Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) versus sham ECT for depression: do study limitations invalidate the evidence (and mean we should stop using ECT)?

SUMMARYElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression is a controversial treatment with highly polarised views about the balance between therapeutic benefits and adverse effects. Studies investigating whether ECT is more effective than a placebo treatment started in the 1950s, with the most important randomised controlled trials carried out about four decades ago in which ECT was compared with sham ECT (SECT) involving anaesthesia but no electrically induced seizure. Subsequently the data have been pooled in a number of meta-analyses which have found that ECT is an effective treatment. However, a recent review of the quality of the SECT-controlled studies, and the meta-analyses based on them, concludes that their quality is too poor to allow assessment of the efficacy of ECT and that, given its risks (permanent memory loss and death), the use of ECT should be suspended. This commentary critically discusses the methodology of this review and its conclusions.

CREB repressor in mushroom body enhances Drosophila LTM formation

Long-term memory (LTM) requires learning-induced synthesis of new proteins allocated to specific neurons and synapses in a neural circuit. Not all learned information, however, becomes permanent memory. How the brain gates relevant information into LTM remains unclear. In Drosophila adults, a single training session in an olfactory aversive task is not sufficient to induce protein synthesis-dependent LTM. Instead, multiple spaced training sessions are required. Here, we report that initial learning induces neural activity in the early α/β subset of Kenyon cells of the mushroom body (MB), and output from these neurons inhibits LTM formation. Specifically in response to spaced training, Schnurri activates CREBB expression which then appears to suppress the inhibitory output from MB. One training session can enhance LTM formation when this inhibitory effect is relieved. We propose that learning-induced protein synthesis and spaced training-induced CREBB act antagonistically to modulate output from early α/β MB neurons during LTM formation.

Selecting a Cell Engineering Methodology During Cell Therapy Product Development

When considering the development pathway for a genetically modified cell therapy product, it is critically important that the product is engineered consistent with its intended human use. For scientists looking to develop and commercialize a new technology, the decision to select a genetic modification method depends on several practical considerations. Whichever path is chosen, the developer must understand the key risks and potential mitigations of the cell engineering approach. The developer should also understand the clinical implications: permanent/memory establishment versus transient expression, and clinical manufacturing considerations when dealing with transplantation of genetically engineered cells. This review covers important topics for mapping out a strategy for developers of new cell-based therapeutics. Biological, technological, manufacturing, and clinical considerations are all presented to map out development lanes for the initiation and risk management of new gene-based cell therapeutic products for human use.

Magnetic hysteresis of magnetite, pyrrhotite and hematite at high temperature

Summary The magnetic properties of iron-bearing minerals at above ambient temperatures control their magnetic expression at depth in the Earth and other planets, as well as the permanent memory they retain as thermoremanence or thermochemical remanence when brought to the surface and cooled. This paper reports magnetic hysteresis parameters measured at temperatures up to the Curie point TC for natural pyrrhotite and hematite and for suites of sized magnetites, both natural and synthesized. Domain structure changes can be inferred from the ratio of saturation remanence Mrs to saturation magnetization Ms In almost all magnetites and pyrrhotites studied, Mrs decreases more rapidly with increasing measurement temperature T than Ms, indicating thermal unblocking or vortex development in single-domain grains and addition or remobilization of domain walls at high T in multidomain grains. During cooling of a rock, iron minerals might then denucleate domains or vortices. Coercive force Hc, a measure of stability against changing magnetic fields, also decreases with increasing measurement T, usually at a rate similar to that of Mrs, but often retains a finite value near the Curie point.

