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Media, Culture, and Society Apr 2023Around the world, tabloid newspapers are routinely surrounded by a moral and cultural panic. They are criticised for lowering standards of journalism and privileging...
Around the world, tabloid newspapers are routinely surrounded by a moral and cultural panic. They are criticised for lowering standards of journalism and privileging sensation above substance, diverting readers from serious news to entertainment, or foregoing ethical principles. However, scholarship about tabloids have also highlighted the ways in which these papers are frequently better attuned to their readers' everyday lived experience. In South Africa, tabloid newspapers have also received much criticism in the past for their perceived superficial treatment of important news. This article examines South African tabloid newspapers' coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic, focussing specifically on a case study of the national newspaper the . The national newspaper boasts the country's largest circulation figures. Through a quantitative content analysis of 1050 online news stories in the , we found that unlike mainstream front-page news reporting which was largely episodic, negative and alarmist, the majority of coverage was thematic and neutral. Sun news coverage countered Covid-19 related misinformation and provided contextual coverage, with a large focus on the social impacts of Covid-19. The analysis concludes that despite the popular discourse of the reporting, reporting on Covid-19 provided readers with access to information and a focus on the micro aspects of the pandemic versus broader political issues and the views of political or scientific elites.
PubMed: 38603313
DOI: 10.1177/01634437221140514 -
Heliyon Apr 2024Panic Disorder is a serious anxiety disorder, and one of the severe mental problems that impacts mothers' mental health and fetal health as well. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Panic Disorder is a serious anxiety disorder, and one of the severe mental problems that impacts mothers' mental health and fetal health as well.
AIM
The current scoping review aims to provide a wide overview of the literature regarding panic disorder during pregnancy.
METHODS
Twenty-five eligible articles were selected for full review from SAGE, CINAHL, PubMed, Medline, Research Gate, Science Direct, and Google Scholar literature searches. This review followed the framework suggested by Arksey and O'Malley for a scoping review.
RESULTS
Content analysis of the studies was done, and five categories have been identified: Panic disorder course during pregnancy; prevalence of panic disorder during pregnancy; factors associated with pregnancy panic disorder; impact of panic disorder during pregnancy; and treatment of panic disorder during pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
A significant gap in the literature, and inconsistent and mixed findings regarding prevalence, impact, associated factors, and treatment of PD during pregnancy exist. This scoping review revealed that more studies need to be conducted to further understand and examine PD during pregnancy.
PubMed: 38601643
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28999 -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Apr 2024An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a risk factor for early osteoarthritis (OA) onset. Generally, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with better outcomes.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a risk factor for early osteoarthritis (OA) onset. Generally, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with better outcomes. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of operative versus nonoperative treatment for preventing premature knee OA in isolated ACL tears while achieving good functional outcomes.
PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS
The purpose of the study was to compare the outcomes of ACLR to primarily nonoperative management of isolated ACL tears. It was hypothesized that the outcomes between treatment types would be similar.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.
METHODS
This systematic review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (registration No. CRD42021285901) and was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. We systematically searched for randomized and nonrandomized studies that compared ACLR with nonoperative treatments in isolated ACL tears in 3 databases until October 25, 2021. The risk of bias and quality of evidence of the included studies was assessed in accordance with the Cochrane guidelines. The primary outcome was radiologic signs of OA, and the secondary outcomes were functional parameters. Using the common effects model, we calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs.
RESULTS
Five studies-2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 3 retrospective non-RCTs-were included. There was a moderate risk of bias in 2 studies and a serious risk of bias in 1 study. The quality of evidence was rated low because of the higher risk of bias and inconsistency. Nonoperatively treated knees showed a trend toward lower odds of developing radiological signs of OA (OR, 1.84 [95% CI, 0.90 to 3.75]); however, surgically reconstructed knees had significantly better stability (MD, -2.44 [95% CI, -3.21 to -1.66 ]) and a trend toward better but clinically not meaningful Lysholm scores (MD, 2.88 [95% CI, -1.09 to 6.85]). The qualitative synthesis showed that surgical reconstruction was protective against subsequent injuries but not superior when returning to previous activity levels or various functional tests.
CONCLUSION
Findings indicated that there is no certain evidence that ACLR for an isolated ACL tear is superior to nonoperative treatment. Clinicians should consider nonoperative treatments with a well-designed rehabilitative program as a primary option. However, these findings must be interpreted with caution because of low study quality and high risk of bias.
PubMed: 38601190
DOI: 10.1177/23259671241239665 -
BMC Psychiatry Apr 2024The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of escitalopram on the peripheral expression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-related genes (FKBP51,...
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of escitalopram on the peripheral expression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-related genes (FKBP51, HSP90, NR3C1 and POMC) and HPA-axis hormones in patients with panic disorder (PD).
METHODS
Seventy-seven patients with PD were treated with escitalopram for 12 weeks. All participants were assessed for the severity of panic symptoms using the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS). The expression of HPA-axis genes was measured using real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR, and ACTH and cortisol levels were measured using chemiluminescence at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment.
