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VaTEST III: Validation of eight potential super-earths from TESS data
- Priyashkumar Mistry, Aniket Prasad, Mousam Maity, Kamlesh Pathak, Sarvesh Gharat, Georgios Lekkas, Surendra Bhattarai, Dhruv Kumar, Jack J. Lissauer, Joseph D. Twicken, Abderahmane Soubkiou, Francisco J. Pozuelos, Jon Jenkins, Keith Horne, Steven Giacalone, Khalid Barkaoui, Mathilde Timmermans, Cristilyn N. Watkins, Ramotholo Sefako, Karen A. Collins, David R. Ciardi, Catherine A. Clark, Boris S. Safonov, Avi Shporer, Joshua E. Schlieder, Zouhair Benkhaldoun, Chris Stockdale, Carl Ziegler, Emily A. Gilbert, Jehin Emmanuël, Felipe Murgas, Ian J. M. Crossfield, Martin Paegert, Michael B. Lund, Norio Narita, Richard P. Schwarz, Robert F. Goeke, Sergio B. Fajardo-Acosta, Steve B. Howell, Thiam-Guan Tan, Thomas Barclay, Yugo Kawai
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- Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia / Volume 41 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 April 2024, e030
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NASA’s all-sky survey mission, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), is specifically engineered to detect exoplanets that transit bright stars. Thus far, TESS has successfully identified approximately 400 transiting exoplanets, in addition to roughly 6 000 candidate exoplanets pending confirmation. In this study, we present the results of our ongoing project, the Validation of Transiting Exoplanets using Statistical Tools (VaTEST). Our dedicated effort is focused on the confirmation and characterisation of new exoplanets through the application of statistical validation tools. Through a combination of ground-based telescope data, high-resolution imaging, and the utilisation of the statistical validation tool known as TRICERATOPS, we have successfully discovered eight potential super-Earths. These planets bear the designations: TOI-238b (1.61$^{+0.09} _{-0.10}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-771b (1.42$^{+0.11} _{-0.09}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-871b (1.66$^{+0.11} _{-0.11}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-1467b (1.83$^{+0.16} _{-0.15}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-1739b (1.69$^{+0.10} _{-0.08}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-2068b (1.82$^{+0.16} _{-0.15}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-4559b (1.42$^{+0.13} _{-0.11}$ R$_\oplus$), and TOI-5799b (1.62$^{+0.19} _{-0.13}$ R$_\oplus$). Among all these planets, six of them fall within the region known as ‘keystone planets’, which makes them particularly interesting for study. Based on the location of TOI-771b and TOI-4559b below the radius valley we characterised them as likely super-Earths, though radial velocity mass measurements for these planets will provide more details about their characterisation. It is noteworthy that planets within the size range investigated herein are absent from our own solar system, making their study crucial for gaining insights into the evolutionary stages between Earth and Neptune.
Clay-Sized Minerals in Permafrost-Affected Soils (Cryosols) From King George Island, Antarctica
- Felipe N. B. Simas, Carlos Ernesto G. R. Schaefer, Vander F. Melo, Marcelo B. B. Guerra, Martin Saunders, Robert J. Gilkes
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- Clays and Clay Minerals / Volume 54 / Issue 6 / December 2006
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 January 2024, pp. 721-736
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Cryosols from Maritime Antarctica have been less studied than soils from continental areas of Antarctica. In this work X-ray diffraction, difference X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry, transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy and selective chemical dissolution were used to characterize the clay fraction of basaltic, acid sulfate and ornithogenic Cryosols from ice-free areas of Admiralty Bay, King George Island. Non-crystalline phases are important soil components and reach >75% of the clay fraction for some ornithogenic soils. Randomly interstratified smectite-hydroxy-Al-interlayered smectite is the main clay mineral of basaltic soils. Kaolinite, chlorite and regularly interstratified illite-smectite predominate in acid sulfate soils. Jarosite is also an important component of the clay fraction in these soils. Crystalline Al and Fe phosphates occur in the clay at sites directly affected by penguin activity and the chemical characteristics of these ornithogenic sites are controlled by highly reactive, non-crystalline Al, Si, Fe and P phases. Chemical weathering is an active process in Cryosols in Maritime Antarctica and is enhanced by the presence of sulfides for some parent materials, and faunal activity.
5 Antemortem Plasma GFAP Predicts Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathological Changes
- Madeline Ally, Henrik Zetterberg, Kaj Blennow, Nicholas J. Ashton, Thomas K. Karikari, Hugo Aparicio, Michael A. Sugarman, Brandon Frank, Yorghos Tripodis, Brett Martin, Joseph N. Palmisano, Eric G. Steinberg, Irene Simkina, Lindsay Farrer, Gyungah Jun, Katherine W. Turk, Andrew E. Budson, Maureen K. O’Connor, Rhoda Au, Wei Qiao Qiu, Lee E. Goldstein, Ronald Killiany, Neil W. Kowall, Robert A. Stern, Jesse Mez, Bertran R. Huber, Ann C. McKee, Thor D. Stein, Michael L. Alosco
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 409-410
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Objective:
Blood-based biomarkers offer a more feasible alternative to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) detection, management, and study of disease mechanisms than current in vivo measures. Given their novelty, these plasma biomarkers must be assessed against postmortem neuropathological outcomes for validation. Research has shown utility in plasma markers of the proposed AT(N) framework, however recent studies have stressed the importance of expanding this framework to include other pathways. There is promising data supporting the usefulness of plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in AD, but GFAP-to-autopsy studies are limited. Here, we tested the association between plasma GFAP and AD-related neuropathological outcomes in participants from the Boston University (BU) Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC).
