Deep Learning Mental Health Dialogue System

Mental health counseling remains a major challenge in modern society due to cost, stigma, fear, and unavailability. We posit that generative artificial intelligence (AI) models designed for mental health counseling could help improve outcomes by lowering barriers to access. To this end, we have developed a deep learning (DL) dialogue system called Serena. The system consists of a core generative model and post-processing algorithms. The core generative model is a 2.7 billion parameter Seq2Seq Transformer fine-tuned on thousands of transcripts of person-centered-therapy (PCT) sessions. The series of post-processing algorithms detects contradictions, improves coherency, and removes repetitive answers. Serena is implemented and deployed on \url{https://serena.chat}, which currently offers limited free services. While the dialogue system is capable of responding in a qualitatively empathetic and engaging manner, occasionally it displays hallucination and long-term incoherence. Overall, we demonstrate that a deep learning mental health dialogue system has the potential to provide a low-cost and effective complement to traditional human counselors with less barriers to access

Immune-inflammatory markers and psychosis risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Subclinical inflammation has been associated with psychosis; however, it remains unknown whether this phenomenon appears also in the premorbid phase. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing peripheral blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokines between individuals at risk of psychosis and controls. Moreover, we tested the hypothesis that the levels of these markers may be different in high-risk converters versus non-converters. Two independent reviewers searched electronic databases until Dec 16th, 2020. After reviewing publication records, 16 studies (548 high-risk individuals and 559 controls) were included. Random-effects meta-analyses with Hedges' g as the effect size estimate were performed. Individuals at clinical risk of psychosis had significantly higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) compared to controls (g = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.06–0.60, p = 0.018). Heterogeneity was not significant in this subgroup analysis. Changes in the levels of IL-6 in subjects at familial risk of psychosis were not significant (g = 0.04, 95%CI: −0.24 to 0.31, p = 0.798). The use of antidepressants was associated with significantly higher levels of IL-6 in high-risk individuals (Beta = 1.56, 95%CI: 0.60–2.53, p = 0.001). No significant differences in the levels of immune-inflammatory markers were found between high-risk converters and non-converters. Our findings suggest that individuals at clinical risk of psychosis show subclinical inflammation in terms of elevated IL-6 levels. This phenomenon might be related to the use of antidepressants. The present meta-analysis does not support the usefulness of single immune-inflammatory markers in predicting transition to psychosis

Zagrożenia zdrowotne wśród dzieci i młodzieży. T. 1

Praca recenzowana / Peer-reviewed pape

Impact of air pollution on respiratory diseases

Zanieczyszczenie powietrza ma potwierdzony w wielu badaniach negatywny wpływ na zdrowie i jest powodem kilkudziesięciu tysięcy zgonów rocznie w Polsce. Jego źródła to m.in. zanieczyszczenia emitowane wraz ze spalinami z silników pojazdów i ogrzewanie gospodarstw domowych niskiej jakości węglem lub śmieciami. Powoduje to uwalnianie do atmosfery substancji takich jak pył zawieszony PM10 i PM2,5, tlenki azotu, tlenki siarki, wielopierścieniowe węglowodory aromatyczne (WWA), tlenek węgla. Według obecnej wiedzy zanieczyszczenia powietrza są powodem częstszych wizyt u lekarza podstawowej opieki zdrowotnej oraz przyjęć do Szpitalnych Oddziałów Ratunkowych ze względu na choroby układu oddechowego i krwionośnego, zwiększonego przyjmowania leków, nieobecności w szkole, pracy oraz zwiększonej ogólnej umieralności. Długotrwałe narażenie może wiązać się ze zwiększonym ryzykiem zaostrzonego przebiegu przewlekłej obturacyjnej choroby płuc (POChP), zachorowania na raka płuc, astmę, nowotwory okolicy głowy i szyi.Numerous studies have confirmed negative impact of air pollution on the health leading to dozens of deaths a year in Poland. Its sources include traffic-related emissions, inadequate heating of households and coal boilers.This results in the release into the atmosphere of substances such as particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide. Referring to current knowledge, air pollution is responsible for more frequent visits to a primary care physicians and admissions to the Hospital Emergency departments, due to diseases of the respiratory and circulatory system, increased intake of medicines, absence from school or work and increased overall mortality. Polluted air is a proven risk factor for the development and exacerbation of respiratory diseases. Long-term exposure may be associated with an increased risk for development of lung cancer, asthma, cancer of the head and neck, breast, bladder or urinary tract, and aggravation of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD)

Impact of air pollution on depression and suicide

Air pollution is one of the greatest public health threats worldwide. All substances appearing in excessive quantities in the atmosphere, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides or sulphur oxides may be its ingredients. Depending on their size and nature, these compounds may cause greater risk of suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular diseases for exposed people as well as exacerbation and increased mortality due to these illnesses. Smaller particles may penetrate the brain’s blood barrier and thus affect the central nervous system. In many studies, they have been shown to have negative effects on brain structure, like diminishing white matter or neuronal degeneration, leading to the earlier onset of Alzheimer or Parkinson disease. Nevertheless, there are reports of association of air pollution with mood disorders, depression, and even suicide. There are many risk factors for these conditions, most important of which are the social situation or chronic diseases. However, it has also been confirmed that the environment may affect mental health. This article will present experimental, clinical and epidemiological studies on exposure to air pollution and its impact on depressive disorders and suicide. Our goal is to determine the relationship between air pollution and incidence of depression and suicides. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(6):711–72