A lived experience perspective on advocacy in mental health research

A lived experience perspective on advocacy in mental health research

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Neural correlates of personal space regulation in psychosis: role of the inferior parietal cortex

Regulation of interpersonal distance or “personal space” (PS; the space near the body into which others cannot intrude without eliciting discomfort) is a largely unconscious channel of non-verbal social communication used by many species including humans. PS abnormalities have been observed in neuropsychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia. However, the neurophysiological basis of these abnormalities remains unknown. To investigate this question, in this study, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected while individuals with psychotic disorders (PD; n = 37) and demographically-matched healthy control (HC) subjects (n = 60) viewed images of faces moving towards or away from them. Responses of a frontoparietal-subcortical network of brain regions were measured to the approaching versus the withdrawing face stimuli, and resting-state fMRI data were also collected. PS size was measured using the classical Stop Distance Procedure. As expected, the PD group demonstrated a significantly larger PS compared to the HC group (P = 0.002). In both groups, a network of parietal and frontal cortical regions showed greater approach-biased responses, whereas subcortical areas (the striatum, amygdala and hippocampus) showed greater withdrawal-biased responses. Moreover, within the PD (but not the HC) group, approach-biased activation of the inferior parietal cortex (IPC) and functional connectivity between the IPC and the ventral/limbic striatum were significantly correlated with PS size. This study provides evidence that PS abnormalities in psychotic illness involve disrupted function and connectivity of the PS network. Such brain-behavior relationships may serve as objective treatment targets for novel interventions for schizophrenia and related psychotic illnesses.

First-principles and machine-learning approaches for interpreting and predicting the properties of MXenes

MXenes are a versatile family of 2D inorganic materials with applications in energy storage, shielding, sensing, and catalysis. This review highlights computational studies using density functional theory and machine-learning approaches to explore their structure (stacking, functionalization, doping), properties (electronic, mechanical, magnetic), and application potential. Key advances and challenges are critically examined, offering insights into applying computational research to transition these materials from the lab to practical use.

Clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of X-linked hypophosphataemia

X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is a rare metabolic bone disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the PHEX gene, which is predominantly expressed in osteoblasts, osteocytes and odontoblasts. XLH is characterized by increased synthesis of the bone-derived phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), which results in renal phosphate wasting with consecutive hypophosphataemia, rickets, osteomalacia, disproportionate short stature, oral manifestations, pseudofractures, craniosynostosis, enthesopathies and osteoarthritis. Patients with XLH should be provided with multidisciplinary care organized by a metabolic bone expert. Historically, these patients were treated with frequent doses of oral phosphate supplements and active vitamin D, which was of limited efficiency and associated with adverse effects. However, the management of XLH has evolved in the past few years owing to the availability of burosumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that neutralizes circulating FGF23. Here, we provide updated clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of XLH to improve outcomes and quality of life in these patients.

Iron homeostasis and ferroptosis in muscle diseases and disorders: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects

The muscular system plays a critical role in the human body by governing skeletal movement, cardiovascular function, and the activities of digestive organs. Additionally, muscle tissues serve an endocrine function by secreting myogenic cytokines, thereby regulating metabolism throughout the entire body. Maintaining muscle function requires iron homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that disruptions in iron metabolism and ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent cell death, are essential contributors to the progression of a wide range of muscle diseases and disorders, including sarcopenia, cardiomyopathy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Thus, a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms regulating iron metabolism and ferroptosis in these conditions is crucial for identifying potential therapeutic targets and developing new strategies for disease treatment and/or prevention. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in the context of muscle injury, as well as associated muscle diseases and disorders. Moreover, we discuss potential targets within the ferroptosis pathway and possible strategies for managing muscle disorders. Finally, we shed new light on current limitations and future prospects for therapeutic interventions targeting ferroptosis.

Higher income is associated with greater life satisfaction, and more stress

Is there a cost to our well-being from increased affluence? Drawing upon responses from 2.05 million U.S. adults from the Gallup Daily Poll from 2008 to 2017 we find that with household income above ~$63,000 respondents are more likely to experience stress. This contrasts with the trend below this threshold, where at higher income the prevalence of stress decreases. Such a turning point for stress was also found for population sub-groups, divided by gender, race, and political affiliation. Further, we find that respondents who report prior-day stress have lower life satisfaction for all income and sub-group categories compared to the respondents who do not report prior-day stress. We find suggestive evidence that among the more satisfied, healthier, socially connected, and those not suffering basic needs deprivations, this turn-around in stress prevalence starts at lower values of income and stress. We hypothesize that stress at higher income values relates to lifestyle factors associated with affluence, rather than from known well-being deprivations related to good health and social conditions, which may arise even at lower income values if conventional needs are met.

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