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Heliyon Feb 2024Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that causes increased memory loss, mood swings, behavioral disorders, and disruptions in daily activities. Polymer... (Review)
Review
Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that causes increased memory loss, mood swings, behavioral disorders, and disruptions in daily activities. Polymer scaffolds for the brain have been grown under laboratory, physiological, and pathological circumstances because of the limitations of conventional treatments for patients with central nervous system diseases. The blood-brain barrier prevents medications from entering the brain, challenging AD treatment. Numerous biomaterials such as biomolecules, polymers, inorganic metals, and metal oxide nanoparticles have been used to transport therapeutic medicines into the nervous system. Incorporating biocompatible materials that support neurogenesis through a combination of topographical, pharmacological, and mechanical stimuli has also shown promise for the transfer of cells to replenish dopaminergic neurons. Components made of naturally occurring biodegradable polymers are appropriate for the regeneration of nerve tissue. The ability of natural-based materials (biomaterials) has been shown to promote endogenous cell development after implantation. Also, strategic functionalization of polymeric nanocarriers could be employed for treating AD. In particular, nanoparticles could resolve Aβ aggregation and thus help cure Alzheimer's disease. Drug moieties can be effectively directed to the brain by utilizing nano-based systems and diverse colloidal carriers, including hydrogels and biodegradable scaffolds. Notably, early investigations employing neural stem cells have yielded promising results, further emphasizing the potential advancements in this field. Few studies have fully leveraged the combination of cells with cutting-edge biomaterials. This study provides a comprehensive overview of prior research, highlighting the pivotal role of biomaterials as sophisticated drug carriers. It delves into various intelligent drug delivery systems, encompassing pH and thermo-triggered mechanisms, polymeric and lipid carriers, inorganic nanoparticles, and other vectors. The discussion synthesizes existing knowledge and underscores the transformative impact of these biomaterials in devising innovative strategies, augmenting current therapeutic methodologies, and shaping new paradigms in the realm of Alzheimer's disease treatment.
PubMed: 38434059
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26351 -
PloS One 2024Observational studies have previously shown a potential link between psycho-emotional disorders, such as mood swings, highly strung, anxious feelings, and...
BACKGROUND
Observational studies have previously shown a potential link between psycho-emotional disorders, such as mood swings, highly strung, anxious feelings, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the credibility of these associations could be influenced by various confounding factors. Consequently, our study sought to employ a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to elucidate a potential causal relationship between psycho-emotional disorders and GERD.
METHOD
Information on independent genetic variants linked to mood swings, highly strung, and anxious feelings was gathered from European populations participating in the IEU Open GWAS research. The FinnGen Consortium provided the genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for GERD. Our analysis employed the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method under the random effects model as the main analytical method. To further bolster our findings, we employed the weighted median and MR Egger methods. In addition, we conducted a series of sensitivity analyses.
RESULTS
Our study supports the existence of a causal relationship between psycho-emotional disorders and GERD. Mood swings, highly strung, and anxious feelings adversely affected GERD risk (mood swings: OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.19-5.59, p = 3.09 × 10-2; highly strung: OR 5.63, 95% CI 1.77-17.94, p = 3.42 × 10-3; anxious feelings: OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.08-4.33, p = 2.89 × 10-2).
CONCLUSION
This Mendelian randomization study provides robust support for the notion that mood swings, highly strung and anxious feelings, are associated with an increased risk of developing GERD.
Topics: Humans; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Genome-Wide Association Study; Anxiety; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Genetic Predisposition to Disease
PubMed: 38709755
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302469 -
Cureus Aug 2023Pregnancy is a natural physiological process that leads to the outstanding outcome of giving birth. It involves normal and abnormal signs and symptoms that women need to...
BACKGROUND
Pregnancy is a natural physiological process that leads to the outstanding outcome of giving birth. It involves normal and abnormal signs and symptoms that women need to be aware of during this period.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge about normal and abnormal signs and symptoms of pregnancy among women of childbearing age in Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
This is an online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study done in 2023 among women in Saudi Arabia, aged 18 to 45. The estimated sample size was 385 after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. However, 981 responses were collected and included.