Participants and Methods:This sample included 45 participants from the BU ADRC who had a plasma sample within 5 years of death and donated their brain for neuropathological examination. Most recent plasma samples were analyzed using the Simoa platform. Neuropathological examinations followed the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center procedures and diagnostic criteria. The NIA-Reagan Institute criteria were used for the neuropathological diagnosis of AD. Measures of GFAP were log-transformed. Binary logistic regression analyses tested the association between GFAP and autopsy-confirmed AD status, as well as with semi-quantitative ratings of regional atrophy (none/mild versus moderate/severe) using binary logistic regression. Ordinal logistic regression analyses tested the association between plasma GFAP and Braak stage and CERAD neuritic plaque score. Area under the curve (AUC) statistics from receiver operating characteristics (ROC) using predicted probabilities from binary logistic regression examined the ability of plasma GFAP to discriminate autopsy-confirmed AD status. All analyses controlled for sex, age at death, years between last blood draw and death, and APOE e4 status.
Results:Of the 45 brain donors, 29 (64.4%) had autopsy-confirmed AD. The mean (SD) age of the sample at the time of blood draw was 80.76 (8.58) and there were 2.80 (1.16) years between the last blood draw and death. The sample included 20 (44.4%) females, 41 (91.1%) were White, and 20 (44.4%) were APOE e4 carriers. Higher GFAP concentrations were associated with increased odds for having autopsy-confirmed AD (OR=14.12, 95% CI [2.00, 99.88], p=0.008). ROC analysis showed plasma GFAP accurately discriminated those with and without autopsy-confirmed AD on its own (AUC=0.75) and strengthened as the above covariates were added to the model (AUC=0.81). Increases in GFAP levels corresponded to increases in Braak stage (OR=2.39, 95% CI [0.71-4.07], p=0.005), but not CERAD ratings (OR=1.24, 95% CI [0.004, 2.49], p=0.051). Higher GFAP levels were associated with greater temporal lobe atrophy (OR=10.27, 95% CI [1.53,69.15], p=0.017), but this was not observed with any other regions.
Conclusions:The current results show that antemortem plasma GFAP is associated with non-specific AD neuropathological changes at autopsy. Plasma GFAP could be a useful and practical biomarker for assisting in the detection of AD-related changes, as well as for study of disease mechanisms.
Selected rock powders as sources of nutrients for soil fertilization and maize-wheat grain production in southern Brazil
- A. L. Bamberg, R. Martinazzo, C. A. P. Silveira, C. N. Pillon, L. Stumpf, M. Bergmann, P. van Straaten, E. S. Martins
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- Journal:
- The Journal of Agricultural Science / Volume 161 / Issue 5 / October 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 07 December 2023, pp. 654-668
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The current study evaluated alternative sources of nutrients to improve the soil fertility status and yield of maize-wheat succession in Southern Brazil. The treatments were: T1: no fertilization; T2: liming with dolomitic marble; T3: alternative liming (AL) with limestone interbedded with shale; T4: AL + 50% P - with Arad natural phosphate (P-ANP) + 50% P – triple superphosphate (P-TSP); T5: AL + 100% P-ANP; T6: AL + 100% P-ANP + 100% K-rich monzogranite; T7: AL + 100% P-ANP + 100% N (50% N from tung pressed cake (N-TPC) + 50% N-urea); T8: AL + 100% P-ANP + 100% K-rich monzogranite + 100% N (50% N-TPC + 50% N-Urea) + 100% S; T9: AL + regional average rate of NPK (5-20-20) formulation. Except for T7 and T8, all treatments received the full recommended rate of N through Urea. Immediate and residual effects were evaluated over 2.5 years (90, 360 and 900 days) on soil fertility and maize - wheat yield. The limestone interbedded with shale released Ca, Mg and corrected soil acidity similarly to dolomitic marble. The fertilization strategies used in T4, T7 and T8 presented the highest cumulative productivities while T3 (U$ = 1223), T9 (U$ = 1174) and T4 (U$ = 1122) resulted in higher profits than the other evaluated fertilization strategies. The limestone interbedded with shale (T3), alone or combined with 50% of P-ANP + 50% of P – TSP (T4) provided the best economical and technical results, highlighting the potential of selected alternative regional sources for soil fertility improvement and plant-nutrients supply.
Agricultural Research Service Weed Science Research: Past, Present, and Future
- Stephen L. Young, James V. Anderson, Scott R. Baerson, Joanna Bajsa-Hirschel, Dana M. Blumenthal, Chad S. Boyd, Clyde D. Boyette, Eric B. Brennan, Charles L. Cantrell, Wun S. Chao, Joanne C. Chee-Sanford, Charlie D. Clements, F. Allen Dray, Stephen O. Duke, Kayla M. Eason, Reginald S. Fletcher, Michael R. Fulcher, John F. Gaskin, Brenda J. Grewell, Erik P. Hamerlynck, Robert E. Hoagland, David P. Horvath, Eugene P. Law, John D. Madsen, Daniel E. Martin, Clint Mattox, Steven B. Mirsky, William T. Molin, Patrick J. Moran, Rebecca C. Mueller, Vijay K. Nandula, Beth A. Newingham, Zhiqiang Pan, Lauren M. Porensky, Paul D. Pratt, Andrew J. Price, Brian G. Rector, Krishna N. Reddy, Roger L. Sheley, Lincoln Smith, Melissa C. Smith, Keirith A. Snyder, Matthew A. Tancos, Natalie M. West, Gregory S. Wheeler, Martin M. Williams, Julie Wolf, Carissa L. Wonkka, Alice A. Wright, Jing Xi, Lew H. Ziska
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- Journal:
- Weed Science / Volume 71 / Issue 4 / July 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 August 2023, pp. 312-327
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) has been a leader in weed science research covering topics ranging from the development and use of integrated weed management (IWM) tactics to basic mechanistic studies, including biotic resistance of desirable plant communities and herbicide resistance. ARS weed scientists have worked in agricultural and natural ecosystems, including agronomic and horticultural crops, pastures, forests, wild lands, aquatic habitats, wetlands, and riparian areas. Through strong partnerships with academia, state agencies, private industry, and numerous federal programs, ARS weed scientists have made contributions to discoveries in the newest fields of robotics and genetics, as well as the traditional and fundamental subjects of weed–crop competition and physiology and integration of weed control tactics and practices. Weed science at ARS is often overshadowed by other research topics; thus, few are aware of the long history of ARS weed science and its important contributions. This review is the result of a symposium held at the Weed Science Society of America’s 62nd Annual Meeting in 2022 that included 10 separate presentations in a virtual Weed Science Webinar Series. The overarching themes of management tactics (IWM, biological control, and automation), basic mechanisms (competition, invasive plant genetics, and herbicide resistance), and ecosystem impacts (invasive plant spread, climate change, conservation, and restoration) represent core ARS weed science research that is dynamic and efficacious and has been a significant component of the agency’s national and international efforts. This review highlights current studies and future directions that exemplify the science and collaborative relationships both within and outside ARS. Given the constraints of weeds and invasive plants on all aspects of food, feed, and fiber systems, there is an acknowledged need to face new challenges, including agriculture and natural resources sustainability, economic resilience and reliability, and societal health and well-being.
