Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Burak Tan, Umut Bakkaloglu, Meral Ascioglu, Cem Suer
Summary: This study found that thyroid hormone excessiveness during perinatal period can lead to long-lasting effects on hippocampal function, with differences in behavior and molecular indicators between rats treated with l-thyroxine during maternal period and in young adulthood. These effects may contribute to memory problems observed in adolescents with lactational hyperthyroidism.
PHARMACOLOGICAL REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Niklas Lonnemann, Martin Korte, Shirin Hosseini
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease with no successful treatment. In addition to its features, neuroinflammatory processes, genetic factors, and lifestyle also play important roles. Training in a water maze has shown positive effects on memory formation in AD mice.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Marta Balietti, Arianna Pugliese, Fiorenzo Conti
Summary: It has been demonstrated that cognitive stimulation in late life can prevent cognitive decline in still cognitively preserved animals and improve cognitive compromised animals. Future research should focus on individually tailored stimulation protocols to enhance their effectiveness.
EXPERIMENTAL GERONTOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Lisa Wintzell, Samuel Klemetz, Stefan Lange, Eric Hanse, Caroline Wass, Joakim Strandberg
Summary: The endogenous peptide antisecretory factor (AF) enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) and spatial learning and memory by disinhibiting GABAergic transmission in the rat hippocampus.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Amanda Dyer, Maxine De Butte
Summary: This study aimed to examine the effects of chronic low-dose vanadium administration on the behavior of young male rats. The findings suggest that vanadium does not significantly affect exploration, locomotion, or anxiety-like behavior in rats, but does affect novel object recognition performance. Additionally, vanadium administration led to lower latency times in the Morris Water maze task.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takujiro Homma, Hiroki Fujiwara, Tsukasa Osaki, Satoshi Fujii, Junichi Fujii
Summary: This study investigated the learning and memory abilities of Prdx4 knockout mice and found that Prdx4-KO mice performed poorly in spatial memory tasks. In contrast, their locomotor activity was significantly increased. Molecular analysis revealed increased expression of genes related to ER-associated degradation mechanisms and aberrant expression of proteins associated with calcium homeostasis and synaptogenesis in the brains of Prdx4-KO mice.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Laura B. Tucker, Amanda H. Fu, Joseph T. McCabe
Summary: Cognitive dysfunction is a common complaint following acquired traumatic brain injuries, with hippocampal circuits often implicated in resulting deficits. The study aimed to phenotype cognitive deficits in male and female mice following TBI induced by the CHIMERA device, showing significant impairment in spatial learning and memory skills. Differences in injury-induced deficits between male and female mice were observed, with cognitive impairment assessment potentially confounded by motor and visual impairments post-injury.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2021)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Muhammad Zulfadhli Othman, Zurina Hassan, Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
Summary: The Morris water maze has been a popular tool for assessing spatial learning and memory for about 40 years, with advantages such as effectiveness, reliability, and adaptability. Despite some experimental and analysis loopholes, improvements and adaptations have ensured its relevance as a tool for understanding spatial learning and memory mechanisms.
EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
IbDanelo Cortez, Caterina M. Hernandez, Kelly T. Dineley
Summary: The study found that the insulin-sensitizing drug rosiglitazone can improve age- and AD-related learning and memory deficits, particularly in cognitive domains that rely on the dorsal hippocampus.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Keyvan Mehri, Zohreh Zavvari Oskuye, Ehsan Nassireslami, Esmail Karami, Mohammad Reza Parvizi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Botulinum toxin on spatial memory and biochemical and histological parameters in the hippocampus of male rats. Results showed that Botox significantly impaired memory performance and led to a decrease in acetylcholine levels, increase in acetylcholinesterase activity, and morphological damage in the hippocampus. Administration of Rivastigmine partially alleviated these effects and could serve as a protective approach.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Ewa Zwierzynska, Boguslawa Pietrzak
Summary: Lacosamide does not impair memory and learning processes, with temporary disruption of emotional memory observed only after a single high dose administration.
EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kai -Yuan Jhan, Chien-Ju Cheng, Chih-Jen Chou, Shih-Ming Jung, Guan-Jhih Lai, Kuang-Yao Chen, Lian-Chen Wang
Summary: The study found that treatment with albendazole or combined therapy after infection with third-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in BALB/c mice was more effective in preventing brain damage and depression, as well as preserving learning and memory abilities.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Yeseul Lee, Zuner A. Bortolotto, Clarrisa A. Bradley, Thomas M. Sanderson, Min Zhuo, Bong-Kiun Kaang, Graham L. Collingridge
Summary: Inhibition of GSK-3 improves learning speed in behavioral tasks and enhances the accuracy of long-term spatial memory.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jemi Feiona Vergil Andrews, Divya Bharathi Selvaraj, Akshay Kumar, Syed Aasish Roshan, Muthuswamy Anusuyadevi, Mahesh Kandasamy
Summary: This study investigated the effect of aspirin on spatial memory in ageing experimental mice. Aspirin was found to enhance working memory, increase the number of new neurons in the hippocampus, reduce the number of microglial cells, and decrease the activity of AChE in the blood.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fateme Khodabande, Esmaeil Akbari, Motahareh Rouhi Ardeshiri
Summary: The orexin 1 receptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus play a significant role in the consolidation of spatial reference memory in rats, while the orexin 2 receptors do not have an effect.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Andrea A. Jones, Kristina M. Gicas, Sara Mostafavi, Melissa L. Woodward, Olga Leonova, Fidel Vila-Rodriguez, Ric M. Procyshyn, Alex Cheng, Tari Buchanan, Donna J. Lang, G. William MacEwan, William J. Panenka, Alasdair M. Barr, Allen E. Thornton, William G. Honer
Summary: People living in precarious housing or homelessness have higher rates of psychotic disorders, persistent psychotic symptoms, and premature mortality. Past and current experiences contribute to the severity and dynamic relationships between psychotic symptoms. Interrupting the self-perpetuating severity of psychotic symptoms in a vulnerable group of people could contribute to reducing premature mortality.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Jacob L. Stubbs, Allen E. Thornton, Kristina M. Gicas, Tiffany A. O'Connor, Emily M. Livingston, Henri Y. Lu, Amiti K. Mehta, Donna J. Lang, Alexandra T. Vertinsky, Thalia S. Field, Manraj K. Heran, Olga Leonova, Charanveer S. Sahota, Tari Buchanan, Alasdair M. Barr, G. William MacEwan, Alexander Rauscher, William G. Honer, William J. Panenka
Summary: This study found a high prevalence of TBI in precariously housed populations, and the severity and timing of TBI were associated with the loss and lifetime duration of stable housing.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE
(2022)
Review
Psychiatry
Lulu Lian, David D. Kim, Ric M. Procyshyn, Diane H. Fredrikson, Diana Cazares, William G. Honer, Alasdair M. Barr
Summary: In early psychosis patients, LAIs may have advantages over OAPs in reducing relapse and hospitalization rates. However, there were no significant differences between LAIs and OAPs in terms of all-cause discontinuation, hospitalization, and adherence rates. Larger and better-designed studies are still needed to compare OAPs and LAIs specifically in early psychosis patients.
EARLY INTERVENTION IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Lindsay A. Lo, Caroline A. MacCallum, Jade C. Yau, Alasdair M. Barr
Summary: Smoking cannabis in medical users is associated with exposure to harmful toxins. This study found that among medical cannabis users, 47% preferred smoking and they showed a stronger preference for THC-dominant strains and consumed more cannabis overall. Smoking was also linked to a higher risk of alcohol use disorder.
JOURNAL OF ADDICTIVE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Kristina M. Gicas, Katie Benitah, Allen E. Thornton, Anna M. Petersson, Paul W. Jones, Jacob L. Stubbs, Andrea A. Jones, William J. Panenka, Donna J. Lang, Olga Leonova, Fidel Vila-Rodriguez, Alasdair M. Barr, Tari Buchanan, Wayne Su, Alexandra T. Vertinsky, Alexander Rauscher, G. William MacEwan, William G. Honer
Summary: Homeless and precariously housed individuals often experience significant memory impairment, which is likely attributed to executive control deficit caused by compromised frontal lobe functioning. The findings of this study have important implications for cognitive rehabilitation in this vulnerable group.
CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Cristian O. Mancilla-Corona, Manuel Sanchez-Alavez, Gisela Pineda-Garcia, Julieta Y. Islas-Limon, Oscar E. Zazueta, Jonathan Lopez-Baena, Jesus I. Rodriguez-Vasquez, Idanya R. Serafin-Higuera
Summary: Fatigue has been identified as a persistent condition following COVID-19 infection, affecting cognitive function and performance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of post-COVID fatigue on neuropsychological performance. Participants with post-COVID fatigue and age-matched controls were randomly selected from a database. Both groups completed a health survey and a neuropsychological assessment test via telephone call. Statistical analysis revealed significant regression coefficients between post-COVID fatigue and global parameters of the assessment, indicating a decrease in neuropsychological performance.
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Lindsay A. A. Lo, April Christiansen, Lauren Eadie, Justin C. Strickland, David D. Kim, Michael Boivin, Alasdair M. Barr, Caroline A. MacCallum
Summary: Recent studies have raised concerns over liver safety in relation to cannabidiol use, as liver enzyme elevations and drug-induced liver injury were found to be associated with its use. This systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed the increased probability of liver enzyme elevation and drug-induced liver injury in individuals using cannabidiol compared to placebo controls.
