Physiological paradigm for assessing reward prediction and extinction using cortical direct current potential responses in rats.

Anticipating positive outcomes is a core cognitive function in the process of reward prediction. However, no neurophysiological method objectively assesses reward prediction in basic medical research. In the present study, we established a physiological paradigm using cortical direct current (DC) potential responses in rats to assess reward prediction.

Association between polarity of first episode and solar insolation in bipolar I disorder.

Objective: Circadian rhythm disruption is commonly observed in bipolar disorder (BD). Daylight is the most powerful signal to entrain the human circadian clock system. This exploratory study investigated if solar insolation at the onset location was associated with the polarity of the first episode of BD I.

Chronic antidepressant treatment rescues abnormally reduced REM sleep theta power in socially defeated rats.

The effects of chronic antidepressant (AD) treatment on sleep disturbances in rodent chronic stress models have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we show that chronic social defeat stress (SDS) in rats induces prolonged social avoidance, alterations in sleep architecture (increased total rapid eye movement [REM] sleep duration, bout, and shortened REM latency), and contextual but not cued fear memory deficits, even 1 month after the last SDS. These abnormalities were associated with changes in electroencephalography (EEG) spectral powers, including reduced REM sleep theta power during the light phase.

Return-to-Work Screening by Linear Discriminant Analysis of Heart Rate Variability Indices in Depressed Subjects.

Using a linear discriminant analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) indices, the present study sought to verify the usefulness of autonomic measurement in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients by assessing the feasibility of their return to work after sick leave. When reinstatement was scheduled, patients' HRV was measured using a wearable electrocardiogram device. The outcome of the reinstatement was evaluated at one month after returning to work.

Essential roles of plexin-B3 oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

The role of oligodendrocyte lineage cells, the largest glial population in the adult central nervous system (CNS), in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains elusive. Here, we developed a culture method for adult oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (aOPCs). Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) promotes survival and proliferation of NG2 aOPCs in a serum-free defined medium; a subpopulation (~5%) of plexin-B3 aOPCs was also found.

Usefulness of heart rate variability indices in assessing the risk of an unsuccessful return to work after sick leave in depressed patients.

Aim: The present study aimed to examine whether heart rate variability (HRV) indices in depressed patients measured at return to work after sick leave are related to the outcome of reinstatement.

Methods: This study included 30 workers who took a leave of absence due to major depressive disorder. HRV was measured twice, once when participants left work and another when they returned to work.

Human Herpesvirus 6B Greatly Increases Risk of Depression by Activating Hypothalamic-Pituitary -Adrenal Axis during Latent Phase of Infection.

Little is known about the effect of latent-phase herpesviruses on their host. Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) is one of the most ubiquitous herpesviruses, and olfactory astrocytes are one of the most important sites of its latency. Here, we identified SITH-1, an HHV-6B latent protein specifically expressed in astrocytes.

Ergothioneine, a metabolite of the gut bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri, protects against stress-induced sleep disturbances.

The relationships between depression and gut microbiota, particularly those involving the immune system, have become a major focus of recent research. Here, we analyzed changes in gut microbiota and their sulfur metabolites in the feces of a depression rat model using the modified 14-day social defeat stress (SDS) paradigm. Our results showed that SDS increased fecal Lactobacillus reuteri in correlation with ergothioneine levels at around day 11, which continued for at least 1 month following SDS administration.

Therapy-refractory schizophrenia in a patient who previously suffered from Meige's syndrome.

The main symptoms of Meige's syndrome are involuntary eye blinking with muddled speech and uncontrollable contraction of the platysma muscle characterized by segmental, primarily oromandibular, dystonia (hyperkinesia). It can also develop after long-term medication of first- and second-generation antipsychotics. Here, we report the case of a Japanese female schizophrenic patient comorbid with Meige's syndrome and hyperthyroidism.

Internet use by older adults with bipolar disorder: international survey results.

Background: The world population is aging and the number of older adults with bipolar disorder is increasing. Digital technologies are viewed as a framework to improve care of older adults with bipolar disorder. This analysis quantifies Internet use by older adults with bipolar disorder as part of a larger survey project about information seeking.

International multi-site survey on the use of online support groups in bipolar disorder.

Background: Peer support is an established component of recovery from bipolar disorder, and online support groups may offer opportunities to expand the use of peer support at the patient's convenience. Prior research in bipolar disorder has reported value from online support groups.

Aims: To understand the use of online support groups by patients with bipolar disorder as part of a larger project about information seeking.

The regulation of soluble receptor for AGEs contributes to carbonyl stress in schizophrenia.

Our previous study showed that enhanced carbonyl stress is closely related to schizophrenia. The endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end-products (esRAGE) is a splice variant of the AGER gene and is one of the soluble forms of RAGE. esRAGE is considered to be a key molecule for alleviating the burden of carbonyl stress by entrapping advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).

Online information seeking by patients with bipolar disorder: results from an international multisite survey.

Background: Information seeking is an important coping mechanism for dealing with chronic illness. Despite a growing number of mental health websites, there is little understanding of how patients with bipolar disorder use the Internet to seek information.

Methods: A 39 question, paper-based, anonymous survey, translated into 12 languages, was completed by 1222 patients in 17 countries as a convenience sample between March 2014 and January 2016.

Internet use by patients with bipolar disorder: Results from an international multisite survey.

There is considerable international interest in online education of patients with bipolar disorder, yet little understanding of how patients use the Internet and other sources to seek information. 1171 patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 17 countries completed a paper-based, anonymous survey. 81% of the patients used the Internet, a percentage similar to the general public.

Neural stem cells and neuro/gliogenesis in the central nervous system: understanding the structural and functional plasticity of the developing, mature, and diseased brain.

Neurons and glia in the central nervous system (CNS) originate from neural stem cells (NSCs). Knowledge of the mechanisms of neuro/gliogenesis from NSCs is fundamental to our understanding of how complex brain architecture and function develop. NSCs are present not only in the developing brain but also in the mature brain in adults.

Influence of light exposure during early life on the age of onset of bipolar disorder.

Background: Environmental conditions early in life may imprint the circadian system and influence response to environmental signals later in life. We previously determined that a large springtime increase in solar insolation at the onset location was associated with a younger age of onset of bipolar disorder, especially with a family history of mood disorders. This study investigated whether the hours of daylight at the birth location affected this association.

Relationship between sunlight and the age of onset of bipolar disorder: an international multisite study.

Background: The onset of bipolar disorder is influenced by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. We previously found that a large increase in sunlight in springtime was associated with a lower age of onset. This study extends this analysis with more collection sites at diverse locations, and includes family history and polarity of first episode.