Transcriptomic profiles in major depressive disorder: the role of immunometabolic and cell-cycle-related pathways in depression with different levels of inflammation.

Transcriptomic profiles are important indicators for molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in major depressive disorder (MDD) and its different phenotypes, such as immunometabolic depression. We performed whole-transcriptome and pathway analyses on 139 individuals from the observational, case-control, BIOmarkers in DEPression (BIODEP) study, 105 with MDD and 34 controls. We divided MDD participants based on levels of inflammation, as measured by serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), in n = 39 'not inflamed' (CRP < 1 mg/L), n = 31 with 'elevated CRP' (1-3 mg/L), and n = 35 with 'low-grade inflammation' (>3 mg/L).

Where are they now? An analysis of integrated cardiothoracic surgery residency applicants.

Changes in cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) workforce trends have affected training paradigms to include the establishment of integrated six-year CTS residency (I6) programs. This study aimed to determine commitment of selected I6 program applicants to the specialty. Internal archives at a single institution were accessed to identify applicants interviewed for an I6 position from 2014 to 2016.

Exploring the research needs, barriers and facilitators to the collection of biological data in adolescence for mental health research: a scoping review protocol paper.

Introduction: While research into adolescent mental health has developed a considerable understanding of environmental and psychosocial risk factors, equivalent biological evidence is lacking and is not representative of economic, social and ethnic diversity in the adolescent population. It is important to understand the possible barriers and facilitators to conduct this research. This will then allow us to improve our understanding of how biology interacts with environmental and psychosocial risk factors during adolescence.

Disturbed sex hormone milieu in males and females with major depressive disorder and low-grade inflammation.

Sex hormones have biological effects on inflammation, and these might contribute to the sex-specific features of depression. C-reactive protein (CRP) is the most widely used inflammatory biomarker and consistent evidence shows a significant proportion (20-30 %) of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have CRP levels above 3 mg/L, a threshold indicating at least low-grade inflammation. Here, we investigate the interplay between sex hormones and CRP in the cross-sectional, observational Biomarkers in Depression Study.

Geospatial analysis of Plasmodium falciparum serological indicators: school versus community sampling in a low-transmission malaria setting.

Background: Due to low numbers of active infections and persons presenting to health facilities for malaria treatment, case-based surveillance is inefficient for understanding the remaining disease burden in low malaria transmission settings. Serological data through the detection of IgG antibodies from previous malaria parasite exposure can fill this gap by providing a nuanced picture of where sustained transmission remains. Study enrollment at sites of gathering provides a potential approach to spatially estimate malaria exposure and could preclude the need for more intensive community-based sampling.