RESULTS
At baseline, patients with PD had elevated levels of ACTH and cortisol, and FKBP51 expression in comparison to healthy controls (all p < 0.01). Correlation analysis revealed that FKBP51 expression levels were significantly positively related to cortisol levels and the severity of PD (all p < 0.01). Furthermore, baseline ACTH and cortisol levels, and FKBP51 expression levels were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of treatment, and the change in the PDSS score from baseline to post-treatment was significantly and positively related to the change in cortisol (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that PD may be associated with elevated levels of ACTH and cortisol, and FKBP51 expression, and that all three biomarkers are substantially decreased in patients who have received escitalopram treatment.
Topics: Humans; Panic Disorder; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Hydrocortisone; Escitalopram; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Antidepressive Agents; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 38600448
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05704-4 -
Addictive Behaviors Aug 2024Despite the impact of problem gambling on affected family members (AFMs), there are limited large-scale population level studies identifying the negative mental health...
Despite the impact of problem gambling on affected family members (AFMs), there are limited large-scale population level studies identifying the negative mental health (NMH) and positive mental health (PMH) characteristics of AFMs. Furthermore, no study has explored whether PMH characteristics are protective in the relationships between AFM status and NMH characteristics. This study involved secondary data analysis from the Third Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania. Using a subsample of 1,869 adults (48.30 % male; mean = 48.48; 4.67 % AFMs), this study aimed to explore whether: (1) AFM status is associated with NMH (depression, anxiety, panic, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, binge drinking, tobacco use, and drug use symptoms) and PMH (quality of life [QOL], personal growth/autonomy, interpersonal/social skills, coping skills) characteristics after separately controlling for sociodemographic, problem gambling severity, and other NMH characteristics; (2) PMH characteristics moderate (buffer) the relationships between AFM status and NMH characteristics; and (3) gender influences these relationships. AFM status, defined as exposure to family member gambling problems, significantly positively predicted NMH characteristics (depression, anxiety, panic, PTSD, and tobacco use symptoms) and negatively predicted QOL (physical, social) and planning coping. The strength of these relationships generally attenuated after controlling for various covariates. Gender did not moderate these relationships. Religious coping exacerbated the relationship between AFM status and panic disorder symptoms. These findings can inform the development of intervention initiatives for family members exposed to gambling problems. Future population-representative research is required using a range of affected other types, longitudinal study designs, and more comprehensive measures.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Gambling; Middle Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Family; Quality of Life; Tasmania; Adaptation, Psychological; Australia; Mental Health
PubMed: 38598904
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.107998 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at high risk of experiencing psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact on...
Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at high risk of experiencing psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact on HCWs' mental health in a Spanish hospital. Cross-sectional study of HCW, active between May and June 2020. A web-based survey assessed probable current mental disorders (major depressive disorder [PHQ-8 ≥ 10], generalized anxiety disorder [GAD-7 ≥ 10], panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD; PLC-5 ≥ 7], or substance use disorder [CAGE-AID ≥ 2]). The Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) was used to assess severe impairment and items taken from the modified self-report version of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) assessed suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A total of 870 HCWs completed the survey. Most frequent probable mental disorders were major depressive disorder (33.6%), generalized anxiety disorder (25.5%), panic attacks (26.9%), PTSD (27.2%), and substance use disorder (5.0%). Being female, having aged 18-29 years, being an auxiliary nurse, direct exposure to COVID-19-infected patients, and pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorders were positively associated with mental issues. Hospital HCWs presented a high prevalence of symptoms of mental disorders, especially depression, PTSD, panic attacks, and anxiety. Younger individuals and those with lifetime mental disorders have been more vulnerable to experiencing them.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Mental Health; Tertiary Care Centers; Depressive Disorder, Major; Cross-Sectional Studies; Pandemics; COVID-19; Health Personnel; Personnel, Hospital; Anxiety; Substance-Related Disorders; Depression
PubMed: 38589491
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58884-0 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a life-threatening condition characterized by stenosis of intracranial arteries. Despite the frequency and the impact of psychiatric symptoms...
INTRODUCTION
Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a life-threatening condition characterized by stenosis of intracranial arteries. Despite the frequency and the impact of psychiatric symptoms on the long-term prognosis and quality of life of MMD patients, no systematic review on this topic exists.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis included 41 studies (29 being case reports), from PubMed, Scopus, Embase until 27/3/2023, on MMD patients exhibiting psychiatric symptoms.
RESULTS
Despite a fair average quality of the articles, quantitative synthesis through logistic regression was possible only for case reports, due to heterogeneity between the other studies. Psychosis, the most frequent psychiatric symptom reported in case reports, was more frequent in MMD patients with left hemisphere involvement. Neurological symptoms occurrence increased the odds of MMD diagnosis preceding psychiatric symptoms. Psychiatric symptoms are highly prevalent in MMD patients and are relatively often the only presenting symptoms.
