A5068746186- Memory and Neural Mechanisms
- Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
- Psychedelics and Drug Studies
- Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Tryptophan and brain disorders
- Behavioral Health and Interventions
- Treatment of Major Depression
- Mental Health Research Topics
- COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Stress Responses and Cortisol
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
- Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
- Cognitive Functions and Memory
- Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
- Memory Processes and Influences
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
- Sleep and Wakefulness Research
- Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment
- Schizophrenia research and treatment
- Pain Management and Opioid Use
- Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
- Smoking Behavior and Cessation
University College London
2016-2025
University College Hospital
2023
University College Lahore
2020
Walsh University
2016
UCL Australia
2010-2013
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
1998
Johns Hopkins University
1998
Johns Hopkins Medicine
1998
Both theoretical and experimental work have suggested that central neurons compensate for changes in excitatory synaptic input order to maintain a relatively constant output. We report here inhibition of transmission cultured spinal leads an increase mEPSC amplitudes, accompanied by equivalent the accumulation AMPA receptors at synapses. Conversely, increasing activity decrease decline amplitude. The time course this remodeling is slow, similar metabolic half-life neuronal receptors....
Non-NMDA glutamate receptor subunits of the AMPA-preferring subfamily combine to form ion channels with heterogeneous functional properties. We have investigated effects RNA editing at Q/R site, splice variation “flip/flop” cassette, and multimeric subunit assembly on single-channel conductance kinetic properties recombinant AMPA receptors formed from GluR2 GluR4 expressed in HEK 293 cells. found that was dependent site state comprising channel. Calcium-permeable (unedited) had resolvable...
Glutamate receptors mediate the majority of rapid excitatory synaptic transmission in central nervous system (CNS) and play important roles plasticity neuronal development. Recently, protein–protein interactions with C-terminal domain glutamate receptor subunits have been shown to be involved modulation function clustering at synapses. In this paper, we found that N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor (NSF), a protein membrane fusion events, specifically interacts C terminus GluR2 GluR4c AMPA...
1. Whole‐cell recordings were made from cerebellar granule cells cultured in high‐K+ medium to induce expression of Ca(2+)‐permeable AMPA receptors. Current‐voltage (I‐V) plots agonist‐evoked responses showed varying degrees inward rectification, but became linear within 5‐10 min. 2. Recombinant kainate receptors, composed GluR6(Q)/KA‐2 subunits, exhibited rectifying whole‐cell I‐V that outside‐out patches. 3. Loss rectification was prevented by including 100 microM spermine the pipette;...
Abstract Maladaptive reward memories (MRMs) are involved in the development and maintenance of acquired overconsumption disorders, such as harmful alcohol drug use. The process memory reconsolidation - where stored become briefly labile upon retrieval may offer a means to disrupt MRMs prevent relapse. However, reliable for pharmacologically weakening humans remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist ketamine is able hazardous drinkers when administered...
Abstract Preparing participants for psychedelic experiences is crucial ensuring these are safe and, potentially beneficial. However, there currently no validated measure to assess the extent which well-prepared such experiences. Our study aimed address this gap by developing, validating, and testing Psychedelic Preparedness Scale (PPS). Using a novel iterative Delphi-focus group methodology (‘DelFo’), followed qualitative pre-test interviews, we incorporated perspectives of expert...
Psychological disorders characterised by intrusive memories are more prevalent in women than men. The biological, social and cognitive processes underlying this gender-difference have yet to be fully elucidated. Some evidence suggests that (fluctuations in) ovarian hormone levels responsible for altered sensitivity emotional stimuli during certain phases the menstrual-cycle may form basis of a specific vulnerability psychological women. post-ovulatory (luteal) phase has been identified as...
Abstract The transient period of memory instability that can be triggered when memories are retrieved under certain conditions offers an opportunity to modify the maladaptive at heart substance use disorders (SUDs). However, very well-learned (such as those in excessive drinking and alcohol disorders) resistant destabilisation or may not destabilise all. Memory retrieval intervention procedures reliably update motivational help improve long-term treatment SUDs. In 59 hazardous drinkers, we...
Preparing participants for psychedelic experiences is crucial ensuring these are safe, and potentially, beneficial. However, there currently no validated measure to assess the extent which well-prepared such experiences. Our study aimed address this gap by developing, validating, testing Psychedelic Preparedness Scale (PPS). Using a novel iterative Delphi-focus group methodology (‘DelFo’) followed qualitative pre-test interviews, we incorporated perspectives of expert clinicians/researchers...
Morphine and other potent opioids are frequently used in palliative care pain management. When sustained-release (SR) do not provide adequate background analgesia, additional immediate-release (IR) opioid (e.g. short-acting morphine) may be required to alleviate breakthrough or episodic pain. Despite the frequent use of IR morphine on top SR opioids, little is known about effects such treatment patients' everyday cognitive functioning. This study therefore a double-blind, placebo-controlled,...
Addiction is a disorder of motivational learning and memory. Maladaptive memories linking drug-associated stimuli to drug seeking are formed over hundreds reinforcement trials accompanied by aberrant neuroadaptation in the mesocorticolimbic reward system. Such resistant extinction. However, discovery retrieval-dependent memory plasticity has opened up possibility permanent modification established (long-term) during 'reconsolidation'. Here, we investigate whether reappraisal maladaptive...
The potential of meditation as a preparatory tool for psychedelic experiences lacks empirical investigation. We surveyed experienced practitioners (N=123) with substantial histories in both and use to examine meditation’s role preparation. Respondents expected training primarily enhance acceptance present-moment focus during experiences, while also increasing oceanic boundlessness reducing anxious ego-dissolution. For limited experience (1-3 years) fewer sessions (1-20), those adhering...
Abstract Direct and prolonged exposure to stress uncertainty among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic likely had a significant negative impact on their mental health general wellbeing. Although contributors such distress remain be fully understood, construct of perceived coercion appears relevant. Among HCWs, is conceptualised as appraisals about lack control/‘freedom choose’ pressure perform patient-care duties in context unprecedented threat contagion from patients. To...
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves maladaptive long-term memory formation which underlies involuntary intrusive thoughts about the trauma. Preventing development of such is a key aim in preventing PTSD. We examined whether N-methyl d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist gas nitrous oxide (N2O) could reduce frequency memories by inhibiting NMDAR-dependent consolidation laboratory analogue psychological trauma.Participants were randomized to inhale N2O (N = 25) or medical air...
Subtle changes in social cognition are associated with naturalistic fluctuations estrogens and progesterone over the course of menstrual cycle. Using a dynamic emotion recognition task we aimed to provide comprehensive description association between ovarian hormone levels performance using variety metrics. Naturally cycling, psychiatrically healthy women attended single experimental session during follicular (days 7–13; n = 16), early luteal 15–19; 14) or late phase 22–27; their Correct...