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Introduction Hyponatremia (hypoNa) is a potentially serious adverse event of treatment with antidepressants. Previous research suggests that risk of drug-induced hyponatremia differs between antidepressants. Objectives This meta-analysis sought to determine the risk of antidepressant-induced hypoNa, stratified by different compounds and classes. Methods PubMed and Web of Science were searched for studies reporting on incidence or risk of hypoNa in adults using antidepressants (PROSPERO, CRD42021269801). We modelled random-effects meta-analyses to compute overall incidence and risk of any and clinically relevant hypoNa for each compound and class, and ran head-to-head comparisons based on hypoNa incidences. We conducted subgroup analyses for geriatric populations, study context and sodium cut-off value. Results Thirty-nine studies (n = 8,459,033) revealed that exposure to antidepressants was associated with significantly increased odds of hypoNa (OR = 2.82 (1.79 – 4.45)). The highest event rates were found for SNRIs (7.17%), SSRIs (5.20%), and TCAs (2.26%); the lowest for mirtazapine (1.02%) and trazodone (0.89%). The highest odds ratios were found for MAOIs (4.12 (1.92 – 8.86)), SNRIs (3.16 (1.77 – 5.67)), and SSRIs (2.78 (1.57 – 4.91)); the lowest for mirtazapine (2.82 (1.87 – 4.21)) and TCAs (1.85 (1.28 – 2.69)). Compared to SSRIs, SNRIs were significantly more likely (OR = 1.27 (1.13 – 1.42), p < 0.001) and mirtazapine significantly less likely (OR = 0.61 (0.39 – 0.96), p = 0.032) associated with hypoNa. Conclusions Our meta-analysis demonstrated that, while no antidepressant can be considered completely risk-free, for hypoNa-prone patients mirtazapine should be considered the treatment of choice and SNRIs should be prescribed more cautiously than SSRIs and TCAs. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

IntroductionSarcoidosis is a multisystem non-caseous granulomatous disease of unknown origin with predominant lung involvement and a variable clinical course. Although rare, neuropsychiatric manifestations such as confusion, problems in orientation, memory dysfunction, delusions, hallucinations and catatonia can be presenting features of sarcoidosis with nervous system involvement, also known as neurosarcoidosis.Case descriptionWe present a 39-year-old man with acute-onset vertigo, balance problems and confusion quickly developing delusions, hallucinations, catatonic symptoms and suicidal behaviour. Symptoms appeared to be a manifestation of neurosarcoidosis.Diagnostic assessmentThe differential diagnosis of psychosis is broad and should include pertinent auto-immune disorders, paraneoplastic, oncologic, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. Basic systemic screening should include blood and urinary tests, a chest X-ray, brain CT scan and ECG. If neurosarcoidosis is suspected, an MRI of the brain with contrast and lumbar puncture are most appropriate. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to arrive at a correct diagnosis and effective management of the patient.DiscussionDespite the large number of sarcoidosis and psychosis studies, the etiology and pathogenesis of both illnesses remain incompletely understood. A common inflammatory etiopathological pathway has been postulated.ConclusionsClinicians should consider organic causes when confronted with a middle-aged patient experiencing a first psychotic episode with an atypical onset, catatonic features, or dysfunction in orientation and/or memory, a complete lack of a positive familial psychiatric history and/or an atypical response to (psycho)pharmacological treatment.

Abstract Background Hyponatremia (hypoNa) is a potentially serious adverse event of antidepressant treatment. Previous research suggests the risk of drug-induced hyponatremia differs between antidepressants. This meta-analysis sought to determine the risk of antidepressant-induced hypoNa, stratified by different compounds and classes. Methods A PRISMA-compliant systematic search of Web of Science and PubMed databases was performed from inception until Jan 5, 2023, for original studies reporting incidences or risks of hypoNa in adults using antidepressants. We modelled random-effects meta-analyses to compute overall event rates and odds ratios of any and clinically relevant hypoNa for each compound and class, and ran head-to-head comparisons based on hypoNa event rates. We conducted subgroup analyses for geriatric populations and sodium cut-off value. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021269801. Results We included 39 studies (n = 8,175,111). Exposure to antidepressants was associated with significantly increased odds of hypoNa (k = 7 studies, OR = 3.160 (95%CI 1.911-5.225)). The highest event rates were found for SNRIs (7.44%), SSRIs (5.59%), and TCAs (2.66%); the lowest for mirtazapine (1.02%) and trazodone (0.89%). Compared to SSRIs, SNRIs were significantly more likely (k = 10, OR = 1.292 (1.120 – 1.491), p < 0.001) and mirtazapine significantly less likely (k = 9, OR = 0.607 (0.385 – 0.957), p = 0.032) to be associated with hypoNa. Conclusion Our meta-analysis demonstrated that, while no antidepressant can be considered completely risk-free, for hypoNa-prone patients mirtazapine should be considered the treatment of choice and SNRIs should be prescribed more cautiously than SSRIs and TCAs.

