaining therapy , and duration of consciousness-regaining therapy(P>0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in terms of secondary hydrocephalus, , consciousness-regaining therapy methods, CRS-R grading before treatment, and GOSE score at 6 months after treatment. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the type of therapy (OR=0.169, 95% CI: 0.057-0.508) was a related factor affecting the efficacy of consciousness-regaining therapy (P<0.05).Compared with non-invasive therapy, personalized awakening therapy using various invasive consciousness-regaining therapy methods can help improve the efficacy of therapy for pDOC.

A great deal of studies have assessed the expression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as well as their relevant molecular functions and biological mechanisms in the individuals of alcohol dependence. Alcohol dependence is one of the most prevalent neuropsychological disorders worldwide, and its pathogenesis is intricate and inadequately understood. There is considerable evidence demonstrating substantial links between multiple genetic factors and the development of alcohol dependence. Critical roles of ncRNAs have been emphasized in the pathophysiology of mental diseases including alcohol dependence. In the comprehension of ncRNAs action and their mechanisms of modification, they have emerged as therapeutic targets for a variety of psychiatric illness including alcohol dependence. Worth mentioning, dysregulated expression of ncRNAs has been regularly detected in individuals of alcohol dependence. An in-depth knowledge of roles of ncRNAs and m6A modification may be valuable for the development of a novel treatment against alcohol dependence. In general, a deeper comprehension of functional roles ncRNAs may make significant contributions to the precise diagnosis and/or actual treatment of alcohol dependence. Here in this review, we mostly focused on the up-to-date knowledge regarding alterations and/or modifications in the expression of ncRNAs in alcohol dependence, and then, presented their prospects for future research and therapeutic application with a novel concept of engram-system.

Despite the clinical significance of partial posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), research on its associated cognitive function profiles is notably lacking. This study aimed to identify distinct cognitive function profiles in patients with partial PTSD. Medical records of Vietnamese War Korean Veterans undergoing psychiatric assessments, including the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and neurocognitive tests on the same day, were retrospectively reviewed. The participants were divided into partial PTSD (N = 10) and non-PTSD (N = 36) groups based on the CAPS interview. Neurocognitive test score profiles of the partial PTSD and non-PTSD groups were compared. Covariance analysis adjusted for potential confounders in cognitive function. In cognitive profiles, executive function, mental flexibility (measured by Trail Making Test B), and concentration (measured by the Mini-Mental Status Exam) were significantly poorer in the partial PTSD group. When adjusted for age, depressive symptoms, and education level, no significant differences were observed in the cognitive profiles between the partial PTSD and non-PTSD groups. In the current study, executive function and concentration showed deficits in patients with partial PTSD compared with those without PTSD. Partial PTSD cognitive profiles displayed no significant differences from non-PTSD profiles when adjusted for possible confounders such as depressive symptoms.

Introduction: Substance-induced psychotic disorder (SIPD) is a mental health condition linked to the use of a psychotropic substance whose pathogenesis has not been totally clarified. The present retrospective observational study has the objective to identify differences in clinical features and peripheral biomarkers in SIPD patients according to the main substance of abuse.Methods: A total sample of 218 patients was divided in 3 groups according to the type of consumed substance: alcohol, cannabis and psychostimulants. The 3 groups were compared for continuous variables by one-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and for qualitative variables by χ² tests. After removing alcohol-induced psychotic disorder group, the same analyses were repeated. Statistically significant variables from these latter analyses were included in a binary logistic regression model to confirm their reliability as predictors for cannabis- or psychostimulants-induced psychotic disorders. Results: Psychotic cannabis abusers were younger (p<0.01) and had an earlier age at onset (p<0.01). On the contrary, alcohol consumers resulted to have a longer duration of illness (p<0.01), more previous hospitalizations (p=0.04), more frequent medical comorbidity (p<0.01), higher mean Modified Sad Person Scale scores (p<0.01). Finally, psychostimulant abusers had more frequently a lifetime history of poly-substance use disorders (p<0.01). Binary logistic regression revealed that higher mean Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores (p<0.01) higher sodium (p=0.012) and haemoglobin(p=0.040) plasma levels were predictors of cannabis misuse in SIPD patients.Conclusions: Different clinical factors and biochemical parameters con be associated to SIPD according to the main substance of abuse, thus requiring a specific management by clinicians.

We delve into the axion-dilaton model within the supergravity framework, with a specific focus on the intricacies of domain wall construction and stability. Employing holographic vitrification, we unravel the dynamics of domain wall formation in gauge theories featuring periodic vacuum structures. Our model, incorporating a QCD-like axion term and a stabilizing dilaton, undergoes scrutiny for conductivity variations under weak disorder. The investigation reveals the model's resilience, manifesting near-perfect conductivity under mild disorder conditions. However, the rigorous mathematical motivation for the holographic setup demands further elucidation. The scattered nature of our results prompts the necessity for a more systematic interpretation of QCD phenomena and conductivity transitions. This study contributes to the mathematical understanding of the axion-dilaton model's behavior, highlighting the imperative for a refined holographic framework and a more coherent interpretation of observed phenomena.

Neurodegeneration is a major problem in neuroscience and medicine as it causes and worsens many neurological and psychiatric disorders. It involves gradual loss of neurons at different levels of the brain, affecting cognition, emotion, behavior, consciousness, and attention. Understanding the causes and consequences of neurodegeneration is crucial for identifying the risk factors, biomarkers, and treatments. However, the current therapies are mostly symptomatic and ineffective. Therefore, new and innovative methods, such as noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS), are needed to modulate brain activity and plasticity in a safe and reversible manner. This field is rapidly developing, with a focus on exploring new clinical applications, mechanisms, and combinations of NIBS and drugs. This special issue covers the latest progress and challenges in the study of neurodegeneration in cognitive impairment and mood disorders from the experimental, clinical, and translational perspectives. It addresses the complexity and diversity of these conditions, the lack of disease-modifying treatments, the ethical and practical issues of conducting research in vulnerable and diverse populations, the integration and interpretation of data from multiple sources and modalities, and the development and validation of novel methods such as NIBS, artificial intelligence, and drug repurposing. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders are needed to improve our knowledge and treatment of neurodegeneration underlying cognitive impairment and mood disorders.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are the main class of ionotropic receptor for the ex-citatory neurotransmitter glutamate. It plays a crucial role in the permeability of Ca2+ ions and excitatory neurotransmission in the brain. Being heteromeric receptors, they are composed of sev-eral subunits, including two obligatory GluN1 subunits (eight splice variants) and regulatory GluN2 (GluN2A~D) and/or GluN3 (GluN3A~B) subunits. Widely distributed in the brain, they regulate other neurotransmission systems and are therefore involved in essential functions such as synaptic transmission, learning and memory, plasticity, excitotoxicity. The present review will discuss the physiopathological impacts of NMDAR and particularly GluN2A and GluN2B subu-nits in cognitive processes and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease). The pharmacology of different NMDAR antagonists and their po-tentialities will be presented. In particular, a focus will be given on fluoroethylnormemantine (FENM), an investigational drug with very promising developments as a tomography radiotracer for NMDARs, an anxiolytic in post-traumatic stress disorder and a neuroprotective agent in Alzheimer's disease.

Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) play crucial roles in signal transduction, cell differentiation, and transcriptional regulation. Many disrupted genes associated with mental disorders are identified as IDPs, and emerging evidence suggests the functional role of IDPs in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, few studies comprehensively explore the functional association between protein disorder properties and different mental diseases. To address this gap, we collected disrupted gene sets for seven mental diseases (MDD, SCZ, BP, ID, AD, ADHD, ASD) and a control gene set from normal brains using DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. The state-of-the-art predictor IUPred2A was then utilized to calculate the disorder properties , followed by a thorough comparison between the disordered proteins in mental diseases and healthy controls. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction networks were conducted to investigate the IDPs’ functional roles in psychiatric diseases. Additionally, we demonstrated the role of IDPs in protein binding formations through a case study of alpha-synuclein using protein docking. Our findings reveal that differentially expressed proteins in mental disorders, especially in ASD and ADHD, exhibit more IDPs than those in healthy controls. IDPs in psychiatric disorders are significantly enriched in neurodevelopmental pathways and play an important role in in gene expression regulation. Our results indicate distinct functional patterns of disorder proteins among mental diseases and healthy controls. When comparing the IDPs between ASD and ADHD, we observed that IDPs in ADHD are more likely linked to the synaptic signaling and regulation, while IDPs in ASD are more tendentiously related to diverse and complex biological processes. Our work offers valuable insights into the important functions of IDPs in psychiatric disorders, enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders.

Individuals with BPD grapple with unstable relationships, marked by extreme emotional swings and interpersonal conflicts. Emotional instability, a distorted self-image, and impulsivity further complicate matters, often leading to self-harm and suicide attempts as desperate coping mechanisms. Genetics and adverse childhood experiences contribute to BPD's development, shaping brain function and emotional regulation. Diagnosis involves meticulous assessments, paving the way for personalized treatments like dialectical behavior therapy and, in severe cases, hospitalization. Early intervention, professional support, and societal understanding are pivotal for positive outcomes, and challenging mental health stigma.

The clinical practice implies a research translation that helps the use of scientific data and thera-peutic evidence for patient benefits. This review critically summarizes the potential impact of cannabinoids in concomitance with other drugs in the following chronic diseases as Epilepsy, Au-tism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Oncology, Multiple Sclerosis, and Chronic Pain. The potential in-teractions can change the predicted clinical outcomes of therapeutic protocols and need to be evaluated. Some of the effects would be additive, synergistic or antagonistic, but can also enroll changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism, particularly via cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoen-zymes (e.g CYP2C9 and CYP3A4) and excretion. For instance, the combination of canna-bis-derived compounds and the antifungal drug ketoconazole, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, increases plasma concentration of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD (CBD). Opposable, rifampic-in, a CYP3A4 inducer, stands out for the approximately 20-40% reduction in plasma THC levels and 50% to 60% for CBD. Other CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers are likely to have a similar effect on plasma concentrations if co-administered. Indeed, pharmacokinetic interactions have been also reported with antiseizure drugs. Moreover, pharmacodynamic interactions between cannabinoids and drugs with sympathomimetic effects (eg tachycardia, hypertension), central nervous system depressants (eg drowsiness, ataxia), and anticholinergics (eg tachycardia and drowsiness) are also expected. Even though pending further studies, there is currently clinical evidence supporting drug interaction with cannabinoids, demanding doctors evaluate the risk of drug combinations with cannabinoids. The tables herein provided were designed to facilitate the identification of bi-orelevant interactions that may compromise therapeutic efficacy and toxicity.

