bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Major Depressive Disorder in Youth: A Meta-Analysis of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies
Authors: Zamora G. , Baten C. , Klassen A. M. , Shepherd J. H. , Pritchard E. , Saravia S. , Ali Z. , Jordan J. , Kahlon S. K. , Maly G. , Duran M. , Santos S. L. , Nimarko A. F. , Hedges D. W. , Hamilton J. P. , Gotlib I. H. , Sacchet M. D. , Miller C. H. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental illness that frequently originates in early development and is pervasive during adolescence. Despite its high prevalence and early age of onset, our understanding of the potentially unique neural basis of MDD in this age group is still not well understood, and the existing primary literature on the topic includes many new and divergent results. This limited understanding of MDD in youth presents a critical need to further investigate its neural basis in youth and presents an opportunity to also improve clinical treatments that target its neural abnormalities.ObjectivesThe present study aims to advance our understanding of the neural basis of MDD in youth by identifying abnormal functional activation in various brain regions compared with healthy controls.MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of MDD by using a well-established method, multilevel kernel density analysis (MKDA) with ensemble thresholding, to quantitatively combine all existing whole-brain fMRI studies of MDD in youth compared with healthy controls. This method involves a voxel-wise, whole-brain approach, that compares neural activation of patients with MDD to age-matched healthy controls across variations of task-based conditions, which we subcategorize into affective processing, executive functioning, positive valence, negative valence, and symptom provocation tasks.ResultsYouth with MDD exhibited statistically significant (p<0.05; FWE-corrected) hyperactivation and hypoactivation in multiple brain regions compared with age-matched healthy controls. These results include significant effects that are stable across various tasks as well as some that appear to depend on task conditions.ConclusionsThis study strengthens our understanding of the neural basis of MDD in youth and may also be used to help identify possible similarities and differences between youth and adults with depression. It may also help inform the development of new treatment interventions and tools for predicting unique treatment responses in youth with depression.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Infections and obsessive-compulsive disorder - results from a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Descalço N. , Gomes R. D. , Maia A. , Barahona-Corrêa B. , Oliveira-Maia A. , Oliveira J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder affecting 1.3% of the population worldwide where both genetic and environmental factors, such as perinatal events and neuroinflammation, are thought to contribute to the etiology of the disorder. In the past, the description of clinical entities such as Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), in which an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome with prominent obsessive-compulsive features emerges in children infected with group-A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS), sparked the hypothesis that infections may be a risk-modifying factor for the development of OCD. Along with streptococcal infections, other pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii have been implicated in the pathophysiological models of the disorder, although causal associations have not been established for any of beforementioned pathogens.ObjectivesTo perform a systematic review and meta-analysis about the presence of biological evidence of infection in patients diagnosed with OCD.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration CRD42021223415) by performing a standardized electronic database search in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus. Search was conducted on 17/10/2022. Eligible papers included case-control and cohort studies using a comparator group, that tested for specific biomarkers providing evidence of infection in patients diagnosed with OCD; exclusion criteria included studies without quantitative or qualitative measures of infection, case reports, systematic or scope reviews, and animal studies. Selection process was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines. Study quality was assessed through Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.ResultsWe identified 8911 records through the search after duplicate removal. A total of 22 studies met inclusion criteria after selection process, and 15 were eligible for meta-analysis. Most evidence concerned Toxoplasma gondii (10 studies), and patients with OCD appear to have higher odds of being infected compared to controls, with a meta-analytic odds ratio of 2.39 (95% IC 1.60-3.58), when comparing 467 patients with 5411 controls. However, most studies were methodologically heterogeneous, which compromises the interpretation of meta-analytic results. Information regarding other agents, including GABHS, Borna disease virus and Toxocara canis was gathered but due to an insufficient number of papers it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis for each of them.ConclusionsOur work suggests that albeit exhaustively reported in the literature, there is no strong evidence of the over-representation of biomarkers of infection in patients with OCD compared to control volunteers. Methodologically robust studies are needed to further test this hypothesis.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The role of dysregulated ghrelin/LEAP-2 balance in eating disorder: a translational study in anorexia nervosa.