Prospective Study of Prolonged Grief Disorder in Relatives of COVID-19 Deceased
- S. N. Martins, R. Salgado, Â. Nogueira, I. Guedes, N. Carvalho, Â. Ribeiro, B. Ribeiro, D. Mendes
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S600
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Introduction
COVID-19 pandemic along with its social restrictions changed our burial practices and the way we bury our dead. In consequence, it affected people’s experiences and traditions which could lead to severe, persistent, or disabling grief.
Thereby, it is relevant to understand how someone may be more susceptible to developing pathological grief and what can we do to prevent it.
ObjectivesTo assess the risk of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) in family members of patients who died from COVID-19 infection and identify possible risk factors.
MethodsProspectively, we performed follow-up interviews conducted with family members of all patients who died from COVID-19 infection in 2020 at our hospital. The sample was characterized, and clinical follow-up was performed for at least 6 months after the date of death. By that time, the PG-13 scale was applied.
ResultsA total of 269 individuals who had some type of relationship with patients who died from COVID-19 were included, with 68% being female with a mean age of 53.7 years.
After clinical follow-up, 10.8% of the patients met the diagnostic criteria for PGD.
Regarding the degree of kinship, the only predictor of PGD was “spouse” (OR 11,236, [4,762; 26,316]; p < 0,001). A closer and more regular interaction with the deceased was also associated with an increase in PDG (OR 5.682, [1.314; 24.390] p = 0.009).
Feelings of denial and guilt by the time of death notification were also risk predictors for PGD (OR 2,412, [1,091; 5,332] p = 0,026) and OR 2,888, [1,244; 6,703] p = 0,011, respectively).
The impossibility of being present at the funeral was associated with a risk of about 3 times higher of developing PGD (OR 3,817 [1,727; 8,403] p < 0,001).
Older age (p<0,001) and lower educational qualification (p=0,003) were also presented as risk factors.
Other characteristics including gender, marital status, previous suicide attempts, psychiatric or consumption history, previous significant bereavement or the social and family support of the person contacted were not predictors of PGD.
ConclusionsThe present prospective study made it possible to reinforce and support the way in which the COVID-19 pandemic, associated with significant social modifications, changed the way people experience grief.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Off-label use of atypical antipsychotics- Where are we?
- R. P. Vaz, J. Martins, A. L. Costa, J. Brás, R. Sousa, E. Almeida, J. Abreu, N. Castro, R. Andrade, N. Gil
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S305
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Introduction
Nowadays, In the exercise of psychiatric clinical activity, the prescription of atypical antipsychotics is a widespread practice.
However, despite the approval in the treatment of psychoses and bipolar affective disorder, where its effectiveness is clearly demonstrated, these drugs are off-label prescribed in most of the clinical situations.
ObjectivesThis work aims to clarify which atypical antipsychotics are most frequent prescribed and the clinical conditions where their off-label prescription is more common.
MethodsBibliographic research in the Pubmed® database using the terms “atypical antipsychotics and off-label use”
ResultsAccording to the scientific literature consulted, the off-label prescription of atypical antipsychotics may represent about 70% of the total prescription of these psychotropic drugs.
Risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine and aripiprazole are the most off-label prescribed among the atypical antipsychotics.
The psychiatric conditions where atypical antipsychotics are most often off-label prescribed are addictive disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, insomnia and dementia, where therapeutic benefits are demonstrated when carefully selected.
ConclusionsThe off-label prescription can be interpreted from two points of view. On the one hand, it can guide innovation in clinical practice and improve symptoms in patients who do not respond to standard treatments. On the other hand, it may be associated with negative consequences due to the lack of data on safety and efficacy in these situations.
Despite widespread prescribing of atypical antipsychotics, there is no evidence-based recommendation beyond psychoses and bipolar affective disorder.
Thus, when prescribed, we must proceed with careful monitoring and consider the risks and benefits in relation to off-label prescription.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
A very musical psychopathology – from intrusive musical imagery, to musical obsessions and hallucinations
- A. S. Morais, F. Martins, P. Casimiro, V. Henriques, N. Descalço, R. Diniz Gomes
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S999
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Introduction
The semiological spectrum that encompasses musical imagery is a very confusing field, as it is often difficult to understand the nature of the underlying psychopathological phenomenon from the patient’s description.
ObjectivesThe purpose of the authors is to explore reviewing, distinguishing and organizing the concepts such as Intrusive musical imagery, musical obsessions, musical hallucinations, pseudohallucinations and musical palinacousis.
MethodsA brief non-systematized review is presented, using the literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar.
