Articles publicats en revistes (Institut de Neurociències (UBNeuro))

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The PADRIS-PRESTO Cohort: A Comprehensive Population-Based Study on Mental Health in Catalonia
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2025-12-01) De Prisco, Michele; Oliva, Vincenzo; Fico, Giovanna; Mas, Ariadna; Valenzuela-Pascual, Clàudia; Montejo Egido, Laura; Bort, Marta; Sommerhof, Constanza; Bortolozzi, Analia; Miquel Rio, Lluís; Vilella, Elisabet; Forte, Maria Florencia; Fortea, Lydia; Fernández-Plaza, Tábatha; Giménez Palomo, Anna; Sagué-Vilavella, Maria; Madero Gómez, Santiago; Llorca-Bofí, Vicent; Bioque Alcázar, Miquel; Grande i Fullana, Iria; Murru, Andrea; Pacchiarotti, Isabella; Cavero Álvarez, Myriam; Blanch Andreu, Jordi; Viñas-Bardolet, Clara; Aparicio-Nogué, Vicenç; Martínez-Cerdá, Juan Francisco; Parellada Rodón, Eduard; Martínez-Arán, Anabel, 1971-; Radua, Joaquim; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Hidalgo Mazzei, Diego; Anmella, Gerard
Background: Mental disorders affect nearly 970 million people worldwide, impacting individuals and healthcare systems. Large population databases offer insights often unattainable in smaller studies, but their findings may not always generalize across diverse regions. To address this, we introduce a European cohort from Catalonia, Spain, allowing for comparisons between individuals with mental disorders and the general population. Methods: Data were obtained from the “Programa d’analítica de dades per a la recerca i la innovació en salut” (PADRIS). The cohort included all individuals who accessed public specialized mental health services between 2015 and 2019, with retrospective follow-up extending to 2010. These individuals, referred to as cases, were matched by age, sex, and health region with controls, individuals who had no interactions with mental health services during the same period. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including psychiatric diagnoses, comorbidities, smoking status, healthcare utilization, and prescribed treatments, were analyzed. Results: The study included 1,421,510 individuals (mean age: 41.6±22.1; 53.6% female), with 473,812 cases and 947,698 controls. Cases were more likely to be exempt from income reporting, be ever-smokers, and have musculoskeletal comorbidities. A total of 1,547,374 psychiatric diagnoses were recorded, with anxiety (31.38%) and mood disorders (18.83%) being the most frequent. Over the follow-up, 76.2 million primary care visits and 67.1 million prescriptions were recorded. Conclusions: This cohort enhances our understanding of mental health service use, diagnostic trends, and treatment patterns in Catalonia. The insights derived from this cohort have the potential to inform mental health policies, improving outcomes within and beyond the region.
Eye-tracking metrics during image viewing as possible biomarkers of cognitive alterations: A systematic review and meta-analysis in people with bipolar disorder
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-05-06) De Prisco, Michele ; Oliva, Vincenzo; Fico, Giovanna; Kjærstad, Hanne Lie; Woznica Miskowiak, Kamilla; Anmella, Gerard; Hidalgo Mazzei, Diego; Murru, Andrea; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Radua, Joaquim
Eye-tracking metrics, such as fixation latency, fixation count, saccade amplitude, and gaze duration, are emerging digital biomarkers that can enhance our understanding of cognitive and emotional alterations in mental disorders. For bipolar disorder (BD), eye-tracking offers a promising approach to investigate the mechanisms underlying the deficits in attention, inhibitory control, and emotion processing. This meta-analysis examined the differences in eye-tracking metrics in individuals with BD compared to healthy controls (HCs) or individuals with other psychiatric conditions, while observing images with emotional or non-emotional content. A comprehensive search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases was conducted from inception to August 20, 2024. Studies investigating differences in eye-tracking metrics using an image viewing paradigm were reviewed, and meta-analyses were performed. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria: BD (n = 337) was compared to HCs (n = 352) in all ten studies, to major depressive disorder (n = 60) in two studies, and to schizophrenia (n = 22) in one study. Meta-analyses were only feasible for comparisons between BD and HCs. Individuals with BD exhibited higher latency for the first fixation, a reduced number of fixations, shorter gaze duration, and lower saccadic peak velocity and amplitude. Additionally, they showed shorter fixation durations only when viewing images with negative content. This report provides valuable insights into the cognitive and emotional difficulties faced by individuals with BD, which can guide the development of more targeted and effective assessments and interventions for this population.
