Effects of hippocampal lesions on acquisition and memory for context

Hippocampal lesions impair memory for context in some tasks but not others. Factors that may contribute include: a) whether context is encoded in configurally or elementally; b) whether lesions are performed before or after acquisition of contextual information. c) the size of the lesion. This study compared the effects of pre- vs post-acquisition hippocampal lesions on performance of a novel context-dependent odour discrimination task that required explicit processing of the contextual features. As the task required a configuration to be formed between context, odour and reward, it was hypothesised that the hippocampus would be essential for the acquisition and performance of this task. Pre-surgery training consisted of simultaneous presentations of a context-dependent and a context-independent odour discrimination task. In the context dependent task, odour A but not odour B was rewarded in context 1, whereas odour B but not odour A was rewarded in context 2. In the context independent task, odour C was rewarded in both contexts, whereas odour D was rewarded in neither. Rats took around 60 days to reach criterion level (2 days >80% correct on both tasks). Subsequently, they received either bilateral ibotenic acid lesions of the hippocampus or sham surgery. After a 14 day recovery period, post-surgery testing began. On the first 2 days of post-operative testing, lesioned animals were significantly impaired on the CD task, but not on the CI task. Thereafter they performed as well as controls. Thus, the data demonstrate that although the hippocampus normally contributes to the retention of contextual information, it is not necessary for the performance of this context dependent odour discrimination task. Other areas can take over these functional demands in its absence. However, the involvement of the hippocampus cannot be completely disregarded due to the high degree of correlation between spared hippocampal tissue and the immediate post-surgery performance level of the animals (i.e. larger the volume of tissue spared the higher the initial degree of accuracy on the CD task). These findings were shown to be highly replicable, regardless of whether the odorous stimuli were presented simultaneously or successively. Furthermore, the hippocampal and extra-hippocampal methods of task resolution were not identical. When a cue conflict situation arose between intra-maze and selfmotion cues, it affected the two groups in a differentially. The ambiguity between cues had a highly detrimental affect on the performance of the intact animals; yet the hippocampal lesioned animals appeared oblivious to the inconsistency. They continued to perform the context dependent odour discrimination task as normal. Thus although apparently able to process the major contextual cues, the hippocampal lesioned animals had a deficit in detecting and responding to more subtle distinctions that were not integral to normal success on the task. In the final aspect of this thesis, hippocampal lesioned animals were found to demonstrate no deficits in the acquisition of new variants of the context dependent odour discrimination task (new odours / contexts), thus the hippocampus is not essential for learning contextual discriminations. Overall, the hypothesis that the hippocampus would be necessary for contextual representations, is unsupported by this thesis. Nevertheless, if present during training, the hippocampus will contribute to the retention of contextual stimuli and provides a more all encompassing view of ‘context’ than other areas can achieve alone

MQ Data Science Report to MRC on building a National Infrastructure for Mental Health Data Science in the UK

At the MQ meeting on 9th September 2019 (Edinburgh), we hosted a discussion session, where we asked participants how they would envision a National Infrastructure for Mental Health Data Science (referred to as “platform” below). Participants were advised that their collected input would be fed back to the MRC to serve as a starting point for their full consultation on this topic. Key findings ● Researchers are particularly interested in using such a platform themselves and recognise its utility to a large number of other organisations. ● The minimum useful requirement for such a platform is a searchable directory of available data with a note about access procedures. Whereas an ideal platform might contain the actual data. Our participants demonstrated a wide interest in the inclusion of different data types and research areas within such a platform. ● Participants were enthusiastic about the possibilities such a platform might enable, mentioning expansion of research topics and conducting more rigorous research. They felt the platform might enable this by maximizing data quality/usage and facilitating data access. ● Participants recognised the positive impact such a platform could have on people affected by mental illness. Patterns of responses arose around patient engagement, policy shaping, open science, and improved research quality. All these elements could help fight the stigma of mental illness in society. ● With regard to the MRC consultation, our participants recognised the need to consult with a range of organisations, including data donors, ethical boards, privacy panels and relevant charities - with an observed less enthusiastic support for political involvement (which may reflect current political circumstances). ● Our participants raised a number of concerns, which the MRC may wish to address during their consultation phase. These included long-term sustainability, governance, and ethical considerations. On a practical note, questions were raised around prioritization, practicalities on data management, platform operation and relevant training and capacity building. Lastly, the participants illustrated the need to raise public awareness of and involvement in this platform in order to ensure the successful implementation

Using a knowledge exchange event to assess study participants’ attitudes to research in a rapidly evolving research context

