Severe Disorders Research Articles

CircRNAs as a novel class of potential diagnostic biomarkers in bipolar disorders.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mood disorder with uncertain causes and debilitating signs and symptoms. Gene expression is crucial to the pathophysiology of BD and could be influenced by genetic or epigenetic factors, by either direct modification of mRNA templates or by regulation of post-transcriptional translation. Recent evidence has shown that several critical processes in psychiatric diseases, such as neuronal activity or plasticity, synaptic transmission, and neuronal depolarization, have all been linked to circular RNAs (circRNAs). The circRNA profile of neuronal cells, which may be easily ascertained by a liquid biopsy, may shed light on the molecular pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, including BD. This approach could aid in future development in diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we provide an in-depth understanding of the roles of circRNAs in the pathophysiology of BD and offer new insight into their potential as emerging diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets.

Validation of the Sinhala version of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC)

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neuro developmental disorder which has a trend in its increasing prevalence globally. Measuring the outcome of intervention will have a great value for parents and clinicians. At present, there are no tools validated in the Sri Lankan setting to assess treatment outcomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) is a self-administered questionnaire in Sinhala for parents/caregivers that is a feasible method of evaluating outcome in a busy clinic.Aims: This study was conducted to translate and culturally adapt the ATEC to the Sinhala language and to establish the validity and reliability of the translation to the local setting.Methods: Permission was sought from the developers of the ATEC questionnaire and ethical approval was obtained for the study. Study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, ATEC was translated using the translation-back translation method. An expert panel produced a pre-final questionnaire which was pre-tested prior to formulating the final Sinhala version of ATEC. The second stage of the study was conducted to establish validity and reliability of Sinhala ATEC questionnaire in the Sri Lankan popu-lation. Content validity was assured in each step of the translation by the expert committee. Construct validity of the Sinhala ATEC questionnaire was assessed by comparing the sample of 119 parent/caregiver filled final version of the Sinhala ATEC score against the Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist assessment of the same children conducted independently and recorded according to DSM-5 (level 1, 2 or 3). Test-retest reliability was determined by the same parent/caregiver filling the Sinhala ATEC one week later, in a sample of 14 children. Intra-rater reliability was taken by com-paring 18 pairs of parents/caregivers Sinhala ATEC scores for the same child.Results: Sinhala ATEC showed high validity and reliability. Its concurrent validity has a strong positive Pearson correlation of 0.856 with the Consultant Psychiatrist assessment. Correlation was higher in total score and as well as in subscale II- Sociability score of the Sinhala ATEC. Internal consistency was revealed by Cronbach’s alpha 0.778. Cut off points to distinguish mild autism spectrum disorder from the rest taken as “48 or less” with sensitivity 82%, specificity 94% and area under the curve 0.968. Cut off to separate severe autism spectrum disorder from the rest were taken as “76 or more” with sensitivity 84%, specificity 90%and area under the curve 0.971. Reliability tests, intra class correlation was 0.98 and 0.96 for test-retest and intra rater reliability showed high reliability of Sinhala ATEC. For developing burnout in this study population.Conclusions: Translated version of Sinhala ATEC is suitable for the use in the Sri Lankan population as it shows high validity and reliability. However, further studies are recommended in other areas of the country to assess its usefulness across diverse subcultures and clinical settings.

Learning to be Mindful ─ Experiences of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Young Adults with Moderate to Severe Mental Disorders

IntroductionMental disorders among young adults are a major health challenge. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has in previous research shown positive effects on mental health. However, research evaluating MBSR for young adults with mental disorders is insufficient and qualitative research exploring experiences of the programme is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of MBSR as a supplementary treatment in psychiatric outpatient care among young adults with moderate to severe mental disorders, from a short- and long-term perspective. MethodEleven young adults (aged 18-30 years) who had participated in an MBSR programme were interviewed approximately three months or two years later. The analytic method was Grounded Theory. ResultsThe analysis resulted in a theoretical model including one core category and five categories. The model illustrated a learning process, explaining the participants’ short- and long-term experiences of learning to pay attention to the body, regulate emotions, a change of attitude towards oneself, and still using skills two years after the programme. DiscussionThe MBSR programme was experienced as a learning process which improved the longstanding ability to cope with emotional stress in daily life. Tailoring MBSR to individual needs may further enhance its effectiveness. ConclusionThe experienced short- and long-term health-promotion benefits of an MBSR programme among young adults with mental disorders support its implementation in psychiatric and primary health care. Future research should investigate how to optimise implementation and tailor to individual needs.