Self-utility distance as a computational approach to understanding self-concept clarity
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-03-25) García-Arch, Josué; Korn, Christoph W.; Fuentemilla Garriga, Lluís
Self-concept stability and cohesion are crucial for psychological functioning and well-being, yet the mechanisms that underpin this fundamental aspect of human cognition remain underexplored. Integrating insights from cognitive and personality psychology with reinforcement learning, we introduce Self-Utility Distance (SUD)-a metric quantifying the dissimilarities between individuals' self-concept attributes and their expected utility value. In Study 1 (n = 155), participants provided self- and expected utility ratings using a set of predefined adjectives. SUD showed a significant negative relationship with Self-Concept Clarity that persisted after accounting for individuals' Self-Esteem. In Study 2 (n = 323), we found that SUD provides incremental predictive accuracy over Ideal-Self and Ought-Self discrepancies in the prediction of Self-Concept Clarity. In Study 3 (n = 85), we investigated the mechanistic principles underlying Self-Utility Distance. Participants conducted a social learning task where they learned about trait utilities from a reference group. We formalized different computational models to investigate the strategies individuals use to adjust trait utility estimates in response to environmental feedback. Through Hierarchical Bayesian Inference, we found evidence that participants utilized their self-concept to modulate trait utility learning, effectively avoiding the maximization of Self-Utility Distance. Our findings provide insights into self-concept dynamics that might help understand the maintenance of adaptive and maladaptive traits.
Neural correlates of human fear conditioning and sources of variability in 2199 individuals
(Nature Publishing Group, 2025-08-23) Radua, Joaquim; Savage, Hannah S.; Vilajosana, Enric; Jamieson, Alec; Abler, Birgit; Åhs, Fredrik; Beckers, Tom; Cardoner, N. (Narcís); Cisler, Josh M.; Diniz, Juliana B.; Bach, Dominik R.; Elsenbruch, Sigrid; Greening, Steven G.; Holt, Daphne J.; Kaczkurkin, Antonia N.; Keil, Andreas; Kindt, Merel; Koch, Kathrin; LaBar, Kevin S.; Lam, Charlene L.; Larson, Christine L.; Lonsdorf, Tina B.; Merz, Christian J.; McLaughlin, Katie A.; Neria, Yuval; Pine, Daniel S.; Reekum, Carien M. van; Shackman, Alexander J.; Soriano Mas, Carles; Spoormaker, Victor I.; Stout, Daniel M.; Straube, Benjamin; Straube, Thomas; Tuominen, Lauri; Visser, Renée M.; Ahumada, Laura; Arolt, Volker; Batistuzzo, Marcelo C.; Bazán, Paulo R.; Biggs, Emma E.; Cano Català, Marta; Chavarría-Elizondo, Pamela; Cooper, Samuel E.; Dannlowski, Udo; Peña Arteaga, Víctor de la; DeCross, Stephanie N.; Domschke, Katharina; Ehlers, Mana R.; Graner, John L.; Hamm, Alfons O.; Herrmann, Martin J.; Huggins, Ashley A.; Icenhour, Adriane; Juaneda Seguí, Asier; Junghoefer, Markus; Kircher, Tilo; Koelkebeck, Katja; Kuhn, Manuel; Labrenz, Franziska; Lissek, Shmuel M.; Lotze, Martin; Lueken, Ulrike; Margraf, Jürgen; Martínez Zalacaín, Ignacio; Moeck, Robert; Morriss, Jayne; Ortuño, María; Pittig, Andre; Porta Casteràs, Daniel; Richter, Jan; Ridderbusch, Isabelle C.; Rief, Winfried; Roesmann, Kati; Rosén, Jörgen; Rußmann, Alena N.; Sjouwerman, Rachel; Spohrs, Jennifer; Ströhle, Andreas; Suárez Jimenez, Benjamin; Ulrich, Martin; Wittchen, Hans-Ulrich; Zhu, Xi; Waller, Lea; Walter, Henrik; Thompson, Paul M.; Bas Hoogendam, Janna Marie; Groenewold, Nynke A.; Stein, Dan J., 1962-; Van der Wee, N.J.; Dunsmoor, Joseph E.; Marquand, Andre; Harrison, Ben J.; Fullana Rivas, Miguel Àngel
Pavlovian fear conditioning is a fundamental process in both health and disease. We investigate its neural correlates and sources of variability using harmonized functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 2199 individuals across nine countries, including 1888 healthy individuals and 311 with anxiety-related or depressive disorders. Using mega-analysis and normative modeling, we show that fear conditioning consistently engages brain regions within the “central autonomic–interoceptive” or “salience” network. Several task variables strongly modulate activity in these regions, contributing to variability in neural responses. Additionally, brain activation patterns differ between healthy individuals and those with anxiety-related or depressive disorders, with distinct profiles characterizing specific disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While the neural correlates of fear conditioning are highly generalizable at the population level, variability arises from differences in task design and clinical status, highlighting the importance of methodological diversity in capturing fear learning mechanisms
Effectiveness of a Post-discharge Phone-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Patients with Severe Mental Health Disorders: The 061 Quitmental Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
(Springer Verlag, 2024-02-21) Martínez Martínez, Cristina; Feliu, Ariadna; Saura, Judit; Nieva, Gemma; Pinet, Cristina; Raich, Antònia; Mondon, Sílvia; Barrio, Pablo; Andreu, Magalí; Hernández-Ribas, Rosa; Costa, Sílvia; Suelves, Josep Maria; Vilaplana, Jordi; Enríquez, Marta; Alaustre, Laura; Vilalta, Eva; Bonet Alvarez, Judit; Guydish, Joseph; Fernández Muñoz, Esteve; Ballbè i Gibernau, Montse
