Optimizing niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica) oil quality: A comprehensive analysis of infrared-heat induced changes in bioactive profile, physiochemical attributes, and oxidative stability.

Infrared heating (IRH) at 140, 160, and 180°C for varying durations (5, 10, and 15 min) was employed for improving the niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seed oil (NSO) quality for diverse food applications. The study explored changes in phenolic profile, oxidative stability index (OSI), tocopherols, phytosterols, fatty acid profiles, and physicochemical attributes of NSO. Upon IRH at 180°C for 10 min, the oil yield, total phenolic, and flavonoid contents increased from 33.09% to 40.56%, 6.67 to 173.62 mg GAE/kg, and 24.76 to 120.64 mg QE/kg, respectively. The viscosity, chlorophylls, carotenoids, radical scavenging activity, OSI, caffeic, protocatechuic, vanillic, and syringic acids were highest upon IRH at 180°C for 15 min. The tocopherols and phytosterols initially augmented while decremented upon raising IRH conditions. The infrared spectra indicated no adverse impact of IRH on NSO quality. The appropriate IRH conditions can be considered for improving NSO quality and making it valuable for various edible products.

Functional neuroimaging in patients with catatonia: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Catatonia is a challenging and heterogeneous neuropsychiatric syndrome of motor, affective and behavioral dysregulation which has been associated with multiple disorders such as structural brain lesions, systemic diseases, and psychiatric disorders. This systematic review summarized and compared functional neuroimaging abnormalities in catatonia associated with psychiatric and medical conditions. METHODS: Using PRISMA methods, we completed a systematic review of 6 databases from inception to February 7th, 2024 of patients with catatonia that had functional neuroimaging performed. RESULTS: A total of 309 studies were identified through the systematic search and 62 met the criteria for full-text review. A total of 15 studies reported patients with catatonia associated with a psychiatric disorder (n = 241) and one study reported catatonia associated with another medical condition, involving patients with N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis (n = 23). Findings varied across disorders, with hyperactivity observed in areas like the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the supplementary motor area (SMA) and the ventral pre-motor cortex in acute catatonia associated to a psychiatric disorder, hypoactivity in PFC, the parietal cortex, and the SMA in catatonia associated to a medical condition, and mixed metabolic activity in the study on catatonia linked to a medical condition. CONCLUSION: Findings support the theory of dysfunction in cortico-striatal-thalamic, cortico-cerebellar, anterior cingulate-medial orbitofrontal, and lateral orbitofrontal networks in catatonia. However, the majority of the literature focuses on schizophrenia spectrum disorders, leaving the pathophysiologic characteristics of catatonia in other disorders less understood. This review highlights the need for further research to elucidate the pathophysiology of catatonia across various disorders.

Change in neurocognitive functioning in patients with treatment-resistant depression with serial intravenous ketamine infusions: The Bio-K multicenter trial.

This nonrandomized, multicenter, open-label clinical trial explored the impact of intravenous (IV) ketamine on cognitive function in adults (n = 74) with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Patients received three IV ketamine infusions during the acute phase and, if remitted, four additional infusions in the continuation phase (Mayo site). Cognitive assessments using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) were conducted at baseline, end of the acute phase, and end of the continuation phase (Mayo site). Results showed a significant 53 % (39/74) remission rate in depression symptoms after the acute phase. In adjusted models, baseline language domain score was associated with a higher odd of remission (Odds Ratio, 1.09, 95 % CI = 1.03-1.17, p = 0.004) and greater improvement in MADRS at the end of the acute phase (ß =-0.97; 95 % CI, -1.74 to -0.20; P = 0.02). The likelihood of remission was not significantly associated with baseline immediate or delayed memory, visuospatial/constructional, or attention scores. In the continuation phase, improvements in immediate and delayed memory and attention persisted, with additional gains in visuospatial and language domains. Limitations included an open-label design, potential practice effects, and ongoing psychotropic medication use. Overall, the study suggests cognitive improvement, not deterioration, associated with serial IV ketamine administrations for TRD. These findings encourage future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to examine any potential for deleterious effect with recurrent ketamine use for TRD. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03156504.

