Large-scale study of Toxoplasma and Cytomegalovirus shows an association between infection and serious psychiatric disorders

Abstract China accounts for 17% of the global disease burden attributable to mental, neurological and substance use disorders. As a country undergoing profound societal change, China faces growing challenges to reduce the disease burden caused by psychiatric disorders. In this review, we aim to present an overview of progress in neuroscience research and clinical services for psychiatric disorders in China during the past three decades, analysing contributing factors and potential challenges to the field development. We first review studies in the epidemiological, genetic and neuroimaging fields as examples to illustrate a growing contribution of studies from China to the neuroscience research. Next, we introduce large-scale, open-access imaging genetic cohorts and recently initiated brain banks in China as platforms to study healthy brain functions and brain disorders. Then, we show progress in clinical services, including an integration of hospital and community-based healthcare systems and early intervention schemes. We finally discuss opportunities and existing challenges: achievements in research and clinical services are indispensable to the growing funding investment and continued engagement in international collaborations. The unique aspect of traditional Chinese medicine may provide insights to develop a novel treatment for psychiatric disorders. Yet obstacles still remain to promote research quality and to provide ubiquitous clinical services to vulnerable populations. Taken together, we expect to see a sustained advancement in psychiatric research and healthcare system in China. These achievements will contribute to the global efforts to realize good physical, mental and social well-being for all individuals.

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Large-scale study finds no glyphosate-cancer connection

C&EN Global Enterprise ◽

10.1021/cen-09546-govcon3 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 95 (46) ◽

pp. 15-15

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Large Scale Study

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Sex differences in the associations of nonmedical use of prescription drugs with self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among adolescents: A large-scale study in China

Journal of Affective Disorders ◽

10.1016/j.jad.2021.02.034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 285 ◽

pp. 29-36

Author(s):

Bo Xie ◽

Beifang Fan ◽

Wanxin Wang ◽

Wenyan Li ◽

Ciyong Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sex Differences ◽

Prescription Drugs ◽

Large Scale ◽

Large Scale Study ◽

Nonmedical Use ◽

And Behaviors

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Correction to: Methane and Electricity Production from Poultry Litter Digestion in the Amazon Region of Brazil: A Large-Scale Study

Waste and Biomass Valorization ◽

10.1007/s12649-021-01447-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marcelo Mendes Pedroza ◽

Wanderson Gomes da Silva ◽

Luciene Santos de Carvalho ◽

Alice Rocha de Souza ◽

Girlene Figueiredo Maciel

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Poultry Litter ◽

Amazon Region ◽

Electricity Production ◽

Large Scale Study

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First Detection of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Variant of Concern in an Asymptomatic Dog in Spain

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13071379 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 1379

Author(s):

Sandra Barroso-Arévalo ◽

Belén Rivera ◽

Lucas Domínguez ◽

José M. Sánchez-Vizcaíno

Keyword(s):

Active Surveillance ◽

Large Scale ◽

Infectious Virus ◽

Viral Isolation ◽

Viral Loads ◽

Large Scale Study ◽

Rectal Swabs

Natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets has been widely documented during the last year. Although the majority of reports suggested that dogs’ susceptibility to the infection is low, little is known about viral pathogenicity and transmissibility in the case of variants of concern, such as B.1.1.7 in this species. Here, as part of a large-scale study on SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in pets in Spain, we have detected the B.1.1.7 variant of concern (VOC) in a dog whose owners were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The animal did not present any symptoms, but viral loads were high in the nasal and rectal swabs. In addition, viral isolation was possible from both swabs, demonstrating that the dog was shedding infectious virus. Seroconversion occurred 23 days after the first sampling. This study documents the first detection of B.1.1.7 VOC in a dog in Spain and emphasizes the importance of performing active surveillance and genomic investigation on infected animals.

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A large-scale investigation into the role of classical HLA loci in multiple types of severe infections, with a focus on overlaps with autoimmune and mental disorders

Journal of Translational Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12967-021-02888-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ron Nudel ◽

Rosa Lundbye Allesøe ◽

Wesley K. Thompson ◽

Thomas Werge ◽

Simon Rasmussen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autoimmune Disease ◽

Psychiatric Disorders ◽

Large Scale ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Human Leukocyte ◽

Severe Infection ◽

Small Sample ◽

Disease Etiology ◽

Hla Alleles ◽

Severe Infections

Abstract Background Infections are a major disease burden worldwide. While they are caused by external pathogens, host genetics also plays a part in susceptibility to infections. Past studies have reported diverse associations between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and infections, but many were limited by small sample sizes and/or focused on only one infection. Methods We performed an immunogenetic association study examining 13 categories of severe infection (bacterial, viral, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, genital, hepatitis, otitis, pregnancy-related, respiratory, sepsis, skin infection, urological and other infections), as well as a phenotype for having any infection, and seven classical HLA loci (HLA-A, B, C, DPB1, DQA1, DQB1 and DRB1). Additionally, we examined associations between infections and specific alleles highlighted in our previous studies of psychiatric disorders and autoimmune disease, as these conditions are known to be linked to infections. Results Associations between HLA loci and infections were generally not strong. Highlighted associations included associations between DQB1*0302 and DQB1*0604 and viral infections (P = 0.002835 and P = 0.014332, respectively), DQB1*0503 and sepsis (P = 0.006053), and DQA1*0301 with “other” infections (a category which includes infections not included in our main categories e.g. protozoan infections) (P = 0.000369). Some HLA alleles implicated in autoimmune diseases showed association with susceptibility to infections, but the latter associations were generally weaker, or with opposite trends (in the case of HLA-C alleles, but not with alleles of HLA class II genes). HLA alleles associated with psychiatric disorders did not show association with susceptibility to infections. Conclusions Our results suggest that classical HLA alleles do not play a large role in the etiology of severe infections. The discordant association trends with autoimmune disease for some alleles could contribute to mechanistic theories of disease etiology.

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A large-scale study of ionic liquids employed in chemistry and energy research to reveal cytotoxicity mechanisms and to develop safe design guide

Green Chemistry ◽

10.1039/d1gc01520f ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Lilya U. Dzhemileva ◽

Vladimir Anatolievich D'yakonov ◽

Marina M. Seitkalieva ◽

Natalia Kulikovskaya ◽

Ksenia S. Egorova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ionic Liquids ◽

Life Cycle ◽

Large Scale ◽

Energy Research ◽

Organic Electrolytes ◽

Large Scale Study ◽

Design Guide ◽

Scientific Potential

Device-level applications of organic electrolytes unavoidably imply extensive contacts with the environment. Despite their excellent scientific potential, ionic liquids (ILs) cannot be approved for practical usage until their life cycle...

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