RESULTS
A total of 981 participants were included in our study. The study findings noted that the majority of women demonstrated a good level of knowledge about the normal signs and symptoms of pregnancy. About 82% of the women reported that they knew mood swings were normal symptoms during pregnancy, 80.1% were aware of nausea, 75.9% knew about fatigue, and 68.9% knew about fainting or dizziness. The findings noted that less than half of the participants were fully aware of the abnormal obstetric signs. For the abnormal signs and symptoms during the first trimester, only 45.2% were fully aware of the symptoms. In the second trimester, 39.0% were fully aware of the symptoms. Only 30.5% of the participants were fully aware of the abnormal signs and symptoms in the third trimester. The study established a statistically significant relationship between age and knowledge of abnormal symptoms during the first, second, and third trimesters (P=0.027, 0.041, and 0.006) (r=0.139, 0.105, and 0.146). Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was found between the level of education of the participants and the level of awareness of abnormal symptoms during the first trimester (P=0.043). However, there was no significant relationship between education level and the level of knowledge regarding abnormal symptoms during the second and third trimesters (r=0.22, 0.061, P=0.578, 0.603).
CONCLUSION
The study found that the majority of women had a good level of awareness and knowledge about normal signs and symptoms of pregnancy, while less than half of the women were fully aware of the abnormal signs and symptoms at different stages of pregnancy. The older respondents and people with higher levels of education demonstrated more knowledge. The two variables, age and education level, had a statistically significant relationship with knowledge of abnormal signs and symptoms of pregnancy with education level being only significant during the first trimester period. Our study concluded that women had different symptoms during pregnancy, both normal and abnormal. Their knowledge about these signs and symptoms was considerably moderate, but further awareness about the normality of these signs is needed. The study recommends more research to measure women's awareness about normal and abnormal symptoms of pregnancy, and more awareness programs should be carried out in the region as a way of enhancing a better understanding of normal and abnormal pregnancy symptoms. This will go a long way in helping women through their pregnancy and make them more comfortable.
PubMed: 37791216
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44470 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Dec 2023Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with numerous hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive manifestations. Because of the variety of adverse...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder with numerous hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive manifestations. Because of the variety of adverse consequences associated with the condition, women with PCOS suffer emotional distress, resulting in reduced health-related quality of life. Similar to other chronic conditions, eating patterns have been shown effective in impacting the quality of life of PCOS patients. Therefore, lifestyle modifications are recommended as a first-line therapy for PCOS, before prescribing any pharmaceutical management of the PCOS. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, emotional distress, and perceived quality of life in women with diagnosed PCOS.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The cross-sectional study included 130 women with PCOS aged 18 - 60 years from the Polish population. The respondents were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire developed for the purpose of the study, inspired by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18), and the Eating attitude questionnaire (Eat-26).
RESULTS
Respondents were found to experience emotional distress regardless of how healthy their diet. Nonetheless, the results showed that women who followed a healthier eating pattern had lower occurrence of experiencing mood swings, and less often felt triggered in the social context. The group did not show a tendency to over-eat, gain weight, or binge eating.
CONCLUSIONS
Healthier eating habits, besides providing advantages in weight management, may mitigate symptoms of emotional distress and improve the quality of life in women with PCOS.
Topics: Humans; Female; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Quality of Life; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior; Psychological Distress
PubMed: 38153073
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/166585 -
Cureus Oct 2023Mental disorders affect a person's thinking, mood, and/or behaviour and can range in severity from minor to severe. Nearly one in five persons have a mental disease as... (Review)
Review
Mental disorders affect a person's thinking, mood, and/or behaviour and can range in severity from minor to severe. Nearly one in five persons have a mental disease as stated by the National Institute of Mental Health. A serious mental illness called bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings that can range from manic to depressive states. Schizophrenia is a brain condition that leads individuals to perceive reality differently. They cannot distinguish between what they are actually experiencing and what they are just imagining. Both illnesses have a variety of negative effects on the patient as well as the primary caregiver, who may be the patient's family or other relatives. In the case of a patient with mental illness, the family's role is crucial. Family members' long-term caregiving obligations may result in a caregiving burden that negatively impacts the caregivers' quality of life, career and personal relationships. Depression generally undermines carers' ability to fulfil their crucial supportive role towards their relative with a mental illness while contributing to their distress and handicap. Given the high prevalence of caregiver depression, it is critical to address this issue not just by creating therapies to treat caregiver depression once it has started, but also by preventing caregiver depression.
PubMed: 38022267
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47497 -
PLOS Digital Health Aug 2023Peripartum mental disorders are highly prevalent conditions and associated with adverse outcomes for the mother, the infant and the whole family. Despite the high...
