Tuning Superconductivity and Charge Density Wave Order in 2H-TaSe2 by Modulating the Van Hove Singularity

Tantalum diselenide (TaSe2) is an exciting material that hosts charge density wave order (CDW) and superconductivity. Thus, providing a playing field for examining the interactions of fundamental electronic quantum states in materials. Recent research has proposed that the intrinsic quantum electronic state in the TaSe2 lattice could be improved by aligning the Van Hove singularity (VHs) with the Fermi level. In this study, we attempt to tune the VHs in TaSe2 to align them within the vicinity of the Fermi level via electron doping by chemically substituting Pt for Ta atoms. On investigating the band structure of Pt0.2Ta0.8Se2, the electron doping brought the VHs closer to the Fermi level vicinity around the K high symmetry point. As a result, the CDW state in pristine TaSe2 is suppressed in the TaSe2 doped system while also hosting an enhanced superconducting temperature (Tc) of ~2.7 K. These observations provide insight into ways to leverage the VHs in materials to tune their electronic properties.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figure

Randomized controlled trial investigating web-based, therapist delivered eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for adults with suicidal ideation

IntroductionPromising preliminary evidence suggests that EMDR may reduce suicidal ideation (SI) when used to treat Major Depressive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and trauma symptoms in the context of acute mental health crises. EMDR has never been tested specifically for treating SI, and there is a lack of data regarding the safety and effectiveness of web-based, therapist-delivered EMDR in populations with known SI. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of web-based, therapist-delivered EMDR, targeting experiences associated with suicidal thinking. Secondary objectives included examining the effect of EMDR treatment on symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, emotional dysregulation, and dissociation, as well as safety and attrition.MethodsThis randomized control trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID number: NCT04181047) assigned adult outpatients reporting SI to either a web-based EMDR intervention or a treatment as usual (TAU) group. TAU included primary and mental health services available within the Canadian public health system. Participants in the EMDR group received up to 12 web-based EMDR desensitization sessions, delivered twice weekly during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2023). The Health Research Ethics Board at the University of Alberta approved the protocol prior to initiation of data collection for this study (protocol ID number: Pro00090989).ResultsForty-two adult outpatients received either EMDR (n=20) or TAU (n=22). Participants reported a high prevalence of early onset and chronic SI, and there was a high rate of psychiatric comorbidity. In the EMDR group, median SI, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic symptom scale scores decreased from baseline to the four month follow-up. In the TAU group, only the median SI and posttraumatic symptom scale scores decreased from baseline to four month follow up. Although sample size precludes direct comparison, there were numerically fewer adverse events and fewer dropouts in the EMDR group relative to the TAU group.ConclusionStudy results provide promising preliminary evidence that web-based EMDR may be a viable delivery approach to address SI. In this complex population, a short treatment course was associated with reductions of SI and other symptoms across multiple diagnostic categories. Further investigation is warranted to verify and extend these results.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04181047?id=NCT04181047&rank=1, identifier NCT0418104

The Emergence of Anisotropic Superconductivity in the Nodal-line Semi-metal TlTaSe2

TlTaSe2 is a non-centrosymmetric quasi-2D crystal semi-metal hosting nodal-line topological features protected by mirror-reflection symmetry. Here, we investigated the superconducting properties of TlTaSe2 using the first-principles anisotropic Migdal-Eliashberg theory. The Fermi surface hosts well gapped multiband features contributed by the Ta 5d and Tl 6p orbitals. Moreso, anisotropic superconducting gaps were found to exist at 2.15 and 4.5 meV around the in-plane orbitals, coupling effectively with the in-plane phonons of the Ta and Tl atoms. Using the Allen-Dynes-modified McMillan formula, we found a superconducting transition temperature of 6.67 K, accompanied by a robust electron-phonon coupling constant {\lambda} of 0.970. This investigation provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying anisotropic superconductivity in TlTaSe2.Comment: 17 pages, 5 figure

Leveraging neuroscience education to address stigma related to opioid use disorder in the community: a pilot study

Opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose deaths are a public health crisis. One contributing factor is stigma towards people who use opioids. We developed and conducted a public-facing, half-day educational event designed to challenge misperceptions about OUD from a contemporary neuroscience perspective. Participants engaged with three different resources on the neurobiology of addiction, and, at the end of the event, they rated its effectiveness. We also collected and compared pre- and post-event composite OUD stigma scales. Participants rated our approach and the overall event as highly effective. Additionally, OUD stigma scores were lower immediately following the event, and this decrease was primarily driven by decreased internalized stigma. Here, we demonstrate an effective proof-of-concept that an accessible, public-facing, neuroscience education event may reduce OUD stigma in the community

COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health: Prevalence and Correlates of New-Onset Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in a Canadian Province

Background: This cross-sectional online survey investigates the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms at an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Methods: OCD symptoms, moderate/high stress, likely generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and likely major depressive disorder (MDD) were assessed with the Brief Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (BOCS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale, respectively. Results: Out of 32,805 individuals subscribed to Text4Hope, 6041 completed an online survey; the response rate was 18.4%. Overall, 60.3% of respondents reported onset of OCD symptoms and 53.8% had compulsions to wash hands during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents who showed OCD symptoms only since the start of COVID-19 were significantly more likely to have moderate/high stress (z = 6.4, p < 0.001), likely GAD (z = 6.0, p < 0.001), and likely MDD (z = 2.7, p < 0.01). Similarly, respondents who engaged in compulsive hand washing were significantly more likely to have moderate/high stress (z = 4.6, p < 0.001) and likely GAD (z = 4.6 p < 0.001), but not likely MDD (z = 1.4, p = 0.16). Conclusion: The prevalence of OCD symptoms increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, at a rate significantly higher than pre-pandemic rates reported for the sample population. Presenting with OCD symptoms increased the likelihood of presenting with elevated stress, likely GAD, and likely MDD

