1036 results
Surface carbohydrates of Eudiplozoon nipponicum pre- and post-fusion
- I. Schabussova, B. Koubková, M. Gelnar, M. Schabuss, P. Horák
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- Journal of Helminthology / Volume 78 / Issue 1 / March 2004
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 12 April 2024, pp. 63-68
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The development of the monogenean Diplozoon (Nordmann, 1832) (Diplozoidae) necessitates fusion of two larval stages (diporpae) into one double organism. How diporpae find, distinguish and contact each other is unclear, nor is the nature of the stimuli responsible for the dedifferentiation of cells and the formation of new tissues at the site of somatic fusion. Previous studies have implied a role for carbohydrates and glycoproteins in the interactions between helminth parasites and their hosts. Hypothetically, glycoconjugates may also be involved in the establishment of parasite–parasite associations. Changes in the surface saccharide residues during the development of Eudiplozoon nipponicum, a gill ectoparasite of carp (Cyprinus carpio) are described. Flat-fixed specimens and sections of diporpae, juveniles (just-fused) and adult worms were examined following exposure to a panel of 12 FITC-conjugated lectins. All developmental stages exhibited a specific surface binding pattern with ten lectins, indicating that Man/Glc, GlcNAc, Gal and GalNAc are probably present on their surfaces. No reaction was observed with Fuc-specific lectins (UEA-I and LTA). There is evidence that parasite development is accompanied by both qualitative and quantitative changes in the saccharide pattern distribution. The diporpa sucker reacted with nine lectins, excluding BS-II. A very strong binding of PNA, LCA and ConA (Gal and Man/Glc-specific lectins) was observed with the papilla glands of juvenile worms. The role of glandular secretions in this unique fusion process is discussed.
Lung nematodes of chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica, from the Tatra National Park, Slovakia
- A. Štefanèíková, B. Chovancová, P. Dubinský, O. Tomašovièová, J. Èorba, A. Königová, I. Hovorka, Z. Vasilková
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- Journal of Helminthology / Volume 73 / Issue 3 / March 1999
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 April 2024, pp. 259-263
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A larvoscopic examination of faeces collected from localities inhabited by chamois in the Tatra National Park (TANAP) in 1997 demonstrated the presence of the lung nematodes Muellerius spp. (likely to be M. tenuispiculatus and M. capillaris) and Neostrongylus linearis. The overall prevalence of lung nematodes in chamois herds in TANAP was 48.4% with prevalences of 45.6% and 11.9% for Muellerius spp. and N. linearis, respectively. No significant differences in lung nematode prevalences were observed in the biotopes of TANAP with prevalence values of 44.9% being recorded in the High Tatras and 58.5% in the Belianske Tatras. Individual species were in equal proportion in both biotopes, although N. linearis was significantly less prevalent (11.2–13.8%). The prevalence of lung nematodes in the High Tatras varied from 25.0 to 84.2% within individual localities, while in the Belianske Tatras it was more proportionate (50.0–85.7%). In the High Tatras, the prevalence of lung nematodes in the chamois herds peaked during August, declining to its lowest in October. A similar prevalence was also recorded for Muellerius species, while the minimum prevalence of N. linearis was found in July. In the Belianske Tatras, the prevalence of lung nematodes including both species of Muellerius peaked in July and gradually decreased until October. On the other hand, N. linearis was most prevalent in October. The mean L1 count per gram faeces was low (7.6 ± 13.2 larvae g-1).
14C PREPARATION PROTOCOLS FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SAMPLES AT THE LMC14, SACLAY, FRANCE
- J-P Dumoulin, C Moreau, E Delqué-Količ, I Caffy, D Farcage, C Goulas, S Hain, M Perron, A Semerok, M Sieudat, B Thellier, L Beck
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- Radiocarbon , First View
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 24 January 2024, pp. 1-14
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The Laboratoire de Mesure du Carbone 14 (LMC14) has operated a radiocarbon dating laboratory for almost twenty years with ARTEMIS, the Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS) based on a NEC 9SDH-2 Pelletron tandem accelerator. A first status report describing the chemical pretreatment methods was published in 2017 (Dumoulin et al. 2017). This article summarizes updates of the routine procedures and presents new protocols. The quality checks in place at the LMC14 and results obtained for the GIRI international inter-comparison are reported. New protocols developed by the laboratory over the last five years are described with the preparation of iron, lead white, cellulose, calcium oxalate, and mortar. This report also provides a summary of practical information for sample preparation and can help the laboratory users who provide samples and publish results to better understand all the work behind a 14C dating.