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Lik Hang N. Lee, Ric M. Procyshyn, Randall F. White, Kristina M. Gicas, William G. Honer, Alasdair M. Barr
Summary: Antipsychotics are the primary treatment for psychotic disorders, but may not always benefit all patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Refractoriness to conventional treatment can be challenging to address. This study aimed to predict symptom severity using clinicodemographic information and prescription drug data at admission. A boosted beta regression model was trained using a dataset of 320 hospital admissions, and internal validation was conducted. The results demonstrated the potential for predicting symptom severity using this approach.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Emily C. Yang, Nicole A. Koenig, Merry Gong, Lori A. Brotto, Alasdair M. Barr, Terry Lee, Paul J. Yong, Roxana Geoffrion
Summary: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the patterns and willingness of cannabis product use among chronic pelvic pain patients. Most cannabis users found cannabis effective in relieving pelvic pain. Non-users showed interest in using cannabis for pain relief, with concerns about lack of information and potential adverse effects. Vaginal and vulvar application of cannabis products for pelvic pain showed strong interest among both users and non-users, suggesting the need for further research.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY-X
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andrea A. Jones, Lianne L. Cho, Kristina M. Gicas, Ric M. Procyshyn, Fidel Vila-Rodriguez, Jacob L. Stubbs, Olga Leonova, Tari Buchanan, Allen E. Thornton, Donna J. Lang, G. William Macewan, William J. Panenka, Alasdair M. Barr, Thalia S. Field, William G. Honer
Summary: Housing insecurity is linked to depression and pain, which can affect daily activities. Network analysis of depressive symptoms and associated factors could help identify targets for intervention in patients experiencing pain. A study in Vancouver, Canada found that individuals with more severe pain had higher levels of depression and suicidal thoughts. Factors such as trauma exposure, guilt, and feelings of failure also played a role in the progression of depression in these patients. Overall, this research highlights the importance of addressing housing insecurity and its impact on mental health. Evaluation: 8/10
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
David D. Kim, Ric M. Procyshyn, Andrea A. Jones, Lik Hang N. Lee, William J. Panenka, Jacob L. Stubbs, Lianne L. Cho, Olga Leonova, Kristina M. Gicas, Allen E. Thornton, Donna J. Lang, William Macewan, William G. Honer, Alasdair M. Barr
Summary: This study aimed to determine the proportion and severity of movement disorders (MDs) in precariously housed and homeless individuals, and their associations with substance use. The study found that 18.6% of the sample had clinically relevant signs of MDs, and the severity of MDs was significantly associated with the frequency and dependence of methamphetamine use.
PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Kathryn Rintoul, Esther Song, Rachel McLellan-Carich, Elizabeth N. R. Schjelderup, Alasdair M. Barr
Summary: The aim of this review was to explore and summarize the unique experience of concurrent pain and psychiatric conditions among the homeless population, which is often overlooked. The study also examined factors that worsen pain and those that improve pain management. A total of 57 studies were included, mostly from the United States. The findings revealed various interacting factors that exacerbate pain and significantly impact other important aspects of health. Important pain management strategies included cannabis use, Accelerated Resolution Therapy for trauma treatment, and acupuncture.
FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jacob L. Stubbs, Andrea A. Jones, Daniel Wolfman, Ryan C. Y. Chan, Fidel Vila-Rodriguez, Alexandra T. Vertinsky, Manraj K. Heran, Wayne Su, Donna J. Lang, Thalia S. Field, Kristina M. Gicas, Melissa L. Woodward, Allen E. Thornton, Alasdair M. Barr, Olga Leonova, William MacEwan, Alexander Rauscher, William G. Honer, William J. Panenka
Summary: This study examined brain structural changes in homeless or precariously housed individuals and found that they have differences in whole-brain atrophy, white matter integrity, and diffusivity compared with the general population. Additionally, age, history of traumatic brain injury, and dependence on stimulants and heroin were associated with brain structural changes.
BMJ NEUROLOGY OPEN
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lindsay A. Lo, Caroline A. MacCallum, Jade C. Yau, William J. Panenka, Alasdair M. Barr
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of problematic cannabis use in a cohort of medical cannabis users and identify potential risk factors. The results showed a high rate of problematic use in the community dispensary, highlighting the need for future interventions to ensure safer use.
PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tiffany A. O'Connor, William J. Panenka, Emily M. Livingston, Jacob L. Stubbs, Julia Askew, Charanveer S. Sahota, Samantha J. Feldman, Tari Buchanan, Linwan Xu, X. Joan Hu, Donna J. Lang, Melissa L. Woodward, Wendy Loken Thornton, Kristina M. Gicas, Alexandra T. Vertinsky, Manraj K. Heran, Wayne Su, G. William MacEwan, Alasdair M. Barr, William G. Honer, Allen E. Thornton
Summary: This study investigates traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in precariously housed individuals. The results show a high incidence rate of TBIs, with some individuals experiencing multiple injuries. TBIs often occur in the context of acute intoxication and drug overdose, and common injury mechanisms include falls, assaults, and hitting one's head on an object. The study also identifies schizophrenia disorders, role functioning, opioid dependence, and past TBIs as factors associated with the odds of incident TBI.