Brain and Behavior最新文献

Background: The involvement of immune cells in the pathophysiology of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is becoming increasingly recognized, yet their specific causal contributions remain uncertain. The objective of this research is to uncover the potential causal interactions between diverse immune cells and ICH using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods: Genetic variants associated with 731 immune cell traits were sourced from a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 3757 participants. Summary statistics data for ICH were acquired from FinnGen, comprising 4056 ICH cases and 371,717 controls. The principal analytical tool utilized in our study was the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, incorporated as a key component of a two-sample MR approach. To mitigate potential biases and verify the stability of the conclusions drawn from the primary analytical methods, a series of sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results: MR analysis elucidated 33 immune cell traits with causal associations, comprising B cells (eight traits), conventional dendritic cells (cDC, two traits), maturation stages of T cells (two traits), monocytes (two traits), myeloid cells (five traits), TBNK cells (six traits), and regulatory T cells (Treg, eight traits). DP (CD4+CD8+) %T cell (OR = 0.83, CI = 0.72-0.96, p = 0.013) exhibited the strongest protective effect. In contrast, transitional AC (OR = 1.09, CI = 1.02-1.16, p = 0.006) and IgD- CD27- %lymphocyte (OR = 1.08, CI = 1.00-1.17, p = 0.045) showed a higher tendency to increase the ICH risk. The sensitivity analyses validated the robustness and consistency of these results.

Conclusion: Our research provides robust evidence substantiating the causal relationship between specific immunophenotypes and ICH risk. The identification of these findings significantly enhances our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying ICH, particularly pertaining to the immune system. This breakthrough paves the way for innovative clinical and pharmaceutical research opportunities, potentially promoting the development of targeted therapies and enhanced strategies for managing and preventing ICH.

Background: In recent years, cognitive impairment has emerged as a pivotal symptom in elderly patients with depression, exerting a substantial impact on the course and prognosis of diseases. Moreover, it persists even following remission from depression during the rehabilitation period. However, there remains an incomplete understanding of the relevant influencing factors for cognitive impairment in elderly depressed patients, which seriously impedes the development of risk prediction models and the subsequent research on precision intervention programs.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of negative influencing factors and assessment tools for cognitive impairment in patients with late-life depression (LLD), thereby providing a theoretical framework for the construction of subsequent targeted intervention programs.

Methods: The search strategy employed in this study followed an evidence-based approach, utilizing a systematic scoping review to thoroughly explore six English and four Chinese databases up until November 2023. Two researchers independently conducted article screening and employed thematic analysis to categorize the results into themes.

Results: Following two rounds of rigorous screening conducted by the evidence-based research team, data were meticulously extracted and succinctly summarized from five distinct themes encompassing socio-demographic, physiological, psychological, genetic, and other related factors. In addition, a comprehensive compilation of 19 diverse assessment tools was undertaken. Ultimately, a total of 22 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this study. These comprised five longitudinal studies, nine pathological controlled studies, five cross-sectional studies, two cohort studies, and one randomized controlled study.

Conclusion: Cognitive dysfunction is an important symptom of LLD, which seriously affects the survival of patients. At present, the research on its influencing factors mainly includes socio-demographic, physiological, psychological, genetic, and other related factors. There have been existing cognitive function assessment tools specifically for those 18- to 65-year-old patients of major depressive disorder, but there is still a lack of reliability and validity tests in LLD.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of fatalistic tendency on attitudes toward epilepsy patients.

Methods: The study was conducted between August 17 and October 1, 2022 in a family health center in Sakarya province in western Türkiye. The sample consisted of 479 adults. Data were collected in descriptive information forms, the fatalism tendency scale and the epilepsy attitude scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0, AMOS V 24.0, and G*Power 3.1 statistical package programs.

Results: Results showed that the model built according to the hypotheses was compatible, and the model fit indices χ²/Sd = 1.857, RMSEA = 0.04, CFI = 0.98, GFI = 0.99, AGFI = 0.97, and IFI = 0.98 were within the desired limits. Structural equation modeling to determine the effect of fatalistic tendency on attitudes toward epilepsy revealed that fatalistic tendency affected the attitudes toward epilepsy patients (β = 0.87, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: In our study, as the fatalistic tendency of individuals increased, their negative attitudes toward epilepsy patients increased. Longitudinal studies on attitudes toward epilepsy patients are recommended.

Introduction: This study describes epidemiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and use of ADHD medication across all age groups in Finland.

Methods: This retrospective study is based on nationwide registers in Finland. The study population included individuals with ADHD diagnosis and/or an ADHD medication record at least once during 2015-2020.