Shock Hugoniot Data for Water up to 5 Mbar Obtained with Quartz Standard at High-Energy Laser Facilities
- D. Mancelli, I. Errea, A. Tentori, O. Turianska, H. Larreur, K. Katagiri, N. Ozaki, N. Kamimura, D. Kamibayashi, K. Ishida, H. Ogura, K. Kawasaki, Y. Maeda, Y. Hironaka, K. Shigemori, K. Batani, G. Schaumann, O. Rosmej, P. Neumayer, B. Zielbauer, A. S. Martynenko, E. D. Filippov, S. Pikuz, D. Batani
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- Journal:
- Laser and Particle Beams / Volume 2021 / 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 January 2024, e2
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In this work, we present experimental results on the behavior of liquid water at megabar pressure. The experiment was performed using the HIPER (High-Intensity Plasma Experimental Research) laser facility, a uniaxial irradiation chamber of GEKKO XII (GXII) at the Institute of Laser Engineering (ILE), and the PHELIX at GSI (GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research), a single-beam high-power laser facility, to launch a planar shock into solid multilayered water samples. Equation-of-state data of water (H2O are obtained in the pressure range 0.50–4.6 Mbar by tuning the laser-drive parameters. The Hugoniot parameters (pressure, density, etc.) and the shock temperature were simultaneously determined by using VISAR and SOP as diagnostic tools and quartz as the standard material for impedance mismatch experiments. Finally, our experimental results are compared with hydrodynamic simulations tested with different equations of state, showing good compatibility with tabulated SESAME tables for water.
Feed energy utilization by hair sheep: does the 0.82 conversion factor of digestible to metabolizable energy need to be revised?
- A. S. Brito Neto, C. J. L. Herbster, L. C. Geraseev, G. L. Macedo Junior, D. R. Nascimento, A. C. Rocha, M. I. B. Pereira, M. I. Marcondes, L. P. Silva, L. R. Bezerra, R. L. Oliveira, E. S. Pereira
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- The Journal of Agricultural Science / Volume 161 / Issue 5 / October 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 14 December 2023, pp. 734-742
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The objective was to evaluate energy partitioning and predict the relationship between metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible energy (DE) in hair sheep fed tropical diets at three feeding levels (maintenance, intermediate and high). To evaluate the energy partition, a database with 114 records (54 non-castrated males and 60 females) from comparative slaughter studies was used. To estimate the ratio ME:DE, 207 observations (74 non-castrated males and 133 females) were used from six studies in a multi-study approach, two indirect calorimetry studies (n = 93) and four comparative slaughter (n = 114), using a mixed model and study as random effect. A simple linear regression equation of the ME against DE was fitted to predict the efficiency of DE to ME conversion. Gas losses were greatest (P < 0.05) for animals fed at maintenance level (7.92% of gross energy intake). The variations of energy losses in the urine were 2.64, 2.06 and 2.08%; faecal losses were 34.37, 37.80 and 36.91% for maintenance, intermediary and high level of feeding, respectively. The regression analysis suggested a strong linear relationship between ME and DE, generating the model ME (MJ/day) = −0.1559 (±0.07525) + 0.8503 (±0.005864) × DE (MJ/day). This study highlights the importance of the relationship ME:DE. Equation/factor 0.85 presented herein is alternative that could be used for the calculation of ME from DE in feedlot diets tropical. In conclusion, we suggest that for hair sheep fed tropical diets the conversion factor 0.85 is more adequate to predict ME from DE.
An approach for collaborative development of a federated biomedical knowledge graph-based question-answering system: Question-of-the-Month challenges
- Karamarie Fecho, Chris Bizon, Tursynay Issabekova, Sierra Moxon, Anne E. Thessen, Shervin Abdollahi, Sergio E. Baranzini, Basazin Belhu, William E. Byrd, Lawrence Chung, Andrew Crouse, Marc P. Duby, Stephen Ferguson, Aleksandra Foksinska, Laura Forero, Jennifer Friedman, Vicki Gardner, Gwênlyn Glusman, Jennifer Hadlock, Kristina Hanspers, Eugene Hinderer, Charlotte Hobbs, Gregory Hyde, Sui Huang, David Koslicki, Philip Mease, Sandrine Muller, Christopher J. Mungall, Stephen A. Ramsey, Jared Roach, Irit Rubin, Shepherd H. Schurman, Anath Shalev, Brett Smith, Karthik Soman, Sarah Stemann, Andrew I. Su, Casey Ta, Paul B. Watkins, Mark D. Williams, Chunlei Wu, Colleen H. Xu, The Biomedical Data Translator Consortium
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- Journal of Clinical and Translational Science / Volume 7 / Issue 1 / 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 14 September 2023, e214
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Knowledge graphs have become a common approach for knowledge representation. Yet, the application of graph methodology is elusive due to the sheer number and complexity of knowledge sources. In addition, semantic incompatibilities hinder efforts to harmonize and integrate across these diverse sources. As part of The Biomedical Translator Consortium, we have developed a knowledge graph–based question-answering system designed to augment human reasoning and accelerate translational scientific discovery: the Translator system. We have applied the Translator system to answer biomedical questions in the context of a broad array of diseases and syndromes, including Fanconi anemia, primary ciliary dyskinesia, multiple sclerosis, and others. A variety of collaborative approaches have been used to research and develop the Translator system. One recent approach involved the establishment of a monthly “Question-of-the-Month (QotM) Challenge” series. Herein, we describe the structure of the QotM Challenge; the six challenges that have been conducted to date on drug-induced liver injury, cannabidiol toxicity, coronavirus infection, diabetes, psoriatic arthritis, and ATP1A3-related phenotypes; the scientific insights that have been gleaned during the challenges; and the technical issues that were identified over the course of the challenges and that can now be addressed to foster further development of the prototype Translator system. We close with a discussion on Large Language Models such as ChatGPT and highlight differences between those models and the Translator system.