Authors: Tezenas du Montcel C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe ghrelin system is a key regulator of appetite and food intake across species. LEAP-2, a recently discovered ghrelin antagonist, appears to be up-regulated in obesity and opposes to the orexigenic drive of ghrelin. The evolution of LEAP-2 levels could be an interesting insight to reflect the regulation of appetite in eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN). We provide the first study exploring the ghrelin and LEAP-2 regulation in long-term food restriction followed by refeeding in both mice and patients suffering from AN.Using a translational strategy, we compared the regulation of ghrelin and LEAP-2 concentrations in blood during food restriction and after refeeding in female mice exposed to a 14 days protocol combining quantitative food restriction and running wheel activity followed by progressive refeeding. We compared these results to clinical data fom in an ongoing longitudinal study of patients with AN evaluated before and after refeeding as well as 6 months after hospital discharge.Long-term food restriction in mice was associated with increased ghrelin and decreased LEAP-2 concentrations compared to ad libitum fed controls. Refeeding led to an increase in LEAP-2 concentrations. Patients with AN displayed increased ghrelin levels but also higher LEAP-2 concentrations on admission than after refeeding. LEAP-2 decreased with refeeding. On 17 patients re-evaluated 6 months after discharge, patients with unstable weight gain exhibited a greater decrease of LEAP-2 concentrations during refeeding compared to patient with stable weight gain. Decreasing LEAP-2 concentrations was able to predict a negative outcome (i.e. unstable weight gain) in 80% of the cases.We provide evidence that the ghrelin/LEAP-2 system is not regulated according to the nutritional status in AN as it is in the case of a physiological adaptation to food restriction. Our clinical data suggest that the evolution of LEAP-2 concentrations during refeeding is opposed to data from preclinical model and could give new insights on the outcome of weight gain in AN.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Mortality in older adults with severe mental illness: the role of metabolic syndrome and its components
Authors: Abou Kassm S. , Sánchez Rico M. , Naja W. , Alvarado J. , Halaby A. , Limosin F. , Hoertel N. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionStudies in adult psychiatric patients consistently call attention to premature mortality and its association with metabolic syndrome. However, the utility of the metabolic syndrome construct is controversial in older adults in the general population, since literature shows that some components, such as obesity, can be protective against mortality. In older adults with mental illness, only one study explored the relation between metabolic syndrome and mortality and found no association.ObjectivesTo examine whether metabolic syndrome or any of its components predicted mortality in a cohort of older adults with psychiatric disorders, and to determine if this association differs across diagnostic groups.MethodsWe used a multicentric prospective design to follow, over 5 years, a cohort that included 634 in– and outpatients with schizophrenia, bipolar or major depressive disorder (MDD). Metabolic syndrome was assessed at baseline following NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Cause of death was categorized as cardiovascular disorder (CVD) mortality, non-CVD disease-related mortality, suicide and accident.ResultsWe found no significant association between metabolic syndrome or any of its components with all-cause, CVD and non-CVD mortality. However, an association with increased all-cause and disease-related mortality was found in the subpopulation of older adults with MDD, even after adjustment for age, sex and smoking status (p=0.032 and p=0.036, respectively). A significant interaction was found between metabolic syndrome and psychiatric diagnoses indicating that in participants with MDD, metabolic syndrome had a significantly greater effect on all-cause mortality (p=0.025) and on disease-related mortality (p=0.008) than in participants with either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.ConclusionsIn older adults with psychiatric illness, our findings do not support an association between metabolic syndrome and increased mortality, in contrast with the literature findings on their younger counterparts. We discuss several possible explanations, including a survival bias, a lack of sensitivity of the used cut-offs and a ceiling effect of metabolic syndrome on mortality in this very high-risk population. The lack of a ceiling effect in the depressive subgroup, because of a less marked premature mortality, could explain the positive association, in contrast with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia subgroups.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
