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Mas-Bermejo P, Papiol S, Via M, Rovira P, Torrecilla P, Kwapil TR, Barrantes-Vidal N, Rosa A. Schizophrenia polygenic risk score in psychosis proneness. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1665-1675. [PMID: 37301774 PMCID: PMC10713704 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex disorder with a highly polygenic inheritance. It can be conceived as the extreme expression of a continuum of traits that are present in the general population often broadly referred to as schizotypy. However, it is still poorly understood how these traits overlap genetically with the disorder. We investigated whether polygenic risk for SZ is associated with these disorder-related phenotypes (schizotypy, psychotic-like experiences, and subclinical psychopathology) in a sample of 253 non-clinically identified participants. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were constructed based on the latest SZ genome-wide association study using the PRS-CS method. Their association with self-report and interview measures of SZ-related traits was tested. No association with either schizotypy or psychotic-like experiences was found. However, we identified a significant association with the Motor Change subscale of the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS) interview. Our results indicate that the genetic overlap of SZ with schizotypy and psychotic-like experiences is less robust than previously hypothesized. The relationship between high PRS for SZ and motor abnormalities could reflect neurodevelopmental processes associated with psychosis proneness and SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Mas-Bermejo
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica. Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals. Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Papiol
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG), University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Via
- Brainlab, Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Paula Rovira
- Vicerectorat de Recerca, Investigadora Postdoctoral Margarita Salas, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CIBM), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Pilar Torrecilla
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas R Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Sant Pere Claver-Fundació Sanitària, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Araceli Rosa
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica. Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals. Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Gray LE, Buchanan RW, Keshavan MS, Torous J. Potential Role of Smartphone Technology in Advancing Work on Neurological Soft Signs with a Focus on Schizophrenia. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2023; 31:226-233. [PMID: 37699066 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVE AFTER PARTICIPATING IN THIS CME ACTIVITY, THE PSYCHIATRIST SHOULD BE BETTER ABLE TO • Outline and Identify potential benefits of using neurological soft signs (NSS) as biomarkers of schizophrenia. ABSTRACT Since the late 1960s, NSS have been a focus of study across psychiatric illnesses, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia in particular. Utilizing these subtle neurological impairments as biomarkers of illness has numerous benefits; NSS offer a direct connection between clinical presentation and neurological functioning, and assessments are cost-effective. However, incongruent measurement scales, confounding variables, and rating system subjectivity have hindered the advancement and scalability of NSS research and clinical implementation. This article provides a brief overview of the literature on NSS as related to schizophrenia, and proposes utilizing smartphone sensing technology to create standardized NSS assessments with objective scoring. Incorporating digital phenotyping into NSS assessment offers the potential to make measurement more scalable, accessible, and directly comparable across locations, cultures, and demographics. We conducted a narrative search in PubMed and APA PsycInfo using the following keywords: neurological soft signs, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and psychotic illnesses. No date limitations were used. There is no other direct work on NSS and new smartphone methods like digital phenotyping; though, there is related work in neurology. Harnessing advances in smartphone technology could provide greater insight into and further our understanding of specific aspects of the NSS field. For instance, it could help us distinguish trait vs. state markers and better understand how distinct groups of signs may reflect different aspects of psychiatric illness and neurological impairment. In addition, such technology can help advance research on the capabilities of NSS as an effective diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy E Gray
- From Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Ms. Gray, and Drs. Keshavan and Torous); Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (Dr. Buchanan); Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Boston, MA (Drs. Keshavan and Torous)
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Du W, Li E, Guo J, Arano R, Kim Y, Chen YT, Thompson A, Oh SJ, Samuel A, Li Y, Oyibo HK, Xu W. Directed stepwise tracing of polysynaptic neuronal circuits with replication-deficient pseudorabies virus. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100506. [PMID: 37426757 PMCID: PMC10326449 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Brain functions are accomplished by polysynaptic circuits formed by neurons wired together through multiple orders of synaptic connections. Polysynaptic connectivity has been difficult to examine due to a lack of methods of continuously tracing the pathways in a controlled manner. Here, we demonstrate directed, stepwise retrograde polysynaptic tracing by inducible reconstitution of replication-deficient trans-neuronal pseudorabies virus (PRVΔIE) in the brain. Furthermore, PRVΔIE replication can be temporally restricted to minimize its neurotoxicity. With this tool, we delineate a wiring diagram between the hippocampus and striatum-two major brain systems for learning, memory, and navigation-that consists of projections from specific hippocampal domains to specific striatal areas via distinct intermediate brain regions. Therefore, this inducible PRVΔIE system provides a tool for dissecting polysynaptic circuits underlying complex brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqin Du