Advocacy at the Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
- Bistra Zheleva, Amy Verstappen, David M. Overman, Farhan Ahmad, Sulafa K.M. Ali, Zohair Y. Al Halees, Joumana Ghandour Atallah, Isabella E. Badhwar, Carissa Baker-Smith, Maria Balestrini, Amy Basken, Jonah S. Bassuk, Lee Benson, Horacio Capelli, Santo Carollo, Devyani Chowdhury, M. Sertaç Çiçek, Mitchell I. Cohen, David S. Cooper, John E. Deanfield, Joseph Dearani, Blanca del Valle, Kathryn M. Dodds, Junbao Du, Frank Edwin, Ekanem Ekure, Nurun Nahar Fatema, Anu Gomanju, Babar Hasan, Lewis Henry, Christopher Hugo-Hamman, Krishna S. Iyer, Marcelo B. Jatene, Kathy J. Jenkins, Tara Karamlou, Tom R. Karl, James K. Kirklin, Christián Kreutzer, Raman Krishna Kumar, Keila N. Lopez, Alexis Palacios Macedo, Bradley S. Marino, Eva M. Marwali, Folkert J. Meijboom, Sandra S. Mattos, Hani Najm, Dan Newlin, William M. Novick, Sir Shakeel A. Qureshi, Budi Rahmat, Robert Raylman, Irfan Levent Saltik, Craig Sable, Nestor Sandoval, Anita Saxena, Emma Scanlan, Gary F. Sholler, Jodi Smith, James D. St Louis, Christo I. Tchervenkov, Koh Ghee Tiong, Vladimiro Vida, Susan Vosloo, Douglas J. “DJ” Weinstein, James L. Wilkinson, Liesl Zuhlke, Jeffrey P. Jacobs
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- Journal:
- Cardiology in the Young / Volume 33 / Issue 8 / August 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 24 August 2023, pp. 1277-1287
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The Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (WCPCCS) will be held in Washington DC, USA, from Saturday, 26 August, 2023 to Friday, 1 September, 2023, inclusive. The Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery will be the largest and most comprehensive scientific meeting dedicated to paediatric and congenital cardiac care ever held. At the time of the writing of this manuscript, The Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery has 5,037 registered attendees (and rising) from 117 countries, a truly diverse and international faculty of over 925 individuals from 89 countries, over 2,000 individual abstracts and poster presenters from 101 countries, and a Best Abstract Competition featuring 153 oral abstracts from 34 countries. For information about the Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, please visit the following website: [www.WCPCCS2023.org]. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the activities related to global health and advocacy that will occur at the Eighth World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery.
Acknowledging the need for urgent change, we wanted to take the opportunity to bring a common voice to the global community and issue the Washington DC WCPCCS Call to Action on Addressing the Global Burden of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Diseases. A copy of this Washington DC WCPCCS Call to Action is provided in the Appendix of this manuscript. This Washington DC WCPCCS Call to Action is an initiative aimed at increasing awareness of the global burden, promoting the development of sustainable care systems, and improving access to high quality and equitable healthcare for children with heart disease as well as adults with congenital heart disease worldwide.
Nanopore sequencing as a novel approach to transcend into the deep universe of schizophrenia
- I. B. Nita, O. D. Ilie, A. S. Ciobica, L. D. Hritcu, R. Popescu, R. P. Dobrin
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S439
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Introduction
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder possessing a multifactorial nature and dual facets of symptoms with a core underlying genetic mechanism that is still obscure. Lately, genomic studies revealed numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are non-coding and influence ribonucleic acid (RNA) expression, particularly its splicing.
ObjectivesConsidering that next-generation sequencing (NGS) protocols focus upon long-read sequencing as opposed to conventional RNA sequencing methodologies once with the advent of Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ (ONT) MinION, we primarily aimed to gather and review all evidence into how this approach may deepen and further offer insight into SCZ still undiscovered domain.
MethodsThe relevant literature searches were performed using distinct combinations of keywords including “schizophrenia” alongside „Nanopore”, “MinION”, and “Oxford Nanopore Technologies” on four databases (PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and ScienceDirect). We implied the entries to strictly “research articles” written in English as inclusion criteria.
ResultsBy restricting the returned results starting with the year when the platform was officially launched, a total of n = 69 studies were displayed between the pre-established interval (2014 – 2022). If taken per database, n = 2 were identified in PubMed/Medline, n = 7 in ISI Web of Knowledge, n = 4 in Scopus, and n = 56 in ScienceDirect. In chronological order, n = 0 were published in 2014, n = 3 in 2015, n = 7 in 2016, n = 7 in 2017, n = 9 in 2018, n = 3 in 2019, n = 7 in 2020, n = 19 in 2021 and n = 14 in 2022. Finally, per the strategy applied, n = 49 were returned for “schizophrenia” + “Nanopore” from which n = 2 in PubMed/Medline, n = 5 in ISI Web of Knowledge, n = 4 in Scopus, and n = 38 in ScienceDirect. For “schizophrenia” + “MinION, there was a cumulative number of n = 5, from which we had n = 0 in PubMed/Medline, n = 0 in ISI Web of Knowledge, n = 0 in Scopus, and n = 5 in ScienceDirect. Finally, for “schizophrenia” + “Oxford Nanopore Technologies” were displayed n = 15, and the situation was n = 0 in PubMed/Medline, n = 2 in ISI Web of Knowledge, n = 0 in Scopus, and n = 13 in ScienceDirect.