Abstract Background Peru is one of the Latin American countries with the highest malaria burden, mainly due to Plasmodium vivax infections. However, little is known about P. vivax transmission dynamics in the Peruvian Amazon, where most malaria cases occur. The genetic diversity and population structure of P. vivax isolates collected in different communities around Iquitos city, the capital of the Peruvian Amazon, was determined. Methods Plasmodium vivax population structure was determined by multilocus genotyping with 16 microsatellites on 159 P. vivax infected blood samples (mono-infections) collected in four sites around Iquitos city. The population characteristics were assessed only in samples with monoclonal infections (n = 94), and the genetic diversity was determined by calculating the expected heterozygosity and allelic richness. Both linkage disequilibrium and the genetic differentiation (θ) were estimated. Results The proportion of polyclonal infections varied substantially by site (11% - 70%), with the expected heterozygosity ranging between 0.44 and 0.69; no haplotypes were shared between the different populations. Linkage disequilibrium was present in all populations (IAS 0.14 - 0.61) but was higher in those with fewer polyclonal infections, suggesting inbreeding and a clonal population structure. Strong population differentiation (θ = 0.45) was found and the Bayesian inference cluster analysis identified six clusters based on distinctive allele frequencies. Conclusion The P. vivax populations circulating in the Peruvian Amazon basin are genetically diverse, strongly differentiated and they have a low effective recombination rate. These results are in line with the low and clustered pattern of malaria transmission observed in the region around Iquitos city.

Abstract Background Shift work is commonly associated with health problems resulting from circadian misalignment and sleep restriction. About one in three shift workers is affected by insomnia and up to 90% report regular fatigue and/or sleepiness at the workplace. Epidemiological data shows that shift workers are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, mental-health problems, and shift-work disorder, which conditions typically lead to reduced work performance, processing errors, accidents at work, absenteeism, and reduced quality of life. Given these widespread and debilitating consequences, there is an urgent need for treatments that help improve the sleep, health, and functional performance of the shift-working population. The most common non-pharmacological recommendations are improved scheduling, bright-light exposure, napping, psychoeducation promoting sleep hygiene, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. The objectives of the present study are to investigate the effects of a multimodal shift-work intervention on perceived fatigue, sleepiness, physical and mental health, sleep parameters, and absenteeism. Methods A randomized controlled interventional study comparing the two groups each comprising at least 80 drivers of a public transport company, using self-report questionnaires and health checks completed at intake and after 3 and 6 months following the start of the intervention or waiting-list period. The intervention consists of (a) healthy scheduling taking into account shift-rotation direction and speed, chronotype, resting time, and napping; (b) an education program specifically developed for shift workers; and (c) a dedicated information campaign for shift planners. The primary outcome is symptomatic burden in terms of sleepiness, and the key secondary outcome is symptomatic burden in terms of fatigue. Supplementary secondary outcomes are sleep parameters, absenteeism, general and clinical health, changes in mood, and anxiety. Discussion Expected outcomes are significant improvements on all primary and secondary outcome parameters in the intervention group. To our knowledge, ours is the first randomized controlled study to systematically investigate the effects of a multimodal program on multiple health, sleep, and performance parameters in shift workers. Our research also aims at providing evidence-based practice guidelines for healthy scheduling in general and thus contribute to diminishing the serious health and economic burdens associated with shift work overall. Trial registration EDGE registration number: 000339. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05452096

Introduction: Neurocognitive problems associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can interact with impairment resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research question: We aimed to identify neurocognitive problems associated with probable PTSD following TBI in a civilian sample. Material and methods: The study is part of the CENTER-TBI project (Collaborative European Neurotrauma Effectiveness Research) that aims to better characterize TBI. For this cross-sectional study, we included patients of all severities aged over 15, and a Glasgow Outcome Score Extended (GOSE) above 3. Participants were assessed at six months post-injury on the PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5), the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Primary analysis was a complete case analysis. Regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between the PCL-5 and cognition. Results: Of the 1134 participants included in the complete case analysis, 13.5% screened positive for PTSD. Probable PTSD was significantly associated with higher TMT-(B-A) (OR ​= ​1.35, 95% CI: 1.14–1.60, p ​