A qualitative study on perceived sexual intimacy and mental health in later life during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: von Humboldt S. , Low G. , Leal I. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic may affect sexual intimacy and have implications for overall sexual well-being.ObjectivesThis study comprised two main objectives: 1) To explore the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on older couples’ sexual intimacy; and 2) To assess how older couples’ sexual intimacy during the COVID-19 pandemic influences mental health.MethodsThe sample of this qualitative study consisted of 391 older participants (between 65 and 87 years of age).ResultsFor the first objective, semi-structured interview data yielded five main themes: (1) Less sexual satisfaction (68%); (2) Less sexual desire (67%); (3) Stronger affective relationships (34%); (4) Fear of contracting physical illness (29%); and (5) Less attractiveness (23%). Three main themes concerning mental health were reported by participants: (1) Less anxiety and distress (78%); (2) Greater attention to negative emotional states (55%); and (3) Less emotional outbursts (41%).ConclusionsThe pandemic affected older adults’ sexual intimacy, mostly negatively. Less sexual satisfaction and desire were felt by these older couples. Conversely, stronger affective relationships were reported. In spite of these mostly negative influences, existing sexual intimacy was mostly linked to less perceived anxiety and distress, greater attention to negative emotional states, and less emotional outbursts. Sexual intimacy during COVID-19 has received little attention; however, these results highlight its positive contribution to mental health and therefore a relevant approach to this topic should be taken, especially in later life.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychosocial differences in perceived older workers’ work (un)adaptability, effectiveness and workplace age discrimination
Authors: von Humboldt S. , Miguel I. , Valentim J. , Costa A. , Low G. , Leal I. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe aging population in the developed world has implied increasing age diversity in the workforce of organizations. Consequently, mutual perceptions about one’s co-workers and age discrimination is becoming increasingly important.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore how perceptions about older workers’ work (un)adaptability, work effectiveness and workplace age discrimination vary according to participants’ psychosocial factors, such as age group, gender, education level and work sector.MethodsThis study included a sample of 453 workers in Portugal, diverse in terms of age, gender, education level and work sector. Four different instruments were used: (a) a sociodemographic questionnaire; (b) an older workers’ Work Adaptability scale; (c) an older workers’ Work Effectiveness Scale and; (d) the Workplace Age Discrimination Scale (WADS).ResultsMiddle-aged and older participants perceive older workers as more adaptable than younger participants. The oldest group of participants perceives older workers to be more work-effective and experience the highest levels of age discrimination in the workplace, when compared to the other age groups. Also, participants with lower levels of education tend to perceive higher levels of workplace age discrimination, when compared to participants with high school and higher education.ConclusionsGenerational perceptions in the workplace are perceived by workers differently, hence organizations should implement age management strategies to address age discrimination, particularly due to the increasing proportion of older workers.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Cerebellar dysfunction and autism spectrum disorders – what do we know?
Authors: Pinheiro Ramos C. , Alves M. , Marta J. , Ribeiro R. , Gamito A. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairments in social cognition and repetitive behaviors with onset in early infancy. Deficits in emotion recognition, social perception, and communication have been identified as core symptoms of ASD.Comorbid disorders are frequent, namely psychiatric illness, epilepsy, sleep disruption, and hyperactivity.Immune profile changes during early life may contribute to pathogenesis of ASD. Other risk factors include advanced parental age, fetal environment, fertility treatments, medications, and nutritional and toxic factors.Several brain regions are involved in the pathophysiology of ASD but the cerebellum is the structure most consistently found altered. An increased risk of ASD is associated with cerebellar damage.ObjectivesTo highlight the importance of understanding the key processes of cerebellar development and how altered cerebellar function leads to social and cognitive impairments, and consequently ASD.MethodsNon-systematic review of the literature using Pubmed database. Papers were selected according to their relevance.ResultsFrom imaging studies, we can understand that cerebellum is not just about motor function. Different tasks like adding working memory, emotional and social processing, and language seem to be part of core functions of the cerebellar circuit.Adults with lesions in the cerebellum can develop cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS), with core symptoms of impaired executive function, difficulties in spatial cognition, blunted affect, or inappropriate behavior. Some children who have tumor resection surgery for medulloblastomas also exhibit symptoms of CCAS, and some experience posterior fossa syndrome (PFS).The linguistic, cognitive, and behavioral deficits in CCAS and PFS may contribute to explaining how cerebellar alterations are related to ASD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by an earlier onset and broader spectrum of these symptoms.ConclusionsThe literature has suggested an important role for cerebellar dysfunction in etiology of ASD, under certain premises: (a) cerebellar expansion temporarily coincides with onset of ASD; (b) cerebellum is prone to lesions during this period; (3) cerebellar lesions contribute to dysfunctional social and language abilities.Disturbances in cerebellar development lead to alterations in higher cognitive functions, due to changes in Purkinje cells. These dysfunctional neurons, once integrated into a brain circuit that controls complex tasks, lead to these functions becoming aberrant.It is therefore fair to say that cerebellum is important for development of the so-called “cognitive and social brain” since it is itself part of this network. So, the cerebellum certainly plays a relevant role in pathophysiology of ASD.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Latent classes based on clinical symptoms of military recruits with mental health issues and their distinctive clinical responses to treatment over a 6-month duration
