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Background: In the last decade, the kynurenine pathway (KP) has gained attention in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia being at the croassroad between neuroinflammation and glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission. However, clinical findings are scarse and conflicting, and the specific contributions of these two systems to the neurobiology of cognitive symptoms are far from being elucidated. Furthermore, little is known about the molecular underpinnings of non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive improvement, including rehabilitation strategies.
Methods: The current study examined 72 patients with schizophrenia, divided in two clusters depending on the severity of the cognitive impairment, with the aim to evaluate the impact of inflammatory biomarkers and KP metabolites depending on cognitive functioning. Moreover, we studied their possible link to the cognitive outcome in relation to sessions of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) and aerobic exercise (AE) in a longitudinal arm of 42 patients.
Results: Neuroinflammation appeared to exert a more pronounced influence on cognition in patients exhibiting a higher cognitive functioning, contrasting with the activation of the KP, which had a greater impact on individuals with a lower cognitive profile. Cognitive improvements after the treatments were negatively predicted by levels of TNF-α and positively predicted by the 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK)/kynurenine (KYN) ratio, an index of the kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO) enzyme activity.
Conclusion: Overall, these findings add novel evidence on the biological underpinnings of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia pointing at a differential role of neuroinflammation and KP metabolites in inducing cognitive deficits depending on the cognitive reserve and predicting outcomes after rehabilitation.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scog.2024.100328 | DOI Listing |
J Med Internet Res
September 2025
Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Hospital and Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland.
Background: Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapies (iCBTs) are typically categorized into 2 types: therapist-assisted and self-guided. Both formats have accumulated substantial evidence supporting their cost-effectiveness and efficacy in treating a range of mental health conditions. However, therapist-assisted iCBTs tend to show lower dropout rates than self-guided versions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Med Internet Res
September 2025
School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Background: Labor shortages in health care pose significant challenges to sustaining high-quality care for people with intellectual disabilities. Social robots show promise in supporting both people with intellectual disabilities and their health care professionals; yet, few are fully developed and embedded in productive care environments. Implementation of such technologies is inherently complex, requiring careful examination of facilitators and barriers influencing sustained use.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJMIR Rehabil Assist Technol
September 2025
Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.
Background: Over the past decade, the proportion of the world's population aged ≥65 years has grown exponentially, presenting significant challenges, such as social isolation and loneliness among this population. Assistive technologies have shown potential in enhancing the quality of life for older adults by improving their physical, cognitive, and communication abilities. Research has shown that smart televisions are user-friendly and commonly used among older adults.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNeuro Endocrinol Lett
September 2025
Department of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, UK.
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, with significant cognitive and behavioural impairments that devastate individuals and their families. Cohort-level findings, demonstrate the broader population-level implications of Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disruption (SCRD) in AD and underscore the need for early interventions, emphasizing the importance of timely action. However, the mechanism remains unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJCO Clin Cancer Inform
September 2025
USC Institute of Urology and Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Purpose: To evaluate a generative artificial intelligence (GAI) framework for creating readable lay abstracts and summaries (LASs) of urologic oncology research, while maintaining accuracy, completeness, and clarity, for the purpose of assessing their comprehension and perception among patients and caregivers.
Methods: Forty original abstracts (OAs) on prostate, bladder, kidney, and testis cancers from leading journals were selected. LASs were generated using a free GAI tool, with three versions per abstract for consistency.