ResultsIntrusive musical imagery (earworms, ohrwurms, or involuntary musical imagery) occur in more than 85% of general population, without pathology or ear disease. It involves the involuntary repetition of 15-30 seconds of a fragment of music/tune, persisting like a looping soundtrack, not being aversive.
Musical obsessions are a rare form of intrusive imagery, occurring either with other symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or isolated (“The stuck song syndrome”). It is recurrent, persistent, intrusive, unintentional, time consuming and causes distress or functional impairment (although not as ego-dystonic and aversive as usually intrusive visual imagery are); preserved insight.
Musical hallucinations occur only in 0,16% in a general hospital; they can be linked to psychiatric diseases, but they are more common in neurological diseases (cerebral lesions, Parkinson’s disease, delirium, drug induced…). They are reported to with less controllability, less lyrical content, and lower familiarity, than other forms of inner music; are perceived to arise from an external source and are interpreted as veridical.
Musical Pseudohallucinations can arise after severe hearing loss, in hallucinogen intoxication and in psychotic or non-psychotic disorders (as dissociative states or in borderline personality disorder). They occur in inner/subjective space, but insight can fluctuate.
Musical palinacousis is associated with electroencephalogram and neuroimaging abnormalities, linked to structural brain pathology. There is perseveration (echoing) of an external auditory stimulus occurs after cessation of the stimulus.
ConclusionsA rash classification can lead to misdiagnosis (for e.g. interpreting obsessive symptoms as hallucinatory phenomena or rendering an organic pathology undiagnosed) and the institution of inappropriate therapy. It is important to carefully explore these musical imagery phenomena when patients present these complaints, taking some time to characterize them.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Clinical experience with clozapine in patients with severe intellectual disability and behavioral disorders.
- N. Laherrán Cantera, R. Palacios-Garrán, L. Jiménez Suarez, C. Rodriguez Martín, J. Machuca Sicilia
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S149
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Introduction
It is estimated that the prevalence of severe Intellectual Disability (ID) is 6 per 1,000 people. ID is sometimes the cause of Behavioral Disorders (BD) with aggressive and impulsive behaviors that make family and social life difficult. However, despite its high prevalence, the number of studies on it is very scarce.
When BD appears, it should be evaluated if there is a physical or psychiatric cause that causes it and assess non-pharmacological treatments. If they are insufficient, treatments such as risperidone are used to manage BD. When these are ineffective, the use of drugs with greater difficulties in their effects and clinical management, such as clozapine, is required.
ObjectivesThe objective is to describe the use of clozapine in patients with severe ID associated with BD.
MethodsRetrospective descriptive study. Patients older than 18 years with severe ID and BD, treated with clozapine for at least two years were included. Those with medical or psychiatric comorbidity were excluded.
ResultsThe sample consisted of 12 patients, 16.67% women (n=2) and 83.33% men (n=10), aged 47.57±9.27 years. Prior to the introduction of clozapine, a mean of 2.67±1.21 antipsychotics had been tested. The mean dose of clozapine was 264.24±70.50 mg/day. The patients had received treatment for 51.57±25.67 months, following the usual controls. None had hematological adverse effects or other serious adverse effects.
ConclusionsClozapine can be an effective and safe therapeutic alternative in the treatment of BD in intellectual disabled patients which do not respond to other treatments. The clinical benefits of clozapine treatment seem to outweigh the potential risks associated with the treatment. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the effects of clozapine in patients with intellectual disabilities.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Knocking on the Doors of Perception: the role of psilocybin in substance use disorder treatment
- R. Sousa, L. Costa, J. Brás, R. Vaz, J. Martins, J. Abreu, E. Almeida, N. Castro, R. Andrade, N. Cunha
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S270
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Introduction
Substance use disorders(SUDs) are a major health concern and current treatment interventions have proven only limited success. Despite increasing effectiveness, still about 50–60% relapse within 6–12 months after treatment [Cornelius et al., Addict Behav. 2003;28 381-386]. SUDs are defined as chronic disorders of brain reward system, motivation, and memory processes that have gone awry. Medication reducing craving and substance use is mainly available for alcohol dependence and to a lesser extent for other substances.
Hallucinogens may represent a group of agents with potential anti-craving properties subsequently reducing substance use in SUD patients. For instance, lysergic acid diethylamide(LSD) and psilocybin have previously been shown to effectively alleviate symptoms of alcohol and nicotine dependence.
ObjectivesNew treatments preferably focusing on reducing craving and subsequent substance use are therefore urgently needed. The hallucinogen psilocybin may provide a new treatment option for SUD patients, given the beneficial results observed in recent studies
MethodsSystematic revision of literature.
ResultsIn the 1950s, a group of drugs with potential to alter consciousness were discovered (hallucinogens). Several studies suggested their anti-SUD potential, improving self-acceptance and interpersonal relationships, reducing craving and alcohol use. As a result of its recreational popularity during the 1960s, they were banned in 1967, greatly hampering scientific research in this field. Recently, psilocybin, an hallucinogenic substance in psilocybin-containing mushrooms has gained popularity in neuropsychological research, showing to increase trait openness, cognitive and behavioral flexibility, and ratings of positive attitude, mood, social effects, and behavior and even reported persistent positive changes in attitude and behavior. These findings might suggest a valuable compound for the treatment of psychiatric conditions with several additional studies providing supportive evidence for the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for SUD treatment and relapse prevention.
ConclusionsWith the reported limited amount of side effects and potential beneficial effects of psilocybin in SUD, there are valid reasons to further investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of psilocybin as a potential SUD treatment. On the one hand, psilocybin may exert its anti-addictive properties by beneficial effects on negative emotional states and stress. On the other hand, psilocybin may improve cognitive inflexibility and compulsivity. Research on the efficacy of psilocybin on SUD is still limited to a handful of published studies to date. As a result, many important questions related to the use of psilocybin as a complement to current treatment of SUD and its working mechanisms remain unanswered. Before psilocybin can be implemented as a treatment option for SUD, more extensive research is needed.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Suicide among physicians: what do we know about it?