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a growing public health concern, with rising prevalence and significant impact on individuals across age groups. This systematic review examined pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for CUD among adolescents, young adults, transitioning adults, and older adults. Database searches were conducted for randomized controlled trials of CUD interventions reporting outcomes such as cannabis use, abstinence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment retention. In total, 53 studies were included. Pharmacological treatments such as cannabinoid agonists, gabapentin, and N-acetylcysteine demonstrated modest benefits predominantly in alleviating withdrawal and craving. Psychosocial approaches including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and contingency management conferred greater abstinence and retention, either alone or combined with pharmacotherapy. However, age-specific efficacy remains unclear. Technology-based interventions represent promising alternatives to expand access and improve cost-effectiveness. In conclusion, cannabis disorders require expanded, affordable treatment tailored to individuals’ developmental stage. Further research should clarify the utility of harm reduction outcomes and establish age-specific best practices.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and severe mental disorder. It is associated with greater use of medical services. It is characterized by intense fear of abandonment, recurring suicidal thoughts or self-harm, paranoid ideation or dissociation, identity difficulties, chronic feelings of emptiness, impulsive behavior and unstable moods and relationships. BPD is one of the most prevalent personality disorders with a higher diagnosis in females. For a diagnosis of BPD in patients, they must have a chronic pattern of functional impairment in addition to five of nine listed DSM-5 criteria. This review was a narrative literature search between 2000 to 2023 with a focus on BPD comorbidities. Results: Researchers observed a complex pattern of comorbidities with BPD that connects with other externalizing and internalizing disorders. BPD has a high comorbidity rate with mood disorders including bipolar I and II disorders, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, panic disorder alcohol use disorder, nicotine dependence, marijuana dependance, posttraumatic stress disorder, other personality disorders, binge eating disorder and ADHD. Diagnosis and management of BPD in presence of some of these disorders are discussed.

Background and Objectives: Place the question addressed in a broad context and highlight the purpose of the study. Materials and Methods: Describe briefly the main methods or treatments applied, including the study population description. Results: Summarize the article’s main findings. Conclusions: Indicate the main conclusions or interpretations. The abstract should be an objective representation of the article, it must not) results. Meanwhile, exclusion criterion is incomplete data in medical record. For the analysis of continuous variables, a General Linear Model (univariate) was employed, with the predictors included specific Personality Disorder. The outcome being the PB, and covariates encompassed age, sex, education, clinical diagnosis, and depression score. Results: Six personality disorders, namely Paranoid, Schizoid, Histrionic, Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, did not exhibit significant pathogenic beliefs. In contrast, the remaining four personality disorders demonstrated significant associations with specific pathogenic beliefs. Conclusions: While some personality disorders have specific beliefs, it's also common to have pathogenic beliefs that are not specific to their psychodynamic. It's essential to recognize specific pathogenic beliefs for each individual to be targeted for their psychotherapy.

Movement disorders can be associated with various drugs and systemic diseases, posing diagnostic challenges for clinicians. This review explores the spectrum of movement disorders associated with pharmacological agents and medical conditions. Drug-induced movement disorders encompass a broad range of conditions resulting from exposure to medications that affect several neurotransmitters. Neuroleptic medications can lead to tardive dyskinesia, characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements. Antipsychotics and antiemetics, including metoclopramide, may induce acute dystonic reactions. Other drugs, such as dopamine receptor-blocking agents, can contribute to drug-induced parkinsonism. Beyond medications, movement disorders can also arise secondary to systemic diseases. Metabolic disorders like Wilson's disease, characterized by copper accumulation, may manifest as chorea or dystonia. Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus can result in secondary movement disorders due to autoimmune-mediated processes affecting the central nervous system. Movement disorders linked to drugs or systemic diseases often necessitate a thorough clinical evaluation, including detailed medication histories and comprehensive systemic assessments. Neuroimaging, laboratory investigations, and, in some cases, cerebrospinal fluid analyses and electrodiagnostic studies help in establishing accurate diagnoses. Management involves addressing the underlying cause, modifying medications, and employing symptomatic treatments.

This study aimed to compare procedural learning skills between Spanish-speaking preschool children (ages 4 years to 4 years, 11 months) with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and their typically developing (TD) peers. Using the Serial Reaction Time task, participants (30 DLD and 30 TD children) respond to visual stimuli in a sequenced manner over four blocks, followed by a random order block. The task assessed reaction time (RT) and accuracy. Results showed a significant interaction between group and block for reaction time (RT) and accuracy, with children with DLD exhibiting longer RTs and accuracy deficits across blocks. In contrast, the TD group showed higher RT efficiency and accuracy in the sequential blocks and as expected, decreased performance in the random block according to the experimental manipulation. Overall, the results of this investigation suggest that there was no implicit learning in the DLD group, as indicated by the SRT task paradigms of procedural memory. These findings align with the Procedural Deficit Hypothesis (PDH), suggesting that linguistic deficits in the TD population may derive from a general dysfunction of the procedural memory system domain in the Spanish context.

Increasing research has indicated a strong association between identity functioning and eating disorder (ED) symptomatology. However, a detailed investigation of identity throughout ED treatment is lacking. The present longitudinal study examined identity in inpatients with an ED and explored its co-development with ED symptomatology throughout treatment. At admission (Wave 1), 110 women with an ED (Mage=21, SD=6.08, range:14-45) participated, of whom 83.64% participated during treatment (Wave 2) and 55.45% at discharge (Wave 3). Questionnaires on identity synthesis, identity confusion, identity processes, and ED symptomatology were completed. Latent growth curve modeling was used to address the research questions. Throughout treatment, a decrease in identity confusion and an increase in identity synthesis and adaptive identity processes were found. Accordingly, increases in identity synthesis and identification with commitment were related to general decreases in drive for thinness and body dis-satisfaction. Similarly, such decreases in ED symptoms were related to general decreases in identity confusion and ruminative exploration. The present study points to an increase in identity functioning throughout treatment, and longitudinal associations between identity functioning and ED symptomatology were found. Helping the patient to decrease ruminative exploration and to increase identification with previously made life commitments seem important in ED treatment.

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) experience more frequent and intense emotions in response to environmental conditions relative to healthy subjects, which leads to mood instability. The aim of this study was to investigate the time-course of emotion regulation strategies, distraction, and reappraisal, in euthymic BD patients using electroencephalography (EEG). Fourteen BD patients and 13 matched healthy controls took part in an experiment constituted of three conditions, i.e., a passive viewing of positive, negative, and neutral pictures and two regulation conditions, one with reappraisal strategy and the other with distraction strategy. Critically, ERP results indicated that during passive viewing, the Late Positive Potential (LPP) was larger in BD patients compared with healthy controls, but only for neutral pictures. During emotion regulation, LPP amplitude was reduced in distraction condition compared with viewing one, especially for negative emotions in both patients and controls. Importantly, LPP was reduced in reappraisal condition compared with passive viewing in an early time window for negative emotions and in a later time window for positive emotions in controls but not in patients. Our findings showed that the neurochronometry of emotion regulation is faster for negative than for positive emotion in controls but not in BD patients.

Background: Dual disorders (DD) involve the coexistence of substance use disorder (SUD) with another mental illness, often from psychotic and affective categories. This study explores the ef-fectiveness of brexpiprazole, a third-generation antipsychotic, in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (DSM-V) and comorbid AUD/SUD (DSM-V). Methods: Eighteen enrolled patients underwent psychometric assessments at baseline and one month into brexpiprazole treatment administered at a mean dosage of 2 mg/day. Results: Brexpiprazole demonstrated significant reductions in psychopathological burden (PANSS total score, p=0.004), improved CGI total score (p=0.042), and decreased MOAS total score (p=0.012). Quality of life improved in SF-36 subscales (p<0.05). Substance craving reduction, though observed, did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: This study provides initial evidence supporting brexpiprazole's efficacy and safety with positive effects on psychopathology and quality of life, emphasizing the need for tailored, comprehensive treatment strategies in this complex patient population.

Objective: This study investigated the effects of an easily implemented 8-week program centered around jump rope exercise (JRE) on executive function among children with ADHD. Methods: Using the Stroop Color Word Test to assess inhibitory control, the n-back task (1- and 2-back) to assess working memory, and task switching to assess cognitive flexibility. Results: After the intervention, there were within-group effects only for the experimental group, with higher accuracy on the 1-back working memory task (t= -2.79，p= 0.011< 0.05，Cohen’s d= 0.60) and on task switching after compared with before the JRE intervention (t= -4.00，p=0.01<0.05，Cohen’s d= 0.85), but with no change in reaction time. There was no significant within-group difference on the Stroop test (P> 0.05). Additionally, there were no between-group effects as assessed by one-way analyses of variance. Conclusion: 8-week program focused on JRE improved two aspects of executive function, working memory and cognitive flexibility, with no significant effect on a third aspect, inhibitory control, among children with ADHD aged 7 to 12 years.

Background: Traumatic events adversely affect the clinical course of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Our investigation explores the correlation between prolonged interpersonal trauma and the severity of symptoms related to obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders. Methods: The study follows a cross-sectional and observational design, employing the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) to examine areas linked to interpersonal trauma, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) to assess anxious and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, respectively. Descriptive analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: We recruited 107 OCD-diagnosed patients, categorizing them into subgroups based on the presence or absence of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). The ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups in the onset age of OCD (p=0.083), psychiatric familial history (p=0.023), HAM-A, and Y-BOCS (p=0.000). Logistic regression indicated a statistically significant association between the presence of cPTSD and Y-BOCS scores (p=0.000). Conclusion: The coexistence of cPTSD in OCD exacerbates obsessive-compulsive symptoms and increases the burden of anxiety. Further advancements in this field are crucial for mitigating the impact of early trauma on the trajectory of OCD and associated anxious symptoms.

Opioid use disorder has increased in the world in recent years and Iran ranks first in terms of opium smoking in the world. In fact, opium smoking by traditional methods, in addition to dependence on morphine, is a behavioral addiction in Iran. The body position during opium smoking is usually non-standard and non-ergonomic. Over time, changes in muscle tissue, tendons and ligaments, and the connective tissue go from elasticity to neuromuscular plasticity. This study aims to compare sway back posture and musculoskeletal problems between opium smokers and non-drug users. In this comparative and cross-sectional study, 80 opium smokers were compared with 74 non-drug users in terms of sway angle (sway back posture), and musculoskeletal complaints (NORDIC questionnaire) and the association of possible risk factors was investigated. Data were analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Correlation Coefficient and paired-t tests using SPSS version 23. There were significant differences between two groups in terms of sway back posture (P=0.007), and neck (<0.001), upper back (<0.001) and lower back (0.006) musculoskeletal complaints. Homelessness, the lifetime duration of opium smoking (in months), and the duration of daily opium smoking (in minutes) had significant correlation with sway back posture and musculoskeletal complaints. Homelessness was the strongest predictor and had strongest correlation. Overall, an increase in the duration of sitting in non-ergonomic positions could lead to increase in sway angle and sway back posture and increase in musculoskeletal complaints of neck, upper back and lower back due to the non-neutral posture of opium smoking. It seems that plasticity and structural and functional adaptations of the posture occurs due to opium smoking and further studies are recommended.

Background: Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) receive traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for unmet clinical needs with psychotropic medications. However, the clinical characteristics of practices and outcomes of TCM in BD are not fully understood. This cohort study investigated the clinical characteristics, principal diagnoses, TCM interventions, and TCM prescriptions in patients with BD. Methods: 12,113 patients with BD were withdrawn from Taiwan's longitudinal health insurance database 2000 (LHID 2000) between 1996 and 2013. Chi-squared test for categorical variables and independent t-test for continuous variables. A p-value less than 0.05 indicated significance. Results: One-thousand and three hundred nineteen patients who visited TCM clinics after the diagnosis of BD were in the TCM group, while those who never visited TCM were in the non-TCM group (N= 1,053). Compared to the non-TCM group, patients in the TCM group had younger average age, a higher percentage of female individuals, more comorbidities of anxiety and alcohol use disorders, and higher mood stabilizer usage rates. The TCM group exhibited pain-related indications, including joint pain, myalgia, myositis, headache, and sleep disturbances. Corydalis yanhusuo and Shu-Jing-Huo-Xue-Tang were the most useful single herb and herbal formulas. Conclusions: Physicians need to be aware of the use of TCM in Patients with BD.

