Engagement in online cognitive testing with the Cogstate brief battery among a multinational cohort of people with focal epilepsy.

Objective: The Human Epilepsy Project (HEP) is a large multinational cohort study of people with newly diagnosed and treated focal epilepsy. HEP utilized the Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB) as a self-directed online assessment to examine cognitive outcomes in study participants. The CBB has previously been validated in healthy individuals and people with various brain disorders, but its use in adults participating in HEP has not been assessed.

Unveiling a novel memory center in human brain: neurochemical identification of the nucleus incertus, a key pontine locus implicated in stress and neuropathology.

Background: The nucleus incertus (NI) was originally described by Streeter in 1903, as a midline region in the floor of the fourth ventricle of the human brain with an 'unknown' function. More than a century later, the neuroanatomy of the NI has been described in lower vertebrates, but not in humans. Therefore, we examined the neurochemical anatomy of the human NI using markers, including the neuropeptide, relaxin-3 (RLN3), and began to explore the distribution of the NI-related RLN3 innervation of the hippocampus.

Comprehensive immunoprofiling of neurodevelopmental disorders suggests three distinct classes based on increased neurogenesis, Th-1 polarization or IL-1 signaling.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a spectrum of conditions with commonalities as well as differences in terms of phenome, symptomatome, neuropathology, risk factors and underlying mechanisms. Immune dysregulation has surfaced as a major pathway in NDDs. However, it is not known if neurodevelopmental disorders share a common immunopathogenetic mechanism.

Equal remission rates and reduced length of hospital stay with twice-daily repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for major depression - A large naturalistic retrospective cohort association study.

Objectives: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a level 1a evidence-based treatment for major depression, but high cost of care and limited effectiveness in naturalistic cohorts have been lingering criticisms. This naturalistic, retrospective cohort analysis compares the effect of once and twice daily treatment protocols of rTMS using quality assurance data collected at an Australian private psychiatric hospital.

Methods: A total of 210 inpatients self-selected into two groups receiving up to 30 sessions of either daily (n = 101) or twice daily (n = 109) 10 Hz rTMS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

How does a family history of psychosis influence the risk of methamphetamine-related psychotic symptoms: Evidence from longitudinal panel data.

Aims: To determine whether the risk of psychotic symptoms during weeks of methamphetamine use was dependent on, increased by, or independent of having a family history of psychosis.

Design: Secondary analysis of 13 contiguous 1-week periods of data (1370 weeks). A risk modification framework was used to test each scenario.

Alexander disease: the road ahead.

Alexander disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the glial fibrillary acidic protein, a type III intermediate filament protein expressed in astrocytes. Both early (infantile or juvenile) and adult onsets of the disease are known and, in both cases, astrocytes present characteristic aggregates, named Rosenthal fibers. Mutations are spread along the glial fibrillary acidic protein sequence disrupting the typical filament network in a dominant manner.

Trial of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Ischemic Strokes.

Background: Trials of the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with large ischemic strokes have been carried out in limited populations.

Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized, open-label, adaptive, international trial involving patients with stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid artery or the first segment of the middle cerebral artery to assess endovascular thrombectomy within 24 hours after onset. Patients had a large ischemic-core volume, defined as an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score of 3 to 5 (range, 0 to 10, with lower scores indicating larger infarction) or a core volume of at least 50 ml on computed tomography perfusion or diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

Overview of the Clinical Approach to Individuals With Cerebellar Ataxia and Neuropathy.

Increasingly, cerebellar syndromes are recognized as affecting multiple systems. Extracerebellar features include peripheral neuropathies affecting proprioception; cranial neuropathies such as auditory and vestibular; and neuronopathies, for example, dorsal root and vestibular. The presence of such features, which in and of themselves may cause ataxia, likely contribute to key disabilities such as gait instability and falls.

Antidepressant prescribing patterns in Australia.

Background: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders (MDcpg and MDcpg) provide evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations for managing mood disorders.

Aims: We examined Australian real-world prescribing habits to determine whether management in clinical practice aligned with MDcpg recommendations.

Method: A retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients ≥16 years old who had been dispensed a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)-listed antidepressant between July 2013 and June 2019 was conducted using Australian Commonwealth Department of Human Services PBS 10% sample data.

Using polygenic scores and clinical data for bipolar disorder patient stratification and lithium response prediction: machine learning approach.

Background: Response to lithium in patients with bipolar disorder is associated with clinical and transdiagnostic genetic factors. The predictive combination of these variables might help clinicians better predict which patients will respond to lithium treatment.

Aims: To use a combination of transdiagnostic genetic and clinical factors to predict lithium response in patients with bipolar disorder.