Authors: Jon D.-I. , Park E.-H. , Hong H. J. , Jung M. H. , Hong N. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionIn South Korea, all men at the age of 18 or older are required to serve at military for a certain period as an obligation. These recruits should be able to withstand psychological stress and pressures of rapid adaptation of the unique and new environment in military.ObjectivesThe current study attempted to identify distinct subgroups of patients referred for military service suitability and further to investigate whether there is a difference in clinical features such as treatment responsiveness and prognosis among those subgroups.MethodsSubjects were male patients aged 18 to 28 years who visited the department of psychiatry at the University Hospital for evaluating mental health problems related to military service. We conducted a latent profile analysis (LPA) using 10 clinical scales of MMPI-2 as an indicator variable to investigate the subgroups of subjects. The clinical state of subjects was assessed with CGI-S and GAF scale for three time point (0, 3, and 6 month).ResultsThe results showed that the best fitting model corresponded to a three-class model: each class was named ‘Class 1: mild maladjustment’, ‘Class 2: neurotic depression and anxiety’, and ‘Class 3: highly vulnerable and hypervigilant’ respectively. Subsequent analysis was also carried out to identify changes in clinical symptoms and functional level across treatment time of each subgroup identified in LPA. We demonstrated that the three subgroups displayed differential characteristics in treatment responsiveness and clinical course evaluated by CGI-S and GAF over a treatment period of 6 months. Three subgroups indicated significant differences in the number of medications prescribed as well. Class 3 had more antidepressants and anxiolytics on use than Class 1 and 2. Antipsychotic agents and a combination of three antidepressants were prescribed more frequently in Class 3 than in Class 1 and 2.ConclusionsWhile Class 1 and 2 significantly improved over 6 months, Class 3 showed little or no improvement in our clinical parameters even with more medications. This study has a clinical significance that it has classified qualitatively different subgroups within the sample by conducting LPA with clinical profiles of MMPI-2 and provides a basis for comprehensively understanding their differentiated clinical features. This study suggests clinical implications for treatment plan and intervention of each subgroup classified based on MMPI-2 clinical profiles of military recruits who might show maladjustment to serve.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Vocal music and brain plasticity_a literature review
Authors: Arshad H. , Muhammad G. , Khan A. R. , Arshad A. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionVocal music has been a way for the expression of beautiful human emotions and gives a consolidated framework to words. Our review is centered on finding neuroplastic changes in exposure to music.ObjectivesOur main Objective is to identify structural brain changes in different brain areas. Identification of motor and sensory changes that are produced in response to vocal music.MethodsDetailed literature review was conducted using Pubmed and Google Scholar databases. The literature search was narrowed down to cover the research topic with the search terms [plasticity] OR [brain] OR [neurons] OR [music] OR [vocal]. Our Inclusion criteria included studies with effects of vocal music on neuronal plasticity regardless of age, gender, duration of training, type of training, medium of lanuage and profession. Exclusion criteria included instrumental music and forms of music other than vocal music.ResultsResults showed that music impacts areas of the brain that are highly associated with human emotions. Any brain area can undergo neuroplasticity but is most commonly seen in the insular areas, paracortex, putamen, amygdala, and white matter. Music therapy promotes the formation of instant neural networks and the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These microscopic changes increase depending on the duration of exposure to vocal music. Later, it appears as macroscopic changes visible with the help of neuroimaging. There is also a significant difference in the brain changes of vocalists and non vocalists. Vocal music impacts the left side of the cortex. Music activates reward system in the brain that leads to stimulation of dopaminergic pathways. It helps in neuronal division in post strock and post traumatic brain injury patients.ConclusionsMusic therapy is widely used as the rehabilitative process that combines music with therapeutic medications to promote therapeutic alliance and better results. It is used to direct focus toward the fulfillment of the emotional and cognitive needs of patients with psychiatric ailments. This area is needed to be explored more so that vocal music can be used for integrated therapy.Keywords: Vocal music; Brain changes; neuroplasticity; therapy.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared