Genetic architecture of subcortical brain structures in 38,851 individuals

Subcortical brain structures are integral to motion, consciousness, emotions and learning. We identified common genetic variation related to the volumes of the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, brainstem, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen and thalamus, using genome-wide association analyses in almost 40,000 individuals from CHARGE, ENIGMA and UK Biobank. We show that variability in subcortical volumes is heritable, and identify 48 significantly associated loci (40 novel at the time of analysis). Annotation of these loci by utilizing gene expression, methylation and neuropathological data identified 199 genes putatively implicated in neurodevelopment, synaptic signaling, axonal transport, apoptosis, inflammation/infection and susceptibility to neurological disorders. This set of genes is significantly enriched for Drosophila orthologs associated with neurodevelopmental phenotypes, suggesting evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. Our findings uncover novel biology and potential drug targets underlying brain development and disease

The Role of Self-efficacy in Internet-based Interventions for Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Internet-based interventions (IBI) can increase access to evidence-based treatments for mental disorders, but knowledge of their mechanisms of change is limited. Self-efficacy is an important common factor of psychotherapy and especially interesting in IBI given its self-help focus. We investigated self-efficacy as an outcome, predictor/moderator, and mediator in IBI for mental disorders in randomized controlled trials. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Two reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed bias. Effects were quantified using random effect models and supplemented by narrative syntheses and box score visualizations. Results: In total, 70 studies (N = 17407 participants) were included. IBI showed overall moderate effects on self-efficacy in within and between comparisons, with guided interventions having the largest effect. Results were mixed regarding self-efficacy as a predictor/moderator, with three studies indicating that individuals with lower self-efficacy might benefit more from IBI. Self-efficacy emerged as a mediator through which IBI affected treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Overall, self-efficacy may be an influential factor in the efficacy of IBI for mental disorders and thus itself a valuable target of treatment. However, mixed results and methodological shortcomings of mediator studies call for further research, particularly concerning long-term impacts

Diffusion-Weighted MRI Helps Predict Outcome in Basilar Artery Occlusion Patients Treated with Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis

Intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) can improve clinical outcome in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the severity of neurological symptoms, the extent of early ischemic damage on pretreatment diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), and the lesion progression or regression on post-treatment MRI can predict functional outcome in patients with BAO treated with IAT

Endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke with established large infarct: multicentre, open-label, randomised trial

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