A pragmatic double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in Barcelona to assess a telephone-based smoking cessation intervention's effectiveness for individuals with mental health disorders post-discharge. Participants were divided into an Intervention Group (IG) and Control Group (CG) with a 2:1 allocation ratio. The IG received proactive motivational assistance, while the CG received brief advice. Biochemically validated past 7-day abstinence was the main outcome measure. Of 530 screened individuals, 294 were enrolled (200 IG, 94 CG). During follow-up, participants reported 97 episodes of ≥7-day abstinence (IG: 51, CG: 26). Overall abstinence probability was 30-35%, with no difference between groups at one-year follow-up. However, intervention participants were more likely to report abstinence if they quit during hospitalization or were considering quitting. The intervention effectively supported smoking abstinence in motivated individuals. Combining this with clinical and community-based interventions holds promise for aiding smoking cessation in those with mental disorders
Liver X receptors and inflammatory-induced C/EBPβ selectively cooperate to control CD38 transcription
(Karger, 2024-12-19) Glaría Percaz, Estibaliz; Rodríguez Martínez, Pol; Font Díaz, Joan; Rosa, Juan Vladimir de la; Castrillo, Antonio; Crawshaw, Dylan J.; Vidal Taboada, José Manuel; Saura Martí, Josep; Matalonga, Jonathan; Nunes Chini, Eduardo; Caelles Franch, Carme; Valledor Fernández, Annabel
Introduction: Macrophages abundantly express liver X receptors (LXRs), which are ligand-dependent transcription factors and sensors of several cholesterol metabolites. In response to agonists, LXRs promote the expression of key lipid homeostasis regulators. Cross talk between LXRs and inflammatory signals exists in a cell type- and gene-specific manner. A common feature in the macrophage response to inflammatory mediators is the induction of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ), a master transcriptional regulator and lineage-determining transcription factor in monocytes/macrophages. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR in control and C/EBPβ-deficient macrophages was used to explore the role of C/EBPβ in the cross talk between inflammatory mediators and the macrophage response to pharmacological LXR activation. The functional interaction between C/EBPβ and LXRs on selected genomic regions was further characterized by chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and gene reporter studies. Results: Whereas inflammatory signaling repressed several LXR-regulated genes involved in lipid metabolism, these effects were conserved after deletion of C/EBPβ. In contrast, inflammatory mediators and LXRs synergistically induced the expression of the multifunctional protein CD38 in a C/EBPβ-dependent manner. C/EBPβ and LXRs bound to several regions with enhancer activity upstream and within the mouse Cd38 gene and their functional cooperation in macrophages required intact binding sites for LXR and C/EBPβ. Conclusion: This study reveals positive cross talk between C/EBPβ and LXRs during the macrophage inflammatory response, which selectively impacts CD38 expression.
Efficacy of pharmacogenetic (PGx)-guided antidepressant treatment on functional outcomes and quality of life in adults with anxiety and affective disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-08-01) Fares Otero, Natalia Elena; Budde, Monika; Laatsch, Jonathan; Harrer, Mathias; Pelgrim, Teuntje A. D; Philipsen, Alexandra; Heilbronner, Urs; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Westrhenen, Roos van; PSY-PGx Consortium
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the efficacy of pharmacogenetic (PGx)-guided antidepressant treatment compared to treatment as usual (TAU) on functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in people with anxiety and affective disorders. A PRISMA-compliant systematic search was performed up to 26/06/2025 to identify relevant prospective, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in seven databases. The revised tool for Risk of Bias (RoB2) was used to assess the methodological qualities of the included studies (PROSPERO CRD42024518683). Of 2774 records, six studies were included comprising 2285 adult patients (PGx group: n = 1395, Mean age = 48.14 years; 55.68 % females; TAU group: n = 890, Mean age = 47.83 years, 58.22 % females). Three studies were included in random-effect meta-analyses. In these, PGx-guided antidepressant treatment significantly decreased functional disability, measured by the Sheehan Disability Scale/Inventory (SDS/I), compared to TAU (k = 3, Mean Difference = -2.85, SE = 1.32 [95 % CI: -5.44, -0.26], p = .031). The Hartung-Knapp adjustment of p-values yielded non-significant effects. Individually, one of these three studies reported a significant effect of PGx-guided treatment on overall SDS score, one on SDI Perceived Social Support partial score, and one no effect. Risk for bias was rated high for one study, with some concerns for the other five. Due to the small number of included trials, our ability to conduct analyses of heterogeneity, moderators and publication bias was limited. Nonetheless, our results suggest that PGx-guided antidepressant treatment may improve functioning in people with anxiety and affective disorders.