Peripartum mental disorders are highly prevalent conditions and associated with adverse outcomes for the mother, the infant and the whole family. Despite the high burden, help-seeking is low. E-mental health interventions could overcome help-seeking barriers and thus improve perinatal mental health. However, usage and adherence are rather low. This study aims to assess attitudes and needs of different stakeholder groups and to identify relevant topics to develop an intervention meeting the needs of pregnant and postpartum women and thus, increasing utilization and adherence. Therefore, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with pregnant women (n = 3), mothers (n = 4), women who have suffered from a postpartum mood disorder in the past (n = 5), gynaecologists (n = 5), and midwives (n = 5) were conducted. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic analysis. Almost half of the stakeholders reported previous experiences with e-mental health services. Anonymity, flexibility, promoting help-seeking, or bridging waiting-time for treatment as usual were regarded as the main benefits. Concerns regarding the usefulness of e-mental health interventions, absence of face-to-face contact or lack of integration into routine care were considered as barriers. With regard to the desired program content, six main topics were identified: pregnancy and puerperium, peripartum mood swings and disorders, support options, self-care, partnership, and fatherhood. Regarding preferred characteristics of e-mental health programs, stakeholders mentioned customizability, individual guidance, evaluation of user-feedback and continuous adoption, as well as a responsive and user-friendly design. Overall, online interventions for perinatal mental health were mainly considered as beneficial. Stakeholders underlined the high need for education regarding the use and effectiveness of e-mental health, to overcome concerns and obstacles and improve acceptability. Furthermore, developing customizable and individually-guided interventions were considered as promising to increase utilization of and adherence to e-mental health interventions.
PubMed: 37611049
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000326 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Family caregivers of children with disabilities might face high risks of depression, whereas the existing literature focused more on parents neglecting grandparents....
Family caregivers of children with disabilities might face high risks of depression, whereas the existing literature focused more on parents neglecting grandparents. This study investigated 380 parents and 108 grandparents of children with disabilities to identify depression and associated factors. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to describe the participants' characteristics and risks of depression and identify significant factors. Results showed that parents (35.5%) had higher risks of depression than grandparents (32.4%), but statistical differences were not found. Children's sleep problems (AOR = 1.751, 95%CI = 1.019, 3.008), harmonious family relationships (AOR = 0.694, 95%CI = 0.569, 0.846), and better barrier-free construction (AOR = 0.742, 95%CI = 0.568, 0.970) were significantly associated with depression among parents. As for grandparents, higher education (AOR = 4.108, 95%CI = 1.526, 11.057) and caring for children who experience frequent mood swings (AOR = 2.242, 95%CI = 1.161, 4.329) were associated with higher risks of depression. Further, house ownership (AOR = 0.167, 95%CI = 0.031, 0.887), higher family cohesion (AOR = 0.545, 95%CI = 0.297, 1.000), and better barrier-free construction (AOR = 0.401, 95%CI = 0.185, 0.869) were associated with lower odds of depression. Therefore, both parents and grandparents of children with disabilities had high risks of depression and thus required urgent attention. Healthcare providers and policymakers should develop and implement interventions considering intergenerational differences to reach optimal efficiency.
PubMed: 37830730
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11192693 -
Trials Sep 2023A substantial proportion of patients with bipolar disorder experience daily subsyndromal mood swings, and the term "mood instability" reflecting the variability in mood...
The effect of smartphone-based monitoring and treatment including clinical feedback versus smartphone-based monitoring without clinical feedback in bipolar disorder: the SmartBipolar trial-a study protocol for a randomized controlled parallel-group trial.
INTRODUCTION
A substantial proportion of patients with bipolar disorder experience daily subsyndromal mood swings, and the term "mood instability" reflecting the variability in mood seems associated with poor prognostic factors, including impaired functioning, and increased risk of hospitalization and relapse. During the last decade, we have developed and tested a smartphone-based system for monitoring bipolar disorder. The present SmartBipolar randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate whether (1) daily smartphone-based outpatient monitoring and treatment including clinical feedback versus (2) daily smartphone-based monitoring without clinical feedback or (3) daily smartphone-based mood monitoring only improves mood instability and other clinically relevant patient-related outcomes in patients with bipolar disorder.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
The SmartBipolar trial is a pragmatic randomized controlled parallel-group trial. Patients with bipolar disorder are invited to participate as part of their specialized outpatient treatment for patients with bipolar disorder in Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark. The included patients will be randomized to (1) daily smartphone-based monitoring and treatment including a clinical feedback loop (intervention group) or (2) daily smartphone-based monitoring without a clinical feedback loop (control group) or (3) daily smartphone-based mood monitoring only (control group). All patients receive specialized outpatient treatment for bipolar disorder in the Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark. The trial started in March 2021 and has currently included 150 patients. The outcomes are (1) mood instability (primary), (2) quality of life, self-rated depressive symptoms, self-rated manic symptoms, perceived stress, satisfaction with care, cumulated number and duration of psychiatric hospitalizations, and medication (secondary), and (3) smartphone-based measures per month of stress, anxiety, irritability, activity, and sleep as well as the percentage of days with presence of mixed mood, days with adherence to medication and adherence to smartphone-based self-monitoring. A total of 201 patients with bipolar disorder will be included in the SmartBipolar trial.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
The SmartBipolar trial is funded by the Capital Region of Denmark and the Independent Research Fund Denmark. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Regional Ethical Committee in The Capital Region of Denmark (H-19067248) as well as data permission (journal number: P-2019-809). The results will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals, presented at scientific meetings, and disseminated to patients' organizations and media outlets.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Trial registration number: NCT04230421. Date March 1, 2021. Version 1.
