-
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024The term emotional eating (EE) describes the tendency to eat as an automatic response to negative emotions and has been linked to anxiety and depression, common symptoms...
INTRODUCTION
The term emotional eating (EE) describes the tendency to eat as an automatic response to negative emotions and has been linked to anxiety and depression, common symptoms among the university population. The EE tendencies have also been associated with excessive internet use and an increase in alcohol intake among young university students.
METHODS
The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the tendency towards EE and other health-compromising behaviors, such as excessive internet use or high alcohol intake. Additionally, it aims to investigate the association of these risky behaviors with the participants' performance level in a virtual reality (VR) task that assesses their executive functioning, and to assess impulsivity and levels of anxiety and depression.
RESULTS
The results associate EE with excessive internet (r = 0.332; < 0.01). use but not with alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption was not associated with anxiety, depression, or impulsivity, but it was related to altered executive functions in the VR task: flexibility and working memory explained 24.5% of the variance. By contrast, EE and internet overuse were not related to executive function but were associated with impulsivity, depression, and anxiety. Impulsivity and depressive symptoms accounted for 45% of the variance in EE. Depression, trait anxiety and impulsivity explained 40.6% of the variance in internet overuse.
DISCUSSION
The results reveal distinct patterns of psychological and neuropsychological alterations associated with alcohol consumption compared to emotional eating (EE) and excessive internet use. These findings underscore significant differences in the contributing factors between addictions and other substance-free addictive behaviors. For a deeper understanding of the various contributing factors to EE in college students, further research is recommended.
PubMed: 38957869
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1400815 -
CHEST Critical Care Jun 2024Psychological distress symptoms are present and persistent among many patients who survive a critical illness like COVID-19.
BACKGROUND
Psychological distress symptoms are present and persistent among many patients who survive a critical illness like COVID-19.
RESEARCH QUESTION
Could a self-directed mobile app-delivered mindfulness intervention be feasibly and rapidly implemented within a clinical trials network to reduce distress symptoms?
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
A randomized clinical trial was conducted between January 2021 and May 2022 at 29 US sites and included survivors of hospitalization due to COVID-19-related illness with elevated symptoms of depression at discharge. Participants were randomized to intervention or usual care control. The intervention consisted of four themed weeks of daily audio, video, and text content. All study procedures were virtual. The primary outcome was depression symptoms assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale), quality of life (EQ-5D), and adherence. We used general linear models to estimate treatment arm differences in outcomes over time.
RESULTS
Among 56 randomized participants (mean age ± SD, 51.0 ± 13.2 years; 38 female [67.9%]; 14 Black participants [25%]), 45 (intervention: n = 23 [79%]; control: n = 22 [81%]) were retained at 6 months. There was no difference in mean improvement between intervention and control participants at 3 months in Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (-0.5 vs 0.1), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (-0.3 vs 0.1), or EQ-5D (-0.03 vs 0.02) scores, respectively; 6-month results were similar. Only 15 participants (51.7%) initiated the intervention, whereas the mean number ± SD of the 56 prescribed intervention activities completed was 12.0 ± 15.2. Regulatory approvals delayed trial initiation by nearly a year.
INTERPRETATION
Among survivors of COVID-19 hospitalization with elevated psychological distress symptoms, a self-directed mobile app-based mindfulness intervention had poor adherence. Future psychological distress interventions mobilized at broad scale should focus efforts on patient engagement and regulatory simplification to enhance success.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT04581200; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.
PubMed: 38957856
DOI: 10.1016/j.chstcc.2024.100063 -
Ghana Medical Journal Dec 2023The main objective of the study was to assess psychological distress and to identify any gender specific differences in the psychological distress among infertile...
OBJECTIVE
The main objective of the study was to assess psychological distress and to identify any gender specific differences in the psychological distress among infertile couples after one year of unsuccessful pharmacotherapy.
DESIGN
A descriptive cross-sectional study.
SETTING
The study was conducted in four fertility clinics in the Cape Coast Metropolis.
PARTICIPANTS
One hundred and twenty respondents (71 women and 49 men) were recruited by simple random sampling.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (v. 25). Psychological distress scores were presented as Mean±SD and were analysed using One-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni's post hoc test. Associations between exposures and outcomes were measured using relative risk.
OUTCOME MEASURE
The main outcome measure was the level of depression, anxiety, and stress among infertile couples after unsuccessful pharmacotherapy.