Educational attainment does not influence brain aging
(National Academy of Sciences, 2021-05-21) Nyberg, Lars; Magnussen, Fredrik; Lundquist, Anders; Baare, William; Bartrés Faz, David; Bertram, Lars; Boraxbekk, Carl Johan; Brandmaier, Andreas M.; Drevon, Christian A; Ebmeier, Klaus P.; Ghisletta, Paolo; Henson, Richard N.; Junqué i Plaja, Carme, 1955-; Kievit, Rogier; Kleemeyer, Maike; Knights, Ethan; Kühn, Simone; Lindenberger, Ulman; Penninx, Brenda W. J. H.; Pudas, Sara; Sørensen, Øystein; Vaqué Alcázar, Lídia; Walhovd, Kristine B.; Fjell, Anders Martin
Education has been related to various advantageous lifetime outcomes. Here, using longitudinal structural MRI data (4,422 observations), we tested the influential hypothesis that higher education translates into slower rates of brain aging. Cross-sectionally, education was modestly associated with regional cortical volume. However, despite marked mean atrophy in the cortex and hippocampus, education did not influence rates of change. The results were replicated across two independent samples. Our findings challenge the view that higher education slows brain agin
Diffusivity alterations related to cognitive performance and phenylalanine levels in early-treated adults with phenylketonuria
(Springer, 2025-07-02) Pardo, Jèssica; Capdevila Lacasa, Clara; Segura i Fàbregas, Bàrbara; Pané, Adriana; Moreno Lozano, Pedro; Garrabou Tornos, Glòria; Grau Junyent, Josep M. (Josep Maria); Junqué i Plaja, Carme, 1955-; Consortium PKU.cat
Background Altered white matter (WM) is consistently reported in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). However, the knowledge about WM microstructural integrity in early-treated adults with classical PKU and its relationship with cognition and metabolic parameters is inconclusive. This study aims to explore the cerebral WM microstructural alterations in adult patients with early-treated classical PKU and their association with blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels and neuropsychological performance using whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods Twenty-nine patients with early-treated classical PKU (mean age = 30.86, SD = 7.74) and 31 healthy controls (mean age = 32.45, SD = 9.40) underwent neuropsychological assessment and MRI. Phe dry blood spot (DBS-Phe) samples, along with venous Phe levels, were collected from the PKU sample to calculate the index of dietary control (IDC). Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) of the mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA), were carried out with FSL v6.0.4 to assess between-group differences and to explore associations with both cognitive and clinical data. Results Patients exhibited a widespread white matter tract involvement, with lower MD and higher FA values compared to controls. The most affected tracts were the inferior longitudinal fasciculus and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus for MD, and the anterior corona radiata, uncinate fasciculus and forceps minor for FA. MD negatively correlated with IDC and venous Phe levels, whereas FA negatively correlated with full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) (p-value ≤0.05 FWE-corrected). Conclusions Microstructural WM alterations were present in adults with early-treated classical PKU, and these abnormalities were related to global intelligence and metabolic control markers. Although our results suggest the importance of proper disease management, further studies are needed to determine its long-term relevance.