Cost-effectiveness of exome sequencing and chromosomal microarray for low-risk pregnancies

ObjectiveTo investigate the cost -effectiveness of exome and genome sequencing (ES), compared to Chromosomal microarray (CMA) Methodscosts, utility and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were modeled for prenatal testing with CMA or CMA+ES. Average costs and utilities were discounted at 3%. Two strategies for screening were compared using Markovian decision analysis model: (1) CMA only- abnormal result culminating in termination of pregnancy and normal test has with 1/160 chance for severe disorders. (2) ES after a normal CMA, for positive result a termination of pregnancy (TOP) was conducted. One - way sensitivity analysis for all variables. Outcome measures included the QALYs after abortion, cost of CMA and ES test and the health expenses of a critically ill infant. The time horizon of the model was 20 years. ResultsTotal costs were $1,348 and $3,108 for CMA and CMA+ES strategies respectively. The QALYs with time horizon of 20 years were 14.15 and 14.19 QALYs for CMA and CMA+ES strategies respectively with incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 46,383$/QALYs. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the time horizon and the dis-utility of moderate/severe disability of the genetic disorder has an impact on the ICER. For example, with a relatively small disutility of moderate/sever disability, the ICER is 84,291$/QALYs and for a shorter time horizon of 10 years, the ICER is 94,148$/QALYs. ConclusionExome has the potential to be cost-effective compared with CMA alone. Our research provides data regarding the cost-effectiveness of ES without specific indication that will become increasingly important in the near future as whole exome sequencing becomes the first-tier test in prenatal diagnosis.

Potential Increasing Trend in Schizophrenia Relapse Prevention in the Past 40 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Schizophrenia is an organic disease and a severe mental disorder with a relatively high risk of relapse. The rising rate of schizophrenia relapse has motivated researchers and academics to innovate and develop interventions aimed at relapse prevention. This bibliometric study sought to examine the publication trends in schizophrenia relapse prevention from 1973 to 2023, assess the contribution of international collaborations across various journals, identify the most influential authors and articles, and forecast future developments in this field. The study included 683 articles obtained from the Scopus database, analyzed using VOSviewer software, and visualized with Tableau. Reports of schizophrenia relapse prevention strategies have increased significantly over the last 3 decades. However, fluctuations persist, as evidenced by the annual number of publications ranging from 25 to 40 within the past 5 years. Nevertheless, this increasing trend underscores the sustained interest in this area of research. Regarding contribution size, the United States produced the largest volume of publications on this subject. John M. Kane authored the most articles, while Stefan Leucht exhibited the highest h-index. Frequently used keywords in this field include "relapse AND schizophrenia" AND "prevention." These results represent an important reference for determining the current state of research on schizophrenia relapse prevention and future research directions.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Acetaminophen Using Carbon-TiO2 Nanocatalyst Extracted from Hibiscus Flower under Visible Light

In today’s world pharmaceutical waste in the Environment has become a worldwide issue. These compounds are used in living beings to cure diseases and prevent them. But the disposal of these types of waste was not disposed of properly. In this study, the pharmaceutical compound – “Acetaminophen” (ACT) was degraded using photocatalytic degradation which is one among the pharmaceutical waste. The Compound is much harmful to living beings and causes severe disorders like vomiting and nausea. In this paper, the Acetaminophen is degraded using the carbon-TiO2 nanocatalyst. The Carbon-TiO2 nanocatalyst was synthesized and characterized such as particle size, zeta potential, FTIR, Surface area analyzer, EDX, and SEM images. The Acetaminophen was degraded by using Photocatalytic degradation under transparent condition. The analysis of disintegration was performed by using the UV-vis spectrophotometer. The results obtained indicated the maximum degradation efficiency of around 87% obtained. Hence, C-TiO2 can be utilized under visible light to effectively degrade Acetaminophen.