Efficacy of intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine with dose escalation for Major depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Intravenous (IV) racemic ketamine and intranasal (IN) esketamine have demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ketamine and esketamine at various dosages for depression. METHODS: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with parallel group dose comparison of ketamine and esketamine for depression/TRD. Ovid Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched. Standardized mean differences were calculated using Hedges'-g to complete random effects meta-analysis. The efficacy outcomes were changes in depression outcomes for IV ketamine and IN esketamine respectively. Safety was assessed by reported adverse effects. RESULTS: A random effects meta-analysis of studies (n = 12) showed efficacy in reducing depression symptoms with IV ketamine (Hedges'g = 1.52 [0.98-2.22], Z = 4.23, p < 0.001) and IN esketamine (Hedges' g = 0.31 [0.18-0.44], Z = 4.53, P < 0.001) compared to control/placebo. Treatment response was observed at IV ketamine doses ≤0.2 mg/kg, >0.2-0.5 mg/kg and > 0.5 mg/kg. Higher IV ketamine doses (>0.5 mg/kg) did not lead to greater treatment response. Esketamine doses of 56-84 mg were superior to 28 mg dose. LIMITATIONS: Overall quality of evidence was low and limited by small number of studies. Publication bias was high. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that IV ketamine may be efficacious at doses as low as 0.2 mg/kg, with increasing dose response at 0.5 mg/kg, without demonstrable increased benefit at 1 mg/kg, based on a small number of studies. Efficacy for IN esketamine increases with doses above 28 mg with best response being found between 56 and 84 mg for reducing depressive symptoms.

Metabolomic biomarkers for (R, S)-ketamine and (S)-ketamine in treatment-resistant depression and healthy controls: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Ketamine is increasingly used for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) while its mechanism of action is still being investigated. In this systematic review, we appraise the current evidence of metabolomic biomarkers for racemic ketamine and esketamine in patients with TRD and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: A comprehensive search of several databases (Ovid MEDLINE®, Embase, and Epub Ahead of Print) was performed from each database's inception to June 29, 2022, in any language, was conducted. We included studies wherein the metabolomic biomarkers for racemic ketamine or esketamine were investigated in TRD or HCs. Our main outcomes were to examine changes in metabolites among patients treated with ketamine/esketamine and explore the association with response to ketamine/esketamine. RESULTS: A total of 1859 abstracts were screened of which 11 were included for full-text review. Of these, a total of five articles were included (N = 147), including three RCTs (n = 129) and two open-label trials (n = 18). All studies used racemic ketamine; one study additionally used esketamine. The included studies evaluated patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression (n = 22), unipolar depression (n = 91), and HCs (n = 34). The included studies reported alteration in several metabolites including acylcarnitines, lipids, kynurenine (KYN), and arginine with ketamine in TRD. Studies suggest the involvement of energy metabolism, KYN, and arginine pathways. In HCs, acetylcarnitine decreased post-infusion, whereas inconsistent findings were observed after the ketamine infusion in TRD patients. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provides preliminary evidence that ketamine may cause changes in several important pathways involved in energy metabolism and inflammation. Larger and more rigorous studies are needed.

Dry-air roasting impact on physicochemical, functional, antioxidant properties, phenolic profile and Maillard reaction products of flaxseed flour and cake flour.

The study investigated and compared physicochemical, functional, antioxidant properties, phenolic profile and Maillard reaction products (MRP) of flaxseed flour (FF) and flaxseed cake flour (FCF) upon dry-air roasting (DaR) of flaxseeds at 140, 160 and 180 °C for 5 and 10 min. This information on FF and FCF is limited and has considerable gaps. The raw FF exhibited higher fat, ash, antioxidant and functional properties while lower protein than the FCF. Upon increasing DaR conditions, the ash and protein increased in FCF and decreased in FF. DaR at 180 °C for 10 min augmented water solubility index, ΔE, MRP, free rutin and syringic acid, bound epicatechin, gallic acid and syringic acid while lowered moisture, L*, b*, hue, chroma, potassium, iron, selenium, emulsion indexes, caffeic acid, flavonoids and free resveratrol in FF and FCF. In conclusion, DaR improves phenolic profile, antioxidant properties, MRP, water solubility and oil absorption capacity of FF and FCF.

Treatment-resistant depression patients with baseline suicidal ideation required more treatments to achieve therapeutic response with ketamine/esketamine.

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to identify interventions to reduce suicidality. We investigated the antisuicidal effects of intravenous (IV) ketamine and intranasal (IN) esketamine among patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in a historical cohort study. METHODS: The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology self-report (QIDS-SR) question 12 was used to measure suicidal ideation (SI). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate associations between the number of treatments to response and baseline SI (yes, Q12 > 0 versus no, Q12 = 0), adjusting for covariates and modified baseline QIDS-SR score. We evaluated associations between the number of treatments to a 50 % reduction in SI score between IV and IN treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-two adults (62.5 % female, median age 49.1 years) received IV ketamine (71 %, n = 37) or IN esketamine (29 %, n = 15). Eighty-one percent of patients reported SI at baseline. Among those with baseline SI, 60 % had improved SI scores while 38 % did not change, and among those with no SI, 80 % did not change. After adjusting for covariates, the hazard ratios (HR) of response were significantly lower among those with baseline SI (HR = 0.36, 95 % CI, 0.14-0.92, p = 0.03). The number of treatments to achieve a 50 % reduction in SI score did not depend on group (IN esketamine vs. IV ketamine HR = 0.74 [95 % CI, 0.27-2.05]; p = 0.57). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and lack of a placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that patients with baseline suicidal ideation require more treatments to achieve a response with ketamine or esketamine. The antisuicidal response seemed similar between IV ketamine and IN esketamine.

Pharmacogenomic overlap between antidepressant treatment response in major depression & antidepressant associated treatment emergent mania in bipolar disorder.

There is increasing interest in individualizing treatment selection for more than 25 regulatory approved treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite an inconclusive efficacy evidence base, antidepressants (ADs) are prescribed for the depressive phase of bipolar disorder (BD) with oftentimes, an inadequate treatment response and or clinical concern for mood destabilization. This study explored the relationship between antidepressant response in MDD and antidepressant-associated treatment emergent mania (TEM) in BD. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and polygenic score analysis of TEM and tested its association in a subset of BD-type I patients treated with SSRIs or SNRIs. Our results did not identify any genome-wide significant variants although, we found that a higher polygenic score (PGS) for antidepressant response in MDD was associated with higher odds of TEM in BD. Future studies with larger transdiagnostic depressed cohorts treated with antidepressants are encouraged to identify a neurobiological mechanism associated with a spectrum of depression improvement from response to emergent mania.

Data on quantum dot cellular automata based flip flops for designing serial-in-serial-out shift register.

There has been remarkable research carried out on Nano-electronics where Quantum dot Cellular automata emerge as the forthcoming paradigm in computing. The QCA-based circuits are used in the computational Nano hardware to present computations at ultra-high speed. A systematic approach has been utilized to design the Serial in Serial out Shift (SISO) Register using JK flip flop (JK-FF) and D flip flop (D-FF). These flip flops were initially designed with lower complexity which is the dominant factor for designing any complex sequential circuit. The QCA based designs have been validated and subjected to simulation using the QCA Designer tool ver. 2.0.3.

Hypersomnia as a predictor of response to intravenous ketamine/intranasal esketamine in treatment resistant depression.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in depressive episodes and are linked to higher mood severity and suicidal behaviors. Slow wave sleep (SWS) and REM sleep are compromised in depression. Current evidence suggests that rapid antidepressant effects of intravenous (IV) ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is mediated by its effects on SWS and REM sleep. Sleep phenotypes may help predict ketamine response. METHOD: In this observational study, we investigated differences in rates of response among sleep phenotypes defined by QIDS-SR in a cohort of patients with TRD (n = 52) treated with IV ketamine or intranasal (IN) esketamine. Also, we explored a neurovegetative symptoms of atypical depression (NVSAD) phenotype and its association between response and change in QIDS-SR following the treatment with IV ketamine/IN esketamine. RESULTS: 94 % of patients reported sleep difficulties and 62 % reported more than one sleep phenotype with middle and early insomnia being the most prevalent. Individuals with baseline hypersomnia showed higher response rates and more pronounced improvements on their QIDS-SR score. Additionally, 15 % of patients presented with NVSAD phenotype; the majority of whom achieved response and had higher reductions on QIDS-SR. A trend towards faster response was identified for hypersomnia and atypical depression phenotypes. LIMITATIONS: Observational study design and lack of a placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that patients with TRD who have baseline hypersomnia and atypical depression features experienced a more substantial reduction in depressive symptoms and are more likely to achieve response with ketamine/esketamine. This could serve as a future predictor for clinical response.

Patterns of pharmacotherapy for bipolar disorder: A GBC survey.

OBJECTIVES: To understand treatment practices for bipolar disorders (BD), this study leveraged the Global Bipolar Cohort collaborative network to investigate pharmacotherapeutic treatment patterns in multiple cohorts of well-characterized individuals with BD in North America, Europe, and Australia. METHODS: Data on pharmacotherapy, demographics, diagnostic subtypes, and comorbidities were provided from each participating cohort. Individual site and regional pooled proportional meta-analyses with generalized linear mixed methods were conducted to identify prescription patterns. RESULTS: This study included 10,351 individuals from North America (n = 3985), Europe (n = 3822), and Australia (n = 2544). Overall, participants were predominantly female (60%) with BD-I (60%; vs. BD-II = 33%). Cross-sectionally, mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants (44%), second-generation antipsychotics (42%), and antidepressants (38%) were the most prescribed medications. Lithium was prescribed in 29% of patients, primarily in the Australian (31%) and European (36%) cohorts. First-generation antipsychotics were prescribed in 24% of the European versus 1% in the North American cohort. Antidepressant prescription rates were higher in BD-II (47%) compared to BD-I (35%). Major limitations were significant differences among cohorts based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, data source, and time/year of enrollment into cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants, second-generation antipsychotics, and antidepressants were the most prescribed medications suggesting prescription patterns that are not necessarily guideline concordant. Significant differences exist in the prescription practices across different geographic regions, especially the underutilization of lithium in the North American cohorts and the higher utilization of first-generation antipsychotics in the European cohorts. There is a need to conduct future longitudinal studies to further explore these differences and their impact on outcomes, and to inform and implement evidence-based guidelines to help improve treatment practices in BD.

Optical Coherence Tomography Predictors of SIde Branch REstenosis after unprotected Left Main bifurcation angioplasty using double kissing crush technique (OP-SIBRE LM Study).

BACKGROUND: Among the two stent strategies, contemporary evidence favors double kissing crush technique (DKC) for complex unprotected distal left main bifurcation (UdLMB) lesions. However one of the major challenges to these lesions is side branch (SB) restenosis. AIMS: Our aim was to identify optical coherence tomographic (OCT) characteristics that may predict SB restenosis (SBR) after UdLMB angioplasty using DKC technique. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study that included 60 patients with complex UdLMB disease, who underwent OCT-guided angioplasty using DKC technique. Angiographic follow-up was performed in all patients at 1 year to identify patients with SBR. Patients with SBR group were compared with patients without SBR (NSBR group) for OCT parameters during index procedure. RESULTS: Twelve (20%) patients developed SBR at 1-year follow-up. The SBR group had longer SB lesion (18.8 ± 3.2 vs. 15.3 ± 3.7 mm, p = 0.004) and neo-metallic carinal length (2.1 vs. 0.1 mm, p < 0.001) when compared to the NSBR group. Longer neo-metallic carinal length was associated with the absence of the dumbbell sign, presence of hanging stent struts across the SB ostium on OCT of final MB pullback. On multivariate regression analysis, SB distal reference diameter (DRD) and SB stent expansion were identified as independent predictors of SBR with SB-DRD of ≤2.8 mm (area under curve-0.73, sensitivity-83.3%, and specificity-62.5%) and SB stent expansion of ≤89% (area under curve-0.88, sensitivity-83.3%, and specificity- 81.2%) as the best cut off values to predict SBR. CONCLUSIONS: SB DRD and SB stent expansion are the OCT predictors of future SBR after UdLMB angioplasty using DKC technique.

Clinical outcomes in the biomarkers of ketamine (Bio-K) study of open-label IV ketamine for refractory depression.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted an open-label clinical trial ("Bio-K") using IV ketamine for treatment-resistant depression to identify biomarkers linked to remission. Here, we report the clinical efficacy and side effect outcomes of Bio-K. METHODS: Across 4 US sites, 75 patients ages 18-65 with treatment-refractory unipolar or bipolar depression received 3 IV ketamine infusions over an 11-day period. Key exclusion criteria were psychotic symptoms, significant substance abuse, unstable medical conditions, and any use of cannabis. Pre-existing antidepressant medication was maintained. Primary outcome was remission as measured by Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), with secondary outcome of 50 % reduction in Beck Suicide Scale score. Safety monitoring and varying durations of infusions were also key parameters. RESULTS: Using remission as MADRS score <10, after 3 infusions 52 % achieved remission, with 67 % achieving response. Of those achieving response after a single infusion, 66 % (22 of 33) reached remission after 3 infusions, while 40 % (16 of 40) non-responders after the first infusion went on to achieve remission after 3 infusions. Only 20 % of non-responders after 2 infusions achieved remission. Most (81 %) participants had significant suicidal ideation at baseline; of these, two-thirds (67 %) experienced at least a 50 % reduction in suicidality. Side effects were minimal. Uniquely, we had three different types of infusion categories, with individuals receiving: (1) slow (100-min) infusions only or (2) regular (40-min) infusions only or (3) a mix of infusion durations. These three infusion groups showed comparable safety and efficacy. Exploration of clinical factors revealed no link between BMI, age, or gender to remission. CONCLUSIONS: The consistency of outcomes across 4 clinical sites and across multiple instruments, suggests high acute efficacy and safety of IV ketamine for serious depressive episodes. Duration of infusion did not alter outcomes. Meaningfully, 40 % of non-responders after a single infusion did reach remission subsequently, while only 20 % of non-responders after 2 infusions achieved remission, suggesting early response is suggestive for eventual remission. Our data on varying ketamine infusion duration adds novel insights into the clinical administration of this new treatment for refractory and severe patients. Our limitations included a lack of a control group, necessitating caution about conclusions of efficacy, balanced by the utility of reporting "real-world" outcomes across multiple clinical sites. We could also not separately analyze results for bipolar disorder due to small numbers. Together, the Bio-K clinical results are promising and provide significant sample sizes for forthcoming biological markers analyses.