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Abstract Smooth pursuit eye movements are considered a well-established and quantifiable biomarker of sensorimotor function in psychosis research. Identifying psychotic syndromes on an individual level based on neurobiological markers is limited by heterogeneity and requires comprehensive external validation to avoid overestimation of prediction models. Here, we studied quantifiable sensorimotor measures derived from smooth pursuit eye movements in a large sample of psychosis probands (N = 674) and healthy controls (N = 305) using multivariate pattern analysis. Balanced accuracies of 64% for the prediction of psychosis status are in line with recent results from other large heterogenous psychiatric samples. They are confirmed by external validation in independent large samples including probands with (1) psychosis (N = 727) versus healthy controls (N = 292), (2) psychotic (N = 49) and non-psychotic bipolar disorder (N = 36), and (3) non-psychotic affective disorders (N = 119) and psychosis (N = 51) yielding accuracies of 65%, 66% and 58%, respectively, albeit slightly different psychosis syndromes. Our findings make a significant contribution to the identification of biologically defined profiles of heterogeneous psychosis syndromes on an individual level underlining the impact of sensorimotor dysfunction in psychosis.

Abstract Background A quantitative measurement of serum proteome biomarkers that would associate with disease progression endpoints can provide risk stratification for persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and supplement the clinical decision‐making process. Materials and Methods In total, 202 PwMS were enrolled in a longitudinal study with measurements at two time points with an average follow‐up time of 5.4 years. Clinical measures included the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Timed 25‐foot Walk, 9‐Hole Peg, and Symbol Digit Modalities Tests. Subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging to determine the volumetric measures of the whole brain, gray matter, deep gray matter, and lateral ventricles. Serum samples were analyzed using a custom immunoassay panel on the Olink™ platform, and concentrations of 18 protein biomarkers were measured. Linear mixed‐effects models and adjustment for multiple comparisons were performed. Results Subjects had a significant 55.6% increase in chemokine ligand 20 (9.7 pg/mL vs. 15.1 pg/mL, p

Abstract Background Although age is the biggest known risk factor for dementia, there remains uncertainty about other factors over the life course that contribute to a person’s risk for cognitive decline later in life. Furthermore, the pathological processes leading to dementia are not fully understood. The main goals of Insight 46—a multi-phase longitudinal observational study—are to collect detailed cognitive, neurological, physical, cardiovascular, and sensory data; to combine those data with genetic and life-course information collected from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD; 1946 British birth cohort); and thereby contribute to a better understanding of healthy ageing and dementia. Methods/Design Phase 1 of Insight 46 (2015–2018) involved the recruitment of 502 members of the NSHD (median age = 70.7 years; 49% female) and has been described in detail by Lane and Parker et al. 2017. The present paper describes phase 2 (2018–2021) and phase 3 (2021–ongoing). Of the 502 phase 1 study members who were invited to a phase 2 research visit, 413 were willing to return for a clinic visit in London and 29 participated in a remote research assessment due to COVID-19 restrictions. Phase 3 aims to recruit 250 study members who previously participated in both phases 1 and 2 of Insight 46 (providing a third data time point) and 500 additional members of the NSHD who have not previously participated in Insight 46. Discussion The NSHD is the oldest and longest continuously running British birth cohort. Members of the NSHD are now at a critical point in their lives for us to investigate successful ageing and key age-related brain morbidities. Data collected from Insight 46 have the potential to greatly contribute to and impact the field of healthy ageing and dementia by combining unique life course data with longitudinal multiparametric clinical, imaging, and biomarker measurements. Further protocol enhancements are planned, including in-home sleep measurements and the engagement of participants through remote online cognitive testing. Data collected are and will continue to be made available to the scientific community.

Nanomaterials hold immense potential for numerous applications in energy, health care, and environmental sectors, playing an important role in our daily lives. Their utilization spans from improving energy efficiency to enhancing medical diagnostics, and mitigating environmental pollution, thus presenting a multifaceted approach towards achieving sustainability goals. To ensure the sustainable and safe utilization of nanomaterials, a thorough evaluation of potential hazards and risks is essential throughout their lifecycle—from resource extraction and production to use and disposal. In this review, we focus on understanding and addressing potential environmental and health risks associated with nanomaterial utilization. We advocate for a balanced approach with early hazard identification, safe-by-design principles, and life cycle assessments, while emphasizing safe handling and disposal practices, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our goal is to ensure responsible nanotechnology development, fostering innovation alongside environmental and community well-being, through a holistic approach integrating science, ethics, and proactive risk assessment.

Background: Electroretinographic dysfunction is observed in psychosis, with a-wave and b-wave amplitudes potentially serving as biomarkers. Insulin resistance (IR) and childhood trauma (CT) have also been associated with psychosis-spectrum disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Electroretinographic dysfunction in early-course psychosis (EP) lacks exploration. This case-control exploratory study aimed to understand electroretinographic dysfunction in EP and its relationship with IR and CT. Methods: The study involved healthy controls (n=13) and EP individuals (n=14) and included photopic and scotopic flash-electroretinography (fERG), blood collection for IR assessment, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS v.29.0. Case-control differences across fERG conditions were explored using repeated-measures ANCOVA (3 flash conditions X 2 groups) adjusted for gender and age. Sub-analyses included Fisher’s, Mann-Whitney, partial correlations, and logistic and linear regressions. Results: Compared to controls, EP participants showed (1) lower photopic a-wave and b-wave amplitudes, specifically in the left eye and under the P1 condition, (2) greater odds for IR, and (3) higher CTQ scores. IR was associated with a higher CTQ score and a lower P2b amplitude. A higher CTQ score was associated with lower P2b amplitude in the left eye when adjusting for its interacting effect with IR. Conclusion: These findings suggest lower photopic a-wave and b-wave amplitudes, IR, and CT are explanatory markers in EP. CT may dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, increasing the risk of experiencing later-life psychosis. IR might be a biomarker in psychosis, contributing to electroretinographic dysfunction and neurodegeneration of cone post-synaptic cells. Further investigations are needed.

Antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles (ATO NPs) have emerged as a promising tool in biomedical applications, namely robust photothermal effects upon near-infrared (NIR) light exposure, enabling controlled thermal dynamics to induce spatial cell death. This study investigated the interplay between ATO NPs and macrophages, understanding cellular uptake and cytokine release. ATO NPs demonstrated biocompatibility with no impact on macrophage viability and cytokine secretion. These findings highlight the potential of ATO NPs for inducing targeted cell death in cancer treatments, leveraging their feasibility, unique NIR properties, and safe interactions with immune cells. ATO NPs offer a transformative platform with significant potential for future biomedical applications by combining photothermal capabilities and biocompatibility.