A Delphi-method-based consensus guideline for definition of treatment-resistant depression for clinical trials.

Criteria for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and partially responsive depression (PRD) as subtypes of major depressive disorder (MDD) are not unequivocally defined. In the present document we used a Delphi-method-based consensus approach to define TRD and PRD and to serve as operational criteria for future clinical studies, especially if conducted for regulatory purposes. We reviewed the literature and brought together a group of international experts (including clinicians, academics, researchers, employees of pharmaceutical companies, regulatory bodies representatives, and one person with lived experience) to evaluate the state-of-the-art and main controversies regarding the current classification.

Interplay between the genetics of personality traits, severe psychiatric disorders and COVID-19 host genetics in the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, with its impact on our way of life, is affecting our experiences and mental health. Notably, individuals with mental disorders have been reported to have a higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. Personality traits could represent an important determinant of preventative health behaviour and, therefore, the risk of contracting the virus.

A proof-of-concept study of maternal immune activation mediated induction of Toll-like receptor (TLR) and inflammasome pathways leading to neuroprogressive changes and schizophrenia-like behaviours in offspring.

Infection, particularly prenatal infection, leads to an enhanced risk of schizophrenia in the offspring. Interestingly, few data exist on the pathway(s) such as TLR and inflammasome, primarily involved in sensing the microorganisms and inducing downstream inflammatory responses, apoptosis and neuroprogressive changes that drive prenatal infection-induced risk of schizophrenia. Herein, we aimed to discern whether prenatal infection-induced maternal immune activation (MIA) causes schizophrenia-like behaviours through activation of TLR and inflammasome pathways in the brain of offspring.

Translational evidence for the Inflammatory Response System (IRS)/Compensatory Immune Response System (CIRS) and neuroprogression theory of major depression.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common, severe and disabling neuropsychiatric disorder with a heterogenous etiology. Among the most widely recognized etiological models, immunopathogenesis is a predominant one. Numerous studies have demonstrated aberrant levels of inflammatory markers in the peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain of patients with MDD.

The Sez6 Family Inhibits Complement by Facilitating Factor I Cleavage of C3b and Accelerating the Decay of C3 Convertases.

The Sez6 family consists of Sez6, Sez6L, and Sez6L2. Its members are expressed throughout the brain and have been shown to influence synapse numbers and dendritic morphology. They are also linked to various neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Phenotypic Spectrum of Seizure Disorders in MBD5-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorder.

Objective: To describe the phenotypic spectrum in patients with MBD5-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (MAND) and seizures; features of MAND include intellectual disability, epilepsy, psychiatric features of aggression and hyperactivity, and dysmorphic features including short stature and microcephaly, sleep disturbance, and ataxia.

Methods: We performed phenotyping on patients with deletions, duplications, or point mutations and a history of seizures.

Results: Twenty-three patients with MAND and seizures were included.

Associations between dairy consumption and constipation in adults: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: The current study aimed to assess the association between dairy consumption and constipation in the general adult population.

Design: Data from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study were used to assess the association between dairy consumption and constipation in women (=632) and men (=609). Information on milk, yogurt and cheese, and constipation were self-reported.

Chemically modified and conjugated antimicrobial peptides against superbugs.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to human health that, by 2050, will lead to more deaths from bacterial infections than cancer. New antimicrobial agents, both broad-spectrum and selective, that do not induce AMR are urgently required. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a novel class of alternatives that possess potent activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and positive bacteria with little or no capacity to induce AMR.

Ferroptosis: mechanisms and links with diseases.

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death, which is different from apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and other forms of cell death. The process of ferroptotic cell death is defined by the accumulation of lethal lipid species derived from the peroxidation of lipids, which can be prevented by iron chelators (e.g.

Inflammatory versus Anti-inflammatory Profiles in Major Depressive Disorders-The Role of IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, IL-35 and Foxp3.

Background: The authors of this research study intended to verify whether there are any changes in gene expression in depressed patients without coexisting inflammatory diseases for selected immune-inflammatory factors that are particularly important in autoimmune disease pathogenesis (IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, IL-35, Foxp3).

Methods: The study was carried out on a group of 190 patients with depression and 100 healthy volunteers. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale.

The mental health and lifestyle impacts of COVID-19 on bipolar disorder.

Background: It is unclear how those with bipolar disorder (BD) have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to obtain a more detailed understanding of the current mental health needs of these individuals, which is important for both the development of intervention strategies to better manage patient distress and to better prepare for similar circumstances in future.

Methods: The sample comprised 43 individuals with a verified diagnosis of BD and 24 healthy controls.