Grant information: DJP, IJD and AMM are supported by Wellcome Trust Grant 104036. IJD, DJP, JPB and AMM, IB, EJK and SFW are supported by MRC Mental Health Data Pathfinder Grant MC_PC_17209. AMM and SML are supported by MRC Grant MC_PC_MR/R01910X/1. AMM is supported by MRC Grant MR/S035818/1. Theirworld Edinburgh Birth Cohort is funded by the charity Theirworld (www.theirworld.org), and is undertaken in the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, which is funded by MRC Centre Grant (G1002033). CB and DJP are supported by Health Data Research UK, an initiative funded by UK Research and Innovation, Department of Health and Social Care (England) and the devolved administrations, and leading medical research charities.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Depression Detectives (Citizen Science)

Depression Detectives was a (pilot) online user-led citizen science project which ran between Feb-Sep 2021.  It brought together people with lived experience of depression, and researchers who study it, as EQUAL partners. Each participant gave as much or as little time as suited them.  Method: Depression Detectives took part in Q&A sessions where they quizzed scientists and discussed where there were gaps in the research. They then designed their own research study. From a huge list of over 50 potential research areas, the group settled on the question: “Do people report all episodes of depression to their GP? And if not, why not?” They looked at this in two ways: A data science project, carried out by PhD student, Melissa Lewins. A set of Focus group questions and an anonymous survey that were answered by members of the Facebook Group. Results: Focus group / Survey: 84% of our respondents had gone to the doctors with half or less of their episodes of depression. Many went only with their more serious episodes or when they needed practical help (e.g. to be signed off work). Half of them had regretted not going afterwards. 50% had used private talking therapy instead. Many had managed their episodes using things like exercise, meditation, yoga or social contact. Thus, many of the ways they treated their depression would not be visible within their health records (i.e. not available to data science researchers). UK Biobank 1,342 people within UK Biobank answered questionnaires in a way that suggested they had experienced depression AND had given permission for UK Biobank to analyse their GP records. Of those, Melissa found that 67% had no mention of depression in their GP records. Impact Public “ I liked the way that participants were involved in at an early stage. It felt like we had more influence and choice because of this. It's much more meaningful to involve people early in the project, before major decisions have been made.” All of the participants spoke about their realisation that depression is more complex than they had realised. Some felt more motivated to read research literature. Others had developed a more critical perspective on research and its limitations. One person said they would approach their health-care provider differently – giving more information about complexities/comorbidities. Depression Detectives was not a peer support project, but participants still benefitted immensely from sharing experiences. All interviewees said that they would take part again / recommend to others. Researchers  “We discovered that things researchers might take for granted are unknown by the public and vice versa.”  “Insightful directions for future research.” “Really useful to get the opinions of people with lived experience over time.” Dissemination of Results A short report and infographics for researchers, GPs, policymakers and patients can be found on our blog: https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/depressiondetectives/ This project was a collaboration between Edinburgh Neuroscience and Public Engagement Practitioner Sophia Collins and her team. It was funded by the MRC and Horizon 2020

Patient satisfaction with mental and physical health services: Findings from a UK-wide online survey [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Introduction - Despite extensive debate surrounding mental health services in the UK, there is little empirical evidence regarding the views of those who use them. We therefore used data collected as part of a wider survey to examine satisfaction amongst those seeking treatment from mental and physical health services. Methods – An online survey designed with input from people with experience of mental illness was used to measure satisfaction with NHS mental and physical health services at first contact and in the previous 12 months. Results – A total of 2187 people responded. During the 12 months prior to the survey, 526 respondents had sought mental health care and 1379 had sought physical health care. Participants were significantly more satisfied with their most recent contact with mental health services (48.1% very/satisfied) than with their first contact (38.2% very/satisfied). More than 1 in 10 respondents who sought mental health care (11.4%) stated that they received no treatment/support from the NHS, compared to approximately 1 in 20 respondents who sought physical health care (4.6%). Of those who received the mental health treatment they requested (n = 424), most were satisfied or very satisfied with their care (54.7%), although this was lower than the corresponding figure (77.9%) for satisfaction with physical health care received (n = 1190). Conclusion –There was evidence that mental health services are satisfactory for a slim majority of users, but people were generally more satisfied with NHS physical health care. This survey was conducted in the year prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Future research could examine what influences satisfaction with care and whether this picture has changed following the emergence of the pandemic and consequent impact on health service delivery and daily life

Overview of ICONZ WPs.

<p>Overview of ICONZ WPs.</p

Major deliverable thematic areas highlighting complementary areas.

<p>Major deliverable thematic areas highlighting complementary areas.</p

Overview of ADVANZ WPs.

<p>Overview of ADVANZ WPs.</p