Positive rate of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (SNAP cPL) in relationship with severity of clinical signs and concurrent disorders: a retrospective study

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common disorder characterized by the inflammation of the exocrine pancreas in dogs, and the severity of the clinical signs of pancreatitis varies greatly. Therefore, the diagnosis of pancreatitis is challenging. The canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity test (SNAP cPL; IDEXX Laboratories Inc., USA) is rapid and relatively accurate in diagnosing pancreatitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the positivity rate of the SNAP cPL test in dogs regarding the severity of gastrointestinal (GI) signs and concurrent diseases. Electronic medical records of dogs were reviewed. For retrospective classification, 80 dogs with GI signs who underwent the SNAP cPL test were enrolled. Additionally, concurrent diseases on the day of the SNAP cPL test were reviewed. A positive SNAP cPL test result was observed in 26 of the 80 dogs (32.5%) with GI signs. The severity of GI signs using a scoring system and the positivity rate of SNAP cPL were statistically related. Furthermore, dogs with concurrent chronic kidney disease had a significantly higher positivity rate of SNAP cPL than those without chronic kidney disease. This information might help clinicians to decide whether a SNAP cPL test is needed.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children: A Narrative Review

Method: This narrative review summarizes research from the years 2019-2024 on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in children. Results: This research suggests that prevalence rates have been highly variable as a function of the stress experienced, for example, post-surgery (15%), following exposure to war (28%) and following head injury (34%). The negative effects have included cognitive dysfunction, aggression and other behavioral difficulties and the comorbidities include sleep disorders, somatic symptoms and depression. Predictors/risk factors have been the primary focus in this literature and have included parent risk factors including exposure to intimate partner violence, sexual and emotional abuse. Sensory modulation and cognitive processes have been implicated as, for example, negative attention bias and subjective threat. Injuries and hospitalizations have been predictors as has been exposure to explosions and earthquakes. The most frequently studied intervention has been cognitive behavioral therapy which has consistently reduced the symptoms of PTSD. Potential underlying biological mechanisms have included parent PTSD, pregnancy inflammation, and autonomic dysregulation including low cortisol and heartrate, although reduced cortical thickness (volume) in several areas of the brain has been the most frequently studied potential mechanism. Discussion: The studies in this review highlight the prevalence and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder in children. However, they have been primarily based on mixed-age child and adolescent samples and the results have varied by the type of stress experienced and the severity of the stress.

КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ НЕГОРМОНАЛЬНЫХ МЕТОДОВ ТЕРАПИИ ПАТАЛОГИЧЕСКОГО КЛИМАКТЕРИЧЕСКОГО СИНДРОМА У ЖЕНЩИН

The purpose of the study is to study the clinical effectiveness of the dietary supplement "Menophen" in comparison with β-alanine in the treatment of menopausal symptoms in women in the perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal periods. Menopausal syndrome is a complex of vegetative-vascular, psycho-emotional, metabolic-endocrine, vaginal, sexual and other disorders. According to domestic authors, vasomotor disorders such as hot flashes, lability of blood pressure and pulse, increased sweating, chills, which significantly reduce the quality of life of patients and disrupt the circadian sleep-wake rhythm, come to the fore. Today, menopausal women continue to work actively, but hot flashes and sleep disturbances significantly reduce their level of performance and increase the number of absences from sick leave by 82%, compared to women without hot flashes. At the same time, 87.5% of women refuse to use and prescribe MHT, expressing doubts about the safety of their use; the main fears of patients are weight gain and the development of oncological pathology. Treatment with the dietary supplement Menofen leads to a decrease in the number and severity of psycho-emotional, metabolic-endocrine and neurovegetative disorders in menopausal women.

