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Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is commonly associated with anxiety disorders and enhanced stress-sensitivity; symptoms that can worsen during withdrawal to perpetuate...
INTRODUCTION
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is commonly associated with anxiety disorders and enhanced stress-sensitivity; symptoms that can worsen during withdrawal to perpetuate continued alcohol use. Alcohol increases neuroimmune activity in the brain. Our recent evidence indicates that alcohol directly modulates neuroimmune function in the central amygdala (CeA), a key brain region regulating anxiety and alcohol intake, to alter neurotransmitter signaling. We hypothesized that cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which are thought to reduce neuroinflammation and anxiety, may have potential utility to alleviate alcohol withdrawal-induced stress-sensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors via modulation of CeA neuroimmune function.
METHODS
We tested the effects of CBD and CBD:THC (3:1 ratio) on anxiety-like behaviors and neuroimmune function in the CeA of mice undergoing acute (4-h) and short-term (24-h) withdrawal from chronic intermittent alcohol vapor exposure (CIE). We further examined the impact of CBD and CBD:THC on alcohol withdrawal behaviors in the presence of an additional stressor.
RESULTS
We found that CBD and 3:1 CBD:THC increased anxiety-like behaviors at 4-h withdrawal. At 24-h withdrawal, CBD alone reduced anxiety-like behaviors while CBD:THC had mixed effects, showing increased center time indicating reduced anxiety-like behaviors, but increased immobility time that may indicate increased anxiety-like behaviors. These mixed effects may be due to altered metabolism of CBD and THC during alcohol withdrawal. Immunohistochemical analysis showed decreased S100β and Iba1 cell counts in the CeA at 4-h withdrawal, but not at 24-h withdrawal, with CBD and CBD:THC reversing alcohol withdrawal effects..
DISCUSSION
These results suggest that the use of cannabinoids during alcohol withdrawal may lead to exacerbated anxiety depending on timing of use, which may be related to neuroimmune cell function in the CeA.
PubMed: 38957186
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1375440 -
Aesthetic Surgery Journal Jul 2024Various surgical techniques have been devised for the surgical cosmetic enhancement of female outer genitalia. The selection of an optimal method should be based on...
BACKGROUND
Various surgical techniques have been devised for the surgical cosmetic enhancement of female outer genitalia. The selection of an optimal method should be based on satisfaction rates and safety; however, a comprehensive, contemporary systematic assessment of these factors in has been limited in the literature.
OBJECTIVES
Our aim was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the overall satisfaction rates and risk factors associated with various labiaplasty techniques and tools.
METHODS
The authors performed a systematic literature search in three medical databases: PubMed, Elsevier and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) with the closing date of October 2023. Original articles with quantitative satisfaction rates and frequencies of most common complications (hematoma, dehiscence, swelling, bleeding and infection) were included.
RESULTS
Systematic search provided a total of 3954 records. After selection and review of the articles, 86 eligible, peer-reviewed studies were identified, of which 53 provided quantitative data. High overall satisfaction rate was found for all methods (Prop: 94%; CI: 93-95%), with highest satisfaction for deepithelization (Prop: 97%; CI: 85%-99%). Complications were generally rare, with elevated incidences for some techniques (wedge resection - dehiscence: Prop: 8%; CI: 5%-13% and composite reduction - swelling: Prop: 13%; CI: 2%-54%). Scalpel has significantly higher incidence of complications than laser, namely for bleeding, swelling and hematoma.
CONCLUSIONS
Labiaplasty can be considered a generally effective approach to outer female genitalia beautification, with low associated risks. Surgeons must tailor their approach to the patients' needs and anatomy to achieve maximal satisfaction, given the differences in the frequency of complications for each method.
PubMed: 38957153
DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjae143 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Jul 2024Sustained injury from factors such as hypoxia, infection, or physical damage may provoke improper tissue repair and the anomalous deposition of connective tissue that... (Review)
Review
Sustained injury from factors such as hypoxia, infection, or physical damage may provoke improper tissue repair and the anomalous deposition of connective tissue that causes fibrosis. This phenomenon may take place in any organ, ultimately leading to their dysfunction and eventual failure. Tissue fibrosis has also been found to be central in both the process of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Thus, its prompt diagnosis and regular monitoring is necessary for implementing effective disease-modifying interventions aiming to reduce mortality and improve overall quality of life. While significant research has been conducted on these subjects, a comprehensive understanding of how their relationship manifests through modern imaging techniques remains to be established. This work intends to provide a comprehensive overview of imaging technologies relevant to the detection of fibrosis affecting thoracic organs as well as to explore potential future advancements in this field.