ConclusionsWe presently assist to a fulminant ascension in the literature, with applicability in other fields. Perhaps as cornerstone stands a recent publication in which the authors reveal the risk of the Calcium Voltage-Gated Channel Subunit Alpha1 C (CACNA1C) gene involved, being identified thirty-eight novel exons and two hundred and forty-one novel transcripts following RNA purification from six regions (cerebellum, striatum, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) among which targeted were cingulate, occipital and parietal cortexes.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Exploring the association among the tryptophan to serotonin and kynurenine pathways, cognition and suicidal behaviour: a secondary analysis in a sample of individuals affected by Bipolar Disorder.
- P. Paribello, M. Manchia, A. Squassina, C. Pisanu, D. Congiu, S. Dall’Acqua, S. Sut, S. Nasini, M. Garzilli, B. Guiso, F. Suprani, V. Pulcinelli, M. N. Iaselli, I. Pinna, G. Somaini, L. Arru, C. Corrias, F. Pinna, S. Comai, B. Carpiniello
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S86-S87
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Introduction
Stroop test iteration performances and metabolism of tryptophan (TRP) via serotonin (5-HT) and kynurenine (KYN) have both been associated with suicidal behaviors. This study aims to probe their possible interactions.
ObjectivesWe explored the association of the performances on the Emotion Inhibition Subtask (EIS) of the Brief Assessment of Cognition for Affective Disorder and the plasmatic levels of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), 5-HT, KYN, melatonin (MLT) among subjects with Lifetime Suicidal Ideation (LSI) vs non-LSI, and with Lifetime Suicide Attempts (LSA) vs non-LSA.
MethodsUsing R studio, we employed: 1) the t-test for parametric data and the Wilcoxon test for non-parametric data; 2) Linear Modeling to probe the associations of EIS performances with MLT, KYN, 5-HTP or 5-HT plasmatic levels.
ResultsIn a sample comprising 45 individuals affected by Bipolar Disorder, we found a statistically significant difference for the Color Naming (CN, image 1) and the Neutral words (NW) subtasks among LSA vs non-LSA. In LSI vs non-LSI, only the NW retained significance, but not the CN. A significant association emerged between CN and 5-HTP in LSI but not in non-LSI (image 2). Similarly, in LSA, an association was found between CN and 5-HTP, but not in non-LSA (image 3). No statistically significant difference emerged among groups regarding gender composition, age, pharmacological therapy, Body Mass Index, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, or Clinical Global Impression scale - Severity.
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Image 2:
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ConclusionsWe found that the plasmatic levels of the metabolites of TRP via 5-HT were correlated to some EIS performances. These findings may represent a hypothesis-generating platform for further investigations.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The wrinkles of the soul- a psychoneuroimmunological approach to aging
- B. A. Oroian, G. I. Costandache, A. Salaru, P. F. Ionescu, P. Nechita
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S992
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Introduction
Psychoneuroimmunology is a discipline that has emerged over the past decades as a broad interdisciplinary field that closely observes the relationship between the psychological state, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. The natural aging process leads to alterations in the immune functions, involving lymphocyte dysregulation, and therefore leading to a higher risk of developing coronary artery diseases, infectious diseases or even cancer.
ObjectivesThe aim of our inquiry is to evaluate the existing body of work with a focus on studies that observed the intricate connections between psychosocial factors and immunity.
MethodsWe performed a systematic review on PubMed and a targeted literature search concentrating on all the factors involved in immunosenescence and their consequences.
ResultsThe causality between emotional stressors (acute or chronic), lack of social support, adverse life events, coping mechanisms, personality traits, as well as endocrine changes and multiple age-related pathologies is often undeniable. Other relevant factors include nutrition, sleep, physical activity and substance use. As people grow older, they face a number of psychosocial stressors, such as retirement, social isolation, loss of independence, low income, a decrease in productivity and also somatic comorbidities. These factors, together with an age-related decline in immune function, can constitute not only a psychosocial disadvantage of the elderly, but also a risk factor able to trigger further deterioration of the immune system.
ConclusionsAge-associated alterations of the immune response represent a complex concept. Given that we are dealing with the phenomenon of aging in the general population, the field of psychoneuroimmunology can make a significant contribution in establishing the different mechanisms through which seniors can cushion the impact of stressors in regards to health and illness. Therefore, we can pave the way for an individualized approach and support for patients, as well as provide better therapeutic outcomes.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Gastric bezoar in a patient hospitalized in an eating disorder unit. Case report
- J. Torres Cortés, I. Esteban Avendaño, J. B. González del Valle, R. González Lucas, J. J. Padín Calo, J. P. Morillo González
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S850-S851
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Introduction
It is well known that eating disorders are related to comorbidity. At least, half of these patients have other mental disorders and, in addition to it, the presence of physical comorbidity (cardiovascular, kidney, nervous system, digestive tract, metabolic or endocrine disorders) comes with a decline in life expectancy.