We investigated if the abnormal sleep-wake rhythms in infants are related to the future development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), using questionnaire from September to October 2016. The parents of a total 160 children with ASD (male, n=123; female, n=37) recruited from the two hospitals in K and H cities and as a control group, 145 children (male, n=75; female, n=70) recruited from four nursery schools in T city. Fisher’s exact test was used for the comparison of categorical variables. The associations of bedtime and waking time on weekdays and holidays in infancy, at 1-3≦ (1-3) years of age and at 3-5 ≦ (3-5)years of age with the prevalence of ASD were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Especially by 3 years of age, the following factors were associated with an increased risk of developing ASD in the future: 1) short sleep (<8h), 2) long time to fall asleep (>60min), 3) sleep onset time after 22:00h, 4) wake-up time after 07:00h and/or 08:00h on weekdays and holidays, respectively, 5) frequent (>3 times) and long-term awakening (>60min). Misalignment and/or shift of the sleep-wake circadian rhythm in infant may be one of the precursors and/or risk factor to the future development of ASD.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a high suicide-risk mental disorder. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between temperament and character traits with suicide probability, suicide attempt and perceived stress level in patients with BD. A total of 39 euthymic patients with bipolar disorder who had a history of suicide attempt and 39 euthymic patients without a history of suicide attempt were included in this study. Sociodemographic and clinical data form, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5-Clinician Version (SCID-5/CV), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Suicide Probability Scale were used for obtaining the data. HDRS, PSS and SPS scores of the group comprised of patients who attempted suicide were higher than the other group. There was no significant difference between the group of patients who had attempted suicide and the other group in terms of temperament characteristics. In the group of patients who had attempted suicide, self-directedness (SD) and cooperativeness (CO) scores were lower and self-transcendence (ST) score was higher than the other group. HA and ST were positively and SD negatively associated with SPS scores. In the regression analysis for suicide risk, the factors most associated with suicide risk were high HDRS and low CO score. Low SD in BD, high ST with CO may be associated with suicide attempt. Alongside low SD, high HA and ST may be associated with suicidal ideation. Treating residual depressive symptoms can reduce the risk of suicide.

Advanced paternal age increases the risk of transmitting de novo germline mutations, particularly missense mutations activating the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway, exemplified by the FGFR3 mutation linked to achondroplasia (ACH). This risk is attributed to the expansion of spermatogonial stem cells carrying the mutation, forming sub-clonal clusters in the ageing testis, thereby increasing the frequency of mutant sperm and the number of affected offspring from older fathers. While prior studies proposed a correlation between sub-clonal cluster expansion in the testis and elevated mutant sperm production in older donors, limited data exist on the universality of this phenomenon. Our study addresses this gap by examining the testis expansion patterns, as well as increases of mutations in sperm for two FGFR3 variants: c.1138G>A (p.G380R) and c.1948A>G (p.K650E)- associated with ACH or thanatophoric dysplasia (TDII), respectively. Unlike the ACH mutation, which showed sub-clonal expansion events in an aged testis and a significant increase of mutant sperm with the donor’s age, the TDII mutation formed sub-clonal clusters, but exhibited reduced transmission into sperm and no significant age-related increase. The mechanism behind this divergence remains unclear, suggesting potential pleiotropic effects of aberrant RTK signaling in the male germline, possibly hindering differentiation requiring meiosis. This study provides further insights into transmission risks of micro-mosaics associated with advanced paternal age in the male germline.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), previously known as Devic disease or neuromyelitis optica (NMO), represents inflammatory conditions affecting the central nervous system. These disorders are characterized by severe immune-mediated demyelination and axonal damage, with a predilection for targeting optic nerves and the spinal cord. Key clinical features of NMOSD encompass acute episodes of bilateral or rapid sequential optic neuritis and transverse myelitis, typically exhibiting a relapsing course. These attacks endure for several days, and recovery varies, spanning from weeks to months. In this report, we present the case of a 35-year-old individual who initially complained of urinary retention, followed by decreasing vision in the left eye and subsequently in the right eye. These visual symptoms were succeeded by weakness in the right upper and lower limbs.

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) manifest in individuals facing attachment system chal-lenges, particularly observed in minors under protective measures. The lack of standardized tools for assessing these difficulties and uncertainty about the most effective instruments from a psychometric perspective prompted this study. Using the COSMIN checklist, we systematically reviewed instruments assessing RAD, adhering to PRISMA and COSMIN guidelines. Examined tools included the Disturbance Attachment Inter-view, Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment, Relationship Patterns Questionnaire, Assessment of RAD and DSED, Development and Well-Being Assessment, and Reactive Attachment Disorder Question-naire. Of the 11 articles analyzed, results highlight a research emphasis on internal consistency, structural and construct validity, sidelining other properties. While the instruments demonstrate strong structural validity, excellent internal consistency, and generally satisfactory error measurement results, the study concludes a dearth of investigations into psychometric properties for children and adolescents under protective measures.

The movement toward prevention trials in people at-risk for Parkinson’s is rapidly becoming a reality. The authors of this article include a genetically at-risk advocate with the LRRK2 G2019S variant and two patients with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), one of whom has now been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). These authors participated as speakers, panelists, and moderators in the “Planning for Prevention of Parkinson’s: A Trial Design Forum” hosted by Massachusetts General Hospital in 2021 and 2022. Other authors include a young onset person with Parkinson’s (PwP) and retired family physician, an expert in patient engagement in Parkinson’s, and early career and veteran movement disorders clinician researchers. Several themes emerged from the at-risk participant voice concerning the importance of early intervention, the legitimacy of their input in decision-making, and the desire for transparent communication and feedback throughout the entire research study process. Challenges and opportunities in the current environment include lack of awareness among primary care physicians and general neurologists about PD risk, legal and psychological implications of risk disclosure, limited return of individual research study results, and undefined engagement and integration of individuals at-risk into the broader Parkinson’s community. Incorporating the perspectives of individuals at-risk as well as those living with PD at this early stage of prevention trial development is crucial to success.

ADHD, one of the most prevalent diseases during childhood, we still do not know its precisely origin, although oxidative/nitrosative stress and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are suggested contributors. Methylphenidate, among others, is the main drug used in these patients, but its effects on relevant markers and structures remain unclear. This study, involving 59 patients diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-5 criteria, aimed to assess changes in cortisol levels (using cortisol awakening response, CAR) and oxidative/nitrosative status with the treatment. Blood samples before and 3 months after treatment with methylphenidate were used to measure oxidative and inflammatory markers, and the endogenous antioxidant activity, while saliva samples tracked cortisol awakening response (CAR). The results show a treatment-related improvement in the redox profile, with the reduction of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and nitrite plus nitrate (NOx) levels, and the increase of the enzymatic activities of glutathione reductase (GRd) and catalase (CAT). Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of CAR increased significantly, indicating increased reactivity of the HPA axis. These result support by the first time the involvement of the endogenous antioxidant system in the pathophysiology of ADHD.

Sleep disorders are a frequent problem in pediatrics. The prevalence is variable (from 15 to 50%) although the majority of papers coincide in that 1 every 3 kids can experiment some kind of sleep disorder. Underlying medical problems usually manifest by difficulty to fall asleep or stay asleep. The diagnosis and resolution of the medical problems with the specific treatment should be the prime concern, before starting with the treatment of the sleep behavioral problem

Liquid and gas are distinct in their extent of dynamic atomic correlations; in gas atoms are almost uncorrelated whereas they are strongly correlated in liquid. This distinction applies also to electronic systems. Fermi liquids are actually gas-like, whereas strongly correlated electrons are liquid-like. Doped Mott insulators share characteristics with supercooled liquids. Such distinctions have important implications on superconductivity. We discuss the evolution of dynamic atomic correlations in liquid with temperature, and a possible effect of dynamic correlations on the high-temperature superconductivity in the cuprates.

Schizoaffective disorder and its classification have always been a topic of discrepancy among researchers. The overlapping presentations of schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder makes it difficult to classify and diagnose. This study is a narrative review of literatures and genetic and epidemiological research evidences, done to determine the similarities and differences between schizoaffective and psychotic bipolar disorder. Beginning from the introduction of schizoaffective disorder as "schizoaffective psychosis" by Kasanin in 1933, various researchers have proposed different views regarding the diagnosis and classifications for schizoaffective disorder. DSM-III considered schizoaffective disorder as a diagnosis of exclusion as it fails to fit the definite diagnostic criteria of schizophrenia, major affective disorders, or schizophreniform disorder. DSM-V updated the criteria of schizoaffective disorder and stated it as a life time illness rather than being an episodic disorder as in DSM-IV and hence is more reliable. However, some studies show that schizoaffective disorder patients are more like schizophrenia than mood disorder. It still remains unclear whether schizoaffective disorder is a heterogenous disease, a form of schizophrenia, a form of mood disorder or a midpoint in the continuation spectrum of schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disease.

Depression and cognitive impairment are recognized complications of COVID-19. This study aimed to assess cognitive performance in clinically diagnosed post-COVID depression (PCD) patients using neuropsychological testing. The study involved 71 post-COVID patients, with matched control groups: recovered COVID-19 individuals without complications (n=18) and individuals without prior COVID-19 history (n=19). A post-COVID depression group (PCD, n=25) was identified based on psychiatric diagnosis, a comparison group (noPCD, n=46) included participants with neurological COVID-19 complications, excluding clinical depression. The PCD patients showed significantly less scores in the MoCA test, decreased immediate memory recall in the Word Memory Test, decreased processing speed and higher accuracy in the Trail Making Test, and near to significant worse executive control and processing speed in the Stroop task compared to controls and the noPCD patients. The number of post-COVID symptoms negatively correlated with immediate word memory recall and processing speed among all post-COVID patients. In PCD patients, negative correlations between number of post-COVID symptoms and delayed recall, between time after recovery and immediate recall, and positive correlation between the number of acute symptoms and processing speed in the incongruent condition of the Stroop task were found. No differences between groups in Sniffin’s stick olfactory test was found. Overall, our study revealed cognitive impairment in PCD patients similar to those in major depressive disorder.

In vertebrates, oligodendrocytes (OLs) are glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS) responsible for the formation of the myelin sheath that surrounds the axons of neurons. The myelin sheath plays a crucial role in the transmission of neuronal information by promoting the rapid saltatory conduction of action potentials and providing neurons with structural and metabolic support. Saltatory conduction, first described in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), is now generally recognized as a universal evolutionary innovation to respond quickly to the environment: myelin helps us think and act fast. However, the function of myelin in the CNS, particularly in the brain, is not necessarily to act quickly, but rather to act correctly. In this respect, myelin should primarily play a role in synchronizing the different neuronal networks, a synchrony that occurs in the form of oscillations (or rhythms) relevant for specific information processing. Interestingly, myelin has been directly involved in different types of cognitive processes relying on brain oscillations, and myelin plasticity is currently considered to be part of the fundamental mechanisms for memory formation and maintenance. However, despite ample evidence showing the involvement of myelin in cognition and neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by cognitive impairments, the link between myelin, brain oscillations, cognition and disease is not yet fully understood. In this review, we aim to highlight what is known and what remains to be explored to understand the role of myelin in high order brain processes.