IN VITRO IMMUNITY AGAINST THE SARS-COV-2 WHICH CAUSES COVID-19

Today, the current pandemic of the new coronavirus is no less than havoc to the world. The number of infected people around the world is touching the skies. The sufferings of the people are unimaginable. Scientists around the globe are working tirelessly in search of cure to this deadly disease (covid-19). And the most prominent method is developing a vaccine. Though this method treated many diseases, it also shows some side effects (Vaccines, n.d.)6. But my concept is based on the rule of nature and the key point of evolution, natural selection or survival of the fittest. And the concept says that putting the new coronavirus with the body's immune cells will force them to survive, if not, then it will give them the time to understand the virus and create a permanent memory for the virus. Once the cells get fully immunized against the virus they are ready to be injected into the body for a permanent and effective protection.

Specialization of Microcomputers for Targeted Use

Since 2015, microcomputers have appeared in the information environment, which are a compact system unit with minimal functionality without peripherals. The article published the results of the analysis of the use of 6 different microcomputers in various fields of activity. The purpose of the study is to determine the limiting factors affecting the efficiency of the targeted use of microcomputers. It has been established that for scientific and educational presentations, office and trading activities, it is currently advisable to use fanless microcomputers with a perforated case and an internal WiFi antenna, at least 4 GB of operational and 64 GB of permanent memory, and a microSD (TF) memory card slot, at least 128 GB, NTFS file system), Intel HD Graphics, USB3.0 and HDMI interfaces. Based on comparative experiments, methodological recommendations were created on optimizing the configuration of the hardware-software environment of microcomputers in stationary and mobile conditions. The problems of major updates to Windows 10, as well as the compatibility of Microsoft Store software and third-party manufacturers, are analyzed. It is recommended to specialize individual microcomputers for working with 32-bit applications; accounting and cryptographic programs; as well as conducting presentations with their video. Options for optimal configuration of the Start menu of the Windows 10 desktop are suggested. It is concluded that specialization in the hardware-software configuration of modern microcomputers allows you to increase the efficiency of using single devices and their paired systems in accordance with BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).

EQUALITY OF SUFFERAGE FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL DISORDERS IN MALANG CITY

Constitutional Court of Indonesia in 2015 established Constitutional Court's DecisionNumber 135 / PUU-XIII / 2015 that revoked the provisions of Article 57 paragraph 3letter a of Indonesian Law Number 8 of 2015 concerning Amendment of Law Number 1concerning the Stipulation of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 1 of 2014which the substance prohibited person with disabilities for voting in election. Then, LawNumber 7 of 2017 concerning General Elections, which exclusively gave political rightsfor people with disabilities to implement their political rights.Qualifications for people with mental disabilities in elections of The ConstitutionalCourt decides that the phrase "mental disorders/ memory impairment" must beinterpreted as "experiencing mental illness and/ or permanent memory impairmentwhich according to mental health professionals, has abolished one's ability to vote inelections". It means that sufferers with mental disorders and/ or impermanent memoryimpairment must still be registered as voters and they have the opportunity to use theirvoting rights in elections.Equality of political rights for people with mental disorders (Orang Dengan GangguanJiwa (ODGJ)) in elections is very important because general election gives opportunity to increase participation and change public perception for the ability of people with disabilities. As the result, people with disabilities can have stronger political voice andthey are recognized more as equal citizens. Moreover, this research was in category ofnormative research with normative juridical approach. In conclusion, the equality ofpolitical rights for people with mental disorders (orang dengan gangguan jiwa(ODGJ)) in elections is very important because general election gives opportunity toincrease participation and change public perception for the ability of people withdisabilities. As the result, people with disabilities can have stronger political voice andthey are recognized more as equal citizens.