- R. P. Vaz, J. Martins, A. L. Costa, J. Brás, R. Sousa, E. Almeida, J. Abreu, N. Castro, R. Andrade, N. Gil
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S1115-S1116
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Introduction
The prevalence of mental illness has increased worldwide over the past few years. At the same time, and even in the sense, there is also an increase in suicide rates with special incidence in certain risk groups, among which health professionals stand out.
In this particular group, physicians seem to represent a class particularly vulnerable by the stress and demand associated with it, but also by access and knowledge about potentially lethal means.
For this very part, they have a higher risk of suicide than the general population.
ObjectivesThis paper aims to better understand the phenomenon of suicide among physicians and identify which medical specialties are most vulnerable.
MethodsBibliographic research in the Pubmed® database using the terms “suicide and physicians”.
ResultsThe data obtained from the scientific literature consulted indicate that physicians have a higher risk of suicide than the general population, with greater emphasis on females who have higher rates compared to males.
Work factors that translate into higher levels of demand and stress combined with easy access and knowledge about the use of potentially lethal means seem to contribute very significantly to this phenomenon. Perfectionist personality traits with a high sense of responsibility and duty are also important characteristics that place these professionals in a position of greater vulnerability.
With regard to the different medical specialties, anesthesiology, psychiatry and general and family medicine are the ones with higher suicide rates among the medical class.
ConclusionsThe risk of suicide, although admittedly high in the medical class, is not homogeneous among different countries, being naturally influenced by the satisfaction/gratification obtained in the performance of their profession. In this sense, countries such as Switzerland and Canada show higher levels of professional satisfaction. In the opposite direction, dissatisfaction in the exercise of clinical activity is associated with higher levels of fatigue and burnout.
Medical women, due to the need to combine the responsibility of family tasks with professional responsibility, are at greater risk.
In this sense, it is necessary to develop strategies that are more appropriate for the prevention and early identification of suicide risk situations that can be experienced not only by improving working conditions but also by better addressing professionals suffering from mental disorders.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Paraphrenia revisited: psychotic states arising later in life. Why do psychiatrists tend to overlook it?
- R. M. Sousa, S. Martins, J. Correia, N. Cunha
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S1084
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Introduction
In spite of the progress observed in the last decade particularly in the field of the neurosciences, areas of controversy and incomplete concepts still remain in psychiatry. One relates to the study the heterogeneous group of schizophrenic spectrum functional psychosis that arise along the neurophysiological aging process. Kraepelin first used the term paraphrenia in 1912, to describe a psychotic disorder with much lighter impairment of emotion and volition, minimal to no cognitive deterioration (dementia) and personality preservation compared to dementia praecox. However, since its first descriptions, late-onset psychoses have received different descriptions and definitions.
ObjectivesBrief review of the evolution of paraphrenia concept, focusing not only on pioneering currents, but also articulating it with recent conclusions on late-onset psychoses.
MethodsSystematic revision of literature.
ResultsAfter Kreapelin pioneerism, Bleuler and Mayer-Gross would contribute to the weakening and disruption of the Kraepelinian concept of paraphrenia. In the first half of the 20th century, psychiatry was moving towards the dissolution of this concept. British psychiatrists would later rehabilitate the concept of paraphrenia but to designate a very late-onset variant of schizophrenia - late paraphrenia. This influenced the International Diseases Classifications (ICD), and the 8th edition was the first to consider paraphrenia as a subtype of paranoid schizophrenia.
By the end of the 20th century, both ICD-10 and various editions of DSM since DSM-III-TR (inclusive) omitted the category of paraphrenia, allowing the super-inclusiveness of the schizophrenia category and discouraging research on the theme.
In the late 20th century, late paraphrenia was conceived as a group of heterogeneous disorders that included paranoid and organic psychosis. To date, the term very late onset schizophrenia-like psychosis is the term used to replace late paraphrenia.
ConclusionsThe nosological consecration of paraphrenia suffered several misfortunes over the last century. The schizophrenic psychosis “black-hole” conceived at the same time contributed to this concealment. In addition, modern pharmacology also allowed the neuroleptization and homogenization of disorders with psychotic symptoms which led to the devaluation of some diagnostic possibilities in the “neighborhood” of schizophrenia.
We propose a nosological frame composed of two distinct entities: one based on a neurodevelopment disorder - schizophrenia - with insidious onset at a younger age, with a hereditary background and greater global deterioration, an the other, with a neurodegenerative basis - paraphrenia - with an abrupt and later onset, less contribution of genetic factors, greater preservation and lower probability of dementia development.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Suicidality among inpatients - Right under our noses
- A. S. Morais, F. Martins, V. Henriques, P. Casimiro, N. Descalço, R. Diniz Gomes, N. Cunha e Costa, S. Cruz
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S1106-S1107
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Introduction
An inpatient suicide is a tragic event that, despite not very prevalent, should not be overlooked. It occurs in 250 in 100 000 psychiatric hospital admissions (which represents a suicide risk fifteen times greater than general population) and in 1.7-1.9 in 100 000 in general hospitals (4-5 times greater risk). Together they constitute 5-6% of all suicides.
ObjectivesThe purpose of the authors is to explore the epidemiology, the risk factors and the prevention of suicide in inpatient setting.
MethodsA brief non-systematized review is presented, using the literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar.
ResultsThe risk was higher at admission (first week) and immediately after discharge (first 24 hours, up to two weeks).
It was found to be correlated to pour staffing, an increased number of patients with severe mental illnesses and accessibility to lethal means. Many risk factors were identified, some of them specific to context. Risk Factors at admission in a psychiatric hospital – personal or familiar suicide history, schizophrenia or mood disorder, alcohol use, involuntary admission, living alone, absence from the service without permission. Later till discharge - personal suicide history (or attempts after admission), relational conflicts, unemployment, living alone, lack of discharge planning and lack of contact in the immediate post-discharge period. In General Hospitals – chronicity and severity of somatic disease, poor coping strategies, psychiatric comorbidities and lack of liaison psychiatry.