RESULTS
Anxiety was the predominant psychological distress experienced by respondents (60.8%), followed by depression (43.3%) and stress (37.5%). Generally, psychological distress scores increased with age among female respondents but decreased with age for male respondents. The duration of infertility only significantly affected anxiety (=0.01) but not depression (=0.51) and stress (=0.06) levels. Approximately 31.7% of respondents reported experiencing extremely severe anxiety. Male respondents reported higher degree of depressive symptoms than females (46.9 vs. 40.8%).
CONCLUSION
Unsuccessful pharmacotherapy of infertility is associated with varied degrees of psychological distress among Ghanaian infertile couples, which can be affected by age, duration of infertility and gender.
FUNDING
None declared.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Ghana; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Anxiety; Stress, Psychological; Depression; Psychological Distress; Infertility; Treatment Failure; Sex Factors; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Age Factors
PubMed: 38957853
DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v57i4.4 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2024Over the past few decades, the incidence of childhood allergic diseases has increased globally, and their impact on the affected child extends beyond the allergy itself.... (Review)
Review
Over the past few decades, the incidence of childhood allergic diseases has increased globally, and their impact on the affected child extends beyond the allergy itself. There is evidence of an association between childhood allergic diseases and the development of neurological disorders. Several studies have shown a correlation between allergic diseases and tic disorders (TD), and allergic diseases may be an important risk factor for TD. Possible factors influencing the development of these disorders include neurotransmitter imbalance, maternal anxiety or depression, gut microbial disorders, sleep disturbances, maternal allergic status, exposure to tobacco, and environmental factors. Moreover, gut microbial disturbances, altered immunological profiles, and DNA methylation in patients with allergic diseases may be potential mechanisms contributing to the development of TD. An in-depth investigation of the relationship between allergic diseases and TD in children will be important for preventing and treating TD.
PubMed: 38957776
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1360420 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jul 2024Financial statements provide vital information to department chiefs and hospital leadership alike. They reflect departmental performance and guide critical financial...
BACKGROUND
Financial statements provide vital information to department chiefs and hospital leadership alike. They reflect departmental performance and guide critical financial decisions for their teams. However, financial statements can be inherently difficult to read and interpret and require time and attention, understandably challenging for busy clinicians.
METHODS
Here, we aimed to demystify the several types of financial statements, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, and explain what they reveal (and ignore). We describe key performance indicators based on these statements that are routinely used by hospital administrations. This work targets clinicians, team leaders, academic faculty, and administrators alike, recognizing that all of them share the same goals.
RESULTS
Mastering the basics of financial statements and using the information within them creates a healthier clinical practice. In turn, it enhances provider satisfaction and enables the team to deliver patient care without financial anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS
Understanding financial statements helps shared decision-making between clinicians and their administrators-strengthening partnerships that synergistically drive revenue, profitability, and growth.
PubMed: 38957725
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005861 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a frequent complication following a stroke, characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness and loss of interest, which can significantly...
BACKGROUND
Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a frequent complication following a stroke, characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness and loss of interest, which can significantly impede stroke rehabilitation, increase disability, and raise mortality rates. Traditional antidepressants often have significant side effects and poor patient adherence, necessitating the exploration of more suitable treatments for PSD. Previous researchers and our research team have discovered that Botulinum Toxin A (BoNT-A) exhibits antidepressant effects. Therefore, our objective was to assess the efficacy and side effects of BoNT-A treatment in patients with PSD.
METHODS
A total of 71 stroke patients meeting the inclusion criteria were allocated to the two group. 2 cases were excluded due to severe neurological dysfunction that prevented cooperation and 4 cases were lost follow-up. Ultimately, number of participants in the BoNT-A group ( = 32) and Sertraline group ( = 33). Treatment efficacy was evaluated 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-treatment.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups ( > 0.05). Both groups exhibited comparable treatment efficacy, with fewer side effects observed in the BoNT-A group compared to the Sertraline group. BoNT-A therapy demonstrated significant effects as early as the first week ( < 0.05), and by the 12th week, there was a notable decrease in neuropsychological scores, significantly lower than the baseline level. The analysis revealed significant differences in measurements of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) ((770) = 12.547, = 0.000), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) ((951) = 10.422, = 0.000), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) ((1385) = 10.607, = 0.000), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) ((1482) = 11.491, = 0.000).