Background: SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 disease and led to the pandemic currently affecting the world has been broadly investigated. Different studies have been performed to understand the infection mechanism, and the involved human genes, transcripts and proteins. In parallel, numerous clinical extra-pulmonary manifestations co-occurring with COVID-19 disease have been reported and evidence of their severity and persistence is increasing. Whether these manifestations are linked to other disorders co-occurring with SARS-CoV-2 infection, is under discussion. In this work, we report the identification of toxin-like peptides in COVID-19 patients by application of the Liquid Chromatography Surface-Activated Chemical Ionization – Cloud Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry. Methods: Plasma, urine and faecal samples from COVID-19 patients and control individuals were analysed to study peptidomic toxins’ profiles. Protein precipitation preparation procedure was used for plasma, to remove high molecular weight proteins and efficiently solubilize the peptide fraction; in the case of faeces and urine, direct peptide solubilization was employed. Results: Toxin-like peptides, almost identical to toxic components of venoms from animals, like conotoxins, phospholipases, phosphodiesterases, zinc metal proteinases, and bradykinins, were identified in samples from COVID-19 patients, but not in control samples. Conclusions: The presence of toxin-like peptides could potentially be connected to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Their presence suggests a possible association between COVID-19 disease and the release in the body of (oligo-)peptides almost identical to toxic components of venoms from animals. Their involvement in a large set of heterogeneous extra-pulmonary COVID-19 clinical manifestations, like neurological ones, cannot be excluded. Although the presence of each individual symptom is not selective of the disease, their combination might be related to COVID-19 by the coexistence of the panel of the here detected toxin-like peptides. The presence of these peptides opens new scenarios on the aetiology of the COVID-19 clinical symptoms observed up to now, including neurological manifestations.

Background Scientific evidence for the involvement of human microbiota in the development of COVID-19 disease has been reported recently. SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in human faecal samples and SARS-CoV-2 activity in faeces from COVID-19 patients have been observed. Methods Starting from these observations, an experimental design was developed to cultivate in vitro faecal microbiota from infected individuals, to monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2, and to collect data on the relationship between faecal bacteria and the virus. Results Our results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 replicates in vitro in bacterial growth medium, that the viral replication follows bacterial growth and it is influenced by the administration of specific antibiotics. SARS-CoV-2-related peptides have been detected in 30-day bacterial cultures and characterised. Discussion Our observations are compatible with a ‘bacteriophage-like’ behaviour of SARS-CoV-2, which, to our knowledge has not been observed or described before. These results are unexpected and hint towards a novel hypothesis on the biology of SARS-CoV-2 and on the COVID-19 epidemiology. The discovery of possible new modes of action of SARS-CoV-2 has far-reaching implications for the prevention and the treatment of the disease.

Phosphate flame retardants (PFRs) are abundant and found at the highest concentrations relative to other flame retardant chemicals in house dust; however, little is known about the biological levels of PFRs and their relationship with house dust concentrations. These relationships provide insight into major exposure pathways and potential health risks. We analyzed urine samples from 16 California residents in 2011 for 6 chlorinated and nonchlorinated dialkyl or diaryl phosphates (DAPs), the expected major metabolites of the most prominent PFRs, and qualitatively screened for 18 other metabolites predicted from in vitro studies. We detected all 6 DAPs within the range of previously reported levels, although very few comparisons are available. We found weakly positive nonsignificant correlations between urine and dust concentrations and maxima urine corresponding to maxima dust for the pairs bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP)-tris(1,3-dichloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP)-tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). Metabolite levels of PFRs were correlated for many PFR combinations, suggesting they commonly co-occur. As far as we know, this is the first study to measure these 6 DAP metabolites simultaneously and to detect other PFR metabolites in US urine samples. We recommend biomonitoring studies include these 6 DAPs as well as several additional compounds detected through qualitative screening and previous ADME studies. PFRs represent a class of poorly studied commercial chemicals with widespread exposure and raise concerns for health effects including carcinogenicity and neurotoxicity.

The JRC COVID-19 In Vitro Diagnostic Devices and Test Methods Database, aimed to collect in a single place all publicly available information on performance of CE-marked in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) as well as in house laboratory-developed devices and related test methods for COVID-19, is here presented. The database, manually curated and regularly updated, has been developed as a follow-up to the Communication from the European Commission “Guidelines on in vitro diagnostic tests and their performance” of 15 April 2020 and is freely accessible at https://covid-19-diagnostics.jrc.ec.europa.eu/.

