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PloS One 2024Aging impacts the vestibular system and contributes to imbalance. In fact, imbalance precedes changes in cognition in the elderly. However, research is limited in...
Aging impacts the vestibular system and contributes to imbalance. In fact, imbalance precedes changes in cognition in the elderly. However, research is limited in assessing aging mouse models that are deficient in crucial neuromodulators like Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP). We studied the loss of CGRP and its effects in the aging mouse, namely its effect on both static and dynamic imbalances. Postural sway and rotarod testing were performed before and after a vestibular challenge (VC) in the 129S wild type and the αCGRP (-/-) null mice. Four age groups were tested that correspond to young adulthood, late adulthood, middle age, and senescence in humans. Our results suggest wild type mice experience a decline in rotarod ability due to aging after they reach their prime performance at 6-10 months of age, while the αCGRP (-/-) null mice perform poorly on rotarod early in life but improve with age as they get older, potentially due to vestibular compensation. Our postural sway study suggests that a vestibular challenge can lead to significantly reduced CoP ellipse areas (freezing behaviors) in older mice, and this change occurs earlier in the αCGRP (-/-) null but requires future studies to evaluate anxiety effects. These results indicate that αCGRP is an important component of proper balance and that the loss of αCGRP can contribute to balance complications that may compound with aging.
Topics: Animals; Aging; Postural Balance; Mice; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Mice, Knockout; Vestibule, Labyrinth; Male; Rotarod Performance Test; Female
PubMed: 38865379
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303801 -
PloS One 2024Involving parents of children with cerebral palsy (C-CP) in home exercise programmes (HEP) is globally practiced strategy closely linked to improved physical performance...
INTRODUCTION
Involving parents of children with cerebral palsy (C-CP) in home exercise programmes (HEP) is globally practiced strategy closely linked to improved physical performance and functional outcomes for the child. Nevertheless, non-adherence to HEP is increasing at an alarming rate, and little is known about the factors influencing adherence to HEP (AHEP) especially in parents of C-CP. This systematic review aimed to identify the factors enhancing AHEP among parents of C-CP to reinforce the efficacy of rehabilitation practices proposed by health professionals, researchers, and educators.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted searches in PubMed, Scopus, CINHAL, PsycINFO, and Embase for articles published up to March 2023, that investigated the factors influencing AHEP among parents of C-CP. A narrative synthesis was conducted using the search results and pertinent material from other sources.
RESULTS
Overall, non-adherence rates to HEP were moderate to high, ranging from 34% to 79.2%. Strong evidence suggests that factors enhancing AHEP fall into three categories: child-related (such as younger age and better gross motor function [GMF]), the caregiver-related (including high self-efficacy and knowledge, strong social support, low levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, and a low perception of barriers), and the physiotherapist-related. For the latter category, the parent's perception of a supportive and collaborative relationship with the therapist is one of the conditions most favourably influences AHEP.
CONCLUSION
Our findings highlight that factors influencing AHEP are multifactorial. Some, such as GMF or the economic and social conditions of the family, are challenging to change. However, the relationship between therapist and parent is an aspect that can be strengthened. These results underscore the importance of substantial training and psychosocial support for therapists to enhance their awareness and competence in building supportive relationship with parents.
Topics: Humans; Cerebral Palsy; Parents; Child; Exercise Therapy; Social Support; Caregivers; Home Care Services; Patient Compliance
PubMed: 38865337
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305432 -
Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... Jun 2024To unveil the pathological changes associated with demyelination in schizophrenia (SZ) and its consequential impact on interstitial fluid (ISF) drainage, and to...
OBJECTIVE
To unveil the pathological changes associated with demyelination in schizophrenia (SZ) and its consequential impact on interstitial fluid (ISF) drainage, and to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of ursolic acid (UA) in treating demyelination and the ensuing abnormalities in ISF drainage in SZ.
METHODS
Female C57BL/6J mice, aged 6-8 weeks and weighing (20±2) g, were randomly divided into three groups: control, SZ model, and UA treatment. The control group received intraperitoneal injection (ip) of physiological saline and intragastric administration (ig) of 1% carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Na). The SZ model group was subjected to ip injection of 2 mg/kg dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) and ig administration of 1% CMC-Na. The UA treatment group underwent ig administration of 25 mg/kg UA and ip injection of 2 mg/kg MK-801. The treatment group received UA pretreatment via ig administration for one week, followed by a two-week drug intervention for all the three groups. Behavioral assessments, including the open field test and prepulse inhibition experiment, were conducted post-modeling. Subsequently, changes in the ISF partition drainage were investigated through fluorescent tracer injection into specific brain regions. Immunofluorescence analysis was employed to examine alterations in aquaporin 4 (AQP4) polarity distribution in the brain and changes in protein expression. Myelin reflex imaging using Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM) was utilized to study modifications in myelin within the mouse brain. Quantitative data underwent one-way ANOVA, followed by TukeyHSD for post hoc pairwise comparisons between the groups.