Isotretinoin-Induced Delusional Disorder, Somatic Subtype

Isotretinoin, an active form of vitamin A, is the drug of last resort for the treatment of severe acne. Depression, suicidal ideation, and psychosis are among the most well-documented psychiatric side effects. Here, we report a case of isotretinoin-induced psychosis, which was diagnosed as delusional disorder somatic subtype, in a young male in the absence of any prodromal symptoms, previous psychiatric history, or family history of mental illness. The onset of psychosis was in the context of a dosage increase from 40 mg/day to 80 mg/day. Isotretinoin was discontinued, and the patient showed improvement on low-dose quetiapine

Supporting patients by family education in psychotic illness: a longitudinal pre–post study protocol

Introduction A lack of education, resources and support for family carers of young adults with psychotic illnesses leaves them ill-equipped to support their loved one. By equipping families with skills and knowledge, public healthcare harnesses a powerful ally to support community stabilisation.Aims The primary goal is to study the effect of a psychoeducation intervention for family carers supporting young adults with psychosis on family burden and stabilisation of service users.Methods and analysis A longitudinal quantitative study with a pre–post design will be used to assess the long-term effectiveness of the psychoeducation intervention for family carers supporting a young adult with psychosis. 111 family carers will be recruited for the intervention and measures will be taken from family carer participants and their matched young adult service users. Nine evidence and family peer-informed and expert-reviewed psychoeducation modules are administered in 2-hour sessions over 9 weeks to family carers. Functional index measures are administered preintervention, and at 6-month, 12-month and 24-month follow-up. Service utilisation will be measured during a 12-month period preintervention, a 12-month period postintervention and during a 12–24-month period post-intervention.Ethics and dissemination The study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Alberta Research Ethics Board (Pro00110691). This novel methodological approach to studying family psychoeducation interventions addresses unique methodological challenges and limitations and will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and academic and medical conferences.Trial registration number NCT05500001; National Institutes of Health U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.go

Clinicians’ Attitudes Toward Telepsychology in Addiction and Mental Health Services, and Prediction of Postpandemic Telepsychology Uptake: Cross-sectional Study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented uptake of telepsychology services; however, clinicians have mixed attitudes toward virtual technologies. ObjectiveThis study (1) explored clinicians’ experiences of and intentions to use video, telephone, and in-person services, and (2) tested the utility of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to predict clinicians’ intentions to offer telepsychology after the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsClinician satisfaction and therapeutic alliance were compared across in-person, video, and telephone services, while technology attitudes and intention to use after the pandemic were compared across video and telephone services among 118 addiction and mental health clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. ResultsClinicians reported more positive experiences with in-person services than both virtual technologies; further, clinicians reported greater positive experiences, attitudes, and intentions to use video services than telephone services across measures. Based on the UTAUT, performance expectancy positively predicted concurrent intentions to use video services (β=0.46; P<.001) and telephone services (β=0.35; P<.001) after the pandemic. Social influence (β=0.24; P=.004) and facilitating conditions (β=0.19; P=.03) additionally predicted the intention to use telephone services. ConclusionsClinicians rated in-person services more positively than virtual technologies, with video services perceived more positively than telephone services. Performance expectancy was the primary facilitator of the uptake of both virtual modalities

Web-Based Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Adults With Suicidal Ideation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundAdversity and traumatic experiences increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, trauma-focused psychotherapy that desensitizes painful memories, so that reminders in the present no longer provoke overwhelming emotional responses. Preliminary evidence suggests that EMDR can be used as an acute intervention in suicidal patients, including those with major depressive disorder. In addition, because of social distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians have been using EMDR on the web and, in the absence of formal evaluations of web-based EMDR, informal reports indicate good results. ObjectiveThe primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate whether remotely delivered EMDR (targeting experiences associated with suicidal thinking) reduces suicidal thoughts. Secondary aims include examining the impact of remotely delivered EMDR on symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, emotional dysregulation, and dissociation. We will also report on adverse events in the EMDR group to explore whether targeting suicidal ideation with EMDR is safe. Finally, we will compare dropout rates between the treatment groups. MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 80 adults who express suicidal ideation and meet the study criteria will receive either 12 sessions of twice weekly EMDR plus treatment as usual or treatment as usual alone. EMDR sessions will focus on the most distressing and intrusive memories associated with suicidal ideation. Data for primary and secondary objectives will be collected at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months after enrollment. A subsequent longer-term analysis, beyond the scope of this protocol, will examine differences between the groups with respect to the number of posttreatment emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and overall health care use in the year before and after therapy. ResultsThe protocol was approved by the University of Alberta Research Health Ethics Board (protocol ID Pro00090989). Funding for this study was provided by the Mental Health Foundation (grant RES0048906). Recruitment started in May 2021, with a projected completion date of March 2023. ConclusionsThe results of this trial will contribute to knowledge on whether web-based delivery of EMDR is a safe and effective treatment for reducing suicidal ideation and potentially reducing the incidence of suicide attempts in this patient population. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04181047; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04181047 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/3071