Mechanistic Insights into the Neuroprotective Effects of Natural Products in Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the prominent complications of diabetes, which can result in pain, impaired movement, and even amputation. There are different types of DN, which can cause pain in fatal situations. In addition to altering insulin signaling, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia cause a number of pathological changes in vascular cells, glia, as well as in neurons that can cause nerve damage and, in the end, neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy has a poor prognosis since it doesn't show symptoms for years after diabetes starts. Despite the abundance of medications on the market, pharmacological ineffectiveness and a wide spectrum of adverse effects restrict adherence. As a result, there is a growing need to find novel compounds that show promising effects in the management of severe pain disorders. The most promising sources of novel chemical entities with potential use in medicine continue to be plant-derived products. Those products influenced the various signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT pathway, MAPK pathway, Oxidative stress, TNF-α signaling, cyclo-oxygenase (COX 2) pathway and other molecular pathways to act as novel therapeutics for diabetic neuropathy. Basically, this mechanistic approach is implemented to improve neuroprotective activity, especially phytoconstituents derived from bioactive compounds. As neurodegenerative diseases have a complicated pathogenesis, the medications that are available on the market only treat the symptoms. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to design pharmacophores for the management of DN, with bioactive substances that have strong neuroprotective effects, using a multi-target strategy.

Rift Valley fever virus is able to cross the human blood-brain barrier in vitro by direct infection with no deleterious effects.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic arboviral disease that causes recurrent epidemics in Africa that may trigger fatal neurological disorders. However, the mechanisms of neuroinvasion by which the RVF virus (RVFV) reaches the human central nervous system (CNS) remain poorly characterized. In particular, it is not clear how RVFV is able to cross the human blood-brain barrier (hBBB), which is a neurovascular endothelium that protects the brain by regulating brain and blood exchanges. To explore these mechanisms, we used an in vitro hBBB model to mimic in vivo hBBB selectiveness and apicobasal polarity. Our results highlight the ability of RVFV to cross the hBBB by direct infection in a non-structural protein S (NSs)-independent but strain-dependent manner, leading to astrocyte and pericyte infections. Interestingly, RVFV infection did not induce hBBB disruption and was associated with progressive elimination of infected cells with no impairment of the tight junction protein scaffold and barrier function. Our work also shows that NSs, a well described RVFV virulence factor, limited the establishment of the hBBB-induced innate immune response and subsequent lymphocyte recruitment. These results provide in vitro confirmation of the ability of RVFV to reach human CNS by direct infection of the hBBB without altering its barrier function, and provide new directions to explore human RVFV neurovirulence and neuroinvasion mechanisms.IMPORTANCEThe RVF virus (RVFV) is capable of infecting humans and inducing severe and fatal neurological disorders. Neuropathogenesis and human central nervous system (CNS) invasion mechanisms of RVFV are still unknown, with only historical studies of autopsy data from fatal human cases in the 1980s and exploration studies in rodent models. One of the gaps in understanding RVFV human pathogenesis is how RVFV is able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in order to reach the human CNS. For the first time, we show that RVFV is able to directly infect cells of the human BBB in vitro to release viral particles into the human CNS, a well-characterized neuroinvasion mechanism of pathogens. Furthermore, we demonstrate strain-dependent variability of this neuroinvasion mechanism, identifying possible viral properties that could be explored to prevent neurological disorders during RVFV outbreaks.

