In quest of a systematic framework for unifying and defining nanoscience

This article proposes a systematic framework for unifying and defining nanoscience based on historic first principles and step logic that led to a “central paradigm” (i.e., unifying framework) for traditional elemental/small-molecule chemistry. As such, a Nanomaterials classification roadmap is proposed, which divides all nanomatter into Category I: discrete, well-defined and Category II: statistical, undefined nanoparticles. We consider only Category I, well-defined nanoparticles which are >90% monodisperse as a function of Critical Nanoscale Design Parameters (CNDPs) defined according to: (a) size, (b) shape, (c) surface chemistry, (d) flexibility, and (e) elemental composition. Classified as either hard (H) (i.e., inorganic-based) or soft (S) (i.e., organic-based) categories, these nanoparticles were found to manifest pervasive atom mimicry features that included: (1) a dominance of zero-dimensional (0D) core–shell nanoarchitectures, (2) the ability to self-assemble or chemically bond as discrete, quantized nanounits, and (3) exhibited well-defined nanoscale valencies and stoichiometries reminiscent of atom-based elements. These discrete nanoparticle categories are referred to as hard or soft particle nanoelements. Many examples describing chemical bonding/assembly of these nanoelements have been reported in the literature. We refer to these hard:hard (H-n:H-n), soft:soft (S-n:S-n), or hard:soft (H-n:S-n) nanoelement combinations as nanocompounds. Due to their quantized features, many nanoelement and nanocompound categories are reported to exhibit well-defined nanoperiodic property patterns. These periodic property patterns are dependent on their quantized nanofeatures (CNDPs) and dramatically influence intrinsic physicochemical properties (i.e., melting points, reactivity/self-assembly, sterics, and nanoencapsulation), as well as important functional/performance properties (i.e., magnetic, photonic, electronic, and toxicologic properties). We propose this perspective as a modest first step toward more clearly defining synthetic nanochemistry as well as providing a systematic framework for unifying nanoscience. With further progress, one should anticipate the evolution of future nanoperiodic table(s) suitable for predicting important risk/benefit boundaries in the field of nanoscience

Characterization of behavioral, signaling and cytokine alterations in a rat neurodevelopmental model for schizophrenia, and their reversal by the 5-HT₆ receptor antagonist SB-399885

Post-weaning social isolation of rats produces neuroanatomical, neurochemical and behavioral alterations resembling some core features of schizophrenia. This study examined the ability of the 5-HT₆ receptor antagonist SB-399885 to reverse isolation-induced cognitive deficits, then investigated alterations in hippocampal cell proliferation and hippocampal and frontal cortical expression of selected intracellular signaling molecules and cytokines. Male Lister-hooded rats (weaned on post-natal day 21-24 and housed individually or in groups of 3-4) received six i.p. injections of vehicle (1% Tween 80, 1 mL/kg) or SB-399885 (5 or 10 mg/kg) over a two week period starting 40 days post-weaning, on the days that locomotor activity, novel object discrimination (NOD), pre-pulse inhibition of acoustic startle and acquisition, retention and extinction of a conditioned freezing response (CFR) were assessed. Tissue was collected 24 h after the final injection for immunohistochemistry, reverse-phase protein microarray and western blotting. Isolation rearing impaired NOD and cue-mediated CFR, decreased cell proliferation within the dentate gyrus, and elevated hippocampal TNFα levels and Cdc42 expression. SB-399885 reversed the NOD deficit and partially normalized CFR and cell proliferation. These effects were accompanied by altered expression of several members of the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK signaling pathways (including TAK1, MKK4 and STAT3). Although JNK and p38 themselves were unaltered at this time point hippocampal TAK1 expression and phosphorylation correlated with visual recognition memory in the NOD task. Continued use of this neurodevelopmental model could further elucidate the neurobiology of schizophrenia and aid assessment of novel therapies for drug-resistant cognitive symptoms

From Telepsychiatry to eMental Health–Experiences and Prospects in Europe

What started with telepsychiatry (videoconference) has been turned into e-Mental Health (eMH) due to rapid development of IT technology, decreased prices and increased user experiences. Access to mental health care is one of the identified problems within EU mental health services. Increased migration into and within EU cause the increased demands for clinicians with selected skills. Telepsychiatry is the oldest and most common eMH application. The first international telepsychiatry collaboration established between Sweden and Denmark back in 2006 was a success. This model might be used as collaboration prototype while speaking about current refugee crisis in Europe and treatment of mentally ill migrants. The experiences from this pioneer international transcultural telepsychiatry service in combination with various eMH applications may be used as an inspiration for conducting of larger international eMH service capable to provide mental health care toward diversity of patient populations underserved on their mother tongue within EU.eMH applications could improve quality of care and access to mental health care in rural, remote and under-served as well as in metropolitan areas all around EU.Disclosure of interestThe author declares that he has no competing interest.</jats:sec