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between childhood trauma and the response to group cognitive-behavioural therapy (GCBT) for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).MethodsA single cohort study conducted in an outpatient university referral center for CFS including a well-documented sample of adult patients meeting the CDC criteria for CFS and having received 9 to 12 months of GCBT. A mixed effect model was adopted to examine the impact of childhood trauma on the treatment response in general and over time. The main outcome measures were changes in fatigue, as assessed with the Checklist Individual Strength (total score), and physical functioning, as gauged with the Short Form 36 Health Survey subscale, with the scales being completed at baseline, immediately after treatment completion and after 1 year.ResultsWe included 105 patients with CFS. Childhood trauma was not significantly associated with the response to GCBT over time on level of fatigue or physical functioning.ConclusionChildhood trauma does not seem to have an effect on the treatment response to dedicated GCBT for CFS sufferers over time. Therefore, in the allocation of patients to this kind of treatment, a history of childhood trauma should not be seen as prohibitive.

AbstractBackground:To examine the association between childhood trauma and work functioning, and to elucidate to what extent this association can be accounted for by depression and/or anxiety.Methods:Data of 1,649 working participants were derived from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA, n = 2,981). Childhood trauma (emotional neglect, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse before age 16) was assessed with a structured interview and work functioning, in terms of absenteeism and presenteeism, with the Health and Labor Questionnaire Short Form (SF-HLQ) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS-II), respectively. Depressive and/or anxiety disorders were assessed with the Composite Interview Diagnostic Instrument (CIDI). Mediation analyses were conducted.Results:At baseline, 44.8% reported to have experienced childhood trauma. Workers with the highest childhood trauma level showed significantly (p

Background: One out of seven individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) develops a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is often associated with neurocognitive impairment. The present study explores the impact of neurocognitive functioning after mild, moderate, and severe TBI on the course of PTSD symptoms. Methods: The data of 671 adults admitted to hospital for a TBI was drawn from the Collaborative European Neurotrauma Effectiveness Research (CENTER-TBI) study. After six- and 12-months post-injury, participants completed the PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5), from which change scores were calculated. At six months, participants also completed a neurocognitive assessment including the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, the Trail Making Test, and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Linear regressions were performed to identify associations between cognitive functioning and PCL-5 change scores. Results: Overall, mean PCL-5 change scores showed no clear change (−0.20 ± 9.88), but 87 improved and 80 deteriorated by a change score of 10 or more. CANTAB Rapid Visual Information Processing scores were significantly associated with PCL-5 change scores. Conclusions: Strong sustained attention was associated with improvement in PTSD symptoms. Assessing cognitive performance may help identify individuals at risk of developing (persisting) PTSD post-TBI and offer opportunities for informing treatment strategies.

More than a year after the first identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as the causative agent of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in China, the emergence and spread of genomic variants of this virus through travel raise concerns regarding the introduction of lineages in previously unaffected regions, requiring adequate containment strategies. Concomitantly, such introductions fuel worries about a possible increase in transmissibility and disease severity, as well as a possible decrease in vaccine efficacy. Military personnel are frequently deployed on missions around the world. As part of a COVID-19 risk mitigation strategy, Belgian Armed Forces that engaged in missions and operations abroad were screened (7683 RT-qPCR tests), pre- and post-mission, for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, including the identification of viral lineages. Nine distinct viral genotypes were identified in soldiers returning from operations in Niger, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, and Mali. The SARS-CoV-2 variants belonged to major clades 19B, 20A, and 20B (Nextstrain nomenclature), and included “variant of interest” B.1.525, “variant under monitoring” A.27, as well as lineages B.1.214, B.1, B.1.1.254, and A (pangolin nomenclature), some of which are internationally monitored due to the specific mutations they harbor. Through contact tracing and phylogenetic analysis, we show that isolation and testing policies implemented by the Belgian military command appear to have been successful in containing the influx and transmission of these distinct SARS-CoV-2 variants into military and civilian populations.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies are expected to play a crucial role in the surveillance of infectious diseases, with their unprecedented capabilities for the characterisation of genetic information underlying the virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) properties of microorganisms. In the implementation of any novel technology for regulatory purposes, important considerations such as harmonisation, validation and quality assurance need to be addressed. NGS technologies pose unique challenges in these regards, in part due to their reliance on bioinformatics for the processing and proper interpretation of the data produced. Well-designed benchmark resources are thus needed to evaluate, validate and ensure continued quality control over the bioinformatics component of the process. This concept was explored as part of a workshop on "Next-generation sequencing technologies and antimicrobial resistance" held October 4-5 2017. Challenges involved in the development of such a benchmark resource, with a specific focus on identifying the molecular determinants of AMR, were identified. For each of the challenges, sets of unsolved questions that will need to be tackled for them to be properly addressed were compiled. These take into consideration the requirement for monitoring of AMR bacteria in humans, animals, food and the environment, which is aligned with the principles of a “One Health” approach.