Identifying digital biomarkers of illness activity and treatment response in bipolar disorder with a novel wearable device (TIMEBASE): protocol for a pragmatic observational clinical study
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2024-08-01) Anmella, Gerard; Corponi, Filippo; Li, Bryan M.; Mas, Ariadna; Garriga, Marina; Sanabra González, Miriam; Pacchiarotti, Isabella; Valentí Ribas, Marc; Grande i Fullana, Iria; Benabarre, Antonio; Giménez Palomo, Anna; Agasi, Isabel; Bastidas Salvadó, Anna; Cavero Álvarez, Myriam; Bioque Alcázar, Miquel; García Rizo, Clemente; Madero Gómez, Santiago; Arbelo, Néstor; Murru, Andrea; Amoretti Guadall, Silvia; Martínez-Arán, Anabel, 1971-; Ruiz, Victoria; Rivas, Yudith; Fico, Giovanna; De Prisco, Michele; Oliva, Vincenzo; Solanes, Aleix; Radua, Joaquim; Samalin, Ludovic; Young, Allan H.; Vergari, Antonio; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Hidalgo Mazzei, Diego
Background Bipolar disorder is highly prevalent and consists of biphasic recurrent mood episodes of mania and depression, which translate into altered mood, sleep and activity alongside their physiological expressions. Aims The IdenTifying dIgital bioMarkers of illnEss activity and treatment response in BipolAr diSordEr with a novel wearable device (TIMEBASE) project aims to identify digital biomarkers of illness activity and treatment response in bipolar disorder. Method We designed a longitudinal observational study including 84 individuals. Group A comprises people with acute episode of mania (n = 12), depression (n = 12 with bipolar disorder and n = 12 with major depressive disorder (MDD)) and bipolar disorder with mixed features (n = 12). Physiological data will be recorded during 48 h with a research-grade wearable (Empatica E4) across four consecutive time points (acute, response, remission and episode recovery). Group B comprises 12 people with euthymic bipolar disorder and 12 with MDD, and group C comprises 12 healthy controls who will be recorded cross-sectionally. Psychopathological symptoms, disease severity, functioning and physical activity will be assessed with standardised psychometric scales. Physiological data will include acceleration, temperature, blood volume pulse, heart rate and electrodermal activity. Machine learning models will be developed to link physiological data to illness activity and treatment response. Generalisation performance will be tested in data from unseen patients. Results Recruitment is ongoing. Conclusions This project should contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of affective disorders. The potential digital biomarkers of illness activity and treatment response in bipolar disorder could be implemented in a real-world clinical setting for clinical monitoring and identification of prodromal symptoms. This would allow early intervention and prevention of affective relapses, as well as personalisation of treatment.
Triangulating the associations of different types of childhood adversity and first-episode psychosis with cortical thickness across brain regions
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2024-12-16) Fares Otero, Natalia Elena; Verdolini, Norma; Melero, Helena; Andrés Camazón, Pablo; Vilajosana, Enric; Cavone, Vito; García Bueno, Borja; Rapado Castro, Marta; Izquierdo, Ana; Martín Hernández, David; Mola Cárdenes, Pablo; Leal Leturia, Itziar; Dompablo Tobar, Mónica; Ortiz Tallo, Ana; Martínez Gras, Isabel; Muñoz Sanjose, Ainoa; Loeck de Lapuerta, Carmen; Rodriguez Jimenez, Roberto; Díaz-Marsá, Marina; Bravo Ortiz, María Fe; Ibañez, Angela; Baca García, Enrique; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Ayuso Mateos, José Luis; Malpica, Norberto; Arango López, Celso; Díaz Caneja, Covadonga M.; Radua, Joaquim
Background Both childhood adversity (CA) and first-episode psychosis (FEP) have been linked to alterations in cortical thickness (CT). The interactive effects between different types of CAs and FEP on CT remain understudied. Methods One-hundred sixteen individuals with FEP (mean age = 23.8 ± 6.9 years, 34% females, 80.2% non-affective FEP) and 98 healthy controls (HCs) (mean age = 24.4 ± 6.2 years, 43% females) reported the presence/absence of CA <17 years using an adapted version of the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse (CECA.Q) and the Retrospective Bullying Questionnaire (RBQ) and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Correlation analyses were used to assess associations between brain maps of CA and FEP effects. General linear models (GLMs) were performed to assess the interaction effects of CA and FEP on CT. Results Eighty-three individuals with FEP and 83 HCs reported exposure to at least one CA. CT alterations in FEP were similar to those found in participants exposed to separation from parents, bullying, parental discord, household poverty, and sexual abuse (r = 0.50 to 0.25). Exposure to neglect (β = −0.24, 95% CI [−0.37 to −0.12], p = 0.016) and overall maltreatment (β = −0.13, 95% CI [−0.20 to −0.06], p = 0.043) were associated with cortical thinning in the right medial orbitofrontal region. Conclusions Cortical alterations in individuals with FEP are similar to those observed in the context of socio-environmental adversity. Neglect and maltreatment may contribute to CT reductions in FEP. Our findings provide new insights into the specific neurobiological effects of CA in early psychosis.