RESULTS
The open field test revealed a significantly longer total distance [(7 949.39±1 140.55) cm . (2 831.01±1 212.72) cm, < 0.001] and increased central area duration [(88.43±22.06) s . (56.85±18.58) s, =0.011] for the SZ model group compared with the controls. The UA treatment group exhibited signifi-cantly reduced total distance [(2 415.80±646.95) cm . (7 949.39±1 140.55) cm, < 0.001] and increased central area duration [(54.78±11.66) s . (88.43±22.06) s, =0.007] compared with the model group. Prepulse inhibition test results demonstrated a markedly lower inhibition rate of the startle reflex in the model group relative to the controls ( < 0.001 for both), with the treatment group displaying significant improvement ( < 0.001 for both). Myelin sheath analysis indicated significant demyelination in the model group, while UA treatment reversed this effect. Fluorescence tracing exhibited a significantly larger tracer diffusion area towards the rostral cortex and reflux area towards the caudal thalamus in the model group relative to the controls [(13.93±3.35) mm . (2.79±0.94) mm, < 0.001 for diffusion area; (2.48±0.38) mm . (0.05±0.12) mm, < 0.001 for reflux area], with significant impairment of drainage in brain regions. The treatment group demonstrated significantly reduced tracer diffusion and reflux areas [(7.93±2.48) mm . (13.93±3.35) mm, < 0.001 for diffusion area; (0.50±0.30) mm . (2.48±0.38) mm, < 0.001 for reflux area]. Immunofluorescence staining revealed disrupted AQP4 polarity distribution and reduced AQP4 protein expression in the model group compared with the controls [(3 663.88±733.77) μm . (13 354.92±4 054.05) μm, < 0.001]. The treatment group exhibited restored AQP4 polarity distribution and elevated AQP4 protein expression [(11 104.68±3 200.04) μm . (3 663.88±733.77) μm, < 0.001].
CONCLUSION
UA intervention ameliorates behavioral performance in SZ mice, Thus alleviating hyperactivity and anxiety symptoms and restoring sensorimotor gating function. The underlying mechanism may involve the improvement of demyelination and ISF drainage dysregulation in SZ mice.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Triterpenes; Schizophrenia; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Female; Disease Models, Animal; Demyelinating Diseases; Extracellular Fluid; Ursolic Acid; Dizocilpine Maleate; Aquaporin 4
PubMed: 38864135
DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167X.2024.03.016 -
Medical Education Online Dec 2024Non-clinical approaches such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness are popular traditional therapeutical interventions adopted by many educational institutions to improve... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Non-clinical approaches such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness are popular traditional therapeutical interventions adopted by many educational institutions to improve the physical and mental well-being of learners. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga intervention in improving cardiopulmonary parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, pulmonary function tests and psychosomatic symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress in medical and dental students. Using the PRISMA protocol, a search from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase resulted in 304 relevant articles. After screening the title and abstracts, 47 papers were analyzed thoroughly and included in the qualitative analysis. 18 articles with homogenous statistical data on physiology and psychological parameters were included for meta-analysis. In comparison to the control group, the study showed a significant reduction of systolic blood pressure (SBP: 6.82 mmHg, z = -3.06, = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (DBP: 2.92 mmHg, z = -2.22, = 0.03), and heart rate (HR: 2.55 beats/min, z = -2.77, = 0.006). Additionally, data from 4 studies yielded a significant overall effect of a stress reduction of 0.77 on standardized assessments due to the yoga intervention (z = 5.29, < 0.0001). Lastly, the results also showed a significant (z = -2.52, = 0.01) reduction of 1.2 in standardized anxiety tests in intervention group compared to the control. The findings offer promising prospects for medical educators globally, encouraging them to consider reformation and policymaking in medical curricula to enhance academic success and improve the overall quality of life for medical students worldwide.
Topics: Yoga; Humans; Blood Pressure; Heart Rate; Stress, Psychological; Anxiety; Education, Medical; Depression; Students, Medical; Respiratory Function Tests
PubMed: 38861675
DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2024.2364486 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Metacognition is the ability to monitor and self-assess cognitive performance. It can be impaired in neurodegenerative diseases, with implications for daily function,...
BACKGROUND
Metacognition is the ability to monitor and self-assess cognitive performance. It can be impaired in neurodegenerative diseases, with implications for daily function, and the ability of patients to reliably report their symptoms to health professionals. However, metacognition has not been systematically assessed in early-mid stage Parkinson's disease (PD) and REM sleep behavioral disorder (RBD), a prodrome of PD.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate metacognitive accuracy and self-confidence in PD and RBD patients across various cognitive tasks.