Objective: Tinnitus can be regarded as a chronic stressor, leading to dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. There is important comorbidity with anxiety, particularly panic, potentially associated with differences in HPA axis functioning and methylation patterns of HPA axis-related genes. This study examines DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) exon 1F in adults with chronic subjective tinnitus and the possible differential effect of panic. Methods: In a well characterized tinnitus sample (n  = 22, half of which had co-occurring panic attacks), and unaffected controls (n  = 31) methylation patterns of the CpG sites were determined using pyrosequencing and compared between groups through linear mixed models. Gene expression was determined using quantitative PCR on mRNA. Results: Comparing the combined tinnitus groups to the control group, no DNA methylation differences were observed; however, the tinnitus group with panic attacks showed consistently higher mean methylation values across all CpGs compared to the tinnitus-only and the control group (P  = 0.03 following Tukey correction), which became even more pronounced when accounting for childhood trauma (P  = 0.012). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between methylation of the CpG7 site and the Beck Anxiety Inventory total score (P  = 0.001) in the total population. NR3C1 -1F expression was not significantly different between the three groups. Conclusion: Panic is associated with higher DNA methylation of the NR3C1 exon 1F in adults with chronic subjective tinnitus, consistent with the reduced negative glucocorticoid feedback and HPA axis hyperfunction observed in individuals with panic disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies are expected to play a crucial role in the surveillance of infectious diseases, with their unprecedented capabilities for the characterisation of genetic information underlying the virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) properties of microorganisms. In the implementation of any novel technology for regulatory purposes, important considerations such as harmonisation, validation and quality assurance need to be addressed. NGS technologies pose unique challenges in these regards, in part due to their reliance on bioinformatics for the processing and proper interpretation of the data produced. Well-designed benchmark resources are thus needed to evaluate, validate and ensure continued quality control over the bioinformatics component of the process. This concept was explored as part of a workshop on "Next-generation sequencing technologies and antimicrobial resistance" held October 4-5 2017. Challenges involved in the development of such a benchmark resource, with a specific focus on identifying the molecular determinants of AMR, were identified. For each of the challenges, sets of unsolved questions that will need to be tackled for them to be properly addressed were compiled. These take into consideration the requirement for monitoring of AMR bacteria in humans, animals, food and the environment, which is aligned with the principles of a “One Health” approach.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are present in many consumer goods. There is evidence that PBDEs are toxic to humans, particular young children. The purpose of this study was to assess indoor dust as an exposure source for PBDEs. Concentrations of 16 PBDEs were determined in dust samples from 33 households in New Zealand, and in breast milk samples from 33 mothers living in these households. Associations between dust and breast milk PBDE concentrations were assessed, and children's PBDE intake from breast milk and dust estimated. Influences of household and demographic factors on PBDE concentrations in dust were investigated. Indoor dust concentrations ranged from 0.1 ng/g for BDE17 to 2500 ng/g for BDE209. Breast milk concentrations were positively correlated (p

Ever since the interest in organic environmental contaminants first emerged 50 years ago, there has been a need to present discussion of such chemicals and their transformation products using simple abbreviations so as to avoid the repetitive use of long chemical names. As the number of chemicals of concern has increased, the number of abbreviations has also increased dramatically, sometimes resulting in the use of different abbreviations for the same chemical. In this article, we propose abbreviations for flame retardants (FRs) substituted with bromine or chlorine atoms or including a functional group containing phosphorus, i.e. BFRs, CFRs and PFRs, respectively. Due to the large number of halogenated and organophosphorus FRs, it has become increasingly important to develop a strategy for abbreviating the chemical names of FRs. In this paper, a two step procedure is proposed for deriving practical abbreviations (PRABs) for the chemicals discussed. In the first step, structural abbreviations (STABs) are developed using specific STAB criteria based on the FR structure. However, since several of the derived STABs are complicated and long, we propose instead the use of PRABs. These are, commonly, an extract of the most essential part of the STAB, while also considering abbreviations previously used in the literature. We indicate how these can be used to develop an abbreviation that can be generally accepted by scientists and other professionals involved in FR related work. Tables with PRABs and STABs for BFRs, CFRs and PFRs are presented, including CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) numbers, notes of abbreviations that have been used previously, CA (Chemical Abstract) name, common names and trade names, as well as some fundamental physico-chemical constants. Keywords: Brominated flame retardants, Chlorinated flame retardants, Phosphorus flame retardants, Nomenclature, Abbreviations, Physico-chemical properties