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Elizabeth Li
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rachel Arano
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yerim Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuh-Tarng Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alyssa Thompson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - So Jung Oh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Aspen Samuel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hassana K. Oyibo
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Martin LAL, Melchert D, Knack M, Fuchs T. Relating movement markers of schizophrenia to self-experience-a mixed-methods study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1212508. [PMID: 37415694 PMCID: PMC10319999 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1212508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Basic self-disorders on the one hand and motor symptoms on the other hand are discussed as endophenotypes of schizophrenia psychopathology. However, the systematic interaction between motor symptoms and the self-experience of patients is rarely studied. Methods In a previous study we defined motor markers of schizophrenia via a data-driven analysis of patients' gait patterns. In this study, we related the movement markers to measures of basic self-disorder obtained with EASE interviews. We substantiated the correlations with a qualitative content analysis of the interviews of a subset of four patients. We related qualitative and quantitative data on an intra- and interpersonal level. Results Our results suggest an association between the previously defined, theory-independent movement markers and basic self-disorders, specifically in the domain of cognition, self-experience and bodily experiences. While movement marker manifestation was not precisely reflected in the individuals' descriptions of anomalous self- and body experience, we found clear trends of more and more intense descriptions with increasing movement marker scores, when looking at specific experiences, such as hyper reflexivity. Discussion These results foster an integrated view of the patient and could stimulate therapeutic approaches aiming at an improvement of self- and body-experience of patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily A. L. Martin
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Cultural Studies, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of General Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Research Institute for Creative Arts Therapies (RIArT), Department of Therapy Sciences, Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences, Alfter, Germany
| | - David Melchert
- Department of Educational Science and Psychology, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Knack
- Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Fuchs
- Department of General Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Valerio MP, Lomastro J, Igoa A, Martino DJ. Correlates of neurological soft signs in bipolar disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023:10.1007/s00406-023-01558-1. [PMID: 36662294 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01558-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent research has focused on neurological soft signs (NSS) in bipolar disorder (BD), but there is still scarce evidence on their correlates with other relevant variables. The aim of this study was to explore the association between NSS and clinical demographic, neurocognitive, and functional variables. Eighty-eight euthymic BD patients were included in whom NSS were assessed using the Neurological Evaluation Scale. All subjects performed an extensive neurocognitive battery selected to assess premorbid IQ, attention, language, verbal memory, and executive functions. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed by means of the Functioning Assessment Short Test. Among the demographical variables, NSS tended to be negatively associated with years of education and increased with age. Likewise, NSS were higher in BD type I than in BD type II, but independent of age at illness onset and number of previous affective episodes. There was a negative correlation between NSS and premorbid IQ, as well as with performance in attention, language, and executive functions. Results tended to be unchanged when controlled for potential confounders. Although NSS were associated with poor psychosocial functioning in the bivariate analysis, when added to a multiple regression model including neurocognition, these neurological features did not significantly contribute to the variance of the functional outcome. Our findings contribute to a better characterization of NSS in BD; their potential clinical and theoretical implications are discussed in the manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina P Valerio
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Psychiatric Emergencies Hospital Torcuato de Alvear, Warnes 2630 (C1427DPS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Lomastro
- Psychiatric Emergencies Hospital Torcuato de Alvear, Warnes 2630 (C1427DPS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Igoa
- Psychiatric Emergencies Hospital Torcuato de Alvear, Warnes 2630 (C1427DPS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego J Martino
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB), Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, Pacheco de Melo 1854 (C1126AAB), Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,, Charcas 4189, 1°''C'' (C1425BNG), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Tonna M, Lucarini V, Borrelli DF, Parmigiani S, Marchesi C. Disembodiment and Language in Schizophrenia: An Integrated Psychopathological and Evolutionary Perspective. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:161-171. [PMID: 36264669 PMCID: PMC9810023 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Different hypotheses have flourished to explain the evolutionary paradox of schizophrenia. In this contribution, we sought to illustrate how, in the schizophrenia spectrum, the concept of embodiment may underpin the phylogenetic and developmental pathways linking sensorimotor processes, the origin of human language, and the construction of a basic sense of the self. In particular, according to an embodied model of language, we suggest that the reuse of basic sensorimotor loops for language, while enabling the development of fully symbolic thought, has pushed the human brain close to the threshold of a severe disruption of self-embodiment processes, which are at the core of schizophrenia psychopathology. We adopted an inter-disciplinary approach (psychopathology, neuroscience, developmental biology) within an evolutionary framework, to gain an integrated, multi-perspectival model on the origin of schizophrenia vulnerability. A maladaptive over-expression of evolutionary-developmental trajectories toward language at the expense of embodiment processes would have led to the evolutionary "trade-off" of a hyper-symbolic activity to the detriment of a disembodied self. Therefore, schizophrenia psychopathology might be the cost of long-term co-evolutive interactions between brain and language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Tonna
