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A patent application titled "Optical Microscope For Retinal Imaging" has been published online by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The inventors have developed an optical microscope, specifically a non-linear multi-photon microscope, that can be used for retinal imaging to diagnose ocular diseases, Alzheimer's disease, pre-senile dementia, and the prognosis of preclinical Alzheimer's disease. The microscope utilizes ultrasound-induced optical clearing microscopy (USOCM) technology to increase the penetration depth of light into the tissue. The invention includes a transparent ultrasonic transducer that allows in vivo imaging while expanding the effectiveness of the ultrasonic sensor. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam explores consumer decision-making in cosmetic surgery. The study finds that while consumer interest in cosmetic surgery has increased, there is limited and scattered research on the topic. The study identifies five key aspects that shape consumers' decisions in cosmetic surgery, including differing perspectives, social and individual drivers, online media content, and influences related to labiaplasty. The researchers suggest that a better understanding of these aspects can contribute to marketing theory and provide insights on self and identity, the meaning of the body in consumption, and self-enhancement practices. The study has been peer-reviewed and published in Psychology & Marketing. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at West China Hospital of Sichuan University explored the risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. The study included 175 patients, of which 9.7% developed POD. The researchers found that factors such as age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index, ambulation time, and blood transfusion were associated with an increased risk of POD. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings. This study provides valuable insights into preventing and managing POD in thoracic surgery patients. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have conducted an 18-year follow-up study on the Copenhagen Prospective Study on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC2000) birth cohort. The study aims to identify risk factors for atopic diseases, obesity, and neuropsychiatric disorders through extensive characterization of the environment, clinical phenotyping, and biosampling. The study collected biomaterials and information on environmental exposures, risk behaviors, and metabolic characterizations from 370 participants. The dataset provides a unique opportunity to explore risk factors and underlying mechanisms of these prevalent non-communicable diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the Medical University of Lublin in Poland explores the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The study found that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can be effective as adjunctive treatments when combined with standard antidepressant medications. However, they are not recommended as monotherapy. Several psychiatric associations, including the International Society of Nutritional Psychiatry Research (ISNPR) and the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP), have published guidelines supporting the use of omega-3 fatty acids in MDD treatment, especially in specific populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with raised inflammation, and those with obesity. The study concludes that omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to enhance treatment outcomes and improve the quality of life for individuals with depressive disorders. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University Hospital Pisa in Italy examined the impact of negative emotional dysregulation (NED) on weight loss following bariatric surgery in patients with severe obesity. The study found that patients with NED had a higher rate of psychiatric comorbidities and eating disorders compared to those without NED. Additionally, the study found that patients with NED were more likely to have inadequate weight loss one year after surgery. These findings suggest a significant association between NED and inadequate weight loss post-surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, has found distinct patterns of brain atrophy in cognitively healthy elderly individuals. The study included 746 septuagenarians from the Gothenburg H70-1944 Birth cohort who did not have dementia or neuropsychiatric disorders. The researchers used unsupervised classification to identify five clusters of brain atrophy based on grey matter volume and thickness. The study also found that small vessel disease, vascular risk factors, and cardiometabolic conditions may contribute to these patterns of atrophy. These findings emphasize the importance of vascular health in preserving cognitive function and brain structure in old age. [Extracted from the article]

A recent post hoc analysis found that treatment with semaglutide, a drug used for weight management, did not increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation/behavior compared to a placebo. In fact, it was associated with a small reduction in depressive symptoms, although this reduction was not considered clinically significant. The study suggests that individuals with obesity should be monitored for mental health concerns and provided with appropriate support and care. The corresponding author for further information is Thomas A. Wadden, PhD. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06580145, is being conducted to investigate the effects of a 6-week leucine challenge on brain chemistry, connectivity, and behavior in individuals with midlife depression. The study aims to compare the effects of leucine and an active comparator arm (lysine) over the course of 6 weeks. Depression is a common mental health condition that can greatly impact a person's quality of life, and symptoms such as loss of pleasure in activities and slowed movements may indicate a higher risk of dementia later in life. Inflammation in the body, particularly in middle-aged adults, may contribute to depression, and the kynurenine pathway, activated by inflammation, can produce substances toxic to brain cells. Leucine, a nutrient found in certain foods, may help prevent these toxic substances from entering the brain. The study will use brain scans and symptom assessments to determine if leucine improves brain function and reduces depression in middle-aged adults with signs of inflammation. This research study aims to explore the connection between inflammation and mental health, specifically focusing on depression. The study is currently in the interventional phase and will randomize participants into different treatment groups. The primary goal of the study is to develop new treatments for depression and potentially reduce the risk of dementia in individuals with depression. The study is not yet recruiting participants and is expected to be completed by July 2029. Eligible participants must have a diagnosis of major depression and moderate to severe depression symptoms. The [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of South Africa explores the experiences of interns in the field of Industrial and Organisational Psychology (IOP) during their internship program. The study found that interns face various enabling and challenging factors in completing their internships, including financial resources, program approval, content and time, the impact of COVID-19, and balancing work and personal life. The research suggests the need for improvements in the internship program to create a supportive environment for optimal learning and growth. The study's findings provide valuable insights for organizations and supervising psychologists to better support interns in their development. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan's academic medical center, Michigan Medicine, found that ketamine clinics in the United States vary widely in their pregnancy-related safeguards. Ketamine therapy is increasingly being used to treat severe depression and other mental health conditions, but it can be harmful to a developing fetus. The study found that while most clinics have a pregnancy screening process and note pregnancy as a contraindication to ketamine treatment, there is a lack of consistency in policies, practices, and warnings regarding pregnancy and contraception. The authors emphasize the need for standardization and improved patient education to ensure the safe use of ketamine during pregnancy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that taking the weight loss medication semaglutide does not increase the risk of depression or suicidal behavior in individuals without known major mental health disorders. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 participants across four major clinical trials and found no increased risk of developing depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts or behavior in those taking semaglutide compared to those taking a placebo. The researchers noted that further study is needed to assess the psychiatric safety of semaglutide in individuals with current major depressive disorder or other serious mental illnesses. [Extracted from the article]