Background Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder, categorized in DSM-V, but many patients are not diagnosed, because of the difficulty to consider BED distinct condition from obesity. Its identification is important for targeting individuals at high risk of obesity, adverse metabolic pattern, and cardiovascular disease. In this review we have highlighted the main aspects of screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients with BED and Obesity.

Depression is one of the most severe sequelae of COVID-19, with major depressive disorder often characterized by disruption in white matter (WM) connectivity , stemming from changes in brain myelination. This study aimed to quantitatively assess brain myelination in clinically diagnosed post-COVID depression using recently proposed MRI method, macromolecular proton fraction (MPF) mapping. The study involved 63 recovered COVID-19 patients (52 mild, 11 moderate, 2 severe) at 13.5±10.0 months post-recovery, with matched controls without prior COVID-19 history (n=19). A post-COVID depression group (PCD, n=25) was identified based on psychiatric diagnosis, while a comparison group (noPCD, n=38) included participants with neurological COVID-19 complications, excluding clinical depression. Fast MPF mapping revealed extensive demyelination in PCD patients, particularly in juxtacortical WM (predominantly occipital lobe and medial surface), WM tracts (inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), posterior thalamic radiation, external capsule, sagittal stratum, tapetum), and grey matter (GM) structures (hippocampus, putamen, globus pallidus, and amygdala). The noPCD group also displayed notable demyelination but with less magnitude and propagation. Multiple regression analysis highlighted IFOF demyelination as the primary predictor of PCD presence and severity according to Hamilton scores. The number of post-COVID symptoms was a significant predictor of PCD presence while the number acute of symptoms was a significant predictor of PCD severity. This study, for the first time, reveals extensive demyelination in numerous WM and GM structures in PCD, outlining IFOF demyelination as a key biomarker.

Constant exposure to a variety of environmental factors has become increasingly problematic. A variety of illnesses are initiated or aided by the presence of certain perturbing factors. In the case of autism spectrum disorder, the environmental component begins to play an important part in de-termining the overall picture. Moreover, the lack of therapies to relieve existing symptoms com-plicates the fight against this condition. As a result, the use of animal models has made biomedical research easier and more suited for disease investigations. The current study used zebrafish as an animal model to mimic a real-life scenario: acute exposure to an increased dose of pesticides, fol-lowed by prospective intervention-based therapy with vitamin B12 (vit. B12). It is known that vit. B12 is involved in brain function, nerve tissue and red blood cell formation. Aside from this, the role of vit. B12 in the redox processes was recognized for its help against free radicals. To investigate the vit. B12 effect, fish were divided in four different groups and exposed to a pesticide mixture (600 μg L-1 fipronil + 600 μg L-1 pyriproxyfen) and 0.24 μg L-1 vit. B12 for 14 days. The impact of the compound was assessed daily by EthoVision software for behavioral observations, especially for sociability, quantified by the social interaction test. In addition, at the end of the study, the activities of su-peroxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Results showed significant improvements for locomotor activity parameters and a pos-itive influence of vitamin on sociability. Regarding the state of oxidative stress, a high activity was found for SOD and GPx in the case of vit. B12, while the mixture of pesticides and vitamin had a lower level of MDA. In conclusion, the study brings new data about the effect of vit. B12 in zebrafish, highlighting the potential use of vitamin supplementation to maintain and help the organism function.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a rare immune-mediated relapsing-remitting disease of the central nervous system. The usage of rituximab, to prevent NMOSD relapses, is common in Sweden, but the knowledge on long-term efficacy and risk for severe infections are limited. We performed a retrospective cohort study with medical chart review of rituximab-treated NMOSD patients at the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, to assess the occurrence of relapses and severe infectious events (SIE). Furthermore, we collected data on CD19+ lymphocyte, and IgG levels during therapy. A total of 42 NMOSD patients; 24 with aquaporin -4 antibodies (AQP4+), eight with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG+) and 10 with absence of antibodies (double-seronegative) were included. During a mean treatment time of 4.4 years, 37% AQP4+, 75% MOG+, and 60% double-seronegative patients experienced 1 relapse. SIEs were common with 46% of AQP4+, 25% of MOG+, and 40% of double-seronegative patients affected. Incomplete CD19+ lymphocyte suppression did not predict a relapse and there was no correlation between IgG levels and SIEs. In conclusion, our data demonstrated a high risk for both relapses and SIEs in rituximab-treated NMOSD patients highlighting the need for close clinical vigilance of disease activity and infections during treatment.

The study aimed to determine, through a systematic review, the relationship between Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and the presence of psychopathology in children and adolescents and to determine the existence of differences about the presence of internalising and externalising psychological problems between the RAD group and groups with other disorders or with typical development. Following the PRISMA methodology, a search was carried out in the Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases. The search yielded 770 results, of which only 25 met the inclusion criteria. The results, indicate a relationship between the presence of RAD and/or Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED) with the presence of internalising and externalising problems. These difficulties are more present in children with RAD compared to children without personal difficulties, or children with DSED, children with autism, children with intellectual disabilities or children with hyperactivity. It can be concluded that the presence of RAD has negative consequences on the mental health of children and adolescents, with these being greater in the inhibited group than in the disinhibited group, and with respect to children with autism or hyperactivity.

Circadian rhythm disruptions are a hallmark feature of mood disorders. Patients experiencing acute depressive episodes report noticeable changes in their sleep-wake cycles. This research explains the association between depression and various circadian rhythm metrics, explicitly focusing on adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorders. Adolescence is a critical period marked by significant physiological and psychological changes, making it imperative to understand how mood disorders manifest during this phase. However, there have been minimal specific studies in pediatric populations to determine whether circadian rhythm changes differ between adolescents with first- and multiple-recurrent depressive episodes. Our study involved a group of 61 adolescents aged between 13 and 18. We performed a cross-sectional study of a clinical popu-lation of patients presenting to a child and adolescent psychiatry clinic diagnosed with depression. Participants were asked to complete self-report evaluations using several tools: The Korean ver-sion of the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (K-BRIAN), the Korean Translation of Composite Scale to Measure Morningness-Eveningness (KtCS), and the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ). Tools such as the Children's Depression In-ventory (CDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and K-Mood Disorder Questionnaire (K-MDQ) were employed for the assessment of clinical characteristics of depression. Based on the frequency of their depressive episodes, participants were bifurcated into two distinct groups: those experi-encing their first episode (n=22, mean age: 15.09±1.44 years) and those with recurrent episodes (n=39, mean age: 15.95±1.26 years). At first, the two groups' data revealed no significant differences regarding mood or circadian rhythm metrics (CDI: first-episode 26.18±10.54 and recurrent episode 25.90±10.59, STAI-S: first-episode 56.91±12.12 and recurrent episode 57.49±11.93, STAI-T: first-episode 60.36±11.63 and recurrent episode 59.09±12.10, SPAQ-total: first-episode 6.59±4.86 and recurrent episode 6.77±5.23, KtCS: first-episode 30.32±5.83 and recurrent episode 28.13±7.36). However, we observed significant correlations between circadian rhythm disruptions and depression scales (CDI with SPAQ-weight (r=0.26), KtCS (r=-0.48), K-BRIAN-sleep (r=0.58), K-BRIAN-activity (r=0.64), K-BRIAN-social (r=0.71) and K-BRIAN-eating (r=0.40)). These correlations were especially pronounced in the recurrent episode group, suggesting that with the progression and chronicity of depression, the relationship between circadian rhythms and depression becomes more intertwined and evident. In conclusion, especially in adolescents, as the severity and chronicity of depression increase, the interplay between circadian rhythms and mood disorders becomes more pronounced, warranting further research and clinical attention.

The high demands of caring for and raising a child with autism spectrum disorder on a daily basis fatally lead parents to the appearance of physical and mental fatigue. This study aimed to assess the effect of social support and spirituality on the fatigue of parents with children with autistic spectrum disorder. A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample was conducted in Schools of Special Education in Attica (Greece). The sample consisted of 123 parents who completed The Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT Sp-12) to measure the levels of fatigue, social support, and spirituality, respectively. Demographic data were, also, recorded. Data analysis was applied using IBM SPSS 21.0. The mean age was 47.3 years old, 81.3% were women, and 38.9% stated much / very much religious. The mean of total FAS was 28.4 (SD±7.5), of total FACIT Sp-12 was 31.5 (SD±8.7), and of total MSPSS 5.1 (SD±1.1). Higher levels of total MSPSS and FACIT Sp-12 were associated with lower total FAS (r= -0.50, p &lt;0.001 and r= -0.49, p&lt;0.001 respectively). Social support and spirituality are significant predictors of fatigue.

CD147/Basigin, a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin super family, is a multifunctional molecule with various binding partners. CD147 binds to monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) and supports their expression on plasma membranes. MCTs play an important role in glycolysis, the enzymatic conversion of glucose to pyruvate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Pyruvate is further converted to lactic acid which is exported from the cytoplasm by MTC-1 and MCT-4 to maintain intracellular pH and a stable metabolic state. Under physiological conditions, cellular energy production is induced by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis usually occurs under anaerobic conditions, whereas cancer cells depend on glycolysis under aerobic conditions. T cells also require glycolysis for differentiation, proliferation, and activation. Human malignant melanoma cells expressed higher levels of MCT-1 and MCT-4, co-localized with CD147 on the plasma membrane and showed an increased glycolysis rate compared to normal human melanocytes. Silencing of CD147 by siRNA abrogated the membrane expression of MCT-1 and MCT-4 and disrupted glycolysis, inhibiting cancer cell activity. The differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells is a pivotal process in the development of various immune disorders, including psoriasis. Studies using CD147-deficient mice demonstrated the involvement of CD147 in psoriasis. MCT-1 was absent on CD4+ T cells in CD147-deficient mice. Naïve CD4+ T-cells from CD147-deficient mice show low potential for differentiation into Th17 cells. Imiquimod-induced skin inflammation was significantly milder in CD147-deficient mice than in wild-type mice. These findings indicate that CD147/Basigin is involved in the development of malignant tumors and T cell mediated immunological disorders via regulation of glycolysis.

Post-stroke depressive disorders (PSD) and post-stroke cognitive impairments (PCI) are frequent consequences of ischemic stroke (IS). The study was focused on exploring possible associations between relative volumes of cortical and limbic brain structures during the acute period of IS, and changes in biochemical indices of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, sympathoadrenal medullary and inflammatory systems, with the development of PSD or PCI after mild or moderate IS. Patients developing PSD later on had significantly smaller relative volumes of the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and temporal pole versus patients without depressive symptoms. PCI development was associated with significantly smaller volumes of temporal pole and supramarginal gyrus versus patients without cognitive changes. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed higher likelihood of developing PSD in patients with smaller temporal pole volume (β0=10.9; β=-4.27; p=0.04) and increased salivary α-amylase activity (β0=-3.55; β=2.68e-05; p=0.02,). PCI likelihood was higher in patients with smaller supramarginal gyrus volume (β0=3.41; β=-0.99; p=0.047), smaller temporal pole volume (β0=3.41; β=-3.12; p=0. 06), and increased hair cortisol concentration at admission (index of accumulated stress load within a month before IS; β0=3.41; β=-0.05; p=0.08). The data support the hypothesis suggesting predisposition to PSD and PCI and multi hit scenarios of their pathogenesis with IS providing a final hit.

