Hypothalamic neuronal outputs transmit sensorimotor signals at the onset of locomotor initiation.

The lateral hypothalamus (LH) plays a critical role in sensory integration to organize behavior responses. However, how projection-defined LH neuronal outputs dynamically transmit sensorimotor signals to major downstream targets to organize behavior is unknown. Here, using multi-fiber photometry, we show that three major LH neuronal outputs projecting to the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and lateral habenula (LHb) exhibit significant coherent activity in mice engaging sensory-evoked or self-initiated motor responses. Increased activity at LH axon terminals precedes movement initiation during active coping responses and the activity of serotonin neurons and dopamine neurons. The optogenetic activation of LH axon terminals in either of the DRN, VTA, or LHb was sufficient to increase motor initiation but had different effects on passive avoidance and sucrose consumption. Our findings support the complementary role of three projection-defined LH neuronal outputs in the transmission of sensorimotor signals to major downstream regions at movement onset.

Mental health and psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures among young adults in Bogotá, Colombia.

We sought to explore mental health and psychosocial impact among young people (18 to 24 years old) in Bogotá during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We carried a cross sectional study using a web-based survey to assess mental health and personal impact among 18 to 24 years old living in Bogotá during the first 4 months of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The depressive symptoms were measured with PHQ-8 and anxiety symptoms with (GAD-7). We also designed a questionnaire exploring changes in personal, family and social life. Results: Overall, 23% of the sample (n = 834) reported mild depressive symptoms (males 24% and females 23%); 29% reported moderate depressive symptoms (males 28%, females 30%); 22% moderate-severe symptoms (males 20%, females 23%) and 17% severe symptoms (males 15%, females 17%). Mild anxiety symptoms were reported by 29% of the sample (males 30%, females 29%); moderate anxiety symptoms by 29% (males 26%, females 30%); moderate-severe 18% (males 15%, females 20%) and severe anxiety by 6.0% (males 6.0% and females 6.0%). High symptoms of depression (PHQ-8 ≥ 10) were associated with being female, considering that the quarantine was stressful, having one member of the family losing their job, worsening of family relationships, decrease of physical activity and having a less nutritious diet. Having high anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥ 10) were associated with sometimes not having enough money to buy food. Conclusions: The first months of the pandemic lockdown were associated with high depressive and anxiety symptoms among young persons living in Bogotá, Colombia. Increasing public health measures to provide support for young people is needed during lockdowns and it is necessary to further explore the long-term mental health impact due to personal, family and social changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technology-based mental healthcare models: A systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review summarises the existing evidence on the implementation of technology-based mental healthcare models in the primary care setting. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL) in August 2019 and studies were selected according to predefined eligibility criteria. The main outcomes were clinical effectiveness, adherence to primary treatment and cost of implementation. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies with an experimental or quasi-experimental design that evaluated the implementation of technology-based mental healthcare models were included. RESULTS: Five articles met the inclusion criteria. The models included technological devices such as tablets, cellphones and computers, with programs and mobile apps that supported decision-making in the care pathway. These decisions took place at different times, from the universal screening phase to the follow-up of patients with specific conditions. In general, the studies showed a decrease in the reported symptoms. However, there was great heterogeneity in both the health conditions and the outcomes, which hindered a quantitative synthesis. The assessment of risk of bias showed low quality of evidence. CONCLUSION: There is not enough evidence to support the implementation of a technology-based mental healthcare model. High quality studies that focus on implementation and effectiveness outcomes are needed to evaluate the impact of technology-based mental healthcare models in the primary care setting.