Topics: Humans; Fibrosis; Thorax
PubMed: 38956586
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05244-1 -
Nature Communications Jul 2024The biomedical research community addresses reproducibility challenges in animal studies through standardized nomenclature, improved experimental design, transparent... (Review)
Review
The biomedical research community addresses reproducibility challenges in animal studies through standardized nomenclature, improved experimental design, transparent reporting, data sharing, and centralized repositories. The ARRIVE guidelines outline documentation standards for laboratory animals in experiments, but genetic information is often incomplete. To remedy this, we propose the Laboratory Animal Genetic Reporting (LAG-R) framework. LAG-R aims to document animals' genetic makeup in scientific publications, providing essential details for replication and appropriate model use. While verifying complete genetic compositions may be impractical, better reporting and validation efforts enhance reliability of research. LAG-R standardization will bolster reproducibility, peer review, and overall scientific rigor.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Laboratory; Guidelines as Topic; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design; Animal Experimentation; Biomedical Research
PubMed: 38956430
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49439-y -
Molecular Diagnosis & Therapy Jul 2024Gene therapies have emerged as promising treatments in clinical development for various retinal disorders, offering hope to patients with inherited degenerative eye... (Review)
Review
Gene therapies have emerged as promising treatments in clinical development for various retinal disorders, offering hope to patients with inherited degenerative eye conditions. Several gene therapies have already shown remarkable success in clinical trials, with significant improvements observed in visual acuity and the preservation of retinal function. A multitude of gene therapies have now been delivered safely in human clinical trials for a wide range of inherited retinal disorders but there are some gaps in the reported trial data. Some of the most exciting treatment options are not under peer review and information is only available in press release form. Whilst many trials appear to have delivered good outcomes of safety, others have failed to meet primary endpoints and therefore not proceeded to phase III. Despite this, such trials have enabled researchers to learn how best to assess and monitor patient outcomes, which will guide future trials to greater success. In this review, we consider recent and ongoing clinical trials for a variety of potential retinal gene therapy treatments and discuss the positive and negative issues related to these trials. We discuss the treatment potential following clinical trials as well as the potential risks of some treatments under investigation. As these therapies continue to advance through rigorous testing and regulatory approval processes, they hold the potential to revolutionise the landscape of retinal disorder treatments, providing renewed vision and enhancing the quality of life for countless individuals worldwide.
PubMed: 38955952
DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00722-0 -
East Asian Archives of Psychiatry :... Jun 2024There is evidence suggesting that autistic traits are associated with schizotypal traits. This study examined the factor structure of the Autism Spectrum Quotient 10...
BACKGROUND
There is evidence suggesting that autistic traits are associated with schizotypal traits. This study examined the factor structure of the Autism Spectrum Quotient 10 (AQ-10) and its associations with schizotypal traits (measured by the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief [SPQ-B]) in a cohort of Chinese adolescents and young adults.
METHODS
Invitation letters, stratified by locations and housing types, were randomly sent to individuals aged 15 to 24 years for participation. Assessments were made using face-to-face or online interviews. Autistic traits were assessed using the Chinese version of the AQ-10. Schizotypal personality traits were assessed using the Chinese version of the 22-item SPQ-B.
RESULTS
In total, 395 male and 536 female participants (mean age, 19.93 years) were recruited between July 2020 and May 2021. Exploratory factor analysis of the AQ-10 yielded three factors (theory of mind, task switching, and attention deficits) explaining 55.11% of the total variance. Autistic traits were positively correlated with schizotypal traits of disorganised features ( = 0.21, p < 0.001), interpersonal relationship deficits ( = 0.19, p < 0.001), and cognitive-perceptual deficits ( = 0.11, p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
In Chinese adolescents and young adults, autistic traits, especially task switching and attention deficits (compared with theory of mind) are more closely correlated with schizotypal personality traits. Disentangling the overlapping and diametrical structure of autistic traits and schizotypal traits may help understand their aetiologies, assessment, and interventions.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Schizotypal Personality Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Hong Kong; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adult; Theory of Mind; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
PubMed: 38955787
DOI: 10.12809/eaap2409 -
East Asian Archives of Psychiatry :... Dec 2023We present a young woman with clozapine-resistant schizoaffective disorder who was treated with maintenance electroconvulsive therapy and multiple antipsychotics but...
We present a young woman with clozapine-resistant schizoaffective disorder who was treated with maintenance electroconvulsive therapy and multiple antipsychotics but continued to have auditory hallucinations. She had a haemorrhagic stroke secondary to a ruptured arteriovenous malformation at the right superior temporal gyrus, which was excised during emergency craniotomy. Despite having neurological deficits after the stroke, she reported cessation of auditory hallucinations. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed Wallerian degeneration over the right temporal region. Personalised neuromodulation intervention may be a more effective treatment option for clozapine-resistant schizophrenia.