Non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI), prevalent in patients with non-psychotic mental disorders (NPMD), is associated with numerous adverse outcomes. Despite active research into the clinical and psychological aspects of NSSI, the underlying biological mechanisms remain obscure. Early adverse experiences are believed to induce long-lasting changes in neuroendocrine mechanisms of stress control playing a key role in NSSI development. The aim of the study was to evaluate parameters potentially predicting development of NSSI in female patients with NPMD. Eighty female patients over 18 years with NPMD and suicidal ideation (40 with and 40 without NSSI) and 48 age matching women without evidence of mental illness (healthy controls) were enrolled. Diagnostic interviews and self-report measures were used to assess childhood maltreatment, presence, frequency, and characteristics of suicidal and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors, the Beck Depression Inventory scale to assess severity of depression. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis markers, hormones, and neurotrophic factors were measured in blood serum. The likelihood of developing NSSI in patients with NPMD was associated with early adverse family history and elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. Dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as a result of early chronic stress experiences may represent critical biological mechanism promoting the development of NSSI behaviors in patients with NPMD.

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent in CKD affecting over 80% of hemodialysis (HD) patients and require therapeutic intervention. Nephrological societies suggest the administration of cholecalciferol according to the guidelines for the general population. The aim of the observational study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the therapy with a high dose of cholecalciferol in HD patients with 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency to reach the target serum 25(OH)D level &gt; 30 ng/mL. 22 patients (16 M), with an average age of 72.5 ± 13.03 years and 25(OH)D concentration of 13.05 (9.00–17.90) ng/mL were administered cholecalciferol at a therapeutic dose of 70,000 IU/week (20,000 IU + 20,000 IU + 30,000 IU, immediately after each dialysis session). All patients achieved the target value &gt;30 ng/mL, with a mean time of 2.86 ± 1.87 weeks. In the first week, the target level of 25(OH)D (100%) was reached by 2 patients (9.09%), in the second week – by 15 patients (68.18%), in the fourth week – by 18 patients (81.18%) and in the ninth week by all 22 patients (100%). A significant increase in 1,25(OH)2D levels was observed during the study, however, only 2 patients (9.09%) achieved a concentration of 1,25(OH)2D above 25 ng/mL – the lower limit of the reference range. The intact PTH concentrations remained unchanged during the observation period. No episodes of hypercalcemia, and one new episode of hyperphosphatemia were observed. In conclusion, our study showed that the administration of a high therapeutic dose of cholecalciferol allowed for a quick, effective, and safe leveling of 25(OH)D concentration in HD patients.

IIt is important that Master’s Degree students in psychology, regardless of their future specialisa-tion, know about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The aim is evaluate and an-alyse the ADHD-related knowledge held by students of Early Childhood Education and Primary Education. The findings that were obtained in this study (on the chronicity of the disorder, changes in manifestations throughout the life cycle, and the importance of early and multidisci-plinary intervention) have clear implications in relation to the specific training in ADHD for fu-ture teachers. It is essential to broaden the specific training in relation to ADHD in studies for the Master’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education and through contin-uous training.

Emotional eating (EE) can be understood as a manifestation of difficulties with emotion regulation (ER) among individuals with eating disorders. Existing interventions do not always successfully treat EE. We developed a novel ER intervention based upon virtual reality to improve EE among adults with an eating disorder diagnosis. The design pivoted to non-immersive virtual delivery to increase access, particularly given heightened demand during COVID-19 for EE treatment. The study aimed to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary signals of effectiveness of this novel ER protocol that utilized evidence-based strategies such as mindfulness and imagery rescripting as well as innovative techniques such as virtual reality. Twenty-one adults with a history of an eating disorder diagnosis and self-reported EE were recruited from the Adult Eating Disorders Program within Stanford University to receive seven weekly one-hour virtual experiences (VE) focusing on ER. Participants chose between the novel VE-Emotion Regulation (VE-ER) intervention or continuing with their current treatment as usual. Before and after the seven sessions, participants completed an assessment by filling out online questionnaires. Overall, VE-ER treatment was feasible (100% completion), and participant and therapist acceptability of VE-ER treatment was fairly high. In terms of preliminary effectiveness, the results showed a significant reduction in the frequencies of disordered eating behaviors in both groups, but a greater improvement in EE in the VE-ER group. The VE-ER group also had a significant reduction in emotion dysregulation after the treatment.

Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) refers to the deterioration of liver function in individuals who already have chronic liver disease. In the setting of ACLF, liver damage leads to the failure of other organs and is associated with increased short-term mortality. Optimal medical management of patients with ACLF requires implementing complex treatment strategies, often in an intensive care unit (ICU). Failure of organs other than the liver distinguishes ACLF from other critical illnesses. Although there is growing evidence supporting the current approach of ACLF management, mortality associated with this condition remains unacceptably high. In this review, we discuss considerations for ICU care of patients with ACLF and highlight areas for further research.

Intracranial compliance (ICC) plays a pivotal role in understanding the underlying mechanisms of various brain disorders and is of great clinical importance. Therefore, addressing the challenges in practical application of ICC is crucial for neurosurgeons. This study explored the significance of ICC assessment considering the time-dependency of specific brain disorders through two distinct approaches: short and large time elapsed (TE) in measuring volume or intracranial pressure (ICP) changes in the ICC equation (∆Volume/∆ICP). Variations in ICC values were observed across various ICC assessment methods and different TE values. Notably, the compensatory response of the brain exhibited non-monotonic and variable changes in a large TE for certain brain disorders, diverging from patterns observed in short TE assessments. Furthermore, the recovery behavior of the brain changed under different brain disorders when exposed to short and long TE conditions. These findings emphasized the dynamic nature of ICC and provided valuable insights into the correct practical assessment of ICC by selecting the appropriate TE, as well as considering the differences in strain rates and loading durations on the brain in different brain disorders. These insights also shed light on the reasons why, despite its clinical significance, ICC monitoring has not yet become a standard component of clinical care, unlike ICP monitoring.

Arginine shows Jekyll and Hyde behavior in several respects. It participates in protein folding via ionic and H-bonds and cation-pi interactions; the charge and hydrophobicity of its side chain makes it a disorder-promoting amino acid. Its methylation in histones; RNA binding proteins; chaperones regulates several cellular processes. The arginine-centric modifications are important in oncogenesis and as biomarkers in several cardiovascular diseases. The cross-links involving arginine in collagen and cornea are involved in pathogenesis of tissues but have also been useful in tissue engineering and wound-dressing materials. Arginine is a part of active site of several enzymes such as GTPases, peroxidases, and sulfotransferases. Its metabolic importance is obvious as it is involved in production of urea, NO, ornithine and citrulline. It can form unusual functional structures such as molecular tweezers in vitro and sprockets which engage DNA chains as part of histones in vivo. It has been used in design of cell-penetrating peptides as drugs. Arginine has been used as an excipient in both solid and injectable drug formulations; its role in suppressing opalescence due to liquid-liquid phase separation is particularly very promising. It has been known as a suppressor of protein aggregation during protein refolding. It has proved its usefulness in protein bioseparation processes like ion-exchange, hydrophobic and affinity chromatographies. Arginine is an amino acid, whose importance in biological sciences and biotechnology continues to grow in diverse ways.

Our previous studies showed that in patients with brain diseases neurotrophic factors in lacrimal fluid (LF) may change more prominently than in blood serum (BS). Since glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is involved in control of neuronal networks in epileptic brain, we aimed to assess GDNF levels in LF and BS as well as BDNF, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical and inflammation indices in BS of patients with focal epilepsy (PWFE), epilepsy and comorbid depression (PWFE+MDD) compared with major depressive disorder (PWMDD) and healthy controls (HC). GDNF levels in BS were similar in patients and HC and higher in PWFE taking valproates. GDNF levels in LF were significantly lower in all patient groups compared to controls, and independent of drugs used. LF and BS GDNF concentrations positively correlated in HC, but not patient groups. BDNF level was lower in BS of patients compared with HC and higher in PWFE+MDD taking valproates. Logistic regression models demonstrated that GDNF decrease in LF may be an important predictor of focal epilepsy. Probability of focal epilepsy can be evaluated using GDNF in LF and BDNF in BS; MDD - GDNF in LF, cortisol and TNF-α in BS; epilepsy with MDD - GDNF in LF, TNF-α and BDNF in BS.

Research conducted on individuals with depression reveals that major depressive disorders (MDDs) coincide with diminished levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, as well as modifications in the subunit composition of the primary receptors (GABAA receptors) responsible for mediating GABAergic inhibition. Furthermore, there is substantial evidence supporting the significant role of GABA in regulating stress within the brain, which is a pivotal vulnerability factor in mood disorders. Although there is substantial evidence indicating that GABA may be affecting GABA receptors in peripheral tissues, there is comparatively less evidence supporting its direct action within the brain. Emerging evidence highlights that GABA may exert beneficial effects on the brain and psyche through the gut-brain axis. GABA is readily available and approved as a food supplement in many countries. While GABA enjoys wide consumer acceptance in Eastern Asian markets, with many consumers reporting favorable effects on stress regulation, mood, and sleep, rigorous independent research is still largely lacking. Basic research, coupled with initial clinical findings, makes GABA an intriguing neuro-nutritional compound deserving of clinical studies in individuals with depression and other psychological problems.

Background: Migraine is one of the most common health conditions in the reproductive male and female population. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition that affects many women during their menstrual cycle. around 50 to 60% have menstrual headaches among the migraineur women. The symptoms in the majority were mild, but 5–8% may suffer moderate to severe symptoms, accompanied by considerable distress or functional dysfunction. Premenstrual migraine (PMM) refers to migraines that occur with the menstrual cycle. It affects approximately 50% of women with migraine and can be debilitating in terms of both frequency and severity of symptoms. This information is important for medical professionals in Saudi Arabia to be aware of so, as to provide better medical care and support which can significantly improve the person's quality of life of women who suffer from PMS and menstrual migraines. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of menstrual migraines in women, to evaluate the severity and frequency of menstrual migraines in women with PMS, and to identify potential risk factors aggravating menstrual migraines in women with PMS. Methodology: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted on reproductive age (18-50Years) women who have regular menstrual cycles with experience migraine headaches and are diagnosed with PMS and menstrual migraine, using a self-administered questionnaire between December 2022 to May 2023 in Saudi Arabia. Results: Out of 2130 women participants 397 were suffering from migraine which is 18.6%. Of the total 397(18.6%) Migraineurs individuals 230 (57.9%) were suffering from menstrual migraine and 167 (42.1%) were non-menstrual migraineurs, in general, reproductive women menstrual migraine is 10.7% and non-menstrual migraine is 7.8%. The BMI is increasing the incidence of menstrual migraines is increasing. Migraine Disability Around one-third of the participants were suffering from III–moderate disability 134 (33.8) Most of the menstrual migraine victims at least 3 days in the last three months were absent from their duties due to their menstrual migraines. Conclusions: Migraine attacks during the menstrual cycle cause the impairment of their social and physical ability to perform their routine household, and academic activities and unable to fulfill their professional commitments. To better understand the Menstrual Migraine and Non-menstrual migraine large prospective studies are required to plan the best management methods.