Strategies to prevent inpatient suicide should take in environmental modification (specific to environment and specific to patient – as planned levels of supervision), optimisation of the care of the patients at suicidal risk, staff education and involvement of families in care. There are few studies on the efficacy of pharmacotherapy on reducing suicidal ideation in inpatients (just for clozapine and ketamine); some psychotherapies show promising results. The post-suicide approach cannot be neglected, whether in supporting the family, the team involved and even other patients.
ConclusionsThe assumption of the predictive and preventive value of the risk assessment has been under scrutiny. Depressed mood and a prior history of self-harm are well-established independent risk factors for inpatient suicide; however they lose their predictive value due to their high prevalence. Up to 70% of inpatients who committed suicide didn’t express suicidal ideation on the previous interviews. Most effective measures to prevent suicide are environmental modifications and staff education approaches, giving appropriate responses to each patient’s circumstances.
There is a paucity of literature on suicide in this setting. It should become a priority in national programs of Suicide Prevention.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychosis in Parkinson’s Disease: a Case Report of Diagnosis and Management
- R. P. L. Andrade, N. P. Gil, A. L. Costa, J. Brás, N. Castro, R. Sousa, R. P. Vaz, J. Martins, E. Almeida, J. Abreu, H. Afonso
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S1085
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Introduction
Psychosis is a frequent complication in patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Characterized mainly by visual hallucinations and paranoid delusions, it occurs most frequently, but not exclusively, as an adverse effect of antiparkinson medications. Nevertheless, cognitive impairment and dementia, as a frequent feature of PD, needs to be considered for differential diagnosis.
ObjectivesOur main objective is to report a case of PD Psychosis, its diagnosis and management and complement it with a non-systematic review of literature.
MethodsPatient file consultation and an additional research, based on the key words “Psychosis” and “Parkinson’s Disease”, using Pubmed as database.
ResultsA 53-year-old female, diagnosed with Juvenile Parkinson’s Disease since age 45 and, as expected, polimedicated with antiparkinson medication. Without any relevant psychiatric background, she was admitted to the emergency department for disorganized behaviour, with 2 weeks of evolution. There, it was also possible to determine the presence of auditive hallucinations and persecutory delusions, associated with marked anguish.
After exclusion of any underlying cause for this symptomatology, inpatient treatment was proposed and accepted by the patient. In collaboration with the Neurology Department, a gradual reduction and optimization of antiparkinson drugs was conducted, associated with introduction of low doses of antipsychotic drugs, in this case Olanzapine. With this medication adjustments, clinical improvement was accomplished, with eventual fading and cessation of psychotic symptoms. Additionally, an irregularly intake of antiparkinson drugs was considered the most probably cause of this clinical decompensation.
ConclusionsAs present in literature, due to the chronicity and complexity of PD, stopping all antiparkinson drugs is not an option, even when psychotic symptoms, that could be a consequence of these drugs, are present. Therefore, a rigorous evaluation and management are mandatory, including the exclusion of other underlying causes and a careful therapeutic adjustment, with gradual reduction of antiparkinson drugs, addressing an eventual temporal relationship between the beginning of a specific drug and the onset of symptoms, and verification of therapeutic compliance, including an involuntary overdose. In cases of refractory symptoms, and after a risk-benefit assessment, pharmacologic treatment directed at these symptoms, low doses of anti-psychotics, may be necessary.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Postpartum Delirium: A Psychosis Born in the 18th Century
- J. R. Martins, R. Vaz, A. L. Costa, J. Brás, R. Sousa, J. Abreu, E. Almeida, R. Andrade, N. Castro, T. Casanova
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S1128
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Introduction
Pregnancy and childbirth are moments of great vulnerability in a woman’s life, which can predispose her to the development of psychopathology, ranging from transient depressive symptoms (“baby blues”) to psychotic symptoms. Postpartum delirium is the psychiatric syndrome that some authors refer to as puerperal psychosis par excellence. It was first described in the 18th century and were thought to be associated with painful delivery, then became rare after the introduction of effective analgesia.
ObjectivesThe objective of this work is to contribute to a better understanding of this condition, through a literature review.
MethodsBibliographic research using Pubmed® and the keywords: postpartum delirium.
ResultsClinical presentation of postpartum delirium includes: constantly varying degrees of consciousness; perplexity; hallucinations or pseudo-hallucinations of one or more organs of sense; delusions or delusive-type thoughts; great motoric unrest and considerable motoric and verbal abandon; and acute aggressive discharges can also occur. It is thought to be due to organic complications, such as infectious disease, abnormal loss of blood, thrombosis, neurological disease, obstetric disease, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes. An article from 1975 mentions how difficult was to treat postpartum delirium despite the development of psychopharmaceutical therapy. The patients remained psychotic for long periods and had many relapses. They mention a comparative study that found that the symptomatic treatment of this syndrome with a combination of perfenazine and lithium carbonate produced relatively favorable results. For that reason, at that time, it was the medication of choice. Nowadays the psychopharmacological treatment of puerperal psychosis, in general, still consists of the combination of lithium and an antipsychotic, such as haloperidol, and possibly a benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam.
ConclusionsPostpartum delirium is rarely mentioned in the literature and just a few cases have been described. It is considered a rare postpartum psychotic condition but would perhaps be less rare if its existence were recognized. On this note, it is important for clinical practice to research on the psychoses of pregnancy and not just the most common.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Anorexia Nervosa and Psychiatric Comorbidities – It’s not all about food
- A. S. Morais, F. Martins, P. Casimiro, V. Henriques, N. Descalço, R. Diniz Gomes, S. Cruz, N. Costa
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S521
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Introduction
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder that usually begins during adolescence and is associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity, its treatment is complex and often ineffective. Psychiatric comorbidity is common in patients with eating disorders (with the prevalence of 20–95%), namely 39% in AN.
