It's not just access To care ---
It's access to Up-to-Date Translational medicine
Re-allocating resources Responsibly
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Val's Take/Conjecture
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I am not for FUNDING THE STATUS QUO in mental health.
On the other hand, I'm not for people summarily losing their jobs either. That's a lot of chaotic, unpredictable stress that is not going to be good for patients, clinicians or the community. |
PREVIEW
Paternal immune activation in neuro-Developmental & Psychiatric Disorders
Highlights
Paternal immune activation might enhance schizophrenia risk. Epigenetic processes might mediate the effects of paternal immune activation. Bi-parental immune priming seems to drive schizophrenia immunopathogenesis. 
"This study demonstrates that the gut-germline axis influences sperm small RNA profiles and offspring physiology, with specific impacts on offspring affective and/or coping behaviors.
"These findings may have broader implications for other animal species with comparable gut microbiota, intergenerational epigenetics and developmental biology, including humans." |
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Atypical response to the common Epstein-barr Virus
Auto-immune Disease, Cancer & Major Mental Illness
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Val's Take/Conjecture
AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASE
"This clinical vignette with literature review is an illustration of the interesting, yet still unknown relationship between MS and affective disorders, where one might be influenced by the other but also have a common pathophysiology.
"This highlights that the dividing line between neurology and psychiatry, whose pathophysiology often takes place in the same organ, is often arbitrary." 
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PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
"Perspectives on the etiology of mental illness have evolved from demonic possession toward multisystem biologically based models that include gene expression, environmental triggers, immune mediators, and infectious diseases.
"Microbes are associated with a number of mental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders, as well as suicidality and aggressive or violent behaviors. " 
CANCER
"Epidemiological studies have provided strong evidence that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lytic replication is linked to cancer development."
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Preview: Neuro-Diversity Wednesday
Pre-Natal Inflammatory Exposure (PIE), Neuro-Diversity and Disease
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Val's Take/Conjecture
Additionally, there is a need to marry a concern for "Lifestyle Choices" with the long-term ramifications of "Pre-Natal Inflammatory Exposure."
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A One-Word Label is Enough to Change Your Brain's Pre-Conscious Response to Someone in Pain 
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PREVIEW: Translational Justice Monday
Drug Addiction, Microglia and Neuro-Immuno-pharmacology
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Val's Take/Conjecture
Association patterns of antisocial personality disorder across substance use disorders (2024)
"The present study expands our understanding of polysubstance addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. "Our findings support personalized interventions targeting mechanism-based subtyping in relation to ASPD-SUD comorbidities." 
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Affiliations
Abstract
Drug addiction is a chronic and debilitating disease that is considered a global health problem. Various cell types in the brain are involved in the progression of drug addiction. Recently, the xenobiotic hypothesis has been proposed, which frames substances of abuse as exogenous molecules that are responded to by the immune system as foreign "invaders", thus triggering protective inflammatory responses. An emerging body of literature reveals that microglia, the primary resident immune cells in the brain, play an important role in the progression of addiction. Repeated cycles of drug administration cause a progressive, persistent induction of neuroinflammation by releasing microglial proinflammatory cytokines and their metabolic products. This contributes to drug addiction via modulation of neuronal function. In this review, we focus on the role of microglia in the etiology of drug addiction. Then, we discuss the dynamic states of microglia and the correlative and causal evidence linking microglia to drug addiction. Finally, possible mechanisms of how microglia sense drug-related stimuli and modulate the addiction state and how microglia-targeted anti-inflammation therapies affect addiction are reviewed. Understanding the role of microglia in drug addiction may help develop new treatment strategies to fight this devastating societal challenge. |
PREVIEW: Translational Medicine Friday
microplastics, Microglial activation and Environmental toxins
bigger issueS than we normally think
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Val's Take/Conjecture
9 News (Feb. 2025)
New study of human brains shows there are enough microplastics to make a spoon ["Life style choices" are important -- BUT if we don't understand how dysregulations IN UTERO affect lifestyle choices across the lifespan and make people more vulnerable to various disorders and diseases as a result of these prenatal dysregulations ----- there is a high likelihood we're going to get a partial, misleading answer.] 
Polystyrene nanoplastics penetrate across the blood-brain barrier and induce activation of microglia in the brain of mice (2022)
[Are microplastics inducing perpetual activation of microglia in the brain?] |
The Graduate (1967)
One word -- Plastics 
Microplastics in the Air May Be Leading to Lung and Colon Cancers
A review of 3,000 studies also suggests these minute plastic air particles may be causing male and female infertility. 
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PREVIEW: Neuro-Diversity Wednesday
ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Depression & Schizophrenia
As Multi-System Disorders
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Val's Take/Conjecture
What are the ramifications of Neuro-Developmental & Psychiatric Disorders as Multi-System Disorders?