DISCUSSION
We discuss the diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic implications of recognizing and characterizing specific psychiatric symptoms in MMD, outlining preliminary guidelines for targeted pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. Lastly, we outline future research and clinical perspectives, striving to enhance the oft-overlooked psychiatric care for MMD patients and to ameliorate their long-term outcome.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023406303.
PubMed: 38585478
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1371763 -
Journal of Psychopathology and... Dec 2023Although panic disorder has been frequently associated with increased suicidal ideation and behaviors, there are multiple explanations for this association in the...
Investigating Relations Between the Symptoms of Panic, Agoraphobia, and Suicidal Ideation: The Significance of Comorbid Depressive Symptoms in Veterans with Panic Disorder.
Although panic disorder has been frequently associated with increased suicidal ideation and behaviors, there are multiple explanations for this association in the literature. For example, some research has demonstrated panic disorder symptoms to mediate agoraphobia and suicidal ideation, while other researchers have hypothesized that comorbid depression symptoms contribute to suicidal ideation across anxiety disorders. Of note, none of these studies were completed in veterans, a population at higher risk for suicide relative to civilian samples. The present study investigated relations between the symptoms of panic, agoraphobia, depression, and suicidal ideation in 58 veterans diagnosed with panic disorder via correlations, hierarchical regression, and exploratory path analyses. Multiple models were investigated based on prior research. The final path model demonstrated that symptoms of panic disorder predicted agoraphobia symptoms, with agoraphobia predicting symptoms of depression. Symptoms of depression, then, predicted suicidal ideation. Discussion of the findings related to comorbid depressive symptoms highlight considerations for the assessment and treatment practices for panic disorder, with a particular focus on veterans receiving care within Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.
PubMed: 38585157
DOI: 10.1007/s10862-023-10082-4 -
Perceptual and Motor Skills Jun 2024The intensity of resistance training (RT) exercise is an important consideration for determining relevant health and performance-related outcomes. Yet, current objective... (Review)
Review
The intensity of resistance training (RT) exercise is an important consideration for determining relevant health and performance-related outcomes. Yet, current objective exercise intensity measures present concerns in terms of viability or cost. In response to these concerns, repetition-in-reserve (RIR) scales may represent an adequate method of measuring and regulating intensity. However, no recent review has focused on how RIR scales have been used for this purpose in prior research. We prepared the present scoping review to analyze the feasibility and usefulness of RIR scales in selecting RT intensity. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases (last search date April 2023) for experimental and non-experimental studies that utilized an RIR scale to measure proximity to failure in RT activities with apparently healthy individuals of any age. We qualitatively analyzed 31 studies (N = 855 mostly male adult participants) published between 2012-2023. RIR scales appeared to be contextually feasible and useful in prescribing and adjusting RT intensity. The most common trend in this research was to prescribe a target RIR and adjust the exercise load for a desired proximity to muscle failure. Additionally, when measuring proximity to failure as an outcome of interest, the literature suggests that the RIR prediction should be made close to task failure to increase its accuracy. Future research should further explore the impact of sex, RT experience, exercise selection, and muscle conditioning on the overall RIR approach.
Topics: Humans; Resistance Training; Feasibility Studies
PubMed: 38563729
DOI: 10.1177/00315125241241785 -
The World Allergy Organization Journal Apr 2024Food allergies impose a large psychosocial burden, including mental, emotional, and social aspects, on both patients and their caregivers. Patients, caregivers, and...
BACKGROUND
Food allergies impose a large psychosocial burden, including mental, emotional, and social aspects, on both patients and their caregivers. Patients, caregivers, and their families often experience anxiety, isolation, and fear around food allergies.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the real-world mental health burden of food allergies, using the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Patient Registry (NCT04653324).
METHODS
Self-reported data from patients with food allergies, and their caregivers, were analyzed from the FARE Food Allergy History and Mental Health Concerns surveys. Odds ratios were also calculated as a measure of association between patient food allergy characteristics and the likelihood of having mental health concerns or a formal mental health diagnosis.
RESULTS
The FARE Patient Registry included 1680 patients/caregivers. Anxiety (54%) and panic (32%) were the most common emotions that patients reported as a result of eating the food that produced an allergic reaction. About two-thirds of patients reported mental health concerns related to food allergies (62%), including anxiety after an allergic reaction, anxiety about living with food allergies, and concerns about food avoidance. Caregivers also experienced fear for the safety of their children, and often sought mental health care to cope with worry related to caring for patients with food allergies. The likelihood of having food allergy-related mental health concerns was increased for patients experiencing more than 1 reaction per year (OR 1.68-1.90) and was lowered for patients having a formal mental health diagnosis (OR 0.43). Caregivers filling out the FARE survey for pediatric patients (OR 4.03) and experiencing food allergy-related mental health concerns (OR 2.36) were both significant predictors for having a formal mental health diagnosis.
CONCLUSION
Our study highlights a continuing unmet need for mental health screening and support as part of the management of patients with food allergies.
PubMed: 38559493
DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100891