Topics: Humans; Bipolar Disorder; Feedback; Smartphone; Ambulatory Care; Mood Disorders; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37700334
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07625-1 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Jan 2024Contraceptive information and services are fundamental to the health and human rights of all individuals. Low contraceptive use is a major challenge faced in India. To...
BACKGROUND
Contraceptive information and services are fundamental to the health and human rights of all individuals. Low contraceptive use is a major challenge faced in India. To determine whether a lack of awareness of contraceptive methods was a factor, we assessed the perception of women on contraceptive methods, their safety and efficacy and further determined whether their demographic background played any role in their perception.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Reproductive-aged women from both rural and urban backgrounds of Bangalore and Tumkur, Karnataka, were individually questioned in a community setting using both Google Forms and personal interviews from September 2022 to December 2022. The questions consisted of limited demographic information and specific questions related to the knowledge and beliefs of women on the efficacy and safety of contraceptive methods and assessed situational awareness.
RESULTS
Although awareness was more amongst urban women (99.1%) compared with rural women (79%), the practice was significantly higher amongst rural women (63.2%) compared with urban women (36.7%). Perception showed variations with respect to age, education, religion and parity. A major religion-wise disparity was observed. With regard to safety, oral contraceptive pills (60.9%) and condoms (51.8%) were unanimously perceived to be the most and least harmful to health. The most commonly perceived short-term complications were found to be body changes, and mood swings, tiredness and infertility with no data to support the claim were the most commonly chosen long-term complication.
CONCLUSION
From the study, we concluded that more educated women were not immune to misinformation. The efficacy rates of different methods were highly underestimated with methods with higher failure rates perceived to be more effective. Results demonstrate that women are ill-informed about the long-term complications of various methods.
PubMed: 38482281
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_599_23 -
Clinical and Translational Allergy May 2024Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children and poses a significant threat to their health. This study aims to assess the relationship between various...
BACKGROUND
Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children and poses a significant threat to their health. This study aims to assess the relationship between various plasma proteins and childhood asthma, thereby identifying potential therapeutic targets.
METHODS
Based on publicly available genome-wide association study summary statistics, we employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to elucidate the causal relationship between plasma proteins and asthma. Mediation analysis was then conducted to evaluate the indirect influence of plasma proteins on childhood asthma mediated through risk factors. Comprehensive analysis was also conducted to explore the association between plasma proteins and various phenotypes using the UK Biobank dataset.
RESULTS
MR analysis uncovered a causal relationship between 10 plasma proteins and childhood asthma. Elevated levels of seven proteins (TLR4, UBP25, CBR1, Rac GTPase-activating protein 1 [RGAP1], IL-21, MICB, and PDE4D) and decreased levels of three proteins (GSTO1, LIRB4 and PIGF) were associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma. Our findings further validated the connections between reported risk factors (body mass index, mood swings, hay fever or allergic rhinitis, and eczema or dermatitis) and childhood asthma. Mediation analysis revealed the influence of proteins on childhood asthma outcomes through risk factors. Furthermore, the MR analysis identified 73 plasma proteins that exhibited causal associations with at least one risk factor for childhood asthma. Among them, RGAP1 mediates a significant proportion (25.10%) of the risk of childhood asthma through eczema or dermatitis. Finally, a phenotype-wide association study based on these 10 proteins and 1403 diseases provided novel associations between these biomarkers and multiple phenotypes.
CONCLUSION
Our study comprehensively investigated the causal relationship between plasma proteins and childhood asthma, providing novel insights into potential therapeutic targets.
PubMed: 38730525
DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12357