ObjectivesDescription of a patient with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN) who developed a gastric bezoar during hospitalization.
MethodsCase treated in a specific Eating Disorder Unit in a Third-Level Hospital.
Results26 years old woman with a diagnosis of AN hospitalized in General Psychiatric Unit with BMI of 11,78 kg/m2. Nasogastric tube was necessary and, after 1 month with a progressive weight recovery (BMI 13,84 kg/m2), the patient was transferred to the Eating Disorder Unit in order to follow specific psychological therapy. No incidence related to physical exploration or clinical analyses happened during this month apart from pancytopenia due to malnutrition.
However, 8 days after, patient developed nausea and had 3 vomit episodes, constant abdominal pain at hipogastrium (moderate intensity), dizziness, instability and constipation. The patient refused possibility of pregnancy. The physical exam showed bowel sounds augmented but no mass or peritoneal irritation appeared. Blood test results were normal. Abdominal X-Ray showed gastric dilatation with small bowel faeces sign, which suggested diagnosis of gastric bezoar.
The treatment was the dissolution of the bezoar by Coca-Cola, solving the symptoms completely.
The patient refused having eaten hair or any other kind of object or indigestible material but admitted to be following a strict vegan diet. Finally, after an endoscopy was done, the patient was diagnosed of phytobezoar.
ConclusionsBased on literature, bezoars are rare in AN, being phytobezoars the most common between the types of bezoars. Nevertheless, there are some risk factors, such as delayed gastric emptying, dehydration or, in the case of phytobezoar, ingestion of food containing high amount of cellulose, hemi-cellulose, lignin, and tannins (celery, pumpkin, grape skins, prunes, raisins and, in particular, persimmons). Some of the symptoms caused by phytobezoar can be similar to those of the AN (abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, poor appetite, vomiting, malnutrition, weight loss). Therefore, gastric bezoar could be an underdiagnosed or even undiagnosed disease in this group of patients. Taking this into account could reduce time until diagnosis and treatment, decreasing the risks associated.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The cognitive consequences of the COVID-19 infection and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia: Is there a link?
- G. I. Costandache, B. A. Oroian, A. P. Salaru, P. F. Ionescu, C. Mihai
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S791
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Introduction
Frontotemporal dementia behavioral variant (bvFTD) is the most common subtype of frontotemporal dementia, characterized by early and often severely disabling alterations in personality and social conduct that carry a huge impact on the patient, family, and society.
ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to correlate the clinical data collected from our patient with relevant literature and discuss the diagnosis of bvFTD in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MethodsCase report and a systematic review of the literature.
ResultsThe middle-aged female patient we examined presented an array of psychiatric symptoms, including cognitive, behavioral, and personality changes that emerged in two months after a mild form of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Objectively, a cranial CT scan displayed frontal and anterior temporal lobe atrophy. The rapid and severe decline of the patient’s mental faculties throughout the last year, along with the circumstances in which the pathology developed, raised a question about the etiological factors that contributed to this early-onset dementia.
ConclusionsAlthough diagnostic criteria are useful, frontotemporal dementia may be difficult to differentiate from other conditions because there are no disease-specific biomarkers. Correlations between the COVID-19 infection and the fulminant bvFTD symptoms remain unclear and require further investigations.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Virtual Reality in the acute psychiatry ward: a pilot study
- J. I. Mena, B. Andrés, I. Hernandez, A. Bastidas, E. Cesari, I. Ochandiano, S. Salmerón, P. Barrio
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S901-S902
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Introduction
New technologies have been steadily impacting and redefining the health care landscape over the last decades, a process recently enhanced by the covid-19 pandemics . VR is an advanced media that can simulate highly realistic virtual environments, providing a high sense of immersion (the feeling of “being really there”). VR has expanded its healthcare application over the last years. Surprisingly, the acute psychiatry ward has been, so far, systematically left out of the VR application field. Psychiatric wards are complex environments. Patients are frequently admitted against their will and many wards have a locked doors policy, with subsequent feelings of seclusion experienced by patients. Therefore the question emerges: could VR help psychiatry inpatients have a better experience during their hospitalization?
ObjectivesThis is a pilot study where psychiatry inpatients are offered a single session with the Oculus Quest 2, where they are immersed in a computer generate scenario provided by a commercially available software (“Nature Treks”). The scenario is a nature-based immersive 360° walk. Patients are allowed to freely explore the scenario with no time restraints.
MethodsThe STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and the PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) questionnaires are completed by patients before and after the VR exposure. After exposure, patients are also asked to complete the SUS (System Usability Scale) questionnaire, the IQ-presence questionnaire and the SSQ (Simulator Sickness Questionnaire). Electrophysiological recordings are gathered with the Empatica E4.
ResultsUp to date, 4 patients have been recruited. The sessions have lasted around 10 minutes. Reductions in the STAI and the PANAS have been reported by 3 patients (with no statistical significance so far). Usability has been extremely high as reported by the SUS. Minimal adverse reactions to VR use have been reported in the SSQ, mainly dizziness and nausea.