Topics: Humans; Female; Hallucinations; Clozapine; Psychotic Disorders; Adult; Antipsychotic Agents; Hemorrhagic Stroke; Temporal Lobe; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant
PubMed: 38955785
DOI: 10.12809/eaap2340 -
Journal of Surgical Education Jul 2024While graphics are commonly used by clinicians to communicate information to patients, the impact of using visual media on surgical patients is not understood. This...
OBJECTIVE
While graphics are commonly used by clinicians to communicate information to patients, the impact of using visual media on surgical patients is not understood. This review seeks to understand the current landscape of research analyzing impact of using visual aids to communicate with patients undergoing surgery, as well as gaps in the present literature.
DESIGN
A comprehensive literature search was performed across 4 databases. Search terms included: visual aids, diagrams, graphics, surgery, patient education, informed consent, and decision making. Inclusion criteria were (i) full-text, peer-reviewed articles in English; (ii) evaluation of a nonelectronic visual aid(s); and (iii) surgical patient population.
RESULTS
There were 1402 articles identified; 21 met study criteria. Fifteen were randomized control trials and 6 were prospective cohort studies. Visual media assessed comprised of diagrams as informed consent adjuncts (n = 6), graphics for shared decision-making conversations (n = 3), other preoperative educational graphics (n = 8), and postoperative educational materials (n = 4). There was statistically significant improvement in patient comprehension, with an increase in objective knowledge recall (7.8%-29.6%) using illustrated educational materials (n = 10 of 15). Other studies noted increased satisfaction (n = 4 of 6), improvement in shared decision-making (n = 2 of 4), and reduction in patient anxiety (n = 3 of 6). For behavioral outcomes, visual aids improved postoperative medication compliance (n = 2) and lowered postoperative analgesia requirements (n = 2).
CONCLUSIONS
The use of visual aids to enhance the surgical patient experience is promising in improving knowledge retention, satisfaction, and reducing anxiety. Future studies ought to consider visual aid format, and readability, as well as patient language, race, and healthcare literacy.
PubMed: 38955659
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2024.06.002 -
Comparative Review of the Socioeconomic Burden of Lower Back Pain in the United States and Globally.Neurospine Jun 2024Internationally, the United States (U.S.) cites the highest cost burden of low back pain (LBP). The cost continues to rise, faster than the rate of inflation and overall...
Internationally, the United States (U.S.) cites the highest cost burden of low back pain (LBP). The cost continues to rise, faster than the rate of inflation and overall growth of health expenditures. We performed a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed and non- peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for contemporary data on prevalence, cost, and projected future costs. Policymakers in the U.S. have long attempted to address the high-cost burden of LBP through limiting low-value services and early imaging. Despite these efforts, costs (~$40 billion; ~$2,000/patient/yr) continue to rise with increasing rates of unindicated imaging, high rates of surgery, and subsequent revision surgery without proper trial of non-pharmacologic measures and no corresponding reduction in LBP prevalence. Globally, the overall prevalence of LBP continues to rise largely secondary to a growing aging population. Cost containment methods should focus on careful and comprehensive clinical assessment of patients to better understand when more resource-intensive interventions are indicated.
PubMed: 38955526
DOI: 10.14245/ns.2448372.186 -
BMJ Open Jul 2024Health behaviours such as exercise and diet strongly influence well-being and disease risk, providing the opportunity for interventions tailored to diverse individual...
INTRODUCTION
Health behaviours such as exercise and diet strongly influence well-being and disease risk, providing the opportunity for interventions tailored to diverse individual contexts. Precise behaviour interventions are critical during adolescence and young adulthood (ages 10-25), a formative period shaping lifelong well-being. We will conduct a systematic review of just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAIs) for health behaviour and well-being in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). A JITAI is an emerging digital health design that provides precise health support by monitoring and adjusting to individual, specific and evolving contexts in real time. Despite demonstrated potential, no published reviews have explored how JITAIs can dynamically adapt to intersectional health factors of diverse AYAs. We will identify the JITAIs' distal and proximal outcomes and their tailoring mechanisms, and report their effectiveness. We will also explore studies' considerations of health equity. This will form a comprehensive assessment of JITAIs and their role in promoting health behaviours of AYAs. We will integrate evidence to guide the development and implementation of precise, effective and equitable digital health interventions for AYAs.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
In adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we will conduct a systematic search across multiple databases, including CENTRAL, MEDLINE and WHO Global Index Medicus. We will include peer-reviewed studies on JITAIs targeting health of AYAs in multiple languages. Two independent reviewers will conduct screening and data extraction of study and participant characteristics, JITAI designs, health outcome measures and equity considerations. We will provide a narrative synthesis of findings and, if data allows, conduct a meta-analysis.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
As we will not collect primary data, we do not require ethical approval. We will disseminate the review findings through peer-reviewed journal publication, conferences and stakeholder meetings to inform participatory research.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023473117.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Young Adult; Health Behavior; Research Design; Health Promotion; Exercise
PubMed: 38955365
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-083870