CONCLUSION
BoNT-A treatment effectively reduces depression symptoms in patients with PSD on a continuous basis.
PubMed: 38957350
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1372547 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2024Slow flow/no-reflow (SF-NR) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with poor prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)....
Electroacupuncture for slow flow/no-reflow phenomenon in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Slow flow/no-reflow (SF-NR) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with poor prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Currently, effective treatment is not available for SF-NR. Electroacupuncture (EA) has shown significant efficacy as an adjuvant therapy for many cardiovascular diseases by improving microcirculation and reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, its effects on SF-NR in the AMI patients during PCI are not clear. This pilot trial aims to determine the efficacy of intraoperative EA in alleviating SF-NR in AMI patients undergoing PCI.
METHODS
This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled, pilot trial will recruit 60 AMI patients scheduled for PCI at the Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, China. The patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into the EA or the control groups. Patients in the control group will undergo standard PCI. Patients in the EA group will undergo intraoperative electroacupuncture while undergoing standard PCI. Incidence of SF-NR is the primary outcome for this study. This study will also assess secondary outcomes including cardiac biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, pain and anxiety scores, electrocardiography parameters, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score, and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). All the included patients will undergo laboratory tests including routine blood tests, levels of electrolytes, as well as liver and renal function tests. Patients will be followed up for 1 month after the procedure.
DISCUSSION
This pilot trial will provide evidence for the potential benefits of intraoperative EA in improving microvascular perfusion and preventing or alleviating SF-NR during PCI in patients with AMI. If proven effective, intraoperative EA will provide a new and effective strategy against SF-NR and provide evidence for subsequent multicenter trials.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (ChiCTR2300072265). Registered on 8 June 2023.
PubMed: 38957330
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1401269 -
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 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024We utilized bibliometric and data visualization techniques to discern the primary research domains and emerging frontiers in the field of adult hippocampal neurogenesis...
OBJECTIVE
We utilized bibliometric and data visualization techniques to discern the primary research domains and emerging frontiers in the field of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN).
METHODS
We systematically searched the Web of Science database for AHN-related articles published between 2004 and 2023. The retrieved articles were filtered based on publication types (articles and reviews) and language (English). We employed CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the online bibliometric platform (bibliometric.com) to visualize and analyze the collected data.
RESULTS
In total, 1,590 AHN-related publications were discovered, exhibiting a steady increase in yearly publications over time. The United States emerged as the leading contributor in AHN research in terms of both publication quantity and national influence. Among all research institutions in the field of AHN, the University of California System exhibited the highest impact. Kempermann, Gerd was the most active author. The publications of the top three active authors primarily focused on the functions of AHN, and reversing hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment by improving AHN. An analysis of reference co-citation clustering revealed 8 distinct research clusters, and the notable ones included "adult hippocampal neurogenesis," "neurogenesis," "hippocampus," "dentate gyrus," "neural stem cell," and "depression." Additionally, a burst keyword detection indicated that 'anxiety' is a current research hotspot in the field of AHN.
CONCLUSION
This in-depth bibliographic assessment of AHN offers a deeper insight into the present research hotspots in the field. The association between AHN and cognitive diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and anxiety, has emerged as a prominent research hotspot.
PubMed: 38957185
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1416738 -
Current Opinion in Pediatrics Aug 2024Recent studies have suggested that prolonged or repeated episodes of general anesthesia early in childhood may adversely affect neurodevelopment. This, combined with... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Recent studies have suggested that prolonged or repeated episodes of general anesthesia early in childhood may adversely affect neurodevelopment. This, combined with rising healthcare costs and decreasing access, has sparked interest in performing pediatric procedures in the office setting when possible. It is essential to address the physical and psychological discomfort that often accompany this experience, particularly in children.
RECENT FINDINGS
Healthcare providers performing procedures on children can draw from a spectrum of established techniques, new technology, and novel use of medications to decrease peri-procedural pain and anxiety. These techniques include distraction, optimization of local anesthesia, and mild to moderate sedation.
SUMMARY
We recommend using a combination of techniques to minimize pain and anxiety to improve safety, decrease healthcare costs, improve patient experience, and prevent childhood trauma and persistent negative perception of the healthcare system.
Topics: Humans; Child; Anxiety; Pain, Procedural; Pain Management; Dermatology
PubMed: 38957126
DOI: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001371