We discuss a formalism which allows for the calculation of a higher harmonic current response to an applied electric field for disordered superconducting systems described on the basis of tight-binding models. The theory is based on an expansion of the density matrix in powers of the field amplitudes where we solve the equation of motion for the individual components. This allows the evaluation of higher order response functions on significantly larger lattices than one can achieve with a previously used approach, which is based on a direct temporal integration of the equation of motion for the complete density matrix. In case of small lattices, where both methods can be applied by including also the contribution of collective modes, we demonstrate the agreement of the corresponding results.

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a non-REM parasomnia with potentially significant negative effects on general health (dangerous activities during night eating episodes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, for example). Although the history of SRED encompasses more than six decades, public awareness and even the awareness of the mental health specialists of this disorder is very limited, a phenomenon that hinders the development of research in this field. Therefore, an updated review, based on a narrative methodology, explored the available evidence for SRED found in four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration, Google Scholar, and Clarivate/Web of Science). A number of 94 primary and secondary reports were retrieved, investigating aspects regarding the risk factors, epidemiology, clinical data and differential diagnosis, epidemiology, structured evaluation, and treatment of SRED. Based on the results of these reports, Z-drugs, but also certain benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and psychostimulants may trigger the onset of SRED. Psychiatric and neurologic disorders have also been associated with SRED, either as risk factors or comorbid conditions. Cerebral glucose metabolism dysfunctions, neurotransmitter dysfunctions, and genetic factors have been invoked as pathogenetic contributors. Structured assessment of SRED is possible, but there is a dearth of instruments dedicated to this purpose. Data on the prevalence and treatment of SRED exist, but good-quality epidemiological studies and clinical trials are still missing. In conclusion, future research is expected to address the shortcomings of SRED exploration by creating the conditions for better quality and larger group clinical research. The need for such investigation is granted by the importance of this pathology and its negative functional consequences.

Adult patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit a range of behaviours that can be disruptive to the medical care of themselves and other patients and as a result, are at higher risk of being sedated. The aim of the present study was to determine whether patients with ASD presenting to hospital for acute psychiatric crises re-ceive more sedative medications compared to similar patients without ASD. 43 adult patients with a previous di-agnosis of ASD who were referred to the mental health team at a single, large emergency department in metro-politan Victoria over the year of 2021 were identified and matched with an equal number of controls within the same cohort. Sedative medications were converted to diazepam and chlorpromazine equivalent doses and com-pared using repeated measures T-tests. Patients with ASD received 5.1mg more diazepam-equivalent benzodiaz-epines on average compared to matched controls (95%CI: 0.41-9.71). This difference was statistically significant (T=2.20, df=42, p=0.034). There was no significance difference in chlorpromazine-equivalent antipsychotic doses. Clinicians should be aware of the higher dose of sedatives, and consider other means of behavioural management in these patients.

Functional neurological disorders (FND) are relatively frequent disabling conditions. Given their complexity, multidisciplinary rehabilitation is envisaged. Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) represents a promising adjuvant treatment, mainly because of its anti-inflammatory and exercise-mimicking effects. Here, we propose a novel use of WBC in a wheelchair-ridden 61-year-old woman diagnosed with FND and other comorbidities, who, after several therapeutic and rehabilitation failures, underwent a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program including WBC. The 4-week program included physiotherapy, nutritional intervention, psychological support, and WBC. Questionnaires to assess disease impact, pain level, perceived fatigue and sleep quality were administered. At discharge, improvements in body composition, haematological biomarkers, physical performance, and questionnaire scores were observed. The patient was able to walk with a walker for medium distances, even outdoors. We observed unprecedented improvements, particularly in functional parameters and questionnaire scores. Although we cannot ascertain to which extent WBC per se contributed to the improvements measured, subjective reporting and our clinical observation were that WBC, the only intervention not previously experienced by the patient, acted as a booster for the rehabilitation interventions. Further research will be necessary to rule out any possible placebo effect and to assess the effects of WBC on FND.

Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are a critical concern in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients, carrying the risk of life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage. While traditionally seen as congenital, the debate continues due to documented de novo cases. Our primary goal was to identify the precise postnatal window in which deletion of the HHT gene Endoglin (Eng) triggers BAVM development. We employed SclCreER(+);Eng2f/2f mice, enabling timed Eng gene deletion in endothelial cells via tamoxifen. Tamoxifen was given at four postnatal periods: P1-3, P8-10, P15-17, and P22-24. BAVM development was assessed at 2-3 months using latex dye perfusion. We examined angiogenic activity by assessing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression via Western blotting and Flk1-LacZ reporter mice. Longitudinal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was conducted up to 9 months. BAVMs emerged in 88% (P1-3), 86% (P8-10), and 55% (P15-17) of cases, with varying localization. Notably, the P22-24 group did not develop BAVMs but exhibited skin AVMs. VEGFR2 expression peaked in the initial 2 postnatal weeks, coinciding with BAVM onset. These findings support the “second hit” theory, highlighting the role of early postnatal angiogenesis, in initiating BAVM development in HHT type I mice.

Revealing the underlying pathomechanisms of neurological and psychiatric disorders, searching for new biomarkers, and developing novel therapeutics all require translational research. In vivo and in vitro disease models have been instrumental in casting light on complex polygenic, multifactorial, and heterogeneous disease mechanisms. In the most recent years, advanced preclinical models have revealed the intriguing interaction of sex/gender and aging with the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of psychiatric and neurological diseases. However, despite these advancements, there is still a great deal of work to be done to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and to develop treatments that can significantly improve the lives of those who suffer from them. The current challenge in the field of neurological and psychiatric diseases is to develop disease-modifying, effective treatments for these complex and long-lasting debilitating conditions with a high burden of disease.The first edition of the research topic ‘Emerging Translational Research in Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases: From In Vitro to In Vivo Models’ reinforces translational research playing a critical role in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical applications. Also, it provides a platform for researchers to share their findings and advancements in translational research in this field. This new collection gathers 25 papers offering insights into the latest advancements in translational research and potential new avenues for treatments. These papers cover various topics, including the development of new preclinical models, the use of in vitro and in vivo methods, and the application of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Background and Objectives: High rates of psychiatric disorders and comorbidities have been reported in juvenile detainees which have been associated with repeat offenses. However, research on this topic has been limited to Asian countries. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and sexual differences among juvenile detainees in a detention center in South Korea. Materials and Method: The participants comprised 54 males and 46 females, with a minimum intelligence score of 80. Psychiatric diagnosis was determined using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID). The Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Version 2 (MAYSI-2) was used to investigate gender differences. Results: Using the MINI-KID, the most frequent diseases were conduct disorder (CD), alcohol dependence, suicidal tendency, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with statistically significant differences between men and women. Only alcohol abuse was higher in men while the rest were higher in women. The items with a statistically significant gender difference in MAYSI-2, were alcohol/drug use, feeling depressed/anxious, somatic complaints, suicidal ideation, and traumatic experience. All items for which the gender difference was statistically significant were higher in the proportion of women. Conclusions: Juvenile detainees exhibit high rates of psychiatric disorders and comorbidities. CDs, alcohol dependence and ADHD are the most common psychiatric disorders among juvenile detainees in South Korea. Assessment of and intervention in psychiatric disorders may help prevent further offenses. These findings highlight the importance of diagnosing and intervening in psychiatric disorders within juvenile detention systems.

Background and Aims: Paramedics attend an unprecedented number of drug poisoning events daily in British Columbia (BC), Canada due to the ongoing public health crisis related to an increasingly toxic and unregulated supply of illicit drugs. Paramedics have the potential to support alternative models of care to reduce harm, but their perspectives towards harm reduction initiatives are polarized. Understanding the drug-related substance use content in paramedic curriculum documents is important for deploying effective harm mitigating programs. The objective of this study was to understand what drug-related substance use content currently exists within paramedic curriculum documents in British Columbia. Methods: We performed a document analysis of curriculum documents in BC’s paramedic training institutions, the primary program textbook, and the 2011 National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP). We used the Checklist for Assessment and Reporting of Document Analysis (CARDA) tool to perform our analysis. We analysed and coded documents both inductively and deductively and subsequently combined, refined, and used the codes to inform the development of themes via reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Of the 44 documents analysed, 22 included codes relevant to the research questions. Paramedics are primarily taught to care for people who use drugs in an acute drug-poisoning response only, with little consideration of holistic care, and no meaningful mention of harm reduction. Some stigmatizing language was found within the content. Conclusions: Many opportunities to introduce holistic models of care for people who use drugs along the entire continuum of care are unaddressed by paramedic curriculum documents in BC. Curriculum developers should include people who have lived and living experience of drug use in the co-design of educational programs involving their care. Further qualitative analyses are required to evaluate the relationship between paramedic education and provider-based stigma.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental illness with a heavy social burden, but its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics is providing new insights into the heterogeneous pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MDD by revealing multi-parametric biomarker signatures at the metabolite level. In this comprehensive review, recent developments of MS-based metabolomics in MDD research are summarized from the perspective of analytical platforms (liquid chromatography-MS, gas chromatography-MS, supercritical fluid chromatography-MS, etc.), strategies (untargeted, targeted, and pseudotargeted metabolomics), key metabolite changes (monoamine neurotransmitters, amino acids, lipids, etc.), and antidepressant treatments (both western and traditional Chinese medicines). Depression sub-phenotypes, comorbid depression, and multi-omics approaches are also highlighted to stimulate further advances in MS-based metabolomics in the field of MDD research.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by non-progressive central motor impairments. Mild movement disorder features have been observed in DCD. Until now, the etiology of DCD remains unclear. Recent studies suggested a genetic substrate in some patients with DCD, but comprehensive knowledge about associated genes and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms is still lacking. In this study, we first identified genes described in literature in patients with a diagnosis of DCD according to the official diagnostic criteria. Second, we exposed the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of DCD, by investigating tissue- and temporal gene expression patterns and brain-specific biological mech-anisms. Third, we explored putative shared pathogenetic mechanisms between DCD and frequent movement disorders with a known genetic component, including ataxia, chorea, dystonia, and myoclonus. We identified 12 genes associated with DCD in literature, which are ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system throughout brain development. These genes are involved in cellular processes, neural signaling and nervous system development. There was a remarkable overlap (62%) in pathogenetic mechanisms between DCD-associated genes and genes linked with movement disorders. Our findings suggest that some patients might have a genetic etiology of DCD, which could be considered part of a pathogenetic movement disorder spectrum.