METHODS
We conducted detailed computerized cognitive assessments with 19 cognitive tasks within an established PD and RBD cohort. Participants self-rated their performance post-task. Metacognitive accuracy was calculated by comparing these ratings against objective performance and further analyzed against clinical and mental health factors.
RESULTS
PD and RBD patients' metacognitive accuracy aligned with control subjects. However, they exhibited lower confidence across cognitive domains, reflecting their reduced cognitive performance. A notable inverse correlation was observed between their confidence and MDS-UPDRS I and II scales and HADS anxiety and depression scores.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that patients with early to mid-stage PD and RBD are generally aware of their cognitive status, differing from other neurological disorders. The inverse relationship between patient confidence and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and daily life challenges underscores the impact of emotional and functional difficulties on their self-perception of cognitive abilities. This insight could be significant for understanding how these conditions affect mental health, aiding clinicians in developing more effective patient care strategies.
PubMed: 38859970
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1399313 -
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2024Despite the high prevalence of anxiety disorders in BD and its known impact on cognitive performance, the presence and severity of anxious symptoms is not systematically...
PURPOSE
Despite the high prevalence of anxiety disorders in BD and its known impact on cognitive performance, the presence and severity of anxious symptoms is not systematically evaluated in studies on cognition in BD. Our aim was to determine if attention and/or inhibition of cognitive interference in euthymic patients with type I Bipolar Disorder (BD-I) is affected by symptoms of anxiety.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Eighty-seven euthymic BD-I patients were included. Patients with comorbidities other than Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Panic Disorder (PD) were excluded. State anxiety was measured with the Brief Inventory of Anxious Responses and Situations (ISRA-B). Subjective cognitive performance was evaluated with the COBRA scale, attention with the Digit-Span Forward task and inhibition of cognitive interference was assessed with the StroopTest interference score. Multiple linear regression models were used to test if anxious symptoms were associated with attention or inhibition of cognitive interference, considering other known contributors for cognitive impairment.
RESULTS
Attention was unaffected by anxiety symptoms, but the overall regression for inhibition of cognitive interference was significant: years of schooling (β=1.12, p = 0.001), cognitive complaints (β=0.44, p = 0.008), and anxiety (β=-0.21, p = 0.017) explained 15% of the interference score of the Stroop test (R2 = 0.15).
CONCLUSION
Beyond residual affective symptoms, anxious symptoms seem to affect inhibition of cognitive interference. We recommend routine testing of anxiety when considering cognitive evaluations, especially when screening for cognitive deficits.
PubMed: 38855382
DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S457186 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Despite the important role motivation plays in students' writing learning and development, not much attention has been given to experimenting particular instructional...
Despite the important role motivation plays in students' writing learning and development, not much attention has been given to experimenting particular instructional techniques for developing students' writing motivation. One of the least researched teaching techniques in writing motivation studies is genre-based instruction. In this study, we examined the impact of genre-based instruction on 21 Saudi university students' English argumentative and classification essay writing performance and their writing motivation dimensions (writing apprehension, anxiety, self-efficacy and self-concept). Drawing upon the quasi-experimental research design and non-random sampling technique, we used genre-based instruction with a representative intact class of English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) writing students at a Saudi university. To examine the potential impact of the treatment, we collected pre- and post-instruction data, along with data gathered through an open-ended questionnaire. The results showed that genre-based instruction has contributed significantly to improving the students' writing performance and also their writing motivation dimensions. These positive gains varied from one writing quality aspect and motivational variable to another. The students' answers to the open-ended questionnaire also showed the positive writing learning and motivation improvements they experienced. It is generally concluded that developing students' language and rhetorical awareness and text composition performance seems to be a prerequisite for improving their writing motivation levels. The paper ends with discussing the implications of the results.
PubMed: 38855299
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1387009 -
Psychiatria Polska Feb 2024Some studies suggest that homosexual identity, compared to heterosexual, may be associated with a reduced risk of premature ejaculation (PE). The aim of this study was...
OBJECTIVES
Some studies suggest that homosexual identity, compared to heterosexual, may be associated with a reduced risk of premature ejaculation (PE). The aim of this study was to test this relationship and to investigate possible underlaying mechanisms.