ConclusionsVR has a high potential to ameliorate the conditions of psychiatry inpatients admitted to a close-doors ward. As with many technological novelties, implementation and sustainability will be key. The small evidence provided by this pilot study points out to an initial good acceptability and potential efficacy in some patient-related outcomes.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Resting-state gamma oscillations in adult Autism spectrum disorder: A High-Density EEG study
- B. Kakuszi, B. Szuromi, M. Tóth, I. Bitter, P. Czobor
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S611-S612
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Introduction
Autism is neurodevelopmental disorder with a heterogeneous presentation of symptoms, which include disturbances in sensory, motor and cognitive processes, among which social cognitive impairments and social interaction difficulties play prominent role. Despite the fact that these impairments can lead to lifelong disability and difficulties in everyday functioning, their neurobiological basis remains largely unknown. Neural oscillations in the gamma band have been shown to be an important candidate neurobiological marker of higher order cognitive processes and social interactions. Yet, alterations of gamma oscillations in ASD have received little attention in the literature.
ObjectivesThe aim of the current study was to investigate resting state gamma oscillations in the EEG in order to delineate alterations in ASD as compared to typically developing (TD) subjects in the intrinsic activity of the neural networks that have been linked to social cognitive functioning.
MethodsResting-state EEGs were obtained in an ongoing study investigating ASD (N=19) and TD subjects (N=15), based on eyes closed condition. EEGs were recorded using a 128-channel BioSemi system. EEG absolute power was investigated in the gamma 30-48Hz frequency band.
ResultsGamma activity was significantly (p<0.05) diminished in multiple brain regions in ASD as compared TD subjects. The diminished gamma activity had a distinctive topographical distribution, which included the left and right inferior temporal gyrus, the right superior temporal gyrus, the TPJ and the right extrastriate areas. Additionally, we found a hemispheric asymmetry in the occipital brain areas with a decrease of gamma activity on the right and an increase in the left hemisphere as compared to TD.
ConclusionsDiminished gamma activity in the above brain areas may represent a cortical dysfunction which can be present due to a reduced capacity to process socially relevant information and a decreased capacity to omit irrelevant stimuli.
Funding: Hungarian Brain Research program,#NAP2022-I-4/2022
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Fluoxetine in a SARS-CoV-2 Infection Mouse Model
- D. Péricat, S. A. Leon-Icaza, M. Sánchez-Rico, C. Mühle, I. Zoicas, F. Schumacher, R. Planès, R. Mazars, G. Gros, A. Carpinteiro, K. A. Becker, J. Izopet, N. Strub-Wourgaft, P. Sjö, O. Neyrolles, B. Kleuser, F. Limosin, E. Gulbins, J. Kornhuber, E. Meunier, N. Hoertel, C. Cougoule
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S119-S120
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Introduction
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since a large portion of the world’s population is currently unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated and has limited access to approved treatments against COVID-19, there is an urgent need to continue research on treatment options, especially those at low cost and which are immediately available to patients, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Prior in vitro and observational studies have shown that fluoxetine, possibly through its inhibitory effect on the acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide system, could be a promising antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatment against COVID-19.
ObjectivesThe aim of this sudy was to test the potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities of fluoxetine against SARS-CoV-2 in a K18-hACE2 mouse model of infection, and against several variants of concern in vitro, and test the hypothesis of the implication of ceramides and/or their derivatives hexosylceramides.
MethodsWe evaluated the potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities of fluoxetine in a K18-hACE2 mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and against variants of concern in vitro, i.e., SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain, Alpha B.1.1.7, Gamma P1, Delta B1.617 and Omicron BA.5.
ResultsFluoxetine, administrated after SARS-CoV-2 infection, significantly reduced lung tissue viral titres (Figure 1) and expression of several inflammatory markers (i.e., IL-6, TNFα, CCL2 and CXCL10) (Figure 2). It also inhibited the replication of all variants of concern in vitro. A modulation of the ceramide system in the lung tissues, as reflected by the increase in the ratio HexCer 16:0/Cer 16:0 in fluoxetine-treated mice, may contribute to explain these effects (Figure 3).
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ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of fluoxetine in a K18-hACE2 mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and its in vitro antiviral activity against variants of concern, establishing fluoxetine as a very promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease pathogenesis.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The response to unfolded proteins in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
- C. Cachán, I. M. Valle, Y. Potes, A. González Rubio, N. Menéndez Coto, D. López Fanjul, I. Vega Naredo, B. Caballero, P. Saiz, J. Bobes, P. García Portilla, A. Coto Montes
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S636-S637
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Introduction
Schizophrenia (SCH) and bipolar disorder (BD) are severe mental disordes, which have high incidence (Whiteford et al. Lancet 2013; 381 1575-86) and are the main causes of diasibility in young people (WHO 2022; https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders).
Psycological stress appears in different mental disorders, and this is directly related to oxidative stress (Moller et al. Chem Biol Interact. 1996; 102 17-36)(Pupic-Bakrac et al. 2020; Psychiatr Danub. 32 412-9). Oxidative stress causes reticulum edoplasmic stress (ER stress) and this produces high levels of misfolded proteins. Defective proteins are degraded by the proteasome, but but when the density of misfolded proteins exceeds the capacity of the proteosome, the Unfolded and Misfolded Protein Response (UPR) is triggered through three main pathways: Inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α); transcription factor 6 alpha (ATF6α) and protein kinase RNA-Like ER kinase (PERK), trying to recover normal protein synthesis capacity (Bermejo-Millo et al. 2018; Mol Neurobiol. 55 7973-86) (González-Blanco et al. 2022; J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 13 919-31).
