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Scientific Reports Jul 2024In recent times, the pathogenesis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and the influence of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines on it have garnered considerable...
In recent times, the pathogenesis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and the influence of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines on it have garnered considerable interest. Cytokine research, especially Th-17 cytokine research on GAD patients, is limited. Here, we aim to assess the role of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and interleukin-23A (IL-23A) in the pathophysiology and development of GAD. This investigation included 50 GAD patients and 38 age-sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). A psychiatrist diagnosed patients with GAD and assessed symptom severity using the DSM-5 and the GAD-7 scales. The serum concentrations of IL-17A and IL-23A were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. GAD patients exhibited elevated levels of IL-17A (77.14 ± 58.30 pg/ml) and IL-23A (644.90 ± 296.70 pg/ml) compared to HCs (43.50 ± 25.54 pg/ml and 334.40 ± 176.0 pg/ml). We observed a positive correlation between disease severity and cytokine changes (IL-23A: r = 0.359, p = 0.039; IL-17A: r = 0.397, p = 0.032). These findings indicate that IL-17A and IL-23A may be associated with the pathophysiology of GAD. ROC analysis revealed moderately higher AUC values (IL-23A: 0.824 and IL-17A: 0.710), demonstrating their potential to discriminate between patients and HCs. Also, the sensitivity values of both cytokines were relatively higher (IL-23A: 80.49% and IL-17A: 77.27%). According to the present findings, there may be an association between peripheral serum levels of IL-17A and IL-23A and the pathophysiology and development of GAD. These altered serum IL-17A and IL-23A levels may play a role in directing the early risk of developing GAD. We recommend further research to ascertain their exact role in the pathophysiology and their performance as risk assessment markers of GAD.
Topics: Humans; Interleukin-17; Male; Female; Anxiety Disorders; Adult; Interleukin-23 Subunit p19; Case-Control Studies; Biomarkers; Middle Aged; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38956309
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66131-9 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2024Variants in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene are responsible for the majority of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa cases, which not only affects male...
Variants in the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene are responsible for the majority of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa cases, which not only affects male patients but also some heterozygous females. Vision-related disability and anxiety of patients with RPGR-associated retinal degeneration have never been explored before. This study aimed to evaluate self-reported visual function and vision-related anxiety in a Portuguese cohort of male and female patients with RPGR-associated retinal degeneration using two validated patient-reported outcome measures. Cross-sectional data of thirty-two genetically-tested patients was examined, including scores of the Michigan retinal degeneration questionnaire (MRDQ) and Michigan vision-related anxiety questionnaire. Patients were classified according to retinal phenotypes in males (M), females with male phenotype (FM), and females with radial or focal pattern. Both M and FM revealed higher rod-function and cone-function anxiety scores (p < 0.017). Most MRDQ disability scores were higher in M and FM (p < 0.004). Overall, positive correlations (p < 0.004) were found between every MRDQ domain and both anxiety scores. In RPGR-associated retinal degeneration, males and females with male phenotype show similar levels of increased vision-related anxiety and disability. Every MRDQ visual function domain showed a strong correlation with anxiety scores.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Anxiety; Self Report; Retinal Degeneration; Eye Proteins; Cross-Sectional Studies; Retinitis Pigmentosa; Aged; Phenotype; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38956231
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66170-2 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2024Laboratory mice are typically housed in "shoebox" cages with limited opportunities to engage in natural behaviour. Temporary access to environments with increased space...
Laboratory mice are typically housed in "shoebox" cages with limited opportunities to engage in natural behaviour. Temporary access to environments with increased space and complexity (playpens) may improve mouse welfare. Previous work by our group has shown that mice are motivated to access and use these environments, but it is unknown how other aspects of welfare are impacted. Female C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, and DBA/2J mice (n = 21; 7 mice per strain) were housed in mixed-strain trios and given temporary access to a large playpen with their cage mates three times per week. Control mice (n = 21; 7 mice per strain) remained in their home cages. Home cage behaviour (development of stereotypic behaviour over time, aggression following cage-changing) and anxiety tests were used to assess how playpen access impacted welfare. Contrary to our predictions, we found increased time spent performing stereotypies in playpen mice; this difference may be related to negative emotional states, increased motivation to escape the home cage, or active coping strategies. Playpen access resulted in strain-dependent improvements in aggression and some measures of anxiety. Aggression was lower for C57BL/6J mice in the playpen treatment following cage changing than it was for C57BL/6J control mice, while playpen mice, and particularly the C57BL/6J strain, spent more time in the center of the open field test and produced fewer fecal boli during anxiety testing, supporting other research showing that strain differences play an important role in behaviour and stress resiliency.