Efficacy of psychosocial interventions on social functioning in individuals with childhood maltreatment experiences: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
(Taylor & Francis, 2025-06-06) Fares Otero, Natalia Elena; Amoretti Guadall, Silvia; Solé Cabezuelo, Brisa; Halligan, Sarah L.; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Leucht, Stefan; Seedat, Soraya; Harrer, Mathias
[eng] Background: Several psychosocial interventions have shown promising effects in treating people affected by childhood maltreatment (CM); however, their comparative efficacy on social functioning remains largely unknown. To address this issue, a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) will be conducted to investigate the comparative efficacy of different psychosocial interventions on global social functioning and specific domains of social functioning, including behavioural, emotional, cognitive and physiological processes. We aim to develop a hierarchical ranking of existing psychosocial interventions concerning their efficacy and acceptability which could inform treatment guidelines. Methods: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating psychosocial interventions for individuals with exposure to CM when they were younger than age 18 will be included. Primary outcomes will be global and domains of social functioning (measured up to 3, 6, 12 months and at the longest follow-up). Study drop-out will be a secondary outcome that will serve as a measure of acceptability. Study selection and data extraction will be performed by at least two independent reviewers. We will assess the risk of bias for each study using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2 (RoB2) and evaluate the confidence in the results using Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA). The effects of potential moderators, such as age (children/adolescents vs. adults), population type (clinical vs. non-clinical samples), or sex (% males), socioeconomic status (low-income vs. middle-high-income countries), and intervention characteristics (individual vs. group training, number of sessions) will be analysed using subgroup-analyses or meta-regressions. Other candidate moderators/mediators (personality, post-traumatic symptoms, brain structure/function, cognitive reserve) will also be explored and narratively summarised. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted to explore further heterogeneity and assess the robustness of our findings. Discussion: This systematic review and NMA aims to compare multiple existing psychosocial interventions in individuals affected by CM and establish the relative rankings of these interventions for social functioning. Our results may provide practical guidance concerning the most effective psychosocial interventions to reduce the societal burden associated with CM.
The frequency-following response (FFR) in late preterm neonates: a pilot study
(Frontiers Media, 2024-05-09) Ribas-Prats, Teresa; Arenillas-Alcón, Sonia; Ferrero Martínez, Silvia; Gómez Roig, Ma. Dolores; Escera i Micó, Carles
Introduction: Infants born very early preterm are at high risk of language delays. However, less is known about the consequences of late prematurity. Hence, the aim of the present study is to characterize the neural encoding of speech sounds in late preterm neonates in comparison with those born at term. Methods: The speech-evoked frequency-following response (FFR) was recorded to a consonant-vowel stimulus /da/ in 36 neonates in three different groups: 12 preterm neonates [mean gestational age (GA) 36.05 weeks], 12 “early term neonates” (mean GA 38.3 weeks), and “late term neonates” (mean GA 41.01 weeks). Results: From the FFR recordings, a delayed neural response and a weaker stimulus F0 encoding in premature neonates compared to neonates born at term was observed. No differences in the response time onset nor in stimulus F0 encoding were observed between the two groups of neonates born at term. No differences between the three groups were observed in the neural encoding of the stimulus temporal fine structure. Discussion: These results highlight alterations in the neural encoding of speech sounds related to prematurity, which were present for the stimulus F0 but not for its temporal fine structure.
Analysis of motor behavior in piano performance from the mixed methods approach
(Frontiers Media, 2024-09-05) Santisteban, Isabel E.; Anguera Argilaga, María Teresa; Granda Vera, Juan; Pastrana, José Luis
Introduction: The focus of this study centers on the extraction, analysis, and interpretation of the motor behavior of advanced-level pianists using observational methodology, itself framed within the field of mixed methods, paying particular attention to those aspects that characterize the pressed and struck touch. The aim of this research was to analyze the motor interactions of activation or inhibition associated with the production of a type of touch in the movements of the right upper limb of the participating pianists. Methods: An ad hoc observational instrument was built that was incorporated into the software Lince Plus for data recording and coding. Data reliability was guaranteed applying Cohen’s Kappa coefficient, and an analysis of polar coordinates was carried out to identify the motor interactions involved in piano playing. Results: The study provided significant information about the interaction of motor functions linked to two types of touch, such as those that occur in the sliding finger movement over the key in the pressed touch or the lifting finger movement above the key in the struck touch, obtaining clearly identified patterns of piano touch motor behavior. Discussion: This research represents an innovative perspective of the study of piano-playing movement via the direct and perceptible observation of the pianist’s motor behavior in an everyday context. Observational methodology is distinguished by its low degree of internal control, which makes it possible to scientifically study the spontaneous behavior of pianists in their natural environment. This model allows us to describe and analyze piano touch for its application in the field of piano performance and teaching, emphasizing the practical implications of motor interactions in piano touch.
Cognition and mood changes in pregnancy: timing and childhood maltreatment histories
(John Wiley & Sons, 2025-06-16) Fares Otero, Natalia Elena; Halligan, Sarah L.; Moog, Nora K.; Horsch, Antje; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Seedat, Soraya; Miskowiak, Kamilla W.
Pregnancy impacts nearly all bodily systems due to major physiological and anatomical challenges necessary for maintaining gestation, foetal development and parturition. Pregnancy-specific stress (i.e., fears about the baby´s health, impending birth, hospital care, the postpartum, and parenting) combined with pre-existing stressors (e.g., financial or relationship difficulties), may be exacerbated by work-related pressures.
