Extant literature implicates the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on modulating alcohol-associated behaviours, with a particular emphasis of these agents on neural circuits subserving reward and appetite control. Herein, we explore the potential effects of GLP-1RAs on alcohol-associated behaviours in brain regions implicated in reward processing facilitating the repurposing of these agents for the treatment and prevention of problematic drinking. Understanding how GLP-1’s analogues interact with alcohol-related behaviours may underscore the development of therapeutic strategies for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and those with comorbid metabolic disorders.

A systematic review was conducted, wherein relevant literature was identified through Web of Science, PubMed, and OVID (MedLINE, Embase, AMED, PsycInfo, JBI EBP) from database inception to October 27th, 2024. Preclinical and clinical studies examining the association between GLP-1RAs and alcohol-related behaviours were assessed.

Preclinical studies (n = 19) indicate that GLP-1RAs attenuate alcohol-related behaviours, with exenatide demonstrating significant dose-dependent effects in high alcohol-consuming phenotypes. Semaglutide and liraglutide are associated with reduced alcohol intake, though their effects were often transient. In human studies (n = 2) with AUD, semaglutide significantly reduced alcohol consumption, while exenatide showed mixed results, with reductions in alcohol drinking within high BMI subpopulations.

Extant preclinical and clinical literature provides preliminary support for the potential therapeutic role of GLP-1RAs in attenuating alcohol consumption and preference. There is a need for large well controlled studies evaluating the effect of GLP-1RAs as a treatment strategy for behavioural modifications in individuals living with alcohol use disorder.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) administration has been associated with neuroproliferative effects and modulatory effects in neuronal pathways. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive synthesis of the effects of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis.

We examined studies that investigate changes in neurogenesis mediated by GLP-1 and GLP-1 RA administration in both human and animal populations. Relevant articles were retrieved through OVID (MedLine, Embase, AMED, PsychINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2nd. Primary studies investigating the role of GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs on neurogenesis were included for analysis.

GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs (i.e. exenatide, geniposide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide), increased neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus, hippocampus, olfactory bulb, and the medial striatum in animal models. Additionally, GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs were associated with modulating changes in multiple apoptotic pathways and upregulating survival pathways.

GLP-1 and GLP-1 RAs are positively associated with neurogenesis. This effect may have translational implications insofar as disparate mental disorders that are characterised by neurogenesis defects (e.g. depressive disorders and neurocognitive disorders) may be benefitted by these agents.

While early intervention in psychosis (EIP) programs have been increasingly implemented across the globe, many initiatives from Africa, Asia and Latin America are not widely known. The aims of the current review are (a) to describe population-based and small-scale, single-site EIP programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America, (b) to examine the variability between programs located in low-and-middle income (LMIC) and high-income countries in similar regions and (c) to outline some of the challenges and provide recommendations to overcome existing obstacles.

EIP programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America were identified through experts from the different target regions. We performed a systematic search in Medline, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science and Scopus up to February 6, 2024.

Most EIP programs in these continents are small-scale, single-site programs that serve a limited section of the population. Population-based programs with widespread coverage and programs integrated into primary health care are rare. In Africa, EIP programs are virtually absent. Mainland China is one of the only LMICs that has begun to take steps toward developing a population-based EIP program. High-income Asian countries (e.g. Hong Kong and Singapore) have well-developed, comprehensive programs for individuals with early psychosis, while others with similar economies (e.g. South Korea and Japan) do not. In Latin America, Chile is the only country in the process of providing population-based EIP care.

Financial resources and integration in mental health care, as well as the availability of epidemiological data on psychosis, impact the implementation of EIP programs. Given the major treatment gap of early psychosis in Africa, Latin America and large parts of Asia, publicly funded, locally-led and accessible community-based EIP care provision is urgently needed.

Many psychotropic drugs are highly associated with related weight gain. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are established anti-obesity and glucose-lowering agents. Preliminary evidence also indicates they are fit for purpose in mitigating psychotropic drug-related weight gain (PDWG). This systematic review aims to synthesize the extant evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of GLP-1RAs on weight change in persons experiencing PDWG.

Online databases (ie, PubMed, OVID Medline, Google Scholar) were searched to identify relevant studies from inception to January 1, 2024. Articles were screened by title, abstract, and full-text by three independent reviewers against inclusion and exclusion criteria.

We identified six studies with participants aged ≥18 (n=374) that were eligible for inclusion in our systematic review. Most studies reported a significant and clinically meaningful effect of GLP-1RAs on anthropometrics and/or metabolics. All RCTs replicated the finding of modest or greater effects of GLP-1RAs; the most studied agents were liraglutide and exenatide. There was insufficient literature to conduct a meta-analysis.

Evidence suggests that GLP-1RAs are effective in mitigating weight gain in persons prescribed psychiatric medication. It is hypothesized that GLP-1RAs may moderate weight change in persons prescribed psychiatric medication through direct effects on metabolism and cognitive processes implicated in hunger/satiety. Future studies should aim to explore the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy profiles of various GLP-1RAs in the treatment and prevention of abnormal weight and metabolic homeostasis in psychiatric populations.

This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on food craving improvement and changes in brain function associated with craving in overweight and obese subjects.