Developmental Predictors of Suicidality in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a complex interplay of genetic, developmental, and environmental factors that significantly increase the risk of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SAs). This systematic review synthesizes current research on the developmental predictors of SI in individuals with SZ, aiming to delineate the multifactorial etiology of suicide within this population. Methods: A comprehensive search across Medline, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases identified 23 eligible studies, emphasizing the varied methodological approaches and the global distribution of research efforts. Results: These studies demonstrate a robust association between early life adversities, particularly childhood trauma such as physical neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse, and the increased prevalence of SI and SAs in SZ. This review also highlights the significant genetic factors associated with the development of suicidality in SZ, raising the possibility that polymorphisms in inflammation-related genes and neurodevelopmental abnormalities may influence susceptibility to SI. Notably, family history of psychiatric conditions may exacerbate the risk of SI through both hereditary and environmental mechanisms. Environmental factors, including socioeconomic status and social support, are also implicated, underscoring the role of broader socio-environmental conditions influencing outcomes. Conclusions: This review supports the integration of biopsychosocial models in understanding SI in SZ, advocating for interventions addressing the complex interplay of risk factors and the need for longitudinal studies to elucidate the dynamic interactions between risk factors over time. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for developing targeted preventive strategies and enhancing the clinical management of SZ, aiming to reduce suicidality in this vulnerable population.

Liver type 1 innate lymphoid cells undergo apoptosis in murine models of macrophage activation syndrome and are dispensable for disease.

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) exemplifies a severe cytokine storm disorder with liver inflammation. In the liver, classical natural killer (cNK) cells and liver-resident type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) dominate the ILC population. Thus far, research has primarily focused on the corresponding role of cNK cells. Considering the liver inflammation and cytokine storm in MAS, liver-resident ILC1s represent an interesting population to explore due to their rapid cytokine production upon environmental triggers. By utilizing a Toll-like receptor (TLR)9- and TLR3:4-triggered MAS model, we showed that ILC1s highly produce IFN-γ and TNF-α. However, activated ILC1s undergo apoptosis and are strongly reduced in numbers, while cNK cells resist inflammation-induced apoptosis. Signs of mitochondrial stress suggest that this ILC1 apoptosis may be driven by inflammation-induced mitochondrial impairment. To study whether early induction of highly cytokine-producing ILC1s influences MAS development, we used Hobit KO mice due to their paucity of liver ILC1s but unaffected cNK cell numbers. Nevertheless, neither the severity of MAS features nor the total inflammatory cytokine levels were affected in these Hobit KO mice, indicating that ILC1s are dispensable for MAS pathogenesis. Collectively, our data demonstrate that ILC1s undergo apoptosis during TLR-triggering and are dispensable for MAS pathogenesis.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Children with Speech Difficulties

Abstract: Speech sound disorders and attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder are developmental disorders that can significantly impact academic success. The comorbidity of these disorders may substantially add to the difficulties experienced by the child and require a combined treatment approach. Objectives: (1) to assess sociodemographic characteristics of children’s with speech difficulties (2) to assess attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and speech difficulties (3) to identify the relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and speech difficulties. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out in Baghdad Teaching Hospital. A non- probability (purposive) study sample of (300) child, who attended Hearing and Speech Center for the period from 12/April/2023 to 25/January/2024. The Questionnaire which is composed of: Socio-demographic characteristics, scales of behavioral problem, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results: The study results reveal that the children experiencing severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and that significant relationship have been reported among speech sound disorder with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at p-values= 0.046, also indicates that there was significant relationship among childhood apraxia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at p-values= 0.007. Conclusion: The children experience severe of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the significant relationship has been reported among speech sound disorder with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also indicates that there was significant relationship among childhood apraxia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Recommendations: An intervention program to be planned accordingly and areas of deficit will be targeted in therapy. Liaison with parents and school teachers is indicated in order to achieve the child’s maximum potential.