Telemental health in treatment of ethnic minorities in EU

Access to adequate mental health care services is one of the identified problems within EU mental health services. Increased migration into and within EU cause the increased demands for clinicians with selected skills.TeleMental Health applications could improve access to mental health care in rural, remote and under-served as well as in metropolitan areas all around EU. Telepsychiatry is the most common telemental health application. Furthermore, there are various internet based approaches to treatment of mental conditions on distance. Transcultural telepsychiatry model, developed in Denmark during last decade was aimed to treat ethnic minorities via their own mothertongue(s) by use of telepsychiatry. Patient satisfaction rapported within telepsychiatry service in Denmark is very high. The restricted physical contact and non-verbal communication of telepsychiatry compensates by the fact that the doctor and patient spoke the same language and had similar cultural and/or national references.Ongoing international telepsychiatry collaboration established between Sweden and Denmark is a success that may be exported to other european countries. The experiences from this pioneer international transcultural telepsychiatry service may contribute to further development an European Telepsychiatry Network. However, this model may be used as an inspiration for conducting of larger international telepsychiatry service capable to provide mental health care toward diversity of patient populations underserved on their mother tongue within EU.</jats:p

The Use of a Telemedicine Model and its Logistics to Reach as Many European Refugees as Possible

Current refugee crisis challenges mental health care systems all over the Europe. There is a number of research describing difficulties in dealing with cross-cultural patients. Access to relevant care as well as its availability are often limited due to: a) lack of respective qualified resources b) linguistically, cultural and even racial barriers in addressing of mental health care needs of cross-cultural patient population. By use of various e-Mental health applications, primarily videoconference, we may improve assessment and/or treatment of refugees and asylum seekers on distance e.g. Arabic speaking psychiatrist located in Sweden would be able to assess and/or treat refugees from Syria located in Germany). Specialized centers for treatment of refugees would also be able to get second-opinion service from remote experts and use it in order to confirm or re-consider diagnosis as well as the treatment options. Establishment of international network of cross-cultural experts enables to:– Improve the mental health care across national boundaries by providing psychiatric consultations to other countries within EU– Conduct International Treatment Team with Select Skills (e.g. Sign Language and Many Foreign Languages Staff)– Provide Distance Supervision and Staff Consultation– Provide Psycho Education of caregivers– Improve Distance Learning via Case Conferencing and Best Practice Demonstration Across the National Boundaries– Create Data Base over cross-cultural and other select skills professionals within EUDisclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.</jats:sec

Transcultural telepsychiatry and its impact on patient satisfaction

IntroductionNational and International telepsychiatry service was established between Denmark and Sweden in order to increase access to cross-cultural expertise. Patient acceptability study was conducted to assess the patients’ attitudes toward the quality, advantages and disadvantages of telepsychiatry service.MethodsOver a period January 2005-December 2007, 61 patients were treated via telepsychiatry by clinicians that speak patientsrespective mother tongues. Video-conferencing equipment connected the Little Prince Psychiatric Centre in Copenhagen with two hospitals, one asylum seekers’ centre and one social institution in Denmark. These stations were also connected to the Swedish department of the Centre. Number of languages spoken was 9 while the number of nationalities treated was 11. No interpreter assistance has been used.After the end of the telepsychiatry contact all patients were asked to complete a satisfaction questionnaire.ResultsPatients reported a high level of acceptance and satisfaction with telepsychiatry. They expressed a wish to use telepsychiatry via their mother tongue, rather than interpreter-assisted mental health care in the future.DiscussionThe restricted physical contact and non-verbal communication of telepsychiatry was compensated by the fact that the doctor and patient spoke the same language and had similar cultural and/or national references. The results of the survey may contribute to further development of, primarily, European Telepsychiatry Network. However, this model may be used for conducting of larger international telepsychiatry service capable to provide mental health care toward diversity of patient populations underserved on their mother tongue worldwide.</jats:sec