Long-lasting behavioral, molecular and functional connectivity alterations after chronic THC exposure during adolescence in mice
(Elsevier BV, 2025-06-16) Gómez Acero, Laura; Varriano, Federico; Sánchez Fernández, Nuria; Ciruela Alférez, Francisco; Soria, Guadalupe; Aso Pérez, Ester
Heavy and daily use of cannabis with high contents of Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) during adolescence is associated with an increased risk of developing psychotic disorders later in life. Here, we treated mice with THC during adolescence and found that this exposure impaired social interaction and increased vulnerability to develop sensorimotor gating deficiencies comparable to those previously described among heavy cannabis consumers. Importantly, we provide evidence on long-term cortico-striatal dysconnectivity induced by exposure to THC during adolescence and its correlation with impaired social interactions occurring later in adulthood. Moreover, we have observed long-lasting molecular alterations in key elements that regulate the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, namely on the balance between dopamine D2, adenosine A2A, and cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the striatum of treated mice. Together, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the neurobiological bases of the deleterious effects associated with cannabis abuse during adolescence.
Cross-language interaction during sequential anomia treatment in three languages: Evidence from a trilingual person with aphasia
(Elsevier BV, 2025-06-04) Peñaloza, Claudia; Marte, Manuel José; Billot, Anne; Kiran, Swathi
Language rehabilitation research has reported mixed evidence in bilinguals with aphasia suggesting that therapy can benefit the treated language alone or additionally result in cross-language generalization to the untreated language, while cross-language interference effects are less common. However, treatment effects in multilinguals with aphasia (MWA) have been less frequently investigated, and examining cross-language interactions during therapy may help to better understand their treatment response in each language. This study reports on P1, a trilingual person with severe aphasia with extensive damage to cortical language regions and the basal ganglia, who received sequential semantic-based treatment for anomia in her L3 French, L1 Spanish and L2 English. Overall, significant treatment gains in the treated language were restricted to her L3 French, the weakest language, while her treatment response was limited across languages likely due to severe language impairment and extensive damage to the language processing network. Cross-language generalization effects were absent and P1 showed cross-language interference in her L2 English during treatment in her L3 French. Cross-language intrusions were observed between languages, more frequently in her L2 English (the least available language in treatment) than in her L1 Spanish (the strongest language). The absence of cross-language generalization and presence of cross-language interference in P1 were likely due to damage in the basal ganglia and executive deficits reflecting damage to the language control network. Severe language processing and language control impairments can hinder the balance between activation and inhibition mechanisms necessary to support response to language treatment in MWA.
Impact of repetitive negative thinking on subjective cognitive decline: insights into cognition and brain structure
(Frontiers Media, 2024-08-13) Mulet Pons, Lídia; Solé Padullés, Cristina; Cabello Toscano, María del Rocío; Abellaneda Pérez, Kilian; Perellón Alfonso, Ruben; Cattaneo, Gabriele; Solana Sánchez, Javier; Alviarez Schulze, Vanessa; Bargalló Alabart, Núria; Tormos, José María; Pascual Leone, Álvaro, 1961-; Bartrés Faz, David; Vaqué Alcázar, Lídia
Introduction: Individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) express concern about self-perceived cognitive decline despite no objective impairment and are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Despite documented links between SCD and repetitive negative thinking (RNT), the specific impact of RNT on brain integrity and cognition in exacerbating the SCD condition remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the influence of RNT on global cognition and brain integrity, and their interrelationships among healthy middle-aged and older adults experiencing SCD. Methods: Out of 616 individuals with neuroimaging and neuropsychological data available, 89 (mean age = 56.18 years; 68.54% females) met SCD criteria. Eighty-nine non-SCD individuals matched by age, sex, and education were also selected and represented the control group (mean age = 56.09 years; 68.54% females). Global cognition was measured using the preclinical Alzheimer's cognitive composite (PACC5), which includes dementia screening, episodic memory, processing speed, and category fluency tests. RNT was calculated through three questionnaires assessing intrusive thoughts, persistent worry, and rumination. We generated cortical thickness (CTh) maps and quantified the volume of white matter lesions (WML) in the whole brain, as grey and white matter integrity measures, respectively. Results: SCD individuals exhibited higher RNT scores, and thinner right temporal cortex compared to controls. No differences were observed in PACC5 and WML burden between groups. Only the SCD group demonstrated positive associations in the CTh-PACC5, CTh-RNT, and WML-RNT relationships. Discussion: In this cross-sectional study, RNT was exclusively associated with brain integrity in SCD. Even though our findings align with the broader importance of investigating treatable psychological factors in SCD, further research may reveal a modulatory effect of RNT on the relationship between cognition and brain integrity in SCD.