TRATAMENTO FARMACOLÓGICO DA ESQUIZOFRENIA: PASSADO, PRESENTE E FUTURO

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe psychiatric disorder characterised by the manifestation of positive and negative symptoms and/or cognitive dysfunction. Treatment typically includes psychotherapy, sociotherapy and pharmacological therapy, which consists of the use of typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs, as well as dopaminergic system stabilisers. Although they do not provide a cure, these treatments can reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms, resulting in improved quality of life and a quicker reintegration into social life. Thus, the aim of the present study was to conduct a narrative literature review on the clinical evolution of antipsychotic use throughout history, as well as to discuss potential new drugs that are still in clinical research. Studies have shown that typical antipsychotics are effective in treating positive symptoms but have no impact on negative symptoms and can even exacerbate or provoke them. Additionally, they produce highly limiting side effects, such as movement disorders. Atypical antipsychotics, on the other hand, are capable of reducing both positive and negative symptoms, and they also present fewer side effects related to the extrapyramidal motor system. However, they tend to cause metabolic disturbances. Conversely, dopaminergic system stabilisers also treat both positive and negative symptoms, with side effects that are generally better tolerated, along with a lower propensity to cause weight gain and motor disturbances. It is worth noting that many patients are unable to tolerate the various adverse reactions of the available antipsychotics. Moreover, some patients are or become refractory to their therapeutic effects. Consequently, there is currently a focus on developing new agents that have different pharmacological targets. Some of these potential new drugs have shown efficacy in refractory patients, representing a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of the disorder.

Can Peripheral Arterial Tonometry and Biomarkers Help Identify Women Who Will Have Progressively Worsening Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy?

This study aimed to (1) evaluate whether endothelial dysfunction, as measured by peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) indices and biomarker (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 [sFLT], brain natriuretic peptide [BNP]) levels at 34 weeks gestation, can predict progression from nonsevere to severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs); and (2) develop a clinical risk model for prediction of progression from nonsevere to severe HDP. We prospectively enrolled patients with a singleton gestation carrying a nonsevere HDP diagnosis. Forty-five participants were enrolled for PAT evaluation and serum collection between 340/7 and 366/7 weeks. PAT indices (e.g., Augmentation Index normalized to a heart rate of 75 bpm [AI75]) and biomarker concentrations were assessed at enrollment. The primary outcome was progression from a nonsevere diagnosis in the late preterm period to a diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features or superimposed preeclampsia. Statistical analyses included two-sample t-tests, Fisher's exact tests, and multivariate modeling. Thirteen subjects (30%) progressed to severe disease. No significant differences in mean PAT indices between the outcome groups were found. We found a significant difference in mean sFLT values between the two groups (p = 0.02, area under the curve [AUC] of 0.609), but not in mean BNP values. An endothelial dysfunction index (presence of fetal growth restriction, "high" AI75, and positive systolic blood pressure slope) discriminated between progression and nonprogression (p = 0.03, AUC of 0.707). sFLT level was a marker of progression from nonsevere to severe HDP. Further, a novel endothelial dysfunction index discriminated between progression and nonprogression to severe disease with good performance. · HDPs are important causes of morbidity and mortality.. · The sequelae of HDPs are not limited to pregnancy.. · Developing accurate tools to predict severe HDPs is of great clinical importance.. · Our index shows promising performance for predicting progression from nonsevere to severe HDPs..

Irregularity of visual motion perception and negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by perceptual, emotional, and behavioral abnormalities, with cognitive impairment being a prominent feature of the disorder. Recent studies demonstrate irregularity in SZ with increased variability on the neural level. Is there also irregularity on the psychophysics level like in visual perception? Here, we introduce a methodology to analyze the irregularity in a trial-by-trial way to compare the SZ and healthy control (HC) subjects. In addition, we use an unsupervised clustering algorithm K-means + + to identify SZ subgroups in the sample, followed by validation of the subgroups based on intraindividual visual perception variability and clinical symptomatology. The K-means + + method divided SZ patients into two subgroups by measuring durations across trials in the motion discrimination task, i.e., high, and low irregularity of SZ patients (HSZ, LSZ). We found that HSZ and LSZ subgroups are associated with more negative and positive symptoms respectively. Applying a mediation model in the HSZ subgroup, the enhanced irregularity mediates the relationship between visual perception and negative symptoms. Together, we demonstrate increased irregularity in visual perception of a HSZ subgroup, including its association with negative symptoms. This may serve as a promising marker for identifying and distinguishing SZ subgroups.