Results: The yearly prevalence of ADHD was higher in males than in females and was highest in the age groups of 6- to 12- and 13- to 17-year-old males. In 2020, the yearly prevalence was 4.2% in ≤12-year-old, 6.7% in 13- to 17-year-old, 0.7% in ≥18-year-old males, and 1.1%, 2.6%, and 0.6%, respectively, in females. The gender-related differences were greatest among 6- to 12- and 13- to 17-year-olds, after which the differences evened out. During the study period from 2015 to 2020, the yearly prevalence more than doubled in each of the five Finnish administrative university hospital areas. The prevalence was higher in males, but the relative growth was higher in females compared to males. The incidence per 100,000 inhabitants was the highest in ≤12-year-old males and increased in all age groups and in both genders. The use of medication was more common in males than in females, and the overall proportion of prevalent ADHD patients on medication remained around 80%. Decrease in medication use was observed in connection with the transition from adolescence to adulthood, in both genders.

Conclusion: Both prevalence and incidence of ADHD more than doubled in Finland during the study period 2015-2020. This study presents the most comprehensive analysis of national register data at personal-level linkage in Finland, since it included all age groups, and both diagnosed ADHD patients and individuals receiving medication, not limited to reimbursed medication.

Aim: The aim of the study was to survey the observed incidence of adverse effects (AEs) related to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Finnish neuromodulation units, as well as to explore what medical interventions are used to prevent and treat them in those units.

Methods: An electronic survey was conducted among Finnish neuromodulation units at the end of 2022. The survey included 35 questions related to AEs and their prevention and/or treatment in the responding units' ECT patient populations.

Results: Our survey reached 19 out of 26 units in Finland, with 17 units completing the full questionnaire. Headache, myalgia and postictal confusion (PIC) emerged as the most frequently reported AEs. Nausea and high blood pressure were reported less often. Only a few units reported AEs known to be rare, such as accidental awareness during general anesthesia and the aspiration of gastric contents. However, there was considerable variation in the recognition and treatment of those ECT-related AEs the diagnosis of which depends more on patients' self-reporting, including headache, myalgia or nausea. Five units (29%) reported frequent or occasional headache or myalgia and four units (24%) reported occasional nausea experienced by their patients, but these AEs were addressed pharmacologically in those units neither by prophylaxis nor by treatment. This raises concern about whether these AEs are perceived as an insignificant issue in delivering ECT treatment, thus requiring no intervention, or if those AEs should be better recognized and and managed more actively.

Conclusions: AEs related to ECT treatment are common, but some still appear poorly recognized and treated. Regarding treatment adherence, minimizing potential AEs whenever feasible can be considered important. A thorough preoperative assessment of patients is required to identify possible risk factors for AEs. An objective and structured evaluation tool for recognizing adverse effects in patients undergoing ECT treatment would be useful.

Background: Existing literature explores the relationship between voluntary work, loneliness, and social isolation, but there is a lack of research on how the onset and cessation of voluntary work relate to loneliness and social isolation among older adults. Many in this population may discontinue volunteering due to various life circumstances, making it important to investigate the longitudinal significance of these transitions. This study aims to assess whether engaging in volunteer work during retirement age is associated with changes in loneliness and social isolation.

Methods: Longitudinal data were obtained from Waves 5 (Year 2014) and 6 (Year 2017) of the German Ageing Survey, focusing on middle-aged and older adults. The sample size (n = 6628) was limited to those aged 65 and above. Two groups were analyzed: the onset group, individuals who did not volunteer in 2014 but did by 2017 (188 individuals), and the cessation group, those who volunteered in 2014 but not by 2017 (307 individuals). Loneliness was assessed using the De Jong Gierveld tool, and perceived social isolation was measured using the Bude and Lantermann instrument. Asymmetric linear fixed effects (FE) regression analysis examined the associations.

Results: In an asymmetric FE regression analysis that adjusted for a multitude of time-varying covariates, an association was shown between the onset of volunteer work and decreases in loneliness (β = -0.07; p = 0.04) in older adults. In contrast, there was no significant association between the onset of voluntary work and changes in perceived social isolation. Also, there was no significant association between the cessation of volunteer work and changes in perceived social isolation or loneliness.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that older adults who choose to volunteer may experience a decrease in self-reported loneliness. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our present findings.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates peripheral and CNS BDNF levels in glioma patients.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched databases for studies measuring BDNF in glioma patients and controls. After screening and data extraction, we conducted quality assessment, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

Results: Eight studies were included. Meta-analysis showed significantly reduced plasma BDNF levels in glioma patients versus controls (SMD: -1.0026; 95% CI: [-1.5284, -0.4769], p = 0.0002). High-grade gliomas had lower plasma BDNF (p = 0.0288). Tissue BDNF levels were higher in glioma patients (SMD: 1.9513; 95% CI: [0.7365, 3.1661], p = 0.0016) and correlated with tumor grade (p = 0.0122). Plasma BDNF levels negatively correlated with patient age (p = 0.0244) and positively with female percentage (p = 0.0007).