Exploring Food Addiction Across Several Behavioral Addictions: Analysis of Clinical Relevance
(MDPI, 2025-04-06) Gaspar Pérez, Anahí; Granero, Roser; Fernandez Aranda, Fernando; Rosinska, Magda; Artero Martinez, Cristina; Ruiz Torras, Silvia; Gearhardt, Ashley N.; Demetrovics, Zsolt; Guàrdia-Olmos, Joan, 1958-; Jiménez-Murcia, Susana
Background/Objectives: Recently, interest in studying food addiction (FA) in the context of behavioral addictions (BAs) has increased. However, research remains limited to determine the FA prevalence among various BAs. The current study aimed to investigate FA in a clinical sample of patients seeking treatment for gaming disorder, compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD), compulsive sexual behavior disorder, and the comorbid presence of multiple BAs, as well as to determine the sociodemographic characteristics, personality traits, and general psychopathology of this clinical population. In addition, we analyzed whether FA is linked to a higher mean body mass index (BMI). Methods: The sample included 209 patients (135 men and 74 women) attending a specialized behavioral addiction unit. The assessment included a semi-structured clinical interview for the diagnosis of the abovementioned BAs, in addition to self-reported psychometric assessments for FA (using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2. 0, YFAS-2), CBSD (using the Pathological Buying Screener, PBS), general psychopathology (using the Symptom Checklist-Revised, SCL-90-R), personality traits (using the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised, TCI-R), emotional regulation (using Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Strategies, DERS), and impulsivity (using Impulsive Behavior Scale, UPPS-P). The comparison between the groups for the clinical profile was performed using logistic regression (categorical variables) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adjusted based on the patients' gender. The sociodemographic profile was based on chi-square tests for categorical variables and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for quantitative measures. Results: The prevalence of FA in the total sample was 22.49%. The highest prevalence of FA was observed in CBSD (31.3%), followed by gaming disorder (24.7%), and the comorbid presence of multiple BAs (14.3%). No group differences (FA+/-) were found in relation to sociodemographic variables, but the comorbidity between FA and any BA was associated more with females as well as having greater general psychopathology, greater emotional dysregulation, higher levels of impulsivity, and a higher mean BMI. Conclusions: The comorbidity between FA and BA is high compared to previous studies (22.49%), and it is also associated with greater severity and dysfunctionality. Emotional distress levels were high, which suggests that the group with this comorbidity may be employing FA behaviors to cope with psychological distress. However, a better understanding of the latent mechanisms that contribute to the progression of this multifaceted comorbid clinical disorder is needed. One aspect that future studies could consider is to explore the existence of FA symptoms early and routinely in patients with BAs.
Focus group on conflict management in the classroom in Secondary Education in Costa Rica: mixed methods approach
(Frontiers Media, 2024-10-03) Bonilla R., Pedro; Armadans Tremolosa, Immaculada; Anguera Argilaga, María Teresa
Introduction: The educational system in Costa Rica, as regulated by Law #7727, which governs Alternative Conflict Resolution and Promotion of Social Peace must consider the interplay of various factors influencing classroom conflicts and the management strategies employed by teachers. Consequently, it becomes imperative to identify the most effective conflict resolution practices applicable within this context. To achieve this, a thorough procedure based on mixed methods was employed to analyze and interpret both classroom conflict behaviors and teachers’ strategic responses. Method: This study employed an indirect observational methodology, from a mixed methods approach. Data was collected through a focus group comprised of teachers. Following the connect framework, the procedure was conducted in three phases: QUAL-QUAN-QUAL. Two analytical techniques were implemented. A lag sequential analysis was used to explore potential behavioral patterns. The results of this analysis informed a polar coordinate analysis, which generated a visual representation of the relationships between codes. Results and discussion: A focus group addressed four questions, yielding satisfactory data quality control results (kappa values: 0.80, 0.77, 0.76, 0.82). In polar coordinate analysis, the 37 observational instrument categories were designated as focal behaviors. Each of the 37 analyses treated all categories as conditioned behaviors. The analysis identified 342 activation/inhibition relationships between focal and conditioned behaviors. Of these, 195 were statistically highly significant, distributed across quadrants: Quadrant I (106), Quadrant II (36), Quadrant III (16), Quadrant IV (36). Significant gaps in understanding of conflict were identified, along with disparities in the resources and competencies necessary for successful conflict resolution among the observed educators. Specifically, teachers frequently employed techniques informed by intuition rather than deliberate strategy learned in their training. Consequently, the study advocates for enhancing teachers’ cognitive and emotional competencies to optimize conflict management within the classroom and bolster their adaptive coping mechanisms.

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