If we don't know, WHO BEARS THE BURDEN? 
Schizophrenia, a disease of impaired dynamic metabolic flexibility: A new mechanistic framework (2024)
"Mounting evidence from a variety of transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomics and brain imaging studies points toward the possibility that schizophrenia is a systemic disorder and involves abnormal glucose and energy metabolism both in the periphery and in brain."
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Abstract
Recent research has shed light on the intricate relationship between mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), and inflammation. This chapter explores the complex interplay involving immune and metabolic dysfunction in the pathophysiology of these disorders, emphasizing their association with autoimmunity/inflammatory conditions, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, T cell overactivation, and immunosenescence. This perspective underscores the notion that MDD [Major Depressive Disorder] and BD [Bipolar Disorder] are not solely brain disorders, highlighting their nature as multi-system conditions. 
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Five Books
addressing New understandings of Neuro-Developmental & Psychiatric disorders
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Val's Take/Conjecture
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Death by Suicide in 2025
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Val's Take
UC San Diego
Blood Testing Identifies Biomarkers of Suicidal Thoughts (2023) |
Next-generation precision medicine for suicidality prevention (2024) "We propose that our findings and comprehensive approach can have transformative clinical utility." International Symposium on Suicidality & Public Health Focusing on novel neuroinflammatory biomarkers and targets in understanding and managing suicide |
Translational JUstice Monday
The "JUSTICE" of an accurate understanding
of neuro-Developmental & Psychiatric Disorders
Whole System developmental Premature aging
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Val's Take/Conjecture
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Val's Take/Conjecture
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Preview: Translational Medicine Friday
Maternal Immune Activation Activates Inflammatory Genes in the Fetus
"Maternal immune activation (MIA) caused by exposure to pathogens or inflammation during critical periods of neurodevelopment is a major risk factor for behavioral deficits and psychiatric illness in offspring. . . .
"We identified a robust increase in expression of genes related to antiviral inflammation following maternal PolyI:C exposure, and a corresponding decrease in transcripts associated with nervous system development." 
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Preview: Olmstead Law & Order Thursday
An evolving immuno-psychiatry to neuro-immune disorders
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Val's Take/Conjecture
These new understandings are relevant to people with Neuro-Immune Disorders who find themselves homeless and or incarcerated. and dependent on a mental health profession that is relying on an out-of-date diagnostic manual.
Further, this isn't just about having the perfect treatment (although we all want that) --- these new understandings themselves are raising reasonable doubt about how we treat people with Neuro-Immune Disorders.
Further, it is becoming more common to hear Neuro-Developmental and Psychiatric Disorders referred to as NEURO-IMMUNE DISORDERS.
Evidence suggests that altered VN [Vagus Nerve] signaling is linked to changes in the neuroimmune system, including microglia.
Dysfunction of microglia, the resident innate immune cells of the brain, is associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and epilepsy. 
Frontiers in Psychiatry Editorial -- March 29, 2019:
Recent Advances in Psychiatry From Psycho-Neuro-Immunology Research: Autoimmune Encephalitis, Autoimmune Encephalopathy, and Mild Encephalitis |
Experiences in implementing immunopsychiatry in real life (2023)
[focuses primarily on autoimmune diseases with significant psychiatric components] 
Immunopsychiatry Meetings
We organise bi-monthly online Immunopsychiatry Meetings. This is an exciting new forum bringing together scientists from around the world working at the intersection between psychiatry and immunology. The meetings alternate talks between world's leading scientists and early career scientists working in the field of immunopsychiatry. The meetings are supported by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Immuno-NeuroPsychiatry Network. Our aim is to provide the opportunity for researchers interested in immunopsychiatry to come together and to share their research, exchange ideas, and engage in networking. The meetings are free and open to any scientist! 
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PREVIEW: Neuro-Diversity Wednesday
Executive Functioning Challenges as an Energy --- ATP Issue
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Val's Take/Conjecture
Brain levels of high-energy phosphate metabolites and executive function in geriatric depression (2016)
Conclusions: These findings suggest two independent sources of executive function dependence on bioenergetic state in the aging brain.
The dependence of executive function performance in subjects with late life depression on ATP in white matter may be associated with mitochondrial impairment and is consistent with predictions of the vascular depression hypothesis. Further research with wider neuropsychological testing targeting bioenergetic markers could help clarify the scope of these effects. 
Prenatal immune activation in mice induces long-term alterations in brain mitochondrial function (2024)
Dr. Chris Palmer advocates a Metabolic Theory of Brain Disorder.
He and the Metabolic Mind folks advocate for a Keto Diet. 
Conclusions: Despite mounting evidence implicating mitochondria in BD [Bipolar Disorder], this study represents the first PET imaging study to investigate this mechanistic connection.
There were key limitations in the form of comorbid alcohol use disorder, limited statistical power inherent to a case study, no sex matched controls, and the absence of a comprehensive psychiatric history. However, even with these limitations in mind, the significant overlap between dysfunction previously demonstrated on functional MRI and this imaging provides compelling preliminary evidence that strengthens the mechanistic link between mitochondrial dysfunction and BD [Bipolar Disorder]. |
Florence & the Machine
Free Florence Welch is a person with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia and she's been open about substance issues.
I love this video. Her Anxiety is being personified as an Old Man. The video begins with Her Anxiety handing her a cup of coffee/caffeine for some Energy. [As an aside, comedian and mental health advocate Maria Bamford, often says, "I need another frickin' Diet Coke" --- something I can very much relate to. There's even a sweatshirt on Etsy saying "I need a Diet Coke."] When Florence is Dancing --- she has plenty of Energy, but most of the time she is running to catch-up. She's presenting a complicated, confusing picture --- a picture that many people with Neurodevelopmental & Psychiatric Disorders present. 
Extracellular ATP Is a Homeostatic Messenger That Mediates Cell–Cell Communication in Physiological Processes and Psychiatric Diseases (2025)
Dysregulation of extracellular ATP leads to a destabilizing effect on the neural network, as found in the etiopathology of many psychiatric diseases, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder.
In this review, we summarize advances in the understanding of the mechanisms by which extracellular ATP serves as an intercellular signaling molecule to regulate neural activity, with a focus on how it maintains the homeostasis of neural networks. In particular, we also focus on neural activity issues that result from dysregulation of extracellular ATP and propose that aberrant levels of extracellular ATP may play a role in the etiopathology of some psychiatric diseases, highlighting the potential therapeutic targets of ATP signaling in the treatment of these psychiatric diseases. Finally, we suggest potential avenues to further elucidate the role of extracellular ATP in intercellular communication and psychiatric diseases. 
Normal brain functioning relies on high aerobic energy production provided by mitochondria.
Failure to supply a sufficient amount of energy, seen in different brain disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may have a significant negative impact on brain development and support of different brain functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction, manifested in the abnormal activities of the electron transport chain and impaired energy metabolism, greatly contributes to ASD. The aberrant functioning of this organelle is of such high importance that ASD has been proposed as a mitochondrial disease. |
Preview: Translational Justice Monday
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Val's Take
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"This Note cannot change the DSM, but it can sound an alarm. The ASPD diagnosis lacks clinical utility; it operates as a barrier to treatment and engenders prejudice. Reform is necessary — perhaps discarding this label entirely.
"Mental health professionals must also realize that a disclaimer in the DSM does not go far enough to protect against the way the legal system interprets and applies clinical knowledge. "Clinical and legal professionals must learn from the past and work against perpetuating biases and harmful self-fulfilling prophecies." |
Maternal Immune activation, Fetal Inflammatory REsponse syndrome
and MULTI-SYSTEM Neuro-developmental & Psychiatric Neuro-immune developmental disorders
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Val's Take/Conjecture
Conclusion:
Overall, MIA exposure in utero caused failure in UPR [unfolded protein response] as well as immune overreaction to the second attack of inflammation in offspring. Our results suggested that prenatal exposure to MIA might contribute to the congenital inflammatory constitution after birth. 
Targeting Cytokine-Mediated Inflammation in Brain Disorders: Developing New Treatment Strategies (2025) "Cytokine-mediated inflammation is increasingly recognized for playing a vital role in the pathophysiology of a wide range of brain disorders, including neurodegenerative, psychiatric, and neurodevelopmental problems. . . .
"As research advances, the creation of personalized, cytokine-centered therapeutics has the potential to alter the therapy landscape for brain illnesses, giving patients hope for better results and a higher quality of life." |
Key points
Children born to placentas meeting criteria for FIRS [Fetal Immune Response Syndrome] were more likely to be diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders.
Specifically, they were more likely to be diagnosed with
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Preview: Translational Medicine Friday
lactoferrin ---
Selected recent research
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Val's Take/Conjecture
This is complicated, of course.
At the time, this was thought to reflect an abnormal inflammatory response in people with schizophrenia.
See also: 
Lactoferrin deficiency during lactation increases the risk of depressive-like behavior in adult mice (2023)
"Thus, Lf [Lactoferrin] intervention alleviated cognitive impairment by inhibiting microglial activation and neuroinflammation through the microbiome-gut-brain axis."
Abstract
Numerous harmful factors that affect the human body from birth to old age cause many disturbances, e.g., in the structure of the genome, inducing cell apoptosis [programmed cell death] and their degeneration, which leads to the development of many diseases, including cancer. Among the factors leading to pathological processes, microbes, viruses, gene dysregulation and immune system disorders have been described. The function of a protective agent may be played by lactoferrin as a "miracle molecule", an endogenous protein with a number of favorable antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immunostimulatory and binding DNA properties. The purpose of this article is to present the broad spectrum of properties and the role that lactoferrin plays in protecting human cells at all stages of life. |
Abstract
Nutrition during the early postnatal period exerts a profound impact on both infant development and later-life health. Breast milk, which contains lactoferrin, a dynamic protein, plays a crucial role in the growth of various biological systems and in preventing numerous chronic diseases. Based on the relationship between early infant development and chronic diseases later in life, this paper presents a review of the effects of lactoferrin in early life on neonates intestinal tract, immune system, nervous system, adipocyte development, and early intestinal microflora establishment, as well as the preventive and potential mechanisms of early postnatal lactoferrin against adult allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, cancer, and obesity. Furthermore, we summarized the application status of lactoferrin in the early postnatal period and suggested directions for future research. 
"Our findings suggest that lactoferrin intake during lactation protects neurons by regulating microglial activation, thereby effectively reducing depressive symptoms in adults."
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PREVIEW: Translational Medicine Friday
Response to:
The Neurodiversity Framework in Medicine: On the Spectrum (2025)
Val's Take/Conjecture
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Funding: Funding was provided by Harvard University's Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging as part of the Culture Lab Innovation Fund.
Affiliations
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. 2Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Toluca de Lerdo, Mexico, Mexico. 3Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. ABSTRACT
The term “neurodiversity” refers to the natural heterogeneity in human neurological functioning, which includes neurodevelopmental differences and other mental health conditions (e.g., autism spectrum disorder [ASD], attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], dyslexia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression). This new viewpoint has significant consequences for the future of medicine, specifically in psychiatry, neurology, and neurodevelopmental medicine, as it undermines established notions of these conditions as disorders/diseases that may be healed or corrected. The neurodiversity approach, on the other hand, acknowledges these divergences as natural variations, calling for tailored support and interventions that accommodate individual needs. Neurodiversity could impact current medical perspectives by supporting a shift from pathology to identity. Rather than focusing on the difficulties associated with a specific ailment, the neurodiversity approach stresses the strengths and distinct perspectives that come with neurodivergent identities. This shift has significant consequences for research and therapy by fostering the development of innovative treatments aimed at increasing quality of life and improving functional results. This new perspective advocates including neurodivergent people in all sectors of society, including research, clinical practice, and policymaking, by recognizing, accepting, and integrating natural variances in brain functioning. In this article, we review the development of the neurodiversity movement and propose “The Neurodiversity Framework in Medicine,” which challenges traditional views by recognizing neurological differences as natural variations, advocating for inclusive, person-centered approaches in healthcare. |
PREVIEW: TRANSLATIONAL Medicine Friday
Microglial Dysregulation in Aging and Neuro-Developmental & Psychiatric Disorders
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Val's Take/Conjecture
The antipsychotic chlorpromazine reduces neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglial voltage-gated potassium channels (2025)
*Korean Researchers 
The Janus face of antipsychotics in glial cells: Focus on glio-protection (2023)
*Brazilian & German Researchers "This review will provide a summary of the dual role of antipsychotics on neurochemical parameters associated with glial functions and will highlight the potential activity of glio-protective molecules to improve the action of antipsychotics."
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The Battle of Marathon --- Nike, Nike
"The Quest to Recover the Fallen Soldiers of Marathon"
These "new understandings" seem MAINSTREAM among Researchers and Research Institutions around the World ---
If not inevitable, it seems pretty close to inevitable that Clinicians, the Public and Policymakers will have access to these new understandings in ways that are helpful in the next few years. With respect to Psychiatric Medications ---- some of them are affecting Microglia both positively and negatively. On the research side, there seems to be awareness and efforts to reduce if not eliminate negative effects on Microglia in medication whether it is classic "psychiatric" medication or other medications. 
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Reasoning to reform without perfect information
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Val's Take
I posted the study to the right because it represents a different take on the research.
The point is not so much the Conclusion --- as that the researchers are still working on this and it is not done. On the other hand, we have plenty of people with Schizophrenia and other Neuro-Developmental and Psychiatric Disorders incarcerated. We have substantial reason to believe we are punishing people for a not sympathetic underlying biology. It's not like we're not doing anything, but we're not doing enough. |
Genetic contribution to microglial activation in schizophrenia (2024)
"We conclude that microglia of the patients with SCZ (Schizophrenia) have gene expression aberrations related to inflammation response and extracellular matrix without contributing to increased microglial activation." |
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Anti-Social Personality Disorder as a Neuro-Developmental Disability 
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Policy Challenges
United Kingdom
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