ObjectivesThe purpose of the authors is to review the most common areas of psychiatric comorbidity in AN, how it affects the course of both diseases and the potential treatment approaches.
MethodsA brief non-systematized review is presented, using the literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar.
ResultsThe most common psychiatric comorbidities in AN are: Affective disorders in 24-38% (mainly unipolar depression which can appear in up to 75% of patients, compared to 11% in bipolar disorder); Anxiety disorders in 25.5% (11% with panic disorder, 20% social phobia/social anxiety disorder, 15% specific phobias, 10% generalized anxiety disorder, 13% post-traumatic stress disorder); Obsessive compulsive disorder in 12%; Substance use disorders at 17%; Personality disorders around 30%. Other pathologies occur less commonly but can have a significant impact on the patient, namely Autism spectrum disorder (predictive factor for unfavourable outcome) or Schizophrenia (there are reports of reciprocal relationships between the two pathologies).
Some of these comorbidities may increase mortality in AN, namely unipolar depression, personality disorders, alcohol and illicit drug use.
The profound impact that starvation has on mood and cognition is well known. It can condition symptoms that are confused with other psychiatric diseases and change their clinical presentation. As such, the specific clinical characteristics and the therapeutic approach will be presented for each of the psychiatric comorbidities.
ConclusionsEarly diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric comorbidities in AN are essential to improve the prognosis of this eating disorder. The additional treatment of these pathologies will increase complexity of the already challenging treatment of AN, with the additional symptomatology often being perpetuated by an uncontrolled eating disorder and a poor compliance to treatment.
The limited evidence available for approaching these cases is based on the few studies available, most with insufficient samples.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
C.2 SUNFISH parts 1 and 2: 4-year efficacy and safety data of risdiplam in types 2 and 3 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
- JK Mah, M Oskoui, JW Day, N Deconinck, E Mazzone, A Nascimento, K Saito, C Vuillerot, G Baranello, O Boespflug-Tanguy, N Goemans, J Kirschner, A Kostera-Pruszczyk, L Servais, J Braid, M Gerber, K Gorni, C Martin, W Yeung, RS Scalco, E Mercuri
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- Journal:
- Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Volume 50 / Issue s2 / June 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 05 June 2023, pp. S51-S52
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Background: SMA affects individuals with a broad age range and spectrum of disease severity. Risdiplam (EVRYSDI®) is a centrally and peripherally distributed, oral SMN2 pre-mRNA splicing modifier. Methods: SUNFISH is a multicenter, two-part, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in patients with Types 2/3 SMA. Part 1 assessed the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of different risdiplam dose levels in patients with Types 2/3 SMA. Part 2 assessed the efficacy and safety of the selected dose of risdiplam versus placebo in Type 2 and non-ambulant Type 3 SMA. In Part 2, participants were treated with risdiplam or placebo for 12 months, then received risdiplam in a blinded manner until month 24. At month 24, patients were offered the opportunity to enter the open-label extension phase. Results: Change from baseline in MFM32 total score (Part 2- primary endpoint) in patients treated with risdiplam versus placebo was met at month 12. These increases in motor function were sustained in the second and third year after risdiplam treatment. Here we present 4-year efficacy and safety data from SUNFISH. Conclusions: SUNFISH is ongoing and will provide further long-term efficacy and safety data of risdiplam in a broad population of individuals with SMA.
Target-site and non–target site mechanisms of pronamide resistance in annual bluegrass (Poa annua) populations from Mississippi golf courses
- Martin Ignes, James D. McCurdy, J. Scott McElroy, Edicarlos B. Castro, Jason C. Ferguson, Ashley N. Meredith, Claudia Ann Rutland, Barry R. Stewart, Te-Ming P. Tseng
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- Journal:
- Weed Science / Volume 71 / Issue 3 / May 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 April 2023, pp. 206-216
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The mitotic-inhibiting herbicide pronamide controls susceptible annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) pre- and postemergence, but in some resistant populations, postemergence activity is compromised, hypothetically due to a target-site mutation, lack of root uptake, or an unknown resistance mechanism. Three suspected pronamide-resistant (LH-R, SC-R, and SL-R) and two pronamide-susceptible (BS-S and HH-S) populations were collected from Mississippi golf courses. Dose–response experiments were conducted to confirm and quantify pronamide resistance, as well as resistance to flazasulfuron and simazine. Target sites known to confer resistance to mitotic-inhibiting herbicides were sequenced, as were target sites for herbicides inhibiting acetolactate synthase (ALS) and photosystem II (PSII). Pronamide absorption and translocation were investigated following foliar and soil applications. Dose–response experiments confirmed pronamide resistance of LH-R, SC-R, and SL-R populations, as well as instances of multiple resistance to ALS- and PSII-inhibiting herbicides. Sequencing of the α-tubulin gene confirmed the presence of a mutation that substituted isoleucine for threonine at position 239 (Thr-239-Ile) in LH-R, SC-R, SL-R, and BS-S populations. Foliar application experiments failed to identify differences in pronamide absorption and translocation between the five populations, regardless of harvest time. All populations had limited basipetal translocation—only 3% to 13% of the absorbed pronamide—across harvest times. Soil application experiments revealed that pronamide translocation was similar between SC-R, SL-R, and both susceptible populations across harvest times. The LH-R population translocated less soil-applied pronamide than susceptible populations at 24, 72, and 168 h after treatment, suggesting that reduced acropetal translocation may contribute to pronamide resistance. This study reports three new pronamide-resistant populations, two of which are resistant to two modes of action (MOAs), and one of which is resistant to three MOAs. Results suggest that both target site– and translocation-based mechanisms may be associated with pronamide resistance. Further research is needed to confirm the link between pronamide resistance and the Thr-239-Ile mutation of the α-tubulin gene.