Topics: Animals; Animal Welfare; Mice; Female; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Housing, Animal; Behavior, Animal; Aggression; Anxiety; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred DBA; Stereotyped Behavior
PubMed: 38956228
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65480-9 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2024The objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the extent of sleep quality among individuals undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and to scrutinize...
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the extent of sleep quality among individuals undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and to scrutinize whether hope and family function serve as mediators in the association between anxiety and sleep quality in this cohort. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 227 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis from two tertiary hospitals in Wuhan. Participants completed several self-report questionnaires, including the Sociodemographic questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Athens Insomnia Scale, Herth Hope Index, and Family APGAR Index. As per the findings of the chain mediation analysis, it was observed that the sleep quality scores were directly predicted by anxiety. Moreover, anxiety positively predicted sleep quality scores through hope and family function as mediators. The observed types of mediation were partial mediation. The total indirect effect value was 0.354, indicating the mediating effect of hope and family function, while the total effect value was 0.481, representing the overall effect of anxiety on sleep quality. The total effect size was 73.60% (0.354/0.481), indicating that the mediation accounted for a significant portion of the relationship. This study established the chain mediating effect of hope and family function between anxiety and sleep quality in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. The findings highlight the importance of addressing anxiety and promoting hope and family function to improve sleep quality in this population. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals should be attentive to the anxiety levels of these patients and implement targeted interventions to help alleviate anxiety, enhance hope, and improve family functioning, with the ultimate goal of improving sleep quality in this population.
Topics: Humans; Renal Dialysis; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Anxiety; Hope; Sleep Quality; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Family; Self Report
PubMed: 38956144
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65901-9 -
The Journal of Behavioral Health... Jul 2024Collaborative Care, an evidence-based model, has proven effective in treating depression and anxiety in healthcare settings. However, limited attention has been paid to...
Collaborative Care, an evidence-based model, has proven effective in treating depression and anxiety in healthcare settings. However, limited attention has been paid to exploring treatment outcome differences by clinical variables and diagnosis within this model. While previous research suggests that early and frequent contacts and swift treatment access lead to positive outcomes for depression and anxiety, these aspects have not been comprehensively examined in Collaborative Care. This study investigates the impact of clinical variables on treatment completion in patients primarily diagnosed with anxiety or depression who received collaborative care treatment as a treatment program. Analysis was completed as an observational study of patients (n =2018) with behavioral health diagnoses spanning from 2016 to 2023. Classification analysis offers insights into optimal practices for implementing Collaborative Care across diverse healthcare populations from pediatric to geriatric. Identifying clinical characteristics associated with successful treatment in Collaborative Care has far-reaching implications for model adoption and enhancing patient outcomes. Across all results, patients who received more clinical support and had shorter enrollment durations showed a strong association with successful treatment completion.
PubMed: 38955986
DOI: 10.1007/s11414-024-09892-5 -
Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic... Jul 2024Prolactin (PRL) is primarily produced by the pituitary lactotrophic cells and while initially named for its role in lactation, PRL has several other biological roles... (Review)
Review
Prolactin (PRL) is primarily produced by the pituitary lactotrophic cells and while initially named for its role in lactation, PRL has several other biological roles including immunomodulation, osmotic balance, angiogenesis, calcium metabolism, and appetite regulation. Most of the PRL-related literature has traditionally focused on hyperprolactinemia, whereas hypoprolactinemia has received little attention. There is evidence to suggest that PRL receptors are widely distributed within the central nervous system including the limbic system. Furthermore, PRL has been shown to play key role in the stress regulation pathway. Recent data also suggest that hypoprolactinemia may be associated with increased sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. In this paper we discuss the current understanding regarding the neuropsychological impact of hypoprolactinemia and highlight the need for adequately defining hypoprolactinemia as an entity and consideration for future replacement therapies.
PubMed: 38955985
DOI: 10.1007/s11154-024-09892-y -
Journal of Cancer Education : the... Jul 2024Patient education in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has become increasingly complex with the introduction of new treatments and chemotherapy regimens. Video education...