ObjectivesCharacterizing ER stress and UPR in SCH and BD.
MethodsWe studied ER stress and UPR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 50 patients with SCH and an equal number of patients with BD compared to their corresponding controls in order to achieve our objectives.
Western Blot assay were performed following classical procedure () and the results was normalized to Ponceau as loanding control (Nie et al. 2017; BiochemByophys Resp 12 10-13) (Sander et al. 2019; Anal Biochem 575 44-53). Proteasome activity was assessed using Proteasome Activity Assay Kit (ab107921, Abcam, Cambridge, UK).
ResultsER stress was evaluated with BiP/GRP78. Our results showed significantly increased expression in SCH (p<0,01) and BD (p<0,05), being more increased in SCH. Proteasome activity was increased in SCH and BD, being only statistically significant in SQZ (p<0,05). UPR study showed IRE1a cascade significantly activated in SCH (p<0,001) and only slight increased in BD showed without statistical differences. ATF6a pathway is measured by cleavage to active protein (50-kDa). Results showed higher expression in SCH than in BD and controls (p<0,001). In addition, PERK pathway showed higher statistical levels of p-eIF2a/eiF2a ratio in SCH than in BD and control respectively (p<0,05 and p<0,01).
ConclusionsOur results showed a greater alteration in SCH than in BD at the level of protein synthesis, which implies a greater toxicity at the cellular level and, therefore, a clear risk for the survival of cells in this pathology.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The effect of music to improve sleep quality in depression related insomnia
- H. N. Lund, I. N. Pedersen, A. Heymann-Szlachcinska, M. Tuszewska, G. Bizik, J. I. Larsen, A. Drago, E. Kulhay, A. Larsen, H. Ø. Sørensen, B. Grønbech, L. R. Bertelsen, J. B. Valentin, J. Mainz, S. P. Johnsen, N. Hannibal, R. MacDonald
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S220
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Introduction
Insomnia in depression is common and difficult to resolve. Music is commonly used as a sleep aid, and clinical trials pointing to positive effects of music as a sleep aid are increasing adding to the evidence base. There is little knowledge on the effectiveness of music for depression related insomnia.
ObjectivesA recent RCT study conducted in psychiatry at Aalborg University Hospital examined effects of a music intervention for insomnia in depression. The intervention group listened to music at bedtime for four weeks, controls were offered music intervention post-test. Primary outcome measure was Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Secondary outcomes included Actigraphy, The Hamilton depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and World Health Organisation well-being questionnaires (WHO-5, WHOQOL-BREF).
MethodsA two-armed randomized controlled trial (n=112) and a qualitative interview study (n=4)
ResultsThe RCT study showed signficant improvements for the music intervention group in sleep quality and quality of life at four weeks according to global PSQI scores (effect size= -2.1, 95%CI -3.3; -0.9) and WHO-5 scores (effect size 8.4, 95%CI 2.7; 14.0). Actigraphy measures showed no changes and changes in depression symptoms (HAMD-17) were not detected.
The interview study unfolded examples of the influences of music on sleep and relaxation. Music distracted, affected mood and arousal positively and supported formation of sleep habits.
Results from the trial are discussed and merged with findings from the interview study. The results from the trial suggested moderate effects of music listening for the population while findings from the interview study showed examples of individual and highly varying outcomes.
ConclusionsMusic is suggested as a low-cost, side-effect free and safe intervention in supplement to existing treatments improving sleep in depression.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
How do emotion regulation strategies influence the way personality affects obsessive-compulsive symptoms?
- M. B. Couto, I. Araújo, M. Picó-Pérez, P. Morgado
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S228-S229
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Introduction
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic disabling condition, with considerable lifetime prevalence. There are interindividual differences regarding personality dimensions and how they affect obsessive- compulsive (OC) symptomatology. Furthermore, there is a connection between OC symptoms and the use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (expressive suppression) instead of using more cognitive reappraisal.
ObjectivesExplore the relationship between personality, emotion regulation strategies and OC symptoms by testing a path analytic model in a sample of healthy participants and in a sample of OCD patients.
MethodsTwo samples of participants were utilized. Sample 1 consists of 787 healthy participants from the general Portuguese population. Sample 2 is composed of 33 OCD patients and 32 Healthy Controls (HC). Participants completed different scales: Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), through online surveys (sample 1) or a clinical interview (sample 2). These questionnaires were then analyzed with a path-analytic approach.
ResultsIn sample 2, we found significant differences between OCD patients and HC in every OCI-R subscale, except Hoarding and Neutralizing. In the NEO-FFI, OCD patients scored higher on Neuroticism and lower on Extraversion. No significant differences were found regarding the ERQ. Relatively to sample 1: path analysis results showed that 13,4% of the variance of OC symptoms was explained by the best-fitting model. Only Neuroticism and Extraversion were directly associated with higher OCI-R Total scores, whereas Agreeableness predicted less OC symptoms. The use of Expressive Suppression was associated with more OC symptomology, but no significant connection was found with Cognitive Reappraisal. Regarding sample 2, no model was found, showing no modifying effect of emotion regulation strategies on OC Symptoms.