250 A Living Library for Uveal Melanoma
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- Lauren A. Dalvin, Samantha R. Erickson, Cynthia M. Pfannkoch, David R. Miley, Diva R. Salomao, Michael P. Fautsch, Svetomir N. Markovic, Martin E. Fernandez-Zapico
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- Journal:
- Journal of Clinical and Translational Science / Volume 7 / Issue s1 / April 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 24 April 2023, p. 77
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OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Overall response rates for metastatic uveal melanoma (UM), regardless of treatment modality, are less than 20%, highlighting an urgent need for novel therapies. Herein, we present a UM patient-derived organoid (PDO) biobank as a novel platform for translational research. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Patients with primary choroidal or ciliochoroidal UM undergoing enucleation from 7/1/2019-9/30/2022 were invited to enroll. Tumor tissue was harvested within 30 minutes of globe removal. Cells were isolated using the human tumor isolation kit and gentleMACS dissociation protocol (Miltenyi Biotech). PDOs were placed on Cultrex-coated multiwell plates and cultured in supplemented RPMI media. DNA and RNA were isolated using kits from Zymo Research. Exon-enriched libraries and RNA were sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq 4000. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assessed the following histone post-translational modifications: H3K4me1/3, H3K27Ac, and H3K27me. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: PDOs were established in 19 of 20 (95%) attempted cases. BAP1 protein expression was retained (n=7) or lost (n=12) in the primary tumors, with matching phenotype confirmed in PDOs. In 9 sequenced cases, a driving mutation was present in GNAQ (n=4), GNA11 (n=4), or CYSLTR2 (n=1). Morphology ranged from spindle-like to epithelioid clusters, mimicking primary tumor histopathology. Pigmentation increased with time in culture. Growth in culture was slow, and 1-2 months were allotted prior to passaging in most cases. Whole exome and RNA-sequencing confirmed distinct molecular profiles, with differential staining of active chromatin marks by IHC. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: A biobank of primary UM PDOs with unique morphological and molecular characteristics has been established. These will serve as a model of human disease to facilitate translational research and investigate personalized treatments for patients with UM.
Mega-analysis of association between obesity and cortical morphology in bipolar disorders: ENIGMA study in 2832 participants
- Sean R. McWhinney, Christoph Abé, Martin Alda, Francesco Benedetti, Erlend Bøen, Caterina del Mar Bonnin, Tiana Borgers, Katharina Brosch, Erick J. Canales-Rodríguez, Dara M. Cannon, Udo Dannlowski, Ana M. Diaz-Zuluaga, Lorielle M.F. Dietze, Torbjørn Elvsåshagen, Lisa T. Eyler, Janice M. Fullerton, Jose M. Goikolea, Janik Goltermann, Dominik Grotegerd, Bartholomeus C. M. Haarman, Tim Hahn, Fleur M. Howells, Martin Ingvar, Neda Jahanshad, Tilo T. J. Kircher, Axel Krug, Rayus T. Kuplicki, Mikael Landén, Hannah Lemke, Benny Liberg, Carlos Lopez-Jaramillo, Ulrik F. Malt, Fiona M. Martyn, Elena Mazza, Colm McDonald, Genevieve McPhilemy, Sandra Meier, Susanne Meinert, Tina Meller, Elisa M. T. Melloni, Philip B. Mitchell, Leila Nabulsi, Igor Nenadic, Nils Opel, Roel A. Ophoff, Bronwyn J. Overs, Julia-Katharina Pfarr, Julian A. Pineda-Zapata, Edith Pomarol-Clotet, Joaquim Raduà, Jonathan Repple, Maike Richter, Kai G. Ringwald, Gloria Roberts, Alex Ross, Raymond Salvador, Jonathan Savitz, Simon Schmitt, Peter R. Schofield, Kang Sim, Dan J. Stein, Frederike Stein, Henk S. Temmingh, Katharina Thiel, Sophia I. Thomopoulos, Neeltje E. M. van Haren, Cristian Vargas, Eduard Vieta, Annabel Vreeker, Lena Waltemate, Lakshmi N. Yatham, Christopher R. K. Ching, Ole A. Andreassen, Paul M. Thompson, Tomas Hajek, for the ENIGMA Bipolar Disorder Working Group
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- Journal:
- Psychological Medicine / Volume 53 / Issue 14 / October 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 27 February 2023, pp. 6743-6753
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Background:
Obesity is highly prevalent and disabling, especially in individuals with severe mental illness including bipolar disorders (BD). The brain is a target organ for both obesity and BD. Yet, we do not understand how cortical brain alterations in BD and obesity interact.
Methods:We obtained body mass index (BMI) and MRI-derived regional cortical thickness, surface area from 1231 BD and 1601 control individuals from 13 countries within the ENIGMA-BD Working Group. We jointly modeled the statistical effects of BD and BMI on brain structure using mixed effects and tested for interaction and mediation. We also investigated the impact of medications on the BMI-related associations.
Results:BMI and BD additively impacted the structure of many of the same brain regions. Both BMI and BD were negatively associated with cortical thickness, but not surface area. In most regions the number of jointly used psychiatric medication classes remained associated with lower cortical thickness when controlling for BMI. In a single region, fusiform gyrus, about a third of the negative association between number of jointly used psychiatric medications and cortical thickness was mediated by association between the number of medications and higher BMI.
Conclusions:We confirmed consistent associations between higher BMI and lower cortical thickness, but not surface area, across the cerebral mantle, in regions which were also associated with BD. Higher BMI in people with BD indicated more pronounced brain alterations. BMI is important for understanding the neuroanatomical changes in BD and the effects of psychiatric medications on the brain.