METHODS
The present study drew on a database obtained from a cross-sectional online study of the sexuality of Polish heterosexual (HM; N = 1,121), gay (GM; N = 1,789) and bisexual (BM; N = 743) men. The dependent variable was the PE diagnosis based on the PEDT questionnaire. The explanatory variables were characteristics of sexual and partnership patterns, health and minority stress among GM and BM. Statistical one- and multifactor analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Homosexual identity proved to be an independent negative predictor of PE diagnosis. The preference for insertive penetration activity (including vaginal), performance anxiety and financial difficulties increased the risk of PE, while the experience of insertive and receptive forms of oral and anal sex but not vaginal sex, a higher level of education, better general sexual functioning and regular physical activity reduced such risk. The predictive meaning of homosexual identity has not been present in multifactor models for group of men in relationships.
CONCLUSIONS
Homosexual identity is associated with a lower risk of PE diagnosis. This may be due to the differences in sexualities of GM and HM, as well as other psychosocial factors.
Topics: Humans; Male; Premature Ejaculation; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Poland; Homosexuality, Male; Sexual Behavior; Young Adult; Sexual Partners; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Heterosexuality; Bisexuality
PubMed: 38852188
DOI: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/151068 -
Brain and Behavior Jun 2024Maternal hypoxia disrupts neural development and subsequently leads to cerebral palsy and epilepsy in newborns. Hypoxia plays a role in neurodegeneration by increasing...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Maternal hypoxia disrupts neural development and subsequently leads to cerebral palsy and epilepsy in newborns. Hypoxia plays a role in neurodegeneration by increasing oxidative stress. Pistacia atlantica is known as an important antioxidant, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been shown in various studies. This study aims to investigate the effects of methanolic extract of P. atlantica leaves (MEPaLs) on the oxidative parameters in the serum of rats affected by maternal hypoxia.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In this study, eight pregnant rats were used. The newborns were divided into four groups, including the control and the hypoxia groups, which are affected by maternal hypoxia, hypoxia + MEPaL 100 mg/kg, and hypoxia + MEPaL 150 mg/kg. MEPaL was injected (i.p) for 21 days into the neonatal rats after the lactation period. Hypoxia was induced by keeping pregnant rats in a hypoxic chamber with 7% oxygen and 93% nitrogen intensity for 3 h on the 20th day of pregnancy. Behavioral changes were measured using open-field and rotarod tests. Finally, biomarkers of oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), GSSG, TAS, TOS, and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in the experimental groups.
RESULTS
Behavioral results showed that the anxiety behavior in the hypoxia group increased, but the motor activity (moved distance and movement speed) decreased. Moreover, the amount of time spent maintaining balance on the rotarod rod was significantly decreased in the hypoxia group. The concentration of NO in the group of hypoxia + MEPaL 100 mg/kg showed a significant decrease, and MEPaL 100, and 150 mg/kg + hypoxia also increased the concentration of GSH and decreased GSSG. In addition, MEPaL100 and 150 mg/kg caused a significant increase in the ratio of GSH to GSSG and decreased OSI and total oxidant capacity.
CONCLUSIONS
Oxidative stress increased in the rats affected by maternal hypoxia and may be the main mechanism for motor activity impairment and balance disturbance, whereas MELaL improved motor performance by decreasing oxidative stress.
Topics: Animals; Oxidative Stress; Female; Pregnancy; Rats; Antioxidants; Plant Extracts; Hypoxia; Rats, Wistar; Animals, Newborn; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Motor Activity; Glutathione; Male; Behavior, Animal; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 38849974
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3539 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jun 2024This systematic review aimed to investigate resilience and its related factors in caregivers of adult patients with cancer.
BACKGROUND
This systematic review aimed to investigate resilience and its related factors in caregivers of adult patients with cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search of online electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database (SID) was performed using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as "Psychological Resilience", "Caregiver", and "Cancer" from the earliest to 6 June 2023. The quality of the studies included in this review was evaluated using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool).
RESULTS
A total of 2735 caregivers of cancer patients participated in 15 studies. The majority of the studies found that caregivers of cancer patients had high levels of resilience. Factors related to the resilience of cancer patients' caregivers included caregivers' social support, caregivers' quality of life, patients' resilience, caregivers' family function, patients' performance, caregivers' age, caregivers' health status, caregivers' self-esteem, caregivers post-traumatic growth, caregivers religious, caregivers hope, caregivers positive affect, patients age, patients social support, patients resilience support, patients quality of life, caregivers' anxiety, caregivers' depression, caregivers' burden, caregivers level of education, caregivers financial problem, caregivers memory, caregivers negative affect, caregivers post-traumatic stress disorder, maternal distress, and patients post-traumatic stress disorder.
CONCLUSION
Therefore, healthcare administrators and policymakers can enhance the resilience of caregivers and the quality of care they provide by instituting ongoing training initiatives focused on evaluating mental well-being and implementing coping strategies for managing stress and depression.
PubMed: 38846864
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001469