Conclusion: BDNF is a promising biomarker in glioma, showing significant changes in plasma and tissue levels correlating with tumor grade, patient age, and gender.

Objectives: Studies have shown that people living with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) were substantially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no study has compared the overall health-related quality of life impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PwMS and the general population. Differences would have implications for crises/pandemic management policies. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and health-related quality of life impact of COVID-19-related adversity (such as deteriorations in mental or physical health) in PwMS and the general population.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from the How Is Your Life Australian general population study (comprising subsamples with and without chronic disease) and the Australian MS Longitudinal Study from August to October 2020. Health-related quality of life was measured using health state utilities (HSUs; represented on a 0 [death] to 1 [full health] scale) generated by the EQ-5D-5L-Psychosocial. COVID-19-related adversity was measured via specialized survey items. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted.

Results: A total of 1020 general population individuals and 1635 MS participants entered the study (mean age 52.4 and 58.4; female 52.4% and 80.2%, respectively). COVID-19-related adversity prevalence was higher among PwMS compared to the general population with and without chronic diseases (PR: 1.430 [CI: 1.153, 1.774] and PR: 1.90 [CI: 1.56, 2.32], respectively). However, the HSU impact of COVID-19-related adversity was not dependent on disease status (p > 0.20, test for interaction).

Conclusion: This study found that PwMS were more likely to experience COVID-19-related adversity compared to the general population, though the health-related quality-of-life impact was similar. This demonstrates that PwMS require additional support during national and global crises.

Background and objectives: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an acute inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nervous system, is characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis. Prompt identification of patients at a high risk of poor outcomes is crucial for timely intervention. In this study, we combined clinical data with nerve conduction study and electromyography data to identify the predictors of GBS outcomes.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with GBS who had received treatment at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, between 1998 and 2022. Comprehensive clinical and electrophysiological data were collected. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the predictors of poor outcomes. The patients were stratified into two groups by their scores on the GBS Disability Scale: good (score ≤ 2) and poor (score > 2) outcome groups.

Results: The study finally included 24 GBS patients (mean age: 53.0 ± 20.9 years; female-to-male ratio: 2.3; good outcome group: 13; poor outcome group: 11). Compared with the good outcome group, the poor outcome group was old (43.0 ± 20.4 vs. 64.0 ± 15.7, p = 0.011), had a short time-to-treatment period (12.9 ± 7.8 vs. 6.5 ± 5.4 days, p = 0.033), exhibited more prevalent mechanical ventilation use (0 vs. 36.4%, p = 0.017), and had a prolonged hospitalization duration (14.7 ± 10.2 vs. 53.1 ± 20.0 days, p < 0.001). Poor outcomes were associated with low compound muscle action potential (CMAP), slow motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), abnormal F-wave latency, and more conduction block and temporal dispersion. In the subgroup of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), there were 19 patients, out of which 10 had good outcomes, while nine had poor outcomes. The clinical features that differentiate between good and poor outcomes in the AIDP subgroup were similar to those observed in all GBS patients. Notably, the motor conduction features, including distal and proximal CMAP and MNCV of the median and tibial nerves (all p < 0.05), were particularly important electrodiagnostic features of outcome discrimination in the AIDP subgroup.

Discussion: Combining clinical data with nerve conduction study and electromyography data can assist in predicting outcomes of both GBS patients and the AIDP subgroup. Poor outcomes are associated with older age, a more abrupt onset pattern, low CMAP, and slow nerve conduction, and abnormal tibial F responses can predict poor outcomes. Early identification of high-risk patients facilitates tailored interventions. This highlights the importance of combining clinical and electrophysiological data in GBS management.

Introduction: The interplay between emotional disorders and thyroid disorders has been subject to numerous observational studies, which have consistently reported associations but have failed to establish clear causal links due to the multifactorial etiology and influences. We conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the genetic causal association between emotional disorders and thyroid disorders.

Methods: We employed several methods, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, weighted mode, and MR Egger regression. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were conducted using MR-Egger, MR Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), Cochran's Q, and leave-one-out methods.

Results: IVW results showed negative causal relationships between bidirectional emotional disorders and hypothyroidism, toxic single thyroid nodules in thyrotoxicosis, and hyperthyroidism/toxicity. Additionally, there was a positive causal relationship between anxiety disorders and hypothyroidism. IVW results of reverse MR analysis estimates revealed a positive causal relationship between hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, and recurrent or chronic depression. Additionally, there was a negative causal relationship between hyperthyroidism/toxicity and bipolar disorder.

Conclusion: This bidirectional two-sample MR study preliminarily reveals a complex, bidirectional causal relationship between emotional disorders and thyroid disorders, particularly highlighting the role of thyroid dysfunction in the development of certain emotional disorders and vice versa.