Food craving disregards the homeostatic mechanisms related to appetite and nullifies the rewarding effects of food, directly contributing to body weight and eventually leading to obesity. In this study, we aim to explore the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on food craving improvement and changes in brain function associated with craving by conducting a total of 10 sessions of tDCS over a period of 2 weeks on overweight and obese subjects.

A total of 86 patients who were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2) during the study period were included. The tDCS montage involved placing the anode over the left and the cathode over the right DLPFC. Weight, BMI, neuropsychological variables, and food craving-related variables were assessed. We measured absolute and relative EEG power in 19 channels and analyzed QEEG according to the following frequency ranges: delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (12–25 Hz), high beta (25–30 Hz), and gamma (30–80 Hz).

After the application of tDCS, there was no significant reduction observed in weight and BMI. However, all measures related to food and eating showed a decrease in the intensity of cravings, and there was also a significant reduction in depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. In quantitative EEG analysis, an increase in theta waves was observed in the left frontal area (F7 and F3), an increase in alpha waves in the right parietal area (P4), and a decrease in beta waves in the frontal area (FP2) and occipital area (O1).

This study investigated the effects of tDCS on food craving in overweight and obese individuals, and it was found that there were improvements in psychological factors such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, using quantitative EEG, neurophysiological changes were observed, including an increase in theta waves and a decrease in beta waves.

None Declared

To investigate the source and transmission dynamics of an endoscope-associated New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumonia (NDM-KP) outbreak.

Epidemiological and genomic investigation.

Academic acute care hospital in New Jersey.

Five patients with active NDM-KP infection identified on clinical isolates, and four NDM-KP colonized patients identified via rectal swab screening.

Over a twelve-month period, nine patients were identified with NDM-KP infection or colonization. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that all of the identified cases were related by 25 mutational events or less. Seven of the cases were linked to gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures (four clinical cases and three positive screens among patients exposed to endoscopes suspected of transmission). Two cases demonstrated delayed transmission that occurred five months after the initial outbreak, likely through shared usage of a non-therapeutic gastroscope without an elevator channel.

Although all endoscope cultures in our investigation were negative, the epidemiological link to gastrointestinal endoscopes, the high degree of relatedness via WGS, and the identification of asymptomatic NDM-KP colonization among patients exposed to shared endoscopes make the endoscopic mode of transmission most likely. This investigation highlights the probable transmission of NDM-KP via a gastroscope without an elevator channel, observed several months after an initial outbreak. We hypothesize that persistent mechanical defects may have contributed to the delayed device-related transmission of NDM-KP.

Peer victimization predicts the development of mental health symptoms in the transition to adolescence, but it is unclear whether and how parents and school environments can buffer this link.

We analyzed two-year longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, involving a diverse sample of 11 844 children across the United States (average at baseline = 9.91 years; standard deviation = 0.63; range = 8.92–11.08; complete case sample = 8385). Longitudinal associations between peer victimization and two-year changes in mental health symptoms of major depression disorder (MDD), separation anxiety (SA), prodromal psychosis (PP), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were examined including a wide range of covariates. Mixed linear models were used to test for the moderating effects of parental warmth and prosocial school environment.

20% of children experienced peer victimization. Higher exposure to peer victimization was associated with increases in MDD, SA, and ADHD symptoms. Parental warmth was associated with decreases in MDD symptoms but did not robustly buffer the link between peer victimization and mental health symptoms. Prosocial school environment predicted decreases in PP symptoms and buffered the link between peer victimization and MDD symptoms but amplified the link between peer victimization and SA and ADHD symptoms.

Peer victimization is associated with increases in mental health symptoms during the transition to adolescence. Parental warmth and prosocial school environments might not be enough to counter the negative consequences of peer victimization on all mental health outcomes.

In response to the Omicron surge in early 2022, the HTA Philippines evaluated the acceptability of Filipinos in using self-administered antigen tests (SAAgTs) as part of COVID-19 HTAs in the Philippines.

Scoping review from literature databases was initially conducted to identify preset codes in the use of SAAgT. Preset codes were used to establish the questions for focus group discussions (FGDs). Semi-structured questionnaires were created through Delphi technique. FGDs with four stakeholder groups (i.e., nine healthcare workers [HCWs], seven representatives of at-risk groups, six economic frontliners, and seven representatives of micro–small–medium-sized enterprises) were conducted.

Discomfort in being a target of stigma and being prescribed an “illness identity” when suspected or confirmed COVID-19-positive, along with lack of confidence to perform self-test, caused hesitancy in self-testing among participants. The need for subsidies for test kits from the government or employers was emphasized to increase its accessibility. Having a designated access point and reporting system for SAAgT was highlighted to avoid nepotism (padrino system attributed to debt of gratitude), inequitable distribution, and lapses in reporting. A participatory approach to education was perceived as crucial to reduce any misconceptions associated with the use of SAAgT.

All FGD groups expressed favorable reviews on the implementation of SAAgT because it can potentially reduce the burden of health facility-administered tests. These findings were considered by the HTA Council in the recommendation of SAAgT as part of the overarching national strategies for the diagnosis and screening of COVID-19.