The effect of bipolar effective disorder and low socio-economic status on juvenile delinquents in Pakistan

Bipolar disorder remains a significant taboo in Pakistan, particularly among juvenile delinquents, leading to their social segregation. The prevalence of this mood disorder in Pakistani youth is concerning, largely due to limited awareness and inadequate mental health resources for children and adolescents. Economic instability, family conflict, and lack of access to care contribute to chronic stress, delaying the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. This study aimed to explore the relationship between socio-economic status and bipolar disorder in juvenile offenders, focusing on the role of social support. We included 220 children, aged 12 to 18, diagnosed with severe bipolar disorder. Most lived with both biological parents, while some were in single-parent households due to separation or loss. Our findings indicated that low socio-economic status significantly impacts mental health and personality development. Factors such as financial instability, inadequate housing, and lack of access to quality healthcare increase feelings of inferiority, leading to higher rates of bipolar disorder. Notably, 88.4% of participants exhibited extreme symptoms, with a higher prevalence in males (55%) than females (29%). The delinquency rate was significant, with 56% of boys and 32% of girls involved in criminal activities. These results suggest a strong correlation between low socio-economic status and the severity of bipolar disorder in juvenile delinquents. Many young individuals resort to crime due to unmet basic needs, reinforcing the idea that socio-economic challenges directly influence mental health outcomes. Overall, these findings underscore the urgent need for improved mental health care and support for vulnerable youth in Pakistan.

RATING SCALES AND INDICATORS OF DIFFUSION TENSOR IMAGING IN PREDICTING MOTOR DEFICIT REGRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH CEREBRAL STROKE

Stroke and subsequent movement disorders are a significant medical and social problem. In 2021, 500 thousand newly diagnosed strokes were registered in the Russian Federation. No more than 10 % of people return to work within the first year after a stroke, 30 % remain disabled for life. In this regard, it is the relevant to predict motor disease outcomes at different periods in patients with a cerebral stroke. The currently existing severity scales are mostly used to characterize early movement disorders, and long-term effects often remain unassessed. There are no methods for predicting the degree of movement disorders in patients with a cerebral stroke in the long term. Objectively, information on the ratio of the level of brain damage and the likelihood of subsequent motor deficit improvement in vivo can be obtained from neuroimaging images. Predicting the severity of movement disorders is potentially possible by analyzing the state of CNS conducting pathways, primarily the corticospinal tracts. This paper presents our vision on using a clinical neuroimaging method to predict the regression of motor consequences after a cerebral stroke using neurological rating scales and visual assessment of the corticospinal tracts during MRI based on the modern literature analysis. According to the literature, clinical scales used in the acute period of acute cerebrovascular accident correlate with the assessment of corticospinal tract profile. Therefore, the combination of these methods is promising while assessing motor deficit regression.

The Car1 Knockout Mice Exhibit Antidepressant-like Behaviors Accompanied with Gut Microbiota Disturbance.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental disorder with largely unknown mechanisms. Carbonic anhydrases convert CO2 to carbonates and protons, playing roles in various brain functions. Carbonic anhydrase 1 (Car1) is particularly abundant and may be linked to microbiota at interstitial sites. We developed Car1-deficient mice to explore the relationship between depression-like behaviors and gut microbiota. Behavioral tests confirmed depression-like behavior in Car1-/- mice. Fecal samples from Car1-/- and WT mice were collected, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified distinct microbiota components between the groups. Car1-/- mice exhibited significantly increased immobility in the tail suspension test (TST) compared to WT mice. The gut microbiota composition differed at the phylum level in p_Bacteroidetes, p_Verrucomicrobia, p_Firmicutes, and p_Tenericutes. At the family level, Car1-/- mice had significantly different abundances in eight microbiota groups compared to WT mice. Car1 deficiency is associated with depressive-like behavior and gut microbiota dysbiosis, potentially linked to depressive-like phenotypes.