HAK MEMILIH PENYANDANG DISABILITAS MENTAL DALAM PEMILIHAN UMUM SERENTAK TAHUN 2019 DI INDONESIA

This study discusses the implementation of elections as an indicator in the democratic system because it is the people who determine the direction of the policy of state power through their political suffrage. The people as the highest authority in their voting rights are very important in the implementation of elections. After the issuance of the Constitutional Court ruling Number 14/PUU-XI/2013 concerning the implementation of simultaneous general elections in 2019, what became much of a conversation and debate was about the voters' rights for persons with mental disability. This study uses the normative legal research method. Using secondary data sources and qualitative descriptive analysis. The results of this study show that the KPU Commissioner stated that persons with mental disabilities can exercise their right to vote by bringing a letter of recommendation or information from a doctor to be able to exercise their right to vote at the polling station (TPS). This is confirmed after the decision of the Constitutional Court Number 135/PUU-XIII/2015 which states Article 57 paragraph (3) of the Election Law does not have binding legal force as long as the phrase 'mentally disturbed or memory' is not interpreted as' experiencing mental disorders and/or permanent memory impairment which according to mental health professionals has eliminated a person's ability to vote in elections'. This reinforces and becomes a normative basis that persons with mental disabilities have the right to vote in the simultaneous general elections in 2019.Keywords: general elections; people with mental disabilities; voting rights.ABSTRAKPenelitian ini mebahas tentang pelaksanaan pemilihan umum menjadi indikator dalam sistem demokrasi karena rakyatlah yang menjadi penentu arah kebijakan kekuasaan negara melalui hak pilihan politiknya. Rakyat sebagai pemegang kekuasaan tertinggi dalam hak pilihnya menjadi sangat penting dalam pelaksaan pemilihan umum. Pasca keluarnya putusan Mahkamah Konstitusi Nomor 14/PUU-XI/2013 mengenai pelaksanaan pemilihan umum serentak tahun 2019, yang menjadi banyak perbincangan dan perdebatan adalah mengenai hak pemilih bagi penyandang diisabilitas mental. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Penelitian Hukum normatif. Menggunakan sumber data sekunder serta analisis deskriptif kualitatif. Adapun hasil penelitian ini terlihat bahwa Komisioner KPU menyatakan penyandang disabilitas mental dapat menggunakan hak pilihnya dengan membawa surat rekomendasi atau keterangan dari dokter untuk bisa menggunakan hak pilihnya di tempat pemungutan suara (TPS). Hal ini dipertegas pasca putusan Mahkamah Konstitusi Nomor 135/PUU-XIII/2015 yang menyatakan Pasal 57 ayat (3) Undang-Undang Pemilu tidak mempunyai kekuatan hukum mengikat sepanjang frasa ‘terganggu jiwa atau ingatannya’ tidak dimaknai sebagai ‘mengalami gangguan jiwa dan/atau gangguaningatan permanen yang menurut professional bidang kesehatan jiwa telah menghilangkan kemampuan seseorang untuk memilih dalam pemilihanumum’. Hal ini memperkuat dan menjadi dasar normatif bahwa penyandang disabilitas mental memiliki hak pilih dalam pelaksanaan pemilihan umum serentak tahun 2019.Kata kunci: hak memilih; pemilihan umum; penyandang disabilitas mental.

Memory quality modulates the effect of aging on memory consolidation during sleep: Reduced maintenance but intact gain

Successful consolidation of associative memories relies on the coordinated interplay of slow oscillations and sleep spindles during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, enabling the transfer of labile information from the hippocampus to permanent memory stores in the neocortex. During senescence, the decline of the structural and functional integrity of the hippocampus and neocortical regions is paralleled by changes of the physiological events that stabilize and enhance associative memories during NREM sleep. However, the currently available evidence is inconclusive if and under which circumstances aging impacts memory consolidation. By tracing the encoding quality of single memories in individual participants, we demonstrate that previous learning determines the extent of age-related impairments in memory consolidation. Specifically, the detrimental effects of aging on memory maintenance were greatest for mnemonic contents of medium encoding quality, whereas memory gain of weakly encoded memories did not differ by age. Using multivariate techniques, we identified profiles of alterations in sleep physiology and brain structure characteristic for increasing age. Importantly, while both ‘aged’ sleep and ‘aged’ brain structure profiles were associated with reduced memory maintenance, inter-individual differences in neither sleep nor structural brain integrity qualified as the driving force behind age differences in sleep-dependent consolidation in the present study.