Patient education in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has become increasingly complex with the introduction of new treatments and chemotherapy regimens. Video education presents an opportunity to supplement traditional patient education and address some of the gaps associated with standard methods. This single-center study sought to assess the potential impact of supplemental video education on patients receiving induction chemotherapy for AML. Participants were consented to be randomized to receive their education with or without a supplemental video designed for their treatment regimen. We then provided a survey to each participant to assess knowledge retention, anxiety, and overall satisfaction with their care. Patients that received video education were found to have significantly improved knowledge retention compared to those that did not. There were no differences detected in anxiety or patient satisfaction. Video education appears to be an effective supplemental method for patient education in AML. Limitations include the single-center nature of the study at an urban academic medical center with a relatively well-educated, primarily Caucasian, younger population. Future research is warranted to assess the video in a diverse set of languages and to explore its broader benefits.
PubMed: 38955941
DOI: 10.1007/s13187-024-02473-2 -
Journal of Occupational and... Jul 2024Estimate in a sample of U.S. fire investigators the: (1) prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk and...
OBJECTIVE
Estimate in a sample of U.S. fire investigators the: (1) prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk and mental health services use; and (2) association between organizational stigma and mental health disorders.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study design used to administer between November 2023 and January 2024, a 35-item behavioral/mental health survey.
RESULTS
Approximately 18.0% of fire investigators had GAD, 22.8% depression, and 18.2% PTSD risk. Organizational stigma about mental health disorders was reported by 53.3% of fire investigators. The most frequently used behavioral/mental health services were cognitive behavioral therapy (40.1%) and medication management (36.1%). Organizational stigma around reporting mental health disorders was significantly associated with PTSD risk (aOR = 5.25;[2.41-11.43]).
CONCLUSION
Mental health disorders are present in the fire investigator workforce and organizational stigma is associated with limited report of PTSD risk.
PubMed: 38955804
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003173 -
East Asian Archives of Psychiatry :... Dec 2023Suicidal behaviour can be influenced by attitudes towards suicide and psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the associations between psychological...
BACKGROUND
Suicidal behaviour can be influenced by attitudes towards suicide and psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the associations between psychological distress, attitudes towards suicide, and suicidal behaviour and to determine the prevalence of suicidal behaviour among students of a public university in East Malaysia.
METHODS
A total of 521 students from a public university in East Malaysia were asked to complete the Malay versions of the Suicidal Behaviour Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), the Attitudes Towards Suicide Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale.
RESULTS
197 women and 290 men (mean age, 19.13 years) completed the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 93.4%. The prevalence of high-risk suicidal behaviour (SBQ-R score ≥7) was 23.8%. Suicidal behaviour was positively associated with psychological distress and favourable attitudes towards suicide, and negatively associated with unfavourable attitudes towards suicide. Predictors for suicidal behaviour were psychological distress and favourable attitudes towards suicide ('the ability to understand and accept suicide').
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of suicidal behaviour is high among students in a public university in East Malaysia. Services and education for mental health awareness and screening for early detection and intervention of psychological distress should be provided to university students. Implementation of suicide awareness policies and suicide prevention training is crucial.
Topics: Humans; Malaysia; Female; Male; Students; Young Adult; Universities; Psychological Distress; Prevalence; Adult; Suicidal Ideation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Suicide; Adolescent; Suicide, Attempted
PubMed: 38955783
DOI: 10.12809/eaap2342 -
East Asian Archives of Psychiatry :... Dec 2023Asthma is a common respiratory disease in children. Family factors play a role in its incidence and severity. This study investigated the effect of parental...
BACKGROUND
Asthma is a common respiratory disease in children. Family factors play a role in its incidence and severity. This study investigated the effect of parental psychological flexibility, parental psychological adjustment to the child's illness, and parental psychological distress on the severity of asthma symptoms of children through mediating child anxiety.
METHODS
A total of 216 parents of children with asthma were asked to complete the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, the Parent Experience of Child Illness, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items, and the parent-report Spence Children's Anxiety Scale. Severity of asthma symptoms was assessed by spirometry.
RESULTS
The highest path coefficient was between parental psychological flexibility and the severity of paediatric asthma symptoms (β = 0.34). Parental psychological distress was found to affect the severity of asthma symptoms of children (β = -0.21) and also mediate child anxiety and then affect the severity of asthma symptoms of children (β = -0.25).
CONCLUSION
Parental psychological flexibility, parental psychological adjustment to the child's illness, and parental psychological distress had significant effects on the severity of asthma symptoms of children through mediating child anxiety.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Child; Male; Female; Parents; Anxiety; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Models, Psychological; Severity of Illness Index; Stress, Psychological; Parent-Child Relations; Surveys and Questionnaires; Psychological Distress; Child, Preschool; Adolescent
PubMed: 38955782
DOI: 10.12809/eaap2336