ConclusionsThere is a deep-rooted interconnection between personality and emotion regulation regarding OC symptomatology in a sample of healthy participants but no effect of emotion regulation was seen regarding OCD patients.
To sum up, promising results were obtained and it could be an important field for the OCD in terms of diagnostic, severity and treatment.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
SOD and CAT as potential preliminary biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in the first episode of psychosis
- C. Cachán-Vega, E. Antuña, C. García-González, J. C. Bermejo-Millo, F. Baena-Huerta, L. González-Blanco, B. Caballero, I. Vega-Naredo, J. Bobes, M. P. García-Portilla, A. Coto-Montes, Y. Potes
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S449-S450
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Introduction
Schizophrenia (SCH) and bipolar disorder (BD) are severe mental disorders which lead to psychotic, affective and cognitive symptoms and often cause a progressive functional deterioration of the individual. The current diagnosis of SCH and BD essentially depends on clinical observation that often leads to misdiagnosis and the introduction of non-specific treatments. Therefore, an early detection and intervention are determinant for a better prognosis. Improving outcomes of a First Episode of Psychosis (FEP) depends mainly on the identification of reliable and discriminatory biomarkers between both disorders.
ObjectivesGiven that oxidative stress has been tightly involved in multiple metal disorders, the major goal of this work was to characterize oxidative alterations in order to identify potential biomarkers which allow the differential diagnosis in an early stage.
MethodsThe study was carried out on samples from 49 subjects (14 women and 35 men), divided into four groups: a control group of 10 individuals not previously diagnosed with any serious mental disorder, 17 patients who had presented a FEP, 12 patients diagnosed with SCH and 10 patients diagnosed with BP. Biochemical analysis were conducted in erythrocyte fraction to characterize the cellular oxidative damage by measuring lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and the antioxidant defense system by the evaluation of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities.
ResultsIn the present work, we observed a significant increase in LPO levels in both SCH and BD disorders that was not neutralized by the antioxidant defense. It was found that SCH patients, despite exhibiting greater activities of SOD and CAT compared to BD individuals, also showed significantly higher levels of oxidative damage. The differential oxidative profile observed between SCH and BD individuals allowed to perform an individually analysis of patients diagnosed with FEP. Although it was not possible to identify the type of psychotic disorder of all the patients with FEP, the results obtained showed that while several individuals exhibited an oxidative prolife similar to that observed in SCH patients, other individuals presented a prolife very similar to that found in patients with BD.
ConclusionsThe current work reveals that LPO is a potential indicator of worse prognosis after being differentially modified in both SCH and BD. Moreover, SOD and CAT have been identified, by presenting an opposite profile between patients with SCH and BD, as potential preliminary biomarkers for a discriminatory diagnosis in an early stage of the disorder.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
I don’t know where I’m going or where I come from. Self-disorders in schizophrenia.
- M. D. C. Vallecillo Adame, L. Rodríguez Andrés, C. de Andrés Lobo, T. Jimenez Aparicio, M. Queipo de Llano de la Viuda, G. Guerra Valera, A. A. Gonzaga Ramirez, M. Fernández Lozano, M. J. Mateos Sexmero, N. Navarro Barriga, B. Rodríguez Rodríguez, M. P. Pando Fernández, M. Calvo Valcárcel, P. Martínez Gimeno, M. A. Andreo Vidal, I. D. L. M. Santos Carrasco
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S1069-S1070
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Introduction
In the early stages of schizophrenia the person experiences feelings of strangeness about themselves, difficulty in making sense of things and difficulty in interacting with their environment. Based on this, self-disorder assessment instruments have been developed and empirical studies have been conducted to assess people at risk of developing a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. These studies show that self-disorders are found in pre-psychotic stages and that their manifestation can predict the transition to schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
ObjectivesWe present the case of a patient with multiple diagnoses and mainly dissociative symptoms who, after years of evolution, was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
MethodsBibliographic review including the latest articles in Pubmed about self-disorders and schizophrenia.
ResultsWe present the clinical case of a 51-year-old woman with a long history of follow-up in mental health consultations and with multiple hospital admissions to the psychiatric unit, with several diagnoses including: dissociative disorder, histrionic personality disorder, adaptive disorder unspecified psychotic disorder and, finally, schizophrenia. The patient during the first hospital admissions showed a clinical picture of intense anxiety, disorientation and claiming to be a different person. The patient related these episodes to stressors she had experienced, and they improved markedly after a short period of hospital admission. Later, psychotic symptoms appeared in the form of auditory and visual hallucinations and delusional ideation, mainly of harm, so that after several years of follow-up and study in mental health consultations and in the psychiatric day hospital, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia and treatment with antipsychotics was introduced, with a marked clinical improvement being observed.
ConclusionsIt is important to take into account this type of symptoms (self-disorders), as they allow the identification of individuals in the early stages of the disorder and create the opportunity for early therapeutic interventions.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared