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JMIR Public Health and Surveillance May 2024The existing literature reveals several significant knowledge gaps that hinder health care providers in formulating exercise prescriptions for cognitive health.
BACKGROUND
The existing literature reveals several significant knowledge gaps that hinder health care providers in formulating exercise prescriptions for cognitive health.
OBJECTIVE
This study endeavors to elucidate the relationship between the level of physical activity and cognitive function in older adults in China. Moreover, it seeks to explore the associations between distinct exercise behaviors-such as exercise types, the purpose motivating engagement in exercise, the accessibility of exercise fields, and the inclination toward exercise-and cognitive function.
METHODS
Using data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS conducted in 2016, cognitive function was meticulously assessed through the modified Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, encompassing measures of orientation, memory, and calculation. Using self-report structured questionnaires, a myriad of information about physical activity during leisure time, exercise engagement, exercise intensity, primary exercise types, reasons for exercise participation, availability of sports facilities, and exercise willingness was diligently gathered. Robust ordinary least squares regression models were then used to compute coefficients along with 95% CIs.
RESULTS
A discernible inverted U-shaped trend in cognitive scores emerged as the level of physical activity surpassed the threshold of 500 metabolic equivalents of task (MET) minutes per week. Notably, individuals with a physical activity level between 500 and 999 MET minutes per week exhibited a coefficient of 0.31 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.54), those with a physical activity level between 1000 and 1499 MET minutes per week displayed a coefficient of 0.75 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.97), and those with a physical activity level above 1500 MET minutes per week demonstrated a coefficient of 0.45 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.68). Older individuals engaging in exercise at specific MET levels showcased superior cognitive function compared to their inactive counterparts. Furthermore, individuals driven by exercise motivations aimed at enhancing physical fitness and health, as well as those using sports facilities or public spaces for exercise, exhibited notably higher cognitive function scores.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings underscore the potential of exercise as a targeted intervention for the prevention and treatment of dementia or cognitive decline associated with aging in older individuals. Leveraging these insights to formulate informed exercise recommendations holds promise in addressing a significant public health challenge linked to aging populations.
Topics: Humans; China; Exercise; Male; Female; Aged; Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aged, 80 and over; Middle Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38815262
DOI: 10.2196/49790 -
Journal of Primary Care & Community... 2024In addition to the morbidity and mortality associated with acute infection, COVID-19 has been associated with persistent symptoms (>30 days), often referred to as Long...
BACKGROUND
In addition to the morbidity and mortality associated with acute infection, COVID-19 has been associated with persistent symptoms (>30 days), often referred to as Long COVID (LC). LC symptoms often cluster into phenotypes, resembling conditions such as fibromyalgia, postural orthostatic tachycardiac syndrome (POTS), and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). LC clinics have been established to best address the needs of LC patients and continuity of care. We developed a cross-sectional survey to assess treatment response through our LC Clinic (LCC).
METHODS
A 25-question survey (1-10 Likert scale) was expert- and content-validated by LCC clinicians, patients, and patient advocates. The survey assessed LC symptoms and the helpfulness of different interventions, including medications and supplements. A total of 852 LCC patients were asked to complete the survey, with 536 (62.9%) responding.
RESULTS
The mean time from associated COVID-19 infection to survey completion was 23.2 ± 6.4 months. The mean age of responders was 52.3 ± 14.1 (63% females). Self-reported symptoms were all significantly improved ( < .001) from the initial visit to the LCC (baseline) to the time of the follow-up survey. However, only 4.5% (24/536) of patients rated all symptoms low (1-2) at the time of the survey, indicating low levels of full recovery in our cohort. The patients rated numerous interventions as being helpful, including low-dose naltrexone (45/77; 58%), vagal nerve stimulation (18/34; 53%), and fisetin (28/44; 64%).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients report general improvements in symptoms following the initial LCC visit, but complete recovery rates remain low at 23.2 ± 6.4 months.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; COVID-19; Middle Aged; Female; Male; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Longitudinal Studies; Disease Progression; SARS-CoV-2; Aged
PubMed: 38813984
DOI: 10.1177/21501319241258671 -
Clinical Case Reports Jun 2024Long-COVID syndrome lacks effective holistic treatment options. We present a case of a 41-year-old fully vaccinated female with Long-COVID syndrome who obtained...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
Long-COVID syndrome lacks effective holistic treatment options. We present a case of a 41-year-old fully vaccinated female with Long-COVID syndrome who obtained significant symptomatic relief after self-medicating with psilocybin and MDMA.
ABSTRACT
Long-COVID, a syndrome persisting after the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), lacks effective holistic treatment options. We present a case of a 41-year-old fully vaccinated female with Long-COVID syndrome who obtained significant symptomatic relief by self-prescribing psilocybin and MDMA. Future research is needed to assess safety and efficacy.
PubMed: 38813452
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8791 -
EClinicalMedicine May 2024A recently undertaken multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) " (TOBOGM: 2017-2022) found that the diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women with early gestational...
Cost-effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment of early gestational diabetes mellitus: economic evaluation of the TOBOGM study, an international multicenter randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
A recently undertaken multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) " (TOBOGM: 2017-2022) found that the diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women with early gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) improved pregnancy outcomes. Based on data from the trial, this study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment of early GDM (from <20 weeks') among women with risk factors for hyperglycemia in pregnancy compared with usual care (no treatment until 24-28 weeks') from a healthcare perspective.
METHODS
Participants' healthcare resource utilization data were collected from their self-reported questionnaires and hospital records, and valued using the unit costs obtained from standard Australian national sources. Costs were reported in US dollars ($) using the purchasing power parity (PPP) estimates to facilitate comparison of costs across countries. Intention-to-treat (ITT) principle was followed. Missing cost data were replaced using multiple imputations. Bootstrapping method was used to estimate the uncertainty around mean cost difference and cost-effectiveness results. Bootstrapped cost-effect pairs were used to plot the cost-effectiveness (CE) plane and cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC).
FINDINGS
Diagnosis and treatment of early GDM was more effective and tended to be less costly, i.e., dominant (cost-saving) [-5.6% composite adverse pregnancy outcome (95% CI: -10.1%, -1.2%), -$1373 (95% CI: -$3,749, $642)] compared with usual care. Our findings were confirmed by both the CE plane (88% of the bootstrapped cost-effect pairs fall in the south-west quadrant), and CEAC (the probability of the intervention being cost-effective ranged from 84% at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold value of $10,000-99% at a WTP threshold value of $100,000 per composite adverse pregnancy outcome prevented). Sub-group analyses demonstrated that diagnosis and treatment of early GDM among women in the higher glycemic range (fasting blood glucose 95-109 mg/dl [5.3-6.0 mmol/L], 1-h blood glucose ≥191 mg/dl [10.6 mmol/L] and/or 2-h blood glucose 162-199 mg/dl [9.0-11.0 mmol/L]) was more effective and less costly (dominant) [7.8% composite adverse pregnancy outcome (95% CI: -14.6%, -0.9%), -$2795 (95% CI: -$6,638, -$533)]; the intervention was more effective and tended to be less costly [8.9% composite adverse pregnancy outcome (95% CI: -15.1%, -2.6%), -$5548 (95% CI: -$16,740, $1547)] among women diagnosed before 14 weeks' gestation as well.
INTERPRETATION
Our findings highlight the potential health and economic benefits from the diagnosis and treatment of early GDM among women with risk factors for hyperglycemia in pregnancy and supports its implementation. Long-term follow-up studies are recommended as a key future area of research to assess the potential long-term health benefits and economic consequences of the intervention.
FUNDING
National Health and Medical Research Council (grants 1104231 and 2009326), Region O¨rebro Research Committee (grants Dnr OLL-970566 and OLL-942177), Medical Scientific Fund of the Mayor of Vienna (project 15,205 and project 23,026), South Western Sydney Local Health District Academic Unit (grant 2016), and Western Sydney University Ainsworth Trust Grant (2019).
PubMed: 38813447
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102610 -
Psychology Research and Behavior... 2024The 18-24 age group has a much higher rate of depression risk than other age groups, and this age group has the highest proportion among users of mobile social media....
BACKGROUND
The 18-24 age group has a much higher rate of depression risk than other age groups, and this age group has the highest proportion among users of mobile social media. The relationship between the use of mobile social media and depressive mood is inconsistent and the mechanism of action is controversial.
PURPOSE
This study explored the relationship among the intensity of social media use, upward social comparison, cognitive overload and depressive mood.
METHODS
In this research, we used the Brief Self-rating Depression Scale (PHQ-9), the Social Media Usage Intensity Questionnaire, the Social Comparison Scale on Social Networking Sites and the Social Networking Site Cognitive Overload Scale to investigate the depressive mood and mobile social media use of 568 college students.
RESULTS
The intensity of mobile social media use, social networking site upward social comparison, and social networking site cognitive overload are all positively correlated with depressive mood. The intensity of mobile social media use has a positive predictive effect on depressive mood, with upward social comparison and cognitive overload acting as independent mediators in the relationship between mobile social media use intensity and depressive symptoms, as well as exhibiting a chained mediating effect of upward social comparison-cognitive overload.
CONCLUSION
The upward social comparison and cognitive load that occur during the use of mobile social media are important predictive factors for the occurrence of depressive mood. This study is a supplement to the mechanism of the relationship between mobile social media use and depression, providing more evidence-based evidence and intervention directions for university teachers, mobile social media developers, and psychologists.
PubMed: 38813394
DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S447372 -
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome May 2024Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and multifactorial condition, including environmental risk factors such as lifestyle habits and genetic conditions.
BACKGROUND
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and multifactorial condition, including environmental risk factors such as lifestyle habits and genetic conditions.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate the association of VDR gene polymorphism (rs2228570) FokI and vitamin D levels with diabetes in adults.
METHODS
Cross-sectional population-based study in adults, conducted from October to December 2020 in two Brazilian cities. The outcome variable was diabetes, defined as glycated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5% or self-report medical diagnosis or use of oral hypoglycemic drugs. Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) was measured by indirect electrochemiluminescence, and classified as deficiency when 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL. All participants were genotyped for VDR FokI polymorphism by qPCR and classified as homozygous mutant (ff or GG), heterozygous (Ff or AG), or homozygous wild (FF or AA). A combined analysis between the FokI polymorphism and vitamin D levels with diabetes was also examined. A directed acyclic graph (DAG) was used to select minimal and sufficient adjustment for confounding variables by the backdoor criterion.
RESULTS
The prevalence of DM was 9.4% and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) was 19.9%. The genotype distribution of FokI polymorphism was 9.9% FF, 44.8% Ff, and 45.3% ff. It was possible to verify a positive association between vitamin D deficiency and DM (OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.06-4.50). Individuals with the altered allele (ff) had a 1.78 higher prevalence of DM (OR: 1.78; 95% CI; 1.10-2.87). Combined analyses, individuals with vitamin D deficiency and one or two copies of the altered FokI allele had a higher prevalence of DM (Ff + ff: OR: 1.67; 95% CI; 1.07-2.61; ff: OR: 3.60; 95% CI; 1.40-9.25).
CONCLUSION
Our data suggest that vitamin D deficiency and FokI polymorphism are associated with DM.
PubMed: 38812030
DOI: 10.1186/s13098-024-01328-6 -
Translational Psychiatry May 2024Empirically supported treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exist, but research suggests these therapies are less effective, acceptable, and feasible to... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Empirically supported treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exist, but research suggests these therapies are less effective, acceptable, and feasible to deliver to active duty service members (SMs) compared to civilians. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) procedure, in which a local anesthetic is injected around the cervical sympathetic chain or stellate ganglion to temporarily inhibit sympathetic nervous activity, is gaining popularity as an alternative PTSD treatment in military settings. However, it is unknown whether certain PTSD symptoms are more responsive to SGB than others. The current study involved a secondary analysis of data collected from a previous randomized controlled trial of SGB compared to sham (normal saline) injection (N = 113 SMs). PTSD symptoms were assessed via clinical interview and self-report at baseline and 8 weeks post-SGB or sham. Logistic regression analyses showed that the marked alterations in arousal and reactivity PTSD symptom cluster demonstrated the greatest symptom severity reductions after SGB, relative to sham. The reexperiencing cluster also showed pronounced response to SGB in clinician-rated but not self-reported outcomes. Post-hoc item-level analyses suggested that arousal and reactivity cluster findings were driven by reductions in hypervigilance, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbance, whereas clinician-rated reexperiencing cluster findings were driven by reductions in physiological reactions to trauma cues, emotional reactions to trauma cues, and intrusions. Our findings align with a burgeoning literature positioning SGB as a potential novel or adjunctive PTSD treatment. Results could guide future hypothesis-driven research on mediators of therapeutic change during SGB for PTSD symptoms in SMs.
Topics: Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Stellate Ganglion; Male; Adult; Female; Autonomic Nerve Block; Military Personnel; Treatment Outcome; Middle Aged; Arousal; Young Adult; Self Report
PubMed: 38811568
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02926-8 -
Psychiatry Investigation May 2024Due to the high frequency of depressive symptoms associated with breast cancer, it is crucial to screen for depression in breast cancer patients. While numerous...
OBJECTIVE
Due to the high frequency of depressive symptoms associated with breast cancer, it is crucial to screen for depression in breast cancer patients. While numerous screening tools are available for depression in this population, there is a need for a brief and convenient tool to enhance clinical use. This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in patients with breast cancer.
METHODS
Patients with breast cancer (n=327) who visited the Breast Cancer Clinic were included in this study. The reliability of the PHQ-9 was analyzed by Cronbach's α, and the construct validity of the PHQ-9 was explored by factor analysis. The concurrent validity of the PHQ-9 was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).
RESULTS
The values of Cronbach's α ranged from 0.800 to 0.879 was acceptable. The exploratory factor analysis revealed that the one-factor model and two-factor model of the PHQ-9 explained 46% and 57% of the variance, respectively. The PHQ-9 were significantly correlated with those of HADS (r=0.702, p<0.001) and PSS (r=0.466, p<0.001). Consequently, the PHQ-9 demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity in breast cancer patients.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study indicate that the PHQ-9 exhibits acceptable reliability and validity in patients with breast cancer. The convenience of this brief self-report questionnaire suggests its potential as a reliable and valid tool for assessing depression in breast cancer clinics.
PubMed: 38811001
DOI: 10.30773/pi.2023.0285 -
Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria (Sao... May 2024To analyse the related influencing factors of adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal and self-injurious behaviour (SSIB).
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the related influencing factors of adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal and self-injurious behaviour (SSIB).
METHODS
A total of 299 adolescents with MDD who were admitted to the psychiatric department of the hospital between February 2022 and July 2023 were selected using the convenience sampling method. The participants were divided into the SSIB group (n = 110) and the non-SSIB group (n = 189) according to whether SSIB was present, and related indicators were collected and compared.
RESULTS
The patients' ages at the time of their first SSIB ranged from 10 to 18 years old, with a mean age of 13.30 ± 1.74 years. The most commonly injured parts were the lower arm and wrist (42.13%), and the most common injury was cutting, accounting for 40.00% of the total patients. The most common type of self-injury differed by sex (X2 = 17.798, P = 0.006); for men, hitting was the most common, and for women, cutting was the most common. In 51.41% of the patients, the period between the initial thought and the actual committing of the SSIB was less than 5 minutes. The scores of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, the Barratt Impulsivity Scale, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, the Symptom Checklist-90 (all P < 0.001), and the health-risk behaviour scale (67.47 ± 12.59 vs. 41.58 ± 11.36, t = 9.587, P < 0.001) were significantly increased in the SSIB group compared with the non-SSIB group. In addition, the total score of quality of life (QOL) (11.36 ± 4.32 vs. 16.43 ± 5.64, t = 5.496, P < 0.001) was decreased in the SSIB group compared with the non-SSIB group.
CONCLUSION
The SSIB of adolescent patients with MDD is related to various factors, including impulsiveness, aggressiveness, personality traits, QOL, and mental health level.
PubMed: 38810153
DOI: 10.47626/1516-4446-2024-3613 -
Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013) Jun 2024Remote self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) programs improve racial health equity among postpartum people with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) who receive... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Remote self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) programs improve racial health equity among postpartum people with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) who receive recommended blood pressure ascertainment after hospital discharge.1-3 However, as prior studies have been conducted within racially diverse but ethnically homogeneous populations,1-3 the effect of SMBP programs on ethnicity-based inequities is less understood.4 We examined whether SMBP rates differed among Hispanic versus non-Hispanic participants in remote SMBP programs.
STUDY DESIGN
This is a planned secondary analysis of a RCT conducted among postpartum patients with HDP who were enrolled into our remote SMBP program, in which they obtain SMBP and then manually enter the SMBP value into a patient portal for individual provider response. In the parent trial, consenting patients were randomized to continued manual blood pressure entry of SMBP or use of a Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff synched to a smartphone application utilizing artificial intelligence to respond to each obtained blood pressure or symptom for six weeks and to flag abnormalities for providers. Both SMBP programs were available in Spanish and English. For this study, women who self-reported their ethnicity were stratified into two ethnic groups - Hispanic and non-Hispanic - regardless of randomization group. Those who did not self-report ethnicity but completed all study procedures in Spanish were also categorized as Hispanic. Outcomes were the same in the parent study and this secondary analysis. The primary outcome was ≥1 SMBP assessment within 10 days postpartum. Secondary outcomes included number of blood pressure assessments and healthcare utilization outcomes (remote antihypertensive medication initiation or dose-increase and presentation to the Emergency Department or readmission for hypertension within 30 days of discharge). Participants rated their experience with SMBP via a scale from 0 (worst possible) to 10 (best possible) and the Decision Regret Scale, which assessed their regret in SMBP program participation (0=no regret; 100=high regret)).5 Outcomes were compared between groups. Risk differences (RD) were calculated for categorical and regression coefficients for continuous outcomes. The parent RCT was IRB-approved and published on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05595629) before enrollment.
RESULTS
Among 119 women in the parent study, 83 (70%) self-reported ethnicity and the proportion of Hispanic people was similar in both treatment groups. This study compared 23 Hispanic (19% monolingual in Spanish) to 62 non-Hispanic women. Rates of SMBP assessment within 10 days postpartum was similar (Hispanic 64% vs non-Hispanic 79%; RD -0.1 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) -0.4, 0.1). There were no differences in mean number of remote SMBP assessments or rates of remote antihypertensive medication initiation or dose titration. The rates of hypertension-related presentations to the Emergency Department or hospital readmission were also similar between groups. Lastly, regardless of ethnicity, participants had low scores on the Decision Regret Scale and rated their experience with their remote SMBP program highly favorably. (See Table 1.) Conclusion: Hispanic and non-Hispanic postpartum patients with HDP had similar outcomes and favorable patient perceptions. The small sample size in this study may have produced inadequate power to detect a difference between study groups, thereby leading to Type II error. Thus, more research on Hispanic participants in remote SMBP programs is needed. However, the effect of remote SMBP programs on perinatal equity may not be limited to race-based disparities.
Topics: Humans; Female; Hispanic or Latino; Pregnancy; Adult; Pilot Projects; Postpartum Period; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Blood Pressure Determination; Blood Pressure; Telemedicine
PubMed: 38810010
DOI: No ID Found