Vitamin D status may impact acute affective symptomatology and the severity of symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Therefore, this cross-sectional study analyzed 25(OH)D, 24,25(OH)2D, and the vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR) in BD and correlated the results with clinical affective symptomatology and functionality. The inactive precursor 25(OH)D and its principal catabolite 24,25(OH)2D were measured simultaneously with a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry method in 170 BD outpatients and 138 healthy controls. VMR was calculated as follows: VMR=100*(24,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D). The psychometric assessment enclosed: Beck Depression Inventory-II, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning, and number of suicide attempts. We did not find a significant difference between patients and controls in the concentrations of 25(OH)D and 24,25(OH)2D. Additionally, the VMR was comparable in both groups. The calculations for the clinical parameters showed a negative correlation between the Young Mania Rating Scale and 24,25(OH)2D (r = -.154, p = .040). Based on the small effect size and the predominantly euthymic sample, further exploitation in individuals with manic symptoms would be needed to confirm this association. In addition, long-term clinical markers, and an assessment in different phases of the disease may provide available additional insights.

Memory and emotion, fundamental components of our mental existence, are highly vulnerable to psychiatric disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition has been linked to serotonin (5-HT) metabolism disruptions. Over 95% of the 5-HT precursor tryptophan (Trp) is metabolized through the Trp-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway, but little is known about its role in behavior. Kynurenine aminotransferases are responsible for the production of the Trp-KYN metabolite kynurenic acid. The gene aadat codes for mitochondrial kynurenine aminotransferase isotype 2. We generated CRISPR/Cas9-induced aadat knockout (kat2−/−) mice to examine the consequence of the gene deletion on negative valence in emotion, memory, and motor function in males 8 weeks of age and compared them to their wild-type counterparts. The forced swim test showed increased depression-like behaviors in transgenic mice. Anxiety and memory tests showed no significant differences. The transgenic mice had fewer center field and corner entries, shorter ambulation distances, and fewer jumping counts in the open field test. Overall, the transgenic mice exhibit depression-like behavior in a learned helplessness model, emotional indifference, and motor deficits. Here we present the first evidence that the deletion of the aadat gene triggers depression-like behaviors, uniquely associated with despair experience rather than adverse-conditioned memory. These findings have profound implications, opening avenues for further exploration into the main causes of experience-based depression linked to despair. This investigation has the potential to advance our understanding of these complex conditions and pave the way for improved therapeutic strategies by elucidating the relationship between Trp metabolism and the pathogenesis of PTSD.

The electronic cigarette or e-cigarette is the new alternative method to deliver nicotine. In 2007, the United States introduced vaping devices on the market. Due to their attractive taste and lack of adverse effects, these vaping devices have gained popularity among youth and adults. However, there has been increasing evidence that vaping can cause severe lung injury, and these devices release toxic chemicals into the body. E-cigarettes are recognized as a global threat to public health. Nicotine, the most prevalent chemical in vaping devices, is associated with neurological problems and cognitive decline. Long-term use of e-cigarettes can cause adverse health problems, including respiratory illnesses, asthma, bronchitis, and lung inflammation. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially declared vaping-associated illness EVALI (e-cigarette or Vaping Product Associated Lung Injury). The US Surgeon General published an alarm in December 2016 that e-cigarette consumption among adolescents and teens in the US is a "major public health concern" and that more young people are now vaping than smoking traditional cigarettes and cigars. Since its commercial introduction in 2003, modern electronic cigarettes (or E-cigarette s) have become increasingly popular with smokers, non-smokers, and those who used to smoke who have switched to them. With such a rise in consumption, people are becoming more aware of the irritating, harmful, and perhaps cancer-causing effects on the lungs. (Chadi et al., 2019; Dinardo & Rome, 2019; Lyzwinski et al., 2022; Marrocco et al., 2022; O’Callaghan et al., 2022)

Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that represents a significant burden in terms of individual disability and societal costs. Despite decades of research investigating treatment options, PTSD remains a major cause of quality-of-life impairment. We hypothesized that patients with PTSD might benefit from peripheral somatosensory stimulation (PSS) therapy. Methods Six adult patients with clinically diagnosed PTSD were enrolled to undergo daily PSS therapy over a 4-week period. Patients completed two surveys evaluating satisfaction with treatment and overall well-being (Survey 1) and severity of PTSD symptoms (Survey 2). Survey 1 was completed weekly during the course of the study. Survey 2 was based on the 9-question National Stressful Events Survey PTSD Short Scale (NSESSS) and was completed as a baseline prior to initiation of therapy and then at the conclusion of the trial. All data were analyzed by an independent statistician. Results Six male patients were enrolled in the study; all completed the trial. All patients demonstrated a decrease in symptoms within one week of initiation of therapy. This benefit was sustained and appeared to further improve over the course of the trial. For Survey 1, the overall median scores demonstrated a significant time-dependent improvement across measurement times (p < 0.001). For Survey 2, patients had statistically significant improvements from baseline regarding feelings of being emotionally upset and being overly alert. Results from a cumulative link mixed model demonstrated that treatment yielded a 38.2-fold higher likelihood of transitioning from a higher PTSD score at baseline to a lower (improved) score at week 4. No adverse events were described by the patients. Conclusions PSS stimulation appeared to improve symptoms in all six patients with PTSD symptoms in this trial. Patients had unanimous and clinically meaningful improvement in overall PTSD symptoms with treatment. By week 4, all patients responded that they enjoyed the treatment and would like to keep their device. We suggest that further investigation into the potential usefulness of PSS therapy in patients with PTSD is warranted.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic and relapsing biopsychosocial condition that leads to a wide range of medical, psychological, social, economic, and personal issues. The study investigated the predictors of quality of life (QoL) among male patients seeking treatment for AUD based on attention, cognitive instability, motor impulsiveness, perseverance, and self-control dimensions of trait impulsivity. The study also investigated the potential mediating effect of anxiety and alcohol use severity in this relationship. After an initial assessment, participants underwent comprehensive evaluations, including sociodemographic data, clinical history, and QoL domains. Evaluations also covered AUD severity, impulsivity dimensions, cognitive functions, craving intensity, depression, anxiety and self-efficacy. Multiple linear regressions were employed to identify associations between independent variables and QoL. Attention dimension of impulsivity and anxiety symptoms significantly predicted physical health QoL. Self-control dimension and severity of alcohol use disorder predicted psychological QoL. Indirect effect of attention dimension on physical health was significant [effect =-1.082,95% CI (-2.008, -0.3598)].The significance of impulsivity in influencing QoL for individuals with AUD has profound clinical implications. These findings underscore the importance of addressing anxiety and impulsivity in managing AUD, given their considerable impact, particularly on QoL, ultimately shaping treatment outcomes.

Background: Despite tremendous efforts to reduce neonatal mortality worldwide and in 24 Ethiopia, there is the country is one of the countries with highest neonatal morbidity and health 25 losses. Never the less, the past three decades’ national trend and subnational distribution of 26 neonatal morbidity and mortality and its health loss in Ethiopia, was not well documented. 27 Hence, this study had aimed to analyze the trend and distributions as well as health losses 28 resulting from neonatal morbidity in the past three decades in Ethiopia, 2019. 29 Objective: To assess the national trend and sub national distributions of neonatal morbidity and 30 neonatal mortality in the previous three decades by using Global Burden of Diseases, 2019 data. 31 Methods: The data sources were primary and secondary data related to risk factors, morbidity, 32 disability, deaths, Disability Adjusted Life Years, Years Lived with Disability and Years Life Lost 33 were collected form case studies and case series, household surveys, socio-demographic surveys 34 and surveillances, health facilities surveys, Health facility observations and interviews and 35 published and unpublished literatures. The prevalence, deaths and health losses were calculated 36 by using embedded model. The study period covered from 1990 to 2019. Results were presented 37 buy using texts, tables and graphs. 38 Results: Seventy percent of neonatal disorders had occurred among early neonates aged 0 to 6 39 days. Between 1990 and 2019, the national prevalence of neonatal disorders had increased by 40 47% in to 28,319 (95% UI, 25646-30,361). Bet Similarly, the highest number of neonatal deaths 41 caused by neonatal sepsis had shifted from Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples region to 42 Oromia region while Harari remains to bear the lowest burden in the last three decades. The 43 highest and the lowest YLL as a result of neonatal disorders had occurred in Oromia 44 [(2,753,038,95% UI, 2,184,142-3,497-926) and Amhara 1,360,847 [(95% UI, 95% UI, 45 1,062,660-1,762,028)] regions respectively. Unlike other regions, Addis Ababa had the highest 46 (52%) prevalence of preterm birth in 2019 47 Conclusion and Recommendation: About seven in ten of neonatal death had occurred among 48 early neonates indicating narrowed occurrence of the event. The highest and the lowest number 49 of neonatal death and health loss had occurred in Oromia and Harari regions respectively. The 50 main causes of death were neonatal sepsis and other infections, neonatal preterm, hemolytic 51 disease and other jaundice and neonatal encephalopathy and trauma. Hence, Contextualized, 52 locally accepted innovative early neonatal care is crucial to avert the event.

The involvement of the prefrontal cortical dopaminergic system in psychopathology of epilepsies and comorbid conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) still needs to be explored. We used autoradiography to study the D1-like (D1DR) and D2-like (D2DR) receptor binding density in the prefrontal cortex of normal Wistar rats and Wistar-derived strains with generalized convulsive and/or nonconvulsive epilepsies. WAG/Rij rats served as a model for non-convulsive absence epilepsy, WAG/Rij-AGS as a model of mixed convulsive/non-convulsive forms, and KM strain was a model for convulsive epilepsy comorbiding with ASD-like behavioral phenotype. Prefrontal cortex of rats with any of epileptic pathology studied, demonstrated profound decreases in binding densities to both D1DR, D2DR; the effects were localized in the primary and secondary anterior cingulate cortexi, and adjacent regions. The local decreased D1DR and D2DR binding densities were independent (not correlated) from each other. The particular group of epileptic rats with ASD-like phenotype (KM strain), displayed changes in the lateral prefrontal cortex and adjacent regions: D1DR were lowered, but those to D2DR elevated, in anterior dysgranular insular cortex and adjacent regions. Thus, epilepsy-related changes in the dopaminergic system of rat archeocortex were localized in the medial regions, whereas ASD-related candidates were seen in the lateral aspects. The findings point to putative local dopaminergic dysfunctions, associated with generalized epilepsies and/or ASD.

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is one of the most controversial diseases in pediatric rheumatology. Despite its first description being published more than 25 years ago as the sudden and rapid onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorder symptoms as complications of a Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GAS) infection, precise epidemiological data are still lacking, and there are no strong recommendations for its treatment. Recent advances in the comprehension of PANDAS pathophysiology are largely attributable to animal model studies and the understanding of the roles of Ca++/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase) II, disrupted dopamine re-lease in the basal ganglia, and striatal cholinergic interneurons. The diagnosis of PANDAS should be made after an exclusion process and should include prepubescent children with a sudden onset of OCD and/or a tic disorder, with a relapsing/remitting disease course, a clear temporal association between GAS infection and onset or exacerbation of symptoms, and the association with other neurological abnormalities such as motoric hyperactivity and choreiform movements. Antibiotic medications are the primary therapeutic modality. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of randomized studies and validated data, resulting in a scarcity of solid recommendations.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro developmental condition that impacts social interac-tion, communication, and behavior. It is called a spectrum because its symptoms and degrees of severity can vary greatly from one person to the next. Differentiations in brain structure and function have been observed between autistic and typically developing brains. Various aspects of brain function, including information processing, sensory perception, and the capacity to interpret and respond to social cues, may be affected by these differences. The signs and symptoms of ASD are readily apparent to parents in the first few years of their child’s life. The symptoms of ASD, it is said, first appear in early childhood and continue into maturity. Brain MRI analysis utilizing deep learning methods show encouraging findings in the study of ASD. In this study, we look at how well a customized VGG16 architecture compares models that have already been trained. Inception v3, ResNet50, DenseNet121, and MobileNet are used to identify and analyze ASD problems in a brain MRI dataset from people with ASD. The proposed methods have been vali-dated on the unlabeled ABIDE 1 dataset that is freely available to the public. After the unlabeled data has been clustered, five different Deep Learning (DL) methods are used and compared. The results are compared to those of other studies that have already been conducted.