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatric Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Paris, France
| | | | - Stefano Parmigiani
- Department of Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Unit of Behavioral Biology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatric Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
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Psychomotor slowing alters gait velocity, cadence, and stride length and indicates negative symptom severity in psychosis. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 8:116. [PMID: 36585399 PMCID: PMC9803648 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00324-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder, in which 50% of the patients present with motor abnormalities such as psychomotor slowing. Slow spontaneous gait has been reported in schizophrenia. However, comprehensive objective instrumental assessments of multiple gait conditions are missing. Finally, the specific gait patterns of subjects with psychomotor slowing are still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to objectively assess multiple gait parameters at different walking conditions in patients with schizophrenia with and without psychomotor slowing. Also, we hypothesised gait impairments to correlate with expert ratings of hypokinetic movement disorders and negative symptoms. We collected gait data (GAITRite®) in 70 patients with psychomotor slowing (SRRS (Salpetriere retardation rating scale) ≥15), 22 non-psychomotor slowed patients (SRRS < 15), and 42 healthy controls. Participants performed four walking conditions (self-selected speed, maximum speed, head reclined, and eyes closed) and six gait parameters were extracted (velocity, cadence, stride length, functional ambulation profile (FAP), and variance of stride length and time). Patients with psychomotor slowing presented slower velocity, lower cadence, and shorter stride length in all walking conditions compared to healthy controls, with the non-slowed patients in an intermediate position (all F > 16.18, all p < 0.001). Secondly, slower velocity was associated with more severe hypokinetic movement disorders and negative symptoms. In conclusion, gait impairments exist in a spectrum with healthy controls on one end and patients with psychomotor slowing on the other end. Patients with psychomotor slowing are specifically impaired when an adaptation of gait patterns is required, contributing to the deleterious effects of sedentary behaviours.
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Tonna M, Lucarini V, Lucchese J, Presta V, Paraboschi F, Marsella F, Daniel BD, Vitale M, Marchesi C, Gobbi G. Posture, gait and self‐disorders: An empirical study in individuals with schizophrenia. Early Interv Psychiatry 2022; 17:447-461. [PMID: 37156494 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM In schizophrenia, subjectively perceived disruptions of the sense of the Self (also referred to as "self-disorders") seem to be intimately associated with a perturbation of the implicit awareness of one's own body. Indeed, an early impairment of the motor system, including posture and gait, is now considered a marker of schizophrenia neurodevelopmental substrate and appears more pronounced in early-onset schizophrenia. Therefore, the present study was aimed at: (1) investigating a possible relationship between self-disorders, symptom dimensions and postural and gait profile in schizophrenia; (2) identifying a specific motor profile in early-onset conditions. METHODS A total of 43 schizophrenia outpatients and 38 healthy controls underwent an exhaustive investigation of posture and gait pattern. The positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), the examination of anomalous self experience scale (EASE) and the abnormal involuntary movement scale (AIMS) were administered to the schizophrenia group. Subsequently, schizophrenia patients were divided into early and adult-onset subgroups and compared with respect to their motor profile. RESULTS We found an association between specific postural patterns (impaired sway area), a general disruption of the gait cycle and subjective bodily experiences (concerning the loss of bodily integrity, cohesion and demarcation). Only motor parameters (increased sway area and gait cadence reduction) differentiated between early and adult-onset patients. CONCLUSION The results of the present study hint at a link between motor impairment and self-disturbances in schizophrenia and candidate a specific motor profile as a possible marker of early-onset forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Tonna
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatry Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Jacopo Lucchese
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatry Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Presta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Human Anatomy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Marsella
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Service, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Human Anatomy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Movement Analysis Laboratory (LAM), University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatry Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuliana Gobbi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Human Anatomy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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