The objective of this literature review was to provide an up-to-date overview, and an analysis of the current knowledge on narcolepsy. A systematic search was conducted in different databases to identify relevant studies on various aspects of narcolepsy. The search terms included "narcolepsy," "excessive daytime sleepiness," "cataplexy," and related terms. The search was limited to studies published up until 2022. The initial screening of studies was performed based on titles and abstracts to identify potentially relevant articles. Full-text assessment was then conducted to determine the eligibility of each study for inclusion in the review. Studies were included if they provided information on the symptoms, classification, genetic aspects, impact on daily life, and gaps in knowledge regarding narcolepsy. The review reveals several important findings regarding narcolepsy: 1. the classification of narcolepsy - Type 1 narcolepsy, previously known as narcolepsy with cataplexy, and Type 2 narcolepsy, also referred to as narcolepsy without cataplexy. 2. the genetic component of narcolepsy and the complex nature of the disorder, which is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, disrupted sleep patterns, and potential impacts on daily life activities and social functioning. 3. the important implications for clinical practice in the management of narcolepsy. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the different types of narcolepsies and their associated symptoms, as this can aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to narcolepsy management, involving specialists in sleep medicine, neurology, psychiatry, and psychology. Clinicians should consider the impact of narcolepsy on a person's daily life, including their ability to work, study, and participate in social activities, and provide appropriate support and interventions. There are several gaps in knowledge regarding narcolepsy. Future research should focus on further elucidating the genetic causes of narcolepsy and exploring potential biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis. Long-term studies assessing the effectiveness of different treatment approaches, including pharmacological interventions and behavioural therapies, are needed. Additionally, there is a need for research on strategies to improve the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals living with narcolepsy, including the development of tailored support programs and interventions.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disease characterised by insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels, affecting millions of people worldwide. T2DM patients with dyslipidaemia have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A complex interplay of risk factors such as hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, obesity, inflammation and oxidative stress favour the development of atherosclerosis, a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidaemia, a hallmark of T2DM, is characterised by elevated triglycerides, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and the presence of small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, all of which promote atherosclerosis. In this article, we have attempted to present various treatment strategies that include pharmacological interventions such as statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids. We have also tried to highlight the pivotal role of lifestyle modifications, including physical activity and dietary changes, in improving lipid profiles and overall cardiovascular health in T2DM patients. We have also tried to present the latest clinical guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemia in T2DM patients. In conclusion, the treatment of dyslipidaemia in T2DM patients is of great importance as it lowers lipid particle levels, slows the progression of atherosclerosis and ultimately reduces susceptibility to cardiovascular disease.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social interaction and communication manifests in early childhood and is followed by restricted and stereotyped behaviors, interests or activities in adolescence and adulthood (DSM-V). Although genetics and environmental factors have been implicated, the exact causes of ASD have yet to be fully characterized. New evidence suggests that dysbiosis or perturbation in gut microbiota (GM) and exposure to lead (Pb) may play important roles in ASD etiology. Pb is a toxic heavy metal that has been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes including anemia, encephalopathy, gastroenteric diseases and more importantly cognitive and behavioral problems inherent to ASD. Pb exposure can disrupt GM, which is essential for maintaining overall health. GM, consisting of trillions of microorganisms, has been shown to play a crucial role in the development of various physiological and psychological functions. GM interacts with the brain in a bidirectional manner referred to as “Gut-Brain Axis (GBA).” In this review, following a general overview of ASD and GM, the interaction of Pb with GM in the context of ASD is emphasized. Potential exploitation of this interaction for therapeutic purposes is also touched upon.

Myofascial pain is the most common cause of chronic pain in the masticatory region and can be assessed through clinical analysis and muscle palpation. Generally, it appears with headache and orofacial pain associated with sensitive points (trigger points) due to the excessive contraction of the masticatory muscle fibres. The study aims to evaluate how a correct treatment of myofascial pain can improve the life quality of the affected patients. In this case series, 300 patients with myofascial pain were divided into two groups: 150 with intra- and extra-articular disorder and 150 with the only extra-articular disorder. Each group included 75 males and 75 females. All the patients were treated with gnathological therapy through passive aligners and biofeedback exercises for 4 months. They underwent pain assessment (through a visual analogue scale and muscular palpation test) before, during and after the treatment, and nuclear magnetic resonance of the temporomandibular joint before and after the gnathological treatment. The treatment considerably reduced the pain in all patients, without drugs, in 4 months, according to the visual analogue scales and the palpation test. The temporomandibular magnetic resonance in each patient was similar before and after the gnathological treatment. The improvement in pain did not depend on a change in the relationship between the articular condyle and the disc.

The idealized rhombohedral unit cell of boron carbide is formed by a 12-atom icosahedron and a 3-atom linear chain. Phase transitions are second order and caused by the exchange of B and C sites or by vacancies in the structure. Nevertheless, the impact of such minimal structural changes on the properties can be significant. As the X-ray scattering cross sections of B and C atoms are very similar, the capability of X-ray fine structure investigation is restricted. Phonon spectroscopy helps closing this gap. Phase transitions known to date have been identified due to significant changes of properties: (1) The phase transition near the chemical composition B8C by clear change of the electronic structure; (2) The endothermic temperature-dependent phase transition at 712 K by the according change of specific heat; (3) The high-pressure phase transition at 33.2 GPa by the drastic change of optical appearance from opacity to transparency. These phase transitions affect IR- and Raman-active phonons and other solid-state properties. The phase transitions at B~8C and 712 K mean that a well-defined distorted structure is converted into another one each. In the high-pressure phase transition, an apparently well-defined distorted structure changes into a highly ordered one. In all these cases, the distribution of polar C atoms in the icosahedra plays a crucial role.

The present review aimed to identify through what means neurologic injury can predispose individuals to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In recent years, comprehensive studies have helped to clarify which structures in the central nervous system (CNS) that, when damaged, lead to distinct PTSD symptoms–namely dissociative reactions or flashbacks. Our review narrowed its focus to three common neurologic injuries including traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and stroke. Beyond discussing the potential mechanisms by which neurotrauma may lead to PTSD, we summarized our current understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorder and discussed predicted associations between the limbic system and PTSD. In particular, the role of noradrenergic neuromodulatory signaling on the HPA axis as it pertains to fear memory recall needs to be further explored to better understand its effects on limbic structures in PTSD patients. This paper also described how damage to the CNS can alter the function of the limbic system and result in characteristic symptoms of PTSD like intrusive memories and acute psychological distress. Further, our review intended to draw attention to a lack of PTSD prognosis in TBI, SAH, and stroke patients who could benefit from early treatment. PTSD symptoms often compound with pre-existing issues further deteriorating health outcomes for these patients. It is ultimately our goal to clarify the relationship between neurotrauma and PTSD such that earlier diagnoses and appropriate treatment are observed in clinic.

Sleep-disordered breathing is a significant problem affecting the pediatric population. These conditions can affect sleep quality and significantly affect children's overall health and well-being. Difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behavioral patterns characterize autism spectrum disorder. Sleep disturbances are common in children with ASD. This literature review aims to gather and analyze available studies on the relationship between SDB and children with autism spectrum disorder. We comprehensively searched the literature using major search engines (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). After removing duplicates, we extracted a total of 96 records. We selected 19 studies for inclusion after a thorough title and abstract screening process. A total of 7 articles were ultimately included. This review has analyzed the relationship between autism spectrum disorder and sleep-disordered breathing, particularly Obstructive Sleep Apnea, highlighting an intriguing web of complex associations. Some studies involving children have demonstrated a significant association between autism spectrum disorder and the presence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Furthermore, a heightened risk of developing sleep disturbances, including sleep-disordered breathing, has emerged in children with autism. The risk and prevalence of obesity are increasing in pediatric subjects with autism spectrum disorder. Obesity has been identified as a predictive factor for Sleep-disordered breathing, and Body Mass Index can directly correlate with Obstructive Sleep Apnea in these children. Adenotonsillectomy has proven to be pivotal in improving behavioral issues in autism spectrum disorder children with obstructive Sleep Apnea. In conclusion, this review underscores the complexity of the interplay between autism spectrum disorder and sleep-disordered breathing, emphasizing the importance of further research to understand underlying mechanisms and develop optimal therapeutic and preventative approaches to enhance sleep quality and overall health in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Children with history of prematurity are at higher risk of complications, comorbidities and iron deficiency. In this study we assess the prevalence of restless sleep disorder, as well as that of periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) in these children. Retrospective chart review of sleep studies in children aged 1-18 years, with history of prematurity. Only diagnostic studies in children without diagnosis of a genetic syndrome or airway surgery or tracheostomy were included. Three groups were compared, children with PLMS index&gt;5, children with restless sleep disorder (RSD), and children with neither elevated PLMS index nor RSD. During the study, 2,577 sleep studies were conducted. Ninety-two studies fit our criteria and were included in analysis. Median birth age was 31 weeks, interquartile range (IQR) 27-34 weeks. Thirty-two (34.8%) children were referred for restless sleep and 55 (59.8%) for snoring; after polysomnography 18% were found to have PLMS index &gt;5/hour, 14% fit the criteria for RSD. There were no statistically significant differences in polysomnographic parameters between the children with RSD, PLMS and the remaining group, except for lower obstructive apnea/hypopnea index (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA 8.621, p=0.0135) in the RSD group (median 0.7, IQR 0.3-0.9) than in the PLMS (median 1.7, IQR 0.7-3.5), or than in the nonRSD/nonPLMS group (median 2.0, IQR 0.8-4.5). There was elevated frequency of RSD and elevated PLMS in children with history of prematurity that might be linked to the increased risk of iron deficiency in premature infants. These new results add new knowledge on the prevalence of RSD in these children.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental health disorder that causes significant dysfunction in individuals. Currently, there are many approved Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy treatment options for PTSD, but unfortunately, half of the patients do not respond to traditional therapies. In this article, we reviewed clinical trials and research on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) assisted Psychotherapy in PTSD patients, its pharmacokinetics and current treatment guidelines for PTSD. Based on the results of the efficacy of MDMA assisted Psychotherapy from six phases II Randomized controlled trials. MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD has received the “Breakthrough Therapy” designation from the FDA. MDMA can potentially reduce PTSD symptoms even in treatment-resistant cases by increasing certain neurohormones, i.e. dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and oxytocin. It also modulates activities in the brain regions involved in fear and anxiety. Future research is needed to show whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and whether its use can be integrated into available treatment options for PTSD.